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Urban rats spread deadly bacteria as they migrate, study finds

Researchers discovered how urban rat migration spreads leptospirosis, a deadly disease, and developed a novel technique for testing rat kidneys. The study used advanced molecular techniques to analyze DNA from 328 rat kidney samples collected from 17 sites in Boston, finding that 59 rats were positive for Leptospira bacteria.

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 5, 2025

Monkey database reveals shift towards open science

A large-scale database of macaque behavior is driving a shift towards open science, bringing together researchers from across the globe to share data on social lives of over 3,000 individual monkeys. The platform has grown into a collaborative effort promoting culture of sharing within the research community.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 24, 2025

UMass Amherst tick researchers identify new strain of rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans

Researchers at UMass Amherst's New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases have identified a new strain of Rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans. The discovery in Maine suggests rabbit ticks could be a zoonotic vector for serious infections, contradicting the usual dog tick vector.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·DateApr 24, 2025

UCF scientists use James Webb Space Telescope to better understand solar system’s origins

Researchers analyzed Trans-Neptunian Objects using the James Webb Space Telescope, finding two distinct groups with varying surface ice methanol presence. The discovery sheds light on the formation and evolution of these distant icy worlds, revealing insights into the solar system's origins and potentially habitable exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 23, 2025

Weak evidence behind how we measure pain in babies

A newly-published Cochrane review found significant gaps in clinical rating scales used to assess pain in newborn babies. The review of 79 studies involving over 7,000 infants across 26 countries revealed that none of the available scales are backed by high-quality evidence.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 13, 2025