Latest Science News
Scientists Restore Brain Blood Flow in Dementia Models
University of Vermont researchers replaced a missing phospholipid to restore brain circulation in preclinical dementia studies, published December 22 in PNAS. This approach targets vascular issues in dementia, offering hope for new therapies. Principal investigator Osama Harraz called it a huge step forward.
Novel Tech Destroys 'Forever Chemicals' PFAS in Water
Rice University developed a copper-aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH) that captures PFAS over 1,000 times better than alternatives, working 100 times faster. Tested in river, tap, and wastewater, it allows thermal destruction and material reuse without toxic byproducts. Published in Advanced Materials.
Gene Therapy Spurs Lung Vessel Growth for BPD Treatment
Cincinnati Children's study in Cell Stem Cell shows restoring full-length NTRK2 protein via nanoparticle mRNA reverses lung damage in BPD mouse models. Imbalance in NTRK2 isoforms impairs vascular regeneration in preterm infants. Funded by NHLBI's LungMAP project.
SPHEREx Completes First Full-Sky Infrared Map
NASA's SPHEREx telescope mapped the entire sky in 102 infrared colors from May-December 2025 observations. This enables detailed study of cosmic infrared light prevalent in the universe. Released December 23.
Ozone Hole Shrinks to Smallest Size Since 2019
Antarctic ozone layer reached its smallest extent since 2019 due to Montreal Protocol's CFC phase-out. Full recovery projected by late 2060s if efforts continue. Highlighted in Nature's 2025 breakthroughs.
Renewables Overtake Coal as Top Global Electricity Source
Renewable energy surpassed coal globally for the first time in 2025, driven by solar and wind growth in China and Europe. Despite this, fossil fuel emissions hit a new high. Reported by Nature.
First Personalized CRISPR Therapy Administered
2025 saw the first personalized CRISPR gene therapy for infant KJ Muldoon with a rare disorder, plus advances in Huntington's and leukemia trials. Also, ANGPTL3 CRISPR reduced LDL by 50% and triglycerides by 55% in Phase 1. Key medical milestone.
CRISPR-GPT Enables Novice Gene Editing Mastery
CRISPR-GPT, from academia and Google DeepMind, guides beginners through CRISPR knockouts, base editing, and more in one day. Tops genomics stories of 2025. David Liu won Breakthrough Prize for safer base and prime editing.
Most Distant Galaxy MoM-z14 Discovered by JWST
James Webb Space Telescope found MoM-z14, the farthest galaxy at 280 million years post-Big Bang, plus oxygen in JADES-GS-z14-0. Exoplanets surpassed 6,000; Saturn moons hit 274. Astronomy highlights of 2025.
GPR133 Receptor Boosts Bone Strength, Reverses Osteoporosis
Leipzig University identified GPR133 receptor; compound AP503 strengthened bones in mice, reversing osteoporosis-like conditions. UC Berkeley mapped sleep-growth hormone brain circuits linked to obesity and diabetes. September breakthroughs.
Tryptophan Confirmed on Asteroid Bennu
NASA's OSIRIS-REx samples verified tryptophan, a protein-building amino acid, on Bennu. Suggests molecular precursors to life in space. Reported November 27.
Verticillin A Fully Synthesized for Brain Cancer Treatment
MIT chemists achieved first complete synthesis of verticillin A, a 50-year-old fungal compound promising against aggressive brain tumors. Announced December 2.