ScienceDaily: All - March 06, 2025
Today's top research news
The art of well-being: Group activities shown to ease depression and anxiety in older adults
Group arts interventions, such as painting, dance, or music, significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults, offering a powerful alternative to traditional treatments. The benefits are universal, with consistent results across different art forms, intervention types, and countries. Group arts interventions were particularly beneficial for care home residents relative to older adults who lived in the community. The findings support the inclusion of group arts interventions in social prescribing initiatives and healthcare guidelines, providing an accessible, cost-effective, and enjoyable way to improve mental well-being in later life.
Small and large planets have significantly different upbringings
Studying the orbits of thousands of exoplanets shows that large planets tend to have elliptical orbits, while smaller planets tend to have more circular orbits. This split coincides with several other classic features in the exoplanet population, such as the high abundance of small planets over large planets and a tendency for giant planets to only form around stars enriched in heavy elements such as oxygen, carbon and iron. The finding points toward two distinct pathways for forming small and large planets.
My compliments to the chef: Researcher studies robots in the kitchen
Walking into your favorite restaurant and seeing a robot chef in the kitchen may seem far-fetched, but new research suggests that bots could be a solution to persistent labor shortages in the industry.
Astronomer finds gas giant exoplanets formed earlier than previously thought
A fresh look at past data reveals that exoplanets with masses similar to Jupiter formed much sooner than previously thought, according to new research.
New antibodies show potential to defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants
A team has found two antibodies that can work together to neutralize the virus that causes COVID-19 in all its current known variations in a laboratory environment. More research is needed, but the approach shows promise in developing treatments to keep pace with evolving viruses.
Feeling is believing: Bionic hand 'knows' what it's touching, grasps like a human
Engineers have developed a pioneering prosthetic hand that can grip plush toys, water bottles, and other everyday objects like a human, carefully conforming and adjusting its grasp to avoid damaging or mishandling whatever it holds.
Iconic Australian bird reveals hidden farming talent
The beloved Australian lyrebird best known for its stunning tail and powers of mimicry may have a cunning hidden talent.
Single-qubit sensing puts new spin on quantum materials discovery
Working at nanoscale dimensions, billionths of a meter in size, a team of scientists revealed a new way to measure high-speed fluctuations in magnetic materials. Knowledge obtained by these new measurements could be used to advance technologies ranging from traditional computing to the emerging field of quantum computing.
The quest for room-temperature superconductors
Theoretical physicists reveal that room-temperature superconductivity is possible within the laws of our Universe, linked to fundamental constants like electron mass and Planck constant. Discovery could revolutionize energy, quantum computing, and medical tech by enabling superconductors to work at ambient conditions. Research explores how varying fundamental constants could alter superconductivity limits, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance of our Universe.
Scientists discover how aspirin could prevent some cancers from spreading
Scientists have uncovered the mechanism behind how aspirin could reduce the metastasis of some cancers by stimulating the immune system. The scientists say that discovering the mechanism will support ongoing clinical trials, and could lead to the targeted use of aspirin to prevent the spread of susceptible types of cancer, and to the development of more effective drugs to prevent cancer metastasis.
Compound harnesses cannabis' pain-relieving properties without side effects
Researchers have developed a compound that relieves pain in mice but doesn't affect the brain, thereby avoiding mind-altering side effects and abuse potential. The custom-designed molecule, derived from cannabis, may provide an alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain.
Neural network deciphers gravitational waves from merging neutron stars in a second
Binary neutron star mergers emit gravitational waves followed by light. To fully exploit these observations and avoid missing key signals, speed is crucial. An interdisciplinary team of researchers presents a novel machine learning method that can analyze gravitational waves emitted by neutron star collisions almost instantaneously -- even before the merger is fully observed. A neural network processes the data and enables a fast search for visible light and other electromagnetic signals emitted during the collisions. This new method could be instrumental in preparing the field for the next generation of observatories.
Ultra-hot nova observed erupting: Surprising chemical signature
Astronomers have for the first time observed a recurring nova outside of the Milky Way in near-infrared light. The data revealed highly unusual chemical emissions as well as one of the hottest temperatures ever reported for a nova, both indicative of an extremely violent eruption.
The ozone hole is healing, thanks to global reduction of CFCs
A new study confirms the Antarctic ozone layer is healing as a direct result of global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances.
The pot is already boiling for 2% of the world's amphibians
Amphibians are increasingly vulnerable to global warming, according to new research.
Scientists discover genes to grow bigger tomatoes and eggplants
Bigger, tastier tomatoes and eggplants could soon grace our dinner plates thanks to scientists who have discovered genes that control how large the fruits will grow.
How to clear the toxic tau protein that can lead to Alzheimer's and related diseases
The neurotransmitter glutamate is essential for regulating everything from mood to memory, but it can also encourage a toxic buildup of protein, which can contribute to Alzheimer's and related diseases. Scientists now describe a new approach for counteracting these devastating and often fatal neurodegenerative effects. Researchers made their discovery by studying lab mice as well as human brain 'organoids,' which are rudimentary brain-like structures grown in the lab.
Creativity boosts standardized literacy and numeracy test scores: Australia
A groundbreaking study shows that creativity plays an essential role in academic success, suggesting that students who think outside the box are more likely to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments.
Beyond our solar system: scientists identify a new exoplanet candidate
The discovery of new exoplanets can help scientists understand how planets form and evolve.