Top 10 research news posts of 2025
Check out the top 10 research news stories from the past year.
‘Supergene’ helps butterflies mimic wing patterns to stay safe
New research dissects how one genetic switch helps butterflies mimic wing patterns of other species to protect themselves from predators.
Natural antibodies could make the flu vaccine more powerful
New findings suggest future flu vaccines use natural antibodies to target both infection and spread.
How exercise fights muscle weakening that comes with age
A new study in mice is giving scientists fresh clues about why our muscles lose strength as we get older.
Brain markers could offer early clues into Parkinson’s
"These insights could also help researchers zero in on the biological mechanisms driving the disease, which are still somewhat elusive."
Watch: Can lost vision be restored?
"Researchers are working hard to create new technologies and treatments designed to allow people with vision loss to regain some visual performance."
Clean water access boosts child health in Mozambique
"Access to clean and safe drinking water is critical for preventing chronic undernutrition in children."
Drug use remains low among US teens
Use of most substances among teenagers in the United States continues to hover around the low-water mark reached in 2021.
Why is reading for fun plummeting in the US?
Experts dig into why reading for pleasure is down in the US and share ways to encourage youngsters to get more into reading.
One-two punch could take out tough tuberculosis
New research suggests that pairing the main treatment for tuberculosis with a second one could help fight drug-resistant TB.
Quantum mechanics help crack hidden chemistry of ice
New research paves the way for scientists to better understand what happens at a sub-atomic scale when ice melts.
Older people see life as less of a zero sum game
In new study, psychologists found that older people see the world as less win-lose than younger people.
Discovery sheds light on how 2 human ancestors coexisted
Scientists have determined that that a hominin foot fossil from Lucy’s time belonged to different species—with help from teeth.
Fossils upend timeline of the evolution of mammal hearing
New research shows that the modern mode of hearing evolved much earlier than previously thought.
Telemedicine boosts coverage of HIV prevention meds
"This study is validation that our model works and that telehealth can help end HIV and reduce sexually transmitted infections in the US."
How did people adapt to the high altitude in the Andes?
A new study took a new approach to figure out the mystery of how people adapted to living in one of the most extreme environments inhabited by humans.
Is your hand numbness a sign of carpal tunnel or something else?
When your hand starts to tingle or go numb, it’s natural to assume that carpal tunnel is to blame. But is it something else?
Culture, not just cash, may be key to fighting poverty
A new study highlights how culturally attuned approaches to empowerment can offer a powerful pathway for reducing global poverty
Poop tests reveal whether termites are attacking
A new study could give rise to a simple test that could be used for rapid on-site termite infestation assessments.
AI tool helps neurotypicals better communicate with people with autism
A new tool is "useful as a way for non-autistic people to gain firsthand experience with cross-neurotype communication."
Your kids may not get as much sleep as you think
Researchers found that many Rhode Island kids sleep less than their parents realize, with Latino children logging the least amount of rest.
Traumatic brain injury ups risk for brain cancer
New research found that patients who suffered a moderate to severe TBI were 50% more likely to develop a malignant brain tumor.
Team snaps pic of baby planet growing outside our solar system
"It's a bit like what our own Jupiter and Saturn would have looked like when they were 5,000 times younger than they are now."
Ultra-processed foods are bad for men’s health, including sperm
"We were shocked by how many body functions were disrupted by ultra-processed foods, even in healthy young men."
Can bacteria from cows treat MRSA infections?
Bacteria from cows show promising results in treating MRSA infections, researchers report.
Muscles made from cow cells could make lab-grown burgers better
Researchers have cultivated cow muscle fibers in the lab that are much closer to real muscle than previous efforts.
Common antimicrobial chemical tied to allergies in kids
Researchers have discovered a link between an antimicrobial chemical that's common in everyday items and allergic conditions in children.
Drug hits ‘zombie cells’ to fight off liver disease
"More research is needed but hopefully this is a potential tool that patients can one day use to control this disease."
Watch: How you can tell if a source of info is credible
An expert breaks down the best way for you to spot misinformation and bad sources online, including a simple 4 step tactic.
Common drug may ease stomach problems for people with autism
New research finds that a common blood pressure drug can help ease gastrointestinal distress for some autistic individuals.
Wearable sensor can tell when you need water
"Our wearable sensor provides a simple, effective way to monitor hydration levels in real time..."
Young athletes focused on 1 sport are more likely to get injured
Switching sports for one season a year can keep young athletes safer and provide a better outlook for their long-term health.
How social media and news drive gun sales
"We found this complex, interwoven web of media and social media variables and how it influences people's decision to buy guns."
Bonobos are more optimistic after hearing laughter
Laughter seems to enhance positive emotions in bonobos and influence their decision-making to expect more positive outcomes.
Severe flooding affects human health more than we thought
A new study links flooding to an increased risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and mental disorders.
Brain stimulation could help doctors learn to use surgery robots
Stimulating people's brains with gentle electric currents can boost learning for doctors working with surgery robots, researchers say.
Fossil lizard gets its name from grandma
A new fossil lizard, Helioscopus dickersonae, was an ancestor of modern geckos. Its name that honors the lead researcher's grandmother and great aunt.
Health economists: COVID vax campaign saved 2.4 million lives
The global COVID-19 vaccination campaign saved 2.4 million lives in 141 countries. Equitable vaccine distribution could have saved 670,000 more.
Moving roadkill could save golden eagles at wind power facilities
Removing road-killed animals that can lead to golden eagles getting hit by cars could help offset the number of birds wind turbines kill.
Lots of sitting may boost older adults’ dementia risk
Older adults who spend a lot of time engaging in sedentary behavior like sitting around watching TV may have a higher risk of dementia.
Hydrogel uses sunlight to make water from hot air
A new hydrogel uses hot air to create clean drinking water using nothing but energy from sunlight.
How disorder alters quantum spin liquids
A study investigates whether disorder mimics or destroys the quantum liquid state in a prominent compound.
Year-end snowfall may predict season totals
The amount of snowfall an area has gotten by the end of December might be a good indicator for the amount it will get for the season.