Unveiling the Reality of Sleep Disorders: When a Night Shift Becomes a Nightmare

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

A new study investigated the relationship between shift work patterns, sociodemographic factors, and sleep disorders. They found that shift work, especially night shifts, significantly disrupted sleep, with about a third of all participants reporting at least one sleep disorder. The study also found that demographic factors such as gender, age, and education level influence sleep health.

A new study shows that working night shifts increases the incidence of sleep disorders, especially in young people with low levels of education.

Sleep is important not only for physical and mental health, but also for daytime and neurocognitive function. When people work in shifts (21% of workers in the European Union worked shifts in 2015), their circadian sleep-wake rhythms are often disrupted. Now, Dutch researchers have investigated the relationship between different shift work patterns, sociodemographic factors, and sleep disorders.

“Compared to working regular shifts during the day, working other shift types has been shown to have a higher incidence of sleep disturbances, especially those working rotational or regular night shifts,” GGZ Drenthe said Dr. Marike Lancel, a state mental health researcher.Institute and lead author of the study published in frontiers of psychiatry. “Notably, 51% of those working night shifts tested positive for at least one sleep disorder.”

ask about sleep

“There is a lot of evidence that shift work reduces sleep quality. However, there is little evidence of the impact that different types of shifts have on the prevalence of different sleep disorders and how this varies depending on demographic characteristics. “We know very little about whether they will,” Lancel continued.

To fill these gaps, researchers recruited more than 37,000 participants and provided demographic information indicating their shift work patterns (regular morning, evening, night, or switching between shifts).

They also completed a questionnaire screening on six common sleep disorder categories: insomnia, hypersomnia, parasomnias, sleep-related breathing disorders, sleep-related movement disorders, and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders.

Responses suggested that regular night shifts are the most debilitating condition when it comes to sleep. Half of night shift workers reported sleeping less than 6 hours in a 24-hour period, 51% reported one sleep disorder, and 26% reported two or more sleep disorders.

In the overall study population, approximately one-third tested positive for at least one sleep disorder and 12.6% tested positive for two or more sleep disorders.

Demographic factors and sleep health

Researchers also investigated whether demographic factors such as gender, age, and highest level of education influenced sleep health. We also considered whether participants lived alone, with a partner or children, or with others, such as friends or parents.

The results showed that although men slept less than women, sleep problems were more common in women. Age also affected sleep health. Although older participants tended to sleep less, most sleep disorders and their comorbidities were found to be more prevalent in the youngest participant group, those under 30 years of age.

Researchers found a correlation between education level and the likelihood of having disrupted sleep. “The effects of shift work on sleep are most pronounced among young people with low levels of education,” Lancel said. This group had shorter sleep duration and significantly higher prevalence of sleep disorders and their comorbidities.

Night shifts and sleep challenges

Researchers found that some people who work night shifts may have fewer sleep-related problems than others, but for the average night shift worker, this irregular work pattern can lead to less regular sleep-related problems. They said they would be more likely to struggle with healthy sleep. sleep. “People who work night shifts are unlikely to be completely immune to all the negative effects of night shifts, as they remain focused on their day jobs and out of sync with the environment in which they live,” Lancell said. explained.

The researchers also noted that their study had certain limitations. For example, people with sleep disorders may be more likely to participate in studies focused on sleep than people who sleep well. Nevertheless, the authors said their findings may provide important information for employers in occupations where shift work is common. It may also be used to educate strategies on how to best address and reduce the effects of night work and sleep days.

References: “Shift work is associated with widespread sleep disturbances, especially when working at night,” GJ Boersma, T. Mijnster, P. Vantyghem, GA Kerkhof, Marike Lancel, October 17, 2023. frontiers of psychiatry.
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1233640

Source: scitechdaily.com

NASA conducts swarm experiment with Starling CubeSats

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

NASA’s Starling mission will test new technologies for autonomous swarm navigation on four CubeSats in low Earth orbit.Credit: NASA Ames Research Center

NASAThe four Starling spacecraft, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, have successfully completed commissioning and are now in group experiment configuration. The spacecraft successfully completed several mission activities aimed at advancing satellite constellation technology.

Payload commissioning was delayed due to several anomalies that the team had to investigate.
GPS Satellite data is included more than expected at the spacecraft-to-payload interface. Software updates have resolved most of these issues and the CubeSat has begun its planned work.

Starling’s mission will include network communications between spacecraft, maintaining relative navigation and understanding each satellite’s position, autonomous swarm reconfiguration and reconfiguration to ensure the swarm can adapt as it moves as a group. It includes four main features of decentralized scientific autonomy: maintenance, and proving the ability to coordinate experiments. own activities.

NASA’s six-month Starling mission will use a team of four CubeSats in low-Earth orbit to test technologies that allow spacecraft to operate synchronously without using resources from the ground. This technology will advance capabilities in swarm maneuver planning and execution, communications networking, relative navigation, and autonomous coordination between spacecraft. Credit: NASA/Conceptual Image Lab/Ross Walter

NASA’s Starling Mission

NASA’s Starling mission represents a significant advance in the field of satellite technology. The mission features a group of small satellites named Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, known as CubeSats. These CubeSats are designed to operate in swarms and demonstrate advanced concepts in autonomous satellite interaction.

The main objectives of the Starling mission are:

Network communication: CubeSats have the ability to communicate with each other, forming complex networks in space. This allows for coordinated activities and data sharing between satellites.
Relative navigation: A key feature of this mission is that each CubeSat can accurately understand its position relative to other CubeSats. This ensures precise maneuvering and positioning within the swarm.
Autonomous Swarm reconfiguration: Satellites can autonomously reconfigure their positions within the swarm. This capability is critical to adapting to varying mission requirements and maintaining optimal formation during operations.
Autonomy of decentralized science: CubeSats can independently coordinate experimental activities. This feature indicates the potential for future space missions to adapt and respond to environmental changes and mission objectives without requiring direct intervention from Earth.

Through these innovative CubeSats, the Starling mission aims to improve the understanding and capabilities of satellite constellation technology and potentially revolutionize the way we approach space exploration and satellite operations.

Source: scitechdaily.com

Breakthrough in New Coronavirus Treatment: Discovery of New Antiviral Drug

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

The Coronavirus Moonshot Consortium report focuses on the discovery of a new class of inhibitors against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. This global collaboration has generated promising lead compounds, openly shared thousands of compound designs, and represents significant progress in coronavirus drug development.

The COVID Moonshot breakthrough study introduced new non-peptide inhibitors. SARS-CoV-2showcases global collaboration and open science in advancing coronavirus treatments. Although the group’s results have been freely available since its founding in March 2020, the Coronavirus Moonshot Consortium has finally officially reported its results.

Coronavirus Moonshot – An open science, crowdsourced, patent-free drug discovery campaign targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus – A wealth of data has been obtained about the virus’s major proteases, including insights that may pave the way for the development of new and better treatments. “The main treatments described by [these researchers] “Given drug approval timelines and challenges, we may not be ready in time to make an impact on the current pandemic,” write Brian Shoichet and Charles Craik in a related perspective. “Yet, the compounds and the techniques used to identify them may have implications for human health in the future.”

Global cooperation and drug discovery efforts This novel collaboration involved more than 200 volunteer scientists from 47 academic and industrial organizations across 25 countries. “The coronavirus moonshot provides an example of open science drug discovery that could lead to advances in infectious disease drug discovery. This research area is of great public importance but chronically underfunded from the private sector. “There is a shortage,” Melissa et al. write. SARS-CoVB-2 main protease (Mpro) is an attractive target for antiviral drug development due to its important role in viral replication. Current SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors, such as those drawn from existing antiviral pipelines such as Paxlovid and Xocova, have shown clinical success. However, the use of these compounds remains relatively limited, and their peptidomimetics and covalent scaffolds pose problems for synthesis and administration.

Impact on innovative drug design and open science Hey, Bobby other. describe the discovery of a novel noncovalent and nonpeptidic inhibitor scaffold that is chemically distinct from current Mpro inhibitors. By leveraging a crowdsourcing approach combined with the expertise of hundreds of individuals around the world, Bobby other. We will explain the open science drug discovery campaign. machine learningutilize molecular simulations, and high-throughput structural biology and chemistry to assemble a detailed structural map of the major proteases of SARS-CoV-2 and their biochemical activities.

From over 18,000 compound designs generated by the COVID Moonshot Consortium, the authors identified several non-covalent, non-peptidomimetic compounds, including lead compounds with promising bioavailability, safety, and antiviral activity. identified sex inhibitors. All compound designs from the project are openly shared, building a rich, open, intellectual property-free knowledge base for future anti-coronavirus drug discovery.

Reference:
DOI: 10.1126/science.abo7201

Source: scitechdaily.com

Ancient Mayan water systems: A solution to today’s water crisis

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Mayan ships in Guatemala (c. 700-800 AD). It depicts a king wearing a water lily headdress sitting on a throne. Water lilies (Nymphaea ampla) on the surface of the reservoir indicated clean water and symbolized classical Mayan kingship (ca. 250-900 CE).Credit: Provided by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Ancient Mayan reservoirs, which used aquatic plants to filter and purify water, “serve as prototypes for natural, sustainable water systems to address future water demands,” according to a new paper. There is a possibility.”

Lisa Lucero, an anthropology professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, writes from one perspective that the Maya built and maintained reservoirs that they used for more than 1,000 years. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. These reservoirs provided drinking water for thousands to tens of thousands of people in the city during the five-month dry season and prolonged drought each year.

“Many of the major cities in the southern Maya lowlands arose in areas that had excellent agricultural soils but no surface water,” Lucero said. “They compensated by building reservoir systems that started small and increased in size and complexity.”

Innovative water filtration technology

Over time, the Maya built canals, dams, locks, and dog runs to channel, store, and transport water. They used silica sand to filter water, sometimes importing it from far away to large cities like Tikal in what is now northern Guatemala. Sediment cores from one of Tikal’s reservoirs also revealed that zeolite sand was used in its construction. Previous studies have shown that this volcanic sand can filter impurities and disease-causing microorganisms from water. The zeolite is also believed to have been imported from some 30 kilometers away.

“Tikal’s reservoir can store more than 900,000 cubic meters of water,” Lucero wrote. Estimates suggest that up to 80,000 people lived in and around the city during the Late Classic period, approximately 600 to 800 AD. The reservoir kept people and crops hydrated during the dry season, Lucero said.

LIDAR map of Tikal highlighting several reservoirs. Credit: (Image adapted from his Tankersley et al. 2020). LiDAR-derived hillshade image created by Francisco Estrada-Belli of the PAQUNAM LiDAR Initiative. Used with permission. Graphics modified by Bryan Lin.

Mayan royalty derived much of their status from their ability to provide water to their people.

“Clean water and political power were closely linked, as shown by the fact that the largest reservoirs were built near palaces and temples,” Lucero wrote. Kings also performed rituals to gain favor with their ancestors and the rain god Chak.

Aquatic plants of Maya reservoir

A key challenge was to prevent water in reservoirs from becoming stagnant and undrinkable, and for this the Maya likely relied on aquatic plants, many of which still live in the wetlands of Central America. Lucero said. These include cattails, sedges, and reeds. Some of these plants have been identified in sediment cores from Mayan reservoirs.

These plants filtered the water, reducing turbidity and absorbing nitrogen and phosphorus, Lucero said.

“The Maya would have had to dredge every few years… (and) harvest and replenish aquatic plants,” she writes. The nutrient-rich soil and plants extracted from the reservoir could be used to fertilize urban fields and gardens.

Symbolism and practicality of water lilies

The most iconic aquatic plant associated with the ancient Maya is the water lily. water lily ampuraThey only breed in clean water, Lucero said. Its pollen has been found in sediment cores of several Mayan reservoirs. The water lily symbolized “classic Mayan kingship,” Lucero wrote.

“The kings also wore headdresses decorated with flowers, and they are depicted with water lilies in Mayan art,” Lucero said.

“Water lilies are intolerant of acidic conditions, excess calcium, such as limestone, and high concentrations of certain minerals, such as iron and manganese,” she writes.

The Maya built and maintained self-purifying wetland reservoirs that served urban populations for thousands of years. University of Illinois anthropology professor Lisa Lucero writes that the water-related crises they faced hold lessons for today.Credit: Fred Zwicky

To keep the lily pads alive, water managers would have had to line the reservoir with clay, Lucero said. Plant roots require a layer of sediment. Next, water lilies, trees, and shrubs planted near the reservoir covered the water surface, cooling the water and suppressing algae growth.

“The Maya generally did not build their homes near the edges of reservoirs, so pollution seeping through karst terrain would not have been a problem,” Lucero wrote.

Lessons from Mayan Reservoirs for the Modern Age

Lucero said evidence collected from several southern lowland cities shows that Mayan reservoirs were built as wetlands to provide drinking water to people for more than 1,000 years, and that the region was built between 800 and 900 AD. He said the results showed that it only stopped working during the most severe droughts. She points out that current climate trends will require many of the same approaches taken by the Maya, such as the use of aquatic plants to naturally improve and maintain water quality.

“Constructed wetlands have many advantages over traditional wastewater treatment systems,” she writes. “We offer processing techniques that are economical, low technology, low cost and highly energy efficient.”

Constructed wetlands not only provide clean water, but can also be a source of nutrients to feed aquatic animals and replenish agricultural soils, she wrote. “The next step moving forward is to combine our respective expertise and put into practice the lessons embodied in ancient Mayan reservoirs, combined with what is now known about constructed wetlands.” she wrote.

References: “Ancient Maya Reservoirs, Constructed Wetlands, and Future Water Needs” by Lisa J. Lucero, October 9, 2023. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306870120

Source: scitechdaily.com

Can Lentils Transmit Secret Quantum Messages Through Biophotons?

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

In the hills south of Rome is Italy’s premier nuclear physics laboratory, the Frascati National Laboratory. It has all the equipment you’d expect from a state-of-the-art scientific facility, including giant magnets, powerful particle accelerators, and exposed electrical wires strung throughout. Many of the researchers here are trying to unlock the secrets of the Standard Model, the best theory of how reality works at the most fundamental level. And then there’s the room where Catalina Cruceanu is keeping watch over a small box of lentils.

Admittedly, this is not at all normal behavior for a physicist, but Cruceanu explains why the equipment and methods of nuclear physics cause lentils and other organisms to constantly emit extremely weak photons and particles. We hope to solve the 100-year-old mystery. light’s. Some people think that these “biophotons” are not important. Others argue that they are a subtle form of lentil communication. Cruceanu leans towards the latter position, and even has a hunch that the pulses between pulses may contain secret quantum signals. “These are just the first steps, but it looks like it’s going to be very interesting,” she says.

There are already hints that living things exploit quantum phenomena, and there is also inconclusive evidence that quantum phenomena have features in things like photosynthesis and the way birds move. But lentils may be the most surprising example of quantum biology yet, because their complex behavior is poorly understood, he says. Michal Shifra At the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague. “That would be great,” Shifra says. “If that’s true.” Because so many living things emit biophotons, such a discovery could indicate that quantum effects are ubiquitous…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Top Science News of 2023: New Scientist’s Selections

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Space News Highlights of 2023

Spiral galaxy M51 seen with the James Webb Space Telescope

ESA/Webb, NASA, and CSA, A. Adamo (Stockholm University)/FEAST JWST Team

From extreme heat to stunning space footage, new scientist covers a wide range of the biggest developments, discoveries and events in science, technology, health and the environment in 2023. Here we summarize some of the best news of the year.

Environment

In July 2023, a forest fire broke out on the Greek island of Rhodes. Angelos Tsolzinis/AFP via Getty Images

The number of heat records broken in 2023 is staggering. We won’t know for sure until next month’s official statistics are released, but there is little doubt that this year was the hottest on record. As a sign that abnormal temperatures continue, new scientist We already reported on this possibility in mid-June, long before summer in the northern hemisphere was in full swing. A few weeks later, a particularly surreal series of events occurred. The average global temperature, which is recorded 2 meters above the Earth’s surface and is basically a way to measure global temperatures, hit an all-time high on July 3rd, which was 7. It was quickly broken on the 4th of May, and then the record was broken on the 5th. July came and the next day it broke again. By the end of August, it was the hottest three months on record, followed by the hottest September on record. In November, researchers announced the hottest 12 months on record. Against this backdrop, negotiations at the COP28 climate change summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, were extremely difficult. A key point of disagreement was whether the world would finally take action against fossil fuels, and at one point it looked like the summit might collapse. Ultimately, the world agreed to begin a “transition” away from fossil fuels, but this was the first time fossil fuels were mentioned in a COP document, although what that actually meant was unclear. Many questions remain.

Health

Demand for weight loss drug Wegoby will surge in 2023 Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg via Getty Images

This year’s demand for Wigovy, a weight-loss formulation of semaglutide, has been like no other drug in history. In addition to being incredibly effective for weight loss, early trials this year showed it may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes and may even help treat addiction. Despite some moralizing about “quick cures” for obesity, and despite drug shortages and difficulty in obtaining them, it is clear that a health revolution has begun. This past year also marked the first time since 2019 that Covid-19 was not on everyone’s mind. The World Health Organization’s announcement on May 5 that the viral disease is no longer a public health emergency means, in a sense, the coronavirus pandemic is over, at least for some people. Millions of people are still experiencing long-term symptoms of COVID-19, which are still poorly understood.

Artificial Intelligence

London writers hold rally in solidarity with striking US screenwriters to protect their jobs from AI Vuk Valcic / Alamy Stock Photo

Roughly counting, new scientist has published around 150 articles on artificial intelligence this year. Tech companies were competing against each other, with OpenAI claiming “human-level performance” for its GPT-4 large-scale language model and Google claiming its Gemini model was even better. There have been concerns about the rise of misinformation through AI, from images of the Pope in a down jacket to the risk of bias feedback loops to attempts to detect AI-generated text. AI has also been the subject of high-level discussions across politics and business. This led to a major stalemate in the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strike, but in November world leaders, researchers and businessmen gathered at Bletchley Park in the UK to sign a declaration on the risks of new technologies. Indeed, this year was the year that AI became mainstream.

Space

The dense center of the Milky Way seen with the James Webb Space Telescope NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Samuel Crow (UVA)

This year’s biggest space mission is also the cheapest, with India’s low-budget Chandrayaan-3 moon landing costing just £60 million. India’s success makes it the fourth country to safely land on the moon, after the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. It also happened just days after a Russian spacecraft crash-landed on the moon in a bid to restore it to its Soviet-era glory. Further out in space, the James Webb Space Telescope continues to shine, providing stunning images and advancing our understanding of the universe, from the fastest-growing galaxies to the most distant black holes ever seen.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Carbon and nitrogen-based substance nearly as hard as diamond.

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

This carbon nitride is almost as hard as diamond.

Dominic Ranier and others

An elusive material that scientists have wanted to create for decades has finally been synthesized under tremendous heat and pressure. Its hardness is almost the same as diamond. It can be used as cutting tools, sensors, and even explosives.

In 1989, researchers theorized that materials made from carbon and nitrogen would be less compressible and more resistant to shear than the hardest known material, diamond. However, efforts to achieve this have failed.

now, dominique raniel He and his colleagues at the University of Edinburgh in the UK created a small sample of the material, a type of carbon nitride. They achieved this by compressing carbon and nitrogen between the points of the diamond at a pressure 700,000 times that of atmospheric pressure and heating it to 3000°C with a laser.

Diamond has a hardness of approximately 90 gigapascals, and the second hardest material known to date, cubic boron nitride, has a hardness of 50 to 55 GPa. Ranier said the new material scores between 78 and 86 GPa, depending on which of the three crystal structures it forms.

Quote from Works from 1989 The idea that the hardness of this substance exceeds that of diamond has now been overturned, and it is now believed that no substance exceeds it.

“There is a huge gap between diamonds and diamonds.” [previous] Second best. So we’re starting to bridge that gap and close it,” Lanier says. He said the new material is called carbon nitride, even though there are existing materials made from these two very different elements, adding that the more chemically accurate name is “a bit of an overstatement.” The researchers said they welcome proposals.

The samples are only 5 micrometers wide and 3 micrometers deep, which could make large-scale production difficult. Compressing the sample using larger diamonds could theoretically create larger pieces of material, but more intense compression would be required to form them.

This would make carbon nitride much more expensive to purchase than diamond. But Lanier said the material has advantages over diamond, such as generating electrical signals under pressure, which could be useful in sensors. Its high energy density also has the potential to make it a powerful explosive that is less toxic to the environment than current alternatives, Lanier said.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

China successfully sends experimental spacecraft into orbit for the third time in 2020

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

BEIJING — China has successfully launched a reusable robotic spacecraft on Thursday for the third time since 2020 in a series of secret orbital test flights aimed at developing reusable technology to reduce the cost of space missions.

The unmanned spacecraft flew atop a Long March 2F rocket, the same rocket series China uses to transport astronauts into space, on Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, state media said. It was launched in

The spacecraft will operate in orbit for a “certain period” before returning to a designated landing site in China. State media reported that reusable technology would be “validated” and space experiments carried out during the flight, but gave no other details.

of final launch The spacecraft was launched in August 2022 and returned to Earth after a 276-day orbit. Details such as what technology was tested or how high the plane flew were not disclosed. Images of the spacecraft have never been released to the public.

China’s plans for a reusable spacecraft (referred to by some as Shenlong, or “Shenron” in Chinese) coincide with a similar secret plan by the United States to fly an autonomous spacecraft known as the X-37B.

Thursday’s launch in China came hours after the launch countdown for the new rocket. X-37B SpaceX has canceled its mission for the third time this week due to weather and technical issues at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

A new launch date for the X-37B has not yet been announced. The X-37B was scheduled to launch for its seventh mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket that can carry secret robotic spaceplanes to much higher orbits than ever before.

The Pentagon has provided few details about the mission, which will be overseen by the U.S. Space Command under the military’s National Security Space Launch Program.

But Space Force Gen. B. Chance Saltzman told reporters at an industry conference this week that he expects China to launch Shenron around the same time as the upcoming He said he expected further developments in the growing competition.

“It is no surprise that the Chinese are very interested in our spaceplanes. According to the US aerospace magazine Air & Space Force Magazine, we are very interested in theirs. ,” Saltzman said.

“These are two of the most-watched objects in orbit. It’s probably no coincidence that they’re trying to grab us at this timing and sequence.”

of Made by Boeing (Ban) The X-37B is about the size of a small bus and resembles a small space shuttle ship, and is designed to deploy a variety of payloads and conduct technology experiments on long orbital flights.

On its previous mission, the unmanned X-37B returned to Earth in November 2022 after more than 900 days in orbit.

China successfully launches reusable spacecraft for the first time September 2020 This happened after it had been in orbit for just two days.

The development of reusable spacecraft is considered important to ultimately achieving the goal of increasing the frequency of space flights and lowering the cost per mission.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A spectacular first photo of a snow leopard captured under the stars

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Looking for ghosts requires special patience. The chances of finding it are low, but doubting means giving up, so keep looking.

This is a technique for tracking snow leopards. Morap Namgair learned that early. He was five years old when he first saw the animal in his remote village of Ulay in Ladakh, India. The area is full of wildlife and is a paradise for aspiring photographers like Molap and his younger brother Stanzin. These big cats are called locally. Shanimmortalized in the BBC series Planet Earth II They were mainly grateful to their father, Norbu, who followed them as a crew member.

Ladakh had just become famous for its sightings, but everything was shut down due to the pandemic. That’s when the brothers vowed to photograph something no one had ever photographed before: a snow leopard under the stars. They hoped the image would highlight the beauty of this mountain region and its apex predator, thereby spurring efforts to conserve both. The region is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world, threatening landscapes and wildlife. The brothers believed that if the outside world could only see what was at stake, that would influence the government’s actions.

They spent months blanketing the area with cameras. However, halfway through the project, Stanzin died of heart disease. Although it was difficult, Morap pushed forward on his own.

Last August, on a 33°C (91°F) day, he climbed a ridge at 4,900 meters above sea level. “What I found on camera was a dream come true,” Morap says. He was bittersweet though. “Buddhism believes in reincarnation. I always look at snow leopards and often think, ‘What would happen if Stan Jin was reincarnated as a snow leopard?’ Perhaps he will stop for a photo or perhaps say hello. Maybe he did.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Ineffective Common Shoulder Treatments Identified

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

A new study concludes that a combination of saline injection and ultrasound-guided irrigation in the treatment of shoulder calcific tendinopathy is no more effective than a placebo treatment, calling into question current treatments and calling for further treatment. The need for research and alternative approaches is emphasized.

Results from recent trials suggest that the use of this therapy should be reevaluated.

Recently published clinical trials BMJ A saline injection treatment commonly employed to treat calcific tendinopathy, a painful condition caused by calcium buildup in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder, has a significant It turns out that there is no advantage.

The study found that the perceived benefits of ultrasound-guided irrigation (a procedure in which calcium deposits are injected with saline to dissolve them), even when combined with steroid injections, are no greater than those gained from sham (placebo) treatment. It has been demonstrated that it is equivalent to

Researchers say the findings call into question the use of ultrasound-guided irrigation for this condition and should lead to a “significant reconsideration” of existing treatment guidelines.

Research background and methodology

Despite its widespread use, ultrasound-guided irrigation has never been compared to sham treatment, and it remains unclear whether the reported improvements are due to the treatment itself, natural recovery over time, or It is unclear whether this is due to a placebo effect.

To fill this important evidence gap, researchers from Norway and Sweden are the first to test the true effectiveness of ultrasound-guided irrigation with steroid injections in patients with shoulder calcific tendinopathy. A sham control study was conducted.

Their findings show that between April 2015 and March 2020, 218 adults (average age 50 years old, approximately 65% female).

At the beginning of the trial, patients provided information about various health and lifestyle factors, and X-rays were taken to assess the size of their calcium deposits.

Patients were then randomly divided into three treatment groups. Washing and steroid injection (73 participants), sham washing and steroid injection (74 participants), and sham only (71 participants). After treatment, all patients were asked to complete a home exercise program.

Evaluation and results

The primary measures of interest were pain intensity and functional disability on the Oxford Shoulder Score (0-48 point scale) reported by the patient at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 4, 8, 12, and 24 months. was.

At 4 months, there were no significant differences in pain and functional limitations between the three groups. At subsequent evaluations, scores remained similar even in patients whose calcium deposits had disappeared, which the researchers say casts doubt on the notion that lysis of periarticular calcium resolves symptoms. Says.

The steroid injection group reported better pain relief than the sham group at 2 and 6 weeks post-treatment, but of note, after 4 months the improvement was no different than the sham group. did not.

Findings and recommendations

Although the researchers acknowledge some limitations, including the lack of an untreated group to assess the natural course of symptoms, the double-blind, three-group design, including a sham group, They stated that they were able to evaluate the true clinical efficacy. Active treatment.

Therefore, they wrote, “Our results question existing recommendations for the treatment of calcific tendinopathy and may require a critical reexamination of established treatment concepts for these patients.” ” concludes.

Future studies should investigate alternative treatments, such as defined physical therapy programs, and should also include no treatment groups to assess the impact of the natural history of calcific tendinopathy on outcomes. the researchers added.

In a linked editorial, US researchers say that cleaning appears to be overused and may not be as effective as we think. However, it would be premature to conclude that ultrasound-guided irrigation or subacromial corticosteroid injections no longer have a role in the treatment of shoulder calcific tendinopathy.

These new findings should inform discussions with patients suffering from similar long-term symptom courses in which time resolves and corticosteroids may promote short-term pain relief. may provide some reassurance to the population,” the researchers added.

And they say future studies should include sham control groups, assess treatment response earlier in the course of symptoms, and investigate whether ultrasound classification systems can better predict treatment response. suggests.

Reference: “Ultrasound-guided lavage with corticosteroid injection versus sham lavage with corticosteroid injection for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder: a randomized double-blind multi-arm study” Stefan Moosmayer, Ole Marius Ekeberg, Hanna Björnsson Hallgren, Ingar Heier, Synnove Kvalheim, Niels Gunnar Jewell, Jesper Blomquist, Hugo Ripp, Jens Ivor Brox, October 11, 2023, BMJ.
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076447

This study was funded by the Bergersen Foundation, the Aase Bye and Trygve J.B. Hoffs Foundation, Smith and Nephew, and the Medical Research Council of South East Sweden.

Source: scitechdaily.com

Experts Uncover the Key to Student Success in Education

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Research by the University of South Australia and its partners shows that increasing student engagement with complex learning tasks significantly improves critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This study suggests that teachers should focus on deep learning techniques to improve student outcomes.

High engagement, high returns. This is advice from education experts at the University of South Australia for teachers looking to improve student performance.

In a new study conducted in partnership with
flinders university
Researchers from the Melbourne School of Education found that fewer than a third of teachers engage students in complex learning, limiting students’ opportunities to develop critical thinking and solve problems. Did.

Researchers who filmed and assessed classroom content in South Australia and Victoria found that nearly 70% of student assignments consisted of simple questions and answers and notes, rather than activities that engaged students on a deeper level. I found that it is related to superficial learning such as taking things and listening to the teacher.

Emphasis on deep learning

UniSA researcher Dr Helen Stevenson said teachers needed more support to plan interactive and constructive lessons that foster deep learning.

“When it comes to learning, the greater the engagement, the deeper the learning. But too often, students are not very active and do passive work,” says Dr. Stevenson. Masu

“Our research suggests that about 70% of classroom content may be ‘passive’ (students have little observable input), or doing something simple like answering questions on a fact sheet. was considered to be “active”. While there is certainly a place for such tasks in the classroom, student learning is greatly enhanced when students spend more time doing complex activities that promote deep conceptual learning. Deep learning requires organizing knowledge into conceptual structures, which has been shown to improve information retention and improve learning outcomes. Deep learning also supports the knowledge needed for innovation. Making small changes to teachers’ existing lesson plans and instruction can significantly increase student engagement, which in turn improves overall outcomes. ”

She continues: “At a basic level, teachers need to consider how they can adjust existing classroom activities to place more tasks deeper into the learning scale. For example, suppose you watch a video. . Students can watch the video silently (this is “passive”). Watch the video and take notes using the presenter’s words (this is considered “active”). Write any questions that arise while watching the video (this is “constructive”). Or watch the video and discuss it with other students to generate different ideas (this is ‘interactive’). Interactive classroom engagement involves students participating in activities with other students and receiving stimulation that fosters deeper understanding. They make judgments, propose and criticize arguments and opinions, and come up with solutions to problems. These activities also help develop critical thinking and reasoning skills. All of these are predictive of learning gains. ”

Survey results regarding teacher awareness

Interestingly, one of the study’s key findings is that many teachers do not recognize or fully appreciate the importance of how classroom assignments can stimulate different modes of student participation. It seems like it hasn’t.

“Simply changing class activities from ‘active’ to ‘constructive’ can go a long way in improving student learning,” says Dr. Stevenson.

“Teachers should be supported to engage in professional development to shift their thinking to practices that support deeper learning and better outcomes for students.”

References: “Using the Extended ICAP-Based Coding Guide as a Framework for Analyzing Classroom Observations,” by Stella Vosniadou, Michael J. Lawson, Erin Bodner, Helen Stephenson, David Jeffries, and I Gusti Ngurah Darmawan; April 13, 2023 Education and teacher education.
DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2023.104133

This research was funded by the Australian Research Council.

Source: scitechdaily.com

Discovery of a ‘Quantum Switch’ Controlling Photosynthesis by Scientists

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

A new study reveals the quantum switching mechanism of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII), which is critical for efficient photosynthesis. This discovery, achieved through advanced cryo-EM and theoretical calculations, supports a dynamic role for LHCII in regulating energy transfer in plants. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

Photosynthesis is an important process that allows plants to use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds. Light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) consists of dye molecules bound to proteins. It alternates between two main roles. Under strong light, excess energy is dissipated as heat through non-photochemical quenching, and under weak light, light is efficiently transferred to the reaction center.

Recent bioengineering research has revealed that faster switching between these functions can improve photosynthetic efficiency. For example, soybean crops showed yield increases of up to 33%. However, the precise atomic-level structural changes in LHCII that cause this control have not been known until now.

The molecular mechanism of NPQ and acidity-induced changes in several key structural factors cause the LHCII trimer to switch between light-harvesting and energy-quenching states.Credit: Institute of Physics

innovative research approach

In the new study, researchers led by Professor Weng Yuxiang from the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Professor Gao Jiali’s group from the Shenzhen Bay Institute, combined single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) research. Using multistate density functional theory (MSDFT) calculations of energy transfer between photosynthetic pigment molecules, we analyzed the dynamic structure of his LHCII at atomic resolution and identified photosynthetic pigment quantum switches for intermolecular energy transfer. Masu.

As part of the study, they developed a series of six cryogenic states, including energy transfer states with LHCII in solution and energy quenching states with laterally confined LHCII in membrane nanodisks under neutral and acidic conditions. reported the EM structure.

Comparing these different structures shows that LHCII undergoes a structural change upon acidification. This change allosterically changes the interpigment distance of the fluorescence quenching locus lutein 1 (Lut1)-chlorophyll 612 (Chl612) only when LHCII is confined to membrane nanodiscs, leading to the quenching of excited Chl612 by Lut1. cause. Therefore, lateral pressure-confined LHCII (e.g., aggregated LHCII) is a prerequisite for non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), whereas acidThe induced conformational change enhances fluorescence quenching.

Cryo-EM structures of LHCII in nanodiscs and surfactant solutions at pH 7.8 and 5.4. Credit: Institute of Physics

Quantum switching mechanism in photosynthesis

Through cryo-EM structures and MSDFT calculations of known crystal structures in the extinction state and transient fluorescence experiments, an important quantum switching mechanism of LHCII with the Lut1-Chl612 distance as a key factor was revealed.

This distance controls the energy transfer quantum channels in response to lateral pressure and conformational changes to LHCII. That is, a small change in the critical distance of 5.6 Å allows a reversible switch between light collection and excess energy dissipation. This mechanism allows for rapid response to changes in light intensity, achieving both high efficiency and efficiency. photosynthesis Balanced photoprotection using LHCII as a quantum switch.

Fluorescence decay rate, relationship of Lut1–Chl612 electronic bond strength to Lut1–Chl612 separation distance, and plot of Lut1–Chl612 distance versus crossing angle of TM helices A and B in different LHCII structures. Credit: Institute of Physics

Previously, these two research groups collaborated on molecular dynamics simulations and ultrafast infrared spectroscopy experiments to propose that LHCII is an allosterically controlled molecular machine. Their current experimental cryo-EM structure confirms previously theoretically predicted structural changes in his LHCII.

Reference: “Cryo-EM structure of LHCII in photoactive and photoprotected states reveals allosteric control of light harvesting and excess energy dissipation” Meixia Ruan, Hao Li, Ying Zhang, Ruoqi Zhao, Jun Zhang, Yingjie Wang , Jiali Gao, Zhuan Wang, Yumei Wang, Dapeng Sun, Wei Ding, Yuxiang Weng, August 31, 2023, natural plants.
DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01500-2

This research was supported by a project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee.

Source: scitechdaily.com

The Impact of High Blood Pressure on Brain Immunity

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

NINDS Research on High Blood Pressure and Cognitive Decline

by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) December 14, 2023

NIH-funded researchers have found that high blood pressure leads to an increase in interleukin-17 in the brain, which activates immune cells and causes cognitive decline. The discovery, made using a mouse model, points to the possibility of new treatments by targeting T cells in the brain’s protective membranes. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

An NIH-funded study in mice suggests a potential new target for treating hypertension. Research supported by National Institutes of Health The findings suggest that a response of immune system cells within the protective membrane that surrounds the brain may contribute to the cognitive decline that can occur in people with chronic hypertension. This discovery is natural neuroscience, may shed light on new ways to counter the effects of high blood pressure on cognition. This study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the NIH. “Understanding the role of immune signaling in cognitive decline is critical,” said Dr. Roderick Corriveau, NINDS program director. “These findings provide insight into how signaling from the immune system contributes to the symptoms of cognitive decline that ultimately lead to the diagnosis of dementia.”

Global impact of hypertension and its impact on cognition

High blood pressure affects more than 1 billion people worldwide and can cause cognitive decline not only when a stroke occurs, but even when a person with high blood pressure does not have a stroke. However, efforts to control cognitive decline in people who have not had a stroke with blood pressure-lowering treatments have shown mixed results. The results of this mouse study suggest that under conditions that mimic common hypertension, immune cells around and within the brain become abnormally activated, and that this activation leads to impaired brain function. Fluorescent staining reveals an extensive vascular network of the dura mater. These blood vessels contain her T cells, which are activated in mouse models of chronic hypertension, causing a condition that can lead to dementia-like symptoms. Credit: Iadecola Lab

Research Insights: Mouse models of hypertension

Researchers led by Costantino Iadecola, MD, director and director of the Feil Family Brain and Mind Institute in New York City, used a mouse model of hypertension to investigate interleukin-17 (IL-17). It was discovered that the levels of A chemical normally released in the body, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain to activate the immune system. Previously, Dr. Iadekola’s team showed that a high-salt diet increases IL-17 in the intestine, followed by cognitive impairment. These new findings further deepen the story by showing that IL-17 is acting within the brain itself. It is also worth noting that these experiments used a different mouse model called the DOCA salt model, which more closely mimics common hypertension in humans. “This is the most realistic model of hypertension that we have at this time,” Dr. Iadecola said. “DOCA mice simulate low-renin hypertension, a type of hypertension that is common in people, especially black Americans.”

Role of IL-17 and brain macrophages

Further research has shown that when IL-17 enters the brain, it activates immune cells known as macrophages, which are responsible for activating inflammation and fighting infections. A series of experiments showed that both mice with brain macrophage deletion of IL-17 receptors and mice with brain macrophage depletion showed no effect of hypertension on cognitive function, and therefore these macrophages were not associated with the observed cognitive function. It was confirmed that this is important for the reduction of Functioning despite other hypertension symptoms. Researchers were still looking for a source of IL-17 that acts on brain macrophages. Based on previous studies, the researchers’ initial hypothesis was that the gut releases IL-17, which travels to the brain through the bloodstream. Once there, a reaction is triggered that damages the ability of the brain’s blood vessels to respond appropriately to increased brain activity. However, blocking the ability of cerebral blood vessels to respond to IL-17 only partially reversed the cognitive impairment, suggesting that another source of IL-17 is acting on the brain. Uncovering IL-17 pathways and protective barriers One clue suggests that one layer of the brain’s protective layer, known as the dura mater, contains immune T cells that secrete IL-17 and may influence mouse behavior. taken from other recent studies. Using special mice whose cells glow fluorescent green when they make IL-17, the researchers found that high blood pressure increases IL-17 in the dura mater, which is then released into the tissues. Normally, a barrier exists within the brain’s protective covering called the meninges to prevent unwanted spillage into the brain. However, in mice with experimentally induced hypertension, this barrier appears to be disrupted, allowing IL-17 to enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Two additional experiments helped confirm this hypothesis. First, drugs were used to block the migration of her T cells from the lymph nodes to the meninges. Second, antibodies were used to block the activity of her T cells within the meninges. In both cases, the hypertensive mice recovered cognitive function, suggesting that targeting hyperactive T cells may be a new therapeutic approach worth exploring. “Taken together, our data suggest that hypertension causes two distinct effects,” Dr. Iadecola said. “One is that IL-17 has an effect on blood vessels, but this seems to be relatively minor. The more prominent central effect is that IL-17 releases IL-17, which has a direct effect on immune cells in the brain. It is caused by cells in the meninges. These immune cells, activated by signaling from the meninges, affect the brain in a way that ultimately causes cognitive impairment.”

Future Research Directions

Dr. Iadekola and his team are now trying to connect the dots between activation of immune cells in the meninges and cognitive decline. Previous works by the group The researchers suggested a link between a high-salt diet, which suppresses the production of the chemical nitric oxide in brain blood vessels, and the resulting accumulation of tau, a toxic protein that forms clumps within affected neurons. Alzheimer’s disease disease. The findings also indicate suppression of nitric oxide production in cerebral blood vessels, and whether this also leads to increased tau production is currently being investigated.

Reference: “Meningeal interleukin-17-producing T cells mediate cognitive impairment in a mouse model of salt-sensitive hypertension” Monica M. Santisteban, Samantha Schaeffer, Antoine Anfray, Giuseppe Faraco, David Brea, Gang Wang, Melissa J. Sobanko , Rose Sciortino, Gianfranco Rachumi, Ali Wiseman, Rybaik Park, Joseph Anraser, Costantino Iadecola, December 4, 2023, natural neuroscience.DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01497-z of NINDS’ Mind Your Risks® Campaign This paper highlights the relationship between high blood pressure and brain health (including risk of stroke and dementia), particularly in Black men aged 28 to 45, and provides recommendations to prevent and reduce the impact of high blood pressure on brain health. We offer strategies. This research was funded by NINDS (NS089323, NS095441, NS123507), the Leon Levy Fellowship in Neuroscience, and the Feil Family Foundation.

Source: scitechdaily.com

The Mistakes of Zuckerberg and Musk in Understanding the Digital Economy

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Understanding Digital Capitalism

New research analyzes Silicon Valley texts to understand the impact of today’s digital capitalism. The survey found that solutionism, the belief that technological solutions can beneficially address societal problems, is prevalent among technology leaders and is spreading to the digital economy. Nachtwey criticizes this ideology, arguing that it overlooks democratic processes and often fails to address real problems, exemplified by the practices of companies like Tesla and Meta. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

How significantly are the ideas of Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk shaping today’s digital economy? A study by economic sociologists at the University of Basel draws on lectures, book contributions, and articles from Silicon Valley. analyzes and demonstrates the emergence of a new spirit of digital capitalism.

What is the justification for making a lot of money? Nineteenth-century Calvinists interpreted economic prosperity as a sign of being counted among God’s chosen ones. This idea centered around Geneva influenced liberal capitalism.

The justification for economic activity today seems different. They focus on themes of flexibility and efficiency. Digital capitalists in particular claim to improve the world. Their belief is that every social problem, from climate change to inequality, has a technological solution that offers an opportunity to generate significant profits. This approach is known as solutionism.

Economic sociologist Oliver Nachtwey from the University of Basel in Switzerland, together with his colleague Timo Seidl from the University of Vienna in Austria, wanted to find out how influential this idea is today. For their research, they used a variety of texts from Silicon Valley, a global center of high technology on the West Coast of the United States.Their results will be published in a magazine theory, culture, society.

From the west coast to the east coast

With the help of machine learning algorithms, the researchers examined the speeches and written contributions of people like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the West Coast tech elite. They also saw the following articles: wired, a popular magazine among technology developers and programmers. His third source investigated by Nachtwey and Seidl was an article in East Coast magazine harvard business reviewwhich American executives tend to read more than Silicon Valley types.

Nachtwey explains his choice of textual sources: But we wanted to know whether that ideology spread beyond the exclusive circles of Silicon Valley’s elite. ”

In this study, multiple people first classified independently selected text excerpts, focusing on the justifications listed in various paragraphs of economic activity, such as world improvement, flexibility, and efficiency. . The algorithm then calculated the proportion of different justifications. 1.7 million excerpts.

solutionism is widespread

For the technology elite of the US West Coast, solutionism has indeed proven to be the most important reference point of entrepreneurship. This idea is becoming increasingly popular in the world. wired, This more or less represents the broader idea of the technology environment in Silicon Valley.of harvard business reviewOn the other hand, it contained only fleeting traces of ideology. The fervor for good deeds clearly has not yet reached every corner of the American economy. But as digitalization advances, it will continue to spread to other sectors of economic activity and regions, Nachtwey said.

He summarized the study as follows: “We have demonstrated for the first time, based on extensive data, that a new way of thinking is emerging that provides the central legitimation for entrepreneurial activity within today’s digital capitalism. It is strongly influenced by principles.”

not a real doer

Nachtwey believes this new capitalist ethos is problematic because it underestimates democratic processes. For example, the great “activist” Mr. Musk has no value for worker protections or democratic regulation. As a result, Tesla factories in Germany have far more workplace accidents than comparable Audi factories.

Nachtwey also criticized Meta, formerly known as Facebook. Meta claims to unite the world, but it allows fake news to flourish. “Solutionism does not address real problems at all; it is just an empty ideological shell,” he concludes. Nachtwey understands that his study is a critique of the self-portrait of America’s big technology companies and that “we should take it with great skepticism.”

Reference: “Solutionist Ethics and the Spirit of Digital Capitalism” by Oliver Nachtwey and Timo Seidl, October 23, 2023 theory, culture, society.DOI: 10.1177/02632764231196829

Source: scitechdaily.com

Miracle Needed for White Christmas Wishes, extensive warmth predicted

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

If so, that dream may have to wait until 2024. Above-average temperatures are expected across much of the United States from December 21-27.

For the second year in a row, weather conditions across the country for the week ending December 25 are expected to be characterized by widespread shortages of cold air and precipitation, the two elements necessary for snow formation.

However, in some northern and mountainous regions, old snowpack from previous winter storms could help us have a white Christmas. This includes parts of the Rocky Mountains, Cascades, Sierra Mountains, and the northernmost parts of Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine.

Official definition of white Christmas According to the National Weather Service, this refers to the state in which at least 1 inch of snow has accumulated on the ground as of 7 a.m. local time on December 25. Snow can be old or new.

Outside of 2023, the chances of a white Christmas are generally fading away for much of the country, in part due to climate change.

When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updates its information Probability of white Christmas The study, based on typical weather conditions for thousands of locations across the United States from 1991 to 2020, found that more than half of weather stations had a higher chance of a white Christmas compared to the period before 1991. It was found that it was decreasing.

In the latest releaseNOAA scientists say that while direct comparisons of snowfall amounts on specific days over decades are more tied to daily weather patterns, the probability of a white Christmas is more likely to be due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns across the country. It reflected trends, which are consistent with the effects of climate change, he said. climate change.

NOAA officials said in a statement that “there were more areas where the likelihood of a white Christmas decreased than where the likelihood of a white Christmas increased,” and these results reflect long-term global warming. It added that this is consistent with the data on

Compared to past decades, the cities where the probability of a white Christmas has decreased most dramatically are Denver (down from 40% to 34%), Minneapolis (down from 80% to 74%), and Chicago (down from 41%). 34%). %), Columbus, Ohio (29% to 23%).

17% of St. Louisans are now more likely to experience a white Christmas than 13% of New Yorkers. And Minneapolis has a better chance at 74% than Buffalo’s 53%. The odds for buffalo are about 50/50, but this is due to fluctuations associated with lake-effect snow events during the early winter months of each year.

There were also some surprising associations between major cities, including Seattle and Washington DC (both 4% chance) and Chicago and Denver (both 34% chance).

With 2023 set to be another harrowing year for those wishing for a white Christmas, it might be time to rethink the lyrics of Christmas classics.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Producing Powdered Milk for Orphaned Animals in a Milk Bank

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Shaman, a hairy armadillo cub, cries after being fed custom baby milk

Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo/Conservation Biology Institute

Killer whale milk has a blindingly fishy smell. Seal milk has a rich orange color. Reindeer milk is about as thick as eggnog, which is probably appropriate. I’m not tempted to try it, and I can see other exotic milks stacked floor-to-ceiling on shelves. I put on my fluffy winter jacket and went inside the freezer that houses the world’s largest collection of animal milk. It contains milk from everything from shrews to two-toed sloths and giant anteaters.

Housed at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., this collection is more than just a shelf of curiosities, it’s a vital resource for zoo workers here and at zoos around the world tasked with nourishing orphaned infants. By studying all this white and not-so-white stuff, scientists at the Smithsonian Institution hope to create custom infant formulas that give the animals in their care the best possible start in life. I can.

However, as our understanding of milk grew, we realized that milk lacked an important element: microorganisms. Now, as they investigate the diversity of microorganisms found in different milks and the benefits these organisms provide, they aim to recreate this in milk produced in the lab. This is not only to better help the young animals in the zoo, but also to help some animals survive. The rarest species in the wild.

Killer whale milk tastes fishy

Espen Bergersen/npl/Alamy

“The goal is not necessarily to freeze and archive milk…

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Nasal Bones of Arctic Seals Are Unusual and Aid in Heat Retention

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Bearded seals have complex nasal bones that help retain internal heat.

Ole Jorgen Rioden/naturepl.com

Arctic seals have evolved clever adaptations to help them stay warm in frigid climates. The nose has a complex maze of bones.

Many birds and mammals, including humans, have a pair of thin, porous nasal bones called turbinates or nasal turbinates, which are covered with a layer of tissue.

“They have a scroll shape or a tree-like branching shape,” he says. Matthew Mason at Cambridge University.

When we breathe in, air first flows through the maxillary turbinates, allowing the surrounding tissues to warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs. When we exhale, the air follows the same route, trapping heat and moisture so it doesn’t get lost.

The more complex the shape, the larger the surface area and the more efficient it is at doing its job.

Animals that live in cold, dry environments, such as arctic reindeer, have been found to have more complex gnathonasal turbinates than animals that live in warmer climates.

Now, Mason and his colleagues have discovered that arctic seals have the most complex gnathonasal turbinates ever reported.

Researchers took a CT scan of a bearded seal (Elignathus barbatus), commonly found in the Arctic, and the Mediterranean monk seal (monax monax). Both species had complex turbinates, but the researchers found that the bearded seal’s nasal bones were much denser and more complex than anything seen before.

Mason and his colleagues used computer models to measure how much energy is lost as heat in physical processes at -30°C and 10°C (-22°F and 50°F). We compared how well the seals retain heat and moisture.).

With each breath at -30°C, Mediterranean monk seals lost 1.45 times more heat and 3.5 times more water than bearded seals. Similarly, at 10°C, monk seals lost about 1.5 times more water and heat than arctic seals.

“More complex structures evolved to make life in the Arctic possible,” he says. Sign Kelstrup At the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Potential presence of cyanide in the ocean of Saturn’s moon Enceladus could aid in sustaining life

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft diving through the plume of Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

NASA/JPL-California Institute of Technology

The plumes of water vapor spewing from Enceladus’ surface appear to contain hydrogen cyanide, which, perhaps counterintuitively, suggests that there may be life in the oceans beneath the surface of this icy moon of Saturn. It shows that it is possible.

The Cassini spacecraft flew through Enceladus’ plume several times in the early 2000s, capturing samples as it hurtled past. Preliminary analyzes of these samples have revealed several elements and compounds that may be important for life, but many are not, as the molecules tend to fracture after impacting Cassini’s sampling chamber at high speeds. It has been difficult to identify specific compounds.

Jonah Peter Researchers at Harvard University performed a reanalysis of the Cassini data using new statistical methods and were able to extract more compounds present in the plume. They found evidence of several previously undetected compounds, including hydrogen cyanide, acetylene, ethane, and even trace amounts of the alcohol methanol.

All of these compounds could be part of chemical reactions important to life, but hydrogen cyanide is particularly promising.

“We still don’t have a complete picture of the molecules that are there and are necessary for the origin of life. We don’t even know how the origin of life occurred on Earth,” Peter said. say. “But we know a lot about some of the building blocks that are necessary for the beginning of life, and hydrogen cyanide is one of those very versatile building blocks.”

We know that it can be a building block for amino acids, RNA, and other large biomolecules, so its presence in the plume points to the possibility of life in Enceladus’ subsurface ocean. That’s a good sign.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

DeepMind AI integrates fact checker to make groundbreaking mathematical findings

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

DeepMind’s FunSearch AI can tackle mathematical problems

Arengo/Getty Images

Google DeepMind claims to have made the first ever scientific discovery in an AI chatbot by building a fact checker that filters out useless output and leaves behind only reliable solutions to mathematical or computing problems. Masu.

DeepMind’s previous achievements, such as using AI to predict the weather or the shape of proteins, rely on models created specifically for the task at hand and trained on accurate, specific data. I did. Large-scale language models (LLMs), such as GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini, are instead trained on vast amounts of disparate data, yielding a wide range of capabilities. However, this approach is also susceptible to “hallucinations,” which refers to researchers producing erroneous output.

Gemini, released earlier this month, has already shown hallucination tendencies and even gained simple facts such as: This year’s Oscar winners were wrong. Google’s previous AI-powered search engine even had errors in its self-launched advertising materials.

One common fix for this phenomenon is to add a layer on top of the AI that validates the accuracy of the output before passing it on to the user. However, given the wide range of topics that chatbots may be asked about, creating a comprehensive safety net is a very difficult task.

Al-Hussein Fawzi Google’s DeepMind and his colleagues created a general-purpose LLM called FunSearch based on Google’s PaLM2 model with a fact-checking layer they call an “evaluator.” Although this model is constrained by providing computer code that solves problems in mathematics and computer science, DeepMind says this work is important because these new ideas and solutions are inherently quickly verifiable. is a much more manageable task.

The underlying AI may still hallucinate and provide inaccurate or misleading results, but the evaluator filters out erroneous outputs, leaving only reliable and potentially useful concepts. .

“We believe that probably 90% of what LLM outputs is useless,” Fawzi says. “If you have a potential solution, it’s very easy to tell whether this is actually the correct solution and evaluate that solution, but it’s very difficult to actually come up with a solution. So , mathematics and computer science are a particularly good fit.”

DeepMind claims the model can generate new scientific knowledge and ideas, something no LLM has ever done before.

First, FunSearch is given a problem and a very basic solution in the source code as input, and then generates a database of new solutions that are checked for accuracy by evaluators. The best reliable solutions are returned as input to the LLM with prompts to improve the idea. According to DeepMind, the system generates millions of potential solutions and eventually converges on an efficient result, sometimes even exceeding the best known solution.

For mathematical problems, a model creates a computer program that can find a solution, rather than trying to solve the problem directly.

Fawzi and his colleagues challenged FunSearch to find a solution to the cap set problem. This involves determining the pattern of points where three points do not form a straight line. As the number of points increases, the computational complexity of the problem increases rapidly. The AI discovered a solution consisting of 512 points in eight dimensions, larger than previously known.

When tackling the problem of bin packing, where the goal is to efficiently place objects of different sizes into containers, FunSearch discovered a solution that outperformed commonly used algorithms. The result is a result that can be immediately applied to transportation and logistics companies. DeepMind says FunSearch could lead to improvements in more math and computing problems.

mark lee The next breakthrough in AI will not be in scaling up LLM to ever-larger sizes, but in adding a layer to ensure accuracy, as DeepMind has done with FunSearch, say researchers at the University of Birmingham, UK. It is said that it will come from.

“The strength of language models is their ability to imagine things, but the problem is their illusions,” Lee says. “And this study breaks that down, curbs that, and confirms the facts. It’s a nice idea.”

Lee says AI should not be criticized for producing large amounts of inaccurate or useless output. This is similar to how human mathematicians and scientists work: brainstorm ideas, test them, and follow up on the best while discarding the worst.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Thermal secrets uncovered in neutron star mergers through gravitational waves

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

by US Department of Energy
December 14, 2023

Scientists used supercomputer simulations to study gravitational waves produced by neutron star mergers and found a correlation between residual temperature and gravitational wave frequency. These findings are important for future gravitational wave detectors that distinguish models of hot nuclear material. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

Binary simulation neutron star This merger suggests that future detectors will distinguish between different models of hot nuclear material.

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to investigate the effects of neutron star mergers gravitational waves, found a significant relationship with debris temperature. This research will aid future advances in the detection and understanding of hot nuclear materials.

Exploring neutron star mergers and gravitational waves

When two neutron stars orbit each other, they emit ripples into spacetime called gravitational waves. These ripples drain energy from the orbit until the two stars eventually collide and combine into one object. Scientists used supercomputer simulations to investigate how the behavior of different models of nuclear material affects the gravitational waves released after these mergers. They found a strong correlation between the temperature of the debris and the frequency of these gravitational waves. Next generation detectors will be able to distinguish these models from each other.

Plot comparing density (right) and temperature (left) for two different simulations (top and bottom) of a neutron star merger, viewed from above, approximately 5 ms after the merger.Credit: Jacob Fields, Pennsylvania State University

Neutron Star: Institute for Nuclear Materials

Scientists use neutron stars as laboratories for nuclear materials under conditions that would be impossible to explore on Earth. They will use current gravitational wave detectors to observe neutron star mergers and learn how cold, ultra-dense matter behaves. However, these detectors cannot measure the signal after the stars have merged. This signal contains information about hot nuclear material. Future detectors will be even more sensitive to these signals. Because different models can also be distinguished from each other, the findings suggest that future detectors could help scientists create better models of hot nuclear material.

Detailed analysis of neutron star mergers

The study investigated neutron star mergers using THC_M1, a computer code that simulates neutron star mergers and accounts for the bending of spacetime due to the star’s strong gravitational field and neutrino processes in dense matter. . The researchers tested the effect of heat on mergers by varying the specific heat capacity of the equation of state, which measures the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of neutron star material by one degree Celsius. To ensure the robustness of their results, the researchers ran their simulations at two resolutions. They repeated the high-resolution run using a more approximate neutrino processing.

References:

“Thermal effects in binary neutron star mergers” by Jacob Fields, Aviral Prakash, Matteo Breschi, David Radice, Sebastiano Bernuzzi, and Andre da Silva Schneider, July 31, 2023. of Astrophysics Journal Letter.
DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ace5b2

“Identification of nuclear effects in neutrino-carbon interactions in low 3 momentum transfer” until February 17, 2016 physical review letter.
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.071802

Funding: This research was primarily funded by the Department of Energy, Office of Science, Nuclear Physics Program. Additional funding was provided by the National Science Foundation and the European Union.

This research used computational resources available through the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, and the Pennsylvania State University Computing and Data Science Institute.

Source: scitechdaily.com

Revolutionary New Technology Accelerates Diaper Recycling by 200 Times

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

The superabsorber becomes a liquid under ultraviolet light after absorbing enough water. It can then be reused. Credit: Ken Pekarsky, KIT

Water and UV light effectively and quickly break down the cross-linked polymers in diaper liners without the use of any chemicals. This process allows recycled plastic molecules to be reused for a variety of uses.

Superabsorbent materials such as sodium polyacrylate are important components of a variety of hygiene and medical products, including diapers, bandages, and dressings. These cross-linked polymers are typically insoluble in water, although they are known for their high absorbency. Recycling them traditionally required the use of strong acids.

It will not melt at high temperatures, it will only deteriorate. However, the acid “breaks” the chains and stabilizes the polymer after about 16 hours at 80 degrees. Celsius Therefore, recycling is now possible. Because this process is complex and expensive, superabsorbents are rarely recycled. Approximately 2 million tons of this waste is thrown away or incinerated each year.

Turns into liquid in 5 minutes instead of 16 hours

Researchers from KIT’s Institute of Biochemical Systems, Institute of Biointerfaces, and Institute of Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry have discovered that crosslinked sodium polyacrylate polymers degrade under ultraviolet light after uptake of water. .

“The chains that connect the polymers are broken by light, and they are so loose that they swim underwater and turn into liquid fibers,” explains Pavel Levkin, a professor at the Institute of Biochemical Systems. For the study, researchers cut liners from traditional diapers, wetted them with water and exposed them to a 1000 W lamp. After 5 minutes, the solid material turned into a liquid and fell into the collector. “This method using ultraviolet light is about 200 times faster than using acids,” Revkin says.

Recycled polymers can be used in a variety of ways

The team then used known processes to convert the liquid into new adhesives and dyes. “The observation that this substance is soluble and processable was very important. It could probably be turned into many other products,” explains the scientist.

In the test, the researchers used clean diapers. However, it is also possible to separate superabsorbents from used diapers. “Therefore, there is no reason why a near-realistic use should not be possible,” Revkin says. By using solar power, you can optimize recycling methods that are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. “We have discovered a promising strategy to recycle superabsorbents, which significantly reduces environmental pollution and contributes to a more sustainable use of polymers.”

Reference: “From diapers to thickeners and pressure-sensitive adhesives: recycling superabsorbents by UV degradation” by Shuai Li, Johannes M. Scheiger, Zhenwu Wang, Birgit Huber, Maxi Hoffmann, Manfred Wilhelm, Pavel A. Levkin , September 7, 2023 ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06999

Source: scitechdaily.com

This diagram shows a VR setup with an “overhead threat” projected into the top field of view.Credit: Dom Pinke/Northwestern University
For the first time, the goggles allow researchers to study responses to overhead threats. northwestern university
Researchers have developed a new virtual reality (VR) goggle for mice. These tiny goggles aren’t just cute, they offer a more immersive experience for lab mice. By more faithfully simulating natural environments, researchers can more accurately and precisely study the neural circuits underlying behavior. A leap forward in VR goggles The new goggles represent a breakthrough compared to current state-of-the-art systems that simply surround a mouse with a computer or projection screen. Current systems allow the mouse to see the laboratory environment peeking out from behind the screen, but the flat nature of the screen prevents it from conveying three-dimensional (3D) depth. Another drawback was that the researchers couldn’t easily attach a screen above the mice’s heads to simulate overhead threats, such as looming birds of prey. New VR goggles avoid all of these problems. And as VR grows in popularity, the goggles could also help researchers gain new insights into how the human brain adapts and responds to repeated VR exposure. . This area is currently poorly understood. The study was published in the journal Dec. 8. neuron. This is the first time researchers have used a VR system to simulate overhead threats. A view through new miniature VR goggles.Credit: Dom Pinke/Northwestern University “For the past 15 years, we’ve been using VR systems on mice,” said Daniel Dombeck of Northwestern University, lead author of the study. “Traditionally, labs have used large computers and projection screens to surround the animals. For humans, this is like watching TV in the living room. You can still see the couch and walls. You There are cues around it that let you know you’re not in the scene. Next, consider wearing VR goggles, like the Oculus Rift, that occupy your entire field of vision, except the projected scene. They can’t see anything, and each eye projects a different scene to create depth information, which the rats lacked.” Dombeck is a professor of neurobiology in Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. His laboratory is a leader in the development of his VR-based systems and high-resolution laser-based imaging systems for animal research. The value of VR Although researchers can observe animals in nature, it is extremely difficult to image patterns of brain activity in real time while animals interact with the real world. To overcome this challenge, the researchers integrated his VR into a laboratory setting. In these experimental settings, animals use a treadmill to move through a scene, such as a virtual maze, projected onto a screen around them. By keeping the mouse in place on a treadmill, rather than running it through a natural environment or a physical maze, neurobiologists can use tools to The brain can be observed and mapped. Ultimately, this will help researchers understand the general principles of how neural circuits activated during different behaviors encode information. “VR essentially recreates a real-life environment,” Dombeck says. “While we’ve had a lot of success with this VR system, the animals may not be as immersed as they would be in a real environment. Force the mouse to pay attention to the screen and ignore the surrounding lab.” That alone requires a lot of training.” Introduction to iMRSIV Recent advances in hardware miniaturization led Dombeck and his team to wonder if they could develop VR goggles that more closely replicate real-world environments. We created compact goggles using custom-designed lenses and a small organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. The system, called Miniature Rodent Stereo Illumination VR (iMRSIV), consists of two lenses and two screens, one on each side of the head, that illuminate each eye individually for 3D vision. This provides each eye with a 180-degree field of view that fully immerses the mouse and excludes the surrounding environment. An artist’s interpretation of a cartoon of a mouse wearing VR goggles. Credit: @rita
Unlike VR goggles for humans, the iMRSIV (pronounced “immersive”) system does not wrap around the mouse’s head. Instead, the goggles are attached to experimental equipment and sit snugly right in front of the mouse’s face. Since the mouse runs in place on the treadmill, the goggles still cover the mouse’s field of view.
“We designed and built a custom holder for the goggles,” said John Issa, a postdoctoral fellow in Dombeck’s lab and co-first author of the study. “The entire optical display, the screen and lens, goes all the way around the mouse.” Enhance learning and engagement By mapping the brains of mice, Dombeck and his team found that the brains of mice wearing goggles activated in a manner very similar to that of freely moving animals. And in a side-by-side comparison, the researchers found that mice with goggles were able to immerse themselves in the scene much faster than mice with traditional VR systems. “We went through the same kind of training paradigm that we’ve done in the past, but the mice with the goggles learned faster,” Dombeck said. “After the first session they were already able to complete the task. They knew where to run and were looking for the right place to get the reward. We think they may not actually need as much training because they can interact with their environment in such a way.” Simulating overhead threats for the first time Next, the researchers used goggles to simulate overhead threats. This was not possible with the current system. Since the hardware for the imaging technology is already on top of the mouse, there is no place to attach a computer screen. But the skies above rats are often where animals are searching for important, sometimes life-or-death information. “The upper part of the visual field in mice is very sensitive to detecting predators from above, like in birds,” said co-first author Dom Pinke, a research specialist in Dombeck’s lab. . “It’s not a learned behavior. It’s an imprinted behavior. It’s hardwired into the mouse’s brain.” To create the looming threat, the researchers projected a dark, expanding disk onto the top of the goggles and above the mouse’s field of view. In experiments, mice ran faster and froze up when they noticed the disc. Both behaviors are common responses to overhead threats. Researchers were able to record neural activity to study these responses in detail. “In the future, we would like to investigate situations in which rats are predators rather than prey,” Issa said. “For example, we can observe brain activity while chasing a fly. This activity involves a lot of depth perception and distance estimation. Those are things we can start to capture. is.” Accessibility in neurobiological research Dombeck hopes the goggles will not only open the door to further research, but also to new researchers. He believes the goggles could make neurobiology research more accessible because they are relatively inexpensive and require less intensive laboratory preparation. “Traditional VR systems are very complex,” Dombeck says. “It’s expensive and it’s big. You need a large lab with plenty of space. Additionally, the long time it takes to train a mouse to perform a task limits the number of experiments you can perform. Although we are still working on improvements, our goggles are small, relatively inexpensive, and also very easy to use. This could make VR technology available to other labs. There is a gender.” References: “Full-field virtual reality goggles for mice” by Domonkos Pinke, John B. Issa, Gabriel A. Dara, Gergely Dobos, Daniel A. Dombeck, December 8, 2023. neuron.DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.019 This research “Full-field virtual reality goggles for mice” National Institutes of Health (Award Number R01-MH101297), the National Science Foundation (Award Number ECCS-1835389), the Hartwell Foundation, and the Brain and Behavioral Research Foundation. (function(d, s, id){
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