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Why Most Portable Air Conditioners Fall Short and How to Choose the Best One

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Single-hose air conditioners draw in hot air

Single-hose air conditioners draw in hot air from outside.

Ton Hazewinkel/Getty Images

Are you thinking about buying a portable air conditioner as extreme heatwaves become increasingly frequent? It’s crucial to understand that many portable air conditioners have significant design flaws, and there are no labeling regulations to inform consumers.

When I purchased a portable air conditioner, I was unaware of this issue. The most surprising thing is that there exists a simple solution, and I believe it’s necessary for regulations to change, ensuring that portable air conditioners can’t be sold without it.

First, let’s discuss the misconception, particularly prevalent in the UK, that buying an air conditioner is a mistake. If you don’t require one, that’s perfectly fine. However, many of us live in homes that become excessively hot during heat waves, regardless of our efforts, such as keeping blinds and windows closed. Excessive heat can negatively impact health and even lead to fatalities, as it complicates tasks like studying or working. If it’s acceptable to use energy to heat a home, why is it frowned upon to use energy to maintain a cool environment?

As global temperatures rise, an increasing number of individuals are depending on air conditioners for comfort. It’s vital to minimize energy consumption from these units to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to further warming and escalate the demand for cooling solutions.

To comprehend the inherent design flaws, it’s essential to grasp how air conditioners operate. The most efficient systems utilize split configurations. An external unit compresses the refrigerant into liquid form and heats it, which is subsequently cooled by a heat exchanger blowing outside air.

The refrigerant travels through a thin pipe to the indoor unit, where it transforms back into a gas and cools. Indoor air passes through another heat exchanger that cools it by transferring its heat to the refrigerant.

This system allows indoor air to remain inside while extracting heat from it. Split systems typically operate more quietly, with the compressor placed externally. However, these systems are usually costly built-in models, may lack space for outdoor units in upstairs rooms, and few portable split systems are available.

Some portable air conditioners draw outside air into the interior. A wide intake hose pulls in external air while expelling heated air through a separate outlet hose.

These dual-hose air conditioners are less efficient compared to split systems; the exhaust hose can inadvertently transfer heat back into the room. Wrapping this hose in insulation can mitigate some heat transfer. However, similar to split systems, they keep indoor air contained.

In contrast, single-hose portable air conditioners do not utilize intake hoses. Instead, they utilize indoor air to cool the refrigerant, which is then expelled through a single hose, resulting in the continuous influx of hot air from outside.

When a window is open, hot air enters directly. When closed, heat enters through other parts of the house, raising your indoor temperature. Consequently, the air conditioner continuously cools the incoming hot air, leading to higher energy consumption. It’s akin to adding dirt to your laundry detergent.

Additionally, single-hose units become less effective as outdoor temperatures rise, failing to cool spaces as efficiently as dual-hose units providing similar power.

These design flaws remain unaddressed in European labeling. Air conditioner specifications indicate cooling capacity in British thermal units (BTUs), which merely reflects heat transfer capacity, disregarding the continuous influx of hot air necessitating additional heat transfer.

The same applies to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). These figures often compare units without accounting for the unique efficiency shortfalls of single-hose models, which are generally easier to install.

“Consumers struggle with two ducts and may lack the space for proper venting,” explains Chris Michael from Meaco. Thus, it’s not surprising that homeowners gravitate towards single-hose units, which are more accessible than dual-hose alternatives in the UK.

Conversely, the US has improved labeling standards. Two measures now account for the hot air entering the room and the heat expelled via the exhaust hose. The Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity (SACC), often declines by over a third compared to unadjusted capacity figures.

Moreover, the overall energy efficiency ratio (CEER) provides additional insights into the efficiency of dual-hose air conditioners.

Nonetheless, these metrics still do not fully inform buyers. Both SACC and CEER measure efficiency under specific conditions, often assuming an outdoor temperature of 28°C (82.4°F) for most operation time, escalating to 35°C (95°F) for brief intervals. This is misleading, as cooling demand spikes at 40°C (104°F).

Interestingly, many single-hose air conditioners are essentially dual-hose systems with a single hose. Adding an additional hose and attachment resolves this defect. At least one manufacturer, GE, offers conversion kits for certain single-hose models, boasting increased cooling capacities. Their advertising claims this could triple cooling efficiency.

Numerous individuals have undertaken DIY conversions—from simple tape and cardboard solutions to 3D printed components. Feedback indicates it’s a game-changer; I experienced this firsthand during the UK’s May heatwave, concluding it significantly enhanced my comfort.

Therefore, in my opinion, the labeling of portable air conditioners in the UK and EU must evolve to accurately represent their performance during peak heatwave conditions. It’s both strange and misleading for a single-hose air conditioner to receive an “A” rating for efficiency.

Ideally, the sale of single-hose models should be prohibited entirely. Portable air conditioners should only be sold as dual-hose units, with the option for single-hose operation when dual-hose setups are impractical. In essence, single-hose air conditioners should not be sold without an accompanying conversion kit. Michael from Meaco indicates they are contemplating introducing such a model by 2027.

I attempted to ascertain who regulates portable air conditioners in the UK, but received no information. The Department of Energy Security and the Department of Net Zero did not respond to inquiries, nor did the Energy Saving Trust. However, I hope someone in a position of influence reads this. Achieving climate victory through improved air conditioning standards is possible.

Topics:

  • climate change/
  • abnormal weather

Source: www.newscientist.com

Achure’s Expert Toolmakers Choose Stones with Unmatched Precision

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Recent geochemical analysis of 780,000-year-old stone tools discovered in Israel provides insights into the sophisticated tool-making practices of Ashurian (or Acheulean) humans. These early humans strategically sought specific basalt sources, highlighting their advanced planning and in-depth understanding of their environment.

Basalt slabs from the Ashurian site of Gesher Benot Ya’akov, utilized for bifacial production, show evidence of off-site knapping. Image credit: Chuang Zhao.

Dr. Zahi Golan from the Israel Geological Survey emphasized, “Acquiring suitable raw materials was essential for prehistoric peoples, significantly impacting their tool-making processes.”

“The selection of raw materials offers a window into the behavioral aspects of prehistoric cultures, revealing their environmental knowledge, which has facilitated tool production for over three million years.”

Research indicates two significant trends during the Early and Early Middle Pleistocene: increasing variability in raw materials at more recent sites and the exploitation of nearby resources. These trends are evidenced by studies of Oldowan and Acheulean tools, suggesting that early hominins’ material preferences evolved over time.

In recent studies, archaeologists analyzed basalt artifacts from the Ashurian site of Gesher Benot Yaakov and a nearby basalt source to trace the origins of tools and understand how early humans navigated their changing landscape.

“Dating back approximately 780,000 years, this evidence highlights the repeated habitation by Atyur hominins along the banks of Paleo-Fura Lake,” the researchers noted.

“Excavations have revealed a wealth of archaeological finds, including stone tools crafted from flint, limestone, and basalt, alongside indications of fire use, plant exploitation, animal processing, and fish consumption.”

“Basalt played a crucial role as a raw material, particularly for producing large cutting tools such as axes and kitchen knives.”

“Prior studies suggest that tool manufacture involved a complex reduction process. Humans selected sizable basalt slabs, formed them into substantial cores, removed large flakes, and fashioned these into bifacial tools.”

“This intricate process demanded careful planning, technical skills, and a thorough understanding of basalt properties.”

Researchers conducted a chemical analysis of basalt artifacts from various archaeological layers, comparing them against samples from the surrounding geological basalt flows.

Additionally, they analyzed basalt from the Eshel Yaakov borehole at the Gesher Benot Yaakov site.

The findings reveal that many investigated basalt artifacts match sources located within approximately 1 km of the site, with some originating from basalt strata now buried beneath the surface.

By integrating geochemical fingerprinting with borehole data, scientists reconstructed parts of the ancient landscape that have since vanished.

This methodology enabled the identification of basalt flows once accessible to humans 780,000 years ago but now obscured by erosion or tectonic shifts.

“This is particularly significant as Gesher Benot Yaakov is situated in an area of active tectonic activity along the Dead Sea fault line,” researchers remarked.

“Erosion, sediment burial, and subsidence have continually transformed the local landscape.”

“Basalt flows that were once within reach of early humans may have become buried or eroded over time.”

The geochemical analysis also uncovered variations between tool types. While large cores are predominantly linked to local basalt sources, specific cleavers seemed to originate from sources not included in the analyzed samples.

“This indicates that early humans did not merely select available basalts but actively chose specific sources based on their technical requirements, including the size, shape, internal structure of the slabs, and their suitability for knife production,” the authors stated.

Differences in tool types were evident, with some knives sourced from distinct basalt deposits when compared to the dominant materials used for hand axes and large cores.

This finding is important, as previous research indicates that producing kitchen knives necessitates a high level of planning and technical skill.

This suggests that humans were selectively searching for basalts with specific characteristics optimal for certain tools.

The same selective material sourcing strategies appear across multiple archaeological layers, indicating a persistent technological tradition spanning thousands of years.

“These findings imply that Ature hominins at Gesher Benot Yaakov possessed extensive environmental knowledge that was preserved and transmitted through generations,” the researchers concluded.

Find their study published on May 14 in Scientific Reports.

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T. Golan et al. Geochemical basalt investigation sheds light on sourcing strategies at the Ashurian site of Gesher Benot Ya’akov, Dead Sea Transform, Israel. Scientific Reports published online on May 14, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-51905-0

Source: www.sci.news

The Best Olive Oil for Brain Health: Which Type Should You Choose?

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Olive oil - a brain-boosting diet

Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Best Choice for Brain Health?

Alexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock

Olive oil is renowned for its health benefits, including lowering “bad cholesterol,” combating inflammation, and protecting against chronic diseases such as cancer. New evidence also suggests olive oil positively impacts brain health.

I explored how olive oil could enhance cognitive function. Is extra virgin olive oil really essential? How much do we actually need?

Surprisingly, olive oil may not be the only oil with brain health benefits.

All nutrition research has its challenges, often relying on food diaries that participants may inaccurately report. Therefore, definitive studies can be rare.

However, observable patterns can still emerge from observational studies complemented by biological experiments, helping us understand the health impacts of various foods.

Olive oil’s popularity skyrockets largely due to its pivotal role in the Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest dietary patterns. This diet encourages the consumption of fresh vegetables, fish, and olive oil, along with occasional red wine, correlating with reduced rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

While the Mediterranean diet is high in fat, most of it comes from olive oil. As nutritionist Richard Hoffman points out, “The Mediterranean diet’s effectiveness is amplified when extra virgin olive oil is included,” highlighting its significant role.

A pivotal study involving over 7,000 Spanish participants aged 55 to 80 examined the effects of olive oil on heart health. One group received 1 liter of extra virgin olive oil weekly and was encouraged to consume 4 to 5 tablespoons daily. In contrast, other groups replaced olive oil with nuts or reduced their overall fat intake.

Over five years, those who consumed olive oil showed lower rates of heart disease and stroke, achieving a 10% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk for every 10 grams consumed daily.

While olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits are clear, what does it mean for the brain?

The upcoming large-scale study set for 2024 analyzed data from over 92,000 adults regarding olive oil consumption tracked across nearly 30 years. Results indicated a lower risk of dementia-related mortality among regular olive oil consumers.

While healthier lifestyles typically correlate with higher olive oil intake, controlling for variables such as BMI, activity level, and overall diet still showed a strong association with reduced dementia risk.

Moreover, replacing other fats with olive oil provided additional benefits; researchers found an 8 to 14 percent reduction in dementia risk when substituting a teaspoon of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil, according to Marta Guasch-Ferré from Harvard University.

Olive Oil: A Vital Component of the Mediterranean Diet

Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto (via Getty Images)

Olive oil exhibits protective effects on the brain, primarily due to its rich content of polyphenols, the highest among edible oils. These compounds protect plants and humans from various stressors, reduce inflammation, and prevent harmful fat oxidation leading to plaque formation.

Polyphenols also nourish gut microbes, supporting a healthy immune system and mitigating inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to major health issues, including heart disease and dementia, suggesting that Alzheimer’s could stem from inflammation in distant organ systems.

“Growing mechanistic evidence indicates that olive oil may alleviate the underlying pathology of Alzheimer’s and similar neurodegenerative diseases,” says Guash-Ferré.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil

All olive oils are not equal. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed variety, preserving polyphenols. Virgin olive oil is slightly more refined, while standard olive oil undergoes further processing, stripping it of many beneficial properties.

Is there a significant difference in health benefits among these types? “Consumption of any type of olive oil correlates with a lower mortality risk,” Guash-Ferré states. The blend of healthy fats and bioactive compounds makes olive oil a top choice among plant-based oils.

However, recent research from January revealed intriguing insights comparing various olive oils’ effects on the microbiome and cognitive function in older adults. The study involving 656 overweight participants with metabolic syndrome demonstrated that those consuming more virgin olive oil exhibited cognitive improvements, while standard olive oil users faced accelerated cognitive decline.

The beneficial impacts are associated with shifts in microbial diversity; those drinking virgin olive oil saw increased diversity, whereas standard olive oil led to reduced diversity, with a specific bacterial group, adlerkreuzia, mediating about 20% of virgin olive oil’s cognitive effects.

Although this preliminary study is small and short-term, it hints at a captivating relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and brain health.

What does this mean for us? While standard olive oil provides health benefits, especially for heart health, extra virgin olive oil offers an added dimension through its polyphenols that may safeguard brain function.

The good news for your wallet is that the health benefits aren’t exclusive to olive oil. Other plant-based oils like canola and corn also contain healthy fats and moderate polyphenol levels. Guash-Ferré’s team found no additional brain health benefits when replacing olive oil with these oils; instead, they emphasized that while olive oil is beneficial, other vegetable oils are also acceptable alternatives.

“Incorporating other vegetable oils can be a healthy substitute for animal fats and are generally more affordable,” she cautions, yet further studies are necessary to bolster these findings.

The simplest advice? Opt for the highest quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford. If that’s not feasible, replacing animal fats with other vegetable oils still promotes brain health. It’s also wise to consider packaging; light can diminish polyphenol levels, so choose dark bottles when possible to preserve health benefits.

I confidently invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, not just for its exquisite flavor but also for its potential cognitive advantages.

Topics:

  • neuroscience /
  • Eating and drinking

Source: www.newscientist.com

Why UK Readers Choose to Carry or Not Carry Wallets: Insights on Consumer Behavior

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A recent survey reveals that 50% of British adults still carry physical wallets, while many opt for mobile phones and smartwatches to transport their payment cards.

Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay have become the go-to payment methods for Generation Z and Millennials. In contrast, many individuals over 44 continue to depend on traditional debit and credit cards.

Four readers have shared their insights about wallets.

‘Not needed’




Alosh K Jose suggests that the shift to online and contactless payments post-Covid means there’s no necessity for a wallet anymore.
Photo: Alosh K Jose/Guardian Community

“It used to overwhelm me,” shares Alosh K. Jose from Newcastle upon Tyne. “Bringing it everywhere has become increasingly unnecessary.”

Josue states that the shift to online and contactless payments post-Covid means he doesn’t need a wallet. “All my bank cards are on my phone,” says the 31-year-old, who operates a business that provides local cricket sessions.

Despite being caught on a Spanish train during a widespread blackout that hit parts of Europe last April, Jose felt financially okay without too much cash.

“My fiancé and I traveled from Barcelona to Madrid, waiting five hours on the train before disembarking. [£8.70] Luckily, a few people shared cash with us, allowing us to catch the bus,” he recounts.

“If something similar were to happen in Newcastle, I’d be fine. There’s no language barrier even without physical cash.”

“I don’t want to risk my sensitive information being misused.”




Still favoring a physical wallet, Roger feels exposed when pulling his phone out.
Photo: Roger/Guardian Community

In Buckinghamshire, Roger, a retired IT professional, maintains both a wallet and a coin pouch. “Putting all my cards on my smartphone feels like risking everything at once,” he mentions.

At 69 years old, he prefers having physical cards on hand and feels vulnerable when taking out his phone. “Using it to pay at a store feels risky, and I worry about dropping it too often.”

“Having worked in security, I’m aware of the risks associated with personal information. I don’t want that window of potential misuse to be left open by using a digital wallet.”

Among his wallet’s contents, Roger holds cash, payment cards, reward cards, and even a snippet of a Times article from the 1980s.




Snippets from an article in the Times from the 1980s.
Photo: Roger/Guardian Community

“I prefer using physical cards – it’s about control.”




Georgina, part of Gen Z, finds it surprising how few people have wallets.
Photo: Georgina/Guardian Community

At 26, Georgina is astonished that many don’t have a wallet. “I always carry mine because I prefer to possess physical items instead of just digital equivalents,” she explains.

Her wallet includes a debit card, driver’s license, train cards, supermarket loyalty cards, and even £20 in emergency cash, along with an “overused business card from a taxi service.”




Georgina stands against the trend by not adopting digital wallets.
Photo: Guardian Community

As a member of Gen Z, Georgina, living in Leeds and developing online technology training courses, resists the trend of digital wallets.

“Call me old-fashioned, but I despise that idea,” she remarks. “Most of my friends use their phones to pay, and while I acknowledge it’s convenient—

“I cherish tangible things like cards and even nostalgic items like paper concert tickets. I prefer not to be overly reliant on my phone; it’s about having control. I used to worry about carrying my card, but now I find myself asking if I have cash.”

‘My wallet is essentially a generous phone case.’




Before receiving her first smartphone during the pandemic, Sarah Hayward carried a wallet “twice the size” of her current phone case.
Photo: Sarahayward/Guardian Community

Sarah Hayward, a 61-year-old artist from Worcester, mentions that her wallet has become “a generous phone case.”

Before getting her first smartphone during the pandemic, Hayward carried a wallet that was “double the size” of her current phone case. As an artist, she has often carried a digital camera. Now, her phone case has become a combination of all of her essentials.




While Sarah Hayward keeps a physical card, it remains hidden in her phone case.
Photo: Sarahayward/Guardian Community

“I carry bank cards, taxi cards from the airport, supermarket loyalty cards, season tickets from a local majestic home garden, annual travel insurance details, GHIC cards, my polaroid snapshots, and memories of my children with their partners from a recent Moroccan wedding, along with self-employment receipts and emergency cash.

“My phone also contains a video of my mother from four years ago before she passed away. It’s like a living wallet that has her presence in it.”

Hayward avoids digital payments as she finds physical cards much more “secure.” However, she acknowledges a downside to her preferred method: “There’s no space for lipstick and tissues.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why Many Digital Natives Choose Not to Give Their Kids Smartphones: A Parent’s Perspective

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In 2019, when Sophie* was 12 years old, her classmates shared “extreme and traumatic” videos featuring al-Qaeda beheadings, pornography, and bestiality. She recalls online games where adult players tried to persuade her to meet in person. Her father worked there, but reflecting back, she says, “There were no signs for my generation of parents.”

Now 18 and attending the University of Edinburgh, she didn’t permit her children to have smartphones until adulthood. “As a teenager, I would have been the strongest advocate for phone ownership, but my perspective changed completely,” she stated.

“You shouldn’t engage online until you’re an adult and understand the various ways people act respectfully to push their interests. It’s a fleeting message.”

Social media exacerbated bullying at Sophie’s school. Officials used an anonymous confession app to share hurtful comments. She also ponders what other time she might have wasted.

Sophie is one of many so-called digital natives who question the nearly unrestricted access to technology they grew up with. Recent polls indicate that nearly half of young people feel the internet is almost non-existent, with similar numbers favoring digital curfews; over three-quarters reported feeling worse about themselves after using social media.




Izzy Bouric, 24, with her flip phone, which helped her regain time and mental space. Photo: Magalidellport/Guardian

Meanwhile, the Netflix hit series has ignited discussions about the dangers children face on social media and the prevalence of online misogyny across different platforms.

Izzy Bourick, a 24-year-old artist from Brighton living in Paris, believes that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Roblox have muddled the lines between children’s and adults’ spaces in recent years.

“I engaged with the online children’s game Club Penguin, where the environment was controlled to be child-friendly, banning inappropriate language.”

Nonetheless, Izzy stated, “I was definitely exposed to things I wasn’t ready for,” adding, “everyone from my generation has been in chat rooms with people much older than us.”

She permits kids to have smartphones from the age of 17. “It’s not fit for children, nor for those not equipped to handle it,” she explains, “it’s unsafe to navigate without guidance.”

She feels social media has become overwhelming, “cannibalized by advertising and businesses,” spreading misinformation on sensitive issues like mental health and neurological conditions. “Suddenly, my phone was inundating me with messages that I was doing everything wrong, only to turn around and pitch products to me.”

This shift left her anxious and frustrated, prompting her to choose a flip phone, which feels liberating and has helped her reclaim her time and mental clarity.




“I found myself in a moment of despair,” shares Tobias, 20, from Austria.

Tobias, 20 from Austria, got his first smartphone around 11 or 12, and noticed a change in his peers. “People would sit together but wouldn’t talk—everyone just scrolled on their phones.”

His school implemented a policy to turn off phones, but teachers quickly abandoned it. “There was always a buzz and the constant sound of notifications,” he recalled.

As a teenager, he found himself binge-watching videos on YouTube and Instagram. “After scrolling through short videos for hours and reflecting, ‘Wow, that was fast—I’m neglecting what I want to do,’ I recognized I was in a state of despair.”

Tobias became particularly concerned when his interest in first-person shooter games led to algorithm recommendations showcasing real firearms and violent content. He now believes, “It’s best for children and teens to limit their smartphone usage.”

Lethe, a 20-year-old paramedic student near Birmingham, England, allowed children to use smartphones only after age 16 and restricted their media access.

She received her first smartphone at 18 but quickly realized that it contributed to bullying among friends, reduced attention spans, and replaced meaningful conversations with endless scrolling on social media.

Two years after getting her first phone, she remarked, “It definitely changed me. I’m not good at being bored, and my attention span has decreased. I’m struggling to be present. Social media algorithms expose me to things I don’t wish to see.”

Nora, a project manager in Spain, restricts social media access until age 13 and limits usage while fostering open dialogue about risks with children. “When they encounter something distressing, I strive to create a trusting environment so they feel comfortable discussing it with me.”

She recalls a situation where, at 13, she and her peers began receiving messages from strangers on Google Messages, leading to inappropriate requests and a subsequent case of pedophilia.

She also remembers a classmate who bullied peers on messaging apps. “I faced some harsh messages myself,” she shared.

Nora later discovered that social media had worsened her struggles with eating disorders as she compared herself to other girls and engaged with harmful weight loss transformation videos. “Chasing likes on Instagram wasn’t healthy for me.”

Now, she worries about her 16-year-old brother. “His TikTok is filled with misogynistic concepts and toxic masculinity. His friends make harmful comments about women’s bodies. That wasn’t the environment for me and my friends.”

*Name changed

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why cats annoyingly always choose to disrupt your laptop usage

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Do you own a precious and adorable cat? If so, your feline friend may be obstructing your view of this page and causing havoc once again, particularly if you are browsing on a laptop.

But why do cats have this tendency? What drives them to interfere with our computers?

Unfortunately, there have not been any extensive scientific studies to explore this question yet. However, cat behavior experts have a relevant theory that could shed light on why cats love to sit on keyboards.

Why does my cat sit on my laptop?

It’s unlikely that your cat wants to mimic your typing or join in with your computer activities. Recent research suggests that cats are capable of imitating human actions, such as touching objects with specific body parts. However, typing is a behavior that cats struggle to replicate, as explained by Dr. David Sands, an Animal Psychology Expert with over 25 years of experience.

While laptops do emit heat which may attract cats, the main draw for felines is the smell of their owners on the keyboard. Cats have a strong sense of smell and enjoy leaving their scent on objects to show ownership. This behavior is more about claiming territory and marking their humans rather than seeking warmth or copying human actions.

“My Laptop, My Person” © Getty

In summary, it’s not harmful for your cat to sit on your laptop physically, but if the behavior becomes excessive or is accompanied by other signs of anxiety or attention-seeking, it may be worth monitoring.

About our Expert, Dr. David Sands

Dr. David Sands holds a PhD in Ethology (Animal Psychology) and boasts more than 25 years of experience in animal behavior clinics. He is affiliated with the Canine and Cat Behavioural Association (CFBA) and the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and has authored several books, including 500 Questions About Cats Answered.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The CHOOSE system unveils insights into autism

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IMBA – Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Austrian Academy of Sciences

December 25, 2023

A breakthrough in autism research has been achieved with the CHOOSE system developed by researchers at IMBA and ETH Zurich. This technology enables detailed study of genetic mutations in human brain organoids, providing deep insight into the mechanisms underlying autism and paving the way for applications in broader disease research.

The CHOOSE system is an innovative approach that combines brain organoids and genetics to transform autism research by enabling detailed analysis of mutations and their impact on brain development.

Does the human brain have an Achilles heel that ultimately leads to autism? With an innovative new system that combines brain organoid technology and complex genetics, researchers are now able to identify multiple It is now possible to comprehensively test the effects of mutations in parallel at the single-cell level.

The technology was developed by researchers from the Knoblich Group at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Treutlein Group at ETH Zurich and aims to identify the vulnerable cell types that underlie autism spectrum disorders. Enables identification of gene regulatory networks. This innovative method provides unparalleled insight into one of the most complex disorders that challenges the human brain and brings much-needed hope to clinical research in autism.

Human brain development and ASD riskcompared to other animals seed, the human brain has a mind of its own. The human brain relies on uniquely human processes to develop and is able to build a complex, layered and interconnected cortex. These unique processes also predispose humans to neurodevelopmental disorders.

As an example, many genes confer a high risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential for cortical development. Clinical studies have shown a causal link between multiple genetic mutations and autism, but researchers still do not understand how these mutations lead to impaired brain development. . Additionally, the uniqueness of human brain development limits the use of animal models.

Only human brain models can reproduce the complexity and specificity of the human brain,” says IMBA Scientific Director Jürgen Knoblich, one of the study’s corresponding authors.

Left half: Confocal image of CHOOSE (CRISPR-humanorganoids-scRNA-seq) human brain organoid mosaic system. Cells with mutations are shown in red. Right half: Mosaic depiction of different colors representing a single cell. Each cell carries a mutation in one high-confidence autism gene.

Credit: ©Knoblich Lab / IMBA-IMP Graphics

Innovative CHOOSE system for genetic screeningTo unravel this black box, researchers from IMBA and the research group of Jürgen Knoblich and Barbara Treutlein at ETH Zurich have identified a complete set of key transcriptional regulatory genes associated with autism. We have developed a screening technology. This development is particularly impactful because it allows for the simultaneous testing of genes of interest within a single mosaic organoid, marking the beginning of an era of complex, efficient, and rapid genetic screening in human tissues.


Source: scitechdaily.com