Tag Archives: Enhancing

Enhancing Cancer Treatment Efficacy with Fecal Transplants: A Promising Approach

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Harnessing Gut Bacteria: A Novel Approach in Cancer Treatment

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For individuals unresponsive to conventional cancer therapies, fecal transplants from patients who have successfully undergone treatment could significantly enhance recovery odds. Modifying the gut microbiome impacts the immune response and has shown potential in stabilizing tumors during initial studies involving kidney cancer patients.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a safe procedure where a stool sample from one individual is transferred into another’s intestine to improve microbiome diversity. Initially approved to tackle recurring antibiotic-resistant Clostridioides difficile infections, FMT is on the rise in both the UK and US, and it has shown promise in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

While immunotherapy drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, enhance immune system functions to combat cancer cells, they may not be universally effective. Previous studies suggest that FMT from responding individuals could provide benefits for non-responders. “The microbiome significantly influences host immunity; thus, modifying it may enhance immune responses and facilitate cancer cell destruction,” states Gianluca Ianilo from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy.

Prior research predominantly examined melanoma, a specific skin cancer, without comparing FMT effects to a placebo. To mitigate these gaps, Ianilo and colleagues enlisted 45 adults with kidney cancer who had commenced dual therapy with the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab and axitinib—a medication obstructing tumor blood supply—within the last two months.

Participants were randomly split into two groups: one receiving FMT from a male donor whose cancer remitted post-checkpoint inhibitors, and the other receiving saline, both administered through a small tube rectally.

Following the initial transplant, most participants were given two additional doses (FMT or saline) three and six months later, but this time in oral pill form.

In the FMT cohort, participants maintained stable cancer status for an average of two years following the first transplant, contrasting with just nine months in the placebo group. Moreover, over half of those in the FMT group experienced tumor reduction, compared to approximately one-third in the placebo group.

“This provides robust evidence indicating that gut microbiome manipulation can significantly affect immunotherapy outcomes,” claims Hassan Zaroor from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

While the exact mechanism of FMT’s efficacy remains unclear, stool sample analyses taken before and after FMT indicate that FMT may introduce beneficial gut bacteria like Blautia wechslerae, which produce short-chain fatty acids that promote anti-cancer immune responses.

Additionally, FMT appeared to adjust the bacterial composition in recipients’ guts. For instance, it diminished levels of harmful strains like Escherichia coli, which trigger inflammation, while boosting beneficial bacteria like Ruminococcus bromii, known for enhancing growth of other beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids.

This finding aligns with another recent study indicating that FMT can significantly enhance the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer compared to immunotherapy alone.

These trials suggest that FMT may also prove effective against additional tumor types responsive to checkpoint inhibitors, including those affecting the bladder and head and neck, although larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings, according to Elkrief.

Future research must determine which specific bacterial strains confer benefits, potentially enabling the development of synthetic microbial preparations for widespread cancer treatments, Ianilo emphasizes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Enhancing Astronaut Durability: The Challenges of Tardigrade Adaptation

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Tardigrade Resilience

Tardigrades Exhibit Extreme Resilience

How can space explorers be shielded from cosmic radiation without using massive lead enclosures? Some researchers propose leveraging the unique properties of a protein found in tardigrades that can protect DNA, but the solution is more complex.

Corey Nislow and his team at the University of British Columbia have identified a protein named Dsup (short for Damage Suppressor) that not only protects against radiation but also against various mutagenic substances. However, this protection comes with trade-offs, such as diminished cell viability.

“All the benefits we observe come at a cost,” Nislow states.

Tardigrades, often called water bears, are known for their incredible survival abilities, thriving under extreme conditions such as high radiation, harsh temperatures, desiccation, and even the vacuum of space. In 2016, Dsup was discovered as a critical component of this resilience. When human cells were genetically modified to express Dsup, they displayed enhanced radiation resistance without any adverse effects.

This led to the hypothesis that Dsup could serve as a protective agent against harmful radiation and mutagens. One potential method involves administering the mRNA that encodes Dsup, encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), similar to the technology utilized in mRNA coronavirus vaccines.

“A couple of years ago, I was fully convinced that delivering Dsup mRNA through LNPs to space crews would be highly effective; it wouldn’t alter their genomes but would serve as an efficient countermeasure against DNA damage,” Nislow mentions.

However, ongoing research involving genetically engineered yeast cells producing Dsup has revealed that high concentrations can be toxic, while lower levels can inhibit growth.

Dsup seems to safeguard DNA by physically enveloping it, which, in turn, complicates access for proteins necessary for RNA synthesis and DNA replication before cellular division. It also poses challenges for DNA repair proteins attempting to mend the DNA, particularly in cells with limited repair capabilities, where significant repairs may not occur.

Nislow speculates that Dsup could be beneficial for protecting astronauts, animals, and plants, but emphasizes the importance of controlling its expression levels to optimize its protective effects.

“I completely concur,” says James Byrne, from the University of Iowa, who is studying whether Dsup can shield healthy cells during cancer radiation therapy.

Byrne notes the potential risks associated with continuous Dsup production in all human cells but suggests that temporary expression during periods of need could be advantageous.

“It is undeniable that exceeding a certain threshold can render Dsup toxic,” he acknowledges. Simon Glass from the University of Montpellier also observes that low levels of Dsup can extend the lifespan of nematodes by providing oxidative stress protection, indicating that our understanding of Dsup’s mechanisms remains incomplete.

Jessica Tyler from Weill Cornell Medicine has also engineered yeast to produce Dsup, noting that lower levels than those examined by Nislow appeared beneficial without compromising growth.

“Thus, I disagree with the assertion that Dsup’s protective benefits come at a significant cost,” Tyler affirms, while agreeing on the necessity for regulated Dsup expression.

Although current technologies do not allow for the introduction of the ideal cells to produce Dsup at desired levels, Nislow expresses optimism about future advancements. “There is significant investment and interest in developing effective delivery systems,” he remarks. “This is a challenge that many in the pharmaceutical industry are eager to tackle.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Enhancing Lithium-Ion Battery Longevity Through Chemical Modifications

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Lithium-ion battery technology

Lithium-ion Batteries: A Path to Extended Lifespan

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Recent studies suggest that the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries can be extended using standard, cost-effective chemicals.

Lithium-ion batteries feature a porous separator sandwiched between a negative electrode and a positive electrode, immersed in an electrolyte that facilitates the movement of lithium ions during charging and discharging.

At the negative electrode, the electrolyte decomposes to create a thin protective coating that enhances battery stability and longevity.

Wang Chunsheng explains that forming a similar protective layer on the cathode has traditionally been challenging due to differing electrical conditions, which create a reactive environment that causes conventional electrolytes to break down before a stable coating can form, according to researchers from the University of Maryland.

Wang and his team utilized a straightforward reaction from organic chemistry to tackle this issue. This reaction enhances the electrolyte’s electron acceptance, inducing a controlled decomposition process that forms a stable protective coating on the cathode.

“By meticulously controlling the molecular decomposition of the electrolyte, we can precisely dictate the protective layer that forms on the cathode,” states Zhang Xiyue, a postdoctoral researcher in Wang’s group.

This flexibility in chemical reactions allows the resulting cathode-electrolyte layer to be tailored for enhanced protection, which could either provide strong shielding or design for faster electrochemical reactions, optimizing batteries for maximum power or extended life.

“If we can guarantee the formation of the cathode-electrolyte layer, it represents a significant advancement toward achieving longer battery cycles,” asserts Michel Armand from the CIC energiGUNE research center in Spain. Given that Wang and his colleagues modified the battery design using established chemical techniques, this new battery should be both safe and easy to manufacture, according to Armand.

While it remains uncertain exactly how much this innovative approach can extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, further clarity is anticipated as the technology develops.

“This is a relatively simple modification to existing battery technology,” Wang notes. “After thorough safety and long-cycle testing, this approach could indeed reach consumers.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Enhancing Chess Fairness: The Impact of Rearranging Game Pieces

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Innovative Chess Rules: Enhancing Complexity

Image Credit: Richard Levine/Alamy

Chess can be significantly enhanced by rearranging the starting pieces, creating a more challenging or equitable game, as discovered by physicists.

In traditional chess, the pieces initiate the game symmetrically, with rooks, knights, and bishops positioned on the board’s edges, while kings and queens are centrally located. This fixed setup enables elite players to memorize optimal opening moves, potentially leading to predictable and uninspiring matches.

In the 1990s, the renowned chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer proposed an innovative variation to mitigate this reliance on memory. This variation, which effectively randomizes the starting positions of the seven pieces behind the board, allows for a fair arrangement between the white and black pieces, under the rule that bishops, rooks, and kings maintain relative positions. Known as Chess960 due to its 960 possible starting positions, this format has recently gained immense popularity, drawing players like former world champion Magnus Carlsen to competitive events.

Although Chess960 appears equitable due to its randomness, Marc Barthelemy from The University of Paris-Saclay has revealed that this perceived fairness is deceptive after analyzing all possible configurations.

Typically, the white pieces, who commence the game, hold a slight edge in standard chess. Barthelemy’s analysis indicates that while certain Chess960 setups may greatly favor white, others could advantage black. “Not all positions are equal,” he explains.

To arrive at these findings, Barthelemy utilized Stockfish, an open-source chess engine, to evaluate each starting position’s complexity based on how challenging it was for both players to determine their next moves. By comparing the ease with which the best move could be identified, he assessed the complexity of each configuration. If finding the best move was straightforward, the player encountered minimal decision-making challenges. However, if both players faced comparable difficulties, the decision-making process became increasingly complex.

His research identified the starting position BNRQKBNR as the most complex, while QNBRKBNR offered a balanced challenge for both players. Such insights could assist tournament organizers in ensuring fairer matchups, Barthelemy notes.

Conversely, Vito Servedio from Austria’s Complexity Science Hub argues that randomness inherently provides fairness, and favoring specific Chess960 arrangements over others may lead players to prepare excessively. “It’s more equitable as players start on an equal footing,” Servedio asserts. “Grandmasters have deep knowledge of standard chess openings, but cannot prepare for every potential Chess960 setup.”

Barthelemy also discovered that the standard chess setup is relatively unremarkable regarding fairness and complexity in comparison to many of the other existing positions. “Surprisingly, the standard chess arrangement is not particularly striking,” Barthelemy observes. “It lacks balance and asymmetry, sitting rather centrally in the spectrum of positions. The reasoning for this historical choice remains unclear.”

“In a vast array of positions, it stands in the middle,” Servedio remarks. “Is it purely coincidental? I cannot say.”

Barthelemy notes that measuring complexity is not the sole method for evaluating chess game difficulty. Giordano De Marso from the University of Konstanz comments that the true challenge of a position often lies in having a singular move to identify, rather than choosing the best among several options.

De Marso expresses uncertainty regarding whether Barthelemy’s higher complexity scores correlate with players perceiving games as more difficult but suspects they do. “If increased positional complexity leads to longer deliberation times, it strengthens the case for this measurement,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

LCD Lenses: Enhancing Your Divine Glasses Experience

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The inaugural prototype of LCD BeforeCal

Lin et al./APS 2025

Glasses featuring LCD lenses offer a convenient way to switch between correcting for near and distant vision.

Bifocal glasses have a history stretching back to the 18th century, with designs that haven’t changed significantly over time. Typically, the lower section of the lens is shaped for nearby viewing, while the upper section is designed for distance, requiring wearers to shift their gaze frequently. A team led by Yi-Hsin Lin at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Chuo Tung University in Taiwan has developed a pair of glasses that can toggle between two modes at the press of a button.

Rather than traditional glass lenses, these new lenses utilize a thin layer of liquid crystals controlled by an electric field, which alters the arrangement of the molecules to bend light in different ways depending on their function.

The concept of adjustable glasses using this principle, which produces the necessary electric field through thin electrodes embedded in the frame, is nearly 50 years old. However, advancements have been slow due to various technical obstacles. Lin and her colleagues have addressed some of these challenges, creating a wearable prototype.

The current iteration of these glasses offers a limited power range, boasting a functional viewing area of about 10 millimeters (3 to 4 times larger than traditional bifocals) and a switch time of approximately 5 seconds upon pressing the button on the frame. Nonetheless, Lin’s team has successfully identified the physical principles enabling these glasses to function effectively, and they are optimistic about future improvements in areas such as reducing switching times through electronic optimization. “Almost everyone will need prescription eyewear at some point, so the market potential is enormous,” claims team member Victor Reshetnyak from Taras Shevchenko National University in Kiev, Ukraine.

Viola Kanevsky, an optometrist in New York, notes that those most likely to benefit from these adaptive glasses are in technical fields where small objects may occupy significant visual focus or in professions requiring a broad perspective—such as architects evaluating long, straight lines or stockbrokers monitoring multiple large screens both near and far without needing to constantly adjust their heads.

However, these new prototypes are still far from being ready for clinical application due to the limited operational areas of the lenses, according to Mark Rosenfield from SUNY Optometry University in New York. The inclusion of electronic components also raises both the cost and complexity of manufacturing LCD glasses. Similarly, Joshua Silver from Oxford University highlighted that in 2004, he and his colleagues developed alternative self-adjustable eyeglass designs utilizing liquids.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Power of Laughter Therapy for Enhancing Emotional Well-Being

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Laughter yoga session in Kolkata, India

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Laughter therapy is no laughing matter. Structured activities designed to elicit joy, such as laughter yoga and hospital clowns, appear to significantly lower anxiety levels and enhance life satisfaction.

Laughing, a behavior observed in various animal species, is believed to boost social bonds and may assist infants in developing their self-identity. Research indicates that interventions involving clowns lead to shorter hospital stays for children.

Yelsynyn-Mauricio Porras-Jiménez from Jaen University in Spain aims to enhance people’s holistic well-being. “It’s not solely about physical health; mental and emotional aspects are crucial,” he notes. “I discovered laughter therapy while exploring ways to implement holistic care effectively.”

Porras-Jiménez and his team performed a meta-analysis of 33 studies from the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The participants included nursing students as well as individuals receiving terminal care, undergoing surgeries, in vitro fertilization, or those grappling with depression or burnout.

Each study divided participants into two groups. One group engaged in various laughter therapy activities, such as laughter yoga, clown visits, watching entertaining films, or joining guided laughter sessions. The second group served as a control, maintaining standard care or receiving no interventions.

Results demonstrated a consistent link between laughter therapy and decreased anxiety, alongside heightened life satisfaction. In one measurement of anxiety on a scale of 0-100, the control group’s average score was around 60, while the laughter therapy group scored 8-10 points lower. Regarding life satisfaction, the control group’s score averaged 50, with the laughter therapy group scoring 10-12 points higher.

However, participants were aware they were partaking in laughter therapy, which raises questions about potential placebo effects, according to Sophie Scott from University College London.

Nonetheless, laughter triggers physiological changes correlated with reduced anxiety, she adds. Research shows lowered cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and increased endorphins, neurotransmitters that foster feelings of happiness.

“It’s challenging to determine if the benefits arise from laughter itself or from the social environment that encourages comfortable laughter,” Scott remarks. “It seems to be a combination of both.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rise of the Drone Era: Enhancing Production and Uplifting Morale in Agri-Tech | Agriculture

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“The inspiration originated from Instagram videos,” remarks Tom Amery. It provides a stunning view of one of three large drones acquired to aid in cultivating watercress on a farm in Hampshire.

This drone is equipped with four rotary blades and can transport up to 50kg of fertilizer, seeds, or feed for spraying, thanks to extensive research conducted by Amelie, who frequently utilizes various social media platforms focused on agricultural technology.

Amery and The Watercress Company, led by managing directors, are among the food producers striving to integrate advanced technology into one of the oldest professions to accelerate processes and increase output amid extreme weather challenges. This critical issue has drawn government attention, resulting in the inclusion of Agri-Tech in its industrial strategy earlier this month.

The firm allocated £80,000 for an Agras T50 drone, produced by the Chinese manufacturer DJI and specifically designed for agricultural use.

Applying potash or phosphates using a drone is “two to three times quicker than manual application,” notes Amery. This facilitates more precise application, thereby minimizing the quantity of fertilizer needed. The produce is packaged in a 25m bag of salad sold annually through the UK’s largest supermarket.

Despite ongoing discussions about the potential for machines to replace human labor in agriculture, Amelie believes that such investments elevate morale. “It’s about retaining staff by alleviating job hardships,” he states. “We offer higher wages. With increased salaries, retention rates improve.”

Though drones are already in use on farms in North and South America, their presence remains relatively novel in the UK. Currently, The Watercress Company’s drones await necessary permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority, the aviation regulatory body.

Amelie hopes that soon, hoppers will be fitted with the essential equipment to cover the growers’ 20 hectares across 12 farms in Hampshire and Dorset. Flight paths for each field can be pre-set, and 20-year-old George Matthews has been trained and licensed to operate the drone.

The Watercress Company continues to follow traditional growing methods that date back to the Victorian era. Although innovative, it remains focused on providing for those in urban areas, where watercress first gained popularity due to its nutritional value.

Currently, crops are cultivated in watercress beds fed by natural streams in use since the 1880s, while bespoke harvesters are deployed to cut the leaves between May and October.

crops. Photo: Joanna Partridge/The Guardian

Growers are also experimenting with multispectral cameras, which capture images across various wavelengths. These images generate a “heatmap” of the fields, which AI can analyze to identify crop issues.

The Watercress Company is driving the type of innovation that the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) aims to promote across more UK farms, striving for efficiency and sustainability.

Nevertheless, many farmers are feeling financial constraints, as the NFU observes that few possess the funds or confidence to invest in new, potentially untested technologies.

This progress is essential for enhancing productivity in agriculture, with the NFU warning that, without it, the UK risks lagging behind international competitors.

“We are eager to see future developments,” stated Tom Bradshaw, president of NFU. “Evidence from some European neighbors highlights that we’re behind in certain areas and less productive overall.”

Within the industrial strategy, Agri-Tech, alongside precision breeding, is designated a focus area in the growth sector plan, which the NFU believes will help make agriculture “more productive, sustainable, and resilient.”

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The government has earmarked £200 million for its agricultural innovation program until 2030, with the Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) promising “targeted funding to foster agricultural innovation.”

“The push for innovation and growth in agri-tech is advantageous for the nation,” remarks Agriculture Minister Daniel Zechner. “Not only can we create jobs and enhance economic resilience, but we can also fortify food security and increase farmers’ and growers’ benefits through innovation.”

However, this announcement comes just days after the government cut the UK’s agricultural budget by £100 million annually. This reduction translates to a 2.7% decrease in DEFRA’s daily budget, a move that has been cautiously received by the NFU and agricultural organizations.

Back in Hampshire, the Watercress Company remains skeptical about benefiting from the funds allocated to its agricultural innovation program.

“Much of this funding is driven by high innovation levels but often fails to reach the farm gates or enhance production and productivity,” remarks Amery.

“It involves a significant investment in technology that hasn’t yet proven to yield results.”

The crop is harvested by the Watercress Company in Dorset. Photo: Finnbarr Webster/Getty

To date, growers have been bearing nearly all costs associated with innovation. They successfully obtained £20,000 in funding from the government’s shared prosperity fund through local councils, which accounts for about a quarter of their drone investment.

Nonetheless, Amery noted that the business rarely accesses funding avenues like R&D tax credits, available only to companies subject to corporate tax. Partnerships like the Watercress Company and many other agricultural entities don’t pay corporate tax and thus aren’t eligible.

This challenge hasn’t deterred growers from pursuing the latest advancements to enhance their crops. “Innovation typically stems from a desire to tackle challenges,” states Amery. “We generally experience a major innovation every five to ten years. This one is transformative.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Enhancing Humanity: iPhone Designer Discusses New Collaboration with OpenAI

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The iPhone designer has pledged that his upcoming AI-infused device will be guided by the belief that “humanity is better,” acknowledging his sense of “responsibility” for certain adverse effects of contemporary technology.

Sir Jony Ive mentioned that his new collaboration with OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, aims to refresh its technological optimism amidst growing unease regarding the repercussions of smartphones and social media.

In an interview with the Financial Times, the London-born designer refrained from disclosing specifics about the devices he is working on at OpenAI but voiced concerns over people’s interactions with certain high-tech products.

“Many people would agree that there is an uncomfortable relationship with technology today,” he stated. He further emphasized that the design of the device is motivated by the notion that “we deserve better; humanity deserves better.”

However, Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple, expressed his feelings of accountability for the adverse effects produced by modern tech products. “Some of the negative outcomes were unintended, but I still feel responsible, and that drives my determination to create something beneficial.”

He added, “Whenever you create something new or innovate, the outcomes will be unpredictable; some will be wonderful, while others may cause harm.”

Just last month, Ive finalized the sale of hardware startup IO to OpenAI in a $6.4 billion (£4.7 billion) transaction, illustrating his creative and design leadership within the merged entity.

In a video announcing the deal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman referred to the prototype devised by Ive as “the coolest technology the world has ever seen.”

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the device would be reportedly screenless, designed to be worn around the neck, and “compact and elegant like an iPod shuffle.” Mass production is projected to commence in 2027.

According to The Wall Street Journal, this device is fully attuned to the user’s environment and life, described as a third essential device for users after the MacBook Pro and iPhone.

Ive, who began his journey at Apple in 1992, expressed that the OpenAI partnership has rekindled his optimism regarding the potential of technology.

“When I first arrived here, it was a place where people genuinely aimed to serve humanity, inspire individuals, and aid creativity; that was my draw. I don’t sense that spirit here currently,” he remarked.

Ive was interviewed alongside Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

She remarked, “We observe research being conducted solely focusing on the surge of anxiety and mental health challenges among teenage girls and young people.”

Powell Jobs, who invests in Love from Business by Emerson Collective, linked to Ive’s venture, chose not to comment on whether the new OpenAI devices would rival Apple products.

“I still maintain close ties with Apple’s leadership,” she stated. “They are truly commendable individuals, and I hope for their success.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Illuminating the clouds: How enhancing brightness can combat climate change

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The concept of Marine Cloud Brightening revolves around the idea that by making clouds brighter or whiter, more sunlight is reflected back into space. This ultimately helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and offers a respite from the effects of increased carbon emissions.

Clouds in marine environments are believed to benefit the most from such brightening efforts. But how exactly does one go about brightening clouds, and does it work as effectively as theorized?

Scientists primarily suggest spraying aerosols, such as fine sea salt particles, to brighten clouds. These aerosols act as “condensation nuclei” within the clouds, promoting water vapor to form more liquid droplets and creating denser, brighter clouds. A similar effect can be seen with pollution particles.

Fun fact: Some clouds can contain 500,000 kg (or £ 1.1 million) of water. That’s about 100 elephants -Photo Credit: Getty

However, the challenge lies in ensuring the particles sprayed are of the right size to effectively brighten the clouds at the appropriate time. Additionally, achieving significant sunlight reflection requires scaling up the operation sufficiently. There is also the concern of unforeseen impacts on clouds and climate.

Current research efforts mainly involve small-scale experiments and computer simulations, though some real-world studies have raised questions. For instance, a bright cloud experiment in Arameda, California was halted in May following warnings from local authorities reported in the media.

Experts have suggested that useful insights can be gleaned from “natural” experiments as well. Observations near the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii showed that aerosols generated naturally during the eruption led to a 50% increase in cloud cover. 。

Ultimately, the decision on whether to pursue large-scale marine cloud brightening rests with policymakers, who require convincing evidence. As scientific understanding and the climate crisis evolve, attitudes may shift.

This article addresses the question (I asked from Besariany Shepherd, Derbyshire) “Is Marine Cloud Brightening useful for fighting climate change?”

To submit a question, please email questions@sciencefocus.com or send a message via our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (remember to include your name and location).

For fascinating science facts, visit our fun fact page.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

AI’s Impact on Business: Accelerating Drug Trials and Enhancing Movie Production

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Keir Starmer this week unveiled a 50-point plan to make Britain a world leader in artificial intelligence and boost the economy by up to £47bn a year over 10 years. This multi-billion pound investment aims to increase AI computing power under public control by 20 times by 2030 and is thought to be a game-changer for businesses and public organizations. Reactions to this announcement have been mixed, as it is by no means clear whether the much-touted potential of AI will translate into the level of economic benefits predicted. While many fear the technology will lead to widespread layoffs, proposals to make it easy for AI companies to data mine artwork for free will boost the value and growth of the creative industries. Some are concerned about destruction.

Despite these concerns, for many in the business world, the AI revolution has already arrived and is transforming industries. So how are you deploying technology to improve productivity, and where do you hope to see further benefits in the future?


Airlines are increasingly leveraging AI for the complex logistics of managing large aircraft and thousands of crew members in unpredictable skies. AI is used across Ryanair’s operations to optimize revenue, schedules, and ‘tail allocation’, selecting the best aircraft for each flight. BA also uses this feature at Heathrow to select gates depending on the number of connecting passengers on arriving flights.

EasyJet said it has embedded AI throughout its new Luton control room and that its predictive technology is now improving aircraft inventory levels and redesigning maintenance regimes to proactively avoid breakdowns. Meanwhile, the low-cost carrier’s Jetstream tools help with the brain-tugging task of quickly repositioning crews and aircraft with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency when problems occur. Gwyn Topham


One of the concerns raised about Starmer’s AI expansion plans is that the energy-intensive data centers required to run the program could exceed the UK’s electricity grid capacity. But some argue that the technology could actually accelerate the clean power revolution by solving the problem of how future energy systems will operate.

Power grids must increasingly adapt to real-time fluctuations in thousands of renewable energy sources and consider new technologies such as electric vehicle batteries that can not only draw power from the grid but also re-release it as needed.

Google was one of the early adopters of the digital energy approach. The company’s AI subsidiary, DeepMind, developed neural networks in 2019 to improve the accuracy of power generation predictions for renewable energy power plants. By more accurately forecasting generation and demand, they were able to balance consumption and even sell some of their power back to the grid. Google says this increases the financial value of wind power by 20%.

Meanwhile, in the UK, energy provider Octopus Energy is leveraging the advanced data and machine learning capabilities of the Kraken operating system to help customers access electricity at cheaper and greener times through time-of-use pricing. I’m doing it. Using electricity during off-peak hours often lowers electricity bills by 40%, reducing the need to invest in new fossil fuels and expensive grid expansion projects. Gillian Ambrose

Big pharma and small AI-focused biotech companies are using this technology to accelerate drug development and reduce costs and failure rates. Drug development typically takes at least 10 years, and 90% of drugs that undergo clinical trials on volunteers fail.

AI can help design smarter clinical trials by selecting patients most likely to respond to treatment. According to a recent analysis by Boston Consulting Group, 75 AI-generated drugs have entered clinical trials since 2015, and 67 of them were still in clinical trials last year.

The treatment for a deadly lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is attracting attention as the world’s first fully AI-generating drug, and is currently in late-stage trials. developed By Massachusetts-based Insilico Medicine, Inc. used AI to generate 30,000 novel small molecules and narrowed them down to the six most promising drugs and leading candidates. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca, the UK’s largest pharmaceutical company, said more than 85% of its small molecule drug pipeline is “AI-assisted”.

Ministers are considering opening up NHS databases to private companies so that anonymized patient data can be used to develop new drugs and diagnostic tools. But privacy activists oppose such a move because even anonymized data can be manipulated to identify patients. Julia Cole

(retail)
There has been a lot of talk over the past six months about the rise of AI in operations, as retailers look for ways to increase efficiency amid rising labor costs. For example, Sainsbury’s is using AI-enabled predictive tools to ensure the right amount of product is on the shelves in different stores as part of a £1 billion cost-cutting plan. Marks & Spencer uses AI to help create online product descriptions and advise shoppers on clothing choices based on body shape and style preferences as part of efforts to increase online sales.

Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said AI was already widely used in purchasing decisions, adding that the technology meant that customer interactions would be “truly powered by AI in almost every aspect of the business.” “This is a level that will be strengthened and promoted,” he added. He uses this to analyze data from shoppers’ loyalty cards to provide insights into “shopper interactions”, such as how to save money or take care of your health by buying (or not buying too much) certain products. It suggested it could provide “inspiration and ideas relevant to the family.” Sarah Butler


AI-enhanced efficiencies that automate the simplest tasks for call handlers have the potential to transform productivity and service levels in the public sector. Adolfo Hernandez insists CEO of outsourcing group Capita.

For example, by drawing on past interactions with customers, you no longer have to go beyond old conventions. Behind the scenes, the program can connect council services together, allowing planning applications departments and building services to work together. Or listen in the background to transcribe and summarize your calls to save time taking notes.

Capita has deployed its ‘Agent Suite’ product to two of its clients. early signs, it saysshows a 20% reduction in average call handling time, a 25% reduction in post-call management, and a 15-30% increase in calls resolved on the first interaction. Nils Pratley

Source: www.theguardian.com

A recent review suggests that using weighted blankets can be beneficial for enhancing sleep quality

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Weighted blankets can help improve sleep in adults with insomnia and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, but results are mixed in children, one researcher says. new review paper Published in American Occupational Therapy Journal.

dawson others. We suggest that occupational therapists should consider offering or recommending weighted blankets as a sleep intervention option for all age groups, taking into account individual preferences. Image credit: Martin de Arriba.

“Sleep is a basic human need, and not getting enough sleep can increase or worsen the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems, as well as It can cause health problems.” Dr Suzanne Dawson, researcher at Flinders University.

“In occupational therapy, weighted blankets are becoming common among many age groups as an assistive technology, but there are no current clinical guidelines for their use.”

In a review study, Dr. Dawson and fellow authors considered 18 existing studies that investigated the overnight use of weighted blankets.

They found significant evidence supporting the use of weighted blankets to improve sleep in adults.

“Weighted blankets appear to offer a specific, non-drug intervention to improve sleep quality,” says Dr. Dawson.

“Adults who used the blanket reported improved sleep, reduced use of sleeping pills, and even improved mood and pain management.”

Despite strong evidence for use in adults, research on the use of weighted blankets in children is mixed, and there are limits to their ability to improve sleep in children with conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.

“However, some parents report positive results with the use of weighted blankets, and some studies have shown that children’s daily functioning improves after using weighted blankets.”

“Parents often reported that when using blankets, their children seemed more relaxed, less anxious, and more focused in their daily lives. This has been shown to improve children’s overall health can have long-term effects,” Dr. Dawson said.

The authors note that for children and adults with cognitive impairments, the blankets used should be easy to remove on their own.

Although the findings indicate that overnight use of weighted blankets is recommended for adults and can be continued for children, the next step is to develop clear clinical guidelines for blanket use.

“This scoping study was conducted to inform change in practice and its findings were used to change state-wide protocols for the use of weighted blankets across South Australia’s public mental health services. I’m very happy about that,” Dr. Dawson said.

“Blankets come in many different types, including those with beads and chains, and those of varying weights, but there are still no standardized recommendations including type, weight, frequency of use, and duration. .”

“More rigorous research is needed to find out how best to use them, but the practical use of weighted blankets requires further research.”

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Suzanne Dawson others. 2024. Weighted Blankets as a Sleep Intervention: A Scope Review. American Occupational Therapy Journal 78 (5): 7805205​​160;doi: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050676

Source: www.sci.news

Review of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Enhancing Bone Conduction Headphones with Powerful Bass

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SSo-called bone conduction headphones are a runner’s best friend, allowing you to stay fully aware of the outside world while listening to motivational music. But the technology doesn’t produce decent bass, a problem that open-ear headphone maker Shokz believes it has solved with its latest OpenRun Pro 2.


A successor to the popular OpenRun Pro and OpenSwim series, the OpenRun Pro 2 costs £169 (€199 / $175 / AU$299) and is similar to most of its competitors, with bone conduction pods secured in front of the ears by two loops and a band that wraps around the back of the head.

What makes these headphones unique is that the pods have open-air speakers built into them, allowing music to be streamed towards the outer ear. Bone conduction The speakers vibrate your cheekbones to send sound directly to your inner ear, while open-air speakers handle the bass and the rest of the sound is sent to the listener via bone conduction.

Open-air speakers emit sound from grilles in the pods that are located directly in front of the wearer’s ears. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

They don’t deliver the skull-shaking bass of larger over-ear headphones, but the OpenRun Pro 2 sounds fuller and rounder than its predecessor, and won’t send thumping noises through your cheeks even at louder volumes. Instruments, drums, and vocals have more depth, making them especially great for podcasts and dance tracks. The Shokz smartphone app offers an equalizer to fine-tune the sound of the headphones, as well as other updates and adjustments.

But the open-air speakers block out a lot more background noise than traditional bone-conduction headphones, significantly reducing awareness of cars, cyclists, and other runners. They’re still far better than earbuds or other headphones, but the difference was noticeable when listening at moderate volumes while running.

Only at 50% volume will nearby people be able to hear the music a little better than regular bone conduction earphones – they’re less noticeable than cheaper earphones and aren’t loud enough to be an issue when running.

specification

  • water resistance: IP55 (water-resistant)

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC)

  • Battery life: 12 hr

  • size: 30.9 x 21.7 x 24.3mm

  • Weight: 30.3 g

  • driver: Air conduction and bone conduction

  • charging: USB-C

Bluetooth upgrade and comfortable fit

The USB-C charging port is hidden behind a rubber door to protect it from the elements. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Another big upgrade from previous Shokz is support for Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, meaning you can connect two devices at the same time. This is especially useful if you want to connect to a running watch and a phone at the same time. You can even take a call while listening to music and lap guidance from the watch without stopping.

The headphones fit very well, with a nice balance between the front and back of the ears, and the back band is just the right amount of flexible, putting enough pressure on the sides of your head without being too restrictive. A mini version is also available for those who want a tighter fit.

The volume buttons are on the headphone body behind the right ear, and the multifunction button that controls playback is on the outside of the pod in front of the left ear. The microphone for calls is on the right pod and works well enough, although callers said my voice sounded a bit distant and quiet.

The battery lasts for 12 hours on a single charge and fully charges in about an hour via the USB-C port. The headphones are splash-resistant, so they’re fine for a sweaty run, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe to immerse in water.

The headphones come with a lightweight shell case for safe storage when traveling. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Sustainability

Shokz claims that the batteries in the earbuds and case will retain at least 80% of their original capacity for 800 full charge cycles. Shokz does not offer trade-in, recycling or repair services, and the batteries cannot be replaced. The headphones do not contain any recycled materials, and the company has not released an environmental impact report.

price

The OpenRun Pro 2 costs £169 (€199 / $175 / AU$299).

By comparison, the Shokz OpenRun costs £130, the Suunto Wing costs £145, the Creative Outlier Free Pro+ costs £80 and the Bose Ultra Open earphones cost £250.

verdict

The OpenRun Pro 2 solves the bass-deficient issue of bone conduction headphones by adding open-air speakers that handle the bass.

They don’t deliver skull-shaking bass, but they deliver a rich sound that’s just as good as standard earphones, making them a marked improvement over previous earphones. The trade-off, however, is a slightly worse situational awareness at moderate volumes. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but if you like to listen to music loud while running, it might negate the point of buying bone conduction headphones.

The addition of Bluetooth multipoint, which lets you connect to two devices simultaneously, is a nice touch, as is the 12-hour battery life and the fact that charging is done via a standard USB-C cable rather than a proprietary port.

The Shokz are not cheap and are not suitable for general use as headphones, but the biggest problem is that they cannot be repaired and the battery is not replaceable, so they end up being disposable and lose a star.

Strong Points: Much rounder sound than bone conduction, open air recognition, splash proof, solid battery life, standard USB-C charging, Bluetooth multipoint, great for running.

Cons: They offer slightly less recognition than bone conduction alone, are expensive, don’t support high-quality Bluetooth audio formats, and are not repairable or have replaceable batteries.

Actual click buttons make it easy to adjust volume and control playback while working out. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Auramax: Enhancing Sexual Appeal or Draining Energy? | Psychological Perspectives

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name: Auramax.

Year: The word “aura” comes from Latin and Ancient Greek and originally meant a gentle breeze. Today it’s more commonly used to describe the subtle, pervasive quality that emanates from someone, which is exactly what we’re talking about here.

And Auramax? It’s new. It’s similar to looksmaxxing, but…

Hold on, what is looksmaxxing? For example, exercising or making cat noises will help you maximize your physical attractiveness…

Are you meowing like a cat? In practice, this means pushing the tongue up in the mouth to improve the jaw and facial structure.

What happens if I get tetanus? It’s a shame, but it’s worth it. Anyway, Auramax is the same kind of idea, but aimed at improving your energy and overall presence.

And where is this aura?Is amaxxing happening? Mainly TikTok, However, other platforms are available.

What should I do? You could also learn from 18-year-old Canadian content creator, Frankie Mekhi. Share your aura upgrade It has 250,000 followers.

It 250,001. Frankie’s number one rule is “Don’t try to emulate someone else’s aura. It has to come from within, it has to be authentic.”

[Takes notes: writes “within” and “authentic”] Second rule: No barking.

Don’t bark? Don’t talk too much!

[Zips mouth closed] Next, you need to find your purpose.

[Trying to talk with mouth closed] it is In capital letters? That’s correct. Also, people with auras have achieved great things in some way.

Hmm, that might be difficult. Maybe your aura score has dropped too quickly. Aura scores are interesting because they actually happen on TikTok, where users are giving and taking away aura points from other users.

How does scoring work? Well, doing something impressive like having other friends with auras might give you points, or it might cost you points…

Bark? Possibly, but Susanna Merrick says there is no such thing as a premium aura level.

Who is Susanna Merrick?? A New York-based aura stylist. “People don’t need to know who they are.” she told The Cut. “They need to discover who they are.”

I would like to know, is Auramax mainly for men? Mekhi said his audience is primarily young men, but The Cut reported that young women are also joining the conversation about Auramax, but in a different way.

What’s the difference? Instead of trying to exude presence, ask how many aura points you might lose because of how you acted during a difficult experience. Bullying or sorrow.

please tell me: “Or you can just be yourself and not worry about how much of a person you are or how other people perceive you.”

Do not say: “You either get it or you don’t. And if you try too hard to get it, you definitely won’t get it, brother.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Enhancing Quantum Communication Devices with Liquid Crystals

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Quantum light is generated when a laser is shone on certain crystals

Jaka Waxwing

The liquid crystals found in television screens have made it easy to produce quantum light.

Light, with its quantum properties, is important for many future technologies: such entangled particles in light could help build quantum communication networks that support an unhackable internet, as well as quantum imaging techniques for biomedical applications. Matyas Humar Despite these advanced applications, the method for generating quantum light has remained largely unchanged for 60 years, says a researcher at the Jozef Stefan Institute in Slovenia. He and his colleagues have devised a way to generate quantum light using liquid crystals.

Team Members Vitaly Sultanov Researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Germany say that traditionally, researchers shine a laser on special crystals to make them emit quantum light. In this technique, the structure of the crystal determines the properties of the light it emits, which in turn determines how it can be used. The only way to change these properties is to redo the experiment with new crystals, which is costly, time-consuming and impractical.

To get around this, the researchers used liquid crystals, a material made of rod-shaped molecules that can wobble like a liquid but adopt unusual arrangements like more conventional crystals. By exposing the liquid crystal to an electric field, they can tune its structure, and thus the properties of the quanta of light it emits when illuminated with a laser.

“In this respect, liquid crystals are the perfect material,” says Sultanov.

After several experiments, his team found that liquid crystals were much easier to tune than solid liquid crystals, and nearly as efficient at producing light filled with entangled particles.

“While the generated photons could conceivably have been produced using conventional crystals, the tunability of the entanglement could not,” he said. Miles Padgett “These advances are [quantum] “Imaging, Communication, Sensing”

Maria ChekhovaResearchers, also from the Max Planck Institute, say that using liquid crystals in quantum communication devices could make it easier to send information over multiple channels at once, because the liquid crystals can be tuned to produce quantum states of light that can encode large amounts of information in many of their properties.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists say orange peel could be a crucial factor in enhancing cardiovascular health

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A study by researchers from the University of Florida, Texas State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture suggests that an extract of the polar fraction of orange peel, which contains a compound called feruloylputrescine, may reduce cardiovascular disease.

Lee othersThe inhibitory effects of orange peel polar fraction (OPP) and orange peel non-polar fraction (OPNP) on the production of trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in response to L-carnitine treatment were compared. In vivo and In vitro.

Recent studies have shown that some gut bacteria may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

During digestion, gut bacteria produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when certain nutrients are ingested, and levels of TMAO can help predict future cardiovascular disease.

In a new study, Dr. Yu Wang from the University of Florida and colleagues investigated the potential of orange peel extract to reduce the production of TMAO and trimethylamine (TMA).

They tested two types of extracts: a polar fraction and a non-polar fraction.

To obtain the polar fraction, they extracted orange peels using polar and non-polar solvents.

“Think of a salad dressing. The things that are in the water and vinegar section are polar compounds. The things that are in the oil section, away from the water, are non-polar compounds,” says Dr. Wang.

“The solvents we used are not exactly the same as water and oil, but they have a similar polarity.”

The authors found that extracts of the non-polar fraction of orange peel effectively inhibited the production of harmful chemicals.

The researchers also identified a compound in the polar fraction extract of orange peel called feruloylputrescine, which also significantly inhibited the enzyme involved in TMA production.

“This is a novel discovery that highlights a previously unrecognized potential health benefit of feruloylputrescine in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Dr Wang said.

“The discovery regarding orange peel is significant because five million tonnes of orange peel are produced annually in orange juice production nationwide.”

“About 95 percent of Florida oranges are used for juice. About half of the peels are used to feed cows. The rest are discarded.”

“But the FDA considers natural orange peel extract to be safe for human consumption, so we're looking to get more out of the peel.”

“These findings suggest that orange peels, which are often discarded as waste in the citrus industry, could be repurposed into valuable health-promoting compounds, such as ingredients in dietary supplements and foods,” Dr Wang said.

“Our study paves the way for the development of functional foods enriched with these bioactive compounds, providing a new therapeutic strategy for heart health.”

of result Appears in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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Hana Lee others2024. Discovery of novel bioactive compounds from the polar fraction of orange peel and their inhibition of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide by a metabolomic approach. In vitro and In vivo Assay: Feruloylputrescine inhibits trimethylamine by suppressing the cntA/B enzymes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 72(14):7870-7881; doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09005

Source: www.sci.news

Can we Truly Develop Cognitive Enhancing Drugs with Dune Science?

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In the science fiction universe of Dune, the spice melange is commonly referred to as “spice” and is a valuable narcotic substance. It is produced from the excrement of young sandworms found only in the deserts of the planet Arrakis.

This spice has various health benefits, such as increasing lifespan. Due to its highly addictive nature, there is a high demand for it, making it a valuable commodity. The control of Spice leads to control over all other factions in the Dune universe.

This phenomenon may have historical parallels in the real world. In her 2008 book chapter on melange, science writer Dr. Carol Hart mentions how coca leaves in pre-Columbian America were similar to melange and were mostly used by the ancient Inca nobility and priestly class to maintain power through a monopoly on coca leaves.

The spice also possesses mind-altering properties, allowing the post-human species known as Guild Navigators to see across vast distances of space to navigate spaceships on long interstellar journeys. The Navigators reside in tanks where they constantly inhale orange spice gas that mutates their bodies significantly.

Even minimal exposure to the spice causes the user’s eyes to turn a deep navy blue, a characteristic seen among the Fremen of Arrakis due to constant spice exposure. This effect is akin to the persistent pupil dilation associated with recreational drug use globally.

When exposed to the spice, the user's eyes turn blue © Warner Brothers

The Bene Gesserit also use spices, which grant them the ability to see the future and enhance their mental abilities. This mirrors the rise of nootropics, or “smart pills,” used by individuals seeking a cognitive edge. While these drugs claim to improve memory, attention, creativity, and motivation, they are sometimes prescribed for conditions like ADHD and dementia.

However, there are concerns about using nootropics without a prescription. A 2020 study by Harvard Medical School revealed that these supplements may contain unapproved pharmaceutical drugs, posing serious health risks, as noted by study author Dr. Peter Cohen.

Read more about science Dune:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Enhancing Virtual Reality with Artificial Touch Technology for a More Immersive Experience

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When you open the door, it hits you and warmth spreads over your skin. Fighting the smoke and heat, I brace myself and head inside. As you walk through a burning building, flames flicker around you. You find what you want and run away. It's so cold outside that I start shivering and my hands and feet go numb.

But when I remove the headset, everything stops. An incredibly realistic training exercise is now complete. All of these sensations felt real, but they were not caused by changes in my surroundings. Instead, carefully selected chemicals were injected into the skin to mimic different emotions.

Such stimuli have long helped us understand the most complex of the human senses: touch. In the 1990s, research into capsaicin, an extract from chili peppers, and menthol, found in peppermint, helped determine how our bodies respond to heat and cold. now, Jasmine Lu and colleagues at the University of Chicago They use this knowledge to create chemically induced sensations that make virtual environments incredibly realistic.

With a technology called chemical haptics, they built a wearable device that, when placed on the skin, can cause the wearer to experience different sensations, such as hot or cold, numbness or tingling, depending on their needs. . Its uses could include creating highly realistic virtual worlds for gamers to explore, training firefighters, and more. But will we ever be able to fully recreate the experience of touching the real thing? And if we can't, what might we stand to lose?

Source: www.newscientist.com