Tag Archives: Gain

Researchers Examine Neanderthal DNA to Gain Insights into Human Facial Development and Evolution

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Research led by scientist Hannah Long at the University of Edinburgh has found that specific regions of Neanderthal DNA are more effective at activating genes responsible for jaw development than those in humans, potentially explaining why Neanderthals had larger lower jaws.

Neanderthal. Image credit: Natural History Museum Trustees.

“With the Neanderthal genome being 99.7% identical to that of modern humans, the variations between species are likely to account for differences in appearance,” Dr. Hanna stated.

“Both human and Neanderthal genomes consist of roughly 3 billion characters that code for proteins and regulate gene expression in cells. Identifying the regions that influence appearance is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Dr. Long and her team had a targeted approach, focusing on a genomic area linked to the Pierre Robin sequence, a condition marked by an unusually small mandible.

“Individuals with the Pierre Robin sequence often have significant deletions or rearrangements in this portion of the genome that affect facial development and restrict jaw formation,” Dr. Hanna explained.

“We hypothesized that minor differences in DNA could produce more nuanced effects on facial structure.”

Upon comparing human and Neanderthal genomes, researchers discovered that in this segment, approximately 3,000 letters long, there are only three one-letter variations between the species.

This DNA region doesn’t code for genes but regulates when and how certain genes, particularly SOX9, which plays a crucial role in facial development, are activated.

To confirm that these Neanderthal-specific differences were significant for facial development, scientists needed to demonstrate that the Neanderthal version could activate genes in the appropriate cells at the right developmental stage.

They introduced both Neanderthal and human versions of this region into zebrafish DNA and programmed the cells to emit different colors of fluorescent protein based on the activation of either region.

By monitoring zebrafish embryo development, researchers observed that cells responsible for forming the lower jaw were active in both human and Neanderthal regions, with the Neanderthal regions showing greater activity.

“It was thrilling when we first noticed the activity of specific cell populations in the developing zebrafish face, particularly near the forming jaw, and even more exhilarating to see how Neanderthal-specific variations could influence activity during development,” said Dr. Long.

“This led us to contemplate the implications of these differences and explore them through experimental means.”

Recognizing that Neanderthal sequences were more effective at activating genes, the authors questioned whether this would lead to enhanced target activity affecting the shape and function of the adult jaw, mediated by SOX9.

To validate this idea, they augmented zebrafish embryos with additional samples of SOX9 and discovered that cells involved in jaw formation occupied a larger area.

“Our lab aims to further investigate the effects of genetic differences using methods that simulate various aspects of facial development,” Dr. Long remarked.

“We aspire to deepen our understanding of genetic variations in individuals with facial disorders and improve diagnostic processes.”

“This study demonstrates how examining extinct species can enhance our knowledge of how our own DNA contributes to facial diversity, development, and evolution.”

The findings are published in the journal Development.

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Kirsty Utley et al. 2025: Neanderthal-derived variants enhance SOX9 enhancer activity in craniofacial progenitor cells, influencing jaw development. Development 152 (21): dev204779; doi: 10.1242/dev.204779

Source: www.sci.news

Study Indicates That Certain Snacks May Contribute to Winter Weight Gain

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Indulging in snacks rich in saturated fats during winter can mislead your body into accumulating more fat, as noted by recent findings.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have uncovered that the types of dietary fat we consume can affect how our bodies recognize seasonal changes.

“Our research indicates that the food you eat plays a crucial role in informing your body clock about the time of year,” stated Dr. Dan Levin, a postdoctoral fellow in neurology at UCSF, in a conversation with BBC Science Focus.

They discovered that consuming more saturated fat—found in red meat, butter, cakes, pies, and various baked goods—activates a protein named PER2, signaling your body that it’s summer and that it needs to store energy for the forthcoming colder months.

Conversely, consuming unsaturated fats (present in nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and vegetable oils) influences PER2 to make your body believe it’s winter, prompting it to utilize the energy from food.

These conclusions arose from experiments where the UCSF researchers simulated seasonal transitions by altering light and dark periods for mice.

During the experiments that mimicked spring and fall, mice were exposed to 12 hours of light daily, 20 hours during summer, and only 4 hours in winter.

As the faux winter nights extended, the mice, on a balanced diet, exhibited normal nocturnal behaviors, such as running on wheels as darkness fell.

However, the mice on a high-fat diet took longer to wake up and began their running routine much later after the artificial sunset, indicating a misalignment of their internal clock with the simulated light conditions.

The scientists then assessed the impacts of various dietary fats. Mice consuming a diet abundant in saturated fat were found to wake up several hours later than their counterparts before engaging in physical activity.

Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and are found in butter, fatty meats, and many baked goods – Credit: Getty Images

As a result, increased saturated fat consumption during these simulated winter conditions appeared to further disrupt the synchronization of the body’s internal clock with the light cycles.

Professor Levin emphasized that, despite being conducted on mice, the relationship between dietary fats and the body clock via the protein PER2 is likely relevant across different species.

“We believe that many insights gained from our mouse studies can be translated to humans,” he remarked. “I am eager to discover any disparities that may exist between species.”

How Our Bodies Prepare for Winter

For both wild animals and hunter-gatherers, adapting to seasonal changes is vital for survival, especially during prolonged, harsh winters when food is limited.

“In nature, fluctuations in water availability, light, and temperature dramatically alter the environment each season, compelling all organisms within the food chain to adjust,” noted Levine.

“For instance, one adaptation is for plants to produce more unsaturated fats, aiding their survival in cold, which causes both herbivores and carnivores to consume and store greater amounts of unsaturated fats.”

Thus, our bodies might be biologically programmed to anticipate higher intake of unsaturated fats as daylight hours shorten.

However, because we have access to the same food options throughout the year, many individuals often disregard this natural dietary shift.

We can indulge in our favorite saturated fat-laden foods year-round, but excessive consumption in the fall or winter can mislead your body clock into thinking it’s still summer.

“In modern society, foods high in saturated fats are abundantly available,” asserted lead author Professor Louis Ptacek, a UCSF neurologist, in BBC Science Focus. “Moreover, we often eat at ‘unnatural’ times due to light conditions. Generally, adhering to a consistent circadian eating schedule during daylight is healthier.”

Levin added that consuming seasonally appropriate foods might also be advantageous, suggesting a potential shift in fat sources throughout the year. However, he stated that further research is needed to validate this strategy.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

In a 100-Mile Race, the Wealthy Gain an Early Advantage

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Getty Images on Unsplash+

I am a centenarian. Not too long ago, reaching this milestone was a rarity, often only mentioned in local newspapers. Yet today, it’s an aspiration that many can achieve. Recently, Japan celebrated reaching a remarkable count of 100,000 centenarians, marking a significant milestone. By 2015, nearly half a million people globally surpassed the age of 100, with projections suggesting this number could reach 3.7 million by 2050.

This increase is largely due to advancements in healthcare and a better understanding of longevity. What the human body requires to thrive has become clearer. I’ve also learned how to enhance my own chances of living to a hundred. In our special issue, you will discover insights into diet, travel, and mindset that could help you celebrate a century with your own birthday cake.

However, individual choices have their limits; a stark reality exists between life expectancy and health status among different socio-economic groups. Those residing in the wealthiest areas of the UK now enjoy nearly 18 healthier additional years compared to those in less affluent communities, accounting for significant disparities among men and women over a decade. A recent The Lancet report indicated that the gap in life expectancy among demographics in the U.S. widened from 12.6 years in 2000 to 20.4 years in 2021, with Asian Americans living the longest and Native Americans the shortest. The divide continues to widen. In 2020, high-ranking Hindus saw their life expectancy drop by 1.3 years, while Indian Muslims experienced a loss of 5.4 years. These statistics are alarming. Access to nutritious foods, secure housing, and healthcare must be prioritized to address the growing inequality.

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By 2050, the global centenarian population is expected to reach 3.7 million.
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As we push for enhancements in longevity, it’s essential to hold our politicians accountable to combat this escalating inequality. Achieving a life to 100 should be a goal accessible to all, not just the affluent.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Reveals Potential Weight Gain from Certain ‘Healthy Fats’

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Recent studies indicate that the fats found in olive oil may contribute to weight gain more significantly than fats from other sources.

A recent report revealed that oleic acid, the primary fatty component in olive oil, can stimulate the formation of new fat cells.

Oleic acid is a type of monosaturated fat, often referred to as omega-9. While olive oil is the main source of oleic acid, this fatty acid is also present in other oils, such as canola and sunflower oil.

“You can think of fat cells as the army,” stated the study’s co-author, Dr. Michael Rudolph, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Physiology at the University of Oklahoma. “Dried oleic acid initially boosts the number of ‘fat cell soldiers’ in the army, enhancing the capacity to store surplus dietary nutrients.”

“If excess nutrients surpass the number of fat cells over time, it can lead to obesity, and if left unaddressed, may result in cardiovascular disease or diabetes.”

Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and is renowned for promoting longevity, healthy aging, as well as optimal brain, heart, and metabolic health – Credit: Elena Noviero via Getty

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma, Yale University, and New York conducted a study where mice were fed a variety of high-fat diets that included coconut oil, peanut oil, milk, lard, and soy oils.

They found that elevated levels of oleic acid influenced the activity of two proteins, AKT2 and LXR, leading to an accelerated growth of progenitor cells that develop into new adipocytes. This effect was not observed with other types of fats.

Nevertheless, Dr. Rudolph emphasized that completely eliminating olive oil is not the answer.

“The key takeaway is moderation and diversifying fat sources,” he advised. “While a balanced intake of oleic acid can be beneficial, excessive and prolonged consumption may pose risks. For individuals at risk for heart disease, high oleic acid levels could be unfavorable.”

In moderation, oleic acid is linked with numerous health benefits. Previous studies have shown that olive oil consumption is associated with longer lifespans, healthy aging, reduced inflammation, and a decreased risk of obesity and heart disease.

It’s important to note that since this study was conducted exclusively on mice, its findings may not directly apply to humans.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

X stands to gain if the UK exempts digital services tax from its trade deal with us

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Elon Musk’s X stands to gain financially if the government removes £800 million in taxes on US tech companies as part of the economic deal with Donald Trump.

Dan Niedel, head of nonprofit tax policy, mentioned that social media platforms will be affected by the digital services tax in the negotiations between the US and the UK.

“It’s clear that X will be obligated to pay the DST,” he stated.

The Minister has been in talks about eliminating the DST as part of the negotiations with the US, in exchange for the Trump administration allowing the UK to avoid tariffs that would be imposed on April 2nd.

Technology secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that taxes are a crucial aspect and that they are exploring various concerns and opportunities for the future.

Prime Minister Rachel Reeves also expressed similar sentiments during a recent BBC interview.

Labour lawmakers are worried that dropping the DST under pressure from the Trump administration could result in revenue loss and cuts to essential services.

Reeves is under pressure to make spending cuts to comply with fiscal rules, including welfare reforms and civil servant layoffs.

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DST applies to various tech companies that cater to UK users, with specific revenue thresholds and tax rates in place.

X reported its UK revenue and potential tax payments, highlighting the complexities of the DST.

The National Audit Bureau revealed that a significant portion of DST revenue came from a few major tech companies.

Tax revenues from the DST are expected to increase over the years, according to the Budget Responsibility Bureau.

Neidle discussed the intricacies of the DST and the UK’s commitment to an internationally agreed tax system for multinational corporations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How did the Autopen conspiracy theory about Biden gain traction?

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Mike Howell observed a letter from the Missouri Attorney General questioning President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s ability to sign pardons and executive orders with “psychic ability.”

Howell, executive director of the Surveillance Project under the Conservative Heritage Foundation, saw an opportunity for critique in this letter. After comparing Biden’s signatures on various official documents for months, he noticed similarities in many of them. Before boarding his flight, Howell made a controversial post he later claimed he conspired with X about.

Critics of Biden’s fitness questioned his appointments, but so far, no evidence has surfaced to suggest that he disagreed with any actions he has taken.

Upon landing, Howell’s post gained traction rapidly. Within days, a theory emerged that a shadowy, deep state agent was secretly running the country on behalf of Biden, using mechanical means to achieve sinister goals, sparking fury.

Autoopen is a machine that replicates a person’s actual signature using a real pen. Politicians have been using such devices for decades with little public interest. Data from the Media Tracker revealed that the term was mentioned 49 times in US television, radio, and podcasts in the first two months of the year, spiking to 6,188 mentions on March 17th alone.

Right-wing media outlets are now extensively covering topics related to wet signatures and autopen technology. They focus particularly on Biden’s signatures on pardons for political allies like California Democrats Adam Schiff and Hunter Biden, casting doubt on the former president’s mental acuity and his awareness of the documents he signs.

President Trump himself has criticized Biden’s use of autopens, questioning the validity of the pardons granted without providing evidence, suggesting they were void. Trump has also used an autopen in the past, raising doubts yet again during an Oval office press conference.

Biden has not confirmed whether he personally signed all the pardons, but a senior aide mentioned they were automated during his administration. A Biden spokesperson has yet to comment on the matter.

There are no federal laws prohibiting the use of autopens, as noted by the Justice Department. The president has the authority to instruct subordinates to affix his signature to a bill. Legal experts question the president’s ability to revoke a pardon based on notes from 1929 suggesting a presidential signature is not essential for a pardon to be valid.

The rise of speculative and legally dubious theories promoted by pro-Trump activists highlights the efficiency of today’s right-wing media environment.

The origins of the conspiracy theory are uncertain, but a post on the 4chan message board in October referencing autopens and Biden may have contributed to its spread.

Howell’s Surveillance Project, established in 2022 by the Heritage Foundation, has been deeply involved in researching this topic.

Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, now a visiting fellow at the Surveillance Project, proposed collecting copies of presidential documents signed by Biden to verify signature authenticity.

Staff members began compiling documents and requesting copies of resolutions and bills from the National Archives after Biden’s withdrawal from the race, but the project gained urgency when Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s letter raised concerns about the enforcement orders and pardons signed by Biden.

Howell was surprised by Bailey’s letter’s alignment with his signature study and considered it a stroke of luck.

“It was eighth on the to-do list,” Howell remarked. “Then AG Bailey drops his letter and it shoots to the top.”

Howell’s thread received over 3 million views, sparking widespread discussions on conservative talk radio within hours.

The topic quickly spread to popular podcasts and cable news programs, with a focus on Biden’s autopen, especially concerning pardons for political allies.

The project highlighted the vulnerability of amnesty documents, releasing an analysis of Biden’s signatures on five amnesties issued on his final day in office.

Trump criticized Biden’s use of autopens as disrespectful to the presidency and potentially invalid at a Justice Department press conference following the release of the Surveillance Project’s findings on pardons.

Critics, including conservative jurist Jonathan Turley, dismissed the idea of nullifying pardons based on autopen usage, citing the president’s authority to use such tools and lack of concrete evidence for a conspiracy against Biden.

Howell believes the question can only be resolved in court and continues his work, publishing a legal memo on Autopens and planning to retrieve more documents signed by Biden for further analysis by a forensic handwriting expert.

“We’re preparing for all possibilities,” Howell concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Labradors with a mutation that causes starvation tend to easily gain weight

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About a quarter of Labradors have a mutation in the POMC gene that induces starvation.

Charles Mann/Getty Images

Labradors and flat-coated retrievers, two dog breeds, may be more susceptible to being overweight because they carry mutations that cause them to feel hungry between meals and slow their metabolic rates. “It's a double whammy,” he says. Eleanor Laffan at Cambridge University.

mutations that affect genes called POMCwhich affects about a quarter of Labradors and two-thirds of flat-coated retrievers, but does not affect other breeds.

Discovered in 2016, it was found to alter pathways in the brain associated with weight regulation, but it was unclear exactly how it affected eating habits.

To find out, Laffan's team conducted a “boxed sausage” test on 87 pet Labradors. In this test, dogs were able to see and smell sausages in an impenetrable container. The Labrador dog, in which he had one copy of the mutation, continued to try to open the box much longer than the dog without it.

However, in another test in which dogs were given a can of food every 20 minutes until they ran out of food, all dogs ate the same amount of food, regardless of whether they had the genetic mutation or not. This shows that the mutation affects appetite in a specific way, by increasing hunger levels between meals, Laffan says.

The researchers also measured the resting metabolic rates of flat-coated retrievers while they slept and found that dogs with two copies of the mutation had metabolic rates that were about a quarter lower than other dogs.

Laffan said the effect would be expected to be the same in both breeds, but in a second experiment flat-coated retrievers were more likely to carry both of the mutations than Labradors. He wanted to find out.

Laffan said many other genes probably influence dog weight, just as they do in humans.

Dan O'Neill Researchers from the Royal College of Veterinary Medicine say owners of overweight dogs should avoid giving treats as a way to show affection and instead give their dogs other forms of attention. “You can also replace that snack with a walk,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Privacy Concerns Rise as Smart Devices Gain Popularity in Australian Homes

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Do you have any smart devices or home appliances that can be controlled remotely in your house? These devices have become a common feature in modern homes over the past decade, offering convenience but also raising concerns about privacy. These smart devices collect, share, aggregate, and analyze data, posing potential risks to personal information. According to Katherine Kemp, an expert in law and data privacy, privacy laws in Australia are not up to date, which is a global concern. The information collected by smart devices can be used for targeted advertising, and it’s unclear where this data ends up.

While smart devices offer benefits such as environmental friendliness, Kemp believes that their main purpose is to collect and sell more information rather than promoting environmental sustainability. There’s a concern that companies use this data for targeted advertising and other commercial purposes, potentially creating detailed profiles of individuals.

Concerns about privacy and consent models have been raised by Sam Floreani, the policy director at Digital Rights Watch. The collection and use of data depend on underlying incentives, and it’s essential for individuals to fully understand the implications of sharing their data. He also mentioned the need for improving consent laws and rights around personal data.

Australia’s current privacy laws require consent, but customers are not always given the right information to make informed choices. The government is planning an overhaul of the law to bring it into the “digital age” and strengthen enforcement powers for privacy watchdogs.

Convenience and privacy

Some argue that sacrificing privacy for convenience is worth it, especially if it improves accessibility. For the visually impaired community, smart devices play an important role in reducing social isolation. However, concerns remain about the trade-off between convenience and privacy.

“That’s too tempting.”

Early concepts of smart homes focused on collecting data solely for the occupants’ purposes. However, the potential for lucrative behavioral advertising services led to a shift in the use of this data. Changes in privacy laws are needed to establish stricter standards for how companies behave regarding smart devices.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Finding Spirituality in Technology: A Warning Against Misuse for Personal Gain

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TikTok’s tarot card reader looks at me through the screen and draws a card.

“If you’re watching this, this is made for you,” she said. And in a way, she’s right. But it wasn’t fate that brought me here, it was an algorithm.

spirituality and mysticism, Found a home online for a long timeBut with the rise of generative AI and personalized content recommendation systems, it’s easier than ever to project a sense of magic into technology.

As Arthur C. Clarke said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Anyone who has been offered content that feels eerily tailored to them will appreciate the mysticism of algorithms. You may have wondered about omnipotence. And while there is nothing inherently wrong with experiencing a sense of wonder in the face of technological advances, or using digital technology to enhance spiritual practices, it is important to note that there is nothing inherently wrong with experiencing a sense of wonder in the face of technological advances, or using digital technology to enhance spiritual practices, but when magic and technology collapse Doing so can be dangerous.

Many religious and spiritual spin-off chatbots have emerged leveraging OpenAI’s large-scale language model GPT-4. Get BibleGPT to write personalized Christian verses, use the Jesus AI to have “meaningful conversations with Jesus Christ,” as the website claims, or talk to him about paganism. You can chat with WitchGPT.

“Welcome to the Void” invites the latest chatbot feature from popular astrology app CoStar, encouraging users to seek generated guidance for a fee of about $1 per question. Choose from a list of suggested prompts to “Ask the Stars” if they have a secret fan. “no,” That tells me (rude).

In true CoStar fashion (the app is notoriously cheeky), it scolds you for even asking the question in the first place and suggests that you should instead find gratitude for what you already have.

These examples are a little silly at best, and probably harmless. At worst, it exposes scammers who exploit the human tendency to anthropomorphize technology or gamify social media engagement algorithms to make money by fabricating a sense of insight and enlightenment.

However, there are also people among the chavs who form genuine spiritual communities and engage in witchcraft, etc. sacred traditions online. Like many subcultures, social media can be both a blessing and a curse. Group to connectHowever, it can also lead to the reduction and impurity of cultural practices.

Feminist anthropologist Dr. Emma Quilty, whose forthcoming book on magic and technology, describes a “neoliberal spirituality” that aligns with its collective focus and hyper-individualistic ideas of self-improvement. It distinguishes between things that promote

This is uncomfortably close to commercialized self-care. severed from its black radical feminist roots and was redirected to Capitalist health choices. Kirti believes that trends promoted by social media are resulting in customs becoming disconnected from the (usually Eastern) religious traditions and cultures from which they are imported, and in some cases creating an unsustainable market for products such as crystals and quartz. It emphasizes that this could lead to increased demand. white sage smudging stick.

This is not to say that it is impossible to develop meaningful spiritual communities and practices online, or that it is impossible to have deep experiences using digital tools.

I’m not interested in denying where and how people derive meaning. However, it’s important to remember that technologies such as large-scale language models and personalized recommender systems are ultimately designed to generate value from users.

Deep experience from these tools comes from us humans, not the tools. Mr Quilty said: “Sometimes something can be positive, helpful, or empowering on an individual level, but it can still be harmful at a broader societal level due to the underlying interests and obligations of those who build and implement the technology.” There is a possibility.”

In fact, mistakenly attributing magic to technology can quickly lead us into dangerous waters. It surprises us with its glossy user interface and smooth convenience, and makes us want to peek from behind the curtain at the grumpy old man holding things together with bombastic marketing language and the usual profit-driven old data extractions. It falls directly into the hands of companies that do not.

Magical thinking about technology can be dangerous when it extends to the level of policymaking. Governments and businesses alike are often quick to turn to technology as a silver bullet to complex social problems. And when the true limits and consequences of technology are ignored, e.g. Automation could worsen social inequalityor how ChatGPT did not work without stealing copyrighted material. Automated content moderation relies on exploited invisible workers – that we adopt policies that fail to cure technology’s worst woes, relegating more complex but necessary policy interventions to the background, and all eclipsed by the magical allure of technology; It will be.

Technology is not a panacea to solve social problems and, like magic, can cause great harm when misused for personal gain.

Source: www.theguardian.com