Scientists from Aalto University have proposed a three-dimensional metamaterial with isotropic effects in the visible spectral range.
The new metamaterial is formed by randomly oriented bimaterial nanocylinders in the host medium. Image credit: Ihar Faniayeu / Aalto University.
Unlike natural materials, metamaterials and metasurfaces can be tailored to have specific electromagnetic properties. This means scientists can create materials with desirable functionality for industrial applications.
A newly proposed metamaterial takes advantage of nonreciprocal magnetoelectric (NME) effects.
“The NME effect implies a link between specific properties of materials (magnetization and polarization) and various field components of light and other electromagnetic waves,” lead author Shadi Safaei Jaji et al. said.
Although this effect is negligible in natural materials, scientists are looking to enhance it using metamaterials and metasurfaces because of the technological possibilities it unlocks.
“So far, the NME effect has not translated into practical industrial applications,” Jazio said.
“Most of the proposed approaches only work for microwaves, not visible light, and could not be manufactured with available technology.”
“We used conventional materials and nanofabrication techniques to design an optical NME metamaterial that can be created with existing technology.”
This new material enables applications that previously required strong external magnetic fields. For example, creating a truly one-way glass.
“Glass currently sold as 'one-way' is translucent and transmits light in both directions,” says Jayge.
“If the brightness is different on both sides (for example, inside and outside the window), it acts like one-way glass.”
“However, with NME-based unidirectional glass, light can only pass in one direction, so there is no need for differences in brightness.”
“Imagine having that glass in your home, office, and car window.”
“Regardless of the brightness outside, you can't see anything inside and have a perfect view from the window.”
“If the technology is successful, this unidirectional glass could also increase the efficiency of solar cells by blocking the thermal radiation that existing cells emit toward the sun, thereby reducing the amount of energy that the cells capture. It will be done.”
of work It was published in the magazine nature communications.
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S. Safaei Jazz other. 2024. Optical Telegen metamaterial with spontaneous magnetization. Nat Commune 15, 1293; doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45225-y
A study published Wednesday in the journal Nature warns that wildfires, deforestation, and global warming could permanently disrupt the water cycle in parts of the Amazon rainforest if action is not taken in the coming decades. The study suggests that between 10% and 47% of the landscape is at risk of transitioning away from tropical rainforest by 2050 if rates of warming and deforestation are not dramatically reduced.
Lead author of the study, Bernardo Flores, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Santa Catarina in Florianópolis, Brazil, stated that “So many stressors are intensifying, including climate stressors and land-use stressors, that when combined will ultimately cause water stress in forests. We could reach a point where forests can no longer survive.”
The Amazon contains about 10% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity and serves as a vital carbon sink. Exceeding the limits of rainforests could accelerate climate change and have dire consequences for communities, including indigenous peoples, who depend on rainforests. Flores said he is optimistic that the changes outlined in the study are already occurring, but they could slow or even stop.
The study focuses on overlapping stressors on the Amazon, including rising temperatures, extreme drought, deforestation, and fires. Ernest Alvarado, an associate professor at the University of Washington’s School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of maintaining the Amazon’s water cycle, stating, “If you lose your balance, it’s a big problem.”
Reducing the amount of water-absorbing forests due to deforestation, wildfires, drought, and climate change reduces the amount of water available to the atmosphere from plants and reduces the amount of rain that sustains the landscape. Approximately 15% of the Amazon has already been lost, according to Flores.
techno signature Any measurable property that could provide evidence of extraterrestrial technology. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is a branch of astrobiology that focuses on the discovery of technosignatures, which provide evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Traditionally, targeted wireless surveys have been the mainstay of his SETI research, and many of his ongoing SETI projects are still conducted in the radio band. SETI Ellipsoid, a newly proposed technology, suggests that an extraterrestrial civilization observing a galactic-scale event such as supernova SN 1987A could use it as a point to broadcast a synchronization signal indicating its presence. This is a strategy for selecting techno signature candidates based on the assumption that .
Gaia Early Data Release 3, using Cabrales' improved star 3D positions other. identified 32 SN 1987A SETI ellipsoidal targets with uncertainties better than 0.5 light-years within the TESS continuum. Image credits: ALMA/ESO/NAOJ/NRAO/Alexandra Angelich, NRAO/AUI/NSF.
Barbara Cabrales, Ph.D., of the SETI Institute and the Berkeley SETI Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and her colleagues demonstrate that the SETI ellipsoid method leverages continuous, wide-field surveys of the sky and demonstrates its ability to detect potential technosignatures. We have shown that it can be significantly improved.
By using up to a year of observations to correct for uncertainties in the estimated time of arrival of such signals, we implement the SETI ellipsoid strategy in an innovative way using state-of-the-art technology.
“The new survey of the sky provides a groundbreaking opportunity to search for technosignatures in concert with supernovae,” Dr. Cabrales said.
“Typical timing uncertainty takes months, so we want to cover the bases by finding well-documented goals over about a year.”
“In addition to that, it's important to make as many observations as possible about each target of interest, so you can see what looks like normal behavior and what looks like potential techno-signatures.” You will be able to judge.”
In examining data from the Continuous Display Zone of NASA's TESS mission, which covers 5% of all TESS data during the first three years of the mission, the authors leveraged advanced 3D position data from Gaia Early Data Release 3. Did.
This analysis identified 32 major targets within the SETI ellipsoid in the southern part of the TESS continuum, with all uncertainties adjusted to better than 0.5 light-years.
Although initial inspection of TESS light curves during ellipsoid-crossing events did not find any anomalies, the foundation laid by this effort lends itself to other investigations, a broader range of targets, and a variety of potential signal types. Paving the way for expansion into research.
Applying SETI Ellipsoid technology to scour large archival databases represents a breakthrough in the search for technosignatures.
This study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging Gaia's highly accurate distance estimates and cross-matching these distances with other time-domain surveys such as TESS to enhance monitoring and anomaly detection capabilities in SETI research. doing.
Combining the SETI Ellipsoid method with Gaia's distance measurements provides a robust and adaptable framework for future SETI searches.
Astronomers can apply it retrospectively to sift through archived data for potential signals, proactively select targets, and schedule future monitoring campaigns.
“The SETI Ellipsoid method, in collaboration with Gaia distances, provides an easy and flexible method for SETI searches that can be adapted to suit a variety of current surveys and source events,” the researchers said. I am.
“This can not only be applied retrospectively to look for signals in archived data, but also propagated in time to select targets and schedule surveillance campaigns.”
During the 2016 Summer Olympics, my family and I were on a hiking holiday in Yorkshire in the north of England. And in the evening, after a meal and a few drinks at the pub, we sat and watched the biggest sports broadcasts. What’s my favorite? Tracking my cycling.
A bunch of athletes with thighs thicker than a supermodel’s hips race at ridiculous speeds around polished wooden tracks on giant one-gear bikes with no freewheel or brakes. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. It is a sport that the British are particularly good at.
We even have track cycling’s “golden couple” in Jason Kenney and Laura Trott, who were planning to get married at the time. Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny (I made up that word) were knighted and dammed respectively in 2022, but between them they have an incredible 12 Olympiads between them. There’s a gold medal.
On this special night of competition, Laura had already completed all the events and was rooting for Jason to win his third and final Rio gold medal. As we sat in the crowd and in a small hotel room in Yorkshire yelling at Jason as he crossed the finish line, Laura tweeted: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Naturally, this aroused the interest of geneticists in me. Really, what are the odds? Will their future offspring become a sports superstar, or will he be with us on the couch watching the 2024 Paris Olympics?
read more:
Although it was an off-the-cuff comment, there is ample reason for Laura to have high expectations. If she combines her and Jason’s genes, she has a much higher chance of producing a child who not only has better athletic ability, but also has the potential to become an Olympian than other people.
It’s the same way fast bowler Stuart Broad had a better chance of becoming a star cricketer because his father Chris batted for England. Or British middleweight boxing champion Chris Eubank Jr., who has a better chance of becoming a top boxer than his school friends. Or distance runner Eilish McColgan, who credits her Olympic medalist mother Liz for her athleticism. Similarly, Jason and Laura’s descendants (they have two children) will have a huge genetic head start.
However, while there are some human traits that can be traced down to a single gene (hair color, lactose intolerance, ability to tan, etc.), it is clear that this is not the only case for potential Olympic athletes. . .
My own area of expertise is the genetics of weight, which has been shown to involve over 1,000 genes. Let’s consider some of the characteristics needed to become an elite cyclist. It requires the right combination of “fast-twitch” and “slow-twitch” muscle fibers, good balance, high aerobic capacity, fast recovery rate, high pain threshold, and concentration, just to name a few.
One can only imagine the genetic complexity underlying the fusion of these multiple traits. With so many genes involved, it’s currently impossible to predict exactly how talented Jason and Laura’s children will be.
These complex traits are always determined by an ideal combination of genes and environmental factors, as well as a little bit of luck.
nature and nurture
Growing up in a household with two multi-gold medal winning cyclists will have a huge influence on their children. They will grow up in a competitive environment and will be heavily involved in sports in their daily lives.
Similarly, the kind of food such children eat will be better than most children. Two Olympians like Laura and Jason have nutritional advisors coming out of their ears, so they’re unlikely to feed their kids junk.
But no matter how helpful or unhelpful our environment is, we need the right genes to thrive. That’s why in every area of life we see glorious examples of genetics being passed down through generations. Musical parents often have musical children, and beauty is passed down from parent to child.
The question is what the child will do with the genes they are given. They can use it to their advantage or not. If we compare poker hands, there can be good hands and bad hands depending on genetics, but the only people you can blame are your own family. However, depending on how you play the game, you can win with a bad hand or lose with a good hand.
So nothing is certain, and probably within the next 20 years, we will learn more about how genes make us fat or thin, fast or slow, and how they control how we look, act, and behave. The day will come when we will understand in detail.
But for now, there’s no doubt that Jason and Laura’s children will have a huge head start, both genetically and environmentally, and they probably won’t want to line up their children with them at sports day. Sho.
homo sapiens is connected with Rinkombi Lanisia Yersmanovician Culture According to three papers published in , Neanderthals existed in central and northwestern Europe long before they became extinct in southwestern Europe. journal Nature And that journal natural ecology and evolution. The evidence is homo sapiens And the fact that Neanderthals lived side by side is consistent with genomic evidence that the two species occasionally interbred. Suspicions have also been raised that modern humans' invasion of Europe and Asia about 50,000 years ago may have driven Neanderthals to extinction.
Stratigraphy including location of homo sapiens Bones, a map of the LRJ site, and stone tools from the Ranis site in Germany. Image credit: Mylopotamitaki other., doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06923-7.
The Paleolithic Rincombi-Lanisia-Jerzmanovician (LRJ) culture or technocomplex spread across northwestern and central Europe.
The Ranis Cave site in the Orla River Valley, Thuringia, Germany, is one of the eponymous LRJ sites based on its unique configuration of bifacial and monofacial points.
Previous dating had shown that the site was more than 40,000 years old, but there were no recognizable bones to show who made the tools, so it was unclear whether they were the product of Neanderthals. It was unclear whether it was a product of Neanderthals or not. homo sapiens.
“The new discovery is homo sapiens Who created this technology homo sapiens At this time, 45,000 years ago, they were this far north,” said Dr. Elena Zavala, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.
“So these are some of the earliest.” homo sapiens In Europe. “
“The cave ruins of Ranis provide evidence of initial dispersal. homo sapiens It is widespread throughout the high latitudes of Europe,” said Professor Jean-Jacques Hubelin, a researcher at the Collège de France.
“It turns out that stone structures thought to have been made by Neanderthals were actually part of early Neanderthals.” homo sapiens toolkit. ”
“This fundamentally changes what we know about this period. homo sapiens Long before Neanderthals disappeared in southwestern Europe, they reached northwestern Europe. ”
Scientists carried out genetic analysis of hominid bone fragments from new deep excavations carried out at Ranis between 2016 and 2022, as well as from earlier excavations in the 1930s.
Because the DNA in ancient bones is highly fragmented, she used special techniques to isolate and sequence the DNA. All of it is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is inherited only from the mother.
“We have confirmed that the bone fragments are: homo sapiens. Interestingly, some of the fragments shared the same mitochondrial DNA sequence, even if they were from different excavations,” Dr. Zavala said.
“This indicates that these fragments belong to the same person or his maternal relatives, and connects these new discoveries with discoveries from decades ago.”
The bone fragments were initially identified as human through analysis of bone proteins in a field called paleoproteomics.
The authors found that by comparing the Ranis mtDNA sequences with mtDNA obtained from human remains from other Paleolithic sites in Europe, they were able to construct an early Stone Age family tree. It's done. homo sapiens All over Europe.
All but one of the 13 Ranis fragments are very similar to each other and, surprisingly, to the mtDNA of a 43,000-year-old female skull discovered in the Zlaty Kush cave in the Czech Republic. Ta. The only standout player was in the same group as a player from Italy.
“That raises some questions: Was this a single population? What is the relationship here?” Dr. Zavala said.
“But when it comes to mtDNA, that's just one side of history. It's just the maternal side. We need nuclear DNA to investigate this.”
The researchers also found that Ranis Cave is primarily used by hibernating cave bears and denning hyenas, with only periodic human presence.
This low-density archaeological footprint is consistent with other LRJ sites and is best explained by short-term, opportunistic visits by small, mobile settler groups. homo sapiens.
“This means that even in these early groups, homo sapiens “Humans, dispersed across Eurasia, already had some ability to adapt to such harsh climatic conditions,” said Dr Sara Pederzani, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of La Laguna.
“Until recently, it was thought that resilience to cold climate conditions would not emerge until several thousand years later. So this is a fascinating and surprising result.”
The research team also carried out radiocarbon dating of human and animal bones taken from different layers of the site to reconstruct the site's age, focusing on bones with signs of human modification on their surfaces. They then correlated the age with the presence of humans in the cave.
“we, homo sapiens The Francis Crick Institute said Dr. Helen Furus, a postdoctoral researcher at .
“The evidence suggests that homo sapiens They occupied this site sporadically for 47,500 years. ”
In 2013, Oncilla (Hyōmon)a species of small spotted cat native to the Americas; the northern tabby cat (Hyōmon) and southern tabby cat (Hyōmon). A new study led by the University of Maranhão has shown that Oncilla is actually three different species.
Cloudy tabby cat (leopardus pardinoides). Image credit: Johannes Pfleiderer.
The oncilla is a wild cat about the size of a domestic cat that lives in the mountains and rainforests of Costa Rica, Brazil, and Argentina.
These creatures, also known as tabby cats, Margaise (Hyōmon) and Ocelot (Hyōmon)but they are small, with slender builds and narrow muzzles.
They weigh only 1.5 kg, but usually do not exceed 3 kg, with males being slightly larger than females. The body length is 35-60cm and the height is about 25cm.
Oncilla has a yellowish-ochre background fur with a pattern of mainly open rosettes.
They eat small mammals, lizards, birds, eggs, invertebrates, and sometimes even tree frogs.
They typically live between 10 and 14 years in the wild, but have been known to live up to 23 years in captivity.
They are threatened by habitat loss from cattle ranching, agriculture, and the local pet trade.
Tadeu de Oliveira, a researcher at the University of Maranhão, and his colleagues say: “The tabby cat species group is the progenitor of an ancient classification system and one of the most intriguing, mysterious and fascinating groups of cats. “It is,” he said.
“Due to the limited knowledge available, the tabby cat has long been subject to several preconceptions regarding its range and associated habitats, both before and after species divergence. These include: and its presence in the Pantanal.”
“As it stands, the tabby cat species complex currently consists of two species. Hyōmon and Hyōmonthe former is further divided into three subspecies. Leopardus tigrinus oncilla, Leopardus tigrinus pardinoidesand leopardus tigrinus tigrinus” they added.
“Hyōmon and Hyōmon Both are currently defined as globally endangered species. ”
“They live in some of the most endangered ecoregions and biodiversity hotspots in the Americas, including the Cerrado, the tropical Andes, the Atlantic Forest, and the Talamanca Mountains.”
“As an exception, leopardus tigrinus tigrinus, there are no published conservation priority areas for entities within the complex. ”
“Given the endangered status of these species and the high rates of habitat loss within their respective ranges, it is unlikely that viable populations of these species will exist. It is essential to identify areas with high levels.”
Typical examples of tabby cat species complexes: (a) Savannah tabby cat (Hyōmon); (b) Cloudy tabby cat (leopardus pardinoides); (c) Atlantic Forest tabby cat (Hyōmon). Image credit: Ricardo Ribeiro / Johannes Pfleiderer / de Oliveira other., doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52379-8.
In their study, the authors sought to determine the actual distribution range of tabby cat species and subspecies, compare their characteristics, and assess similarities and differences between them.
Ultimately, they aimed to characterize tabby cats and determine the actual number of the species.
“Our results revealed the existence of a cryptic species, the Claudi tabby cat (leopardus pardinoides), which includes both Leopardus tigrinus oncilla and Leopardus tigrinus pardinoides,” they said.
According to the team: leopardus pardinoides It is a long-tailed cat with short rounded ears and weighs 2.27 kg.
This new species has a strikingly margay-looking head with a rich reddish/oranged/gray-yellow background color and is adorned with irregularly shaped medium to large 'cloudy' rosettes. , with dense, soft fur, strongly marked and often coalesced.
The characteristic is LEopardus pardinoides There is only one pair of breasts/nipples.
This species is found in the extinct cloud forests of southern Central America and the Andes, usually above 1,500 meters above sea level, especially between 2,000 and 3,000 meters, in subtropical/temperate climates with mild temperatures and very abundant precipitation. You can see it. Usually located in areas where ocelot numbers are low or non-existent.
“leopardus pardinoides “Distributed along 11 mountain ecoregions,” the researchers said.
“In Central America, it is restricted to the Tilaran Mountains, Central Volcanic Mountains, and Talamanca Mountains (Talamancan Mountains Forest ecoregion) in Costa Rica and Panama and the eastern montane forests of Panama.”
“The lowland rainforests and wetlands of the Atrato River basin of the Choco Darien ecoregion are the main barrier between the populations of the brown tabby cat in eastern Panama and the Andes, while in the north the species is restricted to the Isthmian Atlantic rainforest. limited by.”
“In South America, its range extends from the Andean forests of Venezuela through the eastern, central, and western mountain ranges of Colombia to Ecuador, through Peru, Bolivia, and the Yungas Forest ecoregion of the southern Andes, and ends in northwestern Argentina.”
“The core area of its distribution is in Colombia, but it also extends to Ecuador.”
of the team result appear in the diary scientific report.
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TG de Oliveira other. 2024. Ecological modeling, biogeography and phenotypic analysis establish a transdimensional niche for the tabby cat, revealing a new species. science officer 14, 2395; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52379-8
arabica coffee tree derived from interbreeding between modern ancestors Coffea genus and another closely related coffee species, coffee tree.
As a result of this hybridization, arabica coffee treeflavor and its large and complex genome pose challenges to breeding and genetic research.
Some partial genome assemblies arabica coffee tree is currently available, but the mechanisms that generate its genetic diversity are unknown.
Researchers Michele Morgante and Gabriele Di Gaspero and their colleagues at the Istituto di Genomica Appplicata used the latest sequencing technology to generate a more complete genome assembly. arabica coffee treeallowing detailed analysis of its chromosomal structure.
Analysis of the genome, including previously inaccessible regions such as around centromeres, revealed differences in genome structure, function, and evolution contributed by the two ancestral species, particularly in genes involved in caffeine biosynthesis. found.
For this study, they also analyzed the genomes of 174 samples collected from different species within Earth. coffee genus and found a very low level of genetic diversity within it. arabica coffee tree.
Diversity found to be increasing in some regions arabica coffee tree Varieties of specific genomic regions due to two different sources of variation: chromosomal abnormalities and gene segments provided by so-called Timor hybrids. Arabica coffee x Canephora coffee tree A hybrid from East Timor.
This hybrid is the parent line for many modern varieties that combine disease resistance traits. Coffea genus And its unique flavor is arabica coffee tree.
The authors argue that genetic diversity arabica coffee tree Essential for commercial success, this discovery could help develop new coffee varieties with desirable traits, such as disease resistance or different flavor profiles.
“Resequence data from large accession sets reveal low intraspecific diversity at the center of species origin. arabica coffee tree” the authors write in their paper.
“Across a limited number of genomic regions, the diversity of some cultivated genotypes has increased to levels similar to that observed in one of the ancestral species. Coffea genusThis is probably the result of introgression derived from Timor hybrids. ”
“We also found that in addition to very few early exchanges between homologous chromosomes, there are many recent chromosomal abnormalities such as aneuploidies, deletions, duplications, and exchanges.”
“These phenomena are still polymorphic in the germplasm and may be the root cause of genetic variation in such low-variability species.”
of paper Published in this week's magazine nature communications.
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S. Scalabrine other. 2024.Chromosome-scale assembly reveals chromosomal abnormalities and exchanges that generate genetic diversity arabica coffee tree germ plasm. Nat Commune 15,463; doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-44449-8
Emperor penguins are the largest species of penguin, often weighing around 90 pounds. However, they also have one of the most precarious breeding methods on the planet.
To ensure their chicks leave the nest in the summer, they breed during the coldest months of the year, when temperatures are close to -50 degrees Fahrenheit and Antarctic winds can gust at 190 miles per hour. Male penguins keep their chicks warm by balancing eggs on their feet, and colonies of up to 5,000 penguins huddle together to stay warm, each with their own body temperature. They are said to be walking around with a limp so that they can take turns.
But these animals do all of their breeding on Antarctic sea ice, and last year’s sea ice reached its lowest peak since scientists started measuring it in 1979. Some scientists fear that the decline is now so extreme that it has become an inevitable snowball effect.
If the ice sheet breaks before the emperor penguin colony leaves its chicks, the chicks will fall into the water and die, Fretwell said. That has happened over the past two years, particularly in 2022, with another study by Fretwell published last year showing “complete breeding failure” in all but one of the five known breeding sites.
The new colonies identified by Fretwell are mostly small. They said in a paper published in the journal Antarctic Science that at least some penguins appear to have migrated because of unstable sea ice conditions.
“If the colonies fail, they will move to other areas,” Fretwell told NBC News.
“We spend all this time monitoring these animals and seeing if they can adapt to climate change, but the truth is that penguins ultimately need to adapt. Not us,” Fretwell added. “We need to end our dependence on fossil fuels, not just for penguins, but for all species and ourselves.”
WASHINGTON – Atomic scientists on Tuesday pushed the “Doomsday Clock” closer to midnight than ever before, warning Russia's nuclear weapons actions amid the invasion of Ukraine, nuclear-armed Israel's war in Gaza, and worsening climate change on a global scale. cited as a factor causing the crisis. A disaster.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, as it did last year, set the clock to 90 seconds to midnight, the theoretical extinction point. Scientists set the clock based on “existential” risks to the planet and its people, such as nuclear threats, climate change, and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and new biotechnologies.
“Conflict hotspots around the world threaten nuclear escalation, climate change is already causing death and destruction,” Rachel Bronson, the magazine's president and CEO, told Reuters. “Disruptive technologies such as AI and biological research are advancing faster than safeguards.” He added that the fact that there is no change from the previous year “does not indicate that the world is stable.”
A staff member shows the position of the minute hand of the “Doomsday Clock” in Washington, DC, on January 23, 2024. Jacqueline Martin/Associated Press
The Chicago-based nonprofit created the clock in 1947 to warn the public of how close humanity was to global destruction.
Russian massive invasion of Ukraine is set to celebrate its second anniversary next month, and tensions with the West have escalated to the most dangerous levels since the Cold War.
“A permanent end to Russia’s war in Ukraine seems far away, and the possibility that Russia will use nuclear weapons in that conflict remains serious. Over the past year, Russia has sent a number of alarming nuclear signals. '' Bronson said.
Bronson quoted the Russians President Vladimir Putin To be determined in February 2023 Suspend Russia's participation In the New START Treaty with the United States, which limits both countries' strategic nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia possess nearly 90% of the world's nuclear warheads, enough to destroy the Earth multiple times.
Bronson also referenced President Putin's March 2023 announcement regarding Russia's weapons deployment. tactical nuclear weapons Belarusian and Russian parliaments pass laws in October 2023 withdraw ratification A global treaty banning nuclear weapons testing. Russian analyst Sergei Karaganov also spoke last year about the need to threaten nuclear strikes in Europe to intimidate and “calm down” Moscow's enemies.
Israel has so far at war with Hamas According to an Israeli tally, about 1,200 people have been killed since the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic extremist group launched attacks in southern Israel in October 2023. More than 25,000 people have been killed in the Israeli military offensive, according to Gaza health authorities.
“As a nuclear-armed state, Israel's actions are clearly relevant to the Doomsday debate. Of particular concern is the possibility of a broader escalation of conflict in the region, leading to larger conventional wars and more “It could draw in nuclear or near-nuclear states,” Bronson said.
When watches were first made, the greatest danger came from nuclear weapons. climate change It was first considered as a factor in 2007.
“The world in 2023 has been hit by a major disaster and has entered uncharted territory. hottest year on record And global greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise,” Bronson said. “Global and North Atlantic sea surface temperatures both broke records, and Antarctic sea ice reached its lowest daily area since the advent of satellite data.”
Bronson said 2023 was also a record year for clean energy, with $1.7 trillion in new investment. But this was offset by nearly $1 trillion in fossil fuel investments, Bronson added.
“This shows that current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while promising, are far from sufficient to avoid the dangerous human and economic impacts of climate change, and that Changes disproportionately affect the world's poorest people,” Bronson said.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was founded in 1945 by scientists such as Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer. It relies on a panel of experts in nuclear technology and climate science to set the clock each year. This watch was first introduced during the Cold War tensions following World War II.
It may be hard to miss, but unimaginably strong bursts of cosmic radiation happen possibly a thousand times every day. They are bright enough to overwhelm our radio telescopes from billions of light-years away.
However, fast radio bursts (FRBs) were not detected until 2007. Despite over a decade of investigation, they remain one of the most intriguing mysteries in astrophysics. Recent research offers new and promising clues about their origins, while also revealing why these space phenomena are so perplexing in the first place.
When FRBs were first discussed in seminars, the big question wasn’t “What astrophysical cause is causing this?” Instead, it was, “Isn’t this just a mechanical failure?”
FRBs last about 1 millisecond and spread out in frequency in a manner very similar to a blip from a pulsar. But the problem is, they don’t come from any known pulsars, they don’t repeat like pulsars, and they’re clearly much more powerful than any pulsar pulses we’ve seen before.
To make matters worse, for many years the only telescope that observed FRBs was the Parkes Observatory in Australia. The debate became even more heated when it turned out that some of the FRB-like bursts observed by Parkes did not come from astronomical sources.
These bursts, called “peritons,” were always suspected to be of terrestrial origin. But clever detective work by astronomers solved the case. Dr. Emily Petrov and her colleagues showed that Periton had a strong correlation with local lunchtime. In reality, radiation leaked from the observatory’s microwave when the door opened too early.
It was eventually revealed that the FRBs were indeed from far away in space. More radio telescopes were configured to record very short bursts of radio waves, and detection rates began to skyrocket.
Those bursts came from all over the sky, suggesting they didn’t originate in our galaxy. In the first decade after the discovery, theorists produced a huge number of papers explaining the possible origins of the bursts.
In 2012, repeated FRBs were discovered, ruling out origins requiring complete destruction, such as supernovae. It was soon discovered that there were many more repeated bursts, mostly occurring at irregular intervals.
As more outbursts are discovered, there is growing evidence that FRBs may be associated with extraordinarily powerful magnetars: neutron stars that rotate in extremely strong magnetic fields.
Recent evidence suggests that at least some FRBs originate from nearby spiral galaxies rather than elliptical galaxies.
Astronomers will need to continue collecting clues, looking for suggestive patterns in the data, and eagerly awaiting observational upgrades that will allow them to pinpoint the FRBs’ local environment.
Whatever the outcome, the fast radio burst is a great example of the fact that in science, when we look at the universe in new and different ways, we almost always discover something surprising that no one had ever thought to look for.
According to a new study, Greenland’s ice sheet has lost approximately 1,965 square miles to glacier retreat since 1985, which is about the same area as the state of Delaware. The study utilized satellite images to track the retreat and discovered that iceberg collapse is accelerating in Greenland, with previous analyses potentially underestimating its impact. The authors of the study noted that the current estimates of ice sheet mass balance may underestimate recent mass loss from Greenland by up to 20%. In recent decades, nearly all of Greenland’s glaciers have thinned or retreated.
The study, published in the journal Nature, is another indication that Greenland’s ice is melting at a rapid rate. There is growing concern among scientists that global warming could trigger a major ice sheet tipping point. If Greenland’s ice completely melts, sea levels could rise by almost 7 feet and change ocean circulation patterns. Additionally, the study suggests that the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change may be underestimating how much ice is being lost in Greenland.
Several studies published last year highlighted Greenland’s rapid changes, including one that found the rate of glacier retreat in the 21st century to be twice as fast as the 20th century. Another study showed that floating ice shelves in northern Greenland have lost over 35% of their total volume and are weakening, which could threaten ice sheet stability.
In November, a report by 60 leading snow and ice scientists raised concerns about the fate of the world’s ice sheets, warning that if global average temperatures rise to about 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial baselines, the planet could see sea level rise of more than 40 feet in the coming centuries. The report also indicates that by 2 degrees Celsius, most of Greenland, most of West Antarctica, and vulnerable parts of East Antarctica will have a very long-term chance of warming, leading to relentless sea level rise and decline.
Tardigrade observed using a fluorescence microscope.Some organs are highlighted with fluorescent markers
Smythers et al/PLoS ONE (CC-BY 4.0)
Tardigrades are known for their ability to withstand extreme environments, and we now know how they do this. Small molecular sensors inside cells can detect when harmful molecules called free radicals are produced in excess, causing a state of dormancy.
Tardigrades, also known as tardigrades, are eight-legged microscopic invertebrates found throughout the world. Under adverse conditions such as sub-zero temperatures and strong radiation, the creatures shrink into a dry ball called a tongue and enter a deep hibernation state.
“Tardigrades do not breed under extreme conditions, but they can overwinter.” Derrick Colling At Marshall University in West Virginia. “We wanted to understand how they could step in there.”
To study, Kolling and colleagues exposed tardigrades to high levels of hydrogen peroxide, sugar, salt, or temperatures of -80°C (-112°F) to induce Tun. As a result of these stresses, tardigrades produce harmful, highly reactive molecules called oxygen free radicals.
The free radicals then go on to react with other molecules, team members say. leslie hix At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Importantly, the research team discovered that free radicals oxidize an amino acid called cysteine, which is one of the building blocks of proteins in the body. These reactions change protein structure and function and signal the onset of quiescence.
In experiments where cysteine oxidation was prevented, tardigrades were unable to enter the tun state. “Cysteine acts like a kind of regulatory sensor,” Hicks says. “This allows the tardigrade to sense its environment and respond to stress.”
When conditions improved, the researchers discovered that the cysteine was no longer oxidized and instructed the tardigrades to wake up from the tongue.
“Whether this is a universally conserved protection mechanism and whether this is conserved across tardigrade species is a really important question,” Hicks says. Her answers, she says, could help us better understand the aging process and how to make long-term space travel a reality.
Researchers have discovered what is believed to be the oldest skin fossil on record.
The alligator-like skin, which is at least 286 million years old, was preserved in an ancient buried cave in what is now Oklahoma. The discovery could help unravel evolutionary mysteries and provide important clues to a time when some animals were transitioning to living on land.
“Finding old skin fossils like this is a great opportunity to peer into the past and learn what the skin looked like on these early animals,” said the University of Toronto graduate student and co-author of the book. says lead author Ethan Mooney. the paper said in a news release.
Three-dimensional skin casting and compacted fossil of an unknown amniote. Mooney et al. / Current Biology
Discovery announced Thursday Published in the scientific magazine “Current Biology”, created in a quarry and cave system called Richard's Spur. Researchers believe the animals fell into the cave system and were preserved by seeping oil and tar that enveloped them.
Skin is a three-dimensional mold with fossilized tissue attached to it.
“There are very few examples of Paleozoic land animals that have preserved skin,” said Paul Olsen, a paleontologist and Columbia University professor who was not involved in the paper. “He's one of the reasons why this is so important.”
Lepospondyl, temnospondyl, and dermal scales of an unknown quadruped. Mooney et al. / Current Biology
The preserved skin was discovered at a site full of fossils of lizard-like creatures called lizards. captorinus aguti, However, it was not clearly associated with any particular skeleton.
Olsen said the skin could help solve the mystery of how reptiles and mammals diverged from each other during evolutionary history. Her two branches of life have a common ancestor.
“They hypothesize that the common ancestor of reptiles and mammals had reptilian-like skin, but their reptilian-like skin is not associated with the skeleton, so they have We can't really show that with the materials we have,” Olsen said of the authors. “Maybe this site will reveal that in the future.”
Horny zone of Captorhinus aguti (OMNH 52541). Mooney et al. / Current Biology
Following the feedback discussion on New Zealand’s Blackhole public toilets (25 November 2023), news has arrived of a plan called “Using black holes as secondary batteries and nuclear reactors” published in the magazine Physical Review D.
Successful engineers, much like unsuccessful engineers, are not easily intimidated by limitations that others believe are insurmountable. The plan’s authors, Zhan-Feng Mai and Run-Qiu Yang of Tianjin University in China, continue to keep their jaws high and scratch their heads.
They say, “The strong gravity of a black hole prevents classical matter from escaping from it, but fortunately energy can be extracted from a black hole through quantum or classical processes.” he wrote.
They wave away a series of problems that are said to plague anyone who even proposes to get close to a black hole. They state that their black hole is a “mini black hole”.
This kind of confidence inspires venture capitalists, a diverse group of people who are experiencing the golden age of the early 2020s. After raising capital and extracting a suitable portion from it, many people are looking for new big opportunities to invest some of it.
Black hole batteries could be their next big thing, following in the capricious footsteps of cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence. Many investors are finding both to be as compellingly attractive as black holes.
2 story superpower
Alison Litherland tells the story of a boring superpower with useful duplicity.
she says: “When you mentioned Rosemary Fuhrman’s husband’s ability to read her two pages in different Braille at the same time (September 16, 2023), I was reminded of the small superpowers she had when her children were small. I remembered my abilities.
“I was able to read a bedtime story aloud to her while at the same time quietly reading a novel to herself. I don’t know how my brain was able to distinguish between the two stories, but… It certainly helped with the boredom of re-reading the same story before bed.”
The title rests on a letter to the editor from Anna Vittoria Mattioli and Alberto Farinetti of the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia in Italy. The diary is Nutrition, metabolism and cardiovascular disease.
Mattioli and Farinetti explore some of the ambiguity in medical research and medical pronouncements regarding the positive and negative health effects of drinking coffee.
Some people drink espresso in some places, while others drink other forms of coffee. Some people drink coffee filtered, while others drink it unfiltered.
Some people drink coffee “in conjunction with a meal” in some places, while others drink coffee on its own. Some men are men and others are not, and there may be differences in “absorption of macronutrients and micronutrients and their bioavailability.”
Mattioli and Farinetti suggest further research is needed to “de-confound” under confusing headings.
he says: “The old chestnut about drainage circulation rears its head again. I see. Given the very small volume and mass involved in hair, and the fact that people spend a significant amount of time moving around in non-vertical positions, it is absurd to suggest that the Coriolis force could be responsible for the swirling of hair. The Coriolis force is responsible for the surprising twist in how objects appear to move when they rotate Please remember that.
The new version gives a meandering nod to the Coriolis question, this time at a distance. “Other non-hemispheric factors are [be] Maternal health, maternal nutrition, and prenatal hormone exposure were evaluated in samples from different locations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, before considering the potential influence of hemispheric environmental physical factors such as the Coriolis force. I did.”
Sheffield names the harvest
Susan Frank is second to none when it comes to sharing information about garden varieties.
She writes: “We wanted to include the names of two of our trustees associated with Sheffield Botanic Gardens Trust, Barbara Plant and Christine Rose.”
According to feedback, Sheffield Botanic Gardens Trust Website Trustee Miles Stevenson, who is neither a plant nor a rose, makes it clear (by displaying special information in parentheses) that it is a chair.
Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers. his website is impossible.com Have a story for feedback? You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please enter your home address. This week’s and past feedback can be found on our website.
AI researchers predict apocalyptic outcome unlikely
Steven Taylor/Alamy Stock Photo
Although many artificial intelligence researchers see the possibility of future development of superhuman AI as having a considerable chance of causing the extinction of humanity, there is disagreement and uncertainty about such risks. are also widely available.
Those findings can be found below Survey of 2,700 AI researchers They recently presented their research at six major AI conferences. This is the largest study of its kind to date. The survey asked participants to share their thoughts on possible timelines for future AI technology milestones and the positive or negative social impact those achievements would have. Almost 58% of researchers said they believe there is a 5% chance of human extinction or other very bad AI-related outcomes.
“This is an important sign that most AI researchers do not think it is highly implausible that advanced AI will destroy humanity,” he says. Katya Grace Author of the paper, affiliated with the Machine Intelligence Institute, California. “I think the general idea that the risk is not trivial says much more than the exact percentage of risk.”
But he says there's no need to panic just yet. Emil Torres At Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Such research by AI experts “doesn't have a good track record” of predicting future AI developments, they say. A 2012 study showed that over the long term, AI experts' predictions are no more accurate than non-expert public opinion. The authors of the new study also noted that AI researchers are not experts in predicting AI's future trajectory.
When compared to responses from the same survey in 2022, many AI researchers predicted that AI would reach certain milestones sooner than previously predicted. This coincides with his November 2022 debut of ChatGPT and Silicon Valley's rush to broadly deploy similar AI chatbot services based on large-scale language models.
The researchers surveyed found that within the next 10 years, AI systems will be able to perform most of the 39 sample tasks, such as creating a new song indistinguishable from a Taylor Swift banger or coding an entire payment processing site from scratch. He predicted a 50 percent chance of success. Other tasks, such as physically installing electrical wiring in a new home and solving age-old math puzzles, are expected to take even longer.
There is a 50 percent chance of developing AI that can outperform humans at any task by 2047, while there is a 50 percent chance of all human jobs being fully automated by 2116. It is said that this will happen with a probability of . These estimates are 13 years earlier, 48 years earlier than last year's survey.
However, Torres says the rising expectations for AI development could also be disappointed. “Many of these breakthroughs are completely unpredictable, and it's quite possible that the AI field will experience another winter,” he says. I mentioned that funding and corporate interest in has dried up.
Even without the risk of superhuman AI, there are also more pressing concerns. The majority of AI researchers (over 70%) say that scenarios using AI, including deepfakes, public opinion manipulation, engineered weapons, authoritarian population control, and worsening economic inequality, are of serious or extreme concern. It states that there is. Torres also highlighted the danger that AI could contribute to disinformation around existential issues such as climate change and the deterioration of democratic governance.
“We already have technologies that can seriously harm society, right here, right now. [the US] It’s a democracy,” Torres said. “Let's see what happens in the 2024 election.”
The classical understanding of brain organization is that the brain's perceptual areas represent the world 'as it is', and the brain's visual cortex represents the external world 'retinolocally', based on how light hits the retina. That's what it means. In contrast, the brain's memory areas are thought to represent information in an abstract form, stripped of details about physical properties. Now, a team of neuroscientists from Dartmouth College and the University of Edinburgh have identified the neural coding mechanisms that allow information to move back and forth between the brain's sensory and memory regions.
Traditional views of brain organization suggest that regions at the top of the cortical hierarchy process internally directed information using abstract, amodal neural codes. Nevertheless, recent reports have described the presence of retinotopic coding at cortical vertices, including the default mode network.What is the functional role of retinal local coding at the apex of the cortical hierarchy? Steel other. We report that retinotopic coding structures interactions between internally oriented (memory) and externally oriented (perception) brain regions. Image credit: Gerd Altmann.
“We now know that brain regions associated with memory encode the world, like a 'photo negative' of the universe,” said Dr. Adam Steele, a researcher at Dartmouth College.
“And that 'negativity' is part of the mechanism that moves information in and out of memory, and between perceptual and memory systems.”
In a series of experiments, participants were tested on perception and memory while their brain activity was recorded using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner.
Dr. Steele and his colleagues identified a contralateral push-pull-like coding mechanism that governs the interaction between perceptual and memory areas in the brain.
The results showed that when light hits the retina, the brain's visual cortex responds by increasing activity that represents the pattern of light.
Memory areas of the brain also respond to visual stimuli, but unlike visual areas, processing the same visual pattern reduces neural activity.
“There are three unusual findings in this study,” the researchers said.
“The first is the discovery that visual coding principles are stored in the memory system.”
“The second thing is that this visual code is upside down in our memory system.”
“When you see something in your visual field, neurons in your visual cortex become active and neurons in your memory system quiet down.”
“Third, this relationship is reversed during memory recall.”
“If you close your eyes and recall that visual stimulus in the same space, the relationship is reversed. Your memory system kicks in and suppresses the neurons in your sensory area.”
Dr Ed Shilson, a neuroscientist at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Our findings demonstrate how shared visual information is used by the memory system to bring recalled memories into and out of focus. “This provides a clear example of how this can be done.”
of study Published in today's magazine natural neuroscience.
_____
A. Steel other. Retinotopic codes structure interactions between perceptual and memory systems. nut neurosi, published online on January 2, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41593-023-01512-3
Groundbreaking research led by Professor Motoki Shiga has unraveled the complex atomic structure of glass, revealing its unique patterns and anisotropy. This research paves the way for advanced exploration of glass materials using AI and machine learning techniques.Credit: Motoki Shiga
Glass is an essential material in our daily life and serves a variety of purposes, such as insulating our homes and forming the screens of our computers and smartphones. However, its widespread historical use stands in contrast to the scientific mystery posed by its disordered atomic structure. This puzzling arrangement of atoms complicates efforts to fully understand and manipulate the structural properties of glasses. Therefore, designing effective functional materials from glass remains a difficult challenge for scientists.
Advances in glass research
To further elucidate the structural regularities hidden in glassy materials, the research group focused on the ring shape of the chemically bonded glass network. A research group including Professor Motoki Shiga of Tohoku University’s unprecedented scale data analysis center has developed a new method to quantify the three-dimensional structure of the ring and the symmetry of the structure, “roundness” and “roughness.”
Spatial atomic density around rings of silica crystal (left) and glass (right). Blue and red regions indicate areas with high density of silicon and oxygen atoms, respectively.Credit: Motoki Shiga et al.
Breakthroughs and future directions
“Structural units and structural order beyond chemical bonds have long been inferred through experimental observations, but until now scientists have avoided identifying them,” Professor Shiga says. “Furthermore, our successful analysis contributes to the understanding of phase transitions such as vitrification and crystallization in materials and provides the necessary mathematical explanations to control the structure and material properties of materials.”
Looking to the future, Shiga and his colleagues plan to use these techniques to devise procedures for exploring glass materials, procedures based on data-driven approaches such as: machine learning And AI.
Reference: “Ring-derived anisotropy of local structural order in amorphous and crystalline silicon dioxide” by Motoki Shiga, Akihiko Hirata, Yohei Onodera, and Hirokazu Masai, November 3, 2023. Communication materials. DOI: 10.1038/s43246-023-00416-w
A new study reveals that a spatiotemporal substitution method used to predict species responses to climate change inaccurately predicts the effects of warming on ponderosa pines. This finding suggests that this method may be unreliable in predicting species’ future responses to changes in climate. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
A new study involving researchers at the University of Arizona suggests that changes are happening faster than trees can adapt. The discovery is a “warning to ecologists” studying climate change.
As the world warms and the climate changes, life will migrate, adapt, or become extinct. For decades, scientists have introduced certain methods to predict how things will happen. seed We will survive this era of great change. But new research suggests that method may be misleading or producing false results.
Flaws in prediction methods revealed
Researchers at the University of Arizona and team members from the U.S. Forest Service and Brown University found that this method (commonly referred to as spatiotemporal replacement) shows how a tree called the ponderosa pine, which is widespread in the western United States, grows. I discovered something that I couldn’t predict accurately. We have actually responded to global warming over the past few decades. This also means that other studies that rely on displacement in space and time may not accurately reflect how species will respond to climate change in coming decades.
The research team collected and measured growth rings of ponderosa pine trees from across the western United States, dating back to 1900, to determine how trees actually grow and how models predict how trees will respond to warming. We compared.
A view of ponderosa and Jeffrey pine forests from Verdi Mountain near Truckee, California.Credit: Daniel Perrette
“We found that substituting time for space produces incorrect predictions in terms of whether the response to warming will be positive or negative,” said study co-author Margaret Evans, an associate professor at the University of Arizona. ” he said. Tree ring laboratory. “With this method, ponderosa pines are supposed to benefit from warming, but they actually suffer from warming. This is dangerously misleading.”
Their research results were published on December 18th. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Daniel Perrette, a U.S. Forest Service ORISE fellow, is the lead author and received training in tree-ring analysis through the university’s summer field methods course at the University of Arizona Research Institute. The study was part of his doctoral dissertation at Brown University, and was conducted with Dov Sachs, professor of biogeography and biodiversity and co-author of the paper.
Inaccuracies in space and time substitutions
This is how space and time permutation works. All species occupy a range of favorable climatic conditions. Scientists believe that individuals growing at the hottest end of their range could serve as an example of what will happen to populations in cooler locations in a warmer future.
The research team found that ponderosa pine trees grow at a faster rate in warmer locations. Therefore, under the spatial and temporal displacement paradigm, this suggests that the situation should improve as the climate warms at the cold end of the distribution.
“But the tree-ring data doesn’t show that,” Evans said.
However, when the researchers used tree rings to assess how individual trees responded to changes in temperature, they found that ponderosa was consistently negatively affected by temperature fluctuations.
“If it’s a warmer-than-average year, they’re going to have smaller-than-average growth rings, so warming is actually bad for them, and that’s true everywhere,” she says.
The researchers believe this may be happening because trees are unable to adapt quickly enough to a rapidly changing climate.
An individual tree and all its growth rings are a record of that particular tree’s genetics exposed to different climatic conditions from one year to the next, Evans said. But how a species responds as a whole is the result of a slow pace of evolutionary adaptation to the average conditions in a particular location that are different from those elsewhere. Similar to evolution, the movement of trees that are better adapted to changing temperatures could save species, but climate change is happening too quickly, Evans said.
Rainfall effects and final thoughts
Beyond temperature, the researchers also looked at how trees responded to rainfall. They confirmed that, even across time and space, more water is better.
“These spatially-based predictions are really dangerous because spatial patterns reflect the end point after a long period in which species have had the opportunity to evolve, disperse, and ultimately sort themselves across the landscape. Because we do,” Evans said. “But that’s not how climate change works. Unfortunately, trees are in a situation where they are changing faster than they can adapt and are actually at risk of extinction. This is a warning to ecologists. .”
References: “Species responses to spatial climate change do not predict responses to climate change,” by Daniel L. Perrett, Margaret EK Evans, and Dov F. Sachs, December 18, 2023. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304404120
Funding: Brown University Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown Institute for the Environment and Society, American Philosophical Society Lewis and Clark Expeditionary and Field Research Fund, Department of Agriculture Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, Department of Energy Oak Ridge Science Institute Education , NSF Macrosystems Biology
Myrrhatia arcuata, a newly discovered moth species in Europe reveals gaps in our knowledge about European Lepidoptera. Its unique characteristics and the mysteries surrounding its habitat and adaptations highlight the need for continued research in this field. Above is an adult male Myrrhatia arcuata. Credit: Hausmann et al.
The order Lepidoptera, which consists of butterflies and moths, is known to number approximately 11,000 individuals. seed and is considered well researched. However, the discovery of new genera and species in the Geometrid family suggests there is still much to learn. The results of this study were recently published in the journal Zookey. What is the name of the moth? Myrrhatia arcuata The discovery, by a team of researchers from Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom, is one of the most remarkable discoveries in Lepidoptera in recent decades.
The urgent crisis of antibiotic-resistant superbugs is being solved in groundbreaking research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Microbiotics. Their research focuses on disrupting the pathogen’s type 3 secretion system, providing a new approach to preventing infectious diseases. This strategy, supported by innovative luciferase-based technology, could pave the way for new drugs, improve our understanding of microbial infections, and lead to major advances in public health. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
The team is developing tests to identify new drugs that neutralize pathogens and provide substantial benefits to public health.
Antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” could overwhelm efforts to eradicate “superbugs” are an imminent public health crisis, with more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occurring each year, according to the CDC disease is occurring. Researchers around the world are struggling to address this challenge.
Recently, a collaborative team of researchers led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and including scientists from biopharmaceutical companies microbiologypublished in a magazine ACS infection They said they have successfully learned how to interfere with a key mechanism used by pathogens to infect host cells, called the type 3 secretion system. Additionally, the researchers report that they have developed a test to identify the next generation of drugs that target this vulnerable cellular machinery and have real benefits for public health.
A typical strategy when treating microbial infections is to attack the pathogen with antibiotics, which work by entering and killing harmful cells. This is not as easy as it sounds. New antibiotics need to be water-soluble so they can easily pass through the bloodstream, and oil-based to cross the cell membranes that are the first line of defense of pathogenic cells. Of course, water and oil don’t mix. It is difficult to design a drug that has enough of both properties to be effective.
The type 3 secretion system relies on two proteins, PopB and PopD (red and blue), which form tunnels in the host cell wall.
That’s not the only problem. Antibiotics can’t cause any harm because pathogenic cells have developed something called an “efflux pump” that can recognize them and safely pump them out of the cell. If an antibiotic cannot overcome the efflux pumps and kills the cell, the pathogen will “remember” what that particular antibiotic is and create additional efflux pumps to deal with it efficiently. Develop. This means that they become resistant to that particular antibiotic.
One way forward is to find new antibiotics or combinations of them to stay one step ahead of superbugs.
“Or you could change your strategy,” says Alejandro Heuch, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and lead author of the paper. “I am a chemist and have always been interested in understanding how chemical molecules interact with living organisms. In particular, I understand the communication between pathogens and the host cells they try to invade. We have focused our research on molecules that make this possible. If we don’t try to kill the pathogen, there’s no chance that the pathogen will develop resistance. We’re just jamming that machine. The pathogen is still alive. It’s just ineffective, and the host has no chance of developing resistance. You have time to use your natural defenses to eliminate the pathogen.”
Heuck and his colleagues are particularly interested in a communication system called the type 3 secretion system, which so far is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation unique to pathogenic microorganisms. Understanding host-pathogen interactions.
Like pathogenic cells, host cells have thick and impermeable cell walls. To overcome these, pathogens first developed syringe-like machines that secreted two proteins known as PopD and PopB. Neither PopD nor PopB can break through the cell wall on their own, but together the two proteins can create a “translocon,” the equivalent of a tunnel through the cell membrane. Once the tunnel is established, the pathogenic cell can inject other proteins that serve to infect the host. This entire process is called the type 3 secretion system, and it cannot function without both PopB and PopD. “If you don’t try to kill the pathogen, there’s no chance of it developing resistance,” Huke says. We’re just jamming that machine. The pathogen is still alive. It’s just ineffective, and the host needs time to use its natural defenses to eliminate the pathogen.
Heuck and his colleagues realized that a type of enzyme called luciferase (similar to what makes lightning bugs glow at night) could be used as a tracer. They split the enzyme into two halves. Half of it was integrated into the PopD/PopB protein and the other half was integrated into the host cell.These engineered proteins and hosts can receive a large influx of different compounds. If the host cell suddenly glows, it means that PopD/PopB has broken through the cell wall and recombined her two halves of luciferase, causing it to glow. But what if the cells remain dark? “Then we can see which molecules disrupt the translocon,” Huke says.
Huke was quick to point out that his team’s research not only has obvious applications in the pharmaceutical and public health worlds, but also advances our understanding of exactly how microbes infect healthy cells. “We wanted to study how pathogens work, and suddenly we realized that our discoveries could help solve public health problems,” he said.
Reference: “Cell-based assay to determine translocon assembly of the type 3 secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa using split luciferase” by Hanling Guo, Emily J. Geddes, Timothy J. Opperman and Alejandro P. Heuck , November 18, 2023 ACS infection.DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00482
This research was supported by the Massachusetts Amherst Applied Life Sciences Institute, a Healey Foundation grant, and National Institutes of Health.
Five new species of hedgehogs have been discovered by scientists in Southeast Asia.
These are all types of hedgehogs that have soft, spineless fur, and are more hairy than spiny.
Two of the species discovered by researchers are completely new, and the remaining three are subspecies that have been upgraded to species level.
image: H. maxi is found in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Photo: David Orcock/SWNS
Researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History used DNA to identify different genetic lineages, which were later confirmed as different species by comparison with museum specimens.
One completely new species, Hylomys vorax, is found in the rainforest on the slopes of Mount Leuser in northern Sumatra.
It is approximately 12 cm (4.7 inches) long, has dark brown fur, a very thin snout, and a completely black tail.
Another completely new species, the H. macaron hedgehog, also has dark brown fur, but is larger than the Hylomys vorax hedgehog, at about 14 cm (5.5 inches) long.
Found in southern rainforests. VietnamMales of this species have long fang-like incisors, hence their name from the Vietnamese word for vampire (Ma cà rồng).
The researchers said further research would be needed to determine what purpose the tusks serve.
Lead author Dr. Arlo Hinckley said the findings “highlight that even in well-studied animal groups like mammals, there are discoveries still waiting to be discovered.”
The other three new species were previously considered subspecies of Hylomys suillus but have now been elevated to species in their own right and have been named H. dorsalis, H. Maxi, and H. peguensis. Masu.
The H. dorsalis hedgehog is found in the mountains of northern Borneo, and the H. maxi hedgehog is found in the mountains of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.
Both are about 14 cm long, but H. dorsalis has a prominent black strike that starts at the head and reaches the middle of the body.
The H. pegwensis species is small, usually about 13 cm (5 inches) long, and has slightly more yellow fur than other species.
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It is found in many countries in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Each of the five species are active during the day and night and, like all other hedgehog species, are omnivorous. They probably eat a mixture of insects and other invertebrates, and fruit whenever possible.
Dr Hinckley said: “Based on field observations and the lifestyle habits of their relatives, these hedgehogs tend to forage in hollow areas, foraging among tree roots, fallen logs, rocks, grassy areas, undergrowth and leaf litter. It is highly likely that they build nests and hide.
“But they are so poorly studied that we are limited in speculating about the details of their natural history.”
A view from the top of Sarin Volcano, one of three volcanoes in the Andes where researchers discovered the mummified corpse of a rat. The combined analysis of mummies and the capture of live specimens suggests that the rodents are able to climb Mars-like peaks on their own and somehow survive there.
This study rules out any connection to Inca rituals and suggests that the rats ascended independently.
At the top of a 6,000-foot volcano in the middle of the driest desert on earth, the environment was harsh and unforgiving. Temperatures were consistently below freezing, oxygen levels were less than half that at sea level, and strong winds whipped over the mountaintops across the sparse, rocky terrain.
In the 1970s and 1980s, carcasses of several rats were first discovered during expeditions to several Andean peaks, and researchers believed that the rodents must have hitchhiked with the Incas. It was initially thought that these pinnacles served as altars for the ceremonial sacrifice of children to the Inca gods. This led to the assumption that the rats probably rushed into the firewood and other supplies that the Incas had hauled up the slopes, or they were sometimes among the animals sacrificed along with humans.
In early 2020, a live specimen of a hedgehog was captured at the 22,000-foot peak of Lullillaco, a volcano that straddles the Chilean-Argentine border, casting doubt on the initial hypothesis. The analysis of mummified corpses, combined with the capture of live specimens discovered across the Andes, confirmed that the rats ascended the volcanoes independently. The capture of additional live specimens and the study of the mummies further solidified the evidence that the rats are able to survive at such high altitudes.
Further research and analysis are underway to understand the genetic insights and mysterious survival of the rats and to determine what drives rats to such high altitudes. The researchers are working to answer the ongoing question of why the rats rise to such extreme altitudes in the first place. This research was funded by grants.
Researchers have discovered a way to detect Parkinson’s disease up to 30 years before symptoms appear using biomarkers and PET scans. This breakthrough includes tracking neurodegeneration more sensitively than current methods and shows that rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is an important early indicator of Parkinson’s disease. is identified. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially up to 10 years earlier than currently.
Researchers at The Florey and Austin Health in Melbourne, Australia, have demonstrated the potential to identify early indicators of Parkinson’s disease 20 to 30 years before the onset of symptoms. This breakthrough paves the way for early screening programs and intervention, potentially allowing treatment before significant damage occurs.
Researchers at the Florey Institute and Austin Health have demonstrated the possibility of identifying early indicators of Parkinson’s disease 20 to 30 years before the onset of symptoms. This breakthrough paves the way for early screening efforts and preventive treatment, long before permanent damage occurs.
Florey Professor Kevin Burnham said that although Parkinson’s disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative disease, is often thought of as a disease of the elderly, it actually begins in midlife and can last for decades. He said it may not be detected.
“Parkinson’s disease is very difficult to diagnose until symptoms become apparent, by which time up to 85 percent of the neurons in the brain that control motor coordination have been destroyed. At that point, many treatments are likely to be ineffective,” Professor Burnham said. “Our long-term goal is to find ways to detect diseases earlier and treat people before they cause harm.”
Advanced diagnostic technology
In a recently published study, neurologylead researcher Professor Burnham and colleagues explore how a known biomarker called F-AV-133 can be used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans to diagnose Parkinson’s disease and accurately track neurodegeneration. I’m explaining how it can be done.
In the Melbourne study, Austin Health’s Frawley Professor Chris Rowe and his team studied 26 patients with Parkinson’s disease, 12 controls, and 11 patients with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a strong indicator of Parkinson’s disease. I checked the name. .
Each person underwent two PET scans two years apart. Key findings include:
Currently available assessments of Parkinson’s disease showed no significant changes in clinical symptoms in any of the participants.
In contrast, PET scans showed “significant neuronal loss” in three key areas of the brains of people with the disease, making F-AV-133 more effective than what is currently available. also suggests that it is a sensitive means of monitoring neurodegeneration.
Further mathematical modeling yields the following calculation:
Slow nerve cell loss over a total of approximately 33 years in Parkinson’s disease
This loss takes about 10.5 years before the disease is detected on a PET scan.
Even if a PET scan detects the disease, it will take another six and a half years for motor symptoms to appear.
It takes about 3 years after physical symptoms appear until a clinical diagnosis is confirmed.
This corresponds to approximately 22.5 years of neuronal loss before clinical symptoms are sufficient for diagnosis.
Professor Burnham said the findings pave the way for the development of screening protocols to diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease up to 10 years earlier than is currently possible. It may also help identify patients for clinical trials.
What is RBD?
RBD stands for Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder.
Patients with RBD scream, thrash, and sometimes move violently during sleep, enacting vivid and disturbing dreams.
RBD is caused by a lack of muscle relaxation (sleep paralysis).
90% of RBD patients develop Parkinson’s disease.
Half of all Parkinson’s patients have RBD.
RBD is an important warning sign for early Parkinson’s disease.
If you have RBD, see a sleep specialist or neurologist.
Reference: “Use of 18F-AV-133 VMAT2 PET Imaging to Monitor Progressive Nigrostriatal Degeneration in Parkinson’s Disease”, Leah C. Beauchamp, Vincent Dore, Victor L. Villemagne, SanSan Xu, David Finkelstein, Kevin J. Barnham, Christopher Rowe, 28 November 2023 neurology. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207748
Researchers from Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame focused on reversing vascular remodeling through an epigenetic pathway involving the protein SPHK2, as reported in the journal Circulation Research. A potential treatment has been discovered. This innovative approach could transform the treatment of this serious lung disease.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine’s South Bend Regional Campus and colleagues at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a new therapeutic target to treat pulmonary hypertension. This form of hypertension particularly affects blood vessels in the lungs. The team’s research and findings were recently published in the journal circulation research.
Pulmonary hypertension is a complex and often fatal condition in which the heart works harder than normal to pump blood to the lungs. The exact cause of pulmonary hypertension is unknown, but one of its hallmarks is thickening of pulmonary blood vessels caused by cell overgrowth, also known as vascular remodeling.
Discovery of new treatments
Margaret A. Schwartz, M.D., professor of pediatrics at IU School of Medicine and senior author of the study, said there are few treatments for pulmonary hypertension, and they usually treat the symptoms of vascular remodeling rather than the remodeling itself. Ta.
Dr. Schwartz said that an interesting finding of her team was the discovery of an epigenetic pathway through the protein SPHK2 that can reduce and potentially reverse vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension.
Dr. Dushani Ranasinghe (left) and Margaret Schwartz, MD, attend the University of Notre Dame Ranasinghe graduation ceremony.Credit: Provided by Margaret Schwartz
“This is one of the first reversible mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension identified,” she says. “Patients with pulmonary hypertension are usually given drugs to lower blood vessel pressure in the lungs or to help the heart contract to pump blood, both of which are symptoms of vascular remodeling. Our research focuses on targeting an epigenetic reversal of this mechanism. Ultimately, stopping the vascular remodeling process entirely may be the answer.”
Schwartz said the concept is similar to cancer treatment.
“In the case of cancer, we don’t just treat the symptoms, we stop the tumor from growing,” she says. “Vascular remodeling is a different mechanism, but the idea is that treatments target the mechanism rather than the symptoms.”
Main findings and future directions
Other key findings from the study include:
SPHK2 promotes the development of pulmonary hypertension through hyperacetylation of histone H3K9 and contributes to vascular remodeling in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).
SPHK2 deficiency results in decreased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular hypertension, and thickened distal vessel walls.
EMAP (endothelial monocyte activation polypeptide) II plays an important role in stimulating the nuclear SPHK2/S1P epigenetic regulatory axis, suggesting cooperation between SPHK2 and S1P.
EMAPII may be a major driving force of epigenetic-mediated vascular PASMC reprogramming and remodeling in pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary endothelial cells are priming factors for the EMAPII/SPHK2/S1P axis that alters PASMC-specific acetylome through histone H3K9 hyperacetylation.
Schwartz and the study’s lead author, Dr. Dushani Ranasinghe, who was a member of Schwartz’s lab when Schwartz was a graduate student at Notre Dame, also thanked Dr. Schwartz for this episode. were interviewed about their findings. Podcast “Discover CircRes”It is produced by. circulation research.
Dr. Schwartz said the next steps in her research include collaborating with Brian Bragg, director of the Warren Center for Drug Discovery and Development at the University of Notre Dame, to further explore the SPHK2 protein as a therapeutic target for pulmonary hypertension. Stated.
Reference: “Changes in smooth muscle cell histone acetylome through the SPHK2/S1P axis promote pulmonary hypertension” A. Dushani CU Ranasinghe, Maggie Holohan, Kalyn M. Borger, Deborah L. Donahue, Rafael D. Kuc, Martin Gerig, Andrew Kim, Victoria A. Propris, Frances J. Castelino, Margaret A. Schwartz, September 12, 2023. circulation research. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.123.322740
Other IU authors on the study include Maggie Holohan and Martin Gerrig.
This research was made possible in part through funding from the following institutions: National Institutes of HealthLilly Endowment, O’Brien Family Excellence Fund, National Science Foundation, Buckner Family Scholarship.
Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have uncovered the structure of VMAT2, a crucial neurotransmitter transporter, shedding light on its interaction with drugs used to treat conditions like Tourette syndrome. This pioneering study offers insights into neurotransmitter transport and advances the field of neuropharmacology.
Neurons communicate through neurotransmitters, and experts at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have utilized their knowledge in structural biology to reveal the structure of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), an essential component of neurotransmission.
By visualizing VMAT2 in different states, researchers can now better comprehend its function and how its different conformations impact drug binding. This knowledge is crucial for the development of drugs to treat hyperactivity disorders such as Tourette syndrome.
This work was recently published in the journal Nature. Monoamines, including dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline, play a central role in neurotransmission by influencing various brain functions. Before they can be released, these molecules must be packaged into vesicles, which are compartments in cells that store neurotransmitters.
VMAT2 is a protein that moves monoamines into these vesicles, acting like a loading crane on a cargo ship. The study, led by researchers such as Dr. Chia-Hsueh Lee, Dr. Shabareesh Pidathala, and Dr. Yaxin Dai, utilized cryo-electron microscopy to analyze the structure of VMAT2 and its interactions with serotonin and drugs used to treat certain conditions.
The study revealed that different drugs bind to specific conformations of VMAT2, providing detailed insights that can aid in developing treatments for various disorders. The research also identified amino acids that facilitate neurotransmitter transport, laying the groundwork for future studies to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
The study was supported by grants from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
byUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental SciencesDecember 19, 2023
A study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign revealed the effects of overfeeding on cats’ digestive systems and gut microbiota. The study involved 11 cats and showed that an unrestricted diet led to significant weight gain, changes in gastrointestinal transit time, and changes in fecal microbiota and acidity. These findings contribute to the understanding of obesity in pets and inform weight management strategies such as feeding restriction and promotion of physical activity.
Cat owners want their pets to be happy, but overfeeding can have unintended consequences. The prevalence of obesity in cats is increasing, impacting their health, lifespan, and overall well-being. A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign looks at what happens to cats’ digestive systems and gut microbiota when they overeat.
“About 60% of cats in the United States are overweight, which can lead to health problems such as diabetes and chronic inflammation. A lot of research has been done on weight loss in cats; “There has been little focus on the reverse process. In this study, we wanted to learn more about the metabolic and gastrointestinal changes that occur as a result of overeating and weight gain in cats,” said study co-author and author of Animal Science said Kelly Swanson, professor and interim director of the department. The Department of Nutritional Sciences (DNS), part of the U of I College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
Methodology and initial findings
The study included 11 spayed adult cats. They were fed standard dry cat food and allowed to eat as much as they wanted after 2 weeks of baseline measurements. Researchers regularly took blood and fecal samples and monitored physical activity.
Once the cat was able to overeat, her food intake immediately increased significantly and she began to gain weight. The mean body condition score (BCS) at the start of the study was 5.41 on a 9-point scale. After 18 weeks of overeating, the weight increases to 8.27, which corresponds to 30% overweight. According to Swanson, BCS corresponds to a person’s body mass index (BMI), and anything above 6 is considered overweight.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that when cats overeat and gain weight, it affects their digestive systems and gut microbiota.Credit: Lauren Quinn, University of Illinois
Innovative “cooling glass” developed by researchers at the University of Maryland provides a groundbreaking, non-electrical solution for reducing indoor heat and carbon emissions, and significantly advances sustainable building technology. It shows great progress.
Applying new coatings to exterior surfaces can reduce air conditioning usage and help fight climate change.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed an innovative “cooling glass” designed to reduce indoor temperatures without using electricity. This revolutionary material works by harnessing the cold air of outer space.
New technology, microporous glass coating, described in paper published in the journal sciencecan lower the temperature of the material beneath it by 3.5 degrees. Celsius According to a research team led by distinguished professor Liangbing Hu of the university’s School of Materials Science and Engineering, it has the potential to reduce the annual carbon dioxide emissions of mid-rise apartments by 10%.
Cooling mechanism with two functions
This coating works in two ways. For one, it reflects up to 99% of solar radiation, preventing buildings from absorbing heat. Even more interestingly, this universe emits heat in the form of long-wave infrared radiation into the icy universe, whose temperature is typically -270 degrees Celsius, or just a few degrees warmer. absolute temperature.
In a phenomenon known as “radiative cooling,” spaces effectively act as heat sinks for buildings. They use new cooling glass designs and so-called atmospheric transparency windows (the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that passes through the atmosphere without increasing its temperature) to dump large amounts of heat into the infinitely colder sky beyond. Masu. (Although the emissions are much stronger than those from the new glass developed at UMD, the same phenomenon causes the Earth to cool itself, especially on clear nights.)
State-of-the-art durable materials
“This is an innovative technology that simplifies the way we keep buildings cool and energy efficient,” said research assistant Xinpeng Zhao, lead author of the study. “This could help us change the way we live and take better care of our homes and the planet.”
Unlike previous attempts at cooling coatings, the new glass developed by UMD is environmentally stable, withstanding exposure to water, UV light, dirt, and even flame, and withstands temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. can withstand. Because glass can be applied to a variety of surfaces such as tile, brick, and metal, the technology is highly scalable and can be adopted for a wide range of applications.
The research team could use finely ground glass particles as a binder, bypassing polymers and increasing long-term durability outdoors, Zhao said. We then selected a particle size that maximizes the release of infrared heat while reflecting sunlight.
Climate change solutions and global impacts
The development of cooling glass is in line with global efforts to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change, Hu said, adding that this year’s Independence Day could have been the world’s hottest day in 125,000 years. He pointed out recent reports that it was a day of sex.
“This ‘cooling glass’ is not just a new material, it’s an important part of the solution to climate change,” he said. “By reducing the use of air conditioners, we have taken a big step towards reducing energy usage and reducing our carbon footprint. This is because new technology is helping us build a cooler, greener world. It shows how it can help.”
In addition to Hu and Zhao, Jelena Srebric and Zongfu Yu, professors of mechanical engineering in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, are co-authors of the study, each contributing expertise in CO2 reduction and structural design. There is. .
The team is now focused on further testing and practical application of the cooled glass. They are optimistic about its commercialization prospects and have formed a startup company, CeraCool, to scale and commercialize it.
Reference: “Solution-processed radiatively cooled glass” Xinpeng Zhao, Tangyuan Li, Hua Xie, He Liu, Lingzhe Wang, Yurui Qu, Stephanie C. Li, Shufeng Liu, Alexandra H. Brozena, Zongfu Yu, Jelena Srebric, Liangbing Written by Hu, November 9, 2023, science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adi2224
A new study has proven a direct link between high insulin levels and increased risk of pancreatic cancer in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. This landmark study shows how excess insulin overstimulates pancreatic acinar cells, leading to inflammation and precancerous cells, particularly in the case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy insulin levels and may lead to new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, including lifestyle interventions and targeted therapies.
For the first time, we explain in detail why people with obesity and type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine revealed a direct relationship between high blood pressure and high blood pressure. insulin This level is frequently observed in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and pancreatic cancer.
This study cell metabolismprovides the first detailed explanation of why people with obesity and type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This study shows that excessive insulin levels overstimulate pancreatic acinar cells, which produce digestive juices. This excessive stimulation causes inflammation and transforms these cells into precancerous cells.
“In addition to rapid increases in both obesity and type 2 diabetes, we are also seeing an alarming increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer,” said co-senior author and professor in the Department of Cellular Physiology Sciences and co-senior author of the study. said Dr. James Johnson, interim director of the agency. UBC’s Institute of Life Sciences. “These findings help us understand how this is happening and highlight the importance of keeping insulin levels within a healthy range. can be achieved through medication.”
Dr. James Johnson is a professor in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences and interim director of the UBC Life Sciences Institute. credit: UBC Faculty of Medicine
The study focused on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer and a highly aggressive disease with a five-year survival rate of less than 10 percent. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is on the rise. By 2030, PDAC is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Role of insulin in pancreatic cancer
Although obesity and type 2 diabetes were previously established as risk factors for pancreatic cancer, the exact mechanisms by which this occurs remained unclear. This new study sheds light on the role of insulin and its receptor in this process.
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Reference: “Hyperinsulinemia causes pancreatic cancer through acinar insulin receptors by increasing digestive enzyme production and inflammation” (Anni MY Zhang, Yi Han Xia, Jeffrey SH Lin, Ken H Chu, Wei Chuan K. Wang, Titine JJ Ruiter, Jenny) CC Yang, Nan Chen, Justin Choa, Shilpa Patil, Haoning Howard Sen, Elizabeth J. Rideout, Vincent R. Richard, David・F. Shafer, Rene P. Zahedi, Christoph H. Borchers, James D. Johnson, Janelle L. Kopp, October 31, 2023. cell metabolism. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.10.003
This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Lustgarten Foundation.
Spiral galaxy M51 seen with the James Webb Space Telescope
ESA/Webb, NASA, and CSA, A. Adamo (Stockholm University)/FEAST JWST Team
From extreme heat to stunning space footage, new scientist covers a wide range of the biggest developments, discoveries and events in science, technology, health and the environment in 2023. Here we summarize some of the best news of the year.
Environment
In July 2023, a forest fire broke out on the Greek island of Rhodes. Angelos Tsolzinis/AFP via Getty Images
The number of heat records broken in 2023 is staggering. We won’t know for sure until next month’s official statistics are released, but there is little doubt that this year was the hottest on record. As a sign that abnormal temperatures continue, new scientist We already reported on this possibility in mid-June, long before summer in the northern hemisphere was in full swing. A few weeks later, a particularly surreal series of events occurred. The average global temperature, which is recorded 2 meters above the Earth’s surface and is basically a way to measure global temperatures, hit an all-time high on July 3rd, which was 7. It was quickly broken on the 4th of May, and then the record was broken on the 5th. July came and the next day it broke again. By the end of August, it was the hottest three months on record, followed by the hottest September on record. In November, researchers announced the hottest 12 months on record. Against this backdrop, negotiations at the COP28 climate change summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, were extremely difficult. A key point of disagreement was whether the world would finally take action against fossil fuels, and at one point it looked like the summit might collapse. Ultimately, the world agreed to begin a “transition” away from fossil fuels, but this was the first time fossil fuels were mentioned in a COP document, although what that actually meant was unclear. Many questions remain.
Health
Demand for weight loss drug Wegoby will surge in 2023 Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg via Getty Images
This year’s demand for Wigovy, a weight-loss formulation of semaglutide, has been like no other drug in history. In addition to being incredibly effective for weight loss, early trials this year showed it may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes and may even help treat addiction. Despite some moralizing about “quick cures” for obesity, and despite drug shortages and difficulty in obtaining them, it is clear that a health revolution has begun. This past year also marked the first time since 2019 that Covid-19 was not on everyone’s mind. The World Health Organization’s announcement on May 5 that the viral disease is no longer a public health emergency means, in a sense, the coronavirus pandemic is over, at least for some people. Millions of people are still experiencing long-term symptoms of COVID-19, which are still poorly understood.
Artificial Intelligence
London writers hold rally in solidarity with striking US screenwriters to protect their jobs from AI Vuk Valcic / Alamy Stock Photo
Roughly counting, new scientist has published around 150 articles on artificial intelligence this year. Tech companies were competing against each other, with OpenAI claiming “human-level performance” for its GPT-4 large-scale language model and Google claiming its Gemini model was even better. There have been concerns about the rise of misinformation through AI, from images of the Pope in a down jacket to the risk of bias feedback loops to attempts to detect AI-generated text. AI has also been the subject of high-level discussions across politics and business. This led to a major stalemate in the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strike, but in November world leaders, researchers and businessmen gathered at Bletchley Park in the UK to sign a declaration on the risks of new technologies. Indeed, this year was the year that AI became mainstream.
Space
The dense center of the Milky Way seen with the James Webb Space Telescope NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Samuel Crow (UVA)
This year’s biggest space mission is also the cheapest, with India’s low-budget Chandrayaan-3 moon landing costing just £60 million. India’s success makes it the fourth country to safely land on the moon, after the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. It also happened just days after a Russian spacecraft crash-landed on the moon in a bid to restore it to its Soviet-era glory. Further out in space, the James Webb Space Telescope continues to shine, providing stunning images and advancing our understanding of the universe, from the fastest-growing galaxies to the most distant black holes ever seen.
A new study reveals the quantum switching mechanism of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII), which is critical for efficient photosynthesis. This discovery, achieved through advanced cryo-EM and theoretical calculations, supports a dynamic role for LHCII in regulating energy transfer in plants. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
Photosynthesis is an important process that allows plants to use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds. Light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) consists of dye molecules bound to proteins. It alternates between two main roles. Under strong light, excess energy is dissipated as heat through non-photochemical quenching, and under weak light, light is efficiently transferred to the reaction center.
Recent bioengineering research has revealed that faster switching between these functions can improve photosynthetic efficiency. For example, soybean crops showed yield increases of up to 33%. However, the precise atomic-level structural changes in LHCII that cause this control have not been known until now.
The molecular mechanism of NPQ and acidity-induced changes in several key structural factors cause the LHCII trimer to switch between light-harvesting and energy-quenching states.Credit: Institute of Physics
innovative research approach
In the new study, researchers led by Professor Weng Yuxiang from the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Professor Gao Jiali’s group from the Shenzhen Bay Institute, combined single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) research. Using multistate density functional theory (MSDFT) calculations of energy transfer between photosynthetic pigment molecules, we analyzed the dynamic structure of his LHCII at atomic resolution and identified photosynthetic pigment quantum switches for intermolecular energy transfer. Masu.
As part of the study, they developed a series of six cryogenic states, including energy transfer states with LHCII in solution and energy quenching states with laterally confined LHCII in membrane nanodisks under neutral and acidic conditions. reported the EM structure.
Comparing these different structures shows that LHCII undergoes a structural change upon acidification. This change allosterically changes the interpigment distance of the fluorescence quenching locus lutein 1 (Lut1)-chlorophyll 612 (Chl612) only when LHCII is confined to membrane nanodiscs, leading to the quenching of excited Chl612 by Lut1. cause. Therefore, lateral pressure-confined LHCII (e.g., aggregated LHCII) is a prerequisite for non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), whereas acidThe induced conformational change enhances fluorescence quenching.
Cryo-EM structures of LHCII in nanodiscs and surfactant solutions at pH 7.8 and 5.4. Credit: Institute of Physics
Quantum switching mechanism in photosynthesis
Through cryo-EM structures and MSDFT calculations of known crystal structures in the extinction state and transient fluorescence experiments, an important quantum switching mechanism of LHCII with the Lut1-Chl612 distance as a key factor was revealed.
This distance controls the energy transfer quantum channels in response to lateral pressure and conformational changes to LHCII. That is, a small change in the critical distance of 5.6 Å allows a reversible switch between light collection and excess energy dissipation. This mechanism allows for rapid response to changes in light intensity, achieving both high efficiency and efficiency. photosynthesis Balanced photoprotection using LHCII as a quantum switch.
Fluorescence decay rate, relationship of Lut1–Chl612 electronic bond strength to Lut1–Chl612 separation distance, and plot of Lut1–Chl612 distance versus crossing angle of TM helices A and B in different LHCII structures. Credit: Institute of Physics
Previously, these two research groups collaborated on molecular dynamics simulations and ultrafast infrared spectroscopy experiments to propose that LHCII is an allosterically controlled molecular machine. Their current experimental cryo-EM structure confirms previously theoretically predicted structural changes in his LHCII.
Reference: “Cryo-EM structure of LHCII in photoactive and photoprotected states reveals allosteric control of light harvesting and excess energy dissipation” Meixia Ruan, Hao Li, Ying Zhang, Ruoqi Zhao, Jun Zhang, Yingjie Wang , Jiali Gao, Zhuan Wang, Yumei Wang, Dapeng Sun, Wei Ding, Yuxiang Weng, August 31, 2023, natural plants. DOI: 10.1038/s41477-023-01500-2
This research was supported by a project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee.
Stanford Medicine and international collaborators have discovered that around 20% of individuals carry genetic mutations that reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease by 10% or more. This particular variant, known as DR4, has the potential to enhance future vaccines for these neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the study found a potential link between the tau protein and both diseases, providing new possibilities for targeted therapies and vaccines.
The large-scale analysis included medical and genetic information from a wide range of individuals across different continents. This data analysis revealed that certain gene variants related to immune function are associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Approximately one in five people possess a specific genetic mutation that provides resistance to both diseases.
The research, led by Stanford Medicine, indicates that individuals with this protective genetic mutation may be less likely to benefit from future vaccines aimed at slowing or stopping the progression of these common neurodegenerative diseases. Results from the analysis of medical and genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people from diverse backgrounds confirmed that carrying the DR4 allele increased the average chance of developing Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease by more than 10%. New evidence has also surfaced suggesting that the tau protein, which is known for aggregating in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, may also play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was a collaboration between researchers at Stanford Medicine and international partners. The researchers involved in this study were Emmanuel Mignot, MD, Michael Gracius, MD, Iqbal Farooq, and Asad Jamal from Stanford Medicine, as well as Dr. Jean-Charles Lambert from Inserm, University of Lille, France. The lead author was Yan Le Nguyen, Ph.D., and other contributors included Dr. Guo Luo, Dr. Aditya Ambati, and Dr. Vincent Damot.
Further findings from the study showed that individuals with the DR4 allele were more likely to develop neurofibrillary tangles, characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, in their brains. The study also suggests that tau, a protein central to Alzheimer’s disease, may have an unknown role in Parkinson’s disease.
DR4 is a particular allele of the DRB1 gene, which is a part of the human lymphocyte antigen complex. This complex is crucial in allowing the immune system to recognize the internal contents of cells. One of the significant findings of this study was that the specific peptide fragment that DR4 recognizes and presents is a chemically modified segment of the tau protein, which plays a role in both diseases. The study suggests that the DR4 allele could be used to create a vaccine targeting this modified peptide as a potential way to interfere with tau aggregation and the development of these neurodegenerative diseases. There may be potential to delay or slow the progression of the diseases in individuals who carry the protective variants of DR4.
The study also noted that the effectiveness of the vaccine may depend on the subtype of DR4 a person carries, which varies among different ethnic groups. For example, one subtype of DR4 that is more common among East Asians may be less protective against neurodegenerative diseases.
Astronomers have detected a rare and extremely energetic particle falling to Earth.
Scientists say the ray, named after the Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu, is one of the most energetic cosmic rays ever detected.
The Amaterasu particle has an energy of more than 240 exaelectron volts (EeV), making it the second particle in recorded history, after another ultra-high-energy cosmic ray, the Oh My God particle (320 EeV), detected in 1991.
The origins of the particles are unknown, but experts believe that only the most powerful astronomical phenomena, larger than an exploding star, can produce them.
Toshihiro Fujii, associate professor at Osaka Metropolitan University, Japansaid that when he first discovered this particle, he thought, “There must have been a mistake.”
“We’ve seen energy levels unprecedented in the last 30 years,” he said.
read more: Images from the James Webb Telescope capture the center of the Milky Way NASA astronaut accidentally drops toolbox into space Telescope captures first full-color image of the universe
The particle seems to come out of nowhere, further deepening the mystery for scientists.
John Matthews, a research professor in the University of Utah’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, explains that there was nothing in the area high-energy enough to cause this phenomenon.
It appeared to emerge from the Local Void, the empty space adjacent to the Milky Way.
“We should be able to point to where in the sky they came from,” Professor Matthews says.
“But in the case of the Oh My God particle and this new particle, even if we trace its trajectory back to its source, there is nothing high enough energy to produce it.
“That’s the mystery – what the hell is going on?”
Typically, when ultra-high-energy cosmic rays hit Earth’s atmosphere, they create a cascade of secondary particles and electromagnetic radiation known as a massive air shower.
Some charged particles in air showers travel faster than the speed of light and produce a type of electromagnetic radiation that can be detected with special equipment.
One of those instruments is the Telescope Array Observatory in Utah, which discovered the Amaterasu particle.
image: Telescope Array Surface Detector in Utah.Photo: Associated Press
It is now hoped that this particle will pave the way for further research that will help uncover ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays and their origins.
Experts suggest this may indicate a much larger magnetic deflection than predicted, an unidentified source within the local void, or an incomplete understanding of high-energy particle physics.
Another Utah professor, John Beltz, said he was “throwing out crazy ideas” to try to explain the mystery.
“These events appear to be coming from completely different places in the sky. There is no one mysterious source,” he said. “It could be a flaw in the fabric of space-time, causing cosmic strings to collide.”
However, he added, “There is no conventional explanation.”
Researchers have developed a new breakthrough in memory research by genetically modifying the LIMK1 protein and activating it with rapamycin. This innovative approach shows promise in the treatment of memory-related neuropsychiatric disorders and in the advancement of neurological research.
Researchers at the Catholic University of Rome’s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the A. Gemelli National Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS have developed an artificial protein that improves memory.
Neuroscientists at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the Catholic University of Rome and the Agostino Gemelli National Polikuri Foundation IRCCS genetically modified a molecule called LIMK1, a protein that normally operates in the brain and plays an important role in memory.
They added a “molecular switch” activated by administering rapamycin, a drug known for some anti-aging effects on the brain.
Collaborative research with important implications
This is the research result published in the journal scientific progressIt involves the Catholic University of Rome and the Agostino Gemelli National Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS. The study was coordinated by Claudio Grassi, full professor of physiology and chair of the neuroscience department.
This research was supported by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research and the U.S. government. Alzheimer’s disease The Association Foundation and the Italian Ministry of Health have great application potential by deepening our understanding of memory function and facilitating the identification of innovative solutions for neuropsychiatric diseases such as dementia.
Role of LIMK1 in memory processes
The LIMK1 protein plays an important role in determining structural changes in neurons, namely the formation of dendritic spines. Dendritic spines enhance information transmission in neural networks and are important for learning and memory processes.
Professor Claudio Grassi, senior author of the study, explains: “Memory is a complex process that involves changes in synapses, connections between neurons, in specific brain regions such as the hippocampus, a neural structure that plays an important role in memory formation.”
“This phenomenon, known as synaptic plasticity, involves changes in the structure and function of synapses that occur when neural circuits are activated, such as by sensory experiences. It promotes the activation of signal transduction pathways,” Professor Grassi added.
“Some of these proteins are particularly important for memory, and in fact, decreased expression or modification of these proteins is associated with changes in cognitive function. One of these proteins is LIMK1. The goal of our study was to control the activity of this protein, as it plays an important role in the maturation of dendritic spines. We have shown that controlling LIMK1 with drugs can promote synaptic plasticity. meaning that it can promote the physiological processes that depend on it,” Professor Grassi emphasizes.
Chemogenetic strategies: a new approach to memory enhancement
“The key to this innovative ‘chemogenetics’ strategy, which combines genetics and chemistry, is the use of the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin,” said Christian Ripoli, associate professor of physiology at Catholic University and lead author of the study. It is precisely connected to this,” he added. The drug is known to increase life expectancy and have beneficial effects on the brain in preclinical models. ”
“We therefore modified the sequence of the LIMK1 protein by inserting a molecular switch that can activate it on command through the administration of rapamycin,” emphasizes Professor Lipoli.
“Using this gene therapy to modify the LIMK1 protein and activate it with a drug significantly improved memory in animals with age-related cognitive decline. This makes it possible to manipulate synaptic plasticity processes and memory in clinical conditions, and paves the way for the development of further “engineered” proteins that could revolutionize research and treatment in the field of neurology. ”, experts emphasize.
“The next step is to test the effectiveness of this treatment in experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases that exhibit memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Further research is also needed to validate the use of this technology in humans. “Professor Grassi concluded.
Reference: “Manipulation of memory by exogenous disordered kinases” Cristian Ripoli, Onur Dagliyan, Pietro Renna, Francesco Pastore, Fabiola Paciello, Raimondo Sollazzo, Marco Rinaudo, Martina Battistoni, Sara Martini, Antonella Tramutola, Andrea Sattin, Eugenio Barone, Takeo Written by Saneyoshi, Tommaso Ferrin, Yasunori Hayashi, Claudio Grassi, November 15, 2023, scientific progress. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1110
Researchers at the University of Basel have conducted a study on muscle adaptations in mice and discovered that endurance training leads to significant muscle remodeling. This is evident in the differential gene expression in trained muscles compared to untrained muscles, with epigenetic changes playing a crucial role in these adaptations. Trained muscles become more efficient and resilient, allowing for improved performance over time. The findings shed new light on the mechanisms behind these muscle adaptations.
Endurance training comes with numerous benefits. Regular exercise not only enhances overall fitness and health but also brings about substantial changes in muscle structure. This results in decreased muscle fatigue, increased energy production, and optimized oxygen usage. The recent experiments conducted by researchers at the University of Basel, using mice as subjects, have further elucidated these muscle changes.
Professor Christoph Handsin, who has extensive experience in muscle biology research at the Biozentrum University of Basel, explains that it is well-known that muscles adapt to physical activity. The goal of their study was to gain a deeper understanding of the processes occurring in muscles during athletic training. The researchers found that training status is reflected in gene expression.
Comparing untrained and trained mice, Handsin’s team examined the changes in gene expression in response to exercise. Surprisingly, they discovered that a relatively small number of around 250 genes were altered in trained resting muscles compared to untrained muscles. However, after intense exercise, approximately 1,800 to 2,500 genes were regulated. The response of specific genes and the degree of regulation depended largely on the training condition.
Untrained muscles activated inflammatory genes in response to endurance training, which could lead to muscle soreness from small injuries. In contrast, trained muscles exhibited increased activity in genes that protect and support muscle function, allowing them to respond differently to exercise stress. Trained muscles were more efficient and resilient, enabling them to handle physical loads better.
The researchers found that epigenetic modifications, chemical tags in the genome, played a crucial role in shaping muscle fitness. Epigenetic patterns determine whether genes are turned on or off, and the patterns differed significantly between untrained and trained muscles. The modifications affected important genes that control the expression of numerous other genes, ultimately activating a distinct program in trained muscles compared to untrained muscles.
These epigenetic patterns determine how muscles respond to training. Chronic endurance training induces short and long-term changes in the epigenetic patterns of muscles. Trained muscles are primed for long-term training due to these patterns and exhibit faster reactions and improved efficiency. With each training session, muscular endurance improves.
The next step for researchers is to determine whether these findings in mice also apply to humans. Biomarkers that reflect training progress can be used to enhance training efficiency in competitive sports. Additionally, understanding how healthy muscles function is crucial for developing innovative treatments for muscle wasting associated with aging and disease.
In conclusion, the study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel has unveiled the mechanisms through which muscles adapt to regular endurance training in mice. The insights gained from these findings may have implications for human performance and health. Furthermore, understanding muscle function can aid in the development of treatments for muscle-related conditions.
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