A standardized unit is necessary for measuring electricity
Yuichi Rochino/Getty Images
A single quantum device can now define all three units critical for understanding electricity.
When calculating electricity, one must assess the current in amperes, resistance in ohms, and voltage in volts. Before proceeding, researchers need consensus on the measurements for each unit, which has historically required separate quantum devices and often necessitated visits to different labs.
Recently, Jason Underwood and his team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland have showcased how to characterize these units using a single device. “Integrating these two quantum standards has always felt like a Holy Grail,” he remarks. “It was a prolonged endeavor. Much like Sisyphus, we’ve been pushing this boulder uphill.”
This integration posed challenges as both devices depend on delicate quantum effects observable only at extremely low temperatures. Additionally, certain devices historically required magnetic fields, which could disrupt the operation of others.
The innovative “One Box” approach circumvents these issues by utilizing new materials capable of conducting quantum functions without the need for magnetic fields, allowing previously separated quantum systems to function together within the same cryostat. This method successfully measures amperes, ohms, and volts with an uncertainty of just one in millions for each unit.
However, before these combined devices can be used practically, researchers must further enhance their precision. Currently, accuracy is hampered by the heating generated when placing the two systems and their wiring too closely together. Moreover, development on the new quantum material, which facilitates the cooperation of both systems, is ongoing, according to Lindsey Rodenbach at Stanford University in California.
He views the project as a significant achievement, yet Underwood highlights that Budget constraints at NIST, funded by the US government, have impeded the team’s reach for even higher precision. He specifically mentions the agency’s “Crossing Infrastructure” report, which revealed that several NIST facilities are in disrepair. NIST has chosen not to comment on the matter.
Susmit Kumar from the Norwegian Metrology Service describes the new device as an “impressive engineering feat” that could enhance quantum electrical standards, making them more accessible and affordable for researchers and tech developers worldwide. He is part of the Quahmet Consortium, which also aims to develop user-friendly devices for measuring ohms using novel materials.
“The International System of Units is a shared language for scientists and engineers everywhere. Our goal is to simplify their use as much as possible,” says Richard Davis, a retired member of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. He adds that integrating existing devices will foster advancement moving forward.
Stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression. These are significant issues that become more prevalent as we age—often overlooked, yet surprisingly frequent in our older population.
Moreover, the abundance of information available today makes it challenging to determine effective preventative measures. Are these conditions purely genetic? Do they stem from our environment? Or can we actually enact changes that make a difference?
Recent research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry offers encouraging insights and a clear starting point.
Led by Dr. Sanjurasin from the Brain Care Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the study systematically reviewed data on modifiable lifestyle factors linked to the three critical brain conditions.
The team discovered 17 interconnected risk factors associated with stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression—all of which are within an individual’s capacity to change.
“These are actionable steps that everyone can incorporate into their lives,” Shin explained in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “For example, dietary choices, physical activity, or adhering to blood pressure medications prescribed by a doctor—all factors influenced by socioeconomic conditions that may not be easily altered.”
Instead, the emphasis is placed on daily habits that can be reshaped, such as diet, sleep, exercise, social connections, and mental engagement.
17 Modifiable Risk Factors for Brain Health
This study outlines 17 overlapping factors impacting the risks of stroke, dementia, and consequent depression, which encompass both protective and risk-enhancing behaviors. They can be categorized based on quality and context, such as dietary choices and social engagement.
Here’s the complete list:
Protective Factors:
Low or very low alcohol consumption
Regular engagement in cognitive activities like reading, puzzles, and acquiring new skills
A nutrient-rich diet comprising vegetables, fruits, dairy, fish, and nuts
Moderate to high levels of physical activity
A strong sense of community
Extensive social networks or substantial social involvement
Risk-Increasing Factors:
Hypertension
Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI)
Hyperglycemia
High cholesterol levels
Hearing impairment
Kidney disease or renal dysfunction
Chronic pain affecting daily activities
Symptoms of depression
Diet high in lean meats, sugary beverages, sweets, and sodium
Sleep disorders or prolonged sleeping periods
History of smoking
Feelings of loneliness or social isolation
Chronic stress or stressful life events
Each factor was associated with at least one of the three conditions explored in the study, and often with two or three. While certain factors, like kidney dysfunction and hearing loss, may not intuitively seem linked to brain health, their impacts can be significant.
Noteworthy Findings
To pinpoint the most influential risk factors, Singh’s team reviewed 182 meta-analyses from the last two decades and selected the 59 most reliable. They calculated the impact of each factor using disability-adjusted life years (DALYS), which measures the burden of conditions, and assigned normalized scores.
One risk factor rose to prominence: hypertension.
“People often associate blood pressure with heart health,” Singh noted. “However, our review highlights it as the most critical factor for brain health. It’s essential to monitor your blood pressure and understand your numbers. If elevated, consult your doctor and adhere to prescribed treatment.”
Hypertension is known to harm small blood vessels in the brain and contribute to the development of all three conditions. However, it’s not the sole important factor.
The study also underscores that kidney dysfunction, hyperglycemia, depressive symptoms, poor sleep, obesity, smoking, and chronic stress negatively affect brain health. These risk factors tend to compound one another.
Blood pressure is the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression. – Getty
Healthy Choice Menu
The encouraging news is that these factors are interconnected. Addressing one area can often lead to improvements in others.
However, this doesn’t mean that an all-at-once overhaul is necessary. Singh cautions against attempting to tackle everything simultaneously. “Our aim is to suggest gradual changes; bombarding someone with all 17 factors can be overwhelming. We encourage individuals to select what resonates with them and work on that—other improvements will often follow.”
Indeed, motivation presents a significant challenge. “Behavioral science indicates that maintaining lasting changes is difficult.” Other obstacles, like time constraints and financial means, can also impede habit formation.
A potent strategy is to involve others. Whether walking with friends, cooking healthy meals with a partner, enrolling in classes, or engaging in activities that blend lifestyle changes with social connections, you’re more likely to stay committed.
“We strongly advocate for collaborative exercise,” Singh emphasizes.
Read more:
When to Start
Some risk factors are more critical at specific life stages. For instance, hypertension during middle age seems particularly detrimental to long-term brain health. Nonetheless, it’s never too late to make changes.
And what if you’re starting later in life? Don’t wait.
“You’re never ‘too old.’ Addressing modifiable risk factors is beneficial at any age. Whether you’re 20 or 80, everyone can take steps, however small, to better brain health.”
Notes on Limitations
This study presents a robust framework for prevention, but it does not demonstrate causality. It relies on observational studies, which can indicate associations but do not establish direct cause-effect relationships.
As Dr. Anya Topiwara, a consultant psychiatrist at Oxford University who did not participate in the study, remarked in an email to BBC Science Focus: “It’s important to recognize that this paper examines associations rather than experimental findings. Hence, due to various biases, one cannot directly infer causation between risk factors and disease.”
For example, while alcohol consumption may appear protective in moderate quantities, it can mislead. “Individuals with higher socioeconomic status or education levels tend to drink moderately. These individuals are typically healthier and less likely to face dementia diagnosis and perform better on memory assessments.”
In essence, some correlations may stem from other underlying variables, like education, income, and healthcare access.
A Message of Hope
Despite the limitations, the overall outlook is optimistic. Singh emphasizes that the findings aim to empower rather than overwhelm. “This is a hopeful paper. There are numerous controllable factors that can lower your illness risk.”
“Based on estimates, up to 45% of all dementia cases could potentially be prevented by managing modifiable risk factors, alongside 80% of strokes and 35% of later-life depression. There’s a lot you can do to maintain a healthy and happy brain.”
So whether it’s taking a walk, learning something new, monitoring your blood pressure, or cooking a meal with a friend, the core message is simple: start where you can. Your efforts may yield more benefits than you realize.
About Our Experts
Sanjurashin is a physician scientist and Oxford-trained epidemiologist, whose expertise merges clinical medicine, epidemiology, behavioral science, and global health innovation. She became a professor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School by the age of 28. Singh founded Singh Lab within Brain Care Labs, where she and her team are innovating scalable, evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression.
Anyatopiwarra earned her medical qualification at Oxford University and subsequently specialized in elderly psychiatry. In 2017, she completed her DPhil in Psychiatry centered on an MRC-funded study, “Predicting MRI abnormalities using longitudinal data from the Whitehall II study.” In 2019, Topiwala received the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship to investigate how physical mechanisms related to alcohol consumption impact brain health.
Tree-planting projects help tackle the climate crisis, but they can also impact water supplies
Cost Photo/NurPhoto
The major environmental, social and economic crises facing the world today, including biodiversity, climate change, health, food, and water, are closely linked, and we must work together to tackle them. has many advantages. However, focusing on just one issue can exacerbate other crises.
This is the conclusion of a major report compiled by 165 researchers from 57 countries and approved by 147 governments over the past three years.
United Nations conventions on issues such as biodiversity and climate focus on these issues separately. “So what we will do now in this report, which has not been done before, is to combine all of these and make sure that looking at these crises individually is not only inefficient, but actually the real danger. “It's about showing what's involved,” he says. paula harrison He co-chaired the evaluation process for the report at the UK Center for Ecology and Hydrology. “Action is urgent, but unless we act in a way that takes these interdependencies into account, we will create new problems or exacerbate existing ones.”
Mr Harrison said the scientific studies assessed for this report provide strong evidence that there are a number of actionable actions that can have beneficial effects on all five areas simultaneously. . These include conserving and restoring mangrove forests, improving soil health and carbon content, creating early warning systems for all kinds of hazards, reducing the risk of disease spread from animals to humans, and universal health insurance. It includes international cooperation on technology related to the problem.
There is a trade-off. Actions that have broad benefits are not the same as actions that are the best solution to a particular problem, she says.
“What you can’t do is get the best value possible at the same time,” Harrison says. “While we cannot optimize food production without negatively impacting everything else, we can take a balanced approach that benefits all.”
Harrison gives the example of planting trees to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. If the focus is solely on climate, the trees selected are likely to be fast-growing non-native species that do not support wildlife and affect water supplies by taking up too much water. However, if a project takes a more holistic approach, it may choose native tree species that use less water and increase biodiversity. “It may not sequester as much carbon, but it will add a lot of value to other aspects of the system,” Harrison says.
There are also economic benefits to integrated approaches that help conserve biodiversity and achieve other goals. nexus reportMore than half of the world's gross domestic product ($50 trillion), as it is officially known, states that it is moderately to highly dependent on nature.
“The unaccounted costs of our current approach to economic activity, including climate change impacts on biodiversity, water, health, and food production, are estimated to be at least $10 trillion to $25 trillion per year. It has been.” Pamela McElwee The other co-chair, a professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, said in a statement.
“There is a lot of evidence that there are very strong and growing biophysical risks to economic prosperity and financial stability if we continue the way we are,” Harrison said.
says the report is very ambitious Anne LarigoderlyExecutive Director of IPBES. Its purpose is to provide the science and evidence needed to support the achievement of other international conventions, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Paris Agreement on climate change. , she says.
The reindeer seems to be dozing all day long, ruminating on the cud. This may be an adaptation to their arctic habitat, where food is plentiful in the summer and they must eat constantly to gain enough weight to survive the winter.
Reindeer chew the cud to help break down the fibrous plants that make up their food. That is, it regurgitates food from the stomach back into the mouth for further chewing. And they often stare at each other in a trance-like manner while munching. “You can see it in their faces. They’re a little distant,” he says. gabriella wagner At the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy. “However, no one had ever measured reindeer’s brain waves before, so no one knew whether reindeer really slept.”
Wagner and her colleagues used electroencephalography (EEG) with metal electrodes attached to the heads of four Eurasian tundra reindeer.Langifer Tarandus Tarandus), and over the next few days recorded electrical pulses in their brains as they ate, slept and moved around.
The reindeer’s brain wave patterns revealed that when they ruminate, they are in a light sleep stage called non-REM sleep, suggesting that reindeer can recharge while ruminating. “It’s very similar to human sleep; it has the same stages of sleep spindles and slow-wave activity,” Wagner explains of the bursts of brain activity visible on the EEG. They also found that the longer reindeer ruminated, the less they needed additional rest.
Wagner suspects this kind of multitasking might help animals get enough rest during the summer, when they spend almost all their time foraging in preparation for winter. “This seems to be a perfect adaptation to the Arctic, where there is a very short period of the year where they have to eat all the time to gain weight,” she says.
Resting while ruminating may also explain why reindeer appear to sleep the same amount regardless of season, unlike most other species that sleep more in winter.
Those who still think of Fortnite as a colorful, cartoonish battle royale game may be surprised to learn the true scope of Epic’s ambitions.
Fortnite’s large-scale, chaotic fight-to-the-death matches may still command the highest payouts, but Epic continues to steadily expand the scope of its flagship game into more of a game. platform More than just a simple standalone game.Fortnite’s psychedelic live event, monster Ariana Grande concert, and its infinity User-generated sandbox world All were hints about the final destination.
X may never be the be-all and end-all app, but Fortnite is already the be-all and end-all game. And it got even bigger.
Over the last week, Epic has released three new games within the game, starting with survival title Lego Fortnite on Thursday. Fortnite Festival, a rhythm game from the Rock Band development studio, and Rocket Racing, a fast-paced racing game from the makers of Rocket League, soon followed.
While Fortnite’s regular modes like Zero Build and the classic Battle Royale saw decent numbers over the weekend, and people also ventured into the other two new games, Lego Fortnite is on a whole different level. I made my debut.
Epic and Lego’s new Minecraft/Animal Crossing hybrid (more on this later in the review) peaks at 2.45 million concurrent players Immediately after launch. Over the weekend, it consistently hovered around the same high peak, sitting at about 1.1 million players by Monday. This in itself is an epic number that puts many hits on the Steam charts to shame. The live “Big Bang” event that introduced his three new games a little more than a week ago drew 11.6 million concurrent players and featured live Fortnite shows from artists like Marshmello and Travis Scott. Ta.
LEGO Fortnite is just one corner of Epic’s multiverse, but it’s clearly the one that’s getting the most attention right now. Fortnite’s total number of concurrent online players is much higher than that (all of Fortnite’s creative modes, ranked play, battle royale, etc. combined), but this is a completely different genre of family games. It is especially noteworthy that it has generated so much buzz. If LEGO Fortnite can maintain its momentum with a steady drip of engaging content that deepens the game, the free-to-play, multiplayer experience for the whole family may only get better.
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