Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) sought to understand the mechanisms that drive the creation of atypical B cells (ABCs) in the immune system, which were seen as “junk cells.” Using gene-editing technology on mice, the ANU researchers discovered a gene called Zeb2 is crucial to the production of ABCs. Manipulating the Zeb2 gene they found it disrupted the creation of ABCs in the immune system and that mice without the Zeb2 gene were unable to control malaria infection. Their findings show that ABCs play a crucial role in fighting malaria infections.
“CD11c+ atypical B cells (ABCs) are an alternative memory B cell lineage associated with immunization, infection, and autoimmunity. However, the factors that drive the transcriptional program of ABCs have not been identified, and the function of this population remains incompletely understood,” wrote the researchers. “Here we identified candidate transcription factors associated with the ABC population based on a human tonsillar B cell single cell dataset.”
The discovery provides new insight into how the immune system fights infections and brings scientists a step closer to harnessing the body’s natural defenses to combat malaria. The scientists say ABCs could also be key to developing new treatments for chronic autoimmune conditions such as lupus. According to the researchers, ABCs have long been associated with malaria, as malaria patients have more of these cells in their system compared to the general population.
“Although ABCs are known to contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmunity, we’ve discovered a previously unknown ability of these cells to fight disease,” lead author Xin Gao, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at ANU, said. “In this sense, ABCs are like a double-edged sword. Contrary to past belief, ABCs are not junk cells; they are more important than we thought.”
Their research found that ABCs are also instrumental in developing T follicular helper cells.
“Antibodies can block parasites in the blood as they travel from the site of the infectious mosquito bite to the liver, where the infection is first established.”
The researchers say targeting ABCs could also pave the way for new treatments for certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
“ABCs also appear in large numbers in many autoimmune diseases, including lupus, which can be life-threatening in severe cases,” said study co-author Ian Cockburn, PhD, professor at the ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research.
“By developing a better understanding of the role of ABCs in the immune system and the cells’ role in fighting disease, it could bring us a step closer to one day developing new and more effective therapies.”
CNIO researchers have discovered the essential role of endogenous retroviruses in embryonic development, specifically in the transition from totipotency to pluripotency. This study, which challenges the previous notion of ‘junk DNA’, sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between viral genes and early embryonic development, with implications for regenerative medicine. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
At least 8% of the human genome is genetic material from viruses. It was considered ‘junk DNA’ until recently, but its role in human development is now known to be essential
Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) describe for the first time the role of these viruses in a key process in development, when cells become pluripotent few hours after fertilization
The finding, published in Science Advances, is relevant for regenerative medicine and for the creation of artificial embryos
All animals have evolved thanks to the fact that certain viruses infected primitive organisms hundreds of millions of years ago. Viral genetic material was integrated into the genome of the first multi-cellular beings and is still in our DNA today. Researchers from the CNIO (Spanish National Cancer Research Centre) describe now in the journal Science Advances for the first time the role played by these viruses in a process that is absolutely vital for our development, and which occurs a few hours after fertilization: the transition to pluripotency, when the oocyte goes from having two to four cells.
Before this step, each of the two cells of the embryo is totipotent, i.e. it may develop inside an independent organism; the four cells of the next stage are not totipotent but are pluripotent, because they can differentiate into cells of any specialized tissue of the body.
For Sergio de la Rosa and Nabil Djouder, first author and senior author respectively, the finding is relevant for the field of regenerative medicine and the creation of artificial embryos, as it opens up a new way to generate stable cell lines in the totipotency phases. Djouder leads the Growth Factors, Nutrients, and Cancer Group at the CNIO.
We are 8% retrovirus
Genetic material from the now so-called ‘endogenous retroviruses’ was integrated into the genomes of organisms that may have been drivers of the Cambrian explosion, a period more than 500 million years ago when the world’s seas underwent a biodiversity boom. Over the past decade, genetic sequences from these viruses have been found to make up at least 8-10% of the human genome.
“Until recently, these viral remnants were considered to be ‘junk DNA’, genetic material that was unusable or even harmful,” explains De la Rosa. “Intuitively, it was thought that having viruses in the genome could not be good. However, in recent years we are starting to realize that these retroviruses, which have co-evolved with us over millions of years, have important functions, such as regulating other genes. It’s an extremely active field of research
The transition from totipotency to pluripotency, a question of pace
The research published in Science Advances shows that the MERVL endogenous retrovirus sets the pace in embryo development, especially during the specific step of the transition from totipotency to pluripotency, and explains the mechanism that makes this happen.
“It is a totally new role for endogenous retroviruses,” says Djouder. “We discovered a new mechanism that explains how an endogenous retrovirus directly controls pluripotency factors.”
This new action mechanism involves URI, a gene that Djouder’s group is researching in depth. Years ago, it was discovered that if URI is deleted in laboratory animals, embryos do not even get to develop. De la Rosa wanted to find out why, and which is how its link to the MERVL retrovirus was discovered.
A smooth transition
The findings show that one of the functions of URI is to enable the action of molecules essential for acquiring pluripotency; if URI does not act, neither do the pluripotency factors, and the cell remains in a state of totipotency. It turns out to be an endogenous retrovirus protein, MERVL-gag, which modulates the action of URI.
The researchers found that during the totipotency phase, when there are only two cells in the oocyte, expression of the MERVL-gag viral protein is high; this protein binds to URI and prevents it from acting. However, the levels gradually change, so that the levels of MERVL-gag viral protein go down and URI can enter into action: pluripotency appears.
As De la Rosa explains, “It’s a smooth transition. When there is a high expression of viral protein, there are fewer pluripotency factors; as ERV expression decreases, URI stabilizes such factors.”
Symbiotic co-evolution
“Our findings reveal symbiotic co-evolution of endogenous retroviruses with their host cells in order to guarantee the smooth and timely progression of early embryonic development,” explain the authors in Science Advances.
In other words, the three-way relationship between the viral protein, URI, and pluripotency factors is finely modulated, “to allow sufficient time for the embryo to adjust and coordinate the smooth transition from totipotency to pluripotency and cell lineage specification during embryonic development,” concludes Djouder.
Scientists at Cambridge have found that fasting raises arachidonic acid levels in the blood, inhibiting inflammation and offering insights into the health benefits of fasting and the anti-inflammatory effects of drugs like aspirin on chronic diseases.
Scientists at Cambridge may have uncovered a novel mechanism by which fasting can reduce inflammation – a potentially harmful consequence of the immune system’s activity that is at the root of several chronic illnesses.
In research published in Cell Reports, the team describes how fasting raises levels of a chemical in the blood known as arachidonic acid, which inhibits inflammation. The researchers say it may also help explain some of the beneficial effects of drugs such as aspirin.
The Link Between Diet and Chronic Inflammation
Scientists have known for some time that our diet – particularly a high-calorie Western diet – can increase our risk of diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, which are linked to chronic inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection, but this process can be triggered by other mechanisms, including by the so-called ‘inflammasome’, which acts like an alarm within our body’s cells, triggering inflammation to help protect our body when it senses damage. But the inflammasome can trigger inflammation in unintentional ways – one of its functions is to destroy unwanted cells, which can result in the release of the cell’s contents into the body, where they trigger inflammation.
Research Findings on Fasting and Arachidonic Acid
Professor Clare Bryant from the Department of Medicine at the University of Cambridge said: “We’re very interested in trying to understand the causes of chronic inflammation in the context of many human diseases, and in particular the role of the inflammasome.
“What’s become apparent over recent years is that one inflammasome in particular – the NLRP3 inflammasome – is very important in a number of major diseases such as obesity and atherosclerosis, but also in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, many of the diseases of older age people, particularly in the Western world.”
Fasting can help reduce inflammation, but the reason why has not been clear. To help answer this question, a team led by Professor Bryant and colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the National Institute for Health in the USA studied blood samples from a group of 21 volunteers, who ate a 500kcal meal and then fasted for 24 hours before consuming a second 500kcal meal.
The team found that restricting calorie intake increased levels of a lipid known as arachidonic acid. Lipids are molecules that play important roles in our bodies, such as storing energy and transmitting information between cells. As soon as individuals ate a meal again, levels of arachidonic acid dropped.
When the researchers studied arachidonic acid’s effect in immune cells cultured in the lab, they found that it turns down the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This surprised the team as arachidonic acid was previously thought to be linked with increased levels of inflammation, not decreased.
Implications and Future Directions
Professor Bryant, a Fellow of Queens’ College, Cambridge, added: “This provides a potential explanation for how changing our diet – in particular by fasting – protects us from inflammation, especially the damaging form that underpins many diseases related to a Western high-calorie diet.
“It’s too early to say whether fasting protects against diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as the effects of arachidonic acid are only short-lived, but our work adds to a growing amount of scientific literature that points to the health benefits of calorie restriction. It suggests that regular fasting over a long period could help reduce the chronic inflammation we associate with these conditions. It’s certainly an attractive idea.”
The findings also hint at one mechanism whereby a high-calorie diet might increase the risk of these diseases. Studies have shown that some patients that have a high-fat diet have increased levels of inflammasome activity.
“There could be a yin and yang effect going on here, whereby too much of the wrong thing is increasing your inflammasome activity and too little is decreasing it,” said Professor Bryant. “Arachidonic acid could be one way in which this is happening.”
The researchers say the discovery may also offer clues to an unexpected way in which so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin work. Normally, arachidonic acid is rapidly broken down in the body, but aspirin stops this process, which can lead to an increase in levels of arachidonic acid, which in turn reduces inflammasome activity and hence inflammation.
Professor Bryant said: “It’s important to stress that aspirin should not be taken to reduce the risk of long-term diseases without medical guidance as it can have side-effects such as stomach bleeds if taken over a long period.”
Scientists at Cambridge have found that fasting raises arachidonic acid levels in the blood, inhibiting inflammation and offering insights into the health benefits of fasting and the anti-inflammatory effects of drugs like aspirin on chronic diseases.
Scientists at Cambridge may have uncovered a novel mechanism by which fasting can reduce inflammation – a potentially harmful consequence of the immune system’s activity that is at the root of several chronic illnesses.
In research published in Cell Reports, the team describes how fasting raises levels of a chemical in the blood known as arachidonic acid, which inhibits inflammation. The researchers say it may also help explain some of the beneficial effects of drugs such as aspirin.
The Link Between Diet and Chronic Inflammation
Scientists have known for some time that our diet – particularly a high-calorie Western diet – can increase our risk of diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, which are linked to chronic inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection, but this process can be triggered by other mechanisms, including by the so-called ‘inflammasome’, which acts like an alarm within our body’s cells, triggering inflammation to help protect our body when it senses damage. But the inflammasome can trigger inflammation in unintentional ways – one of its functions is to destroy unwanted cells, which can result in the release of the cell’s contents into the body, where they trigger inflammation.
Research Findings on Fasting and Arachidonic Acid
Professor Clare Bryant from the Department of Medicine at the University of Cambridge said: “We’re very interested in trying to understand the causes of chronic inflammation in the context of many human diseases, and in particular the role of the inflammasome.
“What’s become apparent over recent years is that one inflammasome in particular – the NLRP3 inflammasome – is very important in a number of major diseases such as obesity and atherosclerosis, but also in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, many of the diseases of older age people, particularly in the Western world.”
Fasting can help reduce inflammation, but the reason why has not been clear. To help answer this question, a team led by Professor Bryant and colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the National Institute for Health in the USA studied blood samples from a group of 21 volunteers, who ate a 500kcal meal and then fasted for 24 hours before consuming a second 500kcal meal.
The team found that restricting calorie intake increased levels of a lipid known as arachidonic acid. Lipids are molecules that play important roles in our bodies, such as storing energy and transmitting information between cells. As soon as individuals ate a meal again, levels of arachidonic acid dropped.
When the researchers studied arachidonic acid’s effect in immune cells cultured in the lab, they found that it turns down the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This surprised the team as arachidonic acid was previously thought to be linked with increased levels of inflammation, not decreased.
Implications and Future Directions
Professor Bryant, a Fellow of Queens’ College, Cambridge, added: “This provides a potential explanation for how changing our diet – in particular by fasting – protects us from inflammation, especially the damaging form that underpins many diseases related to a Western high-calorie diet.
“It’s too early to say whether fasting protects against diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as the effects of arachidonic acid are only short-lived, but our work adds to a growing amount of scientific literature that points to the health benefits of calorie restriction. It suggests that regular fasting over a long period could help reduce the chronic inflammation we associate with these conditions. It’s certainly an attractive idea.”
The findings also hint at one mechanism whereby a high-calorie diet might increase the risk of these diseases. Studies have shown that some patients that have a high-fat diet have increased levels of inflammasome activity.
“There could be a yin and yang effect going on here, whereby too much of the wrong thing is increasing your inflammasome activity and too little is decreasing it,” said Professor Bryant. “Arachidonic acid could be one way in which this is happening.”
The researchers say the discovery may also offer clues to an unexpected way in which so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin work. Normally, arachidonic acid is rapidly broken down in the body, but aspirin stops this process, which can lead to an increase in levels of arachidonic acid, which in turn reduces inflammasome activity and hence inflammation.
Professor Bryant said: “It’s important to stress that aspirin should not be taken to reduce the risk of long-term diseases without medical guidance as it can have side-effects such as stomach bleeds if taken over a long period.”
Skulls of 29 million-year-old primates used in this study Aegyptopithecus on left Parapithecus on right.
A study led by the University of Otago reveals that humans’ preference for sweet flavors traces back to our early primate relatives. This research illuminates the eating behaviors of ancient anthropoids, encompassing extinct monkeys and apes, by examining patterns of tooth chips and cavities.
Published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, the study used fossils from the Fayum Depression in Egypt, an invaluable source for understanding anthropoid evolution spanning from the late Eocene to the early Oligocene period, or 40 to 29 million years ago. Dental chipping patterns in five types of primates were examined and compared with data from living primates.
Methodology and Findings
Lead author Dr Ian Towle, of Otago’s Sir John Walsh Research Institute in the Faculty of Dentistry, says the researchers wanted to find out what made up the diet of early primates – hard or soft foods.
“Close attention was paid to the frequency, severity, and location of dental chips. We were also interested in the presence of dental caries, often linked to the consumption of soft fruits in modern primates,” he says.
View of a fossil quarry in the Fayum Depression in Egypt. Credit: Matt Borths
The group, which included Dr Matthew R. Borths of the Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History at Duke University, and Otago’s Dr. Carolina Loch from the Faculty of Dentistry, found a remarkably low prevalence of tooth chipping with just 21 of the 421 teeth studied showing fractures.
“Our findings indicate a predominant consumption of soft fruits among early anthropoids. The low prevalence of tooth chipping, particularly in comparison to modern anthropoids, hints at a preference for soft food sources, like ripe, sugary fruits,” Dr Towle says.
Evolutionary Insights and Conclusions
The study adds “substantial support” to the hypothesis of limited dietary diversity among early anthropoids, with diversification in monkey and ape diets coming later in their evolutionary history.
“These insights into ancient primate diets provide crucial groundwork for understanding the evolutionary trajectories of our primate ancestors.”
Dr Borths highlights the importance of the Fayum Depression, saying these primates survived “huge climate changes” when the first glaciers formed in Antarctica.
“The Fayum fossil record captures the critical moment when our lineage adapted to this drier, cooler world, apparently fueling themselves with fruit.”
Newly published research unveils a revolutionary two-step process in crystal formation, challenging existing theories and proposing a new paradigm. This discovery sheds light on the molecular incorporation into crystals, offering insights that could influence future technological advancements. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
Groundbreaking research reveals a new two-step process in crystal growth, challenging old theories and setting a new direction for future technological developments in the field.
A million years ago, the oldest known species to walk upright like a human, the Homo Erectus, had a human-like fascination with crystals. Historians can even pin down the possible reasons – crystals didn’t look like anything around at the time — trees, valleys, mountains. Crystals were a material to ponder, a fascinating diversion for the mind.
To this day, the human preoccupation with the magic of crystals continues to fill the mind’s eye of scientists who have developed ways to use crystals for everything from malaria cures to solar cells and semiconductors, catalysts, and optical elements. Over the years crystals have become crucial constituents of the technologies that enable modern civilization.
Peter Vekilov, University of Houston Frank Worley Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, has published that incorporation of molecules into crystals occurs in two steps, divided by an intermediate state. Credit: University of Houston
So, for historians creating a timeline of crystal fascination and research spanning a million years, mark January 2024 as the time that University of Houston researcher Peter Vekilov, Frank Worley Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, published in PNAS an answer to how crystals are formed and how molecules become a part of them.
“For decades crystal growth researchers have dreamt of elucidating the chemical reaction between incoming molecules and the unique sites on a crystal surface that accept them, the kinks,” said Vekilov. The mechanism of that reaction, i.e., the characteristic time scale and length scale, possible intermediates and their stabilities, has remained elusive and subject to speculation for over 60 years.”
The main obstacle to deeper understanding has been the lack of data on how molecules join in, connected to the complicated process of moving from the solution to where they grow.
Vekilov uses the NanoRacer, which uses atomic force microscopy, to scan samples at high speeds and obtain crucial insights into the crystals’ molecular structure. Credit: University of Houston
To unravel the chemical reaction between a molecule that dissolves in liquid (solute) and a kink, Vekilov mobilized two transformational strategies, one using full organic pairs and the second, using four solvents with distinct structures and functions. Working with the molecules, he combined state-of-the-art experimental techniques including time-resolved in situ atomic-force microscopy at near-molecular resolution, x-ray diffraction, absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
That’s when Vekilov made a revolutionary discovery: Incorporation into kinks may occur in two steps divided by an intermediate state and the stability of this middle state is key in how crystals grow. It basically decides how fast or slow the crystals form because it affects how easily things can join in during the process
Though the new discoveries don’t date back to Homo sapien times, they do solve a 40-year-old riddle for Vekilov.
Vekilov holds a crystal of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). Credit: University of Houston
“The notions of an intermediate state and its decisive role in crystal growth refute and replace the dominant idea in the field, brought up by A.A. Chernov, my PhD advisor, that the activation barrier for growth is determined by the solute-solvent interactions in the solution bulk,” he said.
The new paradigm of two step incorporation, mediated by an intermediate state, could help in understanding how small parts in a liquid can influence the detailed shapes of crystals found in nature.
“Equally important, this paradigm will guide the search for solvents and additives that stabilize the intermediate state to slow down the growth of, for instance, undesired polymorphs,” Vekilov said.
The prospect of tapping into the human brain raises questions about privacy, consent and the potential for misuse
MIND POWER: Neurotechnology sprouted from the possibility of linking the brain with the digital world.
CONTROLLING computers with just a thought is set to become a reality in the not-so-distant future. This groundbreaking development is on the cards in the wake of the human trials of Neuralink’s Telepathy, a device that heralds a new era in technological interaction and medical intervention. No longer confined to the realms of science fiction, Neuralink is paving the way for remarkable changes in the lives of individuals dealing with brain-related health conditions. This device is a testament to human innovation, offering much hope where there was little or none. Let’s delve into the world of neurotechnology, understanding its mechanics, implications and the transformative potential it holds.
The world has countless individuals battling neurological diseases that rob them of mobility and independence. Stroke victims yearn to reclaim the simple movement of a limb; people with Parkinson’s seek relief from relentless tremors. For these individuals, traditional medicine has offered partial solutions but not the restoration of lost capabilities. Neuralink enters the scene as a beacon of promise, suggesting that overcoming the limitations imposed by brain injuries could be within reach. With the potential to assist the brain in repairing itself or compensating for lost functionalities, neurotech offers a return of control to those who have lost it. In addition, it may offer solutions for monitoring patients post-surgery and post-neurointerventions.
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The potential of Neuralink’s technology extends far beyond just thought-controlled computing. Its medical applications could be life-altering. It may enable patients with spinal cord injuries to regain mobility, offer new therapies for mental health conditions and even restore sensory experiences, such as touch, for those with prosthetic limbs. Researchers hope that in future, the technology could be used to treat a wide range of neurological disorders, from Alzheimer’s to multiple sclerosis, by targeting the specific neural circuits involved. The device’s ability to read and stimulate brain activity offers a dual approach: understanding the brain’s functions in real time and intervening precisely where it is needed.
With neurotech comes significant ethical considerations. The prospect of tapping into the human brain raises questions about privacy, consent and the potential for misuse. How do we ensure the protection of a person’s innermost thoughts and prevent unauthorised access?
There are also concerns about the long-term effects on personality, identity and what it means to be human. These questions require careful deliberation as we step into this new frontier, emphasising the need for strict ethical guidelines and regulations to govern the use and development of such intimate technology. In some ways, challenges relating to ethics mirror the concerns about the burgeoning use of Open AI. Also, like AI, before mass adoption, regulatory agencies will need a thorough review and attestations from ethics committees. The matter becomes further complicated as ethical considerations vary, principally with the EU and the US having distinct and strict protocols. China, a leader in everything AI, too, has distinct ethical mandates, as does India. Religious considerations may also need to be addressed.
Neurotech sprouted from a seed of thought: the possibility of linking the brain with the digital world. Its creators, a diverse team of visionaries and experts, believed in bridging the gap between complex neural networks of the mind and the binary precision of computers. This ambition led to a collaborative effort combining neuroscience, engineering, and medicine, all focused on developing a device that could understand and translate the brain’s language into digital commands. After overcoming numerous technical hurdles, the idea of Neuralink was finally brought to life. But for the genius of Elon Musk, rapid advancement in neurotechnology may not have been possible.
The technology rests on the fascinating truth that our brains communicate internally through electric impulses. These impulses are the dialect of the mind, and the Neuralink device is the interpreter, using hair-thin threads to listen in on the neural dialogue. These delicate filaments pick up on the brain’s electric patterns and convert them into a digital syntax that machines can decipher. It’s comparable to transforming neural whispers into a computer’s native tongue. Deciphering these signals isn’t a trivial exercise; it requires advanced algorithms capable of discerning a person’s intent and translating it into a digital action. Thus, when someone imagines moving a computer cursor, neurotech can make that a tangible reality.
The device integrates with the brain through ultra-fine electrodes. Revealed to the public with a mixture of hope and wonder, it’s not merely a new gadget but a leap forward in interfacing with technology. The device communicates without wires, signalling a shift towards a more integrated future. Implantation is an art of precision, performed with robotic assistance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the user. The initial response from both technology enthusiasts and medical professionals is one of cautious optimism, underscored by a focus on rigorous testing and a commitment to long-term safety.
As we gaze into the future, neurotech not only holds the promise of revolutionising personal technology use but also carries the potential to fundamentally change medical treatments for brain disorders. The prospect of restoring lost functions is just the beginning. In time, neurotech could enable new ways to interact with various technologies, create alternative communication methods for those unable to speak and even allow for sharing thoughts directly from mind to mind. But with such advances, we must tread carefully, ensuring that ethical standards are in place to protect individual privacy and maintain the integrity of this profound technology. The path ahead is as exciting as it is unknown, and neurotech stands ready at the frontier of this new world of possibilities.
The prospect of tapping into the human brain raises questions about privacy, consent and the potential for misuse.
CONTROLLING computers with just a thought is set to become a reality in the not-so-distant future. This groundbreaking development is on the cards in the wake of the human trials of Neuralink’s Telepathy, a device that heralds a new era in technological interaction and medical intervention. No longer confined to the realms of science fiction, Neuralink is paving the way for remarkable changes in the lives of individuals dealing with brain-related health conditions. This device is a testament to human innovation, offering much hope where there was little or none. Let’s delve into the world of neurotechnology, understanding its mechanics, implications and the transformative potential it holds.
The world has countless individuals battling neurological diseases that rob them of mobility and independence. Stroke victims yearn to reclaim the simple movement of a limb; people with Parkinson’s seek relief from relentless tremors. For these individuals, traditional medicine has offered partial solutions but not the restoration of lost capabilities. Neuralink enters the scene as a beacon of promise, suggesting that overcoming the limitations imposed by brain injuries could be within reach. With the potential to assist the brain in repairing itself or compensating for lost functionalities, neurotech offers a return of control to those who have lost it. In addition, it may offer solutions for monitoring patients post-surgery and post-neurointerventions.
The potential of Neuralink’s technology extends far beyond just thought-controlled computing. Its medical applications could be life-altering. It may enable patients with spinal cord injuries to regain mobility, offer new therapies for mental health conditions and even restore sensory experiences, such as touch, for those with prosthetic limbs. Researchers hope that in future, the technology could be used to treat a wide range of neurological disorders, from Alzheimer’s to multiple sclerosis, by targeting the specific neural circuits involved. The device’s ability to read and stimulate brain activity offers a dual approach: understanding the brain’s functions in real time and intervening precisely where it is needed.
With neurotech comes significant ethical considerations. The prospect of tapping into the human brain raises questions about privacy, consent and the potential for misuse. How do we ensure the protection of a person’s innermost thoughts and prevent unauthorised access?
There are also concerns about the long-term effects on personality, identity and what it means to be human. These questions require careful deliberation as we step into this new frontier, emphasising the need for strict ethical guidelines and regulations to govern the use and development of such intimate technology. In some ways, challenges relating to ethics mirror the concerns about the burgeoning use of Open AI. Also, like AI, before mass adoption, regulatory agencies will need a thorough review and attestations from ethics committees. The matter becomes further complicated as ethical considerations vary, principally with the EU and the US having distinct and strict protocols. China, a leader in everything AI, too, has distinct ethical mandates, as does India. Religious considerations may also need to be addressed.
Neurotech sprouted from a seed of thought: the possibility of linking the brain with the digital world. Its creators, a diverse team of visionaries and experts, believed in bridging the gap between complex neural networks of the mind and the binary precision of computers. This ambition led to a collaborative effort combining neuroscience, engineering, and medicine, all focused on developing a device that could understand and translate the brain’s language into digital commands. After overcoming numerous technical hurdles, the idea of Neuralink was finally brought to life. But for the genius of Elon Musk, rapid advancement in neurotechnology may not have been possible.
The technology rests on the fascinating truth that our brains communicate internally through electric impulses. These impulses are the dialect of the mind, and the Neuralink device is the interpreter, using hair-thin threads to listen in on the neural dialogue. These delicate filaments pick up on the brain’s electric patterns and convert them into a digital syntax that machines can decipher. It’s comparable to transforming neural whispers into a computer’s native tongue. Deciphering these signals isn’t a trivial exercise; it requires advanced algorithms capable of discerning a person’s intent and translating it into a digital action. Thus, when someone imagines moving a computer cursor, neurotech can make that a tangible reality.
The device integrates with the brain through ultra-fine electrodes. Revealed to the public with a mixture of hope and wonder, it’s not merely a new gadget but a leap forward in interfacing with technology. The device communicates without wires, signalling a shift towards a more integrated future. Implantation is an art of precision, performed with robotic assistance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the user. The initial response from both technology enthusiasts and medical professionals is one of cautious optimism, underscored by a focus on rigorous testing and a commitment to long-term safety.
As we gaze into the future, neurotech not only holds the promise of revolutionising personal technology use but also carries the potential to fundamentally change medical treatments for brain disorders. The prospect of restoring lost functions is just the beginning. In time, neurotech could enable new ways to interact with various technologies, create alternative communication methods for those unable to speak and even allow for sharing thoughts directly from mind to mind. But with such advances, we must tread carefully, ensuring that ethical standards are in place to protect individual privacy and maintain the integrity of this profound technology. The path ahead is as exciting as it is unknown, and neurotech stands ready at the frontier of this new world of possibilities.
Researchers have identified a novel quantum state of matter with chiral currents, potentially revolutionizing electronics and quantum technologies. This breakthrough, confirmed through direct observation using the Italian Elettra synchrotron, holds vast applications in sensors, biomedicine, and renewable energy. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
An international research group has identified a novel state of matter, characterized by the presence of a quantum phenomenon known as chiral current.
These currents are generated on an atomic scale by a cooperative movement of electrons, unlike conventional magnetic materials whose properties originate from the quantum characteristic of an electron known as spin and their ordering in the crystal.
The Importance of Chirality
Chirality is a property of extreme importance in science, for example, it is fundamental also to understand DNA. In the quantum phenomenon discovered, the chirality of the currents was detected by studying the interaction between light and matter, in which a suitably polarized photon can emit an electron from the surface of the material with a well-defined spin state.
The discovery, published in Nature, significantly enriches our knowledge of quantum materials, of the search for chiral quantum phases, and of the phenomena that occur at the surface of materials.
Potential Applications and Implications
“The discovery of the existence of these quantum states,” explains Federico Mazzola, researcher in Condensed matter physics at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and leader of the research, “may pave the way for the development of a new type of electronics that employs chiral currents as information carriers in place of the electron’s charge. Furthermore, these phenomena could have an important implication for future applications based on new chiral optoelectronic devices, and a great impact in the field of quantum technologies for new sensors, as well as in the biomedical and renewable energy fields.”
Discovery and Verification
Born from a theoretical prediction, this study directly and for the first time verified the existence of this quantum state, until now enigmatic and elusive, thanks to the use of the Italian Elettra synchrotron. Until now, knowledge about the existence of this phenomenon was in fact limited to theoretical predictions for some materials. Its observation on the surfaces of solids makes it extremely interesting for the development of new ultra-thin electronic devices.
The research group, which includes national and international partners including the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, the Spin Institute the CNR Materials Officina Institute, and the University of Salerno, investigated the phenomenon of a material already known to the scientific community for its electronic properties and for superconducting spintronics applications, but the new discovery has a broader scope, being much more general and applicable to a vast range of quantum materials.
These materials are revolutionizing quantum physics and the current development of new technologies, with properties that go far beyond those described by classical physics.
Interstellar travel without a spaceship is possible – Here’s how:
Research published in the International Journal of Astrobiology proposes a fascinating theory where advanced extraterrestrial civilizations can travel among the stars without the need for an interstellar spaceship.
In her paper, physics and astronomy professor Irina K. Romanovskaya postulates the possibility of using rogue planets (or free-floating planets, as she calls them) for interstellar transport.
Image Credit: Dotted Yeti via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE
Romanovskaya also proposes potential ‘technosignatures‘ (measurable characteristics or effects that offer scientific evidence of past or present technology) that may be produced by extraterrestrial civilizations employing rogue planets for interstellar migration. Additionally, she stipulates approaches on how to potentially search for these technosignatures to enhance our search for extraterrestrial life.
One can imagine several reasons for extraterrestrial civilizations to leave their home planetary systems: Out of curiosity, aiming for exploration, or out of necessity because of the existence of an existential threat such as climate change that got out of hand, war, or a dying home star.
BENEFITS OF EMPLOYING A ROGUE PLANET FOR INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL
In the latter scenario, civilizations are likely to run into problems fairly quickly as they attempt to migrate away from their home system. Romanovskaya explains that they would probably face severe or insurmountable problems if they were to use spacecraft to migrate substantial populations over interstellar distances. (See the problem with ‘world ships’)
These issues got Romanovskaya thinking. Is there another method for advanced extraterrestrial civilizations to migrate to another planetary system? She concluded that rogue planets could be a viable solution if utilized cleverly.
The benefit of using rogue planets for interstellar migration is that they provide travelers with a lot of spaceand resources in addition to protection from radiationand consistent gravity. Think of liquid water just below the surface sustained by radiogenic and primordial heat of the planet, which can be used for consumption or to build underwater habitats that shelter inhabitants from the high radiation levels encountered in interstellar space.
HOW USE A ROGUE PLANET FOR INTERSTELLAR MIGRATION?
But how would we be able to catch a lift on a rogue planet? This can be achieved in several ways, according to Romanovskaya.
One possibility is just to wait for one to pass through their home planetary system. Research has shown that there may be more rogue planets than stars in the Milky Way. This means that from time to time, rogue planets may pass through the outer regions of planetary systems. If the outer regions are colonized, it is relatively manageable to cover the distance to such a passing rogue planet.
Romanovskaya describes a situation in our own solar system where, for example, propulsion systems could be attached to a trans-Neptunian object. Clever use of gravity assists events involving other Oort cloud objects, could change the object’s trajectory, and bring it close to a rogue planet passing through the Oort cloud. When the object nears its periastron, a migrating civilization could use conventional spacecraft to ‘hop on,’ so to say.
The distance from the Oort cloud to the interior of the Solar System, and two of the nearest stars – (Image Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech)
Of course, this approach has a significant downside as one has to wait for such a planet to pass by. This is certainly not ideal in case of an existential threat.
Another option for an advanced extraterrestrial civilization would be to release an existing dwarf planet from its gravitational bounds to their home planetary system and its parent star, effectively converting it into a rogue planet.
Dwarf planets akin to Sedna in our own solar system are ideal for this type of scenario due to their highly eccentric orbit. Energy requirements for changing the speed of larger planets located at a distance of 40 astronomical units or less are significantly higher compared to the amount of energy needed to change the speed of a dwarf planet like Sedna at a distance of 500 astronomical units or more.
The amount of energy needed to move a dwarf planet at highly eccentric would still be huge. However, Romanovskaya puts this in perspective by identifying that only a few hundred years ago, our primary method of transportation over land was by horse, while currently, we are capable of outputting millions of times that power with modern rocket engines.
Romanovskaya: “A civilization, which is several hundred years or millennia ahead of humankind in its technological development, may use advanced propulsion technologies and gravity-assist events to convert Oort-cloud objects to free-floating planets.”
It is also possible for a dwarf planet to be flung out of its planetary system by the parent star. This can happen when the star transforms into a supernova or red giant. (In such a case, there is reason enough for an advanced civilization to leave the planetary system, to begin with).
In theory, the advanced extraterrestrial civilization could relocate to a dwarf planet in the outer reaches of the planetary system to be flung out of the system by the parent star as it expands from a main sequence star to a red giant, as there is a critical distance from which objects are pushed out of the planetary system instead of remaining bound to the dying star.
The life of a Sun-like star, from its birth on the left side of the frame to its evolution into a red giant star on the right .
WHY NOT PERMANENTLY SETTLE ON A ROGUE PLANET
In all the scenarios mentioned above, the civilization ends up on a planet wandering through the galaxy. So why not stay there instead of going to the trouble of moving again?
According to Romanovskaya, a rogue planet should only be considered as a means of transportation between stars and not a new home. Rogue planets do not remain very hospitable over a long stretch of time.
Eventually, the heat produced in the interior of a rogue planet will start to diminish, which means that it won’t be able to sustain liquid water indefinitely. In addition, rogue planets have a limited supply of resources and energy compared to a planetary system with a star at its center.
THE PROBLEM WITH ‘WORLD SHIPS’
So how likely is it that there are actually inhabited rogue planets moving through our galaxy? As it stands, the answer to this question remains a mystery. Nonetheless, the scenario is not an unthinkable one if you ask Romanovskaya.
Research tells us that building an interstellar spaceship capable of moving entire civilizations (sometimes referred to as ‘world ships’) isextremely difficult.
If such an interstellar world ship treks at less than one percent of the speed of light, it would take hundreds of years to reach its destination in another planetary system.
Romanovskaya: ”Passengers’ health and their ability to transfer knowledge and skills to next generations on the ship would require a very large number of passengers.”
In fact, a 2014 study published in Acta Stronautica indicates that approximately 44 thousand travelers would be required to survive a 150-year interstellar trip in good health. (This estimation is at the lower end, other studies put this number closer to a quarter of a million)
However it may be, the larger the number of passengers, the more enormous their world ship would need to be and the more difficult it would be to construct it and send it to other planetary systems. At a certain point, it becomes more viable to employ a rogue planet for this task benefiting from plentiful space, the protection from radiation, the enduring gravity, and the availability of liquid water.
After more than 60 years of searching for intelligent extraterrestrial life, we have yet to find anything. Traditionally scientists look for life within the habitable zone of planetary systems. If it’s up to Romanovskaya, we should expand our search to incorporate the outer regions of planetary systems and rogue planets as well.
If you are interested in reading more about the subject, be sure to explore the paper published in the International Journal of Astrobiology listed below.
A study by the University of Portsmouth on the “beer goggles” phenomenon found that alcohol impairs the detection of facial symmetry but does not affect perceptions of attractiveness. Despite common beliefs, the experiment suggests that attractiveness judgments are influenced by factors beyond facial symmetry, highlighting the complexity of sexual attraction under the influence of alcohol.
New research explored the theory that alcohol consumption may increase perceptions of attractiveness in others, potentially due to the effect of alcohol making faces appear more symmetrical.
If you believed that blurry eyes were to blame for the “beer goggles” phenomenon, think again.
Scientists from the University of Portsmouth have tested the popular theory that people are more likely to find someone attractive while drunk, because their faces appear more symmetrical. The term “beer goggles” has been used for decades to describe when a person finds themselves sexually attracted to someone while intoxicated, but not sober.
One possible explanation for the effect is that alcohol impairs the drinker’s ability to detect facial asymmetry, thus making potential partners more visually appealing.
Existing research has shown that a part of what makes people attractive to others is how well both sides of their face match. The thinking goes, the more symmetry the better the gene pool. But when alcohol is introduced, it’s thought a person is less likely to notice if the faces around them are non-symmetrical.
Study on Alcohol’s Effect on Perception of Attractiveness
However, a new experiment found that while alcohol did impair face symmetry detection, it had no influence on facial attractiveness judgments.
Dr Alistair Harvey from the University of Portsmouth’s Department of Psychology, said: “Alcohol is a strong predictor of sexual behaviour, often consumed before or during dates.
“There are a range of possible reasons why alcohol drinkers are more inclined to engage in sex, including a lack of inhibition, heightened expectations, personality traits, and the beer goggles effect.
“Due to the limited research on this topic, we ran a field experiment to help determine why people often experience unexpected – and regretted – sexual escapades after having one too many.”
To gather the results, the team visited a local pub in the Portsmouth area. 99 men and women volunteered for the study, ranging in age from 18 to 62 years old.
They were asked to rate 18 individual faces for attractiveness and symmetry. Each type of rating was given twice, once for faces showing an enhanced asymmetry, and again for the same faces in their natural form. Participants then judged which of two same-face versions (one normal, the other perfectly symmetrized) was more attractive and, in the final task, more symmetrical.
The study used a robust procedure, taking ratings of individual faces in addition to the usual binary approach where participants select the more attractive or symmetrical face in a pair.
Findings and Implications
As predicted, heavily intoxicated individuals were less able to distinguish natural from perfectly symmetrized faces than more sober drinkers. But the more drunk viewers did not rate the faces as being any more attractive. As expected, both male and female participants rated natural faces as being more attractive than the ones that were doctored to look wonky. But, surprisingly, this bias was stronger among women.
The paper, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, says one possible explanation to the findings could be that attractiveness depends on many factors that simply swamp the small effects of face symmetry.
“We don’t deny the existence of a “beer goggles” effect,” added Dr. Harvey.
“But we suspect it would be more easily detectable when using live models for an experiment, instead of static photographs. Images conceal a range of important visual criteria for attractiveness, including build, body shape, height, expression, and clothing.
“Therefore, further research is needed to find the missing piece to the puzzle.”
Fiber is key to gut health and overall wellness, yet many diets lack sufficient fiber. Balance and variety in fiber sources are important for its full health benefits.
There’s no shortage of advice about what to eat, including hype about the latest superfoods that will help you live to 100, or about the newest restrictive diets that claim to help you lose weight and look beautiful. As a researcher from the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, I’m well aware that there is no universal “healthy diet” that will work for everyone.
However, most professionals would agree that a diet should be well balanced between the food groups, and it’s better to include more things like vegetables and fermented foods in your diet than restrict yourself unnecessarily. Eating foods that promote gut health improves your overall health too.
Why is everyone so concerned about fiber?
The importance of fiber has been known for decades. The late great surgeon and fiber researcher Denis Burkitt once said, “If you pass small stools, you have to have large hospitals.” But dietary fiber does more than just help move your bowels. Fiber can be considered a prebiotic nutrient.
Prebiotics aren’t actively digested and absorbed, rather they are selectively used to promote the growth of a beneficial species of microbes in our gut. These microbes then help digest foods for us so we can obtain more nutrients, promote gut barrier integrity, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Prebiotics aren’t actively digested and absorbed, rather they are selectively used to promote the growth of a beneficial species of microbes in our gut.
Fibers can also have microbe-independent effects on our immune system when they interact directly with receptors expressed by our cells. These beneficial effects may even help teach the immune system to be more tolerant and reduce inflammation.
Good sources of dietary fiber include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds. There is a lot of emphasis on soluble fibers and less on insoluble fibers, but in reality, most foods will contain a mixture of both, and they each have their merits.
High fiber snacks are also gaining popularity. With an estimated global value of US$7 billion in 2022, the value of the prebiotic ingredient market is expected to triple by 2032.
The benefits of dietary fiber
There’s plenty of evidence supporting the benefits of dietary fiber. Fiber isn’t just associated with colon health; it’s associated with overall health and brain health through the gut-brain axis. Diets low in fiber have been associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Fiber is associated with overall health and brain health through the gut-brain axis.
There are some gastrointestinal diseases, like Celiac disease, which are not typically associated with the benefits of dietary fiber. However, there isn’t a consensus to the specific type of fiber and dose that would be beneficial in treating most diseases.
Not all fiber is good fiber
Shockingly, not all fiber is good for you. Fiber is used as an umbrella term for indigestible plant polysaccharides, so there are many different types with varying fermentability, solubility and viscosity in the gut.
To make things more complex, the source matters too. Fiber from one plant isn’t the same as fiber from another plant. Additionally, the old proverb, “too much good is not good” rings true, where overconsumption of fiber supplements can cause symptoms such as constipation, bloating and gas. This is partly due to the differences in gut microbiomes that affect the ability to metabolize fiber to produce beneficial molecules like short-chain fatty acids.
Dietary fiber is an important part of a healthy diet that can promote both gut and overall health. Fiber helps you feel more satisfied after meals and helps to regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol. Do your best to consume fiber as part of your diet, and when needed, take only the dose of supplements as recommended.
Prebiotics promote the growth of gut microbes that can affect gut health and immunity in the context of many different diseases, although not all fibers are created equal. While fiber won’t cure illness, diet is a great addition to medicines and treatment strategies that can improve their efficacy.
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