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This Week in Science

Healthcare, Biology

Research Reveals That Sleep Can Improve Decision-Making

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Author John Steinbeck once remarked, “It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.”

Countless individuals have credited their dreams with inspiring breakthroughs and innovations. Modern research into the science of sleep now provides evidence that supports these assertions.

A 2024 study highlights that sleep can enhance our ability to make rational, well-informed decisions and resist being misled by initial impressions. Researchers at Duke University demonstrated this through a garage-sale game experiment.

Participants searched virtual boxes filled mostly with low-value items, but a few contained

more valuable objects.

After examining several boxes, they were asked to choose their favorite, earning a cash reward based on the total value of its contents.

Sleep Enhances Logical Decision-Making Those who made their selection immediately often based their decision on the first few items they encountered, neglecting the overall box contents. However, participants who slept before deciding made more logical choices, unaffected by the order of valuable items within the boxes.

When faced with a challenging problem, it can often feel like progress is impossible. However, a 2019 study discovered that providing the sleeping brain with cues— such as sounds linked to an unresolved problem— helped participants solve

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the problem the following day.

In the experiment, participants attempted a series of puzzles while a unique sound played in the background for each.

At the end of the session, researchers collected the puzzles participants couldn’t solve. While the participants slept, the researchers replayed sounds associated with some of the unsolved puzzles. The next morning, participants returned to tackle the puzzles again. They were more successful at solving those linked to the sound cues, indicating that these cues prompted the sleeping brain to work on the problem.

Sleep may aid problem-solving by helping us uncover hidden connections between objects and events. A 2023 study explored this concept.

Sleep Boosts Recognition of Hidden Connections Participants were asked to learn associations between four items (an animal, a location, an object, and a food) tied to an event described by the researchers. Some pairings were straightforward (e.g., item A directly linked to item B), while others were more subtle (e.g., item D was indirectly connected to items A or C). After a night’s sleep, participants were better at identifying these indirect links—such as the con-

nection between items A and D—compared to those who stayed awake.

This suggests that sleep enhances our ability to recognize deeper patterns in complex information.

Thomas Edison, a light bulb inventor, used daytime naps to enhance creativity, holding a ball that would drop and wake him as he drifted off. He and others, like Salvador Dalí, believed this twilight state between wakefulness and sleep fueled creative insights.

In 2021, researchers tested this by having participants nap while solving a math problem with a hidden shortcut. Those who reached light sleep were better at finding the shortcut, often experiencing hypnagogia— vivid imagery at sleep onset.

A 2023 study found hypnagogic imagery also enhanced creativity in tree-themed tasks, linking the imagery to better problem-solving. Edison was right—sleep onset is a creative sweet spot.

Fish Can Choose Their Own Birth Timing—Here’s How Fish embryos in many species can control their hatching timing, effectively selecting their own birthdays. A study from Hebrew University of Jerusalem has uncov-

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This Week in Science

Biology, Health & Fitness

A zebrafish embryo. (Dr. Deodatta Gajbhiye)

ered the chemical and biological processes enabling this precise control, showing how embryos align their hatching with optimal environmental conditions.

Researchers focused on zebrafish (Danio rerio) and discovered that the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh) plays a pivotal role. Released by the embryo, Trh triggers the production of enzymes that dissolve the egg wall, allowing hatching to occur. “Hatching is a critical event in the life history of oviparous species,” the researchers explain. “Timing it with favorable conditions improves survival in early life stages.“ Different fish species use unique strategies for hatching. Zebrafish typically hatch at daylight, clownfish and halibut prefer darkness, and California grunion wait for ocean tides. In zebrafish, Trh is delivered to the hatching gland via a neural circuit that forms just before hatching and disappears shortly after.

Evolutionary Conser-

vation of Trh-Based Hatching Mechanisms Across Species The researchers also examined medaka (Oryzias latipes), a distantly related species, finding the same Trh-based hatching process despite differences in their biology. This suggests that the mechanism is evolutionarily conserved, even after 200 million years of divergence. Using immunostaining techniques, they observed transient Trh circuits in both species, which vanish after hatching.

While in humans and mammals Trh regulates key functions like heart and metabolic rates, its role in fish hatching highlights its evolutionary adaptability.

Understanding these mechanisms further could provide insights into other aquatic species with varied hatching strategies.

Looking ahead, scientists aim to explore how climate change might affect this delicate timing. As temperatures rise, understanding how

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embryos adapt their hatching decisions— fine-tuned over millions of years—will be crucial for preserving species.

seamless workout setup.

“It would be fascinating to test how conserved Trh’s role is across species and study variations in hatching circuits among those with different strategies,” the researchers note.

The system comes with a barbell and hand stirrups, both connected via cables to a 750W motor in the base unit.

This motor delivers adjustable resistance up to 220 lbs (100 kg) in precise increments of 1 lb (0.5 kg). Additional accessories include a heart-rate-monitoring armband and an ankle belt for tracking lower-body movement.

Smart Home Gym Features An AI Coach that Monitors Your For many, daily workouts guided by a personal trainer are an unaffordable luxury. However, the Aeke K1 system offers an AI-coach-assisted workout experience for a onetime cost of just under $2,000.

Now featured on Kickstarter, the K1 boasts a 43-inch vertical 4K touchscreen with builtin surround sound. This screen connects to an electronic base module, which links to a foldable floor platform, creating a

Versatile Accessories and Adjustable Resistance

Advanced Fitness Assessment with Integrated Sensors The K1 begins with a comprehensive fitness assessment, using an integrated depth-sensing camera, an 8-electrode body fat scale, and other sensors to evaluate cardiovascular endurance, movement patterns, muscle strength, posture, flexibility, and body composition.

Based on this data and personal details like

The Aeke (rhymes with “bike”) K1 system is presently on Kickstarter. Aeke

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This Week in Science

Health & Fitness, Earth Science, Robotics

fitness goals, the K1’s AI algorithms create a customized workout plan. Trained by human fitness experts, the AI utilizes over 140 classes—including pilates, cardio boxing, weightlifting, and yoga—that incorporate more than 280 unique body movements.

During workouts, the K1 tracks the user’s body position at seven skeletal points, enabling it to count repetitions and provide real-time audio-visual feedback to correct improper form.

After each workout, the K1 provides a detailed performance report, including metrics such as duration, calories burned, repetitions, sets, and targeted training areas. It also tracks progress and highlights areas to focus on in future sessions.

Weighing approximately 77 kg (170 lbs), the machine supports a maximum user weight of 350 kg (772 lbs) and is easily movable thanks to builtin rubber wheels.

If the Aeke K1 goes into production, a pledge of $1,998 will secure a system without requiring a subscription. The expected retail price is $3,699.

A demonstration of the system in action is available in the video below.

Innovative tech harnesses cyborg mollusks to detect water pollution.

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tion by mimicking the raven’s gait.

Each “sentinel mollusk” used in a molluSCAN-eye setup provides water quality readings 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. molluSCAN

Scientists have developed a commercial water-quality monitoring system, molluSCAN-eye, which uses live, electronically enhanced mollusks to detect pollution.

Filter-feeding mollusks like oysters and mussels naturally respond to pollutants by altering how they open their shells, making them ideal sensors.

Each molluSCAN-eye unit houses 16 mollusks in a cage submerged at monitoring sites such as ports, sewage outlets, or oil platforms. Electromagnets attached to the mollusks’ shells measure shell movements during feeding, capturing data on opening width, speed, and frequency.

These metrics reflect biological rhythms and responses to pollutants.

Advanced HFNI Technology for Real-Time, Cost-Effective Monitoring The data is processed by a Linux-based microcomputer on-site and transmitted to a cloud

Named RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for Multiple Environments), the device was developed by Won Dong Shin and his team at Switzerland’s EPFL university. Although it resembles a flapping-wing robot, RAVEN flies using a combination of semifixed wings and a propeller.

server for real-time access via smartphones or tablets. This system’s High-Frequency Non-Invasive Valvometry (HFNI) technology is 10 to 100 times more sensitive and far cheaper than traditional water sensors, requiring minimal maintenance thanks to the mollusks’ self-cleaning behavior.

Currently, 90 units are operational worldwide.

The latest version of molluSCAN-eye recently won a CES 2025 Innovation Award, highlighting its groundbreaking approach to pollution monitoring.

Watch: Biomimetic Robo-Bird Takes Flight with a Leap While autonomous flying robots hold promising potential, their usefulness is limited if they cannot navigate uneven terrain after landing.

However, an experimental bio-inspired robot overcomes this limita-

The RAVEN robot in flight, showing off its bird legs © 2024 EPFL/Alain Herzog (CC-BY-SA 4.0)

Innovative Multi-Jointed Legs for Efficient Takeoffs The robot’s standout feature is its multi-jointed legs, which allow it to move in various ways.

Like a real raven, RAVEN can jump to assist its takeoff. Tests demonstrated that this jumping action makes the takeoff process significantly more energy-efficient than a traditional flight launch.

“Multifunctional robot legs expand the potenPage. 5

This Week in Science

Robotics, Material & Energy, Astronomy

tial for deploying traditional fixed-wing aircraft in complex terrains through autonomous takeoffs and multimodal gaits,” the scientists note in their recently published paper in Nature.

Watch RAVEN in action as it walks, hops, jumps, and flies in the video below. While its legs aren’t as anatomically complex as those of a real raven, they replicate

aircraft in challenging terrains through autonomous takeoffs and multimodal movement.”

A video below showcases RAVEN’s capabilities, including walking, hopping, jumping, and flying.

The World’s Rarest Mineral Is So Uncommon It Has Only Been Discovered Once A mineral so rare that only one specimen has ever been found in the world exists: kyawthuite (cha-too-ite). This tiny, tawny-hued grain weighs just a third of a gram (1.61 carats), and at first glance, it might resemble amber or topaz.

However, its value goes far beyond its appearance.

the articulated hips, ankles, and feet, enabling the robot to walk, hop over obstacles, and jump onto raised surfaces. Much like a real raven, the robot can perform a jump-assisted takeoff to initiate flight.

Tests revealed that this method significantly improves energy efficiency compared to taking off without a jump.

The researchers explain in their recently published study in Nature that “multifunctional robot legs expand the possibilities for deploying traditional fixed-wing

In 2010, gemologist Kyaw Thu purchased the raw gem at a market in Chaung-gyi, Myanmar, initially mistaking it for scheelite. After faceting the stone, he realized it was unlike anything he had ever seen before.

Unable to identify the mineral, Thu sent it to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Laboratory in Bangkok, Thailand, where experts linked it to synthetic BiSbO4 – bismuth antimonate – but with a unique formula (Bi3+Sb5+O4), never before found in nature.

“This is the first in the

world. It is not found in other countries,” Thu told The Myanmar Times in 2016. “I could tell this stone was unusual and bought it. Upon examination, I realized it was unlike any gem we’d ever found.”

The mineral has a rich orange color with a red overtone and a white streak, leaving behind a powder when rubbed.

Its hollow, tube-shaped inclusions, known as en echelon veins, indicate natural formation under shear stress.

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tests show that bismuth antimonite forms at high temperatures similar to those found in cooling magma, suggesting unique conditions for kyawthuite’s formation.

Currently, kyawthuite is considered priceless. For comparison, the second-rarest gem, painite, is valued at US$50,000 to $60,000 per carat.

The only known kyawthuite specimen is securely housed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The almost complete skeleton of a young marine crocodile. (Ernesto Benavides/AFP)

Kyawthuite’s Igneous Origin: Formation in Pegmatite and Unique Conditions Geologists believe kyawthuite is igneous in origin, likely forming within a type of volcanic rock called pegmatite, common in the area where the gem was found.

Pegmatite, like granite, contains a mix of minerals and is known for producing large crystals.

Traces of titanium, niobium, tungsten, and uranium in kyawthuite further support this theory. Lab

Primordial Black Holes Might be Hidden in Planets or Everyday When you think of black hole formation, you likely picture a massive star collapsing under its own gravity. However, the early universe’s chaotic conditions might have also produced small black holes, known as primordial black holes, long before the first stars existed.

These black holes, theorized for decades, could

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This Week in Science

Astronomy, Computer & Electronics, Mobile Phones

the potential for monumental discoveries. Even if a primordial black hole were to pass through a person, it would likely cause no harm due to the high speed and low interaction with human tissue.

Image Cedits: Pixabay

even be the elusive dark matter that makes up 85% of the universe’s mass. Yet, despite extensive research, no primordial black hole has ever been directly observed.

A new study led by the University at Buffalo suggests thinking both big and small to detect their signatures. These black holes could create large, hollow planetoids in space or leave microscopic tunnels in everyday materials like rocks, metal, or glass here on Earth. The findings, set for publication in Physics of the Dark Universe, propose that a primordial black hole trapped in a planet or asteroid might consume its liquid core, leaving behind a hollow shell. Alternatively, faster-moving black holes could punch straight tunnels through solid materials, visible under a microscope.

“The chances of finding these signatures are slim, but the potential discovery of a primordial dark hole would be groundbreaking,” says

co-author Dejan Stojkovic, PhD. Unlike past methods, this approach leverages unique structural anomalies to identify these elusive objects.

Hollow Planetoids: Detectable Anomalies No Larger Than One-Tenth of Earth’s Radius The study calculated that hollow planetoids could be no larger than one-tenth of Earth’s radius, beyond which they would collapse. These hollow objects could be detected by analyzing their density and orbital characteristics.

In addition to cosmic observations, the researchers suggest using ancient materials on Earth as potential black hole detectors. Large slabs of metal or rock could reveal tunnels left by passing black holes, though the probability of finding such evidence is extremely low.

Despite the long odds, Stojkovic emphasizes that the search is worth the minimal cost, given

The study highlights the need for innovative theoretical approaches to solve persistent cosmic mysteries, including dark matter. “We may need an entirely new framework to make progress,” says Stojkovic.

Starlink Launches its First Constellation of Satellites for Direct-to-Phone Connectivity SpaceX has successfully launched 20 Starlink satellites into orbit, completing the first phase of its direct-to-cellphone connectivity constellation.

The satellites, deployed via a Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vanden-

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berg Space Force Base on December 5, aim to provide internet access to standard cellphones in remote areas. Elon Musk stated on X that while current bandwidth is limited to about 10 Mbps per beam, future constellations will offer significantly improved capabilities.

Text Messaging Launches First, Broader Services Coming in 2025 Text messaging will be the only service available through 2024, with voice, data, and IoT support expected next year. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but Starlink’s roaming broadband service costs $50 per month in the U.S. as a reference.

Unlike earlier satellite-to-phone efforts, Starlink uses standard LTE/4G protocols, eliminating the need for specialized devices or apps. By partnering with carriers like T-Mobile and Rogers, the service ensures compatibility with most phones. The system integrates with

Starlink’s first orbital shell of direct-to-cell satellites will enable texting in 2024, and voice and data next year. SpaceX

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This Week in Science

Mobile Phones, Biology,

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Starlink’s existing constellation of over 6,700 satellites via laser backhaul, enabling highspeed, secure communication.

SpaceX Expands Leadership in Satellite Communications This launch solidifies SpaceX’s lead in satellite communications, though competitors like Lynk and AST SpaceMobile are also advancing in the field. The direct-tocell program, approved

by U.S. regulators just last month, marks another milestone for Musk’s growing tech empire.

Mouse Created Using Gene Older Than Animal Life Scientists have created a hybrid mouse by incorporating a gene that predates all animal life.

In this groundbreaking study, the team replaced a single gene in the mouse stem cells with one from an ancient, single-celled ancestor and successfully grew healthy mice from it.

Stem cells are known for their ability to differentiate into various cell types. In 2006, Japanese scientists discovered how to reprogram mature cells into stem cells, known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

This breakthrough has opened doors to potential regenerative therapies.

Image Credits: Pixabay

The original team found that iPSCs could be created by modifying just four genes, now known as Yamanaka factors.

In this new study, researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Hong Kong replaced one of these genes in the mouse with a much older version from choanoflagellates, single-celled organisms that are the closest relatives to the ancestors of animals.

Although choanoflagellates do not use stem cells, they possess some of the same genes that animals use for stem cell functions. The researchers wanted to test whether these ancient genes could serve the same purpose in modern stem cells.

Researchers Create Hybrid Mouse iPSCs by Replacing Sox2 with Ancient Gene from Choanoflagellates To begin, the researchers created mouse iPSCs using the standard meth-

od, with one modification: they swapped out Sox2, one of the Yamanaka factors, with the corresponding gene from choanoflagellates. These “hybrid” iPSCs were then injected into a developing mouse embryo.

using genes from our single-celled relatives, we observe an extraordinary continuity of function across nearly a billion years of evolution,” said Alex de Mendoza, the study’s corresponding author. “Our study suggests that genes crucial to stem cell formation may have originated long before stem cells themselves, possibly paving the way for the emergence of multicellular life.”

The researchers believe this discovery could contribute to advancements in regenerative medicine.

Image Credits: alexasfotos-2189599

To confirm the success of the experiment, the researchers engineered the iPSCs to produce distinct traits, such as dark eyes and black fur patches. As a result, the mouse that developed from the embryo was a chimera, showing these traits alongside those from the original embryo.

This remarkable finding demonstrates that the genes responsible for stem cell functions were likely in use long before stem cells were first discovered. The researchers suggest that choanoflagellates may have originally used these genes to regulate basic cellular functions, and that multicellular organisms later adapted them for stem cell purposes.

“By creating a mouse

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Climate & Environment

Study finds climate change affects freshwater fish

Image Credits: Columbus Mavhunga_VOA

Image Credits: UCAR

UK must sustain methane reduction efforts and show global leadership The Environment and Climate Change Committee’s report Methane: Keeping up Momentum urges the UK to intensify efforts to cut methane emissions domestically and globally. Methane, responsible for 30% of global warming, is 80 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years but has a shorter lifespan, making its reduction critical for near-term cooling. Recommendations include drafting an action plan, advancing agricultural solutions, and ensuring transparency in the oil and gas industry. Chair Baroness Sheehan and Professor Piers Forster stressed that reducing methane alongside CO₂ could slow warming significantly.

Image Credits: Alain Audet from Pixabay

Lands are drying out; nations address it in talks this week

Warming temperatures are reshaping freshwater ecosystems, benefiting large-bodied migratory species like Atlantic salmon at poleward edges while causing declines at equatorward ranges.

A study in PNAS linked fish population data from 1958 to 2019 with temperature increases of 0.21°C per decade, highlighting shifts driven by climate change. Species like brown trout and northern pike thrive in cooler, higher-altitude areas.

A UN report at the Riyadh summit warns Earth’s lands are drying rapidly, threatening billions of people and ecosystems. Over 75% of lands have become drier since 1970 due to climate change and deforestation, with nearly 5 billion people at risk by 2100. Farming, food security, and water access are severely affected, driving migration and economic instability.

The report highlights solutions like efficient irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and reforestation.

Saudi Arabia pledged $2.15 billion for drought resilience, with a broader $10 billion commitment from regional banks. Coordinated global action is critical to addressing this growing crisis.

Image Credits: danny moore from Pixabay

Inside U-M NuRAM’s climate change efforts The University of Michigan’s NuRAM lab develops advanced simulations to improve nuclear reactor design, addressing climate change through clean, reliable energy.

Projects like digital twins enable real-time monitoring, enhancing reactor efficiency. Researchers highlight nuclear energy’s role as a stable baseline power source compared to variable solar and wind. NuRAM focuses on light water and advanced reactors, aligning with national priorities.

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Artificial Intelligence What agentic AI is and why it may soon appear in law firms Agentic AI, a new development in generative AI, introduces autonomous agents capable of handling specific legal tasks with minimal oversight. Unlike traditional LLMs, these agents employ complex inputs for contextually accurate reasoning. Early applications in law firms show promise in contract review and citation verification, achieving high accuracy rates.However, agentic AI faces challenges due to legal work’s complexity and lack of standardized workflows.

Image Credits: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Israeli startup creates AI to detect 250 fetal genetic diseases

AI can translate plant language

AFP defends AI use for searching seized devices

IdentifAI’s Israeli-developed NIPT technology detects 250 hereditary genetic disorders from a maternal blood sample using AI and machine learning. This non-invasive method, which can perform full genetic sequencing as early as nine weeks of pregnancy, expands on current NIPT capabilities.

The company has conducted successful trials in Israel and is continuing research in the U.S., with a growing market for NIPTs. IdentifAI has raised $6.5 million in funding and aims to revolutionize prenatal genetic testing with safer and more comprehensive options.

PlantRNA-FM, an AI model developed by the John Innes Centre and the University of Exeter, decodes plant RNA sequences to understand their genetic “language.”

Trained on 54 billion RNA data points from 1,124 plant species, the model predicts RNA functions and structural patterns.

This breakthrough could advance crop improvement and AI-based gene design. Professor Yiliang Ding and Dr Ke Li’s team aim to further explore RNA and DNA languages, opening new possibilities for addressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

The Australian federal police (AFP) increasingly uses AI to manage massive data volumes, averaging 40 terabytes per investigation. AI tools, including Microsoft’s Copilot, assist with translating emails, analyzing video footage, and processing seized devices. These innovations help identify criminal links and manage sensitive data more efficiently.

Despite past controversies, such as using Clearview AI, the AFP has strengthened ethical safeguards with a responsible technology committee.

Image Credits: Moran Nissim via calcalistech.com

Image Credits: Pixabay

Image Credits: David Zvi Kalman_DALL-E

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Entertainment

Image Credits: Jordan Strauss_Invision_AP, File via The Hill

Image Credits: Game Science via store. steampowered.com

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour grossed $2 billion, doubling any other tour

Black Myth: Wukong adds challenge mode, maps, and new gear in a free update

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour grossed a record-breaking $2 billion from 149 shows across six continents, attracting over 10 million attendees at an average ticket price of $204. This doubles the previous touring record and broke several other milestones, including attendance and highest-grossing concert film. Swift’s $1.6 billion net worth reflects revenue from touring, re-recorded albums, and royalties. During the tour, she released two re-recorded albums and an 11th studio album while launching a concert film and photo book. The Eras Tour cemented her legacy as a global music icon.

The latest update for Black Myth: Wukong adds challenges like Return of Rivals and Gauntlet of Legends, offering one-on-one duels and multi-opponent battles with rare treasures as rewards.

The update also includes Journeyer’s Charts, in-game maps for navigation, and the Armor Set of Opulence, celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Players can access challenges after completing the game, purchase charts at Keeper’s Shrines, and explore new equipment. For full details, visit the game’s official website.

Image Credits: Victoria from Pixabay

Study finds video games unexpectedly boost kids’ IQ A 2022 study of 9,855 US children found that those who played more video games gained 2.5 IQ points over two years. The tasks measured skills like reading comprehension, memory, and self-control. Watching TV or using social media showed no cognitive effect. The research, led by neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg, suggests video games may boost intelligence while screen time generally doesn’t impair it.

‘Emilia Pérez’ leads nominations, with ‘Conclave’ and ‘The Brutalist’ close behind at the Golden Globes 2025 Image Credits: Fortnite

The Golden Globes awarded Emilia Pérez a leading 10 nominations, positioning it as a frontrunner for Oscars. Key nominees include Anora for Best Picture, Madison for Best Actress, and The Brutalist for directing and acting categories. Predictions also favor television hits like Shogun and The Bear. Following scandals involving the HFPA, the Globes underwent reform and returned under new leadership.

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This Week in Science

Healthcare

Hidden Fat Can Predict Alzheimer’s Up to 20 Years Before Symptoms Appear

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ance, and HDL cholesterol in relation to amyloid and tau deposition,” said Dr. Dolatshahi.

Visceral Fat Strongly Linked to Amyloid Accumulation, Mitigated

by Higher HDL Levels

Image Credits: Pixabay

Researchers have linked a specific type of body fat to the buildup of abnormal brain proteins—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease—up to 20 years before the earliest symptoms of dementia appear. This finding, presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), highlights the potential for lifestyle changes targeting visceral fat to influence Alzheimer’s development.

“This discovery is significant because we focused on Alzheimer’s pathology in midlife, during the 40s and 50s, when interventions like weight loss and reducing visceral fat could be more effective in preventing or delaying the disease,” explained lead author Dr. Mahsa Dolatshahi, a postdoctoral research associate at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR), Washington University.

Alzheimer’s currently

affects an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older, with numbers projected to rise to 13 million by 2050 without medical breakthroughs. The study focused on how modifiable lifestyle factors, including obesity, fat distribution, and metabolism, relate to Alzheimer’s pathology.

Eighty cognitively normal middle-aged participants (average age: 49.4 years; 62.5% female) underwent brain PET scans, body MRI, and metabolic assessments.

On average, participants had a BMI of 32.31, with 57.5% classified as obese.

MRI scans measured subcutaneous fat (under the skin) and visceral fat (around organs), while PET scans detected amyloid plaques and tau tangles, key Alzheimer’s markers.

“We analyzed BMI, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, liver fat, thigh fat and muscle, insulin resist-

The results showed that higher visceral fat correlated with increased amyloid, explaining 77% of the effect of high BMI on amyloid accumulation. No other fat types showed a similar link. Additionally, higher insulin resistance and lower HDL levels were associated with elevated amyloid levels. Notably, participants with higher HDL showed a reduced impact of visceral fat on amyloid pathology.

“Our findings reveal that visceral fat plays a critical role in Alzheimer’s-related brain changes decades before symptoms arise,” Dr. Dolatshahi said. “This emphasizes the need to target metabolic and lipid issues linked to obesity in managing Alzheimer’s risk.”

The team also presented another study at RSNA 2024, showing that obesity and visceral fat reduce brain blood flow.

Using brain and abdominal MRIs, they found that individuals with high visceral fat had lower whole-brain blood flow compared to those with low visceral fat, whereas subcutaneous fat had no significant impact.

“This research could have profound public health implications,” said

senior author Dr. Cyrus Raji. “With nearly 75% of Americans classified as overweight or obese, addressing visceral obesity through lifestyle changes or weight-loss medications may improve brain health, increase blood flow, and reduce

Mushroom Extract Demonstrates Potential in Fighting Prostate Cancer Exotic mushrooms like Lion’s mane have garnered attention for their medicinal benefits, but common varieties, such as the white button mushroom, may also offer immune-boosting effects.

The white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is the world’s most cultivated edible mushroom.

Although not typically seen as medicinal, emerging studies suggest its extract may help slow or even prevent prostate cancer growth.

Researchers at the City of Hope, a cancer research center, are working to follow FDA guidelines and establish evidence for the mushroom’s health benefits. Their findings strengthen the case for using white button mushrooms as a “nutraceutical” treatment to slow prostate cancer progression, especially when used as an adjuvant therapy.

“Plant-derived sub-

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This Week in Science

Healthcare,

Image Credits: Pixabay

stances could one day complement traditional cancer treatments,” says cancer biologist Shiuan Chen. “This study suggests ‘food as medicine’ could become part of evidence-based cancer care.”

Prostate cancer creates a defense against the immune system by producing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). White button mushrooms may disrupt this defense. In a Phase I clinical trial, researchers saw promising signs that the mushroom extract reduced prostate cancer toxicity, with some participants showing fewer MDSCs and undetectable levels of cancer markers after months of taking mushroom tablets.

Follow-up Study and Phase II Trial Reveal Mushroom Extract’s Potential to Slow Tumor Growth and Boost Immune Response in Prostate Cancer A follow-up study on mice and a Phase II clinical trial involving prostate cancer patients are now exploring the

mechanisms behind this effect. In mouse models, the mushroom extract significantly slowed tumor growth and extended survival, with treated mice showing fewer tumor-derived suppressor cells in their blood. In the ongoing Phase II trial, patients treated with the extract have shown fewer suppressor cells and an increase in anti-tumor immune cells.

These results suggest that white button mushrooms could help enhance anti-cancer immune responses and slow cancer growth when combined with other therapies.

However, it remains unclear which specific compounds in the mushroom extract are responsible for these effects. Botanicals like mushrooms contain numerous chemicals, which may target multiple cancer pathways simultaneously. Identifying the active ingredients is a slow process, so clinical trials focus on safety and efficacy rather than the exact mechanisms.

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The mushroom extract may contain soluble fibers, proteins, lipids, and phytochemicals, all of which could affect cancer cells.

control both the timing and location of CRISPR’s activation. In recent tests, the technique successfully eradicated tumors in mice.

“While our results are promising, the study is still ongoing,” says Xiaoqiang Wang, City of Hope staff scientist and lead author. “That said, adding fresh white button mushrooms to your diet couldn’t hurt.”

In practice, CRISPR is delivered into the body via viral carriers and activated using ultrasound pulses targeted to specific regions. The mechanism relies on cells engineered to produce the Cas9 enzyme in response to heat, which is generated by the ultrasound.

New UltrasoundControlled Gene Therapy to Fight Cancer Researchers have developed an innovative gene therapy for cancer that can be remotely activated in specific areas of the body. The approach uses a version of CRISPR that responds to ultrasound pulses and has demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating tumors in mice.

CRISPR is a powerful gene-editing tool that employs the Cas9 enzyme to make precise edits to targeted genes.

However, a key challenge is ensuring it operates only in the desired area, as prolonged activity outside the target zone can result in unintended edits and potentially trigger immune responses.

USC Scientists Achieve Precise CRISPR Control Now, scientists at the University of Southern California (USC) have devised a method to

With this controllable system, you can turn it on and off whenever needed,” explained Peter Yingxiao Wang, co-author of the study. “Once activated, CRISPR begins its work exactly where desired. After a set time, it deactivates on its own, but it can be reactivated later if necessary.”

Targeting Cancer Through Telomere Disruption To target cancer, the CRISPR system was programmed to attack telomeres, the repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes.

This not only causes cancer cells to die but also triggers an immune response, summoning additional cells to assist in tumor elimination.

The treatment includes a second component using specialized CAR T cells. These immune cells are extracted from the patient, modified to attack specific targets, and reintroduced into the

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body. In this case, the target is a protein called CD19, which is highly expressed in certain types of cancer. CRISPR was also used to amplify the production of CD19, enhancing the therapy’s effectiveness.

Promising Results in Mouse Trials In tests, mice with subcutaneous tumors treated with the combined CRISPR and CAR T therapy showed 100%

survival and complete tumor eradication. By comparison, those treated with CAR T cells alone had a survival rate of just 40%.

While the results are promising, the therapy remains in early stages, and there is no guarantee the same outcomes will occur in humans.

The researchers plan to refine the technique and explore applications beyond CAR T cell therapy in future studies.

Image Credits: Depositphotos

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Cadillac Escalade-V 2023 New Cadillac Escalade-V takes it’s place as GM’s most powerful petrol car ever with nearly 700 horsepower from the supercharged V8. The Official numbers come in at 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque thanks to a big 2.65L liquid-intercooled TVS supercharger which spins up to 13,500 rpm and delivers 10 pounds of boost.

Credit: Wsupercars

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Baryon Asymmetry The imbalance between baryons (matter) and antibaryons (antimatter) in the universe.

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TWIS 08-14 DEC 24

Cars & Gadgets

Toyota’s Land Cruiser ROX concept is a cool convertible

Image Credits: Alpine via YouTube

The Toyota Land Cruiser “ROX” concept, unveiled at SEMA, reimagines the Land Cruiser with an open-air design and overlanding-ready features, including skeleton doors, a sliding soft top, and custom suspension. It boasts a bold, aggressive appearance with oversized fenders and 18-inch billet wheels.

The first water-powered car outperforms all fuels

Image Credits: Subaru via carsales.com.au

Fast 2025 Subaru Solterra

Alpine is embracing hydrogen technology to reduce carbon emissions and innovate in the automotive industry. The Alpenglow concept and its Hy4 and Hy6 versions showcase the brand’s research into hydrogen-powered engines, blending performance with sustainability.

The 2025 Subaru Solterra STI will be a performance-focused version of Subaru’s all-electric SUV, rivaling the Tesla Model Y Performance. It’s expected to feature a powertrain upgrade, improved driving dynamics, and a styling kit to boost downforce and reduce drag.

Hydrogen vehicles offer advantages like faster refueling and longer driving ranges, making them ideal for long-distance driving and heavy-duty transport.

Alpine, alongside other brands, is advancing hydrogen mobility, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable automotive innovation.

A Toyota bZ4X performance variant, possibly developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing, could debut alongside the Solterra STI, focusing on off-road performance.

Subaru already offers the Solterra STe in Germany, a sportier version with no performance upgrades.

Image Credits: Toyota

2024 Polestar Design Contest winner’s design becomes a Hot Wheels model Mattel will produce a Hot Wheels model of the Polestar TRX, the winner of the 2024 Design Contest. Designed by Shashank Shekhar, the TRX merges pickup truck utility with ‘60s hot-rodding aesthetics, impressing judges with its blend of rugged and modern design.

This year’s contest saw 1,200 global entries, with the TRX taking first place. The Cyber Shaker by Powei Chen earned second, and Roman Moor’s Polestar Track Toy received an honorable mention, showcasing Polestar’s commitment to innovation and emerging talent.

Image Credits: Freepik Page. 20

TWIS 08-14 DEC 24

Mathematics

Image Credits: Jineon Baek

Infamous ‘sofa problem’ puzzling mathematicians for decades may be solved

Image Credits: JASON SOLO_THE JACKY WINTER GROUP

Mathematicians discover a new type of infinity Mathematicians have discovered two new infinities, exact and ultra-exact cardinals, which defy traditional hierarchies of infinite sets. These cardinals are so vast they contain exact copies of their structures and rules, disrupting established theories like the axiom of choice in Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory.

Researchers speculate these infinities might form a new fourth region or redefine existing ones. If accepted, this discovery suggests chaos plays a larger role in the mathematical universe, reshaping foundational theories and expanding the understanding of infinity’s complexities.

Jineon Baek has solved the decades-old “sofa problem,” proving that Gerver’s sofa, a U-shaped design with 18 curves, has the maximum area of 2.2195 units to navigate a one-unit-wide hallway corner. This confirms Joseph Gerver’s 1992 proposal, resolving debates over potential larger designs. Baek’s proof, spanning over 100 pages and posted on ArXiv, marks a milestone in geometry.

Though not yet peer-reviewed, it validates the optimality of Gerver’s sofa, showcasing the intersection of mathematical curiosity and precision problem-solving.

Advanced math offers hope for Fanconi anaemia patients

Image Credits: Pixabay

Exhibition explores the deep link between art and mathematics Castellani Art Museum’s Beyond Numbers exhibition, curated

by Niagara University students, explores the relationship between art and mathematics. Featuring works by artists like Barbara Hepworth and Frank Stella, it highlights the aesthetic and structural parallels between these fields.

Through curated pieces such as Jensen’s fractals and Hepworth’s topology-inspired sculptures, math is revealed as a source of creativity.

Running through March 30, 2025, the exhibit encourages visitors to rethink math’s role in art and life.

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder with limited treatment options due to DNA repair defects. Scientists are using multi-level dynamic modelling to create “digital twins,” virtual models based on extensive patient data, to predict cancer risks and personalize treatments. This approach is made possible by a unique cohort of 750 FA patients built over 15 years by Professor Eunike Velleuer.

Image Credits: Pixabay

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Quantum Realm

Image Credits: Google

Google introduces quantum computing chip Google’s Willow chip promises a leap in quantum computing, solving a problem in five minutes that would take current supercomputers ten septillion years.

While hailed as a breakthrough, Willow is still experimental, with practical quantum computers years away.

Experts note that Willow’s error correction is impressive, but its test problem was tailored for quantum computing. Quantum computers hold promise for tasks like drug development and logistics, but they require further development and lower error rates for widespread use.

Hypothesis sheds new light on the black hole information paradox

Quasiparticle seen for the first time, moving in one direction with mass

The Quantum Memory Matrix (QMM) hypothesis suggests that space-time acts as a reservoir for quantum information, potentially solving the Black Hole Information Paradox. Developed by scientists from Terra Quantum and Leiden University, it integrates quantum mechanics and general relativity, preserving information even during black hole evaporation. QMM proposes that quantum imprints within space-time store and retrieve information, with implications for quantum gravity and computing. Future research may focus on experimental tests, including deviations in Hawking radiation and gravitational wave signals, to validate the theory.

For the first time, researchers have observed a quasiparticle called a semi-Dirac fermion, which behaves differently depending on its direction of motion. In one direction, it moves masslessly, like energy, while in another, it gains mass and resists movement. This quasiparticle was discovered in a crystal of ZrSiS by scientists from Penn State and Columbia University, marking a breakthrough in the study of particle behavior.

Image Credits: Freepik

Image Credits: Bjørn Bråthen from Pixabay

The quantum explanation for matter’s solidity Everything in the Universe, including all matter, is made of atoms, which have a nucleus surrounded by electrons. Despite being mostly empty space, atoms combine to form solid objects.

This impenetrability is explained by quantum physics and the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which prevents electrons in one object from passing through those in another.

The electrons’ wave-like behavior and interactions at the quantum level are fundamental in making solid objects solid and unyielding.

Image Credits: Pixabay

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X-chromosome study reveals genetic links to Alzheimer’s

Biotech & Genetic Genetic mutations in smokers with myelodysplastic syndromes worsen outcomes

Images Credits: nobeastsofierce _ Shutterstock via news-medical.net Images Credits: swiftsciencewriting from Pixabay

Scientists reveal the genetic code that drives tumor formation and spread Images Credits: news.med.miami.edu

A study on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) found that smokers with MDS or its precursor conditions had more genetic mutations, with heavier smokers showing even more. Long-term smokers were also at higher risk for disease progression and shorter survival. These findings underline the importance of tobacco cessation counseling for MDS patients. The study, part of the National MDS Natural History Study, shows that quitting smoking can benefit patients by reducing genetic mutations linked to disease progression.

VCU Massey researchers have identified a genetic code, called the Flower gene, that allows cancer cells to overpower normal cells, initiating tumor growth. They developed a monoclonal antibody that targets this gene, restoring the body’s defense against cancer and reducing tumor growth in ovarian cancer models.

This breakthrough could lead to treatments for early-stage cancers, as the antibody helps the body recognize and stop tumor cells. The findings have broad implications, potentially benefiting all cancer types.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry explored the X-chromosome’s role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), using data from 115,841 AD cases and 613,671 controls. The study found no genome-wide significant signals but identified seven loci, including FRMPD4, DMD, and WNK3, that could be key to understanding AD pathophysiology. While the X-chromosome’s complex biology was considered using three X-chromosome inactivation models, the results suggest future research should focus on these loci.

Thousands of undiscovered genes may lie in DNA ‘dark matter’ A new study found that “dark matter” in our genome—non-coding DNA—could lead to groundbreaking treatments for diseases like cancer. Thousands of non-coding DNA snippets, identified as potential new genes, can produce miniproteins, which might play roles in immune responses.

The research team, including over 20 global institutions, discovered over 3,000 miniproteins linked to diseases such as cancer.

Images Credits: Victoria from Pixabay

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Images Credits: Freepik

NJINGA-1 CubeSat Nginga-1 is a CubeSat designed to demonstrate cutting-edge small satellite technology. Compact and efficient, it embodies the innovation of CubeSats, providing a low-cost platform for advanced missions. Nginga-1 is equipped to perform [specific mission, e.g., Earth observation, communication, or scientific research], leveraging miniaturized components to deliver impactful results in space.

By joining the CubeSat revolution, Nginga-1 showcases the potential of small satellites to contribute to space exploration and research, democratizing access to space for more players.”

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Wellness

Images Credits: Getty Images_ER Productions Limited via healthline.com

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to increase oxygen delivery to tissues. It’s used for conditions like decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and diabetic wounds, reducing swelling, fighting infections, and promoting healing. While effective for certain medical conditions, HBOT has risks like barotrauma and oxygen toxicity. Emerging uses, such as treating neurological conditions and long COVID, show promise but need more research. Proper patient screening ensures safety and maximizes therapeutic benefits.

To calm your brain, try this breathing exercise in bed if stressed Start your morning with a quick one-minute breathing exercise to reset your mindset. Begin by lying in bed, placing your hands on your belly, and inhaling deeply to feel it rise, then exhaling to feel it deflate. Repeat five times.

Then, move your hands to your ribcage, inhaling to expand your ribs and exhaling to deflate them.

This routine combines relaxation and fresh energy to ground and invigorate your day.

For added mindfulness, repeat a mantra while breathing: inhale energy or calm, and exhale stress or anxiety.

Auberge Resorts’ Lavender Barn spa combines slow wellness, California botanicals, and rustic charm Auberge Resorts Collection has opened Lavender Barn at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, combining traditional healing with slow wellness. Inspired by the Santa Ynez Valley’s lavender fields, the spa offers treatments like the Trager Approach, auricular therapy, and balneotherapy. The spa’s design blends rustic charm and modern luxury, featuring treatment rooms, a couples suite, and locally sourced materials.

Image Credits: storebrands.com

Image Credits: Claudio Scott from Pixabay

Tips for de-stressing through the holidays for women’s wellness Holidays can be stressful, but effective planning and self-care make a difference. Avoid overbooking, set boundaries, and accept that things may not go perfectly. Managing reactions, practicing deep breathing, and focusing on what you can control can help reduce tension.

Mindful choices around food, hydration, and regular routines—like sleep and exercise—are key. Take time for yourself with relaxing activities to recharge. Prioritizing your well-being ensures you can enjoy the season and create memorable moments for loved ones.

Image Credits: Alex Teuscher via chenot.com

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Nutrition

Foods to eat and avoid with advanced gastric cancer

Image Credits: Photo_J. Scott Applewhite, File Image Credits: Pixabay

US dietary guidelines: Experts recommend more beans and less red meat

Daily nut consumption may prevent disability and A panel of nutrition experts redementia in older adults A study published in Age and Ageing found that daily nut consumption among older adults led to a longer, healthier lifespan free of dementia and physical disability. The study showed a 23% reduced risk for death and disability among those who ate nuts daily compared to those who ate them infrequently. The researchers emphasized the importance of incorporating nuts into a daily diet to improve muscle health and prevent age-related decline.

Image Credits: Jessica Joh from Pixabay

commends that Americans eat more beans, peas, lentils, and vegetables while reducing red meats and processed foods. They also advise limiting added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. However, they did not address ultraprocessed foods or alcohol consumption, leaving further analysis to other reports.

Stomach cancer can affect eating by obstructing food movement or impairing digestion, making it harder to get proper nutrition. To maintain energy, patients should focus on soft foods, eat smaller meals throughout the day, and avoid foods that irritate the stomach. Supplements like vitamin B12 may be necessary, but always consult with your care team before taking any. If appetite loss or swallowing difficulties arise, seek help from your provider to address these challenges and ensure you get the proper nutrition during treatment.

The guidelines aim to support health equity by considering factors such as income, race, and culture in dietary recommendations.

Image Credits: Pixabay

Greens and Genes - Uncovering the Truth About Your Veggie Choices Genetics play a major role in how people perceive the bitterness of vegetables like Brussels sprouts, with variations in the TAS2R38 gene determining sensitivity to bitter compounds. Super-tasters find these vegetables more bitter, while others experience a milder flavor.

Researchers, including Paul Breslin, have explored how genetic differences influence taste and have also applied CRISPR and traditional breeding methods to reduce bitterness in vegetables like chicory, aiming to cater to different palates despite GMO restrictions.

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Fitness

Image Credits: Sherah Justus via bicycling. com

Cycling transformed this cancer survivor into an athlete again Diagnosed with radiation-induced osteosarcoma in 2021, I transitioned from running to cycling after losing mobility in my left limb. Inspired by athletes at the Life Time Leadville 100 MTB race, I began training with my husband’s help and set goals like the Copper Triangle 2024 and Unbound Gravel 2025. Cycling filled the void left by cancer, restoring my health and mental well-being. To succeed, I focus on consistency, resilience, and support. A balanced training schedule, embracing setbacks, and guidance from experienced cyclists have been invaluable.

Man shows results of 10 months of CrossFit and healthy eating Dario Cordes lost 36 pounds through CrossFit and a healthier diet, transforming his life after personal challenges. Once weighing 194 pounds, the 38-year-old now maintains 158 pounds, thanks to eliminating sugar, processed foods, and alcohol while staying hydrated and focusing on protein.

CrossFit improved both his physical and mental health, boosting optimism and motivation. Cordes now spends quality time with loved ones and feels in better shape than ever. His inspiring journey, shared on Reddit, earned widespread praise for his impressive results.

New research shows single-set training builds A study on single-set resistance training shows it can effectively increase muscle growth, strength, and endurance. Conducted over eight weeks with 42 trained participants, the research compared training to failure (FAIL) versus stopping with 2 reps in reserve (RIR-2). Both groups achieved significant muscular adaptations, with similar strength gains and slightly greater hypertrophy in the FAIL group. Single-set training, requiring just two 30-minute weekly sessions, proves time-efficient and effective.

Image Credits: Pexels from Pixabay

Image Credits: Reddit_borisdehielo via newsweek.com

What 11,000 twins taught scientists about fitness A national study of 11,000 twins found that walkable neighborhoods significantly increase walking activity. A 55% increase in walkability can lead to 23% more walking, equivalent to 19 extra minutes per week per resident.

Walkable areas are dense, with nearby shops, parks, and restaurants, and are mostly found in urban environments.

Lead researcher Glen Duncan highlighted walking’s accessibility as a simple, cost-free way to meet weekly activity goals. Though walkability had little effect on vigorous exercise, it reduced the likelihood of no public transit use by 32%, demonstrating its broad public health benefits.

Image Credits: cookie_ studio on Freepik

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Women Health

How a High-Protein Meal Prep Plan Boosted My Energy and Workouts Meal prep has always been a challenge for me, but the Women’s Health High-Protein Meal Prep Manual changed my perspective. With recipes like Open-Face Frittata Sandwiches and Broccoli and Chicken Salad, I learned to hit my daily protein goal of 84 grams. The guide’s flexibility made it easy to adapt recipes, batch-cook ingredients, and integrate high-protein snacks. Over the week, I noticed higher energy levels, better focus, and improved workout performance.

Image Credits: Freepik

Ovaries age faster than the body; experts are racing to understand why Female ovaries are central to women’s health and longevity, but they remain largely unexplored in scientific research. While their role in reproduction is understood, recent studies suggest ovarian aging, which leads to menopause, impacts overall health, including cardiovascular and bone health.

Researchers like Jennifer Garrison and Daisy Robinton are investigating ovarian aging to develop treatments that could improve women’s health span and quality of life.

The ovaries produce hormones essential for health, and their decline can affect many aspects of a woman’s life. As women age, the ovaries shrink, and egg count decreases, triggering menopause. Studies are exploring the mysteries of ovarian aging to understand its full impact, aiming to create therapies to support women at various life stages, from fertility to menopause.

This plan showed me how essential protein is for maintaining energy and stamina. While I won’t prep every meal, I now have go-to recipes and strategies to keep me fueled.

Image Credits: Adobe Stock via healthday. com

Women have lower adherence to post-stroke medication compared to men A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that U.S. women are more likely to report nonadherence to poststroke medications than men. Women showed higher nonadherence to cholesterol-lowering drugs and antiplatelets, with differences influenced by race and ethnicity.

Adjustments for various factors, like obesity and lifestyle, impacted these findings.

Key Longevity Research to Know

Image Credits: Pixabay

Image Credits: Pixabay

Scientific evidence often begins as novel research, as seen with studies on the Mediterranean diet or fermented foods. Looking ahead, innovative areas like senolytics, focused ultrasounds, and women-centric health studies promise breakthroughs in longevity and wellness.

Senolytics clear harmful “zombie” cells linked to aging, while focused ultrasounds offer non-invasive treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

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Men Health

Image Credits: Pavel1964 _ Shutterstock

How age, climate, and geography affect success in Ironman performance Image Credits: Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

How muscle-building imagery and supplements harm teen boys

Image Credits: Marijana from Pixabay

Genetic Causes of Prostate Cancer Risk in African Men Highlighted A major study identified genetic factors increasing prostate cancer risk among African men, analyzing 7,500 participants across the continent. The study found three unique genetic loci linked to prostate cancer, minimally observed outside Africa, underscoring the importance of studying populations with high disease burdens.

It also highlighted Africa’s genetic diversity, revealing distinct risk variations among geographical regions.

Led by the MADCaP consortium and leveraging African-optimized genotyping technology, this groundbreaking research paves the way for genetic tools to grade individual risk. These tools could improve early detection and prevention, addressing the disproportionate burden of prostate cancer among African men.

Generation Flex, a new documentary from Men’s Health, explores how social media pressures on body image can harm boys’ mental health, leading to disordered behaviors. The film, featuring S. Bryn Austin from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, follows four teens who engage in harmful practices like obsessive weight training and supplement use.

Austin warns that social media fuels unrealistic body ideals and promotes unregulated supplements, putting vulnerable boys at risk. These pressures have led to physical issues and even tragic outcomes, highlighting the need for more awareness and regulation in this area.

A study in PLOS ONE analyzed how race location and demographics affect Ironman triathletes’ performance. It found that athletes from Austria, Germany, and Finland outperformed others, with younger male athletes achieving the fastest times. Optimal conditions for performance included air temperatures around 27°C and water temperatures near 24°C. The study also identified racecourses like Ironman Austria and Barcelona as favorable for faster times. The results offer practical guidance for selecting races, emphasizing the importance of temperature and geography for optimal performance, particularly for athletes aiming for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Key plasma proteins indicate critical brain aging periods A study published in Nature Aging identified 13 plasma proteins associated with brain aging.

Key proteins like GDF15 and BCAN were linked to aging processes and neurodegenerative diseases.

BCAN, in particular, emerged as a promising biomarker, with validation through imaging and Mendelian randomization studies.

Image Credits: MattL_Images _ Shutterstock via news-medical.net Page. 30

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Find out how our minds and bodies are inextricably linked

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Almanac & Aniversary

December 8th 1851 – The first successful electric battery was created by Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist and chemist. Volta’s invention of the voltaic pile laid the foundation for the development of modern batteries and electrical circuits.

1917 – The birth of George de Hevesy, Hungarian chemist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1943 for his work on the use of isotopes as tracers in the study of chemical processes.

His work laid the foundation for modern nuclear medicine and biochemistry.

1964 – The launch of Mariner 4, NASA’s first spacecraft to reach Mars. It was the first mission to successfully send back close-up images of the Martian surface, providing invaluable data about Mars’ atmosphere and geology.

1994 – The discovery of the first exoplanet orbiting a star in the constellation Pegasus, using the radial velocity method. This breakthrough opened up new avenues of research in the field of exoplanet discovery, leading to the identification of thousands of exoplanets over the following decades.

December 9th 1851 – The birth of Carl Zeiss, German inventor and industrialist.

Zeiss founded the Zeiss Optical Company, which became famous for its high-quality lenses and optical instruments, particularly in the fields of microscopy and photography.

1895 – The birth of Albert Einstein, German-born theoretical physicist, who is best known for his development of the theory of relativity. Einstein’s work fundamentally altered the understanding of time, space, gravity, and the nature of the universe, and

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his famous equation E=mc^2 remains a hallmark of modern physics.

1927 – The discovery of cosmic rays was announced by C. T. R. Wilson. Cosmic rays, high-energy particles originating from outer space, are essential to the study of particle physics and astrophysics.

1961 – The launch of the Soviet Union’s Venera 1, the first spacecraft to fly by Venus. Although the mission was unsuccessful in reaching Venus, it marked the beginning of planetary exploration of the inner solar system, and later Venera missions would return vital data about Venus.

December 10th 1815 – The birth of Mary Anning, English fossil hunter, dealer, and self-taught scientist who made significant contributions to the field of paleontology. Anning is credited with discovering the first complete ichthyosaurus fossil and made several important contributions to the understanding of prehistoric life.

1851 – The birth of Karl Landsteiner, Austrian immunologist and pathologist, who discovered the blood groups (A, B, AB, and O).

His work on blood typing has saved millions of lives through transfusion and is central to the field of immunology.

1952 – The discovery of the first artificial heart valve by Dr. Paul Winchell, who, with his team, developed a mechanical heart valve to treat patients with heart defects. This innovation in cardiology paved the way for further advancements in heart surgery and device development.

Barnard, making headlines around the world. Barnard’s pioneering procedure became a milestone in organ transplantation.

December 11th 1843 – The birth of William Crookes, English chemist and physicist known for his discovery of the element thallium and for his work on the cathode ray tube. Crookes’ work helped pave the way for later developments in the fields of chemistry and electronics.

1872 – The birth of Paul Ehrlich, German physician and biologist who is best known for his work in immunology and for developing the concept of the “magic bullet” in drug design. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908 for his discoveries related to the immune system.

1931 – The birth of Richard Feynman, American theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate, known for his work in quantum mechanics and his development of the Feynman diagrams.

Feynman’s contributions to quantum electrodynamics (QED) have had a lasting impact on theoretical physics.

1962 – The discovery of the first human gene, using a technique called gene mapping. This was an important step in the development of genetic research and paved the way for the Human Genome Project.

2003 – The discovery of the oldest known star, a star that is 13.7 billion years old, which helped scientists better understand the early universe and the formation of the first stars.

1967 – The first human heart transplant was performed in South Africa by Dr. Christiaan Page. 34

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TWIS 01-07 DEC 24

Gerontology & Life Extension

Image Credits: The Washington Post_Getty Images via theguardian.com

Jeff Bezos’s New investment

Image Credits: Shutterstock.com _ PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

Chasing Longevity: The Path to Escape Aging Longevity escape velocity, popularized by Ray Kurzweil, suggests a future where medical advancements extend life faster than aging progresses. By achieving a net gain in life expectancy through innovations like gene editing and regenerative medicine, humanity could fundamentally reshape aging and mortality.

Recent breakthroughs, such as mRNA vaccines and AI-driven healthcare, highlight this possibility, but significant hurdles remain, including age-related diseases and access disparities.

While the path forward is uncertain, the potential for extended lifespans raises critical societal questions about sustainability, identity, and equity. As medical progress accelerates, humanity must prepare for the profound shifts such advancements could bring.

Jeff Bezos’s investment in Altos Labs reflects his belief in science’s power to extend human lifespan.

Founded in 2021, the biotech startup focuses on cellular reprogramming, a revolutionary technique to rejuvenate cells. With Nobel Prize-winning scientists on board, the company aims to tackle aging at its root, potentially reshaping healthcare and global demographics.

While promising, the endeavor raises ethical concerns about resource allocation and societal impact. Nonetheless, Bezos’s pioneering approach highlights a growing trend among tech moguls betting on life sciences to solve aging, with transformative potential for humanity.

Vitalist Bay: Revolutionizing Longevity Innovation in the Bay Area Vitalist Bay, unveiled by the Vitalism Foundation, will transform the Bay Area into the world’s premier longevity innovation zone from April 4 to May 29, 2025. This bold initiative combines the region’s strengths in AI, biotech, and venture capital to tackle aging and extend healthy lifespans. Located at Lighthaven Campus, it offers conferences, workshops, and a health-focused environment for cross-sector collaboration.

Image Credits: brgfx on Freepik

Bladder Protection by Senescent Cells The study examines senescent cells in the bladder, focusing on their role in aging and bladder dysfunction. In mice, researchers found increased inflammation and stress in umbrella cells (UCs) as they age, with senescence markers becoming more apparent in older mice. These polyploid UCs are vital for bladder function, but their increased stress could contribute to problems, including bladder cancer.

Senolytic treatments like dasatinib and quercetin showed no significant effects in older mice.

Instead of removing senescent cells, improving their mitochondrial function or reducing oxidative stress may provide better outcomes. The study highlights the complex role of senescent cells in bladder health, suggesting that managing their stress might be key to future treatments.

Image Credits: Elias Schlie (Longevity) via YouTube

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Psychology

Surviving Family Reunions: How to Keep Your Cool and Avoid the Turkey Throwdown

Free Will Arguments Miss the Point Images Credits: Getty Images via parade. comcom

6 Things ‘Lucky People’ Naturally Do, According to Lucky people don’t just stumble upon fortune—they often create it through habits and mindsets. Clinical psychologist Rebecca Anderson explains that luck is a blend of preparation, perspective, and action. Optimism and proactive approaches help identify opportunities that others might miss.

Images Credits: Usman Yousaf from Pixabay

At Columbia, I balanced experimental psychology with exploring the counterculture, discovering Buddhist teachings by Shunryu Suzuki and Chögyam Trungpa, which piqued my interest in meditation and Zen practice. In 1971, I dropped out of college and went to San Francisco to study under Suzuki Roshi and Trungpa Rinpoche.

To cultivate luck, Anderson suggests sticking to your values, prioritizing playfulness, setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, removing shame, and focusing on positives. These strategies can shift your mindset, leading to a life filled with more fortunate opportunities.!”

Forbidden Knowledge Claims Polarize Beliefs and Thinking

Buddhism emphasizes that suffering arises from craving and attachment to subjective phenomena. Through the Four Noble Truths, it teaches that freedom from suffering is possible through ethical conduct, meditation, and insight, which guide us away from compulsive desires and lead to genuine freedom.

Images Credits: Adobe Stock via psypost.org

To reduce holiday stress during family reunions, prepare for potential triggers by reflecting on past frustrations. Identify individuals or topics that tend to upset you, and plan your responses in advance.

Remember the importance of pausing before reacting, as Viktor Frankl suggested, allowing you to choose a response that maintains peace. Lastly, reward yourself for keeping interactions conflict-free, whether through a small treat or an enjoyable experience.

Images Credits: wal_172619 from Pixabay

Research in the Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin shows that claims of censorship and “forbidden knowledge” deepen political divides, influencing critical thinking and perception.

Victoria A. Parker’s team investigated how such claims, especially around controversial issues like COVID-19 and vaccine risks, affect liberals and conservatives. They found that conservatives were more likely to view censored information as credible, while liberals often saw it as misinformation. In two studies, conservatives rated forbidden knowledge framing as more appealing, while liberals distanced themselves from it.

The research also revealed that forbidden knowledge influenced how conservatives interpreted data, making them more likely to draw incorrect conclusions about vaccine risks. These findings highlight how forbidden knowledge framing intensifies ideological polarization and affects critical thinking.

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Archeology

Images Credits:Greek Ministry of Culture

Ancient building and gold artifacts found in Rypes, Achaea Excavations on the Trapezá plateau near Aigio uncovered an ancient building and gold artifacts linked to the ancient city of Rypes, known for founding Croton in Magna Graecia. The findings include sculptures of lions in Pentelic marble and a funerary stele, suggesting the site was a heroon dedicated to important figures.

Tombs inside the heroon contained burial offerings such as gold jewelry and funerary coins, highlighting the wealth and high social status of the buried individuals.

Pottery and architectural remnants from the eighth century BCE further emphasize the site’s extensive history.

Scientist claims statue Archaeologists reconsfound at Cleopatra’s tomb truct Egypt’s greatest pharaoh’s face, shocked by shows her real face

A study led by Cicero Moraes reconstructed the face of King Amenhotep III using Forensic Facial Approximation from his mummy’s skull. Two versions were created: one objective and greyscale, and another with artistic elements like open eyes and crafted hair. Amenhotep III, known for his wealth and architectural legacy, was reconstructed despite his mummy’s severe damage.

Archaeologists noted that his body was smaller than depicted in monuments, and the cause of his death remains uncertain.

A statue found at Cleopatra’s tomb may depict her true face, according to Dr. Kathleen Martinez, who has been searching for the queen’s burial site for nearly 20 years. The white marble statue, adorned with a royal crown, was uncovered in the Taposiris Magna Temple. The discovery also included a half-length statue of a king, coins bearing Cleopatra’s image, and other artifacts.

Image Credits: Arrow Media via nypost. com

Image Credits: Noah_s Ark

Saurashtra fossils suggest early humans moved inland, not just along the coast A study in India’s Saurashtra peninsula challenges the coastal dispersion theory of human migration. Artefacts dating to 56,000–48,000 years ago indicate that early humans used inland routes rather than coastal ones to spread across the Indian subcontinent. The findings, including tools from the Middle Palaeolithic period, suggest that migration occurred far from the coast.

Image Credits: Jha et al. (2024)

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Space Exploration & Cosmology Exploring hidden challenges and future possibilities in space for astronauts Image Credits: magical_art from Pixabay

Space exploration presents astronauts like Sunita Williams with emotional and psychological challenges that extend beyond the physical strains of space. The isolation and separation from Earth affect both astronauts and their families, often leading to increased stress and alienation.

These missions spur technological innovations but also spark ethical debates about resource allocation.

The moon’s oldest round crater is great news for NASA’s Artemis astronauts Image Credits: NASA_JPL_USGS

Recent research suggests that the South Pole-Aitken basin on the moon may be round rather than oval, indicating a deeper impact than previously believed. This discovery could provide new insights into the moon’s early geological history.

The findings, based on data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, suggest a vertical impact formed the basin. This new understanding may enable future Artemis missions to study previously inaccessible materials from the moon’s mantle and crust.

Image Credits: European Southern Observatory _ M. Kornmesser

NASA researchers find additional dark comets Dark comets, objects that resemble asteroids but behave like comets, are now classified into two types. Larger outer dark comets, which have elliptical orbits, reside in the outer solar system, while smaller inner dark comets, with circular orbits, are found in the inner solar system. These findings raise new questions, including the origins of dark comets, their anomalous acceleration, and whether they could have contributed to Earth’s development. Seligman suggests they may have played a role in delivering essential materials for life.

A new approach to exploring Venus The 2023-2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey recommended that NASA develop exploration strategies for Venus, with input from the planetary science community. In late 2022, the Venus Exploration Analysis Group began developing a strategy that incorporates recent mission selections and comparative planetology recommendations.

The strategy outlines the required actions for sustained Venus exploration, highlighting Venus as a key target for cross-disciplinary scientific inquiries. This report serves as a living document, offering guidance for the U.S. and international Venus communities to support ongoing exploration.

Image Credits: WikiImages from Pixabay Page. 39

Curiosity

Quantum Computing and Quantum Supremacy When you hear the words “quantum computing,” you might imagine something straight out of a sci-fi thriller, where computers are tapping into mysterious forces and performing impossible feats of calculation. But as mind-boggling as it sounds, quantum computing is very much a reality—and it’s poised to change the world in ways we can barely comprehend. If you’re still scratching your head trying to figure out exactly what quantum computing is, don’t worry. You’re not alone. It’s one of those concepts that sounds like it belongs in a distant future, but is already here, creeping its way into the present.

Let’s break it down and dive into this strange, mysterious world where the rules of classical computing no longer apply.

What Is Quantum Computing?

In traditional computing, your computer processes information using bits, the fundamental units of data. Each bit can be either a 0 or a 1, like a light switch that’s either on or off. These bits are the building blocks of everything from simple calculations to complex algorithms. The

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more bits a computer has, the more data it can handle and the more powerful it becomes.

Enter the world of quantum computing, where things get weird—and we mean really weird. In quantum computing, the fundamental unit of information is the quantum bit, or qubit. Here’s where it gets mind-bending: a qubit can be both 0 and 1 at the same time—thanks to a phenomenon called superposition. It’s as if you flipped the light switch and it was simultaneously on and off, existing in a fuzzy, uncertain state until you measure it.

But wait, there’s more!

Qubits can also become entangled, which means that the state of one qubit is directly related to the state of another, no matter how far apart they are in space. This spooky connection is called quantum entanglement, and it’s one of the reasons why quantum computing has the potential to outperform classical computing by a mind-boggling margin.

In short, quantum computers don’t just process bits of information one at a time. They can process many possibilities simultaneously due to superposition and entanglement, making them theoretically much more powerful than classical computers.

Quantum Supremacy: The New Benchmark

But there’s a catch. While quantum computers sound like they’re capable of solving incredibly complex problems, we’re still in the early stages.

Quantum computers aren’t going to replace your laptop just yet, but there’s one milestone that has the potential to set them apart from anything we’ve seen before: quantum supremacy.

Quantum supremacy refers to the point at which a quantum computer can perform a calculation that is impossible, or at least impractical, for even the most powerful classical computers to handle. It’s not just about faster computations; it’s about solving problems that were previously out of reach.

It’s as though quantum computers could walk into a room, ask a question, and get an answer that no classical computer could ever dream of, no matter how much processing power it had.

The Intriguing (and Surprising) Aspects of Quantum Computing Superposition: The Power of “Both At Once” Let’s go back to that superposition thing for a second. Imagine flipping a coin. In classical terms, the coin can either land heads or tails. But in the quantum world, the coin can be both heads and tails at the same time until it’s observed. This ability to be in multiple states at once is what gives quantum compu-

ters their power. They don’t just calculate one answer at a time; they explore many possibilities in parallel, which could lead to faster and more efficient problem-solving.

Entanglement: Spooky Action at a Distance Einstein famously referred to quantum entanglement as “spooky action at a distance.” This phenomenon happens when two qubits become entangled, meaning their states are directly linked no matter how far apart they are. If you change the state of one qubit, the other qubit changes instantly, even if it’s on the other side of the universe. Now, before you imagine some kind of sci-fi telepathy between computers, remember that this Page. 40

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doesn’t allow for faster-than-light communication. It’s just that the qubits are inherently tied together in ways that classical bits never could be.

Entanglement allows quantum computers to perform incredibly complex calculations in parallel, drastically increasing their processing power. It’s like having a million tiny computers inside one quantum machine, all working together, at the speed of light.

Quantum Computers Could Solve Problems We Can’t Even Imagine Yet Quantum computing holds the potential to solve problems that classical computers could never tackle—at least not

in a reasonable amount of time. For example, they could revolutionize fields like cryptography, material science, artificial intelligence, and pharmaceuticals. Quantum computers could simulate complex molecular structures, helping scientists discover new drugs or materials that are impossible to design with current technology.

They could also break encryption methods that are currently used to protect our data (which is both exciting and terrifying, depending on your perspective).

But the most surprising thing about quantum computing is that we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. While researchers are making strides, there are still many fundamental challenges to overcome, like improving qubit stability, error rates, and creating scalable systems. We might be years—or even decades—away from quantum computers being practical for everyday use. But the possibilities are tantalizing.

Quantum Computers Don’t Need to be Bigger to Be Better Here’s a fun twist: Quantum computers don’t need to be big to be powerful. In fact, the power of a quantum computer doesn’t come from how big it is but from how well it manages the entanglement and superposition of its qubits. A relatively small quantum computer, with just a few hundred

qubits, could theoretically solve problems that would take today’s best supercomputers thousands of years to compute. This makes quantum computing a unique, new paradigm in computing.

Quantum Computers and the Quest for Quantum Supremacy Quantum supremacy is like the holy grail of quantum computing. In 2019, Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy, announcing that their Sycamore quantum processor solved a problem in 200 seconds that would take a classical supercomputer 10,000 years to solve.

While this claim was met with some skepticism (as always in science), it’s a clear indication that quantum computing is on the brink of something revolutionary.

But before you start imagining a world where quantum computers rule, it’s important to note that quantum supremacy doesn’t mean quantum computers are ready to take over the world. It just means they can do certain things that classical computers can’t—yet. So far, quantum supremacy has been demonstrated on very specific tasks, but these might not be directly useful for real-world applications—at least not yet.

Quantum Computers Don’t Just Solve Problems Faster; They Solve

Different Problems The real power of quantum computing comes not just from how fast it can solve problems, but from the fact that it can solve entirely new problems that classical computers simply can’t approach. For instance, quantum computers could simulate complex chemical reactions at the quantum level, which would be impossible for traditional computers. This could lead to breakthroughs in energy efficiency, new materials, and even revolutionizing fields like quantum cryptography, where quantum mechanics is used to create ultra-secure communication systems.

Why Should We Care About Quantum Computing?

While quantum computers are still in the experimental phase, their potential is immense.

Imagine being able to simulate the universe at the most fundamental level, or cracking encryption that’s considered unbreakable. These possibilities are tantalizing— and also a little terrifying, depending on your perspective. But there’s no doubt that quantum computing has the potential to shape the future in ways that we can’t fully comprehend.

At the same time, quantum computing brings a whole new set of ethical, societal, and philosophical questions. As quantum computers advance, Page. 41

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we may need to rethink issues like data privacy, security, and even our understanding of what computers are capable of. With great power comes great responsibility—just as it did with the advent of classical computers.

We’re Only Getting

Started Quantum computing and the race for quantum supremacy are still in their infancy, but one thing is clear: they’re going to change everything. While we may be years away from seeing practical applications of this technology, the

potential is astronomical (pun intended!).

From solving previously impossible problems to unlocking new realms of physics and technology, quantum computing promises to make the future far stranger— and more exciting— than we ever imagined.

So, whether you’re

dreaming of quantum-powered AI or quantum-powered weather forecasts, remember this: we’re just getting started on this mind-bending journey. Keep your curiosity alive, because the quantum revolution is coming— and it’s going to be a wild ride.

Coming Up Nesxt

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Engineering, Robotics & IT

Ori Biotech and Fresenius Kabi partner to advance scalable cell and gene therapy manufacturing Image Credits: You Zhou, NBI

ow deepfake technology operates Deepfakes are AI-generated images or videos that look real, typically created using diffusion models, which remove noise from images. These models work backward to identify features, like a cat’s ears, and refine the image.

Deepfake technology is increasingly realistic, with applications like face-swapping filters on social media. As deepfakes pose risks, experts like Siwei Lyu emphasize the need for awareness, especially among vulnerable groups, to prevent misuse and improve detection.

Ori Biotech and Fresenius Kabi have integrated Ori’s IRO® platform with the Cue® and Lovo® systems, streamlining CGT manufacturing. This integration offers a closed, efficient workflow that reduces process steps and enhances scalability.

The partnership showcases Ori’s commitment to flexible solutions for CGT, while Fresenius Kabi emphasizes improving the efficiency of cell therapy production. Together, they aim to enhance access to life-saving therapies by driving innovation and reducing barriers in the manufacturing process.

New tech allows for more non-invasive monitoring of animal brain activity South Korean scientists have created a wireless “stealthy neural recorder” to monitor brain activity in monkeys without interfering with their natural behavior. The device could aid research into neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In a proof-of-concept test, the device accurately identified eating behaviors in a monkey 86% of the time. This advancement could provide a foundation for studying brain disorders in humans and is being commercialized by the research team.

Image Credits: GoogleWang

New quantum paradigm challenges our view of global warming Image Credits: Pixabay

Image Credits: Scripps News via ktvh.com

A new quantum thermal physics paradigm explains how oceans store energy as both heat and quantum energy, which accelerates rising ocean temperatures.

Australian scientist Geoff Smith’s research suggests current climate models need to factor in this additional energy source to better predict climate impacts.

The solution to slowing this temperature rise is to stop the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases. Smith’s findings call for updated climate models to reflect quantum energy’s role in ocean heating, which will help manage energy use and improve health in a warming climate.

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Parenting & Relationship Harmony Junction Recovery launches new program for couples affected by addiction in Orange County Harmony Junction Recovery’s Couples Rehab program in Orange County provides tailored treatment for couples dealing with addiction, combining joint and individual therapies. Key features include joint counseling, individual support, detox, communication skills, and relapse prevention, all aimed at healing both partners and their relationship.

6 signs your marriage may be headed for divorce Red flags in relationships include breakdowns in communication, fading warmth, lack of support, and reduced intimacy. When couples stop sharing aspirations, or begin imagining life apart, it’s crucial to reassess the relationship and address these issues directly.

While these signs don’t guarantee divorce, they require attention and effort to fix. With open discussion, counseling, and shared effort, many issues can be resolved before they lead to a split.

Image Credits: Harmony Junction Recovery via einpresswire.com

A 103-year-old married 77 years shares 3 tips for a lasting relationship Dotty Burgess, 103, shares her advice for a long-lasting marriage: choose your partner wisely, communicate gently, and always have something to look forward to. She and her husband, Frank, had a fulfilling 77-year marriage, navigating challenges together and focusing on mutual respect. Their relationship thrived by avoiding actions that irritated each other and maintaining excitement with simple joys like walks and road trips. Her advice aligns with relationship research that emphasizes emotional support, gentle conflict resolution, and shared experiences.

How I transformed from violence to healing and reconciliation After being arrested for domestic violence, I attended the Manalive restorative justice program.

Over time, I took responsibility for my actions, learned about the many forms of abuse, and gained insight into toxic beliefs about masculinity that had fueled my behavior.

Image Credits: Pixabay

Image Credits: The Boston Globe

Image Credits: Pixabay

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Investiments & Finanace

Images Credits: Laser Photonics via finance.yahoo.com_

Laser Photonics advances PCB marking tech for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing Laser Photonics and CMS are expanding their PCB Marking technology for the growing semiconductor market, projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. The acquisition of CMS brings expertise in automated PCB marking with precision systems, positioning LPC for future growth.

Though promising, LPC faces significant challenges entering a competitive field. With a current market cap of $73M, their success depends on executing their strategy, scaling up, and competing with established industry giants.

The technology offers incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking advancements.

November 2024 Longevity Market Summary

Ethicist calls the wellness industry financially toxic

Collaborations in the longevity world are gaining momentum, with events like the 2nd Roundtable of Longevity Clinics and the Founders Longevity Forum focusing on breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, epigenetics, and AI. Tech advancements include Genesis Therapeutics partnering with NVIDIA to enhance drug discovery and Virtuleap’s VR tool aiding early dementia detection.

The wellness industry, worth $1.8 trillion worldwide, is draining resources into ineffective products like overpriced wellness mats and unproven therapies such as PEMF devices. Despite no evidence of their efficacy, people continue to spend large sums on such items, sometimes delaying or interfering with real medical treatments.

VitaDAO and Binance Labs are funding new longevity research, with TRex Bio raising $84 million to advance immune-regulating therapy. The partnership between Dexcom and Oura aims to introduce a glucose-monitoring ring in mid-2025. Potential Medicare expansion could provide wider access to obesity drugs, reducing costs and risks. However, not all projects, like Forward’s AI health start-up, succeed.

Image Credits: forbes.com

https://bit.ly/3A94M9w

Image Credits: Medscape via YouTube

Ultra-costly gene therapies set to drive major pharmacy shifts The rise of high-cost gene and cell therapies presents significant challenges for health systems, particularly concerning payment, access, and management. As spending on these therapies is expected to grow, the need for effective infrastructure, clear payment models, and expert staffing becomes critical. Pharmacists will be central in managing these therapies, but many health systems lack the preparedness and infrastructure to handle them. Outcomes-based payment models and partnerships with manufacturers may provide solutions, but these efforts require careful planning and coordination.

Images Credits: Pixabay

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Retirement

Those over 55 are the fastest-growing group of tenants The number of private rented households headed by tenants aged 55 and over has surged in the last decade, with those aged 55-64 increasing by 66% and those aged 65+ by 33%. Conversely, the number of younger renters has decreased, with fewer households aged 16-34 renting privately. Paragon Bank’s report suggests that older tenants prefer long-term rental stability, and with the UK’s aging population, landlords must adapt to meet the needs of this growing demographic, including offering security and flexibility in rental agreements.

Image Credits: Claudia Peters from Pixabay

The global gap between longevity and good health Mayo Clinic research reveals a growing gap between lifespan and healthspan, with people living longer but often burdened by disease. The U.S. recorded the largest gap, with Americans spending 12.4 years on average in poor health, primarily due to chronic diseases like mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.

The study emphasizes the need for wellness-focused care systems and region-specific interventions.

Women experience a larger gap, and the research calls for further exploration of demographic and economic factors to better understand these disparities.

Image Credits: Julita from Pixabay

Image Credits: Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay

Low financial literacy among youth delays retirement savings The SPARK Institute’s study shows a lack of financial education in high school and college leads to low financial literacy and delays in retirement saving, with over 50% of respondents underestimating the time needed to save. Many young people believe retirement saving begins after major life milestones. SPARK advocates for mandatory financial education in high schools to bridge the gap.

A Boomer’s Thoughts – Still Not Fully Retired

Image Credits: chattanoogan.com

I returned to part-time work after a few months of unplanned retirement, finding it fulfilling to contribute to the world and stay mentally engaged. Many retirees seek ways to stay active through work, volunteering, or hobbies, which keep us young at heart.

Retirement planning should include both financial and activity strategies. Social Security benefits can increase by 8% annually if you wait until age 70 to claim, but it’s important to consider personal circumstances and consult the Social Security office for tailored advice.

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Recommendations Extra Reading Climate change could kill off third of all species Nickel mining for electric vehicles is destroying lives in Indonesia Richard Dawkins’s book of the dead is haunted by ghosts of past works

Videos Quantum computer-powered robots could soon match humans, scientists predict

Study confirms a 40-year-old quantum theory

Mice Susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Infection Identified for the First Time

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