TWIS - Vol 1: ISSUE 4

INSIDE

TWIS SCIENCE THIS WEEK IN

Earth’s Water is Rapidly Losing Oxygen, Creating a Major Threat

DIVE AND FIND

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Hope for HIV Cure Grows After Man Declared Virus-Free

Magnetic Brain Control Tech Alters Appetite and Behavior

Rolls-Royce Gets $6M for Nuclear Space Reactor Development

NASA and SpaceX’s Plans to Deorbit and Dismantle the ISS

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This Week in Science

Earth Science

Earth’s Water is Rapidly Losing Oxygen, Creating a Major Threat

Credit: Pixabay

The levels of dissolved oxygen in the world’s water bodies are dropping quickly, and scientists consider this a major threat to Earth’s life support system.

Much like atmospheric oxygen is crucial for animals, dissolved oxygen (DO) is key for the health of aquatic ecosystems, whether in freshwater or marine environments. Given that billions of people depend on these habitats for food and income, it’s worrying that the oxygen in these ecosystems is decreasing significantly and rapidly.

Proposing Aquatic Deoxygenation as a New Planetary Boundary A group of scientists is urging the inclusion of aquatic deoxygenation in the list of ‘planetary boundaries.’

These boundaries outline nine essential areas that set the limits within which humanity can sustainably thrive and flourish for future generations.

Currently, the planetary boundaries include climate change, ocean acidi-

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fication, depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, disruptions to global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, loss of biodiversity, global freshwater usage, land-system changes, aerosol pollution, and chemical contamination.

Freshwater Ecologist Kevin Rose Advocates for Inclusion of Aquatic Deoxygenation in Planetary Boundaries A group led by freshwater ecologist Kevin Rose from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the US worries that this list neglects a crucial aspect of Earth’s limits.

“The authors argue that we should recognize the ongoing deoxygenation of Earth’s freshwater and marine systems as an additional planetary boundary process. This phenomenon is crucial to the well-being of Earth’s ecological and social systems, as it both impacts and is impacted by other planetary boundary processes.”

“Critical oxygen levels are being approached at rates similar to other planetary boundary processes.”

Dissolved oxygen in water decreases for various reasons. For example, warmer waters can’t hold as much oxygen, and as greenhouse gas emissions continue to raise air and water temperatures above their long-term averages, surface waters are losing their ability to retain this essential element.

es between water layers. This is due to surface waters warming faster than deeper waters and melting ice lowering surface salinity in the oceans.

(Azote/Stockholm Resilience Centre/CC BY-NC-ND 3.0/Richardson et al., 2023)

Additionally, aquatic life can deplete dissolved oxygen faster than producers in the ecosystem can replenish it.

Algal and bacterial blooms, stimulated by an influx of organic matter and nutrients from agricultural and domestic fertilizers, sewage, and industrial waste, rapidly consume available oxygen.

In severe cases, oxygen levels drop so low that microbes suffocate and die, often leading to the death of larger species as well. Microbes that don’t need oxygen then proliferate on the decaying organic material, reducing light penetration and limiting photosynthesis, trapping the entire water body in a destructive cycle known as eutrophication.

Warming Surface Waters and Melting Ice Intensify Aquatic Deoxygenation

by Increasing Density Differences Aquatic deoxygenation is also exacerbated by increasing density differenc-

The more pronounced the layers in the water column, the less mixing occurs between them, which is crucial for underwater life that depends on these vertical exchanges. These density gradients facilitate the movement of oxygen-rich surface water into deeper layers, and without this temperature-driven circulation, ventilation in the lower depths of aquatic environments stops.

These changes have severely impacted aquatic ecosystems, many of which are vital to human food, water, income, and overall well-being.

The authors of the paper advocate for a global effort to monitor and study the deoxygenation of Earth’s aquatic environments, as well as policy measures to prevent rapid deoxygenation and the related challenges we’re starting to encounter.

They suggest that “reducing greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient runoff, and organic carbon inputs (such as untreated sewage) could slow down or even reverse deoxygenation.”

Including deoxygenation in the planetary boundaries framework, they argue, would help direct these efforts more effectively.

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This Week in Science

Healthcare

Hope for HIV Cure Grows After Man Declared Virus-Free

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25th International AIDS Conference The announcement of this second Berlin patient’s long-term HIV remission comes just before the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich next week.

Diagnosed with HIV in 2009, the man underwent a bone marrow transplant for leukemia in 2015, a procedure that carries a 10 percent risk of death and effectively replaces the immune system.

Credit: Depositphotos

Doctors announced on Thursday that a 60-year-old German man may be the seventh person effectively cured of HIV after undergoing a stem cell transplant.

This difficult and risky procedure is reserved for individuals with both HIV and aggressive leukemia, making it unsuitable for the vast majority of the nearly 40 million people living with HIV globally.

The German man, who chose to remain anonymous, has been referred to as the “next Berlin patient.” The original Berlin patient, Timothy Ray Brown, was the first person declared cured of HIV in 2008 and passed away from cancer in 2020.

Second Berlin Patient’s Long-Term HIV Remission Announced Ahead of

Patient Remains HIV-Free Nearly Six Years After Discontinuing Anti-Retroviral Drugs He stopped taking anti-retroviral drugs in late 2018, and nearly six years later, he appears to be free of both HIV and cancer.

While Christian Gaebler, a doctor-researcher at Berlin’s Charite university hospital, notes that they cannot be completely certain that every trace of HIV has been eradicated, he emphasizes that the case strongly suggests an HIV cure. The patient is feeling well and is eager to support ongoing research efforts.

Sharon Lewin, President of the International AIDS Society, explained that researchers are reluctant to label the condition a “cure” due to uncertainty about the required follow-up period.

Nonetheless, she indicated at a press conference that being in remission for over five years suggests the man is

“close” to being considered cured.

New Patient Received Stem Cells from Donor with One Mutated CCR5 Gene She noted a key distinction between this man’s case and those of other HIV patients who have achieved long-term remission. Most of the other patients received stem cells from donors with a rare mutation in the CCR5 gene, which prevents HIV from entering cells. These donors had inherited two copies of the mutated gene, making them “essentially immune” to HIV.

without any CCR5 mutations, is another exception who achieved long-term remission.

Lewin explained that this demonstrated the procedure’s effectiveness was not solely attributable to the CCR5 gene.

Magnetic Brain Control Tech Alters Appetite and Behavior

In contrast, the new Berlin patient is the first to receive stem cells from a donor with only one copy of the mutated gene.

About 15 percent of people of European descent carry one mutated copy, compared to just one percent for those with two copies. Researchers are hopeful that this success will expand the potential donor pool in the future.

The new case is also “promising” for the broader search for an HIV cure applicable to all patients, Lewin said, as it suggests that eliminating every single piece of CCR5 may not be necessary for gene therapy to be effective.

Additionally, the Geneva patient, who received a transplant from a donor

An overview of the Nano-MIND technology IBS

Researchers have created a remote, non-invasive technique for selectively controlling brain neurons with magnetic fields. This method promises deeper insights into brain function and the potential for new treatments for disorders.

In a recent study, researchers from the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Yonsei University in South Korea tested a technology they developed that uses magnetic fields to remotePage. 3

This Week in Science

Healthcare, Astronomy

ly and precisely manipulate specific brain regions.

the neurons.

Evaluating Nano-MIND’s Impact on Behavior in Mice Groundbreaking Technology for PreThe researchers tested Nano-MIND cise Brain Control on freely moving mice to assess its ef“This is the first technology in the fects on social behavior and feeding. world capable of freely controlling specific brain regions using magnetic In one experiment, they selectively activated inhibitory GABA receptors fields,” said Cheon Jinwoo from the in neurons within the medial preoptic Center for Nanomedicine at IBS, the area (mPOA) of the hypothalamus, a Department of Nano Biomedical Engineering at Yonsei University, and the region associated with parenting. study’s co-corresponding author.

Activation of these neurons in non-maternal female mice signifi“We anticipate its broad application cantly increased nurturing behaviors, in research to enhance our undersuch as approaching and retrieving standing of brain functions, develop mouse pups, with a more than fouradvanced artificial neural networks, fold increase in care time. In contrast, improve two-way brain-computer incontrol mice showed no interest in terface technologies, and create new treatments for neurological disorders.” the pups.

The researchers’ advanced technology, Nano-MIND (Magnetogenetic Interface for NeuroDynamics), differs from optogenetics, which uses light, and electrical deep brain stimulation, which requires implanted electrodes for treating conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Nano-MIND uses a wireless, remote control method.

Nano-MIND technology employs magnetic fields and magnetized nanoparticles. Neurons are genetically modified to have ‘magnetoreceptors‘ that attract these nanoparticles.

When exposed to very low-strength rotating magnetic fields, the receptor-attached magnets twist, activating

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cations.

Felix Leroy, PhD, from the Institute of Neurosciences of Alicante, Spain, commented that while the technology offers benefits such as wireless and long-term stimulation capabilities, which could transform the field by enabling non-invasive and precise brain manipulation, the study has limitations.

The most significant is the uncertainty about the long-term effects of magnetogenetic stimulation and its repeated mechanical impact on cell surfaces, which require further investigation.

NASA and SpaceX’s Plans to Deorbit and Dismantle the ISS

In another experiment, the researchers targeted circuits in the lateral hypothalamus, a brain region crucial for regulating various physiological processes, including feeding. Activating inhibitory neurons in this area led to a 100% increase in appetite and feeding behaviors, while stimulating excitatory neurons reduced appetite and feeding behaviors by more than 50%.

However, the researchers concluded that Nano-MIND technology can selectively activate specific neurons and circuits to modulate higher brain functions, potentially advancing neuroscience and therapeutic appli-

missioned in 2030. During a press conference, NASA explained that the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), which is being built by SpaceX, will be used for this task.

The ISS, one of the most ambitious and costly space engineering projects, has operated for 24 years, providing scientific advancements, generating controversy, and becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions it was meant to alleviate.

The Challenge of Decommissioning the ISS Today, the 15 partner nations operating the orbital station are confronted with the challenge of what to do with it when it is retired in 2030. Some propose preserving or salvaging it for other missions, but the reality is that 30 years in orbit have left the ISS in a deteriorated state.

Many components are worn out or obsolete, and the structural elements suffer from severe thermal, torsional, and tidal fatigue. Even if refurbishment were possible, it would require a non-existent dry dock. Moreover, nearly three decades of habitation have left many of the station’s habitat modules in poor condition.

Artist’s concept of the USDV docked with the ISS

NASA has shared details about its plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) after it is decom-

The ISS cannot remain in its current orbit of approximately 250 miles (400 km) because it is too unstable and constantly decaying. Boosting it to a higher orbit is impractical due to Page. 4

This Week in Science

Astronomy, Artificial Intelligence

the enormous energy required, the absence of an adequate thruster system, and doubts about its structural integrity during such a maneuver.

The Plan for Controlled Reentry Therefore, a controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere is planned to allow the station to burn up, with any remaining debris falling into a remote, uninhabited area of the South Pacific. This strategy has been understood since the early days of the program.

Initially, the plan was to use three Russian Progress cargo spacecraft for this task, but deteriorating US-Russia relations and technical issues have made this option unfeasible.

A New Deorbit Strategy with SpaceX’s USDV The new plan involves using a specially designed USDV spacecraft from SpaceX to perform the deorbit. This

The ISS is scheduled deorbit in 2030 NASA

task is complex; it’s not just about applying brakes to bring the ISS out of orbit. Orbital mechanics require maintaining a circular orbit with carefully controlled parameters, necessitating a highly precise deorbit device.

With only a few years remaining before deorbiting, NASA and SpaceX have decided to expedite development by using existing designs, technologies, and off-the-shelf components. Time is especially limited as NASA aims to have the USDV docked with the ISS 18 months before the final reentry.

The USDV is essentially a modified Dragon capsule with an enhanced service module featuring six times the propellant and up to four times the thrust of the standard version.

The plan is to let the ISS naturally lower its altitude as its orbit decays over a few years, with the USDV making periodic course corrections to maintain the desired trajectory. In the station’s final week, the USDV will conduct a series of burns to initiate the final reentry.

After the ISS is decommissioned, US policy will shift to purchasing time and space on the next generation of commercial outposts currently being developed by various companies. If these outposts are delayed, the USDV can also be used to extend the station’s life, preventing a gap in space station availability in the next decade.

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Scientists Employ AI to Forecast the Movement of Wildfires

vere wildfire season. However, numerous fires, driven by a dangerous mix of wind, drought, and extreme heat, are sweeping across the state. Notably, the Lake Fire, the largest wildfire of the year in California, has already burned over 38,000 acres in Santa Barbara County.

Bryan Shaddy on the Impact of the New Wildfire Management Model “This model marks a significant advancement in our ability to manage wildfires,” said Bryan Shaddy, a doctoral student in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Credit: Pixabay at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the study’s lead author. “By Researchers at USC have created a providing more accurate and timely new technique for accurately predicdata, our tool enhances the efforts ting the spread of wildfires. By inteof firefighters and evacuation teams grating satellite imagery with artificial working to control wildfires on the intelligence, their model represents a ground.“ significant advancement in wildfire management and emergency resThe researchers began by collecting ponse. historical wildfire data from high-resolution satellite images. By analyzing Described in a preliminary study the behavior of past wildfires, they published in Artificial Intelligence for tracked how each fire started, spread, the Earth Systems, the USC model and was eventually contained. This uses satellite data to monitor a wilthorough analysis uncovered patterns dfire’s progression in real-time. This influenced by factors such as weather, data is then input into a sophisticated fuel sources (e.g., trees, brush), and computer algorithm that predicts the terrain. fire’s probable path, intensity, and growth rate.

Next, they trained a generative AI model called a conditional Wasserstein Moreover, the study is timely, as Generative Adversarial Network (cWCalifornia and much of the western GAN) to simulate the impact of these United States face an increasingly sefactors on wildfire development over Page. 5

This Week in Science

Artificial Intelligence, Robotics

time. They taught the model to identify patterns in the satellite images that correspond with the fire spread patterns observed in their study.

Evaluation of cWGAN Model on Real California Wildfires (2020-2022) They subsequently evaluated the cWGAN model using actual wildfires that occurred in California between 2020 and 2022 to assess its accuracy in predicting fire spread.

“By examining the behavior of past fires, we can develop a model that forecasts how future fires may spread,” explained Assad Oberai, Hughes Professor and Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at USC Viterbi and co-author of the study.

Oberai and Shaddy were impressed by how well the cWGAN, initially trained with simplified simulated data under ideal conditions such as flat terrain and unidirectional wind, performed when tested on real California wildfires. They credit this success to the model’s use of actual wildfire data from satellite imagery, rather than relying solely on simulated data.

Oberai, whose research focuses on creating computer models to understand the physics of various phenomena, has modeled everything from turbulent airflow over aircraft wings to infectious diseases and cellular interactions within tumors. Among all these models, he finds wildfires to be

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Disney’s Blend of Expression and Function

particularly challenging.

Key Challenges and Modeling Needs “Wildfires involve complex processes: fuel like grass, shrubs, or trees ignites, triggering intricate chemical reactions that produce heat and wind currents. Additionally, factors such as topography and weather affect fire behavior—fires spread less in moist conditions but can advance quickly in dry conditions,” he explained. “These processes are highly complex, chaotic, and nonlinear. Accurate modeling requires accounting for all these variables, which demands advanced computing.”

Additional co-authors include undergraduate student Valentina Calaza from the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at USC Viterbi; Deep Ray from the University of Maryland, College Park (formerly a postdoctoral student at USC Viterbi); Angel Farguell and Adam Kochanski from San Jose State University; Jan Mandel from the University of Colorado, Denver; James Haley and Kyle Hilburn from Colorado State University, Fort Collins; and Derek Mallia from the University of Utah.

Tiny-Brained Ancestor May be History’s First Gravedigger and Artist Disney Research Hub has different priorities compared to other robot developers; its robots must move

As we discussed back in October 2023, the Disney Research team developed a new type of motion control system for this little guy. They combined expressive animations with practical robotic considerations like balance and control commands to achieve both functionality and style.

Personality is at the core of all this BD-1 style robot’s motions Disney Research

efficiently and effectively, but also with a lot of style and personality. This adorable biped, inspired by the BD-1 droid, exemplifies this approach.

For those unfamiliar, BD-1 first appeared in the 2019 video game Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order.

A Curious and Plucky Companion This bird-like biped, similar to many robots in Star Wars, is a curious, plucky, and brave little character that communicates primarily through R2D2-like beeps and boops. Often riding on the main character’s shoulder, BD-1 serves as a constant, helpful, and cheerful companion.

It was also highly expressive, able to convey a lot through its body language, and this posed a significant challenge for Disney’s roboticists as they worked on bringing the little droid to life.

This effort isn’t just for entertainment; Disney believes that its decades of expertise in animated motion make it a leading authority on how various machines should move to convey different character traits. These range from the inquisitive, happy-go-lucky excitement embodied by BD-1 to the commanding physical presence of Darth Vader, to the graceful movements of Snow White.

By designing a robotic motion system where function and form share equal

Walks like a bird, but definitely behaves like a dog when it suits him!

Disney Research Page. 6

This Week in Science

History

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reveal its plans for these robots, but they are certainly some of the most impressive animatronic devices we’ve seen to date. We could easily imagine them appearing in a live-action Star Wars show or movie. They would also be incredibly popular with Disneyland visitors if they can withstand the rigors of interacting with crowds for extended periods.

To conclude, more importantly, Disney has successfully translated its animation expertise into the real world, bringing beauty to movement without sacrificing function and practicality. We are excited to see how far this concept might evolve in the coming years.

Disney’s bipedal Star Wars robots move with personality at the core of their being Disney Research

priority, Disney aims to create robots that can operate naturally around people, building trust and connection solely through body language.

In a new video released a few days ago, the Disney Research team showcases the current state and capabilities of the BD-1 lookalike robot. The video also demonstrates the remote control system, which allows the

robot’s movements to be controlled while simultaneously puppeteering its expressive capabilities on the fly.

Disney’s Refreshing Approach to Robotics However, it’s impressive how seamlessly the robot combines artistic intent with the practicalities of bipedal motion, and how beautifully the little character is embodied in these real-world robots. It’s certainly a refreshing change from the relentless, rigid pragmatism of most cutting-edge

general-purpose robots we’ve seen in recent years. Disney could be on its way to creating incredibly compelling machines that will tug at human heartstrings like nothing else on the market.

The new video notably shows the robot’s ability to maintain its ‘personality’ while navigating uneven and chaotic surfaces – which is fortunate, as it doesn’t seem capable of getting back up if it falls. Toward the end, we see demonstration performances, including interactions with humans, and it’s hard not to feel a bit of affection for the robot. Disney has yet to Page. 7

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GPU NVIDIA H200 with Tensor Core Supercharging AI and HPC workloads.

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This Week in Science

Healthcare

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Hair Loss Breakthrough: Natu- around wound patches compared to untreated areas, suggesting a direct ral Sugar Boosts Regrowth impact on damaged hair follicles.

“Male pattern baldness is incredibly prevalent among men globally, but currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments available,” noted Sheila MacNeil, a professor at the University of Sheffield. “ .”

Hair growth can be stimulated by treatment with pentose sugar 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), which naturally occurs in humans and animals. Depositphotos

In positive news for nearly half the men worldwide, scientists have discovered that a naturally occurring sugar in humans and animals may be used as a topical treatment for male pattern baldness. This finding could provide a non-invasive, cost-effective, and safer alternative to the current leading treatment, minoxidil.

An international team of scientists from the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University Pakistan has discovered that the organic compound 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) can stimulate new hair growth.

This finding emerged after eight years of research into the deoxy sugar’s potential for wound healing. The breakthrough occurred when researchers noticed accelerated hair growth

To evaluate this hypothesis, the researchers induced testosterone-related hair loss in mice to simulate male pattern baldness in humans.

Treatment Groups and Methodology The mice were then divided into different treatment groups: a negative control group receiving dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a positive control group receiving minoxidil, a group treated with 2dDR gel, and a group treated with a combination of 2dDR and minoxidil gel.

Minoxidil, marketed under names like Rogaine and Theroxidil, is one of the two FDA-approved hair loss treatments available. However, it has some side effects, including light sensitivity and scalp discomfort, and is not effective for receding hairlines. It works better in individuals under 40 and is not recommended for those taking blood-pressure medications.

In the study, the mice received their assigned treatments daily for 20 days.

Skin samples were then examined to

assess hair length, diameter, follicle density and width, the ratio of hair in the growth (anagen) versus rest (telogen) stages, melanin coverage of hair bulbs, and blood vessel growth.

Results After 21 Days After 21 days, the mice treated with the 2dDR-SA gel, which is a sustained-release formulation based on sodium alginate, showed comparable hair regrowth to the minoxidil group.

Additionally, this gel led to a slightly greater number of blood vessels and improvements in hair follicle length and density, similar to those seen with minoxidil. The 2dDR-SA gel also increased the proportion of hair in the anagen growth phase, crucial for maintaining hair density.

The 2dDR-SA treatment was 80-90% as effective as minoxidil, and combining it with minoxidil did not show significant improvements. This suggests that 2dDR-SA could be a promising, affordable, and safe alternative to current treatments.

“This naturally occurring, stable, and inexpensive deoxy ribose sugar can be delivered through various gels or dressings,” said Muhammed Yar from COMSATS. “It is a promising candidate for further research as a treatment for male hair loss.”

The researchers believe 2dDR enhan-

ces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which supports new hair growth, and may also help with chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

“More research is needed to understand how 2dDR affects VEGF levels and if VEGF inhibitors can block its effects,” the scientists noted.

While preliminary, these findings offer hope for new, effective hair loss treatments using natural compounds.

Study: Blood Proteins Predict Risk of 60+ Diseases

Credit: Pixabay

Research on thousands of proteins from a single drop of blood shows that these proteins can predict the onset of various diseases.

The study, published on July 22 in Nature Medicine, results from an international collaboration involving GSK, Queen Mary University of London, University College London, CambridPage. 10

This Week in Science

Tech

ge University, and the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité Universitätsmedizin, Germany.

However, the researchers utilized data from the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP), which is the largest proteomics study to date, encompassing measurements of approximately 3,000 plasma proteins from a randomly selected group of over 40,000 UK Biobank participants.

By linking the protein data to participants’ electronic health records, the team employed advanced analytical methods to identify a ‘signature’ of five to 20 key proteins for predicting each disease.

Protein Signatures Predict 67 Diseases More Accurately Than Traditional Models The study found that these protein ‘signatures‘ could predict the onset of 67 diseases, including multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, motor neuron disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

The protein prediction models surpassed traditional models based on standard clinical information, such as blood cell counts, cholesterol, kidney function, and diabetes tests, in terms of prediction accuracy.

Moreover, the benefits of assessing and discussing cardiovascular risk scores—such as the risk of future

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heart attacks and strokes—are well established. This research introduces new prediction capabilities for a wide range of diseases, including rarer conditions that currently take months or even years to diagnose. It provides promising opportunities for more timely diagnoses.

Sanchez, a research student at GSK and the University of Cambridge at the time, now a postdoctoral researcher at PHURI, commented, “Some of our protein signatures performed as well as or better than existing proteins used in screening tests, such as prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer. We are excited about the potential of our protein signatures for earlier detection and better prognosis of various diseases, including severe ones like multiple myeloma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Our next step is to prioritize diseases and evaluate their proteomic prediction in clinical settings.”

However, these findings need validation across diverse populations, including those with and without symptoms, as well as different ethnic groups.

Professor Claudia Langenberg on the Promise of Protein Measurements for Disease Detection Lead author Professor Claudia Langenberg, Director of the Precision Healthcare University Research Institute (PHURI) at Queen Mary University of London and Professor of Computational Medicine at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité Universitätsmedizin, stated, “Using a single protein measurement, such as troponin for diagnosing a heart attack, is standard practice. We are thrilled about the potential to discover new markers for screening and diagnosis from the thousands of measurable proteins in human blood. We urgently need proteomic studies across different populations to validate these findings and develop effective, affordable tests for disease-relevant proteins.”

First author Dr. Julia Carrasco Zanini

Sanchez, a research student at GSK and the University of Cambridge at the time, now a postdoctoral researcher at PHURI, commented, “Some of our protein signatures performed as well as or better than existing proteins used in screening tests, such as prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer. We are excited about the potential of our protein signatures for earlier detection and better prognosis of various diseases, including severe ones like multiple myeloma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Our next step is to prioritize diseases and evaluate their proteomic prediction in clinical settings.”

Co-lead author Dr. Robert Scott, Vice President and Head of Human Genetics and Genomics at GSK, added, “A major challenge in drug development is identifying patients who will benefit most from new treatments.

This work highlights the potential of large-scale proteomic technologies to identify individuals at high risk across many diseases and aligns with our goal of using technology to deepen our understanding of human biology and disease. Future work will build on these insights to improve drug discovery and development success rates and efficiency.”

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This Week in Science

Healthcare

Rolls-Royce Gets $6M for Nuclear Space Reactor Development

The Micro-Reactor can be used for nuclear space propulsion. Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has received an additional £4.8 million (US$6.2 million) from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to develop critical technology for a nuclear micro-reactor, potentially powering lunar bases and spacecraft propulsion in the future.

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ding for Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor Project The recent grant from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) significantly advances funding towards the £9.1 million (US$11.7 million) projected total cost of the project.

Rolls-Royce states that the complete system design will be finalized within 18 months, with support from academic partners at the University of Oxford and Bangor University. The first orbital test of the reactor is planned for before the decade’s end, followed by testing of a Moon version a few years later.

A Compact and Versatile Power Solution for Space and Earth The Micro Reactor aims to provide a compact, reliable, and highly portable power source suitable for long-term exploration and scientific missions on the Moon and deep space. It also serves as a marketable British technology for commercial applications in both space and on Earth.

In the 1969 science fiction film Doppelganger (also known as Journey to the Far Side of the Sun), the hero docks with his interplanetary spaceship and is greeted by the Rolls-Royce logo on the ship’s nuclear rocket engines.

A nuclear reactor is necessary because conventional power sources like Over fifty years later, this cinematic vi- solar energy, fuel cells, and battesion is edging closer to reality as Roll- ries are either suitable only for short s-Royce advances its space nuclear durations or have intermittent power Micro-Reactor plans, which could output. Additionally, these methods power spacecraft propulsion systems produce relatively low amounts of among other applications. energy, which will be increasingly required in greater quantities in the UK Space Agency Grant Boosts Fun- coming century.

Unlike a Small Modular Reactor (SMR), which generates 0.5 GW of power and requires a large area equivalent to two football fields, the Micro-Reactor is much smaller and more portable.

It generates between 1 and 10 MW of power and is compact enough to be transported on a truck. This makes it versatile for use on planetary bases, transportable between locations, or even for powering rovers indefinitely.

Self-Sufficient Micro-Reactor Completely self-sufficient, the Micro-Reactor is powered by pellets composed of layers of enriched uranium or plutonium, carbon, and ceramic.

These pellets are housed in tubes within a geometrical graphite core, which regulates the nuclear reaction, transfers heat from the fuel, and provides passive safety control. Custom heat exchangers make the reactor lightweight and efficiently transfer heat for power generation.

The Micro-Reactor can be used for nuclear space propulsion. Rolls-Royce

The generated power has numerous applications, including supporting bases on the Moon or Mars, powering space stations and deep-space vehicles, and enabling nuclear propulsion systems. These systems can include electric propulsion, like ion drives, or direct thermal nuclear rockets, where a reaction mass, such as methane, is heated to produce thrust.

This capability not only enables deep-space missions with larger payloads or faster speeds but also allows orbital satellites to rapidly change orbits for maintenance or defense. Heavy shielding isn’t required for such spacecraft because the reactor/engine can be positioned away from the payload or habitat modules using a long boom, giving the vehicle a dumbbell shape.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from the National Space Innovation Programme and to continue our partnership with the UK Space Agency,” said Jake Thompson, Director of Novel Nuclear & Special Projects at Rolls-Royce. This funding marks a crucial milestone in our Micro-Reactor program, propelling our technology forward and bringing us closer to supporting ambitious human endeavors in space.

“The future of space exploration relies heavily on generating consistent, high levels of power, and our nuclear Micro-Reactor is designed to provide safe, reliable, and versatile power for a wide array of space missions.”

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DISCOVER RESEARCH FLIGHTS

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CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

Conspiracy theories swirl about geo-engineering, but could it help save the planet?

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If we can’t control rising global temperatures by drastically cutting carbon emissions, could something called geo-engineering be a way to cool the planet?

In what is already a multi-billion-dollar industry, scientists around the world, including in the UK, are https://bbc.in/4fjH6yQ

Coastal erosion is hitting large parts of England and Wales.

UK village fights to turn back tide of climate change Kevin Jordan thought he would spend his retirement listening to the sound of the sea at his home on the Norfolk coast in eastern England.

Trees line Suncor’s oilsands operation near Fort McMurray, Alta. on Friday, Sep. 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Victor R. Caivano

Climate-related extreme weather puts oil and gas assets, production at risk When Mount Pinatubo exploded in 1991 it cooled global temperatures. Credit: Getty Images

But his dream collapsed in November last year and he lost everything overnight when the house was demolished due to coastal erosion.

Suncor Energy Inc. filed a disclosure document last year laying out what would happen if extreme weather were to force a 10-day shutdown of its massive Base Plant oilsands mine in northern Alberta.

Now the former engineer is part of a landmark legal case brought by climate activist group Friends of the Earth, accusing the government of not doing enough to protect people from the foreseeable effects of climate change.

The document — which Suncor filed with CDP, a global non-profit that maintains a database on corporate environmental action and climate risk — details the financial risk to the company posed by such a scenario.

KENITRA, Morocco (AP) — Golden fields of wheat no longer produce the bounty they once did in Morocco.

A six-year drought has imperiled the country’s entire agriculture sector, including farmers who grow cereals and grains used to feed humans and livestock.

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https://bit.ly/3LCgqfd

Climate Change Imperils Drought-Stricken Morocco’s Cereal Farmers and Its Food Supply

A farmer works in a wheat field on the outskirts of Kenitra, Morocco, Friday, June 21, 2024. Golden fields of wheat no longer produce the bounty they once did in Morocco. A six-year drought has imperiled the country’s entire agriculture sector, including farmers who grow cereals and grains used to feed humans and animals. (AP Photo)

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How to Prepare for the Imminent AI and Biotech Revolutions, According to a Leading Futurist

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Jamie Metzl is a leading technology and healthcare futurist and the founder and chair of OneShared.World.

He is the author of Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity and four other books and was a member of the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. Jamie previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia.

Social robots are increasingly used to meet medical and social needs. Miriam-doerr/Getty Images

Social robot or digital avatar, users interact with this AI technology as if it’s real Humans are interacting more than ever with artificial intelligence (AI) – from the development of the first “social robots” (a robot with a physical body programmed to interact and engage with humans) like Kismet in the 1990s to smart speakers such as Amazon’s Alexa.

But this technology is changing how humans relate with it – and with each other.

https://bit.ly/3WA43Xp

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https://bit.ly/3WwiKKW

Credit: Midjourney

AI Won’t Replace You — But It Will Spy on You Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, workers have had to contend with the inimical effects of technology on their jobs. From the power loom to the personal computer, each wave of automation has not only increased productivity, but also empowered the owners and managers who dictate how these technologies reshape the workplace. Today, workers worldwide are haunted by the specter of artificial intelligence. https://bit.ly/3SfP8PB

Generation AI: Navigating the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in education Artificial intelligence is a technology whose rise has rightly been compared to the discovery of fire. Being here in Athens, this city of ancient wisdom, I am reminded of the myth of Prometheus, who is said to have brought humanity the gift of fire from the gods.

https://bit.ly/46fWDf4 Credit: Midjourney

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ENTERTAINMENT

TikiTunes Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker The original TikiTunes Bluetooth® Speaker provides up to 9 hours of continuous audio playtime and a tiki-inspired LED flickering flame. Equipped with an IP65 rating, it is the perfect indoor/outdoor speaker for use at home or on-the-go! Enjoy true stereo sound by connecting the two speakers together for a dynamic sound.

Marvel Comics sees its future in the readers of “youth-driven” manga and OGNs according to its publisher

Marvel is arguably the most popular brand in comic books around, but even they know they’re not the be-all and end-all in comics. At a recent closed-door industry event for retailers, Marvel Comics’ publisher and president Dan Buckley spoke frankly about the areas the company isn’t strong in, and how it - and comic book stores - should be looking beyond just its own superhero comics for the future of the industry, the medium, and their stores.

At the ComicsPRO Comic Industry Conference earlier this year, Buckley pointed to where most of comics’ new readers are: in the areas of manga, and original graphic novels (OGNs). While Marvel has experimented in both areas by partnering with expert publishers in those areas (such as Shogakukan-Shueisha/VIZ Media and Scholastic), the Marvel boss says comic book shops are missing out if they’re not looking at these areas - even outside Marvel’s projects.

Marvel’s new manga-influenced Ultimate X-Men are offi-

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

The new Ultimate X-Men have officially formed and taken the X-Men name, and now they’re meeting their first enemies.

Ultimate X-Men has been one of the strangest and most interesting of Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe line.

And with Ultimate X-Men #5, things get even more eerie, even as they also begin to hit closer to home with the group of young mutants at the book’s core officially taking on the name ‘X-Men.’ https://bit.ly/4dh8oV3 (Image credit: Marvel Comics)

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COMING UP NEXT

TERM OF THE WEEK OSTEOBLAST This word can be separated as follows: Osteo + blast.

Osteo - means bone, Blast - means bud or germ ( early form of an organism).

The best meteor showers of 2024 are yet to come.

Here are the key nights to watch for.

An Osteoblast is a cell from which bone is derived

Here’s everything you need to know to see the best meteor showers of 2024. https://www.livescience.com/ space/astronomy/the-best-meteor-showers-of-2024-are-yet-toPage. 17

Page. 18 Solution to the brainteaser: 19 cubes

This Week in Science

Biology, Marine Tech

Chimpanzees use Rapid Gestures, Much Like Human Conversations

Credit: Pixabay

When people converse, they quickly take turns speaking and sometimes interrupt each other. Researchers who have compiled the largest dataset of chimpanzee “conversations” have discovered that chimps also communicate using gestures in a similarly rapid manner. These findings, reported on July 22 in Current Biology, reveal that chimpanzees follow a rapid-fire pattern similar to human conversation.

“Human languages are incredibly diverse, but a common feature is the fast-paced turn-taking, averaging just 200 milliseconds,” said Catherine Hobaiter from the University of St Andrews, UK. “We previously wondered if this was unique to humans or if other animals also exhibit this conversational structure.”

“We discovered that chimpanzee gesture timing and human conver-

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sational turn-taking are both similar and extremely rapid, indicating that comparable evolutionary mechanisms may drive these social and communicative interactions,” says Gal Badihi, the study’s lead author.

were slower. “The parallels to human conversations highlight these interactions as genuine gestural exchanges, where gestures in response are contingent upon those from the previous turn,” the researchers write.

Investigating Chimpanzee Communication Patterns

“We observed some variation among different chimpanzee communities, similar to the slight cultural differences in human conversation pace,” Badihi notes. “For instance, just as some cultures have faster or slower talkers, the Sonso community in Uganda exhibits slower responses compared to others.”

The researchers were aware that human conversations, regardless of culture or location, generally follow a rapid and structured pattern. They aimed to determine if chimpanzees, who use gestures rather than speech, exhibit a similar communicative structure. To investigate, they gathered data on chimpanzee “conversations” from five wild communities in East Africa.

In total, they analyzed over 8,500 gestures from 252 chimpanzees, measuring turn-taking timing and conversational patterns. They found that 14% of interactions involved gesture exchanges between two individuals, with most interactions comprising two-part exchanges, though some included up to seven parts.

Similarities in Gesture Timing The data revealed that chimpanzee gesture timing closely resembles human conversation, with brief pauses of about 120 milliseconds between gestures and responses. However, behavioral responses to gestures

Hobaiter adds, “It’s intriguing that chimpanzees share both our universal timing and subtle cultural differences.

For example, Danes are known for slower responses, akin to the Sonso community among Eastern chimpanzees.”

Shared Communication Rules These similarities in face-to-face communication between humans and chimpanzees suggest shared underlying rules, potentially rooted in common ancestral mechanisms. The findings propose that human communication might not be as unique as previously thought, as both species may have developed similar strategies to coordinate interactions and manage communicative competition.

“It demonstrates that other social

species can engage in close-range communicative exchanges with rapid response times even without language,” Badihi says. “This suggests that human conversations might share a similar evolutionary background or developmental path with the communication systems of other species, indicating that such communication is not unique to humans but more common among social animals.”

In future research, the team plans to investigate why chimpanzees use these conversational structures. They hypothesize that chimpanzees often use gestures to make requests from each other.

“We still don’t know when or why these conversational structures evolved,” Hobaiter says. “To answer that, we need to study communication in more distantly related species to

Video: Offshore Wind Farm Charges Floating Boats in World First

Boats can charge without docking, making the new system truly groundbreaking.

Parkwind Page. 19

This Week in Science

Marine Tech, Medicine

In the Belgian North Sea, maintenance vessels can now connect to an automatic cable at a wind farm to recharge their batteries. This groundbreaking system is the first of its kind and represents a significant advancement in maintaining the environmental friendliness of electric vessels.

Belgium’s Nobelwind wind farm, operational since 2017 and featuring 50 turbines across 19.8 square km (7.6 square miles) at sea, now hosts the new charging system. This facility, the third deployed by the Parkwind company, provides power to around 190,000 households.

Nobelwind’s New Offshore Charging Station Moreover, a crew transfer vessel (CTV) transported Nobelwind’s new charging station 47 km (29 miles) offshore, where the substation crane assembled it among the sea-based wind turbines. Once installed, it successfully charged one of the company’s CTVs. Parkwind reports the transfer was seamless, with no disruption to the facility’s operations.

As demonstrated in the following video, which tests a land-based module earlier this year, the entire process is fully automated. This innovation removes the need for crew members to connect or disconnect the charging tether, thereby enhancing the sys-

tem’s safety. Commitment to Sustainability “We are committed to making all our operations as sustainable as possible, and this innovation is a game changer for our maintenance vessels.”

They can now directly access green energy from our wind turbines while performing their tasks,” said Kristof Verlinden, head of operations and maintenance at Parkwind. “The trial demonstrated that the system can safely transfer electricity from a wind farm to the vessels without any disruption to the farm.”

Currently, the charging station can deliver up to 2 MW of power to CTVs and up to 8 MW to the service operation vehicles (SOVs) responsible for maintaining the wind turbines.

Parkwind states that the system can also power the electrical systems of conventional vessels idling offshore, reducing their reliance on diesel engines and cutting emissions.

You can watch the system in action at Nobelwind in a video posted on Parkwind’s Vimeo channel.

To conclude, Parkwind’s partner, MJR—a UK-based offshore power and automation systems engineering company—developed the recharging module. However, MJR is currently analyzing the results of the Nobelwind deployment and using the data to develop the world’s first

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commercial offshore charging station, scheduled for deployment in early 2025.

ge lies in the genetic differences between mice and humans, which result in different immune responses.

Mouse Model with Human Immune System

This new mouse model, known as TruHuX (Truly Human) or THX, promises to overcome these barriers.

Consequently, with a fully functional human immune system, the mouse’s response to treatments mirrors that of humans.

credit: pixabay

For the first time, researchers have successfully engineered a mouse with a completely functional human immune system and a human-like gut microbiome. Consequently, this groundbreaking ‘humanized‘ mouse model eliminates much of the uncertainty in medical research and, furthermore, has the potential to revolutionize drug testing and the understanding of disease mechanisms.

Achievement in Genetic Engineering Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have achieved what many others have attempted and failed: creating a mouse with an immune response identical to that of humans. While mice are commonly used in research and are among the best animals for such work, they are far from perfect human analogs. A significant challen-

THX mice provide a platform for human immune system studies, the development of human vaccines, and the testing of therapeutics, said Dr. Paolo Casali, who, as a result, led this pioneering study.

Implications for Drug Development For those outside the medical research field, this advancement means the potential for faster drug and immunotherapy development. It can reduce the ‘trial and error‘ period and enable scientists to enter human trials with greater confidence in the treatments’ efficacy and safety. Dr. Casali also believes that THX mice could eliminate the need for immunological and microbiological testing on non-human primates.

As a result, these mice open new possibilities for cancer immunotherapy, vaccine development against bacteria and viruses, and disease modeling.

Challenges and Future Perspectives Although future technology may Page. 20

This Week in Science

Earth Science

eventually create complex artificial models to replace animals in medical testing, animal models remain essential for drug development and disease research for now. Scientists have been working on perfecting humanized mouse models for decades.

The first such model, developed in the 1980s to study human HIV infection and immune response, continues to play a vital role in research. Previously, scientists created these models by injecting immunodeficient mice with human peripheral lymphocytes, immature hematopoietic stem cells, or other human cells. However, these mice often have short lifespans, suffer various health issues due to ‘humanization,’ and their immune responses differ significantly from humans.

Dr. Casali’s team began with immunodeficient mice (NSG W41 mutants), injecting human stem cells purified from umbilical cord blood into the

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mice’s left ventricles.

After the graft settled for several weeks, the team hormonally conditioned the mice with 17b-estradiol (E2). They previously found that this potent form of estrogen enhances stem-cell survival and lymphocyte differentiation and activates antibodies in response to viruses and bacteria.

Ultimately, THX mice are ‘super-humanized‘ with a complete human immune system – including lymph nodes, germinal centers, thymus human epithelial cells, human T and B lymphocytes. Consequently, they are capable of mounting an immune response identical to that of humans.

The team is now using THX mice to better understand the human immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and investigate the epigenetic factors involved in human plasma cell activity and antibody responses, which could lead to new viral and cancer therapies

Credit: pexels.com/ Alexas Fotos Page. 21

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CARS & GADGETS

Photos: Jeep’s electric Dune car for urban adventures has off-road soul

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Its 8 hp motor and 5.4 kWh battery deliver an electric range of up to 46 miles, making it perfect for zipping around town.

How Virtual and Augmented Reality Are Transforming Travel Planning and Experiences ?

In the rapidly evolving travel industry, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are making significant strides in transforming how travelers plan and experience their trips. These technologies, combined with increasing mobile integration, are reshaping the landscape of travel by providing innovative tools that enhance the entire travel journey.

Virtual Reality: Exploring Destinations Before Arrival One of the most exciting developments in travel technology is the use of virtual reality to offer virtual tours of destinations.

VR allows travelers to immerse themselves in a location before they even set foot there. https://bit.ly/3zUveTS

Aiming to disrupt the space for rugged off-road vehicles, Jeep has unveiled the Dune concept car. It is an electrifying city car designed to bring the brand’s adventurous spirit to urban environments.

Students use VR to learn to cycle on roads A group of students at a Bournemouth school have been using virtual reality (VR) to prepare them for cycling on the roads.

The Year 7 students at The Bourne Academy have taken part in a programme alongside physical training on bikes.

The technology uses electronic tablets to recreate road-based cycling scenarios with students able to see 360-degree views to navigate their bike route.

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Tata Curvv EV: How Different Is The Production Coupe-SUV From The Concept?

Tata has carried over a lot of the design elements from the 2022 Curvv EV concept into the final production body. We look at what has changed.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) Council said the students were the first in the country to use the new virtual cycling training sessions.

Tata Motors recently revealed the production bodyshell of the highly anticipated Curvv SUV-coupe in all-electric and internal combustion spec.

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Losing count: The mathematical magic of counting curves

MATHEMATICS

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How can you figure out which points lie on a certain curve? And how many possible curves do you count by a given number of points? These are the kinds of questions Pim Spelier of the Mathematical Institute studied during his Ph.D. research. Spelier received his doctorate with distinction on June 12. Counting curves, what does that mean on an average day? https://bit.ly/4cV0QY5

Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Do the Math Mathematicians can have a childlike sense of wonder.

They chart the optimal color of bananas to ripen on schedule, rather than just purchasing the best-looking ones. Where most people see a mess to clean up, they see the partial differential equations written in the red of splattered ketchup. They set up statistical models to predict the right time to commute, instead of trusting Google Maps.

Though it may seem strange, especially to students, this way of viewing reality is common to those who have an organized language with which to interpret the world. https://bit.ly/4dcIv8z

© Provided by Discover Magazine

Have You Heard The One About The Mathematician...

A topologist walks into a cafe: Can I have a doughnut of coffee, please?

This is a joke written by the Soviet-American mathematician Tanya Khovanova, who lectures in mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. It is derived from the more familiar bon mot: a topologist is someone who doesn’t know the difference between a coffee cup and a doughnut.

https://bit.ly/4fgI4fm

Mathematical method for spectral density estimation set to unlock ocean mysteries Researchers at The University of Western Australia’s ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Transforming Energy Infrastructure through Digital Engineering (TIDE) have made a significant mathematical breakthrough that could help transform ocean research and technology.

https://bit.ly/4bWe4CA

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QUANTUM REALM

Vacuum of Space to Decay Sooner Than Expected (but Still Not Soon) One of the quantum fields that fills the universe is special because its default value seems poised to eventually change, changing everything.

Vacuum decay, a process that could end the universe as we know it, may happen 10,000 times sooner than expected. Fortunately, it still won’t happen for a very, very long time.

Credit: (CERN photo / Maximilien Brice)

Physicists control electronic properties of moiré crystals If you make a material thinner and thinner, at a certain point it undergoes a seemingly miraculous transformation: A two-dimensional material that consists of only one or two layers of molecules sometimes has completely different properties than the same material when it is thicker.

A research team led by physicist Prof. Ursula Wurstbauer from the University of Münster is investigating how the properties of two-dimensional crystals can be controlled so that they behave like an insulator, an electrical conductor, a superconductor or a ferromagnet, for example. https://bit.ly/4dhCnfu

Unequal access to quantum information education may limit progress—now is the time to improve Quantum information science uses the physics that describes the smallest particles—such as electrons or photons—to potentially revolutionize computing and related technologies. This new field can be used for a wide range of applications, from developing new devices to data encryption.

When physicists speak of “the vacuum,” the term sounds as though it refers to empty space, and in a sense it does.

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News Of The Demise Of The Standard Model Were Exaggerated

A bubble of lower-energy vacuum would grow at the speed of light, destroying all the atoms in its path.

Nico Roper/Quanta Magazine

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Each man kills the thing he loves, sang Jeanne Moreau in a beautiful song some thirty years ago. But the sentence is actually a quote from Oscar Wilde - aren’t all smart quotes from that amazing writer?

Anyway, in some way this rather startling concept applies to every man except researchers in fundamental physics - both male and female, in fact.

https://bit.ly/4fjJEgo

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EV membrane physical properties and protein content mirror those of lipid rafts.

BIOTECH & GENETIC

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

EV membrane physical properties and protein content mirror those of lipid rafts. https://bit.ly/3YaUkbg

Researchers develop accurate and rapid method for diagnosing genetic disorders

How does CRISPR work?

CRISPR is a versatile tool for editing genomes and has recently been approved as a gene therapy treatment for certain blood disorders.

CRISPR, short for CRISPR-Cas9, is a genome-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely cut and modify DNA sequences.

It has revolutionized the study of genes, helped to enhance crops and improved health care.

The gene-editing system was originally discovered in bacteria, where it limits infections by clipping viral DNA. Then, in Nobel prize-winning work, this bacterial defense apparatus was co-opted by scientists to devise a new approach to genome editing. https://bit.ly/4dk2KBn

Despite rapid advances in genetic testing in recent decades, more than half of people worldwide with suspected Mendelian genetic disorders do not have an accurate molecular diagnosis. Others endure more than six years of tests before a diagnosis is given. Now, KAUST researchers and scientists across Saudi Arabia have developed NanoRanger, an accurate and rapid method for genetically diagnosing such diseases in a few hours.

Scientists hijack natural delivery system to send engineered proteins to target cells Each cell in the body has its own unique delivery system that scientists are working on harnessing to move revolutionary biological drugs—molecules like proteins, RNA and combinations of the two—to specific diseased parts of the body. A new study from Northwestern University hijacked the transit system and sent tiny, virus-sized containers to effectively deliver an engineered protein to its target cell and trigger a change in the cell’s gene expression.

EV membrane physical properties and protein content mirror those of lipid rafts.

“Precise, efficient genomic diagnosis is urgently needed to improve patient outcomes and facilitate carrier screening,” says Yingzi Zhang, a Ph.D. candidate at KAUST, supervised by Mo Li. “This study aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 -; advancing healthcare through innovation to improve quality of life for all citizens.” https://bit.ly/4bThYMA

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Myth or real

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Walking can prevent low back pain. Learn the other impressive health benefits

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A daily walking habit is good for your mind and body. A new study looking at the effect walking has on back pain adds to the list of health benefits.

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There’s no shortage of reasons to make walking a daily habit — from improving heart health to boosting metabolism to combatting stress and anxiety. https://on.today.com/4fg7KZF

How indoor microbiomes shape our health and well-being Despite comprising a fraction of the microorganism biomass of outdoor environments, the microbial ecology of built spaces poses significant implications for human immune, neurological, and endocrine health.

Which artificial sweetener is the safest choice?

There’s mounting evidence that artificial sweeteners may be linked to heart disease and other possible health risks. Scientists say the findings are far from definitive, however, with some leading researchers calling for better-designed clinical trials investigating the long-term health effects of sugar substitutes.

In a recent review published in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiology, researchers elucidate the literature on the indoor microbiome, microbial dynamics within built spaces, and their association with human well-being. https://bit.ly/4fm4RGS

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NUTRITION

500 People Ate An Avocado Every Day For 26 Weeks—Here’s What

Ultra-Processed Foods Might Be Healthier Than You’d Expect

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” as the saying goes, is up for some competition. According to research, another fruit (that’s often mistaken for a vegetable) has been shown to improve overall diet quality.

There’s mounting evidence that artificial sweeteners may be linked to heart disease and other possible health risks. Scientists say the findings are far from definitive, however, with some leading researchers calling for better-designed clinical trials investigating the long-term health effects of sugar substitutes.

An avocado a day improves overall diet quality

Cantaloupe vs. honeydew: Which has more health benefits? A dietitian explains

Dietitians weigh in on the healthiest melon.

Melons are in season from May through September, so now’s a great time to shop for cantaloupe and honeydew. Both are delicious, hydrating fruits, but they have distinct nutritional profiles and some culinary differences.

The research published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition found that eating one avocado daily for 26 weeks increased participants’ adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The sample included 1,008 participants (72% female) with an average age of 50.

The participants also had a low avocado intake before the study, consuming two or fewer avocados each month. https://bit.ly/3LH7Qf2

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World Brain Day 2024: Healthy juices for your brain Fish and leafy greens are good for your brain. There are also juices for brain health. On World Brain Day, know which ones you should drink to improve brain health. Genetics, stress and your lifestyle play major roles in brain health, but your diet cannot be ignored. What you eat not only has an impact on your weight, but also your brain.

Cantaloupe vs. honeydew nutrition Both fruits are a nutritious addition to your diet, but there are some differences in their nutrient profile. Here’s how they stack up per cup. https://on.today.com/4feEO4a

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Myzone Holds Olympics-Themed Challenge for Gym-Goers Worldwide

FITNESS

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

Participants in the ‘MEPs to Medals Challenge’ can form teams, track their workout progress and win coveted podium spots

The Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 just got a massive free software upgrade — here’s what it unlocks The Fitbit Charge 6 and Inspire 3 also boast new features.

When consumer technology companies roll out free software upgrades, everybody wins (usually). And the latest firmware update from Fitbit is nothing short of a doozy, particularly for the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4.

Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser for Arm/Leg Exercise - Portable Mini Exercise Bike Desk Cycle, Leg Exerciser for Home/ Office Workout About this item Hyper Quiet and Smooth:

However, those aren’t the only devices with shiny new free features. The Fitbit Inspire 3, the best budget-friendly fitness tracker, and the Charge 6, the best fitness tracker for most people, also benefit. Here’s everything you need to know about Fitbit’s new software.

Thanks to the latest flywheel technology, Cyclace under desk bike has a much smoother system and less noise during exercise, only about 10 dB; There were no lags and it ran smoothly from start to finish; This could be used to improve physical therapy for people in rehab, as well as to improve the lack of blood circulation caused by a sedentary lifestyle and to restore and maintain motor function. even if you increase the resistance will not produce the feeling of “miss one’s step”, the com-

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To celebrate the upcoming Olympics in Paris, fitness technology company Myzone is running a Games-themed challenge for workout enthusiasts across the globe. https://bit.ly/3y98TBA

The Amazfit GTR 4, our favorite fitness tracker, has hit a new all-time low price From the Apple Watch Series 9 to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, many of the best wearables on the market received steep discounts during Prime Day. While those deals have since disappeared, those who missed out now have the opportunity to score an excellent deal on the Amazfit GTR 4, our favorite fitness tracker and the best budget Android watch on the market. If you’re a My Best Buy Plus member, you can buy the smartwatch on sale for $139.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, which marks a new all-time low from its regular price of $199.99.

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WOMEN HEALTH

Lack of education on women’s bodies leads to health issues When Ally Frank found herself covered in blood for the first time, she wasn’t scared, because she knew it was her period.

Frank, who is now a psychology student at Purdue University, learned about the menstrual cycle at her middle school in Illinois. She felt as if she had a comprehensive sex education, which gives young people accurate, age-appropriate information about their sexual and reproductive health.

What did scare her was unexpected vaginal discharge. “I didn’t know that was a thing, and I didn’t know what to do about it,” she said. She didn’t realize the daily fluid was her vagina cleaning itself and preventing infections. https://bit.ly/3LCov3G

Redefining Maternal and Reproductive Health: The Rise of Femtech Innovations

Trust your gut: Colonoscopy helps keep Fargo woman running

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Maternal and reproductive health innovation ecosystems—which have emerged as a small but potentially impactful space within broader health innovation ecosystems—could expand women’s and girl’s options for managing their sexual, reproductive, and maternal health. If such technologies are widely accessible and adopted, they could help the United States combat its maternal and reproductive health crises while also addressing global health disparities for women.

It was her sister that got Roberta Dubs into running.

“It was in 2008 or 2009, and I started with a basic 5K,” recalls Dubs, who serves as a lead for reception staff at the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic. “My family then looked at me and asked, ‘Why not train for the half?’ and I was like, ‘Don’t push it.’

“But by the next fall, I was training for my first half,” she admitted.

Dubs ran the Fargo Half Marathon in 2010 and her second half — the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth — in 2011. https://bit.ly/3zQT1E6

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Can I get seasonal depression in the summer?

(NEXSTAR) – When the summer heat and humidity climb to unbearable levels, meteorologists, school administrators and government officials often discuss ways to stay cool – but what about the impact on our mental health? Heat records are being broken with regularity, and last year was no exception. During a brutal and deadly summer in 2023, July became the hottest month ever recorded with modern equipment. https://bit.ly/4cQMLer

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Could taking vinegar every day help reduce depression?

MEN HEALTH

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers in the United States investigated the effects of daily vinegar ingestion on depression symptoms in overweight, healthy adults.

Tinnitus linked to obesity and body composition in men, study finds Background Tinnitus is a perception of sound in one or both ears that can be bothersome to patients. The condition is commonly described as a ringing or buzzing noise in ears that can be transient or constant.

Tinnitus has two forms, i.e., subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. While subjective tinnitus is perceived only by the affected individual, objective tinnitus is detectable by physicians. Both types are often associated with hearing loss. ubjective tinnitus can also occur in individuals with normal hearing. In these cases, a link has been found between tinnitus and various physical conditions, including pain, infection, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. https://bit.ly/3zUjUHn

Overactive bladder prevalence in US men spikes by 28% over 15 years, study reveals In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers in China examined the trends and prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) among adult men in the United States of America (US) from 2005 to 2020. They found that the overall prevalence of OAB in US adult men increased from 11.3% in 2005–2008 to 14.5% in 2015–2020 and showed significant associations with factors such as age, race, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Their results indicate that consuming vinegar daily over four weeks significantly improved self-reported depression scores, potentially due to enhancements in niacin metabolism. https://bit.ly/3WC7iO5

New HIV preventive strategy sparks excitement — and protests — at AIDS conference A new way to prevent HIV infection is generating great buzz -- and more than a bit of controversy -- at this week’s AIDS 2024 Conference in Munich.

The treatment consists of a twice-yearly injection of a drug called lenacapavir.

Early trial results were released in June and generated great excitement, indicating 100% efficacy.

Background OAB significantly affects the quality of life, physical health, and mental health of men and women. It is associated with substantial economic burdens. https://bit.ly/3WAsiEW

https://n.pr/4cSF8UA

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GERONTOLOGY & Preventing falls and fall‐related LIFE EXTENSION injuries in older people Falls present a major, growing and neglected public health problem with devastating consequences for older individuals, their families and health care systems.

Tips for Seniors to Safeguard Their Mental Health The wide-ranging impact and reach of mental health issues garnered considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the virus as well as mandates designed to reduce its spread led to increased feelings of anxiety and isolation. Since then, life has returned to normal for billions of people across the globe, but many people, including seniors, continue to experience mental health issues.

The Pan American Health Organization reports that at least one in four older adults experiences a mental disorder such as depression, anxiety or dementia.

And those figures will likely only grow, as population estimates indicate seniors will make up a greater percentage of the global population in the years to come. https://novoslabs.com/how-to-s-

The recently published World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative1 (Guidelines) is a comprehensive document that provides extensive recommendations with additional background materials available on an accompanying website.

The Guidelines is a consensus document informed by systematic reviews and a Delphi process. This body of work demonstrates that much is known about what works in falls prevention but there is considerable complexity. https://bit.ly/4degehV

Adopting a healthy lifestyle boosts life expectancy and cuts healthcare costs

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

A study published in the journal JMIR Public Health and Surveillance highlights the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle in enhancing life expectancy and reducing lifetime healthcare expenditure. https://bit.ly/4dhFT9G

A Key Pathway for Sarcopenia Reversal This molecule encourages mitochondrial function and muscle maintenance. A little-explored molecule Sarcopenia, a condition that increases with aging, reduces muscle mass in older people, and leads to a decreased quality of life [1], has been documented to have multiple root causes.

Among them are signaling pathways, whose dysregulation affects the number and function of energy-producing mitochondria [2]. There are no approved treatments that directly affect these pathways.

Much research has focused on overall approaches that have been documented to positively affect sarcopenia, such as caloric restriction [3] and other metabolic interventions [4].

https://www.lifespan.io/news/a-key-

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PSYCHOLOGY

APA journal addresses racism in psychology Newswise — As a discipline, psychology prides itself on helping people improve their lives.

However, the field of psychology has had a long history of committing harm against people of color, and psychologists must work to dismantle racism within the field, according to a special issue of the American Psychological Association’s journal American Psychologist.

The special issue looks to redress past inequities, highlighting research that examines how psychology has perpetuated racial hierarchy and inequities toward communities of color. It also features efforts and opportunities to change the culture of and advance racial equality within psychology. https://bit.ly/4c2Y55D

Young Trans People of Color Use Creativity to Survive and Thrive, New Study Shows

A Psychologist Reveals Plastic Surgery’s Ugly Mental Health Secrets

Trans young adults of color use creativity to define their identities, build community, survive discrimination, and cultivate joy while imagining and pursuing a better world, according to new research by a team made up of University of Maryland students.

From Kate Moss’s “Heroin Chic” to the Kardashian “thick” body standard, women’s beauty standards are a perennially revolving wheel. For every new ideal body standard paraded in the media, there are millions who do not fit the bill—and this isn’t a coincidence.

The study, which was recently published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, highlights the experiences of 15 trans young adults of color ages 18-29 from across the United States. The team interviewed the participants to understand their strengths, struggles and experiences navigating harm from racism and transphobia.

“They’re able to hold so many tremendous strengths, create experiences of joy and create spaces where they’re able to exist authentically and genuinely, notwithstanding the systems that seek to erase their communities,” said M Pease ’22, M.S. ’24, a UMD doctoral student in counseling psychology, who led the study as an undergraduate psychology major at UMD. https://bit.ly/4bUvK1r

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

https://bit.ly/3yiO5Yc

Image memorability can sharpen our sense of time, finds psychology professor Research by George Mason professor Martin Wiener recently demonstrated that the more memorable an image is, the longer and more accurately its viewers can perceive the passage of time. In a series of experimental studies, participants were more likely to say more memorable images stayed on screen longer, they made that response faster, and they were more consistent about their responses with more memorable images, saying consistently that they stayed on-screen longer.

https://bit.ly/3Snm1Kh

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COMING UP NEXT

ALMANAC & ANIVERSARY July 21 Events: 1969: Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin from Apollo 11 walked on the moon.

This historic event marked the first time humans set foot on the moon.

Scientist Birthdays: 1888: Irving Langmuir, an American chemist and physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1932 for his discoveries and investigations in surface chemistry.

7 September https://www.newscientist.com/ science-events/conscious-mind/

1930: John Gardner, an American engineer and innovator known for his contributions to the design and development of digital computers.

Scientific Discoveries: 1969: The successful moon landing

by Apollo 11 provided unprecedented scientific data about the moon’s surface and environment.

July 22 Events: 1933: Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world in seven days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes.

Scientist Birthdays: 1822: Gregor Mendel, an Austrian scientist and Augustinian friar who is considered the father of modern genetics for his study of the inheritance Page. 39

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Lasers reveal Roman-era circus in Spain where 5,000 spectators watched horse-drawn chariot races

ARCHEOLOGY

Archaeologists announced their findings, which were part of a new pilot program, July 17, at a news conference. The researchers mapped the site of Iruña Veleia in what is now Álava, a province in the Basque Country, using lidar (light detection and ranging), in which laser pulses are beamed at the landscape from above and measured when they bounce back in order to image the terrain’s surface, according to a translated statement from the Provincial Council of Álava.

Scientists assess how large dinosaurs could really get A new study by Dr. Jordan Mallon of the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Canada and Dr. David Hone of Queen Mary University of London, U.K., looks at the maximum possible sizes of dinosaurs. It is published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.

The huge sizes attained by many dinosaurs make them a source of endless fascination— how did animals evolve to be so big? There are perennial claims and counter-claims about which dinosaur species was the largest of its group or even the largest ever. But most dinosaur species are known from only one or a handful of specimens, so it’s extraordinarily unlikely that they will include the largest individuals that ever existed. https://bit.ly/4deaHYQ

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

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Why did Homo sapiens outlast all other human species?

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Bahrain: Archaeologists discover 4th century Christian structure The structure, found during a join excavation by Bahraini and British.

Bahraini and British archaeologists have discovered one of the oldest...

Modern humans (Homo sapiens) are the sole surviving representatives of the human family tree, but we’re the last sentence in an evolutionary story that began approximately 6 million years ago and spawned at least 18 species known collectively as hominins.

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SPACE EXPLORAIs the James Webb Space TelescoTION & COSMOL- pe really ‘breaking’ cosmology?

OGY While headlines around the world claimed that ancient galaxies discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope were “breaking” our understanding of the Big Bang, the truth is much more nuanced — and much more interesting.

After Spending $450 Million, NASA Scraps Moon Rover The space agency expects to save $84 million in development and additional operational costs by canceling.

NASA has canceled its plan to land a robotic rover on the Moon to search for ice and other potential resources, after spending $450 million.

NASA streams first 4K video from aircraft to space station and back A team at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station and back for the first time using optical (laser) communications. The feat was part of a series of tests on new technology that could provide live video coverage of astronauts on the moon during the Artemis missions.

Not long after the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) began its science operations, astronomers announced that they had discovered galaxies in the early universe that were far too large, bright and full of stars for their age. While headlines around the world claimed that these galaxies were “breaking” our understanding of the Big Bang, the truth is much more nuanced — and much more interesting.

https://bit.ly/3Slku7e

The Big Bang theory is our general picture of the history of the universe, starting in its deep past, when the cosmos was much smaller, hotter and denser than it is today.

The vehicle will have six times more fuel and four times more power than the current SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The International Space Station (ISS) is coming down.

https://bit.ly/3WmNg8M

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

NASA, SpaceX Unveil Spaceship That Will Take International Space Station Out of

NASA and SpaceX leaders announced their plan on July 17 to retire the ISS safely while maintaining an uninterrupted human presence in low Earth orbit.

The plan involved landing what is dubbed the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, near the lunar South Pole, which scientists suspect may harbor ice. https://bit.ly/3WzLP8i

https://bit.ly/4bUlnuJ

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Banana waste to be converted to green textiles and energy

ENGINEERING, ROBOTS, IT

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

Off-grid communities in parts of rural Pakistan could soon have access to a reliable source of electricity for the first time thanks to a new project which aims to convert waste from the banana-growing industry into energy. https://bit.ly/3LJfCVK

Study shows elephant trunk dexterity can be mimicked with minimal actuators The trunk of an elephant is among the versatile appendages in the animal kingdom.

Now a research team has shown that most of its dexterity can be reproduced with a model using just three “muscles.” And they built a physical model to do just that. The findings are published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

An elephant’s trunk is composed of 17 muscles—eight on each side plus one for its nasal cavity—controlled by tens of thousands of muscle fibers commanded by up to 60,000 facial neurons.

https://bit.ly/4bWqQkx

Tesla’s center of gravity is shifting away from EVs Forget cars. Tesla’s future, based on CEO Elon Musk’s latest explanation, will be built on robotics.

Why it matters: This new focus — however deviant and realistic — may be a necessity as the company’s core business of EVs faces pricklier market and political conditions.

Driving the news: “I think the long-term value of Optimus will exceed that of everything else at Tesla combined,” Musk, referring to Tesla’s humanoid robot platform, said to investors Tuesday afternoon.

https://bit.ly/4fk52lN

3D printing method reveals light emission from nanowires for the first time Dr. Jaeyeon Pyo’s team at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) has become the first in the world to reveal light emission patterns from 3D-printed nanowires, which has been published as a cover article in the journal ACS Nano.

The higher resolution in display devices signifies the more pixels in a given screen size.

As pixel density increases, movies and images are displayed with greater precision and detail.

https://bit.ly/3SoHPF8

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I’m A Couples’ Counselor & Every Couple Needs More “Laughter Bonding”

PARENTING & RELATIONSHIPS

When I meet with a couple, I love nothing more than to see a touch of laughter or some playful banter poking through. I find that partners who can joke about themselves and easily laugh together—even amid their relationship struggles—carry a fun-loving closeness and are more likely to find success in couples’ therapy.

Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to child neurobehavioral issues Fluoride has been added to community drinking water systems in the United States since 1945 to prevent dental cavities.

Currently, 73% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water at a targeted concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter. However, a new study suggests that prenatal fluoride exposure at these levels may increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems in children.

The research, published in JAMA Network Open, found that a 0.68 milligram per liter increase in fluoride exposure during pregnancy was associated with nearly double the chance of a child exhibiting neurobehavioral issues at age three. https://bit.ly/46pKGDv

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

https://bit.ly/3YheoJ5

Men Probably Can’t Actually Smell When Women Are Most Fertile Popular culture is full of scientific myths. No, the average person does not only use ten percent of their brain; sugar doesn’t make kids hyperactive; and your hair and fingernails don’t continue growing after you die. But there’s one in particular which, on the face of it, seems to have at least some scientific basis: the idea that men can tell when women are ovulating by their scent.

It’s an idea that seems to pop up every decade or so. Here’s a study from 2020 that supports it, for example; here’s one from 2009 saying the same. https://bit.ly/3Yinl4H

Parenting as a single father Eliud Mungai’s wife passed away three days after the birth of their son, the fourth born. Eliud was left with three girls and a newborn son to care for. That was 16 years ago.

“When we knew that my wife had cancer, she was four months pregnant, we had to decide between taking care for her cancer or the child, a difficult choice, but my wife made it simple by choosing to care for the unborn baby,” says Eliud.

https://bit.ly/3WFbi0a

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INVESTIMENT & FINANCE

Best money transfer apps for July 2024 Sending money to friends and family is easier than ever with money transfer apps.

But with so many choices, it’s difficult to figure out which one is the best.

We evaluated them based on transfer speed, cost, compatibility, international capabilities and more. Here are the best money transfer apps so you can figure out which one is right for you.

Analysts Are Calling This Stock the Next GameStop with 1,000% Gains Around the Corner The last meme stock I told my followers soared over 700%.

Robinhood traders in particular made massive profits with the stock.

That was 4 months ago.

It has taken me a while to find another one, but it is finally here: Inspire Veterinary Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: IVP) Shares of IVP have been on a tear since I first published this article earlier this month.

They’ve shot up from $1.30 to over $5 per share.

Cash App: Best for user experience With 57 million monthly active users, it’s no wonder Cash App is one of the easiest apps to use for sending and receiving money from friends and family. It’s easy and free to sign up. You’ll link your bank account, transfer money and get started.

To send money, you’ll enter the \\$cashtag or email address of the person you’re sending money to and the amount you want to send. Then hit “pay.” It’s as simple as that. You can move money from your Cash account to your bank account and back within a few days for free, or instant transfers for a small fee. https://bit.ly/3WIzOha

Why Nvidia Stock Is Sinking Again Today

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

Earnings season has kicked off for the “Magnificent Seven.” What does this mean for Nvidia?

Nvidia (NVDA -1.30%) stock is falling in Wednesday’s trading. The company’s share price was down 5.5% of 2:45 p.m. ET, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index had fallen 2.2% and the Nasdaq Composite was down 3.3%. https://bit.ly/4dirwC2

1 Magnificent Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock to Buy Hand Over Fist The market is giving investors a gift.

Recently, the stock market has shifted away from megacap technology stocks to other industries. For example, Meta Platforms (META 0.00%) has fallen roughly 12% in just a few weeks.

No groundbreaking news about the company has come out; sometimes, stocks just go out of style. After all, the stock market is essentially a popularity contest in the short term, even if business performance drives the bus over the long haul.

At the rate things are going, IVP could continue climbing to over https://bit.ly/3YheoJ5

https://bit.ly/3WGfCMw

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RETIREMENT

Getting employed after retire“The First State” is also considered “The Best Sta- ment te” for people to retire in The question of what to do after rethe United States

TWIS 09-16 JUN 24

tirement and employment becomes increasingly pertinent in countries around the world including Malaysia which is making its transition into an ageing society, with an extended average lifespan of 74.8 years, according to 2023 data from the Department of Statistics.

10 Best Places To Retire in Panama Panama may be best known for its iconic canal, but for older Americans, it’s also a retirement wonderland with sunny vistas, a low cost of living and a wealth of lifestyle amenities.

Geographically, the 29,000 square-mile island links North and South America in an elongated “s” shape that borders Costa Rica to the west and Columbia to the east.

Panama is also one of the Caribbean’s largest economic engines, with its gross domestic product expected to increase by nearly 33% between 2024 and 2029, reaching a record high of $116.23 billion, according to data from Statista. From its grand Panama Canal to its lush indigenous jungles, Panama is one of the most beautiful and economically enticing countries for retirees. https://bit.ly/3SqWVdp

https://bit.ly/4daXIHy SEATTLE - When people in the United States talk about moving somewhere else in the country to enjoy their retiree years, most people think of a sunny place with access to gorgeous beaches or a quiet place in the countryside. And based on Bankrate’s annual ranking, one of the nation’s smallest states is actually the one that comes out as the best buck for buck. The state of Delaware topped this year’s Bankrate’s annual ranking after ranking in second place last year. Known as “The First State,” Delaware scored high across five key metrics taken into account by the financial publisher: affordability, overall well-being, access to health care, weather and crime.

Healthcare Costs To Work Into Your Retirement Budget If you’re gearing up for retirement, don’t forget to factor in healthcare costs. According to Fidelity, the cost of health care will be one of your largest expenses after housing and transportation.

Fidelity’s 2023 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate found that people who retire at 65 can expect to spend $157,500, on average, for health care and medical expenses throughout their retirement. You need to budget so much including that people are living longer, retiring before Medicare kicks in and enduring a high rate of

“While you might not think of Delaware as a typical retirement haven, it has many strong selling points for retirees,” Bankrate analyst Alex Gailey told CBS MoneyWatch. https://bit.ly/3Suv1NB

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Employment & Conferences, Books, Films , Recommendation

BOOKS, FILMS , RECOMMENDATION TRANSCENDENCE

EMPLOYMENT & CONFERENCES https://www.allconferencealert.com/event/1219735 https://www.allconferencealert.com/event/1186015 https://www.allconferencealert.com/event/1217830 https://www.allconferencealert.com/event/1191091 https://money.usnews.com/ careers/best-jobs/data-scientis

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