Here are some new breakthrough science researches made by humans. German researchers have developed ultra-thin e-skin that detects magnetic fields, enabling touchless robotics. In China, a gene-edited pig liver functioned in a human for 10 days, a milestone for transplants. Meanwhile, budgerigars parakeets with human-like speech processing could unlock clues for treating language disorders. These innovations highlight science’s power to reshape medicine, tech, and biology. These are the topics we are going to cover.
Key points
Ultra-thin e-skin detects magnetic fields, enabling touchless tech and robotic sensing.
Scientists at a research lab in Germany have developed an incredibly thin and flexible e-skin that can detect magnetic fields with just one global sensor, making it much more energy-efficient than earlier versions. Unlike past designs that needed multiple sensors, this innovative e-skin mimics how human skin interacts with the brain, allowing for touchless interactions even in extreme or delicate environments. This groundbreaking technology could change the game by enabling robots to feel touch through magnetic fields, facilitating seamless interactions with digital spaces, and providing support for individuals with sensory impairments.
Scientists successfully test gene-edited pig liver in human patient for 10 days.
Scientists in China have made a remarkable leap in xenotransplantation by successfully transplanting a genetically modified pig liver into a brain-dead human recipient. This liver was enhanced with six gene edits to help prevent rejection, and it managed to function for ten days, producing bile and keeping blood flow steady without showing any immediate signs of organ failure. While this study brings a glimmer of hope for future liver support in transplant patients, experts are quick to remind us that ensuring long-term viability is still a major hurdle before we can think about using animal organs as replacements for human transplants.
Sugar molecules in reproductive system found to boost sperm lifespan and ivf potential.
Scientists have made an exciting discovery: Glycans, which are intricate sugar molecules found in the reproductive system, can actually help sperm live longer. This could be a game-changer for IVF success rates by improving the timing of fertilization. In tests with pig sperm, these glycans showed a remarkable boost in fertilization efficiency, opening up new possibilities for both human reproductive technology and agricultural breeding. Researchers are now focused on pinpointing the specific glycans that attach to human sperm, which could pave the way for more targeted and effective IVF treatments down the line.
A study has founded that rare disease drug turns human blood toxic to malaria mosquitoes.
A research has made an intriguing discovery, nitisinone, a medication used for rare diseases, can actually make human blood deadly for mosquitoes. This breakthrough could provide a new weapon in our ongoing battle against malaria. The drug interferes with how mosquitoes digest food, leading to paralysis and ultimately death. What sets nitisinone apart from ivermectin, a widely used anti-parasitic, is its longer duration in the bloodstream. It’s effective against mosquitoes that have developed resistance to insecticides, including the older ones that are more likely to spread malaria.
Scientists are proposing a strategy of alternating nitisinone with ivermectin for mosquito control, particularly in areas where ivermectin resistance is becoming a concern. However, more research is needed to figure out the best dosage for this approach.
Nanjing team develops co2-splitting device for oxygen production on mars and earth.
A research at Nanjing University has come up with an impressive electrochemical device that can directly split CO2 into carbon and pure oxygen, all without needing those extreme pressure and temperature conditions. This groundbreaking innovation could pave the way for efficient oxygen production in places like Mars and underwater habitats.
The device uses lithium as a key player in a two-stage reaction, achieving an impressive oxygen yield of over 98.6 percent, which is way better than what natural photosynthesis can do. It’s versatile too, working with different gas mixtures, including those mimicking Martian atmospheres and industrial emissions. With its potential applications in space exploration, air purification, and waste treatment, this breakthrough could be a game-changer in the quest for carbon neutrality, especially if it’s powered by renewable energy sources.
MIT engineers create injectable long-term drug depot to reduce pain and dosage frequency.
MIT engineers have come up with an exciting new injectable drug depot that aims to ease pain and cut down on how often patients need injections for treatments like contraceptives. This innovative system utilizes drug crystals suspended in a solvent, creating a compact and long-lasting implant that sits just under the skin, allowing for a controlled release of medication. Tests conducted on rats demonstrated a steady drug release over a three-month period, with the potential to remain effective for more than a year. This breakthrough could revolutionize the way we approach treatments for chronic conditions, HIV, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
FMRI study shows infants form lasting memories, challenging old assumptions.
A recent study utilizing fMRI scans is shaking up the long-standing idea that infants can’t form lasting memories. It turns out that babies as young as 12 months are actually storing experiences in their brains! Researchers discovered that while these early memories are indeed encoded, they tend to become harder to access as time goes on. This aligns with earlier studies in animals, suggesting that memories might linger but become tough to reach without certain triggers.
These findings could change how we think about memory loss, potentially shedding light on conditions like amnesia and Alzheimer’s by investigating whether those “lost” memories in adults are simply tucked away rather than completely erased.
Study suggests possible link between tattoos and higher risk of lymphoma, skin cancer.
A recent study from the University of Southern Denmark has uncovered a possible connection between tattoo ink and a heightened risk of skin cancer and lymphoma, especially among those with noticeable tattoos. The researchers looked at nearly 6,000 twins and discovered that those with tattoos had a significantly higher likelihood of developing these types of cancer. The study raises important questions about how tattoo ink might interact with our cells, potentially leading to harmful effects. While earlier research has suggested a similar link, scientists are careful to note that more studies are necessary to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship and pinpoint specific risk factors.
Other elements, like lifestyle choices or delays in skin cancer detection, might also play a role in these findings. The researchers are calling for more exploration into whether certain ingredients or colors in tattoo ink could increase cancer risk, highlighting the importance of gaining a better understanding of the health impacts associated with tattoos.
Oxford biotherapeutics partners with roche in $1b+ deal for next-gen cancer therapies.
Oxford BioTherapeutics (OBT), a biotech firm dedicated to tackling cancer, has teamed up with Roche, a leading global pharmaceutical company, to create new antibody-based therapies. Their mission? To develop groundbreaking treatments that can target cancer with greater precision. As part of this collaboration, OBT stands to gain up to $36 million upfront, along with potential milestone payments that could surpass $1 billion. Roche will take the reins on research and development, working to transform OBT’s findings into life-saving medications.
OBT is already in the process of testing its therapies in the U.S. and Europe, concentrating on aggressive cancers such as lung, ovarian, and bladder cancer. Their efforts could pave the way for safer, more effective treatments that lessen the need for invasive surgeries.
Budgerigars’ brains process speech like humans, offering clues to language disorders.
Budgerigars, commonly known as parakeets, might just hold the secret to unlocking the mysteries of human speech. A fascinating new study reveals that their brains process language in a way that’s surprisingly similar to ours, making them the first non-human species identified to do so. Researchers discovered that certain neurons in their brains are organized like a keyboard, with some cells dedicated to consonants and others to vowels.
This unique setup allows budgies to mimic human speech with remarkable precision one even set a record by learning 1,728 words! This groundbreaking finding could pave the way for better understanding of human speech disorders. By examining how budgies form words, scientists may gain valuable insights into conditions like aphasia, where individuals find it challenging to recall language.
