Tech giant Google is throwing its weight behind a groundbreaking satellite project aimed at mapping methane levels across the globe. The new satellite, set to launch in March, will orbit the Earth at a distance of 300 miles and pass over the planet 15 times a day. Methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes…

A recent study conducted at a residential rehabilitation center has shown promising results regarding the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs in reducing cravings for opiates among individuals undergoing treatment for addiction. Neuroscientist Patricia Grigson, from Pennsylvania State University, presented the unpublished data at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of…

Capturing complex hand movements and object interactions using machine learning-powered stretchable smart textile gloves In the world of technology, the ability to accurately track dexterous hand movements in real-time has vast applications in human-computer interaction, the metaverse, robotics, and tele-health. However, capturing realistic hand movements is a challenging task due to the large number of…

The presence of buried microplastics in sediment layers is complicating efforts to define the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch marking the consequences of human activity on the environment. Geologists are looking at the ability of plastics to migrate into older sediment layers, muddying the waters when it comes to pinpointing the exact start of this…

Ozone, a commonly overlooked air pollutant, has been found to have detrimental effects on plant, insect, and soil microbial communities, posing a significant threat to terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. In a recent review of the impact of elevated tropospheric ozone concentrations, it was highlighted how ozone affects various components of terrestrial ecosystems. One of the…

In recent years, the artificial intelligence (AI) industry has been booming, with advancements in technology leading to the development of generative AI systems that have the potential to revolutionize various sectors. However, with this progress comes a hidden cost that many in the industry have been reluctant to address – the significant environmental impact of…

As the global health challenge of Long COVID persists, researchers are making significant strides in understanding the underlying mechanisms of post-acute sequelae of viral infection. A recent study has shed light on the role of serotonin reduction in Long COVID, providing a new perspective on the neurocognitive symptoms commonly associated with the condition. Long COVID,…

The widespread use of images in our digital world has not only transformed the way we consume information, but it has also amplified gender bias in various aspects of society. A recent study conducted by researchers has shed light on the prevalence of gender bias in online images, compared to text, and the implications this…

RNA-editing therapies for genetic diseases have been making significant strides in the field of medicine, with two groundbreaking treatments recently gaining approval for clinical trials. This development has brought hope for safer and more effective treatments for patients suffering from genetic disorders. RNA editing, a technique that has been in development for decades through basic…

The European Union (EU) has recently passed the world’s first major legislation on artificial intelligence (AI), known as the EU AI Act. This landmark legislation aims to regulate AI systems to ensure they are safe, transparent, and respect fundamental rights and EU values. The EU AI Act is particularly focused on high-risk AI models and…

In recent years, scientists have been uncovering groundbreaking insights into human biology and its influence on health outcomes. While genetic factors have long been the focus of research in understanding individual variation, a new concept is emerging that could revolutionize our understanding of disease – autoantibodies. Autoantibodies, which are generated by the humoral immune system,…

Soft robots are a rapidly developing field, with their ability to mimic the movements and functions of living organisms opening up a wide range of applications. One key component of these robots are pneumatic actuators, which allow for bioinspired motion systems. However, controlling these pressure-activated soft robots has often relied on metallic valves and electric…

In a groundbreaking development, scientists have discovered that an analysis of 1,500 blood proteins can help predict the risk of developing dementia up to 15 years before an official diagnosis. The findings, reported in the journal Nature Aging, represent a significant step forward in the quest for a tool that can detect Alzheimer’s disease and…