The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is on the cusp of a major overhaul, with proposals from both chambers of the US Congress and the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump aiming to reform the agency’s structure and research portfolio. The NIH’s advisory group has launched a series of meetings to consider the proposals and…
research on The Soothsayer / page 26
A new biography, “Ingenious,” sheds light on Benjamin Franklin’s scientific contributions, dispelling common misconceptions about his famous kite experiment and highlighting his approach to science as a joyful and humble pursuit. The book explores Franklin’s diverse interests, from electricity to geology, and his role as a founding father of the United States. As we reflect…
Researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have made a significant breakthrough in X-ray imaging by developing a new detector using cascaded single-crystal devices. This innovation has the potential to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining excellent image quality, paving the way for improved clinical X-ray imaging and various applications that require…
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the human brain’s unique genetic features, which could lead to new therapies for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. By comparing human and primate brain cells, researchers found that human dopamine neurons express more genes that boost the activity of damage-reducing antioxidants, allowing them to cope…
A new book, “How to Kill an Asteroid,” highlights the growing concern of asteroid defense and the need for a more robust planetary security system. The book’s author, Robin George Andrews, emphasizes that while scientists have made progress in deflecting asteroids, the real challenge lies in developing a reliable asteroid detector and navigating the bureaucratic…
Physicists in China and Austria have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum mechanics, calculating the effect of entanglement on the emission time of photoelectrons. Their research reveals counter-intuitive predictions that could be tested using improved free-electron lasers. The study focuses on the photoelectric effect, where photons interact with electrons in atoms, and…
A team of researchers from Seoul National University, Stanford University, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology has made a groundbreaking discovery in camera technology. They have developed a metasurface-based folded lens system that enables unprecedented manipulation of light, paving the way for the creation of slimline cameras for use in smartphones and augmented/virtual…
Malors Espinosa, a graduate student in mathematics at the University of Toronto, has devised a special type of math problem that challenges high school students to prove a nontrivial solution. The problem involves the Menger sponge, a fractal with a simple yet elegant construction. This problem is expected to inspire a new generation of mathematicians…
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. Several companies are advancing candidates relying on miRNAs in 2024, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. Companies such as aceRNA Technologies, ARTHEx Biotech, and Transcode Therapeutics are developing innovative miRNA-based therapeutics for various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular…
The incoming Trump administration’s stance on climate change is a cause for concern. With President-elect Donald Trump calling climate change a “hoax” and his administration’s plans to roll back environmental regulations, the world may be in for a stormy future. The administration’s plans to reduce the country’s carbon emissions and transition to greener energy sources…