MALARIA IN THE U.S.
Although malaria was eradicated from the U.S. in the 1950s, about 2,000 cases are still imported annually, with a potential to spread locally. In 2023, eight locally transmitted malaria cases were identified in Florida and Texas. In August 2023, a Maryland resident displayed symptoms resembling malaria or babesiosis. Without any history of international travel, initial treatments targeted babesiosis due to a reported tick attachment. However, by August 18, tests confirmed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and ruled out babesiosis. After treatment, the patient was given anti-malaria medication. While family members showed no symptoms, local health authorities issued public warnings, initiated mosquito control measures, and began active case findings. No additional malaria cases were found in proximity to the patient’s home, and the exposure source remains unidentified. The case emphasizes the challenges of malaria diagnosis, the risk of local transmission, and the importance of preventive measures, including proper diagnosis tools and timely public health responses. (MMWR)
NEW NON-OPIOID PAIN KILLER.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Hyloris Pharmaceuticals’ non-opioid drug, Maxigesic IV, for post-operative pain management. This injectable treatment is anticipated to be available in the U.S. by early next year. Intended for use in hospitals or for patients unable to take oral medications, Maxigesic IV combines paracetamol and ibuprofen, offering pain and inflammation relief without the risk of opioid addiction. Notably, opioid addiction contributed to over half a million deaths in the U.S. between 1999 and 2020. The FDA’s decision relied on a study demonstrating Maxigesic IV’s superiority in pain relief compared to intravenous paracetamol. Hyloris CEO Stijn Van Rompay emphasized that their drug outperforms common pain treatments like paracetamol and ketorolac. Hikma Pharmaceuticals will set the U.S. pricing and commercialize the product, which was co-developed with AFT Pharmaceuticals of New Zealand. Post-launch, Hyloris expects milestone-related payments, potentially reaching $3.5 million. Another non-opioid post-operative drug, VX-548 from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is also being developed. (Reuters)
THE DEEPFAKE PORN PROBLEM.
Deepfake porn videos have emerged as a major problem for search engines like Google and Microsoft. The nonconsensual use of deepfakes, especially in pornography, has risen exponentially due to advancements in AI technologies. A recent study revealed that in the past seven years, over 244,625 deepfake porn videos have been uploaded to the top 35 deepfake porn websites. In just the first nine months of 2023, 113,000 videos were added, indicating a significant increase from the previous year. Deepfakes target women predominantly and contribute to a larger deepfake abuse industry. Additionally, apps that manipulate images to make individuals appear naked are easily accessible. Search engines have facilitated easy discovery of such content. Actions are being called upon from companies like Google and Microsoft to prevent the spread of these harmful technologies. Legal frameworks are lagging, though some laws criminalizing fake images are emerging. The deepfakes’ proliferation has serious and lasting effects on victims, including mental health concerns and the violation of personal privacy. (Wired)
AI TAKES ON THE AUTONOMOUS CAR CONUNDRUM.
Nvidia and Foxconn are collaborating to create “AI factories,” specialized data centers designed to supercharge the development of autonomous vehicles, robots, and other AI-driven technologies. Announced at Hon Hai Tech Day in Taiwan, the AI factory will utilize Nvidia’s GPU computing infrastructure to process vast data quantities and generate valuable AI models. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang explained that as autonomous vehicles collect data throughout their usage, this information will be processed by the AI factories to refine and upgrade the software across all AI-integrated vehicles. Stemming from a January partnership, Foxconn will also utilize Nvidia’s Drive Orin and Drive Thor system-on-a-chip platforms for autonomous driving functions in their EV platforms. These developments position Foxconn and Nvidia in competition with Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer, aimed at advancing Tesla’s “full self-driving” capabilities. Beyond vehicles, Foxconn intends to expand the AI factories to other sectors, such as smart cities and manufacturing, transforming from a manufacturing-focused company to a platform solutions provider. (Techcrunch)
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GRIEFBOTS ALLOW CHINESE MOURNERS TO GRIEVE.
The Chinese sci-fi film “The Wandering Earth 2” features a plot where a scientist seeks to create a digital replica of his deceased daughter. This cinematic concept resonates with current technological trends where AI, exemplified by platforms like ChatGPT, is being used to design “griefbots” or digital avatars of the departed. Super Brain, an AI studio in China, is at the forefront of this trend. It designs lifelike recreations of people, with offerings that include interactive chatbots and video snippets. While these digital avatars provide solace, experts warn of potential ethical dilemmas and the potential for hindering natural grief processes. Despite this, advancements in AI make these digital replicas increasingly realistic. Super Brain’s Zhang highlights the importance of human touch in these interactions, incorporating human counselors to guide conversations with the AI avatars. However, the full potential and ramifications of these technologies still require extensive exploration and consideration. (Sixth Tone)
MONA LISA’S SECRETS.
Scientists have unveiled a new secret about the “Mona Lisa” using X-rays to examine its chemical structure. The study, shared in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, indicates that Leonardo da Vinci might have used a unique oil-paint recipe for the artwork. Leonardo’s base layer paint for the “Mona Lisa” had a distinct chemical signature. Victor Gonzalez, the study’s primary author from CNRS in France, highlighted that each of Leonardo’s artworks was technically diverse. The team identified a rare compound, plumbonacrite, in the initial paint layer. This discovery corroborates assumptions that Leonardo used lead oxide powder to enhance and dry his paint. Carmen Bambach, an Italian art specialist, noted that such findings underscore Leonardo’s ceaseless experimental spirit. The analyzed paint fragment was microscopic, sourced from the painting’s top right edge. It was studied using a synchrotron, revealing plumbonacrite’s presence, a byproduct of lead oxide. This chemical insight, connecting Leonardo’s and possibly Rembrandt’s techniques, underscores the longevity of such painting recipes. Leonardo likely used lead oxide powder dissolved in heated linseed or walnut oil, resulting in a honey-like consistency. However, the “Mona Lisa” and Leonardo’s other creations still harbor many unrevealed secrets. (Associated Press)
STUDY SUGGESTS FOUR-DAY WORK WEAKS ARE IDEAL.
A pilot programme in Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, tested a four-day work week, resulting in multiple benefits. Scheduled over four consecutive Mondays from April 10 to May 7, the initiative impacted 360,000 workers. Many adopted healthier lifestyles, engaging in sports, resting, and consuming homemade meals. This led to reported improvements in perceived health, reduced stress, and heightened feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Additionally, vehicle usage declined on these Mondays, resulting in reduced nitrogen dioxide emissions and improved air quality. On the downside, consumption of tobacco and alcohol rose. A significant portion of participants spent their extra time on hobbies, reading, and films, though exact numbers weren’t specified. Children particularly benefited from enhanced work-life balance their parents experienced. The hospitality sector saw a boost, but retailers experienced decreased sales, and emergency medical services faced potential overextension. Initiated by the Compromis coalition, this followed a similar Spanish government project targeting small to medium-sized industrial firms. (Reuters)
A WHOLE LOTTA CELLS.
The total number of cells in all living organisms is estimated to exceed the number of sand grains on Earth by a trillion times, and is a million times larger than all the stars in the universe. The number of cells that have ever existed is even greater. This was reported in Current Biology, emphasizing the importance of such calculations to understand our planet’s productivity and future carbon usage. Peter Crockford and his team began by estimating the number of cells currently alive, leading to a count of 10^30 cells, mostly cyanobacteria. The team then calculated the total historical cell count by understanding primary productivity, which reflects the carbon cycle, and considering its variations over Earth’s history. Estimates suggest that between 10^39 and 10^40 cells have ever lived. The study also predicts that in about a billion years, decreasing CO2 levels will halt photosynthesis, drastically reducing Earth’s biomass and life as we know it. (Science)
REVIVING LOST APPLES.
In December 2017, Jude Schuenemeyer discovered a unique apple, potentially ending his twenty-year search for the elusive Colorado Orange variety. Together with his wife, Addie, they had initiated the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project in 2008 to revive endangered heirloom apple types. After extensive cross-referencing with the US Department of Agriculture’s pomological watercolour collection and century-old apple models at Colorado State University, they confirmed the find. Now, a sapling from this tree thrives in a research orchard near Boulder, among other heirloom varieties. Amy Dunbar-Wallis, an ecologist, gathers these forgotten apples, aiming to uncover genetic traits for future blockbuster fruits. These genes might enhance resilience against environmental pressures. As the effort continues, the value of understanding and preserving these ancient apple varieties becomes evident, not just for genetic richness but also to commemorate the cultural and ecological histories they represent. (Nature)
EUROPEANS ATE SEAWEED THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO.
The ocean’s seaweeds, rich in nutrients and flavor, were part of early Europeans’ diet 8,000 years ago, as revealed by a study in Nature Communications. Examining dental plaque biomarkers from 74 ancient individuals across 28 archaeological sites from Scotland to Spain, researchers found evidence of red, green, or brown seaweed and freshwater plant consumption. One sample from Scotland’s Orkney even showed signs of sea kale. Seaweed consumption persisted into the Early Middle Ages, contradicting the belief that farming’s introduction replaced marine diets. Historical accounts note seaweed collection laws in 10th-century Iceland, France, and Ireland, and the Roman writer Pliny recommended sea kale against scurvy for sailors. Of about 10,000 seaweed species globally, only 145 are regularly eaten, offering fiber, iron, and other nutrients. Seaweed farming is eco-friendly, producing oxygen and absorbing water’s excess nitrogen. The study underscores the potential to revive sustainable, local food alternatives to today’s mass-produced agricultural products. (Popular Science)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: NIH.