U.S. IMMIGRATION POLICIES THREATEN GLOBAL RESEARCH LEADERSHIP
A new report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) highlights the risk that the U.S. immigration system poses to its leadership in global research. The report advocates for policy changes to retain more immigrants with advanced degrees, crucial for fields reliant on foreign-born scientists. It also criticizes the now-defunct China Initiative, which, despite its aim to prevent Chinese economic espionage, was seen as targeting Chinese scientists and created lasting fear and uncertainty. The panel recommends reforms such as increasing green card availability for STEM professionals, removing country-specific green card caps, and making it easier for advanced degree holders to stay in the U.S. They caution that restrictive policies, if perceived as discriminatory, could backfire and further hinder talent acquisition. The report urges addressing these issues to maintain competitive advantage and foster trust in research security practices. (Science)
MASSIVE ATTACK’S TOUR SETS NEW CARBON FOOTPRINT STANDARDS
In 2019, Carly McLachlan of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research was approached by Massive Attack’s producer, Mark Donne, to assess and improve the carbon footprint of the band’s touring practices. This led to the publication of the Super-Low Carbon Live Music road map in June 2021. The road map, a pioneering effort to address the carbon impact of the live-music industry, set clear targets aligned with the Paris climate agreement. Massive Attack used these guidelines for their Act 1.5 Climate Action Accelerator event in August 2021, aiming for a record-low carbon concert. The event employed renewable energy, LED lighting, electric trucks, plant-based food, and zero-waste policies. It also incentivized train travel and provided extra trains for attendees.McLachlan’s team will analyze the event data to establish new industry standards. This collaboration demonstrates how integrating environmental science with the music industry can drive significant changes and inspire other artists to adopt sustainable practices. (Nature)
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SEMAGLUTIDE MAY LOWER DEATH RISK FROM COVID-19
A recent randomized controlled trial published in the *Journal of the American College of Cardiology* suggests that the anti-obesity drug semaglutide may reduce the risk of death from COVID-19, cardiovascular disease, and other causes. The SELECT trial, involving 17,604 participants with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease but without diabetes, compared weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide injections to a placebo. Over an average follow-up of 3.3 years, semaglutide was linked to a 19% reduction in all-cause death, 15% in cardiovascular death, and 23% in non-cardiovascular death. Notably, semaglutide did not reduce COVID-19 infection rates but significantly lowered COVID-related serious adverse events and deaths. The study, funded by Novo Nordisk, highlights semaglutide’s potential benefits beyond weight loss, suggesting it might help mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 and other infections. (CIDRAP)
BURLINGTON CAMPAIGN CHALLENGES ADDICTION STIGMA WITH NEW MESSAGE
In Burlington, Vermont, a public service campaign aims to challenge stigma around addiction with the message: “Addiction is not a choice. It’s a disease that can happen to anyone.” This initiative seeks to promote understanding and encourage treatment amid rising drug use. Although addiction has long been classified as a chronic brain disease, this concept faces skepticism due to the role personal choice plays in drug use. Recent critiques argue that labeling addiction solely as a brain disease may be counterproductive, as it neglects factors such as social environment, genetics, and personal circumstances. Researchers suggest that addiction should be understood within the context of life conditions and choices rather than just brain dysfunction. Despite acknowledging the brain’s role in addiction, some scientists believe integrating motivational and contextual factors into addiction definitions could offer a more comprehensive understanding and improve treatment outcomes. (New York Times)
NEW MOLECULE DISCOVERED WITH UNIQUE WATERMELON SCENT
In the laboratory of Alex Wiltschko, a new molecule, 533, was discovered, emitting a unique odor reminiscent of the watermelon rind—a scent never previously identified. This discovery highlights the complexity of linking a molecule’s structure to its scent. Unlike visual or auditory perceptions, olfactory experiences don’t have straightforward parameters, making scent prediction challenging. Smell involves about 400 human olfactory receptors, each potentially recognizing multiple odorants, adding to the complexity. Recent advancements in structural biology and AI have started to unravel the olfactory code. AI models are being trained to predict and categorize smells based on vast data sets, yet human expertise remains crucial. Research efforts include developing digital smell technologies for health diagnostics and improved insect repellents. Despite progress, the intricacies of how the brain interprets scents remain largely mysterious, emphasizing the need for further exploration into the connection between olfactory perception and neural processing. (Nature)
ABC SPECIAL ON AI FACES CRITICISM FOR GUEST LIST
ABC’s upcoming special AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special has sparked criticism due to its guest list and framing. Scheduled for September 12, the one-hour show will feature tech figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, focusing on AI’s impact on science, health, and education. Critics, including author Brian Merchant and artist Karla Ortiz, argue that the program may become a marketing pitch rather than a balanced discussion. Ortiz and others express concern that the special lacks voices from those critically impacted by AI, potentially ignoring issues like copyright infringement and environmental impact. The show will also include YouTube creator Marques Brownlee, Center for Humane Technology’s Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and author Marilynne Robinson. Critics call for a more inclusive dialogue to address AI’s complexities. (Ars Technica)
FANUC ACCUSED OF VIOLATING POLICIES BY ACTIVISTS
Earlier this year, activists in Japan accused FANUC Corporation, a major robotics manufacturer, of violating its own policies by aiding the Israeli defense industry amid the Gaza conflict. Protesters, organized by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, demanded that FANUC cut ties with Israel and its defense contractors, citing concerns over potential breaches of Japan’s export controls. FANUC denies these allegations, asserting it screens transactions to prevent military use. Despite this, evidence suggests FANUC technology may have reached Israeli defense firms. Activists also criticize the company’s human rights policy, arguing that it fails to address the impact of its sales on conflict zones. The debate highlights the complex intersection of technology, international law, and human rights in global trade. (Wired)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
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