DEEP MIND RELEASES FULL ALPHAFOLD3 CODE AFTER DELAY
Google DeepMind has released the full code for its AI protein prediction software, AlphaFold3, after a six-month delay following criticism for initially only providing pseudocode with its May 2023 Nature paper. The delayed release followed backlash from researchers who argued it violated standards for openness and reproducibility. Despite this, DeepMind had committed to releasing the code for noncommercial use, which was made available on GitHub today, along with the ‘weights’ for academic use. Researchers are grateful for the release, though some, like Stephanie Wankowicz, criticized the six-month wait. AlphaFold3 is praised for its advancements in predicting protein structures and interactions, with widespread interest from researchers. Although some companies, such as Baidu, had already developed their own versions based on the pseudocode, the full release promises to spark new innovations. DeepMind remains confident that the portal, offering limited access to predictions, will continue to serve most users due to computing power constraints. (Science)
NEW CRAB STRAIN SPREADING ACROSS ASIA RAISES CONCERN
A recent study by Chinese and British researchers warns that a virulent strain of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) may be spreading across Asia and beyond. Published in Nature Communications, the study tracked the evolution of CRAB in a 28-bed ICU in Hangzhou, China, over three months in 2021. Researchers found that CRAB isolates now exhibit higher levels of carbapenem resistance compared to a previous 2019 study. Notably, the strain sequence type (ST)164, which was absent in 2019, accounted for a significant portion of the CRAB population. ST164 strains were more resistant to antibiotics and had been evolving in the ICU since mid-2020. This strain has also spread to multiple countries, particularly in Asia. While ST164 caused fewer infections than the dominant strain (GC2), its high antibiotic resistance raises concerns about its potential for widespread transmission, especially in ICU settings. Researchers stress the need for ongoing infection prevention measures. (CIDRAP)
EPA STAFF FEAR MASSIVE CUTS AND POLICY ROLLBACKS UNDER TRUMP
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) braces for significant staff cuts and dismantling of environmental protections. During Trump’s previous term, he weakened over 100 environmental rules, resulting in staff departures and political interference. This time, an even larger exodus is expected, with staff fearing attacks from the administration. The incoming team plans to use Schedule F to replace expert staff with political loyalists, and a third of the EPA workforce is eligible for retirement. Trumpโs allies aim to undermine the agencyโs funding and create a hostile work environment for those who stay. The EPAโs role in enforcing pollution regulations, managing chemical safety, and tackling climate change may be rolled back, with plans to eliminate key offices and expedite chemical approvals. Experts predict that the agency will face even more radical changes, marking a severe setback for environmental progress. (The Guardian)
MEDTECH COMPANIES BRACE FOR IMPACT OF TRUMP TARIFFS
During recent medtech industry earnings calls, investors expressed concerns about the potential impact of President-elect Trumpโs proposed tariffs on healthcare supply chains, especially raw materials and shipments from China. CEOs from various companies offered different perspectives. Baxter’s CEO noted the companyโs limited exposure to Chinese production, while Solventum’s CEO downplayed the risk due to the small share of business with China. Steris highlighted the trend of reshoring to mitigate potential tariff issues, and BD emphasized its strategy of local manufacturing in key regions. Tandem Diabetes Care acknowledged the uncertainty but maintained flexibility in adjusting its supply chain. Siemens Healthineers expressed confidence in its dual-manufacturing approach, and Fresenius emphasized its strong U.S. presence. Philips, too, focused on regionalizing its supply chain to enhance resilience. Overall, most companies adopted a โwait-and-seeโ approach, preparing for potential tariff disruptions without immediate concerns. (FierceBiotech)
PRIVATE JET USAGE SOARS DRIVING RISE IN CARBON EMISSIONS
A recent global study highlights the surge in private jet use, which has contributed significantly to rising carbon emissions. Between 2019 and 2023, private flights increased by 28.4%, leading to a 46% rise in emissions, which totaled 15.6 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023. Private jets, which are among the most energy-intensive forms of travel, are now emitting more carbon than ever before, with some jets emitting more CO2 per hour than an average person does in an entire year. The study found that nearly 50% of private flights were under 500 kilometers, distances that could be covered by car or train. Additionally, flights often clustered around high-profile events like COP28 and the World Economic Forum. While the overall emissions from private jets are small compared to other sectors, the rapid increase in their use raises concerns. Researchers argue for stricter regulations, including potential taxes on private jet flights, to reduce their environmental impact. (Nature)
PROPOSAL ADVOCATES REVISING SCIENTIFIC NAMES TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVITY
A recent proposal advocates for revising offensive and problematic scientific names that reflect historical biases, colonial legacies, and gender discrimination. While binomial nomenclature, developed by Carl Linnaeus, provides essential consistency in biological classification, many names perpetuate harm through derogatory terms, such as the genus *Hottentotta* or the beetle Anophthalmus hitleri. Critics argue that revising these names would help address social inequalities and enhance the ethical standards of science. However, opponents worry that such changes could disrupt scientific communication, databases, and stability in taxonomy. The authors suggest creating international committees to evaluate names with ethical concerns and implement a transparent process for revisions. They also recommend using persistent identifiers, like Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), to track and manage name changes, ensuring seamless updates across databases. The proposal calls for a shift towards names that are culturally sensitive while maintaining the integrity of scientific communication, promoting inclusivity and respect in taxonomy. (PNAS)
AXIOM SPACE EXPLORES EUROPEAN INDIAN ROCKETS FOR STATION BUILD
Axiom Space is exploring the use of rockets from India and Europe to help build its commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. The company, which won a NASA contract in 2020 to develop a habitable module for the International Space Station (ISS), aims to diversify its supply chain and transport materials for its space station project. The ISS module is being constructed by Thales Alenia Space in Europe and is expected to launch in 2026. Axiom’s space station will eventually replace the ISS, with a thermal power module enabling its modules to detach and operate independently in orbit after 2030. Axiom is considering using Europeโs Ariane 6 rocket and Indiaโs emerging space capabilities, including ISROโs Small Satellite Launch Vehicle and rockets from Indian startups like Skyroot and Agnikul. These developments signal Indiaโs growing ambition to become a major space power, with its private sector rapidly advancing in rocket technology. (space.com)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
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