Roger Highfield

Whole-genome study of koalas transforms how we understand genetic risk in endangered species A landmark finding that suggests koala genetic diversity not the only deciding factor in successful regrowth of populations. Study in Science from Cesar Australia and the University of Sydney shows th...

Whole-genome study of koalas transforms how we understand genetic risk in endangered species www.eurekalert.org/news-release... Researchers analysed whole genomes from hundreds of koalas, finding that populations previously considered at risk are now showing signs of genetic regeneration.

“This study marks the first successful attempt at engineering astrocytes to specifically target and remove amyloid beta plaques in the brains of mice with Alzheimer’s disease" www.eurekalert.org/news-release...

How AI is shaping the war in Iran — and what’s next for future conflicts The conflict in Iran is highlighting the use of artificial intelligence in warfare.

How AI is shaping the war in Iran — and what’s next for future conflicts www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Good morning!

Good morning!

Mysterious brain cells clear proteins that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease When specialized cells called tanycytes stop working, disease-causing tau proteins build up in the brain.

Mysterious brain cells clear proteins that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease www.nature.com/articles/d41... When specialized cells called tanycytes stop working, disease-causing tau proteins build up in the brain.

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AI can write genomes — how long until it creates synthetic life? The Evo2 genomic language model can generate short genome sequences, but scientists say further advances are needed to write genomes that will work inside living cells.

AI can write genomes — how long until it creates synthetic life? www.nature.com/articles/d41... The Evo2 genomic language model can generate short genome sequences, but scientists say further advances are needed to write genomes that will work inside living cells.

Good evening!

Discovery of why only some early tumors survive could help catch and treat cancer at very earliest stages www.eurekalert.org/news-release...

Why ‘quantum proteins’ could be the next big thing in biology Fluorescent proteins with a quantum upgrade could offer unprecedented views inside cells.

Why ‘quantum proteins’ could be the next big thing in biology www.nature.com/articles/d41...

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In a first, researchers film treetops glowing during thunderstorms Glimmer sparked by electrical fields detected in nature for the first time

Twinkle tips. In a first, researchers film treetops glowing during thunderstorms

www.science.org/content/arti...

Frontiers | AI needs physics more than physics needs AI Artificial intelligence (AI) is commonly depicted as transformative. Yet, after more than a decade of hype, its measurable impact remains modest outside a fe...

Oops, sorry, link is here www.frontiersin.org/journals/phy...

Being fascinated by AI's shortcomings (see, eg www.frontiersin.org/journals/phy....

..interesting to see that deep learning systems trained for cancer pathology may be relying on hidden shortcuts rather than genuine biological signals www.eurekalert.org/news-release...

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World’s first rum brewed with high ginjo-aroma–producing fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicusponicus Researchers at Kumamoto University have announced the world’s first rum produced using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, marking a breakthrough in fermentation science and craft s...

World’s first rum brewed with high ginjo-aroma–producing fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicusponicus www.eurekalert.org/news-release... Rum produced using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus marks “breakthrough in fermentation science and craft spirits innovation”!

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Chronic ocean heating fuels ‘staggering’ loss of marine life, study finds Fish levels fall by 7.2% with as little as 0.1C of warming per decade, northern hemisphere research shows

Chronic ocean heating fuels ‘staggering’ loss of marine life, study finds.

Fish levels fall by 7.2% with as little as 0.1C of warming per decade, northern hemisphere research shows

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

White House stalls release of approved US science budgets The US Congress rejected sweeping cuts to science agencies. But the NIH, the NSF and NASA have had their spending slowed.

White House stalls release of approved US science budgets www.nature.com/articles/d41... The US Congress rejected sweeping cuts to science agencies. But the NIH, the NSF and NASA have had their spending slowed.

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Pokémon turns 30 — how the fictional pocket monsters shaped science The Japanese media sensation has inspired generations of researchers in fields as diverse as evolution, biodiversity and research integrity.

Pokémon turns 30 — how the fictional pocket monsters shaped science www.nature.com/articles/d41... The Japanese media sensation has inspired generations of researchers in fields as diverse as evolution, biodiversity and research integrity.

Brilliant work by the National Archives and its Chief Executive & Keeper Saul Nassé in bringing these intimate, deeply human documents out of the archive and into public view.

Also extraordinary: Lord Alfred Douglas's letter to Queen Victoria, begging her to pardon his lover Oscar Wilde, who had been sentenced to two years in prison. She didn't.

The centrepiece for me: Edward VIII's signed Instrument of Abdication — the document through which he gave up his throne in 1936 rather than be parted from Wallis Simpson. History-changing love, on a single page.

Loved visiting the Love Letters exhibition in the National Archives in Kew — a free show spanning 500 years of devotion, longing and passion, from monarchs and spies to everyday Britons. Runs until 12 April. Highly recommended. 💌https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/love-letters/

Good morning!

UN creates new scientific AI advisory panel: what will it do? The panel has been compared to the IPCC – the international panel whose research helped to shape landmark climate agreements.

UN creates new scientific AI advisory panel: what will it do? www.nature.com/articles/d41... The panel has been compared to the IPCC – let’s hope it’s not as sclerotic

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As a teenager at boarding school, I endured eight visits to chapel each and every week for seven years. So you could say I've had my lifetime dose. Even so, it is going to be huge fun to sit down with @marcusdusautoy.bsky.social next month at a multi faith festival.