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Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona have developed the first comprehensive blueprint of the human spliceosome, the most complex and intricate molecular machine found in every cell. This groundbreaking achievement, over a decade in the making, was published in the journal Science.

The spliceosome edits genetic messages transcribed from DNA, allowing cells to create different versions of a protein from a single gene. The vast majority of human genes – more than nine in ten – are edited by the spliceosome. Errors in the process are linked to a wide spectrum of diseases including most types of cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and genetic disorders.

The sheer number of components involved and the intricacy of its function has meant the spliceosome has remained elusive and uncharted territory in human biology – until now.

Earlier this year, experiments shattered expectations by pushing the limits of what classical computing was believed to be capable of. Not only did the old fashioned binary technology crack a problem considered to be unique to quantum processing, it outperformed it.

Now physicists from the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Quantum Physics in the US have an explanation for the feat which could help better define the boundaries between the two radically different methods of number-crunching.

The problem involves simulating the dynamics of what’s known as a transverse field Ising (TFI) model, which describes the alignment of quantum spin states between particles spread across a space.

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have used supercomputer simulations to predict electric charge distributions in mesons, essential for understanding the subatomic structure of matter.

Upcoming experiments at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) will further validate these predictions, offering new insights into how quarks and gluons interact to form visible matter.

Exploring Meson Charge Distribution

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SpaceX and NASA have successfully tested the Dragon spacecraft’s reboost capabilities, enhancing the International Space Stations altitude.

This test adds to existing capabilities provided by Roscosmoss Progress and Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecrafts. Alongside its reboost demonstration, the Dragon spacecraft also completed a substantial resupply mission, carrying over 6,000 pounds of supplies.

SpaceX’s Reboost Demonstration

In a paper published in Scientific Reports journal, the researchers report the potential of the lesser mealworm (the larvae of a darkling beetle species, known scientifically as Alphitobius), to consume plastic.

The icipe researchers tested the ability of the lesser mealworm to consume polystyrene, one of the major microplastics that is fast accumulating both in land and water bodies. Polystyrene waste comes from the commercial application of its most common form, styrofoam. This material is used in food storage containers, packaging of equipment, disposable plates and cups, and insulation in construction. Various methods, including chemical, thermal and mechanical, are used to recycle polystyrene. However, these approaches are expensive and they also produce toxic compounds that are harmful to human, environment and biodiversity.

“Our study showed that the mealworms can ingest close to 50% of the styrofoam. We aim to conduct further studies to understand the process through which mealworms consume polystyrene, and whether they gain any nutritional benefits from the material,” says Evalyne Ndotono, an icipe PhD scholar.

Continue reading “Can the mealworm be the answer to Africa’s plastic waste problem?” »

By using sensor-embedded sponges and data, Vienna researchers quickly trained robots to clean washbasins.

Thanks to researchers at TU Wein in Vienna, the promise of housecleaning robots is one step closer. The team has developed a self-learning robot to mimic humans to complete simple tasks like cleaning washbasins.

Continue reading “This robot mimics humans, cleans washbasins, completes multiple tasks” »

With its unique design consisting of two wheels and gripper arms, evoBOT keeps itself balanced while performing a range of tasks.

EvoBOT, a uniquely shaped autonomous mobile robot, recently completed its first test runs at the Munich Airport.