Israel's Weizmann Institute Buildings Damaged in Iran Attack
The institute is a world-renowned research center known for cutting-edge work in chemistry, physics and biomedical science. One graduate student whose home is located near the institute said she heard some very loud booms and then an impact that violently shook her bomb shelter.
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7 hours ago
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Potatoes May Have Evolved From An Unexpected Origin, New Research Shows
New research has revealed an intriguing and unexpected discovery about potatoes. Despite being vastly different from the juicy, red fruits that we know as tomatoes, researchers say that the potato and tomato appear to share an ancient relative, and that potatoes actually evolved from wild tomatoes. The research, which is published in the journal Cell, describes how the scientists analyzed over 450 genomes from cultivated potatoes and 56 from wild potatoes. Looking at that genome, they discovered that over 9 million years ago, wild tomatoes crossed with another ancient plant called Etuberosum. The two plants mixed using a technique called hybridization, effectively combining their genetic structures to create an entirely new plant. The research is a landmark in understanding the origin of the potato and goes a long way toward showing just how creative natural evolution can be at creating entirely new species of living things. Further, without two very specific genes -- one of which is found in tomatoes and one which is found in Etuberosum -- the structure of tubers like potatoes would not be possible at all. Read more: What's Happening To Earth Right Now Can't Be Explained By Climate Models Ancient Parents The researchers say that we're essentially looking at the parents of the modern potato. The wild tomato is the mother, while Etuberosum is the father. Together, they were able to work together to create an entirely new organ, which then expanded into its own lineage of plants. It's an exceptionally intriguing find that will only help us better understand how hybridization events like this helped shape the modern world of vegetables, fruits, and other plants. The researchers also note that potatoes inherited an especially stable mix of genes from both of its parents, allowing it to become a nutrient-rich plant thanks to its tubers, which also allow it to be a sturdy and resilient plant. And the potato is exceptionally resilient. It's one of the first plants we've proven could survive on Mars. Scientists have even used them to create potato-based concrete that could be used to build structures on Mars. But understanding where it came from can help us better unlock the history of our planet, something scientists have been working to do for hundreds of years now. And when it comes to the potato, its history and ancient parentage are anything but what we expected. Enjoyed this article? Sign up to BGR's free newsletter for the latest in tech and entertainment, plus tips and advice you'll actually use. Read the original article on BGR. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
11 hours ago
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Accelerating diagnosis and drug development with better managed datasets
Every aspect of science and research is based on data, and across the globe, labs are producing more data than the average person can even comprehend. With the increasing digitalisation of research, facilities are experiencing steady growth in data volumes, bringing with it a need for scalable storage solutions. A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software used by laboratories to create a central repository for storing, managing and accessing data. As well as storing all essential data relating to samples and results, a LIMS can automate digital processes. This helps labs to optimise workflows, minimise human error, and efficiently analyse large amounts of complex data. The result? Faster diagnosis times and development of new drugs. Managing research and clinical data Data is one of the most prized and valuable assets of a pharma, biotech, research or clinical laboratory. Therefore, the system used to collect, manage and analyse that data needs to be extremely robust, offering secure storage and flexible reporting capabilities. It's also important to be able to accurately analyse and manage samples, enabling the lab to carry out its core functions. Historically, laboratories used spreadsheets to manage data and reporting. This is simply no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern laboratories; as well as being complicated, it's time-consuming and prone to error. When labs are dealing with the personal data of hundreds of thousands of patients, it's vital these standards are met. Whilst data management systems exist in all industries, implementing one that is specifically designed for use by labs helps to ensure the immediate availability of all necessary data and security functions. LIMS solutions can handle the large volumes of data created by labs while being reliable and scalable to cope with changing output requirements. They also offer versatile tools with automation capabilities for data monitoring, analysis and reporting. Benefits of a LIMS The main purpose of a LIMS is to improve data efficiency and accuracy by reducing manual operations. It does this by managing large volumes of data quickly and efficiently whilst maintaining strict industry standards for laboratory data management. Not only that, LIMS enables the automation of complex data analysis, reducing the need for repetitive lab data tasks, freeing up the time of skilled scientists for more skilled tasks. An efficient LIMS can integrate seamlessly with other essential systems, which is vital for a lab to run smoothly. The best piece of equipment is useless to clinicians if it cannot be used in conjunction with other necessary technology. Critically, a LIMS creates a single point of access to ensure data consistency, improving overall data quality and security across an organisation. What is LIMS used for? Some of the most common tasks supported by LIMS are: Sample management: Modern labs often deal with huge numbers of samples that need to be analysed, and manual processes are susceptible to errors and delays. LIMS solutions help to track and trace individual samples by generating a barcode that technicians, at various stages of testing and analysis, can scan to retrieve existing details or record additional information. Workflow management: High-quality, traceable results are essential to the success of any lab. By combining all your data in a single location that integrates with a wider network of collaborators, a LIMS empowers laboratories to better manage workflows, improve communication and increase outputs. Materials management: Lab processing relies heavily on tracking materials used, typically reagents. A LIMS enables detailed monitoring of inventoried reagents, how much is on hand, lot numbers, expiration dates and reorder levels. Traditional stock management systems are designed for simple warehousing and distribution applications but aren't able to keep up with the complex laboratory environment. A LIMS allows for complete visibility of the entire lab, including fridges, multiple lab locations and disposal bins, as well as recording where a particular reagent lot was used and with what samples it was combined. Inventory management: Laboratories are consistently under pressure to reduce their running costs while also maximising productivity. One of the most effective ways to do this is by improving inventory management, helping your lab to not only track resources but also to use them as efficiently as possible. The LIMS system supports the management of lab consumables, alerting you to low stock, preventing duplicate orders and managing shopping lists to minimise downtime and reduce costs. Request management portal: A LIMS supports wider collaboration by making it easy to request, send, and receive samples through the integrated request portal. Authorised researchers and physicians can then securely track and access samples to improve and extend your research team. Keeping up with an evolving landscape Just like the fast-paced industries that use them, laboratory information management systems are continually evolving. Digitalisation is having a major impact on biotech and pharma businesses managing research and clinical labs, especially when combining LIMS to manage lab operations, ELNs (Electronic Lab Notebooks) to document experimental processes, and SDMS (Scientific Data Management Systems) to handle data resulting from experiments. "Accelerating diagnosis and drug development with better managed datasets" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Errore nel recupero dei dati Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati
Yahoo
11 hours ago
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Youthful Immune System in Old Age Can Apparently Be Harmful
Immune defenses that function in old age as they did in youth are considered desirable. However, a recent study shows that a youthful immune system in older age can also cause harm. Follow the FITBOOK channel on WhatsApp now! As part of the natural aging process, the human immune system weakens over the years.1 One reason for increased susceptibility to infections in old age is that fewer new T-cells are produced, as the thymus—the maturation organ for T-cells—shrinks. T-cells recognize and destroy harmful cells in the body and activate other parts of the immune system. Because the immune system weakens with age, people with an active immune system seem to have an advantage. But: This supposed immune youthfulness can apparently also be harmful. Also interesting: Certain diets could cripple the immune system Details of the Study A research team from the U.S. Mayo Clinic found, after evaluating health records of about 22 million people, that many autoimmune diseases only appear in older age. At the same time, it is known that general immune defense weakens with age.2 From this paradox, the researchers concluded that the immune system in older age is not just still active but sometimes possibly too active. In autoimmune diseases, a malfunction of the immune system is known to occur, leading the body to attack its own tissue. Researchers Found Immune Cells in Diseased Tissue of Giant Cell Arteritis Patients In the next step, the scientists examined aortic sections from more than 100 patients over 50 years old, who are being treated for giant cell arteritis at the U.S. Mayo Clinic. This is a rarer, inflammatory autoimmune disease of the large and medium arteries, often affecting the cranial arteries and aorta. The Mayo Clinic is globally renowned for its expertise in complex diseases, including giant cell arteritis (GCA).3 The researchers found an increased presence of specialized immune cells, known as stem cell-like T-cells, in the diseased tissue of the patients. To recap: The previously mentioned T-cells are normally responsible for fighting infections as part of the immune system. These special T-cells behave similarly to T-cells in young organisms, as they can renew themselves and continuously produce new defense cells. However, in the presence of giant cell arteritis, this seemingly beneficial effect appears to be misguided. Instead of protecting the body from invaders, these cells continuously supply new T-cells that attack the blood vessels of those affected. Their efficiency thus causes significant damage. How a Youthful Immune System Attacks Its Own Cells As people age, more new, unusual protein forms accumulate in the body, the study authors write: so-called neoantigens. The immune system has not yet developed tolerance to these proteins. 'This is likely to inevitably lead to an increase in autoimmune diseases in old age,' the study continues. Normally, the immune system prevents these neoantigens from attacking its own cells. However, with age, these control mechanisms can be disrupted—a possible explanation for why autoimmune diseases occur more frequently in old age. The study's results suggest that autoimmune diseases in old age are not solely a result of weaker defenses. In summary, a combination of 'youthful' T-cells and an increasing number of new antigens seems to lead to the immune system being unable to stop certain inflammations in old age. Part of the immune system remains overly efficient, and this can be harmful to the aging body. Significance of the Study and Limitations The observations could offer new perspectives for medical practice—at least if the findings are confirmed in further studies. The research team plans to develop diagnostic tests that could potentially predict autoimmune diseases later in life based on the high activity of immune stem cells in currently healthy individuals. For study author Dr. Jörg Goronzy, these findings are already significant. 'Contrary to popular belief, an immune system that ages with the body does have advantages,' he explains in a press release.3 He suggests that moderate aging of the immune system can be protective, as it dampens the response to one's own cells. It should be noted that the study is based on existing studies. No new experiments were conducted; rather, existing data were interpreted. This limitation may slightly affect the reliability of the results. Additionally, only tissue from giant cell arteritis patients was analyzed. Whether the observations can be applied to other autoimmune pathologies remains unclear—likewise, how the specific, stem cell-like T-cells that are beneficial for tissue repair differ from those that contribute to autoimmune pathology in older patients. FITBOOK has reached out to the authors with these and other questions. A response is still pending. The post Youthful Immune System in Old Age Can Apparently Be Harmful appeared first on FITBOOK.
