Neurologists have made significant progress in utilizing deep brain stimulation to measure and predict chronic pain intensity. Published in Nature Neuroscience, the study identified distinct brainwave patterns that objectively differentiate chronic pain from acute pain.
Chronic pain poses a challenge for doctors due to its subjective nature, but by analyzing brain signals, neurologists successfully predicted pain levels. The research aims to develop personalized brain stimulation therapy, offering relief to the 51.6 million Americans suffering from chronic pain.
Statistics from JAMA Network Open reveal that chronic pain rates rival those of prevalent health conditions such as diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. Understanding how the brain processes acute and chronic pain is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
The study involved four individuals with uncontrollable long-term pain, including stroke survivors and a phantom limb syndrome patient. Deep brain stimulation, typically used for neurological conditions, was employed for chronic pain for the first time. Electrodes were implanted in pain-associated areas of the brain—the anterior cingulate cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex.
Participants reported pain severity and quality over three to six months and triggered the electrode implants to record brain activity. Using these recordings and survey responses, a computer generated pain severity scores, with the orbitofrontal cortex playing a significant role in developing personalized neural signatures.
Differences between chronic and acute pain emerged, with changes in the orbitofrontal cortex strongly associated with chronic pain and the anterior cingulate cortex more related to acute pain. This highlights that chronic pain involves distinct brain circuits, going beyond being a prolonged version of acute pain.
Understanding these neurological distinctions offers hope for developing targeted brain stimulation therapies for severe discomfort, particularly in cases resulting from strokes and traumatic brain injuries.
While the study's results are fascinating, caution is advised due to the small sample size. Researchers plan to expand the study in phase two with more patients to validate the approach further. Surgical brain implants come with inherent risks, necessitating careful consideration. However, a future vision includes small wearable devices that can track brainwaves, revolutionizing pain management.
Objective measures for pain assessment and treatment hold immense potential, as they address the subjectivity and unequal treatment of pain. This study's pursuit of such measures has the power to transform the field of pain management.
In a whimsical twist to the world of agriculture, scientists have taken to the skies in their trusty helicopters, embarking on an unconventional mission to produce high-yielding, resilient rice varieties. RiceTec, a renowned plant breeding company, has employed these nimble aircraft to blow pollen from one row of plants to another in the rice fields of Texas and Arkansas. It may sound like a scene from an action movie, but this costly and intricate process holds the promise of creating seeds that sprout into robust plants with unrivaled vigor. Welcome to the captivating realm of hybrid rice.
The magic behind hybrid vigor, the phenomenon responsible for the superior performance of hybrids, lies in the art of crossing two strains of inbred parents. While the exact reasons for their superiority remain a mystery, scientists believe that the genes from one parent outshine the weak, recessive genes from the other. This ingenious breeding technique has revolutionized crop yields, propelling the likes of maize and sorghum to new heights with a boost of up to 50%. Unfortunately, the creation of hybrid seeds is no walk in the park. It's a laborious and expensive process, limited to certain species.
Let's zoom in on rice, where the adventure begins with the development of plants that cannot self-pollinate. That's when the helicopters swoop in, playing their pivotal role in sweeping pollen from a second strain and ensuring a successful cross-pollination. But hold your applause, for this meticulous method must be repeated tirelessly for each new batch of seeds to preserve the desired traits. José Ré, the vice president of research at RiceTec, openly admits that it's far from a flawless system. So, here comes the million-dollar question: Is there a simpler, more efficient way to produce these coveted hybrid seeds?
Enter the world of apomixis, a wondrous natural process that allows certain plant species to reproduce clonally without the need for pollination. In 2019, an international team of scientists achieved an extraordinary feat by engineering a line of rice plants capable of clonal reproduction—a groundbreaking success story in the realm of crops. The thrill of discovery has since electrified the research landscape, with scientists worldwide striving to develop apomictic varieties of crops like sorghum, tomatoes, and alfalfa.
While the technology remains a work in progress, seed companies are watching these advancements like hawks. The potential revolution in hybrid seed production offered by apomictic reproduction could simplify the process, speed up the release of new varieties, and bring down costs. And let's not forget the potential impact on smallholder farmers in developing countries who struggle to access commercial hybrid seeds. Imagine their joy in saving seeds from their previous year's crop, empowering them with newfound self-sufficiency.
The journey to engineered apomixis has been an arduous one, with scientists unraveling the intricate genetic mechanisms governing this clonal reproduction and embryo development. Recent breakthroughs, such as identifying the BABY BOOM gene and introducing MiMe mutations, have propelled us closer to the dream of clonal seed production.
Yet, challenges still stand in our way. The technology requires further refinement to ensure flawless clonal seed production and to enhance the adaptability of hybrid varieties to different environmental conditions. Field trials are needed to gauge the performance of apomictic crops and their resilience in the face of challenges like drought.
As we progress through this captivating journey, we hold onto the hope that synthetic apomixis will one day grace the fields of farmers worldwide. The potential benefits are tantalizing, from increased agricultural efficiency to improved food security. Until that day dawns, the helicopters will keep soaring through the skies, playing their crucial role in the relentless quest for perfect seeds.
In 1979, Voyager 1 captured the first images of lightning on Jupiter, revealing not only a storm but also unique radio wave signals. Recent observations by NASA's Juno spacecraft have challenged previous notions about Jupiter's lightning. Initially, researchers found a discrepancy in the radio frequency range between Jupiter and Earth. However, Juno's closer proximity during its flybys and its ability to detect a broader spectrum of frequencies have unveiled unexpected similarities between Jupiter's lightning and Earth's.
Previous recordings, known as whistlers due to their distinctive sound, fell in the kilohertz range, unlike Earth's lightning, which occurs in the mega or gigahertz range. Scientists speculated on various reasons for this difference, including atmospheric variations and fundamental distinctions in lightning formation. The Microwave Radiometer Instrument on Juno, collecting data during its flybys, recorded 377 lightning discharges in the megahertz and gigahertz range, challenging previous assumptions.
Juno's unique vantage point allowed researchers to observe Jupiter's lightning in unprecedented detail, dispelling the notion that Jupiter's lightning was fundamentally different from Earth's. Moreover, Juno's close encounters provided insights into the rate of lightning strikes on Jupiter, revealing a peak rate of four strikes per second, comparable to Earth's rates.
Notably, the location of Jupiter's lightning presents a significant divergence from Earth. While Earth's lightning predominantly occurs near the equator, Jupiter's lightning is concentrated near its poles. This contrast stems from Jupiter's distance from the sun, receiving the majority of its heat internally, leading to distinct atmospheric dynamics that create storms and lightning near the poles.
Although researchers are uncertain about the reasons for more lightning in Jupiter's northern hemisphere, ongoing observations by Juno may provide additional insights. NASA recently extended Juno's mission, ensuring more data on Jupiter's atmospheric phenomena until 2021. The spacecraft's continued exploration promises to unravel further mysteries surrounding Jupiter's lightning and enhance our understanding of the gas giant's complex atmosphere.
Gary Bowser, a member of the infamous Team Xecuter Switch modding group, is set to return to his home country of Canada. However, he won't be able to escape the massive $14.5 million repayment he owes to Nintendo, which will surely haunt him for the rest of his days.
Bowser, a figure seemingly plucked from the pages of nominative determinism, has often been labeled a "hacker," but his main role within Team Xecuter was more of a sales and promotion guy. The group, known as TX, specialized in developing and selling jailbreaking devices, with a history that can be traced back to the original Xbox. While these devices allowed for legitimate purposes like homebrew and Linux, they also made it a breeze to load pirated ROMs onto gaming systems. Unlike other groups, Team Xecuter was open about the piracy aspect of their endeavors and even profited from it.
In October 2020, Bowser's arrest, along with other TX members, sent shockwaves through the console hacking community. The Department of Justice orchestrated the arrest and extradition of Gary "GaryOPA" Bowser in the Dominican Republic, Max "MaxiMiLiEN" Louarn in France (later found in Tanzania but not yet extradited), and pursued Yuanning "100+1" Chen in Shenzen, China. It was the brazen nature of their commercial piracy that seemingly pushed Nintendo and the DOJ into action.
Bowser, after pleading guilty to criminal charges, received a sentence of 40 months in prison and was ordered to pay restitution of $4.5 million in February 2022. Prior to that, he had already agreed to pay Nintendo $10 million in a separate civil suit. Bowser admitted in his guilty plea that despite the "tens of millions of dollars" in sales, he personally only made an estimated $320,000 over seven years. He also acknowledged that Team Xecuter's devices were primarily intended for pirated ROM play. Originally, the DOJ sought a 60-month sentence, relying on Nintendo's claims of market losses due to piracy.
After spending 16 months in pretrial custody and factoring in good behavior, Bowser has been moved from federal prison to the Northwest Detention Center in Washington, awaiting his transfer to Canada. The news of his impending release was first revealed by Bowser himself during an appearance on the NickMoses 05 Gaming Podcast, as reported by TorrentFreak.
During his time behind bars, Nintendo has been garnishing Bowser's federal wages through the DOJ. He disclosed to Nick Moses that he has paid $175 since his detention. Bowser further explained that Nintendo will claim 25 to 30 percent of his gross monthly income, and he has a grace period of up to six months before he must start making payments.
Before his involvement in Team Xecuter, Bowser worked as an accountant and had his own repair businesses and consulting work. In his podcast discussion with Moses, he brainstormed potential future job prospects, including vacation rental development. However, given his age, early 50s, and the fact that he is now a convicted felon, it seems highly unlikely that Bowser will amass over $18.1 million CAD necessary to fulfill his US settlements, especially when considering the median salary in Toronto, where he is expected to reside with family, was $85,500 CAD in 2020.
In a remarkable celestial discovery, astronomers have uncovered a hidden secret encircling the dwarf planet Quaoar. Move over Saturn, because Quaoar has joined the ringed celestial club, and it's rewriting the rules of ring formations in our Solar System.
First discovered in 2002 by astronomers Michael Brown and Chadwick Trujillo, Quaoar resides in the icy outskirts of our cosmic neighborhood, known as the Kuiper Belt. This mysterious world orbits at a staggering distance of 45.1-45.6 astronomical units from the Sun, taking a leisurely 284.5 years to complete a full revolution.
However, the recent revelations surrounding Quaoar have left scientists in awe. Researchers, led by Chrystian Luciano Pereira, a Ph.D. student at Brazil''s Observatório Nacional, observed stellar occultations to study the planet''s newfound ring system.
To their surprise, not only did they confirm the existence of Quaoar''s initial ring, dubbed Q1R, but they also stumbled upon an unexpected second ring, aptly named Q2R. Unlike the rings seen around other celestial bodies, Quaoar''s rings exist beyond the traditional boundary known as the Roche limit, where gravity would typically cause them to coalesce into solid objects or disintegrate into particles.
The formation and stability of these rings continue to puzzle scientists. Speculations point to a potential connection between Quaoar''s rotation speed and the orbital speeds of the rings, much like what has been observed with Chariklo and Haumea. Additionally, Q1R displays intriguing variations in width and opacity, featuring dense and opaque regions alongside wider, less opaque areas.
One possible explanation for these unique characteristics lies in the gravitational influence of Quaoar''s moon, Weywot, which orbits at a distance of 24 Quaoar radii. By analyzing the interplay between these elements, astronomers hope to gain deeper insights into the formation and evolution of our Solar System.
This groundbreaking discovery challenges long-held assumptions and prompts a reconsideration of the classical Roche limit theory for smaller planetary bodies. As Chrystian Luciano Pereira suggests, "A better understanding of this process would help us better understand the formation and evolution of our Solar System."
While the secrets of Quaoar''s rings remain shrouded in cosmic mysteries, scientists are excited to continue unraveling the enigma surrounding this remarkable dwarf planet. With each new finding, our knowledge of the universe expands, reminding us of the boundless wonders that await us beyond Earth''s atmosphere.
The study disclosing these extraordinary findings has been published in the esteemed journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, capturing the attention and imagination of stargazers and astronomers worldwide.
NASA announced that Blue Origin has been awarded a contract to supply a lunar lander for the Artemis V moon mission, scheduled for 2029. This comes two years after Blue Origin lost a bid to build similar vehicles for the Artemis III and IV missions.
Leading a consortium that includes Lockheed Martin and Boeing, Blue Origin will design and build the lander with a funding contribution of $3.4 billion from NASA. According to The New York Times, Blue Origin's VP for lunar transportation also confirmed that their company plans to invest even more than the provided funding for the project.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are in a golden age of human spaceflight, which is made possible by NASA's commercial and international partnerships. Together, we are making an investment in the infrastructure that will pave the way to land the first astronauts on Mars."
Now, the real work begins. Blue Origin will commence the design, construction, and testing of a new lander that meets NASA's mission requirements. This includes the capability to dock with Gateway, a planned space station that will facilitate crew transfer into lunar orbit. The contract encompasses an uncrewed moon landing demonstration as well as the crewed Artemis V mission set for 2029.
In 2021, Blue Origin and another company lost a contract to supply vehicles for Artemis III and IV to SpaceX, which aims to return humans to the moon's surface after over half a century. SpaceX's proposal was estimated at $2.9 billion, while Blue Origin's reached $6 billion.
Following the unsuccessful bid, Blue Origin filed a lawsuit against NASA, alleging unfair evaluation of their proposal. However, a subsequent 76-page report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) upheld NASA's decision to choose SpaceX's lower-cost contract. The report cited concerns about Blue Origin's proposal lacking proper safeguards for landing in the dark. The GAO stated that NASA was not obliged to include every minute detail, and Blue Origin should have considered the conditions of the moon and space, including darkness.
Despite the legal setback, Blue Origin has apparently revised its proposal process, addressing previous concerns such as landing in the dark. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, acknowledged the court's judgment and wished "full success for NASA and SpaceX on the contract."
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have uncovered a novel mechanism behind certain types of breast cancer, offering a new perspective on the disease's development. The study, detailed in the journal Nature, identifies genomic reshuffling, involving the rearrangement of chromosomes, as the trigger for breast cancer in cases that defy the classical model of its development. The research challenges the prevailing belief that the hormone estrogen merely fuels breast cancer growth and reveals that estrogen can directly cause genomic rearrangements, shedding light on previously unexplained cases.
In essence, the study suggests that approximately one-third of breast cancer cases may originate from this newly identified mechanism. While estrogen's role in breast cancer has traditionally been viewed as stimulating the proliferation of breast tissue and contributing to cancer-causing mutations, the research demonstrates that estrogen can also induce genomic rearrangements directly.
The team, led by Professor Peter Park, delved into the genomic data of 780 breast cancer cases. They anticipated the classical chromosomal disarray in most samples but were surprised to find a distinctive pattern in one-third of the tumors. Instead of the anticipated misshapen single chromosome, two chromosomes had fused near "hot spots" where cancer genes are located. This pattern indicated a new mechanism by which a "disfigured" chromosome is generated, subsequently contributing to certain breast cancer cases.
Zooming in on the cancer-gene activation hot spots, researchers noted their proximity to estrogen-binding areas on DNA. This observation prompted further experiments with breast cancer cells, exposing them to estrogen and using CRISPR gene editing to make DNA cuts. The repair process resulted in the same genomic rearrangement observed in the genomic analyses.
These findings suggest a new role for estrogen in breast cancer genesis, indicating that estrogen-suppressing drugs, like tamoxifen, may work more directly by preventing estrogen from initiating cancer-causing genomic rearrangements. The study's insights could lead to improved breast cancer testing, enabling the detection of specific genomic rearrangements associated with disease recurrence.
In conclusion, this research challenges conventional understandings of breast cancer development, highlighting the importance of DNA sequencing and data analysis in deepening our understanding of cancer biology. The study's implications may extend beyond breast cancer, emphasizing the broader value of such investigative approaches in comprehending the complexities of cancer development.
This work received funding from various sources, including the Ludwig Center at Harvard, Cancer Grand Challenges, Cancer Research UK, the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, and the National Institutes of Health.