Hey there, welcome to my blog Mufawad. In this monthly writeup, I try to unveil the latest breakthroughs & uncover tomorrow's possibilities in the field of science. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a science enthusiast, this article will provide you an engaging and informative insights and current updates in scientific world. Plus, as a compliment, you will get a peep into quirky AI images generated by me related to those very particular topics.
So, Let’s delve into the new scientific research that happened in the past month or so and explore the latest technologies that are being created and breakthroughs that were achieved in this field.
In the current blog, you will read about the following science events of the month:
Above ninety percent children feel likely to die in Gaza
AI helping decode the sounds in the wild
Trump-Musk partnership to affect science in the US
Mars rover exploring oldest rocks in solar system after an epic climb
Norway gives up on Deep-sea mining in the Artic
Researchers create colour changing clothes to regulate body temperature
Skin found to have its own immune system
All about the new diseases “Hypochondria”
Study that promised Hydroxychloroquine as Covid treatment retracted
Whale species ‘never seen alive’ dissected to reveal its mysteries
‘Eat less live long’ says research
Does Probability “probably” even exist!
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| Current Science Report: December 2024, Mufawad |
Above ninety percent children feel likely to die in Gaza
A recent study has revealed the severe psychological impact of the Gaza war on children. The survey found that 96% of children feel their death is imminent, with almost half expressing a desire to die due to the trauma they have endured due to Israeli aggression.
Many children have witnessed bombings, lost loved ones, and been displaced or separated from their families. As a result, symptoms like nightmares, aggression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are common.
The survey also highlighted the vulnerability of unaccompanied children, with 17,000 estimated to be separated from their families, though the actual number could be higher. These children are at increased risk of exploitation and abuse.
The report calls for urgent international intervention to prevent the long-lasting effects of trauma that could impact the region for generations.
Courtesy: Guardian
AI helping decode the sounds in the wild
Animal vocalizations, such as those of dolphins, elephants, and birds, have specific structures and patterns. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used to decode these sounds, offering hope for a better understanding of animal communication. Recent studies have shown that elephants and marmoset monkeys appear to use names for individuals within their groups, and researchers are mapping crow vocalizations with AI. As machine learning tools advance, AI may help uncover how animals communicate and enhance conservation efforts.
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| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
Despite promising progress, experts caution that achieving something like a "Google Translate" for animals is unlikely soon. David Gruber, founder of the Cetacean Translation Initiative, points out that AI's success in understanding human language relies on vast amounts of data, a luxury not yet available for animal communication. While AI has sped up the process of cataloguing whale sounds, it has also revealed new complexities in whale vocalizations, such as variations in rhythm and tempo, which researchers believe could be used to convey complex information.
Some animals, such as African elephants and marmosets, also seem to use unique vocalizations to identify individuals, a discovery made through machine learning. This insight could have significant implications for understanding social structures and for conservation efforts. For instance, Pardo's research suggests that elephants may use vocalizations to identify individuals within their groups, potentially aiding conservationists in managing populations.
However, there is scepticism among some scientists, like Caroline Casey, who believes that AI, while helpful, can't replace the need for fieldwork and human intuition. AI might uncover patterns in animal calls, but interpreting these patterns still requires human observation and understanding. Furthermore, AI models trained on animal sounds are still in early stages, and determining the true meaning of these sounds remains a challenge.
Despite these challenges, AI offers the potential to improve conservation efforts by helping researchers understand animals' behaviors and social structures more deeply. Researchers in Dominica, for example, highlights the impact of human activities on whale populations, emphasizing the importance of understanding animals as individuals and protecting their habitats. They believe we should be more focused on what animals have to say about their environment and how humans treat them, rather than on direct communication with animals.
Courtesy: Nature
Trump-Musk partnership to affect science in the US
Billionaire Elon Musk, known for revolutionizing electric vehicles and space exploration, has recently become a significant political figure in the United States. In addition to contributing over $250 million to Republican Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, Musk has used his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to challenge vaccine safety and climate science. Now, he is teaming up with Trump on a new mission to downsize the US government, which could include reducing the budgets and workforces of science agencies that have been critical to the growth of Musk's companies, Tesla and SpaceX. This has raised concerns among the research community about his political influence and its implications for science both in the US and globally.
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Musk’s new role as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he will co-chair with biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to eliminate what they see as unnecessary regulations and reduce the size of the federal workforce.
In a recent editorial, Musk and Ramaswamy criticized “unelected bureaucrats,” including scientists, who they claim are stifling industry with excessive regulations. They promised significant cuts across the federal bureaucracy, though how these cuts will be implemented remains unclear.
Musk’s vision aligns with Trump’s deregulatory agenda, which may include rolling back environmental and health regulations, similar to actions taken during Trump’s first term. However, the impact of government regulations on innovation is debated. While some argue that regulations can hinder growth, others, like economist Robert Atkinson, point out that certain regulations are necessary to protect public health and foster innovation. There are concerns that cutting too many regulations could ultimately stifle innovation rather than promote it.
Musk’s plan to cut 75% of federal workers and $2 trillion from the government’s budget is considered unrealistic by many policy experts. While the total federal budget is about $6.8 trillion, most of it is dedicated to mandatory programs such as health care and retirement benefits, leaving only a small portion for discretionary spending that includes funding for science agencies. The political climate may be more favourable for Musk’s plans with a Republican-controlled Congress, but past efforts to cut federal agencies have been met with resistance.
Musk’s political influence could significantly affect various scientific fields. For example, his advocacy for artificial intelligence (AI) safety, through his company XAI, could lead to support for the establishment of an AI governance framework in the US. Additionally, Musk's support for space exploration is likely to result in cuts to NASA funding, and he may push for accelerated plans to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars, potentially favoring his SpaceX company’s Starship over other NASA projects.
Despite Musk’s right to advocate for his companies and ideas, critics worry about the concentration of power in the hands of a few wealthy individuals. Some argue that such influence over government decisions may not align with the best interests of the American public.
Courtesy: Nature
Mars rover exploring oldest rocks in solar system after an epic climb
After months of climbing up the side of Jezero Crater, NASA's Perseverance rover has finally reached the rim, entering an unexplored 4-billion-year-old landscape. This area is home to some of the oldest rocks in the Solar System, potentially offering crucial insights into whether Mars once supported life when it was warmer and wetter. Since landing in Jezero almost four years ago, Perseverance has been investigating the crater's floor and a fossilized river delta for signs of life, collecting rock and soil samples along the way. The rover has already stored 16 samples, and there are 11 empty tubes remaining to be filled with new rocks from this fresh Martian terrain.
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NASA plans to eventually retrieve these samples and bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis, though the mission's high cost has raised questions about funding. Perseverance's climb up Jezero’s rim, which took it 500 meters higher than before, was a significant achievement. The edge of the crater is geologically important, as it was once an ancient lake, and the rim would have been its shoreline. To commemorate this milestone, Perseverance took a panoramic photo of the landscape, providing a stunning view of its surroundings.
The rover’s next destination is Witch Hazel Hill, where layers of rock could hold valuable geological information. Perseverance will also explore rock ridges that may reveal evidence of an ancient hydrothermal system, possibly linked to past life on Mars. The newly collected rocks will take time to analyze, as they differ significantly from those already found inside Jezero.
One of the most intriguing samples already stored on Perseverance is from Cheyava Falls. The rock features leopard-like spots, a pattern on Earth known to harbor microbes. The dark rims of these spots contain iron and phosphate, along with organic compounds that could indicate past life. Researchers are particularly excited about this sample, as it suggests the possibility of ancient life in Mars’ history.
NASA is working on a more cost-effective plan for returning the samples to Earth and is expected to announce details early next year. This revised plan might involve using a smaller rocket to reduce costs. The future path of Perseverance may be influenced by the chosen method for returning the samples, which could require the rover to revisit Jezero Crater or deliver them from farther out on the plains. Additionally, the Perseverance mission’s companion, the Ingenuity helicopter, continues to send weather reports, although it is now immobilized after crashing in January. The two machines will soon lose contact as the rover moves farther from the helicopter.
Courtesy: Nature
Norway gives up on Deep-sea mining in the Artic
Norway has paused plans to issue deep-sea mining exploration permits in 2025 after the left-wing SV party conditioned its support for the 2025 budget on halting the process. While preparatory work, such as drafting regulations and assessing environmental impacts, will continue, WWF-Norway hailed the suspension as a significant environmental victory.
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The planned mining area, spanning 280,000 square kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, is rich in copper, cobalt, and rare earth minerals essential for green technologies. However, scientists and environmentalists warn of potential irreversible damage to Arctic ecosystems, home to diverse marine species. Concerns include underwater noise pollution and sediment plumes, which could harm marine life. WWF and Norway's Environment Agency have criticized the lack of environmental data, with WWF suing the government over insufficient impact assessments.
Despite claims from companies like Green Minerals that they can minimize ecological harm by avoiding active hydrothermal vents, experts argue more research—up to a decade—is needed before mining begins. Critics also question the necessity of deep-sea mining, citing advancements in battery technology and recycling that may reduce reliance on these minerals.
While some nations advocate for immediate deep-sea mining, over 30 countries and major corporations like Apple and BMW oppose it, calling for a moratorium. Norway’s upcoming 2025 elections could influence the future of the paused licensing round, with pro-mining parties currently leading polls. WWF hopes the delay will prompt more cautious decision-making. The outcome of WWF’s ongoing court case against the government is expected in January, with both sides prepared to appeal.
Courtesy: DW
Researchers create colour changing clothes to regulate body temperature
A new color-changing fabric can adaptively cool or heat without external energy. This material, designed for uses like smart clothing and tents, offers scalable production and potential applications across surfaces like wood, metal, and paper.
The key lies in a sprayable solution containing thermochromic microcapsules made from crystal violet lactone, bisphenol A (BPA), and tetradecanol, encased in a protective polymer. At low temperatures, the lactone reacts with BPA to form a black complex that absorbs sunlight, while at higher temperatures, it reverts to a white form that reflects sunlight. This enables automatic temperature regulation based on ambient conditions.
Tests on jackets and tents showed the fabric cooling interiors by up to 8.5°C and heating by 6.7°C, maintaining a comfortable range between 19°C and 26°C across varying outdoor temperatures. The production scale currently reaches 0.8 by 10 meters.
The innovation combines solar heating and radiative cooling without extra energy, enhanced by barium sulfate to improve heat emission and sunlight reflection. Wrapped in reduced graphene oxide, the microcapsules resist UV degradation, ensuring durability.
Experts highlight the fabric's scalability and sustainability, while cautioning that further studies are needed to confirm safety for humans and the environment. Potential applications include roofs, refrigerated storage, and temperature sensors, though performance may vary depending on the substrate material.
Courtesy: Chemistry World
Skin found to have its own immune system
Recent studies reveal that the skin, once thought to be a passive barrier, can produce its own antibodies to combat infections. This surprising finding could lead to the development of needle-free vaccines that are applied directly to the skin. Researchers have observed immune responses in the skin during infections before, but seeing these reactions in healthy skin is a breakthrough. Daniel Kaplan, a dermatologist and immunologist, describes the discovery of a "semi-autonomous immune system in a peripheral tissue" as thrilling.
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The skin’s immune system must distinguish between harmful pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. Research previously showed that in adult mice raised without microbes, harmless Staphylococcus epidermidis, a bacterium commonly found on human skin, could trigger immune responses, including the production of T cells that enhance local immunity. Michael Fischbach, a microbiologist, explains that the immune system's response to this harmless bacterium is much stronger than previously understood.
In experiments with mice, Fischbach's team found that S. epidermidis activated B cells, which are crucial for producing antibodies. These antibodies persisted for at least 200 days and were generated without prior exposure to other microbes. Remarkably, the immune response occurred even when lymph nodes, which typically help activate immune cells, were disabled. The presence of S. epidermidis also led to the creation of specialized immune structures in the skin that attract T and B cells, further boosting antibody production.
Building on this, Fischbach’s team explored how they could harness the immune response triggered by S. epidermidis to develop a new vaccine. In a follow-up study, they showed that S. epidermidis can trigger an antibody response similar to that seen with traditional vaccines. By modifying S. epidermidis to present foreign proteins, such as part of the tetanus toxin, they successfully induced immune responses in the mice, offering protection against a lethal dose of the toxin.
Fischbach’s work contributes to the growing interest in vaccines that stimulate immunity in mucosal areas, which could prevent respiratory and other infections before they spread. One major advantage of this approach is that the engineered S. epidermidis could be applied as a cream to the skin, making it inexpensive, easy to distribute, and not requiring health-care workers for administration. This could be especially valuable in underserved regions.
While the concept of using S. epidermidis to develop vaccines is innovative, skin immunologist Thomas Kupper from Harvard Medical School cautions that it’s still uncertain whether this immune response is as strong in humans as it is in mice. Early data suggest humans have high levels of antibodies against S. epidermidis, but further research is needed to prove the safety and effectiveness of this method in humans. Fischbach emphasizes that for this approach to be used in real-world applications, it must undergo rigorous testing in non-human primates and humans to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Courtesy: Azerteg
All about the new diseases “Hypochondria”
Psychiatrist Brian Fallon at Columbia University often uses Henry Maudsley's quote, “The sorrow which has no vent in tears may make other organs weep,” to illustrate the effects of severe health anxiety. Such anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches or rapid heartbeats, often misinterpreted as serious illnesses. Hal Rosenbluth, a businessman, shared his struggles with hypochondria, recounting unnecessary medical procedures prompted by his extreme worry about symptoms caused by a new diabetes medication.
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Hypochondria can severely impact daily life, making basic tasks difficult. Modern research confirms that it is a legitimate condition, similar to depression and PTSD, with increased risks of suicide. Researchers have identified two related disorders related to Hypochondria: illness anxiety disorder (excessive fear of illness) and somatic symptom disorder (intense worry about actual symptoms). Cyberchondria, a newer phenomenon, involves excessive online health research, often worsening anxiety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, have proven effective for treatment. A combination of both works best. Studies suggest CBT is more effective for illness anxiety disorder, while somatic symptom disorder responds better to SSRIs. Miscommunication by doctors, such as dismissing concerns, often exacerbates the problem.
The condition’s prevalence ranges from 0.03% to 8.5% in medical settings, with the COVID-19 pandemic increasing cases. Historically, hypochondria was viewed as a psychological or fashionable condition, but research by psychiatrists like Arthur Barsky and Fallon has shifted focus to more precise diagnoses and treatments. Studies show hypochondria patients often struggle with interpreting health risks and remain anxious even after reassurances.
Efforts to manage hypochondria include emphasizing high chances of not having a disease, rather than low chances of having one. In Sweden, researchers found that hypochondria significantly raises the risk of early death, particularly by suicide, though the absolute risk remains low. These findings underscore the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Therapies like CBT help patients manage intrusive thoughts by reframing them and creating action plans. Online therapy and telehealth have also shown promise. Compassionate communication from doctors and support from loved ones can make a difference. Researchers continue to explore ways to improve conversations with patients and deliver effective treatments.
Courtesy: Scientific America
Whale species ‘never seen alive’ dissected to reveal its mysteries
The spade-toothed whale, the world’s rarest whale with only seven ever recorded (that too dead), remains largely a mystery. On Monday, scientists and cultural experts in New Zealand began studying a well-preserved specimen that washed ashore in July—the first ever to be dissected.
Anton van Helden, a senior marine science adviser who named the species, called the event extraordinary. Despite decades of research, little is known about the whale, including its habitat, diet, or anatomy. This 5-meter male, found unblemished apart from cookiecutter shark marks, may yield insights into its biology, sound production, and parasites.
New Zealand, known for frequent whale strandings, first identified the species from bones in 1872, with DNA confirming its distinctiveness in 2002. However, researchers couldn’t confirm it wasn’t extinct until 2010, when two whole specimens were discovered.
The dissection, conducted in partnership with Māori, honors the whale as a taonga (treasure) and involves traditional customs such as karakia (prayers).
Spade-toothed whales likely inhabit the Southern Pacific’s deep trenches, rarely surfacing, which may explain their elusiveness. Researchers hope studying the species will shed light on its mysterious life and broader implications for marine ecosystems and human health.
Courtesy: AP
Study that promised Hydroxychloroquine as Covid treatment retracted
A controversial study that initially promoted hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug, as a treatment for COVID-19 has been officially retracted. The retraction was issued by Elsevier, which owns the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, on Tuesday. The publishing company cited concerns regarding the study's adherence to ethical research policies and methodology, particularly in relation to human participants. Notably, three of the study’s authors also raised concerns about its methodology and conclusions.
The investigation, conducted by Elsevier’s research integrity team and the journal's co-owner, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found multiple issues with the study. These included the inability to confirm whether ethical approval was obtained before patient data was collected and whether there was equipoise, meaning genuine uncertainty in the medical community regarding the preferred treatment. There were also concerns about whether participants had given informed consent to receive azithromycin, an antibiotic that was part of the treatment regimen in the study, alongside hydroxychloroquine.
In the original study, hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness in treating COVID-19 was claimed to be enhanced by its use with azithromycin. However, the journal stated that it could not confirm whether azithromycin was considered standard care at the time of the study. Since the publication, three of the study’s authors—Johan Courjon, Valérie Giordanengo, and Stéphane Honoré—expressed their concerns about the study’s results and requested their names be removed.
The study, published in March 2020, became the most-cited COVID-19 study to be retracted and the second-most-cited retracted paper overall. At the time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine, and then-President Donald Trump promoted it as a potential "miracle drug" for COVID-19. However, subsequent studies, including one published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, found that hydroxychloroquine increased the likelihood of death from COVID-19 by 11%.
Following the retraction, the French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics denounced the study as scientific misconduct, accusing it of data manipulation and bias in its interpretation. The society criticized the study for contributing to the global overprescription of hydroxychloroquine, putting millions of patients at unnecessary risk and potentially causing thousands of avoidable deaths. It emphasized that the promotion of hydroxychloroquine violated the fundamental medical principle of primum non nocere—"first, do no harm."
Courtesy: Guardian
‘Eat less live long’ says research
A study published in Science has uncovered a genetic mechanism that may explain how eating less can extend life. Researchers found that reducing glucose intake in yeast cells by up to 75% increased their lifespan by 25%. The key discovery involves the gene SIR2, which plays a crucial role in this life-span extension. When researchers knocked out SIR2, caloric restriction no longer extended the yeast cells' lifespan, highlighting its importance.
SIR2 requires a molecule called NAD to be activated, so the researchers also deleted the NPT1 gene, which is involved in producing NAD. Without NPT1, the cells did not benefit from caloric restriction, reinforcing the role of NAD in activating SIR2. In cells on a restricted diet, more NAD is available to activate SIR2, which in turn "silences" certain genes that prevent harmful chromosomal changes. SIR2 also suppresses the formation of short, circular DNA fragments, which accumulate with age and shorten the lifespan of yeast.
While mammals do not accumulate these circular DNA fragments, they do have a SIR2-like gene that is regulated by NAD and silences chromosomes. If this gene plays a similar role in aging in humans, it could provide a promising target for developing drugs that slow aging. However, Judith Campisi, an aging researcher, cautioned that while the study offers an important molecular clue to aging, it is far from being a breakthrough for reversing aging or finding a "fountain of youth." Still, the findings hold promise for advancing our understanding of human aging.
Courtesy: Science.org
Does Probability ‘probably’ even exist!
Life is inherently unpredictable, with limited knowledge of past events or the broader present. Uncertainty, often called the "conscious awareness of ignorance," applies to diverse scenarios like tomorrow's weather, future champions, or distant ancestors. We typically express uncertainty with terms like "might" or "likely," but such language can be misleading. For instance, a CIA plan with a reported 30% success rate was simplified as a "fair chance," leading to the Bay of Pigs fiasco. To address this, scales now exist to interpret uncertain terms as probabilities.
Probability, central to science and daily life, originates from subjective judgments and assumptions rather than being an inherent property of the world. While fields like weather forecasting or clinical trials rely heavily on probability, these figures reflect collective judgments, not "true" values. Historical development began with Pascal and Fermat's 17th-century analysis of chance, expanding to disciplines like finance, law, and physics.
Consider weather forecasts: predictions of rain (e.g., 70%) lack a measurable "true" probability. Probability also toggles between randomness (aleatory uncertainty) and ignorance (epistemic uncertainty). Even models and assumptions, such as a coin toss being 50-50, involve subjective trust, which can be flawed.
In science, probabilities are derived from assumptions. For example, during COVID-19, trials of dexamethasone showed a 29% lower mortality rate with a high confidence level. However, these probabilities depend on model assumptions, such as participant independence. While robust signals validate findings, marginal results warrant sensitivity analyses, embodying the adage: "All models are wrong, but some are useful."
The debate over probability's objectivity spans centuries. Frequentist approaches define probabilities through infinite repetitions, while others view them as subjective judgments. Rare cases, like dice rolls or genetics, align with objective probabilities. However, in most scenarios—science, sports, climate, or economics—probabilities reflect collective uncertainty.
Subjective probability links to judgments, as seen in Frank Ramsey's and Bruno de Finetti's early works. Ramsey derived probability laws from preferences for gambles, while de Finetti, known for "exchangeability," demonstrated that subjective convictions mimic objective chances. This pragmatic approach shows probabilities, though elusive, are essential tools for scientific and practical applications.
In conclusion, probability might not objectively exist, but acting as if it does is often indispensable.
Courtesy: Scientific America
