Urea is considered a possible key molecule in the origin of life. ETH researchers have discovered a previously unknown way in which this building block can form spontaneously on aqueous surfaces without the need for any additional energy.
Urea is one of the most important industrial chemicals produced worldwide. It is used as a fertilizer, for the production of synthetic resins and explosives and as a fuel additive for cleaning car exhaust gases. Urea is also believed to be a potential key building block for the formation of biological molecules such as RNA and DNA in connection with the question of the origin of life.
Until now, the origin of urea itself on early Earth has not been conclusively clarified.
In recent years, energy engineers have been working on a wide range of technologies that could help to generate and store electrical power more sustainably. These include electrolyzers, devices that could use electricity sourced via photovoltaics, wind turbines or other energy technologies to split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), via a process known as electrolysis.
The hydrogen produced by electrolyzers could in turn be used in fuel cells, devices that convert the chemical energy in hydrogen into electricity without combustion and could be used to power trucks, buses, forklifts and various other heavy vehicles, or could provide back-up power for hospitals, data centers and other facilities.
Many recently designed electrolyzers prompt the splitting of water into hydrogen using a proton exchange membrane (PEM), a membrane that selectively allows protons (H+) to pass through, while blocking gases.
A recent study has shed light on the brain structure differences associated with psychopathy—a condition known to be one of the strongest predictors of persistent violent behavior.
The findings are published in the journal European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience.
Using advanced neuroimaging and the Julich-Brain Atlas, researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen University, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Georg August University, (Germany) and University of Pennsylvania (U.S.) have identified specific brain networks that appear to be structurally altered in individuals exhibiting psychopathic traits. The Atlas can be freely accessed via the EBRAINS Research Infrastructure.
Optical biosensors use light waves as a probe to detect molecules, and are essential for precise medical diagnostics, personalized medicine, and environmental monitoring.
Two German physicists have unveiled a compact magnet layout that outperforms the famed Halbach array, delivering stronger, more even magnetic fields without bulky superconductors.
Their 3D-printed ring stacks matched analytic predictions and could slash the cost of MRI machines while opening doors for levitation tech and particle accelerators.
The National Stem Cell Foundation, which is based in Louisville, has been awarded a $3.1 million grant from NASA to continue research on brain cell behavior in space as a way to find treatments and cures for neurogenerative conditions, and Kentucky is investing $300,000 toward the project as part of a 10% match.
Kentucky’s portion was allocated in the 2024 legislative session in Senate Bill 1. The announcement was made Wednesday, March 26 at the Kentucky State Capitol.
Pointing to the space research Kentucky students have done at the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics and NASA’s presence at Morehead State University, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said it was easy for him and his colleagues to support this type of research in hopes of making Kentucky a hub for it.
Zimislecel is an allogeneic stem cell–derived islet-cell therapy. Data on the safety and efficacy of zimislecel in persons with type 1 diabetes are needed.
Our brains may work best when teetering on the edge of chaos. A new theory suggests that criticality a sweet spot between order and randomness is the secret to learning, memory, and adaptability. When brains drift from this state, diseases like Alzheimer s can take hold. Detecting and restoring criticality could transform diagnosis and treatment.
*Apply to join Foresight Biotech & Health Extension program:* https://foresight.org/biotech-health-extension-program/ A group of scientists, entrepreneurs, funders, and institutional allies who cooperate to advance biotechnology to reverse aging and extend human healthspan. This group is sponsored by 100 Plus Capital. http://100pluscap.com/
*Foresights Personal Longevity Group* Exploring anti-aging methods, monthly virtual meetings, expert discussions, private group for Foresight Patrons. https://foresight.org/personal-longevity-group/
*Brad Younggren | Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE): A Tool Against Aging and Disease* Bio: Brad Younggren, MD, is CEO and co-founder of Circulate Health, a company dedicated to extending human healthspan. A former U.S. Army physician, Dr. Younggren served as a combat physician in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge. An emergency medicine specialist and seasoned healthcare executive, Younggren has led teams at the cutting edge of medicine for decades. Most recently, he was President and Chief Medical Officer at 98point6, where he led the development and launch of AI-powered primary care solutions. He previously served as CMO at Cue Health, Shift Labs, and Mobisante. At Circulate, Younggren leads an expert team of clinicians and scientists working to harness the potential of therapeutic plasma exchange to advance health and longevity. https://www.circulate.health/
Abstract: Aging is the primary risk factor for most chronic diseases, driving over 90% of U.S. healthcare expenditures. However, emerging science suggests that aging itself can be targeted as a modifiable process. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is a promising intervention that removes harmful substances from the bloodstream, reducing inflammation, disease burden, and potentially reversing aspects of biological aging. Circulate Health is pioneering this space, with clinical trial data demonstrating measurable reductions in biological age and improvements in key biomarkers. Beyond its longevity benefits, recent findings suggest TPE may help reduce microplastics and other environmental toxins—offering a practical, scalable approach to mitigating modern health threats. In this talk, we’ll explore the science behind TPE, its clinical applications, and why Circulate Health’s model makes this groundbreaking treatment accessible to more patients and clinics.
