Lifeboat Foundation

The immune system has a biological telecommunications system—small proteins known as interleukins that send signals among the leukocyte white blood cells to control their defense against infections or nascent cancer. Interleukin-6, or IL-6, is one of these key mediators of inflammation, and it can, as needed, provoke the immune system into attack against pathogens.

However, imbalances of IL-6—too much or too little—can cause disease, even in the absence of infection. Excess IL-6 is central to the pathogenesis of inflammatory reactions like rheumatoid disease and cytokine storms, while mutations that interrupt IL-6 signaling are also harmful, causing allergic disorders known as atopy that affect the skin, airways or body, including atopic dermatitis, allergic airway inflammation and hyper-IgE Syndrome, or HIES.

Loss of IL-6 signaling was known to cause an increase in inflammatory T helper 2, or Th2, cells. T helper cells act like generals, ordering other immune cells into action. Now, an unrecognized mechanism of how interrupted IL-6 signaling creates Th2 bias, as well as the specific role of IL-6 signaling in that process, has been described by Beatriz Léon, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Their study is published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology.

Will it ever be possible for us, humans, to travel to another star system?
This video was inspired by a debate that took place on an article I wrote on that same topic.

Some peole argue the distance is just to far, therefore it will be imossible.

Continue reading “Will we as humans even reach another star system?” »

In Meta’s Q1 earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg fights back against claims the company is abandoning the metaverse.

Physicists have achieved a significant milestone in the world of quantum physics by recreating the famous double-slit experiment in time.

Mathematicians have uncovered a universal explanatory framework that provides a “window into evolution.” This framework explains how molecules interact with each other in adapting to changing conditions while still maintaining tight control over essential properties that are crucial for survival.

According to Dr. Araujo from the QUT School of Mathematical Sciences, the research results provide a blueprint for the creation of signaling networks that are capable of adapting across all life forms and for the design of synthetic biological systems.

“Our study considers a process called robust perfect adaptation (RPA) whereby biological systems, from individual cells to entire organisms, maintain important molecules within narrow concentration ranges despite continually being bombarded with disturbances to the system,” Dr. Araujo said.

For the first time, researchers have demonstrated a prototype lidar system that uses quantum detection technology to acquire 3D images while submerged underwater. The high sensitivity of this system could allow it to capture detailed information even in extremely low-light conditions found underwater.

“This technology could be useful for a wide range of applications,” said research team member Aurora Maccarone, a Royal Academy of Engineering research fellow from Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom. “For example, it could be used to inspect underwater installations, such as underwater wind farm cables and the submerged structure of the turbines. Underwater lidar can also be used for monitoring or surveying submerged archaeology sites and for security and defense applications.”

Continue reading “Quantum lidar prototype acquires real-time 3D images while fully submerged underwater” »

The xenobot had been predicted to be a valuable tool in medicine and other fields. It is expected not only to help treat cancer but keep the aquatic bodies clean.

Ever imagined a world where we could utilize the power of a living cell to carry out certain functions? Just like we have robots that help in several aspects of our lives, some scientists in US universities have come up with a living robot known as the xenobot.

The xenobot had been predicted to be a valuable tool in medicine and other fields. In years to come, it wouldn’t only help treat cancer, but it would help keep the aquatic bodies clean.

A team of MIT researchers has developed a bio-inspired platform that enables engineers to study soft robot co-design called a “SoftZoo” due to the fact that it was inspired by animal-like robots.

This is according to a report by the institution published on Tuesday.

In the platform can be found 3D models of animals such as panda bears, fishes, sharks, and caterpillars.

“Our robots are born from sculptors for sculpture,” says the artist.

A new startup called Robotor is seeking to revolutionize how sculptures are made by simplifying the sculpting process with the use of robotics and artificial intelligence. Founded by Filippo Tincolini and Giacomo Massari, the new company aims to make these works of art faster and easier to produce and even more sustainable.

Continue reading “Italian startup carves sculptures with robotic arm guided by AI” »