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May 8, 2020

Researchers explore quantum computing to discover possible COVID-19 treatments

Posted by in categories: quantum physics, robotics/AI

Quantum machine learning, an emerging field that combines machine learning and quantum physics, is the focus of research to discover possible treatments for COVID-19, according to Penn State researchers led by Swaroop Ghosh, the Joseph R. and Janice M. Monkowski Career Development Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering. The researchers believe that this method could be faster and more economical than the current methods used for drug discovery.

Seed funding from the Penn State Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, as part of their rapid-response seed funding for research across the University to address COVID-19, is supporting this work.

“Discovering any new drug that can cure a disease is like finding a needle in a haystack,” Ghosh said.

May 8, 2020

In situ Fabrication of Nano ZnO/BCM Biocomposite Based on MA Modified Bacterial Cellulose Membrane for Antibacterial and Wound Healing

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, chemistry, nanotechnology

Developing an ideal wound dressing that meets the multiple demands of safe and practical, good biocompatibility, superior mechanical property and excellent antibacterial activity is highly desirable for wound healing. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is one of such promising class of biopolymers since it can control wound exudates and can provide moist environment to a wound resulting in better wound healing. However, the lack of antibacterial activity has limited its application.

We prepared a flexible dressing based on a bacterial cellulose membrane and then modified it by chemical crosslinking to prepare in situ synthesis of nZnO/BCM via a facile and eco-friendly approach. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that nZnO/BCM membranes were characterized by an ideal porous structure (pore size: 30~ 90 μm), forming a unique string-beaded morphology. The average water vapor transmission of nZnO/BCM was 2856.60 g/m2/day, which improved the moist environment of nZnO/BCM. ATR-FITR further confirmed the stepwise deposition of nano-zinc oxide. Tensile testing indicated that our nanocomposites were flexible, comfortable and resilient. Bacterial suspension assay and plate counting methods demonstrated that 5wt. % nZnO/BCM possessed excellent antibacterial activity against S.aureus and E. coli, while MTT assay demonstrated that they had no measurable cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells.

May 8, 2020

Scientists demonstrate quantum radar prototype

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, quantum physics, security

Physicists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) have invented a new radar prototype that uses quantum entanglement as a method of object detection. This successful integration of quantum mechanics into devices could significantly impact the biomedical and security industries. The research is published in the journal Science Advances.

Quantum entanglement is a physical phenomenon whereby two particles remain interconnected, sharing physical traits regardless of how far apart they are from one another. Now, scientists from the research group of Professor Johannes Fink at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) along with collaborators Stefano Pirandola from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of York, UK, and David Vitali from the University of Camerino, Italy—have demonstrated a new type of detection technology called microwave quantum illumination that utilizes entangled as a method of detection. The prototype, which is also known as a quantum , is able to detect objects in noisy thermal environments where classical radar systems often fail. The technology has potential applications for ultra-low power biomedical imaging and security scanners.

May 8, 2020

Hungry monkeys brawl over food as coronavirus hits tourism in Thailand

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, food

A large crowd of monkeys has been filmed brawling over a pot of yoghurt in a street in Thailand. A fall in tourist numbers amid the Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in far fewer people offering them food. The video was filmed in Lopburi, a city north-east of Bangkok that is famed for its monkey population

How to stop the spread of coronavirus ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jpXAMwRSu4

Continue reading “Hungry monkeys brawl over food as coronavirus hits tourism in Thailand” »

May 8, 2020

CRISPR Used Inside a Person’s Body for the First Time Ever

Posted by in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, genetics

Doctors at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland have announced the first-ever use of the revolutionary gene editing tool, CRISPR, inside of a person’s body. The tool was used to modify the genes responsible for a particular form of inherited blindness, and those responsible for the pioneering effort say there is real potential here to not only restore the patient’s vision, but open up a new line of medicines specifically used to target and alter DNA.

In an Associated Press report, which comes via NBC, the companies that make the treatment used in the procedure, including Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Editas Medicine and Dublin-based Allergan, highlighted the possibilities moving forward if the trial proves to be successful. Charles Albright, chief scientific officer at Editas, said that “We literally have the potential to take people who are essentially blind and make them see.”

Continue reading “CRISPR Used Inside a Person’s Body for the First Time Ever” »

May 8, 2020

Mushroom sales soar as Americans cook more at home during pandemic

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 17 (UPI) — As produce sales at grocery stores surge during the coronavirus pandemic, one item is selling particularly well — mushrooms.

During the last week of March, fresh mushroom sales were up 18 percent over the same time last year, compared to an 8 percent rise in overall fresh produce sales, according to the Chicago-based data and analytics firm IRI.

“We take heart in those numbers,” said Eric Davis, a spokesman for the Mushroom Council, an industry group based in Redwood Shores, Calif. “We take heart that we’re in that group of staple items. You look for bright spots during this time, and that is one for us.”

May 8, 2020

The animal that regrows its head

Posted by in category: futurism

Could a sea creature with unusual regenerative powers show humans how to do the same? Tracey Logan reports.

May 8, 2020

Direct Laser Cooling to Bose-Einstein Condensation in a Dipole Trap

Posted by in category: futurism

A new scheme for cooling ${}^{87}$Rb to Bose-Einstein condensation uses only lasers, unlike the usual method combining laser and evaporation cooling.

May 8, 2020

Podcast #45: The Post Covid-19 Future, Part 2, Economics and Investing with Jim Lee

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, economics, finance

“The main purpose of the stock market is to make fools of as many men as possible.”–Bernard Baruch.

May 8, 2020

Three Brilliant Innovations in Synthetic Foods

Posted by in categories: energy, food

Food from electricity, NASA’s attempt to create food from rocket fuel, and other brilliant and bizarre innovations in synthetic foods.