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Health during pregnancy does not cause autism, according to a study of 1.1M pregnancies. Genetics and fetal complications play a much larger role, challenging long-held assumptions about autism risk factors. +.

Summary: A large study analyzing over 1.1 million pregnancies found no strong evidence that maternal health conditions during pregnancy cause autism. Instead, nearly all previously reported associations between maternal diagnoses and autism could be explained by genetic or environmental factors.

Researchers found that only fetal complications remained statistically linked to autism, suggesting these issues might be early signs rather than causes. By analyzing sibling and paternal health records, the study further ruled out many maternal conditions as contributing factors.

The findings emphasize that autism likely begins before birth due to genetic influences rather than maternal health conditions. This research may help alleviate guilt for parents and shift focus toward early diagnosis and support.

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Summary: Scientists have used advanced X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) to uncover how gut health may influence Alzheimer’s disease. The study found structural changes in the gut of Alzheimer’s-affected mice, revealing abnormalities in intestinal cells, neurons, and mucus secretion.

This supports the hypothesis that harmful gut bacteria may escape into circulation, triggering brain inflammation and neurodegeneration. The findings highlight the gut-brain connection and provide a new tool for detecting early disease markers.

Researchers aim to further explore how the enteric nervous system communicates with the brain in Alzheimer’s. The study paves the way for potential new therapeutic targets based on gut health.

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The most complex engineering of human cell lines ever has been achieved by scientists, revealing that our genomes are more resilient to significant structural changes than was previously thought.

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Imperial College London, Harvard University in the US and their collaborators used CRISPR prime editing to create multiple versions of human genomes in cell lines, each with different structural changes. Using genome sequencing, they were able to analyze the genetic effects of these structural variations on .

The research, published in Science, shows that as long as essential genes remain intact, our genomes can tolerate significant structural changes, including large deletions of the genetic code. The work opens the door to studying and predicting the role of structural variation in disease.

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Random noise, such as background hubbub on a phone call, is usually thought of as unwanted interference. Now researchers at Columbia Engineering find the brain may harness unavoidable random fluctuations of its activity to perform useful computations, particularly in tasks relying on memory.

These findings not only deepen our understanding of how the brain works, but also may provide a blueprint for building smarter, more resilient technologies, the research team says.

They detailed their findings Jan. 16 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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This story was updated because it contained an inaccuracy.

Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta Platforms is reportedly in talks to reincorporate in Texas. Like many large U.S. corporations, the social media giant is incorporated in Delaware, but it might soon be migrating south, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

The report comes just weeks after Meta announced it would move its key content policy team to Texas. In a video announcement, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized content censorship and moderation and said he wanted to promote free speech and expression. He also said that Texas was one of the best places to do that.

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Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot has long been admired for its impressive agility, often performing feats that seem to defy the limits of humanoid robotics. But now, Atlas has reached a new milestone in its evolution—autonomy. Thanks to advancements in both hardware and software, Atlas is no longer just a display of physical prowess. It can now complete tasks independently, operating without the need for pre-programmed movements or human control.

Since its unveiling in 2013, Atlas has undergone continuous improvements, transforming from a partially hydraulic machine to a fully electrified robot. This change alone marked a significant shift in its capabilities, providing better efficiency and flexibility. However, it’s not just about the hardware—Atlas now boasts the ability to think on its feet. A recent demonstration showcased the robot’s impressive ability to move objects autonomously. In the video, Atlas was given a list of locations where it needed to place engine parts. With this simple instruction, the robot set to work, moving the pieces with remarkable fluidity and precision.

This isn’t just about lifting heavy objects. Atlas has been designed to navigate and adapt to changing environments. The use of machine learning has strengthened its ability to perceive and interact with the world around it. Through enhanced vision systems, Atlas can analyze its surroundings and adjust its actions accordingly. For example, when it encountered difficulty in placing one of the parts, Atlas immediately recalibrated its movements, showing an impressive level of adaptability.

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