Lifeboat Foundation

Engineers at JPL built the machine. It just passed a key test.

Researchers have developed a number of potassium ion (K⁺) probes to detect fluctuating K⁺ concentrations during a variety of biological processes. However, such probes are not sensitive enough to detect physiological fluctuations in living animals and it is not easy to monitor deep tissues with short-wavelength excitations that are in use so far. In a new report, Jianan Liu and a team of researchers in neuroscience, chemistry, and molecular engineering in China, describe a highly sensitive and selective nanosensor for near infrared (NIR) K⁺ ion imaging in living cells and animals. The team constructed the nanosensor by encapsulating upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and a commercial potassium ion indicator in the hollow cavity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coated them with a K⁺ selective filter membrane. The membrane adsorbed K⁺ from the medium and filtered away any interfering cations. In its mechanism of action, UCNPs converted NIR to ultraviolet (UV) light to excite the potassium ion indicator and detect fluctuating potassium ion concentrations in cultured cells and in animal models of disease including mice and zebrafish larvae. The results are now published on Science Advances.

The most abundant intracellular cation potassium (K⁺) is extremely crucial in a variety of biological processes including neural transmission, heartbeat, muscle contraction and kidney function. Variations in the intracellular or extracellular K⁺ concentration (referred herein as [K⁺]) suggest abnormal physiological functions including heart dysfunction, cancer, and diabetes. As a result, researchers are keen to develop effective strategies to monitor the dynamics of [K⁺] fluctuations, specifically with direct optical imaging.

Most existing probes are not sensitive to K⁺ detection under physiological conditions and cannot differentiate fluctuations between [K⁺] and the accompanying sodium ion ([Na⁺]) during transmembrane transport in the Na⁺/K⁺ pumps. While fluorescence lifetime imaging can distinguish K⁺ and Na⁺ in water solution, the method requires specialized instruments. Most K⁺ sensors are also activated with short wavelength light including ultraviolet (UV) or visible light—leading to significant scattering and limited penetration depth when examining living tissues. In contrast, the proposed near-infrared (NIR) imaging technique will offer unique advantages during deep tissue imaging as a plausible alternative.

Does anyone remember this from July 2019? 🤔.

Elimination of HIV-1 requires clearance and removal of integrated proviral DNA from infected cells and tissues. Here, sequential long-acting slow-effective release antiviral therapy (LASER ART) and CRISPR-Cas9 demonstrate viral clearance in latent infectious reservoirs in HIV-1 infected humanized mice. HIV-1 subgenomic DNA fragments, spanning the long terminal repeats and the Gag gene, are excised in vivo, resulting in elimination of integrated proviral DNA; virus is not detected in blood, lymphoid tissue, bone marrow and brain by nested and digital-droplet PCR as well as RNAscope tests. No CRISPR-Cas9 mediated off-target effects are detected. Adoptive transfer of human immunocytes from dual treated, virus-free animals to uninfected humanized mice fails to produce infectious progeny virus. In contrast, HIV-1 is readily detected following sole LASER ART or CRISPR-Cas9 treatment. These data provide proof-of-concept that permanent viral elimination is possible.

The good side is that most people who are generally healthy won’t get ill from it! smile So let’s cure aging to avoid having these pandemies upcoming in the future!

Circa 2015

A 55-year old Pittsburgh woman has successfully controlled a prosthetic arm — and now a Joint Strike Fighter aircraft — with just her thoughts.

The future looks stealthy and unmanned.

Have a good day group 😅.

On Thursday, Donald Trump raised a few eyebrows as he spoke at the White House daily briefing on the coronavirus. Like us previously He reportedly suggested using UV lights or injecting disinfectants into a person affected by the virus.

Oddly enough, Trump’s suggestion not only sparked a conversation, as many people ignored him, but also prompted RB, the makers of Lysol and Dettol, to release a statement to assure everyone that their products are NOT for internal use, despite Trump’s suggestion.

Continue reading “The manufacturer of Lysol issues a warning against the use of its disinfectant products for internal use after Donald Trump’s comments on a possible treatment for patients with coronavirus” »

This case series describes clinical characteristics, health services use, and outcomes of patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cared for at 12 hospitals of a single health system in the New York City (NYC) area.

In the constant battle against the spread of infectious diseases, scientists are continually on the hunt for new weapons that specifically target pathogenic microbes. Now, investigators from the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) believe they may have found a new, low-cost solution to eradicating airborne viruses in indoor public spaces. The research team found that continuous low doses of far ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light can kill airborne flu viruses without harming human tissues. The findings from the new study—published today in Scientific Reports in an article entitled “Far-UVC Light: A New Tool to Control the Spread of Airborne-Mediated Microbial Diseases”—suggests that use of overhead far-UVC light in hospitals, doctors’ offices, schools, airports, airplanes, and other public spaces could provide a powerful check on seasonal influenza epidemics, as well as influenza pandemics.

Scientists have known for decades that broad-spectrum UVC light, which has a wavelength of between 200 to 400 nanometers (nm), is highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses by destroying the molecular bonds that hold their DNA together. This conventional UV light is routinely used to decontaminate surgical equipment.

“Unfortunately, conventional germicidal UV light is also a human health hazard and can lead to skin cancer and cataracts, which prevents its use in public spaces,” explained senior study investigator David Brenner, Ph.D., director of the Center for Radiological Research and professor at CUIMC.