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Nov 7, 2019

Dr. David Sinclair on Informational Theory of Aging, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, Resveratrol & More

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics, life extension

David A. Sinclair, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging.
Dr. Sinclair’s work focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive human aging and identifying ways to slow or reverse aging’s effects. In particular, he has examined the role of sirtuins in disease and aging, with special emphasis on how sirtuin activity is modulated by compounds produced by the body as well as those consumed in the diet, such as resveratrol. His work has implications for human metabolism, mitochondrial and neurological health, and cancer.

▶︎ Get the episode’s show notes, timeline, and transcript.
https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/david-sinclair

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Nov 7, 2019

Natasha Vita-More Joins the LEAF SAB

Posted by in categories: cryonics, life extension

The LEAF Scientific Advisory Board has grown recently with the addition of Dr. Natasha Vita-More, who may be a familiar name to many of our readers. Natasha is an extremely active public figure and science advocate and educator, and we are very pleased to welcome her to the SAB.

Natasha is an author, humanitarian, and innovator whose work focuses on longevity and regenerative generations. As a motivational speaker, she focuses on causes and solutions while fostering meaningful acknowledgement of the works of other people who have aspired to identify human potential. She is called “An early adopter of revolutionary changes” (Wired, 2000) and “Advocates the ethical use of technology to expand human capacities” (Politico, 2017).

Natasha was the Lead Scientific Researcher on the Memory Project, which has created scientific breakthroughs involving the long-term memory of C.elegans in cryonics (2015). As a proponent for mitigating aging, Natasha introduced the seminal field of Human Enhancement for longevity in academics.

Nov 7, 2019

First use of CRISPR against cancer in patients clears safety hurdles

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

The first attempt in the United States to use a gene editing tool called CRISPR against cancer seems safe in the three patients who have had it so far, but it’s too soon to know if it will improve survival, doctors reported Wednesday.

The doctors were able to take immune system cells from the patients’ blood and alter them genetically to help them recognize and fight cancer, with minimal and manageable side effects. The treatment deletes three genes that might have been hindering these cells’ ability to attack the disease, and adds a new, fourth feature to help them do the job.

“It’s the most complicated genetic, cellular engineering that’s been attempted so far,” said the study leader, Dr. Edward Stadtmauer of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “This is proof that we can safely do gene editing of these cells.”

Nov 7, 2019

Two-legged robot mimics human balance while running and jumping

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

This two legged robot could change how search and rescue operations are handled, with the ablity to enter areas too dangerous for humans.

Nov 7, 2019

Mathematics at the speed of light

Posted by in categories: augmented reality, mathematics, nanotechnology, robotics/AI

AMOLF researchers and their collaborators from the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC/CUNY) in New York have created a nanostructured surface capable of performing on-the-fly mathematical operations on an input image. This discovery could boost the speed of existing imaging processing techniques and lower energy usage. The work enables ultrafast object detection and augmented reality applications. The researchers publish their results today in the journal Nano Letters.

Image processing is at the core of several rapidly growing technologies, such as augmented reality, autonomous driving and more general object recognition. But how does a computer find and recognize an object? The initial step is to understand where its boundaries are, hence edge detection in an image becomes the starting point for image recognition. Edge detection is typically performed digitally using integrated implying fundamental speed limitations and high energy consumption, or in an analog fashion which requires bulky optics.

Nov 7, 2019

AI deemed ‘too dangerous to release’ makes it out into the world

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

Extremists could generate ‘synthetic propaganda’, automatically creating white supremacist screeds, researchers warn.

Nov 7, 2019

Revamped cancer drug starves tumors in mice

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Compound that robs tumors of essential amino acid headed for clinical trials.

Nov 7, 2019

“Unsinkable metal” stays afloat even with holes punched in it

Posted by in categories: materials, nanotechnology

Superhydrophobic materials, which are excellent at repelling water, can be extremely useful for a whole range of reasons, both obvious and not-so-obvious. They can prevent ice from building up on surfaces, make electronics waterproof, make ships more efficient or keep people from peeing in public. Now engineers have found a quirky new use for superhydrophobic materials – making “unsinkable” metals that stay floating even when punctured.

Superhydrophobic materials get their water-repelling properties by trapping air in complex surfaces. These air bubbles make it hard for water to stick, so droplets instead bounce or roll right off. But, of course, air also makes things buoyant, so the team set out to test how superhydrophobic materials could be used to make objects that float better.

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Nov 7, 2019

OpenAI’s ‘dangerous’ AI text generator is out: People find GPT-2’s words ’convincing‘

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

The problem is the largest-ever GPT-2 model can also be fine-tuned for propaganda by extremist groups.

Nov 7, 2019

This Scientist Wants to Gene-Hack Hybrid Humans to Survive Mars

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

If we want to reach Mars, we may have to upgrade our DNA.