DAILY DOSE: Researchers inch closer to artificial plant genomes; Penguins dying of bird flu.

scientificinquirer

January 31

ARTIFICIAL PLANT GENOMES? ALMOST THERE.

Researchers in China have synthesized part of the genome of the spreading earthmoss, a significant step in synthetic biology for multicellular organisms. This advancement, reported in Nature Plants, paves the way for the development of artificial genomes in more complex life forms and could transform moss into a biofactory for various products. The project focused on a section of one chromosome, marking progress towards a fully artificial plant genome. This work challenges the belief that synthetic genomes are limited to microbes and illustrates the potential for modifying organisms to explore genetic functions and enhance their applications in fields like agriculture and medicine. The team applied techniques like trimming and tidying the chromosome, resulting in a 56% reduction in size. Despite these modifications, the altered moss plants grew normally, maintaining their natural stress resistance. This achievement not only advances the field of synthetic biology but also offers insights into the essential elements of multicellular eukaryotic genomes. The researchers aim to continue this work, potentially leading to significant breakthroughs in understanding and utilizing plant genomes. (Science)

ADDRESSING THE ANTHROPOCENE.

The Anthropocene, marking a new Earth system trajectory distinct from the Holocene, brings heightened risks of triggering irreversible changes in Earth's functioning. Addressing this requires a novel global approach to protect Earth system regulating functions. The existing global commons framework, developed during the stable Holocene, focuses on governing shared resources beyond national jurisdictions. However, this framework now needs to evolve to address the challenges of the Anthropocene. The proposed planetary commons framework extends beyond the global commons by encompassing not just shared geographic regions but also critical biophysical systems crucial for Earth's resilience and habitability. This new framework emphasizes comprehensive stewardship and Earth system governance, aiming to restore and strengthen planetary resilience and justice. It represents a fundamental shift in focus, recognizing the need for governance that transcends national boundaries to secure critical functions of the Earth system, crucial for maintaining its livability in the face of Anthropocene dynamics. (PNAS)

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ALZHEIMER'S MAY BE COMMUNICABLE.

Recent research suggests the possibility that Alzheimer's disease could be transmitted between individuals via certain medical procedures, although this remains a controversial idea. This hypothesis stems from a study of individuals in the UK who received cadaver-derived growth hormone as children. Years later, some of these individuals developed early-onset dementia and brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's. The growth hormone they received had been contaminated with amyloid-beta proteins, believed to cause brain damage when seeded. The practice of using this hormone was discontinued in Britain in 1985. Although a small number of cases were examined, the findings indicate a potential link between the treatment and the development of Alzheimer's symptoms. However, the limited scope of the study and possible diagnostic errors suggest caution in interpreting the results. This research contributes to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases but does not pose a current public health risk, as the treatment in question is no longer used. (Nature)

NEURALINK IMPLANT TAKES SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD.

Elon Musk announced that Neuralink, his company, has successfully implanted a brain-computer interface in a human patient, a significant milestone for the venture. After receiving FDA approval, Neuralink began a clinical trial targeting individuals with quadriplegia caused by spinal cord injuries or ALS. The study's goal is to enable these individuals to control digital devices using their minds. The implanted device, a coin-sized unit placed in the brain via a surgical robot, wirelessly transmits brain signals. The patient, currently in recovery, will undergo training to use the interface. This development follows previous achievements in brain-computer interfaces, which have already enabled paralyzed individuals to perform tasks through thought. Despite facing delays and controversies, including ethical concerns and federal investigations, Neuralink's progress marks a critical step forward in assisting those with severe mobility impairments. (Wired)

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U.S. MAKES SCIENCE PUSH.

Molly Hemstreet, initially an English teacher and entrepreneur in North Carolina, received a grant from the NSF for her vision to revive the local textile industry through sustainable practices. This funding is part of NSF's Regional Innovation Engines (RIEs) program, aimed at boosting economic prosperity in neglected U.S. communities. The program plans to invest up to $160 million over 10 years in each project, a significant increase compared to typical NSF grants. Hemstreet's project, focusing on green manufacturing and skilled workforce development in textile production, aligns with NSF's goal to foster innovation across the country. The RIEs program, part of NSF's new directorate for technology, innovation, and partnerships, has a high political profile and is backed by the CHIPS and Science Act. It addresses the geographic funding imbalance in NSF grants and aims to invigorate regions lagging in the digital and high-tech economy. The first cohort of RIEs involves initiatives in various fields, from regenerative medicine to clean energy. While only two grants are awarded to EPSCoR states, the focus remains on community impact over state boundaries. NSF's substantial investment in RIEs signals a commitment to transforming regional economies through innovation and technology. (Science)

WHACK-A-MOLE SCIENTIFIC PAPER STYLE.

After quitting his job last autumn, biologist Sholto David from Pontypridd, Wales, dedicated himself to identifying flaws in scientific papers, particularly focusing on potential image manipulation. His efforts, often thankless and met with resistance from academics and journal editors, recently led to a significant development. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston announced plans to retract six research papers and correct 31 more, following David's blog highlighting issues in their studies. David's work has been a solitary journey of scrutinizing papers for errors, initially by eye and later aided by AI-based software, Imagetwin. He has flagged about 2,000 papers on PubPeer, mainly for image manipulation concerns. His motivation stems from a belief in the high standards of scientific research, especially in fields like cancer where public trust and donations are involved. The response from Dana-Farber, while a surprise to David, reflects a broader issue in scientific research where errors and lack of replicability are becoming increasingly apparent. David, committed to maintaining scientific integrity, plans to return to conventional work soon, funding his current endeavor through savings and living modestly. (The Guardian)

ORIGINS OF SYPHILLIS.

The recent discovery of 2,000-year-old human remains in Brazil has shed new light on the ancient origins of syphilis. Found in the Jabuticabeira II burial site, these remains show signs of treponemal infections, challenging the belief that syphilis originated in the Americas post-Columbus. DNA from the skeletons revealed a strain of Treponema pallidum similar to bejel, a non-sexually transmitted disease, undermining theories that syphilis was brought to Europe by Columbus's crew. This study, published in Nature, suggests a more complex history for syphilis and related diseases, predating European contact in the Americas. The findings indicate that these diseases have evolved distinctively over thousands of years. The ancient DNA provides evidence that T. pallidum existed long before previously thought, with implications for the timeline and spread of these infections. The research not only alters our understanding of the origin of syphilis but also opens avenues for further exploration into the prehistoric roots of this and related diseases. (Smithsonian)

SOME SCIENTISTS WORRY ABOUT TRUMP 2.0.

Donald Trump's victory in New Hampshire's Republican presidential primary brings his pledge to "dismantle the deep state" closer to reality, raising concerns among science advocates. Trump intends to revive the Schedule F plan, potentially reclassifying tens of thousands of federal employees, including scientists, allowing easier removal of those opposing his agenda. This move could significantly politicize science within the government. Trump's dominance in the Republican party and his far-right following heighten worries about the future of scientific integrity in the US. Schedule F's implementation could lead to the dismissal of professionals who report scientific-integrity violations, posing a severe threat to unbiased scientific input in policy-making. Joe Biden's administration, in contrast, has focused on strengthening scientific-integrity rules to counteract politicization. However, Trump's potential return could reverse these policies. His previous tenure already saw conservative shifts in the Supreme Court, impacting decisions on environmental regulations and other scientific matters. The overarching concern is that a second Trump administration could further erode the role of scientific expertise in government decision-making. (Nature)

LEARN FROM THE BEST.

Francisco "Frank" Rubio, a 48-year-old doctor and American soldier of Salvadoran descent, spent a record-breaking 371 days on the International Space Station (ISS), exceeding his planned six-month mission due to a spacecraft malfunction. A skilled Blackhawk pilot and parachutist, Rubio used his military experience to handle the psychological challenges of extended space stay. His work in space focused on medical research, particularly in the BioFabrication Facility (BFF), where he contributed to pioneering work in 3D biological printing and the potential creation of artificial organs in microgravity. This research could revolutionize medical treatments and organ transplants. Rubio also participated in various ISS activities, including satellite deployment, spacewalks, and hydroponic vegetable cultivation. Despite facing the physical rigors of space, such as bone density loss and muscle atrophy, he adapted well to life in orbit. Rubio's mission reflects the challenges and advancements in human space exploration, emphasizing the importance of resilience and community support in these endeavors. (El Pais)

PENGUINS ARE DYING OF AVIAN FLU.

The discovery of the H5N1 bird flu in Antarctic penguins is alarming. First detected in gentoo penguins on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands, over 200 gentoo chick deaths have been reported. This situation is particularly grave as penguins, already pressured by climate change and commercial fishing, have no immunity to this virus. The H5N1, emerging in 2020, had not been previously recorded in Antarctica, making this a novel threat to the region's wildlife. The virus's spread is concerning due to penguins' social breeding habits, which could lead to rapid transmission and high mortality rates. This pattern was observed in South America, where a similar outbreak resulted in thousands of Humboldt penguin deaths. There is ongoing testing in other penguin species, with a suspected case in South Georgia's king penguins. The Antarctic Wildlife Health Network is monitoring the situation, as the virus poses a potential threat to other wildlife, including seals and sea lions. The spread of the virus in the Antarctic mainland remains unconfirmed but is a critical concern for conservationists. (New York Times)

Thanks for reading. Let's be careful out there.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.

IMAGE CREDIT: PhotoMIX Company.