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Researchers from EvolutionaryScale have harnessed artificial intelligence to artificially replicate the natural process of protein evolution, which began around 3.7 billion years ago. Their AI model, ESM3, has been trained on an extensive dataset of 3.15 billion protein sequences and 236 million structures, enabling it to generate new protein sequences. In a significant breakthrough, the team created a novel variant of green fluorescent protein (GFP), named esmGFP, which shows only 53% similarity to its closest natural counterpart, suggesting a divergence equivalent to 500 million years of evolution. While the potential applications of this technology include developing proteins for carbon capture, plastic degradation, and new medicines, some experts, like Professor Tiffany Taylor from the University of Bath, caution against overestimating AI's ability to replicate the complexities of natural selection. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal Science. 
Published: Feb 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inResearchers have developed a promising new vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses, aiming for a universal solution against various variants. Utilizing nanoparticles that present different combinations of receptor binding domains (RBDs) from the virus, the study demonstrated strong antibody responses in mice against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and other sarbecoviruses. The most effective formulation, termed mosaic-7COM, showed enhanced responses against highly mutated Omicron variants and zoonotic viruses, suggesting its potential for broader protection. This research, published in the journal *Cell*, highlights the importance of computational methods in vaccine design and the need for a proactive approach to future pandemics, given the unpredictable nature of emerging viruses. With over 777 million COVID-19 cases recorded since the pandemic began, the development of such a vaccine could be crucial in preventing similar global health crises in the future.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 12 pmeznews.inNASA's Psyche spacecraft is pioneering a new communication system as it journeys to the asteroid 16 Psyche, utilizing Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) to send laser messages back to Earth. In a significant test, the spacecraft successfully transmitted data from 32 million kilometers (20 million miles) away, achieving a download speed of 15.63 megabits per second—40 times faster than traditional radio frequencies. The tests, conducted using a hybrid antenna retrofitted with hexagonal mirrors at Deep Space Station 13 in California, demonstrated synchronous radio and optical communication for the first time. NASA aims to refine this technology further, with hopes of maintaining communication when Psyche reaches a distance of 2.5 times that of Earth from the Sun. The initiative could revolutionize data transmission from deep space, potentially enhancing communication with future missions to Mars and beyond.
Published: Feb 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe peregrine falcon holds the title of the fastest bird and the fastest animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds over 320 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour) during its hunting stoop, a high-speed dive used to catch prey. The fastest recorded stoop was an astonishing 389.46 kilometers per hour (242 miles per hour) by a falcon named Frightful, captured in a National Geographic documentary. However, this record's validity is debated among ornithologists due to the unusual altitude from which the falcon was released. In contrast, the common swift excels in level flight, achieving speeds of 111.6 kilometers per hour (69.3 miles per hour) during courtship displays. While the white-throated needletail may surpass this speed, it remains unverified. Notably, the Brazilian free-tailed bat has outpaced all birds in level flight, reaching 160 kilometers per hour (99.5 miles per hour), claiming the title of the fastest flying creature.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inNavigating life's myriad choices can be daunting, but mathematical principles offer a solution to decision-making dilemmas, particularly illustrated by the "Secretary Problem." This concept, introduced by mathematician Martin Gardner in 1960, suggests that to maximize the chances of selecting the best option from a series of applicants, one should initially reject the first 37% of candidates and then choose the next one who surpasses all previously seen. This strategy yields a success probability of approximately 37%, a significant improvement over random selection, which offers only a 5% chance of finding the best option among 20 candidates. While this method may seem counterintuitive—especially if the ideal choice appears early—it can be adjusted for those willing to settle for less than perfection. By lowering expectations, individuals can enhance their odds of finding a suitable partner or option, demonstrating that mathematical strategies can effectively guide personal decisions.
Published: Feb 01 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe term "Disease X," popularized by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2018, refers to unknown pathogens that could potentially trigger a global epidemic akin to COVID-19. The concept gained traction during the pandemic, with some experts suggesting COVID-19 itself could be viewed as the "first Disease X." Currently, the WHO maintains a priority list of known pathogens that pose a risk, including Ebola and Zika, while Disease X remains a placeholder for an unidentified infectious agent. Recent discussions at the 2024 World Economic Forum, led by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have reignited public interest, emphasizing the importance of pandemic preparedness. While the emergence of another pandemic is likely, experts advise against panic, highlighting ongoing global efforts to enhance readiness and response strategies based on lessons learned from COVID-19.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe Florida Everglades, spanning 1.5 million acres, is a unique subtropical wilderness that hosts a diverse array of snake species. According to the National Park Service, 29 snake species inhabit the park, including four venomous varieties: the Eastern coral snake, Florida cottonmouth, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, and Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Additionally, three invasive species—Burmese pythons, boa constrictors, and Brahminy blind snakes—pose ecological challenges. While snakes often evoke fear, conservationists emphasize their vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Among the native species, the Florida green water snake and the Eastern indigo snake, which is federally protected, are notable. The Burmese python, a non-native giant, has been a significant concern since its introduction in the 1980s, with some individuals exceeding 18 feet in length. The Everglades' rich snake population underscores the region's ecological complexity and the ongoing challenges of invasive species management.
Published: Feb 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMarine biologists are investigating a unique group of 49 killer whales, or orcas, off the coasts of California and Oregon, which exhibit a blend of physical traits typically associated with distinct populations. This group has been observed attacking sperm whales, northern elephant seals, and turtles, while also showing signs of frequent encounters with sharks. Researchers, led by University of British Columbia master's student Josh McInnes, noted that these orcas display a mix of characteristics from both transient and offshore ecotypes, suggesting they may represent a new oceanic subpopulation. Since their first sightings in 1997, reports of these whales have been rare, with only nine documented encounters. The orcas' predatory behavior, including a successful attack on a herd of sperm whales, highlights their formidable nature in the open ocean, a habitat that remains largely unexplored. The findings are detailed in the journal *Aquatic Mammals*.
Published: Feb 01 2025, 1 ameznews.inA TikTok video by creator @zachdfilms3 has sparked interest in the historical fact that the English alphabet once included 27 letters, with the ampersand ("&") serving as the 27th. The video explains that the ampersand, which represented the word "and," was recited after the letter Z in the alphabet, with students taught to say "per se" before it. Although the ampersand was part of the alphabet until the late 19th century, it has since fallen out of use, despite its early presence in nursery rhymes. The evolution of the English language has seen the loss of other letters, such as thorn (þ) and wynn (ƿ), while U and J were only added in the 1500s. Experts suggest that while standardized spelling may reduce the likelihood of further letter loss, changes in language are always possible.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn the frigid waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, the giant volcano sponge (_Anoxycalyx joubini_) may be among the oldest living animals on Earth, with estimates suggesting some individuals could live up to 40,000 years. These sponges, which can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter and 1.95 meters in height, thrive at depths ranging from 15 to 144 meters. Their longevity is attributed to their slow growth rates and the cold, stable environment that reduces metabolic demands. While one sponge was estimated to be around 23,000 years old, marine biologist Dr. Susanne Gatti cautions that geological events, such as the last glacial maximum, likely limit the age of marine invertebrates in the region to around 15,000 years. Nonetheless, Gatti asserts that these sponges are among the oldest living organisms, surpassing even some terrestrial life forms.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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