Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work in protein structure prediction and design. Their contributions leverage machine learning, revolutionizing protein research by enabling faster predictions and novel protein design. This pivotal advancement has significant implications for drug development and synthetic biology.
In 1956, Phillip K. Dick’s “The Minority Report” introduced the concept of predicting crime through “precogs.” Modern neuroforecasting employs brain activity analysis to anticipate criminal behavior and consumer actions. Studies show its potential in crime prediction and marketing effectiveness, raising ethical questions about free will and the surveillance of individuals marked for criminality.
Before Darwin’s groundbreaking work, biologists struggled to understand what drove organism change. Mendel’s research on peas provided a testable hypothesis of progressive change through genes. However, environmental factors also impact traits, challenging the sole importance of genes. This calls for a holistic approach to evolution, considering both genetic and environmental influences.
Endometriosis affects over 170 million women globally. Diagnostic delay averages 6.6 years, with extreme cases up to 27 years. Lack of awareness and overlapping symptoms lead to misdiagnosis. Access to private healthcare correlates with shorter diagnostic delays. More research and awareness are needed to reduce the delay and improve patients’ quality of life.
In healthcare settings, women’s pain is often underestimated, affecting perinatal care. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) are serious but overlooked conditions, impacting women’s health during pregnancy. HG causes severe nausea and vomiting, while AFLP leads to acute liver failure. Understanding these disorders is crucial for improving women’s care.
The number of ADHD diagnoses has risen significantly over the last decade, with social media emerging as a key driver. Improved awareness and social media’s impact on lifestyle and sleep are contributing factors. Additionally, the platform can increase awareness but also propagate misinformation. Regulation is needed to address the impact of social media on ADHD diagnoses.
Pavlos Zournatzidis, a UCL PhD student, studies the long-term effects of infant institutionalisation in Greece. His research suggests that early personal connections are vital for healthy emotional and cognitive development. Potential adoption alleviates these effects, underscoring the need for early intervention and increased foster care options to support affected children.
NHS England announced changes to the Specialised Foundation Programme (SFP) by implementing the Preference Information Allocation (PIA) system. The UK Foundation Programme (UKFPO) claims the changes offer more opportunities and fairer recruitment, but criticisms include limited research opportunities, financial barriers, and mismatched placements for doctors. The impact extends to future applicants and marginalized groups, while calls are made for aptitude-based recruitment.
In 1942, Robert Merton outlined four ethical values for scientific research, which are now often violated, as seen in cases like data manipulation by Jan Henrik Schon and Andrew Wakefield. Issues like publication bias and p-hacking undermine trust and validity, highlighting the need for systemic reform in scientific practices and transparency.
Carolina Borrelli chose a science career despite a lack of natural aptitude, now pursuing a PhD in biophysics and microbiology. Her research on polymyxins aims to tackle antibiotic resistance in gram-negative bacteria, employing advanced microscopy techniques. Borrelli values collaboration and looks forward to exploring the biotech sector during her upcoming summer internship in San Francisco.
kinesismagazine.com 