Believe in science
The newest global technological information
Medical science
Magnesium can help immune cells fight cancer.
Previous studies have found that magnesium deficiency can accelerate tumor growth and reduce antiviral ability in mice, suggesting that magnesium may be very important for the immune system to perform normal functions, but the mechanism is not clear. Magnesium can ensure that killer T cells perform their functions efficiently and eliminate abnormal cells, a new study has found.
The researchers found that magnesium can bind to a protein on the surface of T cells called LFA-1, activating LFA-1, thereby enhancing calcium influx, signal transduction and other responses, thereby enhancing T cell immune function. When the content of magnesium in the tumor microring increased, the immune response of T cells to cancer cells increased accordingly. By analyzing data from cancer patients, the researchers also found that patients with lower serum magnesium levels were less effective after receiving immunotherapy, with faster cancer development and shorter overall survival. The relevant research has been published in the journal Cell, which may provide implications for the development of tumor therapy. The researchers also say they plan to further study whether regular intake of magnesium affects the risk of cancer.
Quantum computation
The accuracy of silicon quantum computing is 99%.
Recently, three studies published in the journal Nature have independently implemented robust and reliable quantum computing based on silicon. The accuracy of quantum computing in all three studies is more than 99%, which paves the way for the construction of silicon-based quantum devices compatible with current semiconductor manufacturing technologies.
The team from the University of New South Wales in Australia introduced a three-qubit system of one electron and two phosphorus atoms into silicon through ion implantation, achieving a single qubit fidelity of 99.95% and a double qubit fidelity of 99.37%. The team from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands achieved 99.87% single qubit fidelity and 99.65% double qubit fidelity using electron spins in quantum dots formed in silicon and silicon-germanium alloy (Si/SiGe) stacks. The team from the Japanese Institute of Science and Chemistry also implemented quantum computing in Si/SiGe materials, with a single qubit fidelity of 99.8% and a double qubit fidelity of 99.5%.
Material science
Judging the quality of graphene by sound
Recently, in a study published in Advanced functional Materials, researchers heard unusual sounds when preparing graphene induced by laser, and judged the structure and quality of graphene by analyzing these sounds. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) technology heats flake polymer materials to 2500 degrees Celsius, leaving only carbon atoms in the raw materials, thus obtaining interconnected graphene sheets.
When using LIG technology to prepare graphene, the researchers found that different sounds were heard in different reactions. They also use a mathematical method called fast Fourier transform to convert the collected acoustic signals into mathematical information that can be used for algorithm analysis, so as to analyze the type and purity of each product by mathematical calculation. Researchers believe that during the preparation of LIG, laser may be absorbed, reflected and scattered by raw materials, or converted into other different types of energy, and sound can provide information about these processes, thus obtaining information about the structure and morphology of graphene, which is conducive to real-time monitoring of material quality in the synthesis process.
Physics
Ultra-stable laser beam which can be used to verify general relativity
Scientists have been looking for phenomena that violate the general theory of relativity and want to use it as a breakthrough to establish the theory of quantum gravity. According to general relativity, the atomic clock on the ground should be slower than the atomic clock in space because of the effect of the gravitational field. In order to compare the time of the atomic clock on the satellite and on the ground, scientists need to connect the two with a laser. However, atmospheric turbulence affects the stability of the laser and interferes with the experiment.
Zoology
The riddle of the rapid flight of micro beetles
The flight speed of insects generally depends on their size, and because small insects are more affected by air viscous friction, the larger the insects are, the faster they fly. And usually, the influence of body size is greater than that of insect flight ability, but some miniature beetles seem to overturn this rule. A Paratuposa placentis, the smallest insect on the planet, has an excellent ability to fly and can fly as fast as a beetle three times its size, even though it is less than half a millimeter (395micron), a study published in Nature found yesterday.
The researchers reconstructed the wing structure and flight pattern of the tasseled armour using 3D technology and found that not only do they have tasseled wings lighter than membrane wings of the same size, but the wings also move in a unique way: two dynamic half-range flaps of the wings produce a large upward force, followed by two slower flaps to produce a smaller downward force, a flapping cycle that increases the amplitude of the wing flapping. Their sheath wings (hardened forewings) also act as "brakes" to prevent excessive oscillations. These findings are very important for improving our understanding of flight evolution on a micro scale.
Agricultural science
Chinese wild rice (Zizania latifolia) is native to China and belongs to the genus Gramineae. Its fruit is one of the important "six grains" in ancient China. Zizania latifolia has excellent characters such as high grain protein content and resistance to rice blast, but without artificial domestication, it is very easy to break away from the mother to form falling grains in the process of seed maturation, resulting in a serious decrease in harvest index and yield. Due to the lack of high-quality genome, the genetics and shattering genes of Zizania latifolia in China are relatively backward. Recently, a number of domestic scientific research institutions have jointly completed the genome assembly at the chromosome level of Zizania latifolia for the first time, and the shattering related genes of Zizania latifolia have been identified. The relevant results have been published in Communication Biology recently.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from gaisndm Hawkshaw and writers in Earth and other communities.
In order to make the hens lay more eggs, the hens can be forced to go bald.
Have you ever wondered why eggs are so cheap compared to other proteins? Humans have developed super-egg-laying chickens, of course, but strange farming techniques have also allowed chickens to lay as many eggs as possible in a limited number of chickens. Today we're going to tell you a story about laying eggs that you don't know.
By gaisndm Hawkshaw3 years ago in Earth
Inside Trump's $11 Billion Health Plan to Replace “Neo-Colonial” USAID
In the landscape of global health aid, few proposals have stirred as much debate as former President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to restructure American assistance abroad. Dubbed an $11 billion health initiative aimed at replacing USAID’s current framework, the plan seeks to pivot away from what Trump and his allies have criticized as the “neo-colonial” approach of U.S. foreign aid. While the plan promises greater efficiency and impact, experts are split on whether it is a practical solution or a politically driven gamble. Trump’s Critique of USAID The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has long been a central pillar of American foreign assistance, distributing billions in aid annually to address health crises, food insecurity, and development challenges worldwide. However, Trump’s administration and its supporters have often described USAID’s approach as bureaucratic, inefficient, and reflective of a “neo-colonial” mindset. In public statements, Trump argued that the U.S. was spending taxpayer dollars on programs that benefited foreign governments or contractors more than the intended local communities. Critics of the plan say that while USAID has flaws—as any large bureaucracy does—its extensive networks and decades of experience provide an unmatched capacity to deliver aid efficiently and safely. The Core of the $11 Billion Proposal At the heart of Trump’s proposal is an $11 billion fund designed to consolidate, modernize, and streamline U.S. health aid. Unlike the traditional USAID model, which relies heavily on long-term partnerships with governments and NGOs, the new plan emphasizes: Direct Impact Funding: Allocating resources to frontline health workers and local initiatives rather than intermediaries. Data-Driven Investments: Using real-time health data to target outbreaks and crises more efficiently. Private Sector Partnerships: Leveraging U.S. pharmaceutical companies, tech firms, and healthcare startups to deliver vaccines, treatments, and medical infrastructure. Shorter Program Cycles: Moving away from multi-year funding commitments in favor of more flexible, results-oriented programs. Proponents argue that this approach could reduce bureaucratic overhead and ensure U.S. aid reaches communities faster. By “cutting out the middlemen,” Trump supporters claim, America can avoid the pitfalls of slow-moving aid programs that sometimes fail to adapt to crises. Reactions from the Global Health Community Global health experts, however, have expressed concern about both the logistics and philosophy of the plan. Dr. Melissa Ortega, a senior researcher at the Global Health Policy Institute, explained, “The idea of bypassing established structures like USAID may sound appealing on paper, but in practice, it risks undermining decades of institutional knowledge. Health systems are complex, and short-term projects cannot replace long-term capacity building.” Some critics have also questioned the characterization of USAID as “neo-colonial.” While U.S. foreign aid has historically been tied to geopolitical interests, many programs today are designed collaboratively with recipient countries and local organizations. Reducing oversight could unintentionally increase the risk of misuse, corruption, or health inequities. On the other hand, supporters of Trump’s plan point to examples of inefficiency in USAID programs, citing cases where aid was delayed or mismanaged. By introducing more direct funding models, they argue, U.S. taxpayer dollars could achieve a higher “return on health outcomes.” Political Implications Trump’s health aid overhaul proposal is not just about international development—it is also deeply political. Framing USAID as a “neo-colonial” institution resonates with a populist narrative that America should prioritize its own citizens and assert greater control over how taxpayer money is spent abroad. Domestically, the $11 billion plan faces scrutiny from Congress. Lawmakers from both parties have questioned whether dismantling USAID’s systems could destabilize ongoing health programs in countries where the U.S. has long-term commitments. The potential impact on global health security—including the fight against pandemics like COVID-19—adds another layer of concern. Internationally, U.S. allies and partner nations are watching closely. Sudden shifts in aid delivery could disrupt health programs in low- and middle-income countries, many of which rely on predictable funding cycles to maintain vaccination campaigns, maternal health services, and disease surveillance. Possible Benefits and Risks If executed carefully, the Trump-backed model could bring several benefits: Faster Response Times: Direct funding could accelerate delivery of vaccines, treatments, and emergency support. Innovation Boost: By partnering with private sector companies, the plan could accelerate development of new health technologies. Accountability: With performance-based metrics, the plan may better measure the impact of U.S. aid. However, the risks are equally significant: Disruption of Existing Programs: Abrupt changes could destabilize ongoing health projects. Loss of Expertise: USAID’s decades of experience in navigating local governance, supply chains, and community engagement may be hard to replace. Geopolitical Fallout: Allies accustomed to collaborating with USAID might see the move as destabilizing, reducing cooperation on global health initiatives. Looking Ahead As Trump and his allies continue to advocate for this $11 billion overhaul, the debate over the future of U.S. health aid is intensifying. Proponents view it as a necessary modernization of an outdated system, while critics fear it could undercut decades of carefully built infrastructure and global partnerships. Ultimately, the success of this plan will hinge on its ability to balance efficiency with stability, innovation with oversight, and political objectives with humanitarian needs. For now, the proposal remains controversial, representing a dramatic departure from traditional approaches to U.S. foreign aid. Whether it will reshape global health for the better—or simply create more uncertainty—remains to be seen. In the end, the Trump health plan is as much about ideology as it is about dollars. It challenges the conventional wisdom of international development and asks whether a more streamlined, results-focused approach can truly replace a system built over decades. As the world watches, the stakes could not be higher: the future of U.S. global health aid—and the lives it touches—hangs in the balance.
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in Earth
Nitrogen is necessary for young tropical rain forests to combat climate change.
By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in wood, tropical rainforests contribute to the slowing of climate change. Forests that develop quickly are even more important because they absorb carbon more quickly.
By Francis Dami3 days ago in Earth
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.