😴 New AI model can predict over 100 diseases from one night's sleep
The model was trained on nearly 600,000 hours of sleep data from 65,000 participants and shows high accuracy for cancer, heart disease, and dementia, among others. The AI model performs as well as or better than today's leading methods for sleep analysis.
🌾 Scientists solve hybrid rice's biggest problem: seeds that lose their yield advantage
Researchers have developed hybrid rice that produces genetically identical seeds generation after generation. The system achieves over 99 percent cloning efficiency with normal seed production. The technology could eliminate the need for farmers to buy new hybrid seeds every season.
🤨 Researchers question high-profile studies on microplastics in the human body
Seven studies reporting microplastics in the brain, testes, and other organs have been challenged by other researchers in scientific journals. Analytical techniques for measuring microplastics in tissue can produce false positive results because body fat can be confused with common plastics.
💧 California completely drought-free for the first time in 25 years
California has no dry areas for the first time since 2000 according to the US Drought Monitor. Heavy winter rains have filled the state's reservoirs far above historic averages.
⚗️ Amazon buys copper produced with microorganisms in new climate-friendly process
The process uses microorganisms to extract copper from ore that previously often became waste, eliminating the need for traditional smelters and refineries. The technology can strengthen domestic copper supply without waiting for permits for new mines, a process that normally takes many years.
👩⚕️ Huntington's disease has been successfully treated for the first time
A gene therapy has for the first time been shown to slow Huntington's disease by 75 percent after three years in a clinical trial. The results provide proof that the disease can be treated, opening possibilities for other neurodegenerative conditions as well.
🔭 Google's former CEO is funding four new telescopes to be completed within four years
Eric and Wendy Schmidt are investing in building four large telescopes, including a space telescope that will rival Hubble. One of the telescopes, Argus Array, consists of 1,200 small telescopes that together can photograph the entire northern sky in a few minutes.
👁️ Number of people needing treatment for trachoma has decreased by 94 percent
Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness. The number of people requiring interventions against trachoma has dropped from 1.5 billion to 97.1 million since 2002. Over 1.1 billion doses of antibiotics have been donated to combat the disease.
📊 Africa expected to have higher economic growth than Asia for the first time
The IMF predicts that sub-Saharan Africa will grow by 4.4 percent in 2026, compared to Asia's 4.1 percent. Africa's stable outlook is supported by a weak dollar, lower debt pressure and high commodity prices for gold and copper.