This is precisely the nature of our new understanding of biology, which has occurred over the past twenty years and is now sufficiently advanced to offer a new paradigm.
The previous paradigm was given in what is called the central dogma.
Communities of microbes (microbiomes), particularly in soils, can be startlingly diverse, with as many as 10,000 species in just a cup of material. Scientists are working to understand how microbiomes and their members respond to their environments. These processes can profoundly shape the properties and composition of soils.
In a pair of studies published in The ISME Journal, researchers investigated how different species of microbes interact with one another and exchange resources such as vitamins. The studies focused on corrinoids, the vitamin B12 family of nutrients. Many bacteria in the environment cannot produce these chemicals.
Focusing on a single type of nutrient enables the study of microbiomes in greater detail. The two studies further synergized by focusing on the same California grassland soil, allowing the researchers to generate a framework for understanding nutrient cycling in this system.
From birth to death, tech is stretching the boundaries of biology. In this episode of Posthuman, we explore the discoveries that could transform reproduction, healthcare and how we die.
Technology that once seemed like science fiction is rapidly becoming reality, transforming the very essence of our existence. In this four-part series, Emily Chang unravels the future of being human in an age of unprecedented innovation.
Continue reading “How Tech Is Breaking the Rules of Biology | Posthuman with Emily Chang” »
A new quantum algorithm developed by University of Georgia statisticians addresses one of the most complex challenges in single-cell analysis, signaling significant impact in both the fields of computational biology and quantum computing.
The study, “Bisection Grover’s Search Algorithm and Its Application in Analyzing CITE-seq Data,” was published in the Journal of the American Statistical Association on Sept. 20.
While traditional approaches struggle to handle the immense amount of data generated from measuring both RNA and protein expression in individual cells, the new quantum algorithm enables analysis of data from a single-cell technology known as CITE-seq. It allows for selection of the most important markers from billions of possible combinations—a task that would be formidable using classical methods.
An ancient rock — or rather, the living microbes inside of it — could offer an unprecedented glimpse into early life on Earth.
From 2022, but an interesting look at Lobsters, and list of animals semi-immortal, tortoises, greenland sharks, jellyfish, etc…
Could the key to lobsters’ longevity slow down our biological clocks?
No one likes the thought of getting old, but it seems to be an inevitable part of life. Most species grow, develop and repair damage to their bodies until a certain point in adulthood. After this, the body becomes less capable of repairing itself and slowly starts to accumulate damage.
Continue reading “What lobsters can teach us about immortality” »
Space exploration is a dangerous business, especially when squishy living organisms, such as humans, are involved. NASA has always prided itself on how seriously it takes the safety of its astronauts, so as it gears up for the next big push in crewed space exploration, the Artemis program, it is looking for solutions to potentially catastrophic situations that might arise. One such catastrophe would be if one of the Artemis astronauts was incapacitated and couldn’t return to the lander. The only person who could potentially be able to save them would be their fellow astronaut, but carrying a fully suited human back to their base of operations would be a challenge for an astronaut similarly kitted out in their own bulky suit. So, NASA decided to address it as precisely that – a challenge – and ask for input from the general public, offering up to $20,000 for the best solution to the problem.
The challenge, “South Pole Safety: Designing the NASA Lunar Rescue System,” was announced on November 14th and accepts entries until January 23rd, 2025. It awards $45,000 to at least three winners, including $20,000 to the first-place winner. So, what does the challenge actually involve?
Continue reading “NASA Is Seeking Ideas for Rescuing an Astronaut from the Moon” »
New research identifies ctenophores as the first animals to diverge, reshaping our understanding of evolution and key biological traits.
Kuhn’s taxonomy of consciousness connects various theories to deep questions about human existence and AI, based on his extensive dialogue with over 200 experts.
“Out of meat, how do you get thought? That’s the grandest question,” said philosopher Patricia Churchland to Robert Lawrence Kuhn, the producer and host of the acclaimed PBS program Closer to Truth and member of FQxI’s scientific advisory council.
Kuhn has now published a comprehensive taxonomy of proposed solutions and theories regarding the hard problem of consciousness. His organizing framework aims to assess their impact on meaning, purpose, and value, as well as on AI consciousness, virtual immortality, survival beyond death, and free will. His work, titled ‘Landscape of Consciousness,’ appeared in the August 2024 issue of the journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
