Mushrooms could help replace plastics in new high-performance ultra-light materials

Mimicking Fungi to Develop New Materials: Research Group Unlocks Secret to Mushroom Properties The use of plastics in our daily lives is a growing concern. It has become increasingly apparent that alternatives need to be found to reduce our reliance on them. A research group from VTT Technical Research Center of Finland has come up with a potential solution: unlocking the secrets behind the extraordinary mechanical properties and ultra-light weight of certain fungi. Published in Science Advances on February 22, 2023, the research results show that the complex architectural design of mushrooms could be mimicked and used to create new materials to replace plastics. These materials could provide further opportunities to reduce the amount of plastics used in our society. The research group identified how the mechanical properties of mushrooms are a result of the microstructure and nanostructure of the fungal cell wall. The highly organised architecture of the cell wall consists of complex layers of closely packed chitin-based fibrils, which are organised in strands called microfibrils. This unique structure is what gives mushrooms their strength and light weight. Using 3D imaging methods, the researchers studied the structure of the mushroom cells in order to gain an understanding of its mechanical properties. They then used this data to create 3D printed models of the mushroom material, which allowed them to test their strength under various conditions. The results of these experiments showed that the mushroom material was extremely strong and had a particularly impressive compression strength. This means that the mushroom material could be used to create a range of materials with superior mechanical properties. As a result, these could be used to replace plastics in a variety of applications. Replacing plastics with mushroom-based materials would also have additional benefits. For example, the materials could be used to create lightweight products that are also strong and durable. This could result in a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions when these products are manufactured and transported. In addition, the materials could be made from a range of biodegradable components. This means they could be broken down naturally in the environment, reducing the amount of plastic waste that is produced. The research group at VTT Technical Research Center of Finland has opened up a potential route to developing new materials that could be used to replace plastics. By unlocking the secrets behind the extraordinary mechanical properties and ultra-lightweight of certain fungi, this research could be used to create materials with superior strength and durability. These could be used to reduce the amount of plastic waste and fuel consumption that is produced in the manufacturing and transportation of products. With further research, the unique architecture of mushrooms could be successfully mimicked and used to create a range of innovative materials that could help to reduce our reliance on plastics.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/mushrooms-could-help-replace-plastics-in-new-high-performance-ultra-light-materials

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3D printing with bacteria-loaded ink produces bone-like composites

Introduction Researchers at EPFL have developed an innovative method for 3D-printing an environmentally friendly and strong ink using calcium carbonate-producing bacteria. The 3D-printed mineralized bio-composite derived from this method is light, durable and can be used for a multitude of purposes in diverse industries, including art and biomedicine. In this article, we will discuss the incredible potential of the 3D-printed mineralized bio-composite and how it could revolutionize the way we use bacteria in material production. Background on Calcium Carbonate-Producing Bacteria Calcium carbonate-producing bacteria are a type of microorganisms that produce calcium carbonate, or chalk, as part of their metabolic process. These bacteria have actually been around for millions of years, but the potential for using them in the production of mineralized bio-composites has only recently been explored. What is a Mineralized Bio-Composite Material? A mineralized bio-composite material is a type of material produced by embedding calcium carbonate-producing bacteria in a 3D-printed ink. When exposed to certain environmental conditions, the bacteria produce calcium carbonate and begin to solidify the material. This process allows for the production of strong, durable materials with higher levels of strength and flexibility than those made by traditional methods. Advantages of the 3D-Printed Mineralized Bio-Composite The 3D-Printed mineralized bio-composite offers several advantages over traditional materials. It is exceptionally lightweight, yet has a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than materials produced via traditional methods. It is also more environmentally friendly than other materials, due to the fact that its production does not require the use of toxic chemicals or high levels of energy. Additionally, its increased flexibility makes it ideal for use in a wide range of applications, including art, architecture, and biomedicine. Applications of the 3D-Printed Mineralized Bio-Composite The 3D-Printed mineralized bio-composite has a wide range of potential applications, from art to biomedicine. In the field of art, the material could be used to create intricate sculptures or structures that are lightweight yet strong and capable of withstanding environmental damage. In the field of architecture, the material could be used to create complex structures that are durable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly. In medicine, the material could be used to create devices that are safe to use in the human body, such as implants and prosthetics. Conclusion The 3D-printed mineralized bio-composite developed by EPFL’s researchers is an incredible example of the power of bacteria. By combining the impressive properties of calcium carbonate-producing bacteria with 3D-printing technology, researchers have created a strong, lightweight and environmentally friendly material with a wide range of applications. In the future, the possibilities for this material are only set to expand, and it could revolutionize the way we use bacteria in material production.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/3d-printing-with-bacteria-loaded-ink-produces-bone-like-composites

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Movement shown to reduce sensory responses in Parkinson's disease

Motor skills and senses are both integral parts of human life. While the two are independent, the way in which we move affects our senses. As such, researchers have been looking into how movement can shape our senses, and how Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disease affecting motor functions, affects both sensory and motor processes. A study recently published in Nature Communications by De La Torre-Martinez, et al., provides more insight into this area of research. The study was conducted by the researchers at Karolinska Institutet and involved an animal model of Parkinson’s disease. Through the study, they were able to discover that movement significantly reduced the responses to sensory inputs, and both sensory and motor processes were affected by the disease. To conduct the study, the researchers used an animal model of Parkinson’s disease. They exposed the animals to visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli and then measured the responses of the animals to the stimuli. They exposed the animals to the stimuli before and after they were given a drug designed to improve motor performance. The results of the study demonstrated that movement affected the sensory responses of the animals. The responses were reduced to the sensory inputs when the animals moved compared to when they were immobile. The degree of the reduction was greater when the animals were given the drug that improved their motor performance. The results showed that movement affects the sensory responses of the animals and can reduce the size of the responses to sensory inputs. The study also found that both sensory and motor processes were impacted by Parkinson’s disease. This is the first study that has looked at how Parkinson’s disease affects both sensory and motor processes. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of keeping the body in motion, especially for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Movement can help reduce the size of the response to sensory inputs as well as help manage the effects of the disease. The findings of this study can help inform treatment and management plans for those with Parkinson’s disease to ensure they are able to stay active and maintain their motor skills. The research conducted by De La Torre-Martinez, et al., provides valuable insight into the relationship between movement, sensory processes, and Parkinson’s disease. The study highlights the importance of movement in maintaining sensory responses and in managing the effects of the disease. By understanding this relationship, health care professionals will be better able to provide treatment and management plans that are tailored to each individual’s needs. In conclusion, the study conducted by De La Torre-Martinez, et al., provides a better understanding of how movement affects sensory processes, as well as how Parkinson’s disease alters both sensory and motor processes. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of staying active in order to maintain sensory responses, and provide valuable insight into how Parkinson’s disease should be managed. The research conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet can aid in the development of new treatments and management plans for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease to help them stay physically and mentally active.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/movement-shown-to-reduce-sensory-responses-in-parkinsons-disease

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Technical adequacy of artificial intelligence body composition assessed in external CT

Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing technology that is being used in various applications with the hope of providing better accuracy, improved efficiency, and enhanced performance. One such use is in medical imaging, where AI tools can be used to assist radiologists in diagnosis by analyzing medical images. However, AI tools are not infallible, and some cases of failure have been attributed to technical factors, such as the quality of the medical image acquisition and image reconstruction. A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) examined the technical issues that can lead to AI tool failure, and found that many of these issues are preventable through proper acquisition and reconstruction protocols. What is AI? In the context of medical imaging, AI tools are computer programs which are designed to analyze medical images, such as CT or MRI scans, and provide a diagnostic report. These tools have the potential to reduce both the time it takes to analyze an image and the number of misdiagnoses due to human error. However, AI tools are still in the early stages of development, and are subject to a number of technical issues which can lead to failure. Results of the AJR Study According to the AJR study, the two most common reasons for AI tool failure were inadequate image quality and improper image reconstruction. Inadequate image quality can lead to AI tools misinterpreting medical images, resulting in incorrect diagnoses. Similarly, improper image reconstruction can cause AI algorithms to miss important details, resulting in false positives and false negatives. The study concluded that the majority of AI tool failures due to technical issues can be prevented through the use of proper acquisition and reconstruction protocols. Preventative Measures The AJR study recommended several preventative measures to reduce the risk of AI tool failure due to technical issues. These include: • Ensuring that medical images are acquired using high-quality scanners and imaging protocols. • Using appropriate optimization parameters during image reconstruction. • Utilizing image pre-processing techniques to improve image quality. Conclusion AI tools are a promising technology that has the potential to revolutionize medical imaging, but they are still in the early stages of development, and are subject to technical issues which can lead to failure. According to the AJR study, most of these technical issues can be prevented through the use of proper acquisition and reconstruction protocols. By following the preventative measures suggested in the study, radiologists can ensure that their AI tools are working optimally and providing accurate and reliable diagnoses.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/technical-adequacy-of-artificial-intelligence-body-composition-assessed-in-external-ct

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Cyclone Freddy heads to Mozambique after killing 5 in Madagascar

Cyclone Threatens Devastation along Mozambique Coastline The official start of the summer season in southern Africa is being marked by a powerful tropical cyclone in the Mozambique Channel. On Wednesday, the storm system began to make its way towards Mozambique after unleashing high winds and heavy rainfall in Madagascar, leaving 5 people dead and several more injured. The cyclone's current trajectory is towards the central coast of Mozambique, and could result in considerable destruction once it makes landfall. Although the cyclone's impact in Madagascar was less severe than originally predicted, many are concerned that as it continues to move east it may gain strength and quickly become a major storm. This could spell disaster for the many small towns and villages along the Mozambique coast, where people lack the resources or infrastructure available in the larger cities to prepare for and respond to such a weather event. In response to the possible threat, Mozambique has declared a state of emergency in many of its provinces. The government is dispatching several teams to help with evacuations, food and medical aid distribution, and emergency relief. "Our priority is to ensure that those in areas most at risk are safe and protected,” an official said. Emergency officials are also warning those living in these communities take the threat of the cyclone seriously. The storm surge could be dangerous, even to those living away from the coast, and it is important to be prepared for flooding or other damages. People should build emergency kits, follow evacuation instructions, and stay out of low-lying areas if evacuation is not possible. Though Mozambique has unfortunately experienced its fair share of natural disasters in the past, the impact of this storm has the potential to be especially devastating. The destructive power of the storm will likely be compounded by population growth, deforestation and the loss of natural vegetation in the area, factors that have left many coastal communities especially vulnerable to flooding and wind damage. Although the task of providing relief and assessing the damage in the cyclone’s aftermath will be difficult, Mozambique’s emergency services are doing what they can to help. In the meantime, all those affected by the cyclone are being encouraged to stay aware of the risks posed by the storm, and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their homes and communities. Only time will tell how severe the destruction of this cyclone ends up being.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/cyclone-freddy-heads-to-mozambique-after-killing-5-in-madagascar

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Google tests blocking news content for some Canadians

Google Blocks Canadian Users from Viewing News Content in Test Run for Potential Response to Online News Bill The latest developments in the ongoing saga of how the Canadian news industry is adapting to the digital age are quite interesting. On Wednesday, Google announced that it is blocking some Canadian users from viewing news content as part of what the company claims to be a test run of a potential response to a Canadian government online news bill. The online news bill was proposed in June and is currently in the Senate. The bill would require Google, and other major tech companies, to pay a fee to Canadian media outlets for displaying their content on their services. It's unclear why Google is testing its potential response now, but it appears the company is making a statement of sorts by blocking some Canadian users from viewing news content. For those unfamiliar with the issue, the proposed online news bill is a response to the increasing power of major tech companies in the Canadian news industry. Google has long been a major player in the industry, and its tech-savvy algorithms grant it significant control over the news content that Canadians see on their services. This makes it a particularly attractive target for the Canadian government, which is seeking to recalibrate the balance between tech companies and the news industry. As for the implications of Google's test run, it's unclear at this point. However, some analysts have suggested that it could be a way for the tech giant to test the waters in regards to how much it would be willing to pay the Canadian government for news content. It's also possible that Google is attempting to pressure the government into backing down from its proposed online news bill. Whatever Google's intentions may be, it's clear that the Canadian news industry is undergoing a massive change. Google's actions are a clear indication that tech giants are taking steps to protect their interests as the Canadian government attempts to extend its reach into the news industry. How this will all play out in the end is unclear, but it looks like Google is making sure it's ready for whatever changes may come.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/google-tests-blocking-news-content-for-some-canadians

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