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07/01/2023 ---- 19/01/2023

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19.01.2023

THEME: HEALTH

Ultrasound treatments are being proven effective against neurodegenerative disorders

With more than 80 billion interconnected neuronal cells, the human brain is one of science's yet unsolved big mysteries. It is arguably the most irreplaceable organ of our body, the virtual space in which our existence occurs. The brain is at the base of most neurological diseases associated with ageing. Although the exact science remains opaque, scientists and doctors recently demonstrated that ultrasounds could attenuate or reverse some neurological conditions. With the advancement of brain diagnostic technologies and ultrasounds, these methods are increasing efficacy. Soon, they will help treat many common diseases - such as essential tremors.

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder which causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking. The condition can affect almost any body part. Still, the tremors typically occur in hands even during simple tasks such as eating, drinking or writing. The tremor is usually more prominent on one side of the body and can worsen with movement. It's most common in people 40 and older, affecting 25 million worldwide. Dr Jeff Elias - from the UVA neurosurgery clinic in Virginia - is a pioneer in treating essential tremors using ultrasound waves. Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive therapeutic technology that sends sound waves to specific brain parts. Targeting precise structures deep in the brain can restore the function of faulty circuits, and it has been demonstrated - in some cases - to stop and cure essential tremors.

Focused ultrasound is currently regarded as an alternative treatment for patients that are irresponsive to conventional ones. However, it does have several advantages compared to other methods. The therapy would involve a diagnostic phase where the patient undergoes MRI and CT scans so doctors can use the resulting images to map the brain's structure and the target. Before receiving high-intensity, focused ultrasound, patients must have their heads shaved since air can sometimes get trapped in hair and disturb the therapy. There are reports of patients who got rid of any tremor after only 44 seconds of focused ultrasounds. But the range of applications continues beyond this particular disease. There are more than 170 clinical uses including for neurodegenerative disorders and tumours of the brain, breast, lung, and prostate, and the field is growing. Today, focused ultrasound technology is used globally in various stages, including clinical trials and approved regulatory use.

17.01.2023

THEME: WORLD

In Peru' there are escalating and violent protests against the government

The year 2023 started with a certain political turmoil in South America. The transition of power in Brazil was far from smooth, with ex-president Bolsonaro's supporters trying to overthrow the new government of Lula - who won the elections in October 2022. A different but equally problematic process is now ongoing in Peru', where violent protests erupted in late 2022 and escalated these days into large manifestations against the government.

Protests began after Congress removed President Pedro Castillo on December 7, who was arrested and sentenced to 18 months of pre-trial detention on rebellion charges. Voters elected Castillo from a crowded field of candidates in 2021, following years of political crises and during a pandemic that hit Peru harder than most countries. He is a former teacher and union leader who had never held elected office before becoming president. He came from rural Peru and positioned himself as a man of the people. Many of his supporters hail from poorer regions, hoping Castillo would bring better prospects to the country's rural and indigenous people. Castillo's supporters had high hopes he could bring better representation to the poor, standing up to elites. Once in office, however, his support tumbled amid corruption scandals, party infighting, and congressional opposition. Castillo struggled to govern, naming five prime ministers and more than 80 ministers during his short presidency. Once embroiled in multiple corruption investigations, he tried to illegally dissolve Congress ahead of a planned impeachment vote. He was impeached and removed from office and is currently accused of crimes of rebellion and conspiracy, which he has denied. Still, Castillo retained supporters, who see him as a victim of political elites and a widely unpopular and corrupt Congress. After his removal, the vice president, Dina Boluarte, ascended to the job as Peru's sixth president in five years.

His supporters started manifesting days after his removal, demanding his release in what some have described as a "national insurgency". Airports and highways became the site of some clashes, and hundreds of foreign tourists were stranded in the country. As a result, in December, a state of emergency was imposed by Boluarte's government, suspending several constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement and assembly. Troops were deployed on the streets. To date, dozens have died in clashes with security forces. The authorities are using firearms, justifying the use of force with the alleged protesters' use of improvised explosives and weapons. The government is now extending this emergency state for the next month. Several top ministers have resigned since protests began. The former Minister of Labor, Eduardo García Birmisa, resigned on Thursday, calling Peru's president to apologize and hold general elections, according to the letter on his Twitter account. Former Minister of Interior Victor Rojas Herrera and Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations Grecia Rojas Ortiz resigned the following day. Despite mounting political pressure, Boluarte has said she has no intentions of leaving office. In the meantime, Lima was braced for new rallies this week as thousands of demonstrators mobilized Monday towards the capital. More significant protests are now foreseen in the capital Lima in the next few days.

14.01.2023

THEME: HEALTH

Early diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be based on gut microbes

Gut microbiota is the collection of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the human digestive tract. The gut microbiota has broad impacts, including protection against pathogens, maintaining the intestinal epithelium, metabolizing dietary and pharmaceutical compounds, and controlling immune function and behaviour. The microbial composition of the gut microbiota varies across regions of the digestive tract. The colon contains the highest microbes density recorded in any habitat on Earth, representing between 300 and 1000 different species. Bacteria are the largest and, to date, the best-studied component - 99% of gut bacteria - is made of about 30 to 40 species. The relationship between gut microbiota and humans is not merely a non-harmful coexistence but rather a mutualism. Some human gut microorganisms benefit the host by fermenting dietary fibres and also play a role in synthesizing vitamin B and vitamin K and metabolizing bile acids, sterols and synthetic chemicals. Dysregulation of the gut microbiota has been linked with several diseases, such as asthma, bowel inflammatory disease, autoimmune diseases and even depression. Recently, a study has established a strong link with a dangerous but common type of diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is when women without diabetes are diagnosed with glucose intolerance during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester. Approximately 10% of pregnant women worldwide are diagnosed with GDM. Risk factors include increased maternal age, obesity, family history of diabetes and history of giving birth to large infants. Consequences of GDM have a wide range of complications for both the mother (e.g., pre-eclampsia, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) and the neonate (e.g., macrosomia and hypo-glycaemia). Many complications are preventable if GDM is detected and appropriately managed. Reasonable control is achieved by nutrition, exercise and insulin administration - if necessary - along with heightened monitoring during labour and delivery. However, an earlier detection (for example, during the first trimester) may allow for an anticipated action, possibly reducing GDM-associated short and long-term risks.

A study published in the scientific journal Gut shows that gut microbiota plays a role in GDM pathogenesis. In particular, scientists profiled the gut microbiota and clinical records of 394 women during the first trimester of pregnancy. They found alterations in the gut microbiota composition in women who later developed GMD. This study could provide relevant insights to prevent the development of GDM. Recognition of women at high risk of GDM at an early stage of pregnancy may allow specific recommendations for the prevention of the disease simply by lifestyle modification and, in the future, by specific intervention to equilibrate the gut microbiota.

11.01.2023

THEME: ENVIRONMENT

The loss of pollinating insects is causing serious consequences on human health

Animal pollination supports the agricultural production of many healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, which provide vital nutrients and protect against several diseases. Today, most crops need more pollination because of the limited abundance and diversity of insects.

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives assessed dozens of pollinator-dependent crops using data from hundreds of farms worldwide. The data was used to determine the drop in yield due to the reduced populations of pollinating insects. The research team estimated that the world is currently losing 4.7% of total fruit production, 3.2% of vegetables, and 4.7% of nuts. Such loss of production leads to an estimated 427'000 deaths annually from lost healthy food consumption and associated diseases, including stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Wild pollinators are under growing threat for many reasons. Pervasive land-use changes are fracturing, shrinking, and degrading suitable habitats for pollinators worldwide, reducing available areas for nesting and limiting pollinators' ability to migrate. Furthermore, reductions in wild lands and the dominance of large farms growing monocultures have shrunk the diversity of flowering plants and, thereby, the flowering duration, causing nutritional stress. Intensive farming techniques, such as frequent tilling, disturb and destroy nesting sites and disrupt wild plant communities on farms. The ongoing use of pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, has inflicted lethal and sublethal harm to bees.

In addition, the overarching impact of climate change is causing a host of harmful effects. It drives pollinators out of their historical range to find suitable new environmental conditions, causing novel predators, competitors, and pathogens to invade new environments. Whenever their number is measured, pollinating insects decrease in number and diversity. This trend is now understood to be causing severe consequences for the environment and human health.

10.01.2023

THEME: POLITICS

Thousands arrested in Brazil as violent riots attempted to overthrow Lula's government

On October 30, more than 156 million Brazilians were called to elect the new president. The elections, which saw two candidates - Lula and Bolsonaro - radically opposite in almost every aspect of their politics, were characterized by an extreme climate of violence. In such a controversial climate, the Brazilians chose Lula - who was elected president with 50.9% of the total valid votes. Since then, however, Bolsonaro made clear that he would not readily accept a defeat. Until today he never explicitly accepted the results of the elections. During vote counting, Bolsonaro had cast doubts on the trustworthiness of Brazil's electronic voting system. After the elections, movements of supporters of former president Bolsonaro organized manifestations that included violent practices, such as blocking highways using burning vehicles. In the last week, these tensions catalyzed violent riots in Brasilia, Brazil's capital.

A supporter of Bolsonaro - George Washington de Oliveira Sousa - was arrested on December 26, a few days before Lula's inauguration as the new president, accused of placing explosive devices targeting the airport. Later, during interrogation, he admitted that his actions were part of a plan to trigger a large-scale intervention of the armed forces in the capital. Mr Bolsonaro flew to the US before the presidential handover ceremony on January 1, which he did not attend. In the meantime, his supporters organized a gathering in the capital through social networks. Last Sunday, January 8, hundreds of rioters broke through the police barriers. They stormed the Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Presidential Palace, deliberately devastating these key institutional symbols. President Lula has declared a federal intervention, with thousands of troops on standby in Brasilia. After hours of chaos, Brazilian police have retaken control of the stormed premises. The count of arrested amounts to above 1'500 people and growing.

On Monday evening, president Lula visited the damaged buildings of Congress, the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court with the country's governors, condemning the "terrorist acts" and vowing to punish the perpetrators. The reactions from world leaders have been unanimous in condemning these acts of violence. A spontaneous response also came from the population. On Monday, street rallies were held in many cities and towns to support the institutions. Thousands could be heard singing and chanting for justice. As authorities in Brazil launched an investigation into the incidents to identify the responsible, more attention was drawn to Bolsonaro. On Monday, he was admitted to a Florida hospital with abdominal pain. From the US, Bolsonaro condemned the "pillaging and invasion of public buildings" and denied responsibility for encouraging the rioters in a post on Twitter some six hours after violence broke out. He rejected what he defined as Lula's "baseless" accusations that he had incited the unrest.

09.01.2023

THEME: ENVIRONMENT

More than half of glaciers will be gone by 2100 if global warming continues at the current rate

The Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) is where the United Nations come together to act towards achieving the world's collective climate goals agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris on December 12 2015. Its goal is to limit global warming to below 2C (Celsius degrees), preferably to 1.5C, compared to pre-industrial levels. Earlier this year, at COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, leaders recognized that more effort would be needed to achieve the objective of 1.5C. Unfortunately, scientists are finding out that even this best-case scenario may not be enough to avoid dramatic and profound changes in the Earth's climate.

A recent study published in Science shows that 49% of glaciers would disappear under the most optimistic scenario of 1.5C warming within 2100 AD. However, if global heating continues under the current scenario (reaching 2.7C of warming), losses would be more significant, with 68% of glaciers disappearing. If this happened, almost no glaciers would be left in central Europe, western Canada and the US by the end of the next century. The research team of scientists led by Dr Robert W. McNabb (UK) used two decades of satellite data to map the planet's glaciers with greater precision than ever before. Previous models relied on measurements of specific glaciers. Scientists would then extrapolate that information, but now they can get precise data points on each of the planet's 200,000 glaciers. These data gave insight into how many would be lost under different climate change scenarios. In particular, it was possible to observe mountain glaciers. Mountain glacier melt is believed to contribute to more than a third of sea level rise. A lot of this loss is unavoidable, but the magnitude of loss is directly related to temperature increases, so acting on the climate crisis is vital to contain this phenomenon. The result of the study indicates that mountain glacier melt would significantly raise the sea level. Moreover, it threatens the water supply to 2 billion people and increases the risk of natural hazards such as flooding.

After the alarming temperatures registered at the beginning of the year in central Europe, and the recent and worrisome observations from the Alps' glaciers, science is now getting more accurate in indicating the extent of the effects of global warming. While rising sea levels were initially the primary concern, water droughts may be a more imminent issue involving largely populated areas. According to the latest observations, this a problem that may become critical in just a few decades.

08.01.2023

THEME: TECHNOLOGY

A new study demonstrated that ancient Roman concrete is more advanced than what we use today

The ancient Romans were masters of engineering, constructing vast networks of roads, aqueducts, ports, and massive buildings, whose remains have survived for two millennia. They built many of these structures with concrete. For instance, the Pantheon - AD 128 - is still intact, and some ancient aqueducts still deliver water to Rome today. In contrast, many modern concrete structures have crumbled after a few decades.

The reason for such extraordinary resilience was still unknown until a recent study published in Science, the fruit of collaboration between the University of Udine (IT) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US). In their research, the authors analyzed the chemical composition of 2000-year-old concrete samples obtained from the archaeological site of Privernum, Italy. The observations are based on cutting-edge electron microscopy and x-ray technologies. They discovered that ancient concrete-manufacturing strategies had incorporated several key self-healing functionalities. The unknown self-healing capabilities of ancient concrete are due to the so-called "lime clasts" - white microscopic minerals that are a typical mark of Roman concrete. The lime clasts develop a brittle architecture thanks to a specific hot-mixing manufacturing protocol, creating an easily fractured and reactive calcium source. As tiny cracks start forming within the concrete, they can preferentially travel through the high-surface-area lime clasts. This material can then react with water (like the one that would penetrate a cracked surface on a rainy day), creating a calcium-saturated solution that recrystallizes and fills the crack.

It is worth noting that concrete is the most ubiquitous construction material in the world, but its production has serious environmental consequences. One method to reduce the carbon footprint - which accounts for up to 8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions - is to improve the longevity of concrete. The resulting extended use life, combined with a reduced need for repair, could reduce the environmental impact and improve the economic life cycle of modern constructs. Such a relevant innovation may now be at hand - not thanks to modern science, but to our ancestors' inheritance.

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