🤖 Tech & Computer Science

Apple’s Visual Intelligence is a built-in take on Google Lens

Apple has announced a new feature called Visual Intelligence, part of the iOS 18 Apple Intelligence suite, launching later this year. Visual Intelligence allows users to learn about objects instantly by using the new capacitive Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. The feature combines on-device intelligence and Apple services without storing images. Users can point their camera at objects, like restaurants or flyers, to get information, and it can also connect to third-party models for additional functionality, such as searching Google or getting help with study notes.

Heart disease is the world’s biggest killer — this Cambridge Uni spinout is using AI to find new treatments

AI is revolutionizing drug discovery, particularly in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research. Cambridge University spinout CardiaTec, founded by biotech graduates Raphael Peralta, Thelma Zablocki, and AI expert Namshik Han, raised $6.5 million in seed funding to accelerate their efforts. CVDs, responsible for 17.9 million deaths annually, are a major focus, with CardiaTec using AI to predict how chemical compounds interact with biological targets to discover new drug candidates faster.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

To make Mars warmer, just add nanorods

Theoretical calculations suggest that releasing engineered nanoparticles into Mars' atmosphere could raise its temperature by over 30 K, potentially supporting microbial life. This finding, by US researchers, indicates that terraforming Mars to sustain liquid water might be easier than previously believed. Unlike other methods that require scarce resources like fluorine, this approach offers a more feasible way to warm the planet and modify its environment.

Chemical chameleon reveals novel pathway for separating rare-earth metals

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, discovered a chemical "chameleon" that could enhance the purification of rare-earth metals. These metals, including lanthanides, are crucial for clean energy, medical, and national security applications. The study is part of ongoing efforts to make these metals more accessible for various industries.

Unprecedented natural products uncovered in springtails

Researchers discovered highly hetero-substituted benzenes in mushroom springtails, tiny soil-dwelling arthropods. These compounds protect the creatures from ants, with one being the first fully hetero-substituted benzene found in nature.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Impressive Results With Gene Silencer in ATTR-Cardiomyopathy

Vutrisiran, a gene-silencing drug, significantly reduced deaths and cardiovascular events in ATTR-CM patients in the HELIOS-B trial. It offers a new treatment option alongside tafamidis by preventing amyloid formation, beneficial for patients who don't respond to tafamidis.

Vitamin D supplementation shows promising impact on cardiometabolic health

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 99 trials found that vitamin D supplementation, particularly at a median dose of 3320 IU per day, significantly improves cardiometabolic risk factors. The benefits were most notable in non-Western populations, those with low baseline vitamin D levels, a BMI under 30, and individuals over 50 years old. The study suggests that personalized vitamin D interventions could optimize health outcomes in specific groups.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

NASA's Europa Clipper probe to icy Jupiter moon takes big step toward its Oct. 10 launch

NASA's Europa Clipper probe, set to study Jupiter's icy moon Europa, has passed a crucial technical review, allowing it to move forward with final launch preparations. The mission, scheduled to launch on Oct. 10 atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, aims to explore the moon's potential for life. Despite earlier challenges, the $5 billion mission is now ready for liftoff.

NASA Astronauts to Discuss Mission from Space Station

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will hold a news conference aboard the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, at 2:15 p.m. EDT. The event will be streamed on NASA+, the NASA app, and the agency’s website. Media wishing to participate must contact NASA’s Johnson Space Center by 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 and dial in 10 minutes before the start.

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