🤖 Tech & Computer Science

Amazon joins Google in investing in small modular nuclear power

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced investments in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) through partnerships with Energy Northwest, Dominion Energy, and reactor developer X-energy. AWS is providing funding to explore SMR feasibility at existing nuclear sites and support X-energy’s reactor design through regulatory approval.

Enhancing diffusion-weighted prostate MRI through self-supervised denoising and evaluation

This study introduces a self-supervised approach to denoise diffusion-weighted MRI, overcoming limitations of low signal-to-noise ratio without requiring noise-free data. Using Stein’s unbiased risk estimator and phase-corrected acquisitions, it achieves superior results and allows for faster scans by reducing image repetitions.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Catalyst uses electricity to convert carbon dioxide into methane

Researchers have developed a highly efficient cobalt terpyridine-based catalyst that converts CO₂ into methane at the gas-liquid-solid interface, using electricity instead of high pressure. This method offers over 80% efficiency with minimal byproducts. Although not yet scalable for large-scale methane production, the process could potentially be adapted for other chemical conversions, like producing sustainable ethylene for plastics.

Synthetic molecular switch enables 'painting' with natural light

A new study reveals potential applications for liquid crystals beyond displays, including lasers, erasable screens, and anti-counterfeiting tags, powered by natural light. Researchers at Dartmouth and Southern Methodist University created a synthetic molecular switch, using hydrazones and triptycene, that changes the color reflection of liquid crystals. This innovation hinges on the switch’s ability to toggle the chirality of the liquid crystal molecules, which could lead to diverse uses for liquid crystals in technology.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

The ‘Molecular Devils’ That Cause the Most Fatal Diseases Ever Known

In men, higher intake of total fat, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) is associated with a reduced risk of thyroid autoimmunity, based on data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study analyzed dietary fat intake and thyroid antibody levels, adjusting for factors like age, BMI, and smoking.

Children With Severe AD Catch Up on Growth With Dupilumab

A study presented at EADV 2024 found that children with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) showed notable height improvement after 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment, helping them catch up on growth. The findings suggest that AD hinders growth, but effective treatment can rapidly restore it.

Pediatric brain tumor research takes leap forward with CBTN data

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center has added the Children's Brain Tumor Network dataset, encompassing data from 7,631 pediatric brain tumor patients. This integration enhances research capabilities, aiming to improve understanding and treatment of childhood brain tumors.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

A 21st-century moon suit: Axiom Space's lunar spacesuit sports 4G comms, Prada looks and Oakley visors for Artemis astronauts

Axiom Space and Prada introduced the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit on October 16, designed for NASA's Artemis 3 mission, scheduled for late 2026. This suit features advanced safety systems and is specifically tailored for the lunar south pole. It will be worn by the first woman and first person of color on the moon. Further testing is needed to ensure readiness .

NASA Pilots Add Perspective to Research

NASA research pilots are essential for optimizing flight tests of new technologies, collaborating with researchers early to enhance project success. They validate innovations like the X-59 aircraft, which will demonstrate quieter supersonic flight. Data gathered during these flights could influence regulations on commercial supersonic travel over land.

Thanks For Reading!

Please move this email to your Primary Inbox (if it is not already there) to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting news and updates!
Reply directly to this email with any questions, comments or suggestions. 🚀