🤖 Tech & Computer Science

US sues RealPage over rent-setting software that allegedly drove up prices

The Justice Department is suing RealPage, a company that provides software to landlords for setting rental prices. The DOJ and eight states allege that RealPage's algorithm drives up rents by using nonpublic pricing data from competing landlords, reducing competition and harming renters.

Nvidia second-quarter sales likely to double, even a slight miss may hurt shares

Nvidia is expected to report a more than doubling of second-quarter revenue, but investors are looking for even bigger results from the AI chip giant. The outcome could impact an ongoing AI rally. Nvidia's stock, up over 150% this year, has added $1.82 trillion to its market value, boosting the S&P 500. However, on Monday, the stock dropped 2.2%, affecting the index. It is currently valued at 37 times forward earnings, higher than the top six tech companies on the benchmark index.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Dual protein analysis approach provides potential way to slow cancer growth

Researchers at Scripps Research have combined two protein analysis methods to map over 300 small molecule-reactive cancer proteins and their binding sites. This approach reveals key protein targets that, when disrupted, can stop cancer cell growth. The findings, published in Nature Chemistry, could lead to more effective and precise cancer treatments.

3D printing creates strong, stretchy hydrogels that stick to tissue

A new 3D printing method, detailed in Science, improves hydrogel-based adhesives for medical use. Developed by researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Pennsylvania, and NIST, the method, called CLEAR, enhances the strength, elasticity, and adhesive properties of 3D printed hydrogels. This could make them more suitable for use on moving tissues like the heart or cartilage.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

How Our Longest Nerve Orchestrates the Mind-Body Connection

When alone at night, the body's physical responses—like a racing heart and sweating palms—intensify fear and connect deeply with our mental experiences. This illustrates that the mind is not just a product of the brain but is closely intertwined with the body's responses. Simply uploading brain data into a computer overlooks the crucial role the body plays in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.

FDA Clears the Omnipod 5 System for Type 2 Diabetes

The FDA has approved the Omnipod 5 automated insulin delivery system for adults aged 18 and older with type 2 diabetes, marking a first for such systems. The Omnipod 5, which uses a tubeless pod and communicates wirelessly with a glucose monitor, was previously approved only for type 1 diabetes. The new approval follows a trial showing a significant reduction in A1c levels from 8.2% to 7.4% over 13 weeks.

Novel approach reverses age-related cognitive decline

Researchers created transgenic mice that overexpress Terc-53 to study its effects on aging. They found that Terc-53 accelerates cognitive decline and shortens lifespan by binding to and promoting the degradation of Hmmr, which increases tissue inflammation. As Hmmr levels naturally decrease with age, restoring them improved cognitive function and reduced neuroinflammation.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

SpaceX delays Polaris Dawn astronaut launch to Aug. 28 due to helium leak

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, which aims to conduct the first private spacewalk, has been delayed by at least 24 hours due to a helium leak. The launch, initially scheduled for early August 27, will now occur no earlier than August 28. The Falcon rocket and Dragon spacecraft remain in good condition, and the crew is ready for their mission to low Earth orbit.

NASA Develops Pod to Help Autonomous Aircraft Operators 

NASA researchers have developed the AIRVUE camera pod to enhance computer vision for autonomous aircraft. The pod, tested on a helicopter, aims to collect diverse visual data on weather and obstacles. This data will help create a cloud resource for manufacturers of self-flying aircraft, such as air taxis and drones, to improve their navigation systems.

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