SARS-CoV-2 spike mutation evades human immune response, enhances infectivity
An international team of researchers led by Kumamoto and Tokyo Universities (Japan) have shown that the L452R mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is common to two mutant strains (Epsilon and Delta), is involved in cellular immunity evasio.....»»
Cofense improves visibility of dangerous email-based threats
Cofense released new AI-driven spam reduction capabilities to its Phishing Detection and Response (PDR) platform. These enhancements reduce workload so SOC analysts can concentrate on genuine threats that could quickly harm an organization’s revenu.....»»
Adapting generative AI for the next generation of learning
A new study by Monash University learning analytics researchers presents key considerations for generative AI (GenAI) educational tools so they are carefully developed to support, rather than replace, human learning......»»
Why Trump"s messaging is becoming more extreme: A mathematician explains
"Talk about extreme." That was the response of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at September's televised debate, after her rival, Donald Trump, made the baseless claim that migrants had been eating the dogs and cats of their neighbors in.....»»
Climate change worsened deadly Africa floods, scientists say
Human-caused climate change worsened floods that have killed hundreds of people and displaced millions in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan this year, according to a study published on Wednesday......»»
Tesla, Warner Bros. sued for using AI ripoff of iconic Blade Runner imagery
"That movie sucks," Elon Musk said in response to the lawsuit. Elon Musk may have personally used AI to rip off a Blade Runner 2049 image for a Tesla cybercab event after produce.....»»
ScaleVoice"s AI ‘workers" can contact customers and seem human
The startup is seeking new venture capital to help fuel an expansion of its AI "workers" designed to automate outbound dealership calls and texts......»»
Was organized society an agitating or pacifying force in ancient Andes populations?
The extent to which "civilization" heightens or lessens the likelihood of violent conflict throughout human history has remained one of the most enduring questions among anthropologists. But a new collaborative study of archaeological groups from the.....»»
Accurately weighing costs and benefits of different methods for controlling invasive species
Invasive insect species bring a host of health, social, ecological and economic consequences, including crop damage, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, human disease transmission and rising allergy rates......»»
Artificial "nose" can sniff out damaged fruit and spoiled meat
Although smell has historically played an important role in the fight against diseases such as the plague and tuberculosis, the human nose is generally not sensitive enough to be used as a reliable diagnostic tool. However, a new artificial "nose" in.....»»
Satellite-derived data on artificial light at night indicate rapidly increasing industrial activities in the Arctic
More than 800,000 km2 of the Arctic were affected by human activity in 2013, according to an analysis of satellite-derived data on artificial light at night. On average, 85% of the light-polluted areas are due to industrial activities rather than urb.....»»
How plants compete for light: Researchers discover new mechanism in shade avoidance
Plants that are close together do everything they can to intercept light. This "shade avoidance" response has been extensively researched. It is therefore even more remarkable that researchers from the laboratory of Molecular Biology at Wageningen Un.....»»
Chemoenzymatic approach enhances Stevia sweetness through glycosylation of Rebaudioside C
A research team has revealed that Rebaudioside C (Reb C), a key compound in Stevia extracts, can undergo chemoenzymatic modifications to enhance its sweetness. Researchers used engineered glycosynthases to add glucose and galactose moieties to Reb C,.....»»
Loss of "nitrogen fixers" threatens biodiversity, ecosystems, say biologists
Mississippi State University is part of a European-American collaboration studying how human activities, like fertilizer use and pollution, are impacting nitrogen-fixing plants which are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems by adding nitrogen t.....»»
EU delays on dangerous chemicals threaten health, environment: watchdog
The European Commission's long delays in deciding whether some dangerous chemicals can be used pose a threat to human health and the environment, the EU's rights watchdog said on Monday......»»
Distressed about climate change, a "supermajority" of young Americans across the political spectrum want bolder action
A "supermajority" of young Americans across the political spectrum feel distressed about human-made climate change and want bolder action from the government and corporations, a new study has found. Experiencing the worsening effects of a rapidly cha.....»»
On New Jersey"s Burlington Island, human nature has been at odds with nature for 400 years: What"s next?
Beautiful and artificial, the 100-acre lake on Burlington Island embodies the sort of complexities that for centuries have helped make this storied piece of South Jersey real estate alluring, inspiring—and a periodic source of controversy......»»
Leveraging skyscraper architecture: New design enhances porosity and structural stability for metal-organic frameworks
The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, employs advanced construction techniques designed to withstand wind, seismic activity, and its own massive weight. Among these techniques is the "Meta Column System," which plays a pivotal role by.....»»
Team achieves successful reproduction of hematopoietic stem cell developmental process in an in vitro culture system
Researchers at Kumamoto University have achieved a notable advancement in stem cell biology by reproducing the developmental process of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro. This culture system not only enhances our understanding of how HSCs deve.....»»
Research finds 1.1 billion people in multidimensional poverty, with nearly a half-billion in conflict settings
New research from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) has found that poverty rates in conflict-affected nations are almost three times higher than in countries free from conflic.....»»
How to spot AI deepfakes that spread election misinformation
Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT, are trained on large datasets to create written, visual or audio content in response to prompts. When fed real images, some algorithms can produce fake photos and videos known as deepfakes......»»