MIT Discovers A New State Of Matter, A New Kind Of Magnetism

CRISPR/Cas Just Got About One Hundred Million Dollars Hotter

CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced  that they will be entering into a 105 million USD strategic research collaboration focused on developing therapeutics for genetic disease.

In more detail, what does that mean? A number of genetic mutations are responsible for inherited diseases, and two examples of this are cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations within the CFTR gene which lead to a broken or non-folding protein, this in turn prevents the proper dilution of mucosal secretions and thus leads to numerous pathologies. Sickle cell anaemia/disease, by contrast, is due to mutations within the gene coding for haemoglobin leading to protein aggregation and disruption of red blood cell structures. It is predominantly found in descendants from malaria-prone areas, as the mutation – at least in heterozygotes – provides innate resistance against malarial infection.

The collaboration between Vertex and CRISPR will initially focus on developing therapeutics for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia, with other unspecified genes also on the target list

Full Story: Syniobeta

Natural volcanic glass

Locality:

Rother Kopf, Roth, Gerolstein, Eifel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Sample of a almost white sandstone xenolith with a gemmy piece of natural blue volcanic glass. Very unique color for natural glass.

Volker Betz’s Photo

me: can u please study

my brain: but that makes me stressed

me: fine then dont study

my brain: but that makes me stressed

me:

THE VERGE REVIEW OF ANIMALS, STARRING: TRILOBITES

They were survivors, up until they went extinct. 

Despite its appearance, there is order in the chaos of turbulence. These snapshots from a turbulent channel flow simulation outline these coherent structures in black. The top photo shows a top view looking down on the channel and the bottom image shows a side view of the channel. It is thought that studying these coherent structures may help shed light on turbulence and its formation, which remains one of the great open questions of classical physics. (Photo credit: M. Green)

Moving Through Color

These breathtaking tree tunnels are famous in their perspective countries, standing as a testament to time and beauty:

Wisteria Tunnel, Tochigi, Japan - Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi is one of the best places to admire different varieties of wisteria.

Dark Hedges, County Antrim, Northern Ireland - This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century, and is one of the most photographed natural phenomena in the country.

Tunnel of Love, Kleven, Ukraine - This luscious green tunnel provides passage for a private train that provides wood to a local factory. The tunnel is also used by lovers to make a wish – it is said that if they are sincere in their love, their wishes will come true.

Ginkgo Tree Tunnel, Tokyo, Japan - Around 65,000 ginkgo trees line the streets of Tokyo; they are known as “the bearer of hope”, since some of them survived the bombing of Hiroshima. This tree tunnel is located in the outer garden of Meiji Shrine.

Jacarandas Walk, Johannesburg, South Africa - The Jacaranda trees explode into full blossom every October, turning the walk into a purple paradise.

Point Reyes, California, United States - Bishop pine, douglas fir and coast redwood are all to be found in this atmospheric part of the Pacific Coast.

Ashdown Forest, West Sussex, England - Much of the tree cover in the South Downs area was razed thousands of years ago, but some thickly-wooded areas remain.

Sena De Luna, Spain - A small Spanish village in the province of Castile and León, Sena De Luna is home to around 450 people.

The flowerhat jellies eat live fish, which aquarists deliver to the brainless beauties using a straw.

#VisitorPicture by @girlymurley #regram #jelly #jellyfish #ocean #animals #closeup #NEAQtentacles #lunchtime #fish #beautiful

Graphene Safely Interacts With Neurons in the Brain

Researchers have shown that graphene can be used to make electrodes that can be implanted in the brain, which could potentially be used to restore sensory functions for amputee or paralysed patients, or for individuals with motor disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

The research is in ACS Nano. (full access paywall)

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