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COVID ‘brain fog’ linked to brain inflammation

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Surgeons in protective clothing work on a patient.

Surgeons at Xijing Hospital in Xi’an, China, performed the first transplantation of a non-human liver into a human body.Credit: Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University in Xi’an China

Surgeons in China say they have transplanted a pig liver into a person’s body for the first time. With consent from the man’s family, the clinically dead patient received a liver from a pig that was genetically modified to prevent the recipient from rejecting the pig organ. The surgeons say the pig liver secreted more than 30 millilitres of bile every day, and the colour and texture of the liver remained normal after 10 days. In January, a US team conducted a similar experiment with a pig’s liver located outside a person’s body, and there have been further experiments with genetically modified pig kidneys and hearts.

Nature | 5 min read

Read more: Experts weigh in on the issues surrounding the xenotransplantation of pig organs in Nature Medicine (11 min read, from 2022)

Stellar detectives have identified seven stars that recently gobbled up a rocky planet. The planets seem to have been eaten during their stars’ relatively stable main-sequence period. If this is true, it means these systems have continued to be chaotic long after their formation, with planets disintegrating or falling into their star, says astronomer Johanna Teske. “It’s an inference at this point. We need to look at these systems in more detail.”

Nature | 3 min read

Reference: Nature paper

2,500

The number of researchers who have left Russia since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022, according to an estimate based on researchers’ ORCID identifiers. (Nature | 5 min read)

A slew of studies have identified how inflammation in the brains of people with COVID-19 might explain neurological symptoms such as loss of smell, headaches and memory problems. Growing evidence suggests that the immune response triggered by the virus leads indirectly to brain inflammation. One study found that people with long COVID and ‘brain fog’ had a leakier blood-brain barrier, which might let in molecules that cause inflammation.

Nature | 5 min read

Reference: Nature Neuroscience paper

Indian biotechnology company ImmunoACT is producing a much cheaper version of a cancer treatment known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. A single treatment of NexCAR19 costs between US$30,000 and $40,000 — a tenth of the price of comparable products now available. The safety profile also appears to be better than some US-approved CAR-T products. NexCAR19 is now being used to treat blood cancers in hospitals across India. “These are people for whom all other treatments have failed,” says immunologist Alka Dwivedi.

Nature | 6 min read

For 15 years, geoscientists have been involved in a complicated technical process to determine whether human impacts on Earth amount to a new geological epoch: the Anthropocene. This week, following a controversial vote and challenge, the final verdict has arrived from the International Union of Geological Sciences: we are not in a new epoch. The current lack of agreement on a start date should not detract from the Anthropocene as a concept, says a Nature editorial. The reality is that humans are leaving a discernible fingerprint on Earth systems.

Nature | 5 min read & Nature editorial | 5 min read

Features & opinion

AI image generators can amplify biased stereotypes in their output. There have been attempts to quash the problem by manual fine-tuning (which can have unintended consequences, for example generating diverse but historically inaccurate images) and by increasing the amount of training data. “People often claim that scale cancels out noise,” says cognitive scientist Abeba Birhane. “In fact, the good and the bad don’t balance out.” The most important step to understanding how these biases arise and how to avoid them is transparency, researchers say. “If a lot of the data sets are not open source, we don’t even know what problems exist,” says Birhane.

Nature | 12 min read

Invasive ant species such as the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) have conquered the land so thoroughly that “it can seem as if the spread of global trade was an Argentine ant plot for world domination”, writes science journalist John Whitfield. He explores what makes these insects so successful, their effects on ecosystems and the temptation to compare their spread with humanity’s own power struggles. Ants “speak to life’s ability to escape our grasp, regardless of how we might try to order and exploit the world”, writes Whitfield. “There’s something hopeful about that, for the planet, if not for us.”

Aeon | 15 min read

Quote of the day

The psychoactive drug ketamine is increasingly being used to treat depression and other mood disorders, including by high-profile users such as entrepreneur Elon Musk or actor Matthew Perry. More than 40 clinical trials support its effectiveness in treating severe depression. But neuropsychopharmacologist David Nutt warns that those taking it need careful supervision. (Nature | 5 min read)

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Add extra creativity to your photos with this portable fog machine

Add extra creativity to your photos with this portable fog machine

In the world of photography, creativity is the key to capturing images that resonate and leave a lasting impression. One of the most innovative ways to infuse creativity into your photographs is by using a portable handheld fog machine. This nifty gadget, equipped with fast USB-C charging and the ability to fill a 20m³ studio space in just a minute, can dramatically enhance the atmosphere and mood of your shots.

Firstly, let’s delve into the practicality of this device. Its compact size and fast charging capability make it an ideal companion for photographers on the go. Whether you’re shooting in a studio or in the wilderness, this fog machine is a game-changer. Its ability to quickly fill a space with fog means you can work efficiently, maintaining the flow of your creative process without lengthy interruptions.

Early bird bonuses are now available for the ground-breaking project from roughly $98 or £80 (depending on current exchange rates), offering a considerable discount of approximately 23% off the retail market price, while the Indiegogo crowd funding is under way.

how to create film style mist and smoke effects using a fog machine

Now, let’s explore the creative possibilities. The fog produced by this machine can add a layer of mystique and drama to your photographs. It scatters light in a way that creates a soft, dreamlike quality, perfect for ethereal portraits or moody landscapes. The fog can also highlight beams of light, creating a visually stunning effect that can’t be replicated in post-production. Imagine the sun’s rays piercing through a misty forest, captured in your photo with a surreal quality.

Control your smoke effects

Moreover, the fog machine’s portability allows for spontaneity in your shoots. You can experiment with different angles and compositions, seeing how the fog interacts with various light sources and environments. This can lead to unexpectedly beautiful shots, where the interplay of light, shadow, and fog produces a truly unique image.

how to take portraits with a fog machine and smoke effects

Using the fog machine in outdoor settings opens up a world of possibilities. It can transform an ordinary landscape into an otherworldly scene or add an element of mystery to urban photography. In portrait photography, the fog can be used to create a sense of intimacy, enveloping the subject in a soft, flattering light.

If the Smoke S campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and production progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around November 23. To learn more about the Smoke S portable fog machine project appraise the promotional video below.

Compact portable fog machine

For those who enjoy thematic photography, this tool is invaluable. You can create specific atmospheres that align with your theme. A dense, eerie fog can set the stage for a horror-themed shoot, while a lighter mist can evoke a romantic, fairy-tale-like setting.

how to create a dry ice look with a fog machine

Safety and control are also crucial. The handheld nature of this fog machine allows for precise control over the density and placement of the fog, ensuring that it enhances rather than overwhelms the subject of your photograph. Additionally, being mindful of your surroundings and the environmental impact is important when using the machine outdoors.

fog machine control system instructions

In conclusion, a portable handheld fog machine is a powerful tool for photographers looking to elevate their creative expression. Its fast charging, efficiency, and portability make it an excellent investment for both amateur and professional photographers. By mastering the use of this device, you can unlock a new dimension in your photography, creating images that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally captivating. Remember, creativity in photography is about exploring new tools and techniques, and this fog machine is your ticket to a world of imaginative and breathtaking photography.

For a complete list of all available pledges, stretch goals, extra media and build specifications for the portable fog machine, jump over to the official Smoke S crowd funding campaign page by navigating to the link below.

Source : Indiegogo

Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.

Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News





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