A fasting prime minister and a mind-reading billionaire: the week in science
Feb 1, 2024
16:35
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Neuralink implants its first chip in a human, Elon Musk's vision of telepathy, rare cases of Alzheimer's transmission, Rishi Sunak's unusual fasting routine, and the scientific benefits of fasting.
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Quick takeaways
Elon Musk's Neuralink has implanted a brain chip in a human, opening up the potential for brain-computer interfaces to control devices with thoughts.
Research shows rare cases of Alzheimer's disease being transmitted through human growth hormone, shedding light on the disease mechanisms.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Neuralink Implants Brain Chip in Human
Elon Musk's company Neuralink has successfully implanted a brain chip in a human for the first time. The chip is part of a brain-computer interface that aims to translate brain signals into movement or language. The implant consists of hair-like threads with over 1,000 electrodes, which pick up electrical signals from neurons and allow individuals to control movements through their thoughts. Musk envisions the potential for brain-computer interfaces to give people the ability to control devices like phones and computers by just thinking. However, ethical considerations are being raised regarding the broader implications of this technology.
Alzheimer's Transmission via Human Growth Hormone
Researchers at UCL have discovered five rare cases of Alzheimer's disease linked to the transmission of amyloid beta proteins through human growth hormone, which was taken from human cadavers in the past. These patients received the growth hormone between 1959 and 1985. The presence of the amyloid beta proteins in the growth hormone led to the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in these individuals, one of whom was only 38 years old. It's important to note that Alzheimer's is not contagious, but this finding provides insights into the mechanisms of the disease and suggests similarities to other protein-based disorders like CJD.
The Extreme Fasting Routine of Rishi Sunak
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, follows an extreme fasting routine every Monday. During this 36-hour fast, he consumes only water, tea, and black coffee. While there are certain potential health benefits associated with fasting, such as metabolic flexibility and cellular repair, most studies have been conducted on rodents, and the scientific evidence for the benefits in humans is not conclusive. The downsides of extreme fasting include potential muscle loss, reduced physical activity, and psychological effects. Sunak's fasting routine aligns with the biohacking trend popularized by some Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, emphasizing personal optimization and health monitoring.
Ian Sample and science correspondent Hannah Devlin discuss the big science stories of the week – from news that Elon Musk’s Neuralink has implanted its first chip into a human, to research suggesting Alzheimer’s can pass between humans in rare medical accidents, and the revelation that Rishi Sunak begins each week with a 36-hour fast. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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