Weekly: Miniature livers made from lymph nodes in groundbreaking medical procedure
Apr 5, 2024
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Researchers turn lymph nodes into mini livers for transplants. Climate crisis hits Great Barrier Reef even on remote island. Russia suspected of GPS jamming attack. Snakes show signs of self-awareness like humans.
Revolutionary Therapy for Liver Disease Tested in Humans
A groundbreaking medical procedure has been tested in humans for the first time. The procedure involves transforming lymph nodes into miniature livers using hepatocytes from donated organs. By injecting these liver cells into lymph nodes, they develop into tiny functioning organs over time, potentially easing the workload on a diseased liver. If successful, this therapy could eliminate the need for liver transplants, impacting thousands of patients.
Environmental Impact on the Great Barrier Reef
Scientists are assessing the impact of coral bleaching on One Tree Island, a protected paradise within the Great Barrier Reef. Rising water temperatures due to a marine heatwave have caused mass coral bleaching events, endangering coral survival. Specialists like Selena Ward explain how corals react to bleaching, emphasizing the urgent need for recovery as a second consecutive bleaching event could devastate the reef irreversibly.
Record-breaking GPS Jamming Attack
A record-breaking GPS jamming attack, suspected to be conducted by Russia, impacted over 1,600 aircraft in Europe. More powerful radio transmitters can disrupt GPS signals by overpowering them, affecting navigation for both military and civilian aircraft. Concerns arise about ensuring aircraft safety in case of future attacks, prompting the need for reliable alternatives to GPS for navigation systems.
Snakes Show Potential Self-Recognition
Recent studies suggest that snakes, specifically garter snakes, may possess self-recognition abilities akin to passing the mirror test. Researchers challenge snakes with an olfactory version of the mirror test, indicating that they can distinguish their scent from altered versions. This discovery hints at the intricate cognitive abilities of reptiles and challenges traditional views on animal cognition.
Enhancing Robot Training with Verbal Instructions
Stanford University researchers have developed an AI system that translates verbal instructions into motor control movements for robot training. Human operators narrate tasks to the robot, correcting mistakes by providing verbal feedback. The robot achieves a 20% improvement in task performance after being verbally instructed on corrective actions, showcasing the potential for interactive learning between humans and robots.
Total Solar Eclipse in the Northern Hemisphere
A highly anticipated total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8th in the Northern Hemisphere, with its path of totality stretching from Mexico to Canada. The eclipse presents a rare astronomical event, inviting enthusiasts to witness this natural spectacle. New Scientist provides detailed information and resources for experiencing and appreciating the eclipse, encouraging individuals to engage in this celestial phenomenon.
Researchers have successfully turned lymph nodes into miniature livers that help filter the blood of mice, pigs and other animals – and now, trials are beginning in humans. If successful, the groundbreaking medical procedure could prove life-saving for thousands of people waiting for liver transplants around the world. So far, no complications have been seen from the procedure, but it will be several months before we know if the treatment is working as hoped in the first of 12 trial participants with end-stage liver disease.
Even on a remote island untouched by tourists, fishing, pollution and development, the climate crisis is still wreaking havoc on the coral of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Reporter James Woodford visited One Tree Island, a refuge ordinarily spared from the reef’s past catastrophic bleaching events, and discovered that this year’s marine heatwave has managed to reach even that protected spot. There, he spoke with coral experts and now shares both the science and the difficult experience of witnessing environmental devastation.
Russia is suspected of launching a record-breaking GPS jamming attack, a form of electronic warfare that’s been on the rise in parts of Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Lasting more than 63 hours, the newest attack impacted thousands of aircraft, which rely on GPS for navigation. Is the threat set to continue – and how can GPS-reliant airlines adjust?
Snakes might be self-aware just like humans – another animal to add to the growing list. The mirror test, which investigates how animals respond to versions of their reflections, has long been used to detect self-recognition in everything from orangutans to roosters and horses. To test snakes, however, a smell-based method had to be invented, which garter snakes have passed. Does this change our understanding of reptiles?
Hosts Christie Taylor and Timothy Revell discuss with guests Grace Wade, James Woodford, Jeremy Hsu and Chen Ly. To read more about these stories, visit newscientist.com.
