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Lab-grown retina gives gene change clue to rare childhood eye condition

A study using tiny retinas grown in a lab has revealed how subtle changes in a key growth-controlling protein can lead to a condition causing serious eye defects from birth. The findings, published in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)—Molecular Basis of Disease, shed new light on ocular coloboma, a rare congenital eye condition affecting about 1 in 5,000 births and responsible for roughly 10% of childhood blindness. Coloboma arises when a structure in the developing eye, the optic fissure, fails to close properly and often co-occurs with other tissue-fusion problems such as cleft lip and/or palate.

Health / Medical Xpress / Apr 14 / 95% positive
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Science PhysOrg Apr 14
How hidden soil fungi 'steal' bacterial DNA to control the rain

Tiny organisms on the ground—bacteria and fungi—have a "superpower" that allows them to reach up into the atmosphere and pull down the rain, according to a recent study.

Columbus, OH NBC4i Apr 14
Crew program keeps kids in school

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Columbus Crew is encouraging children to stay in school by bringing the Crew excitement to them. Monday was the first collaboration of the Crew’s two education platforms – Stay in the Game and Soccer in Schools. Students at Imagine Columbus Primary Academy got to enjoy a pep rally with games [...]

Global Upworthy Apr 13
19-year-old taco shop owner’s heartfelt plea to save his restaurant has been a huge success

He nearly had to say goodbye to his lifelong dream. One TikTok changed everything. The post 19-year-old taco shop owner’s heartfelt plea to save his restaurant has been a huge success appeared first on Upworthy.

New York, NY NY Post Apr 13
How the Mets vs. Dodgers series became the most expensive in MLB history

The Mets and Dodgers clash in a historic three-game series at Dodger Stadium, featuring a record-breaking $1.09 billion combined payroll including luxury tax penalties.

Science PhysOrg Apr 13
New 'molecular handle' uses common amino acid to build complex medicines

In a new study published in Nature Communications, a team of chemists has unveiled a radically simple way to attach a highly sought-after "molecular handle," known as the dichloromethyl group, onto complex compounds. Instead of relying on the aggressive, heavy-metal or radiation-heavy techniques of the past, the team used a common, naturally occurring amino acid called proline to gently choreograph the assembly.

New York, NY NY Post Apr 13
How the Strait of Hormuz saves the world’s poor from starvation

The fighting in the Gulf and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are holding back much of the fertilizer that will help grow the food needed to feed the world in the coming year.

Global Upworthy Apr 13
Bartenders expertly handled a ‘creepy’ guy. Then the plot twisted.

Instincts on point. Outcome hilariously unexpected. The post Bartenders expertly handled a ‘creepy’ guy. Then the plot twisted. appeared first on Upworthy.

Albany, NY NEWS10 ABC Apr 13
Hudson Crossing Park unveils free inclusive summer programs

Hudson Crossing Park announced the return of its summer programming, available to all ages and abilities. "On the Canals" will offer a season of free inclusive excursions along the Champlain Canal.

Science PhysOrg Apr 13
Building 'green' protection for fragile enzymes

Enzymes are nature's tiny powerhouses, helping with everything from digesting food to making it quicker and safer to produce medicines, food and renewable fuels. While they can enhance chemical reactions, their fragile nature makes it difficult to use them in typical industrial processes.

Science PhysOrg Apr 13
Low-cost robotic chemistry system can be built and deployed in any lab

In a paper just out in Nature Synthesis, researchers led by Prof. Timothy Noël of the University of Amsterdam's Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences presented a breakthrough in autonomous laboratory systems for synthesis optimization. With an estimated cost of a mere $5,000, a versatile, modular design and the option for "human in the loop" analytics, RoboChem Flex caters to all synthesis laboratories, large or small. The paper provides all the information to build their own system.

Technology Wired Apr 13
You Can Soon Buy a $4,370 Humanoid Robot on AliExpress

Unitree is bringing its R1 to international markets. It arrives with some aerobatic capabilities and an entry-level price, but the question of what you'd actually do with it remains open.