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February 19^th 2025

⚡️ Energy

🇫🇷 French fusion reactor sets record with 22-minute sustained plasma reaction

Scientists at France's CEA have set a new milestone in fusion research by maintaining a stable plasma reaction for 1,337 seconds (over 22 minutes) in the WEST Tokamak reactor. This achievement surpasses China's recent record and advances efforts to sustain high-temperature plasma for longer periods—crucial for developing commercial fusion energy. The findings will contribute to the ITER project, aiming to make fusion a viable clean energy source. Future experiments will push for even longer and hotter reactions.

🌎 Environment

🇺🇸 US researchers 3D print compostable plastic alternative using coffee grounds and mushroom spores

Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a sustainable material by combining used coffee grounds with Reishi mushroom spores to create a 3D-printable paste. Published in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, the study shows that the fungal mycelium binds the coffee grounds into a resilient, water-resistant, and fully compostable material. This innovation could replace Styrofoam in packaging and small-scale manufacturing, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic waste.

💉 Biotechnology

🇦🇺 Australian researchers use nanoparticle technology to rapidly enhance crop genetics

Scientists at the University of Queensland have developed a method to introduce genetic material into plants via their roots using nanoparticle technology, potentially revolutionizing crop improvement. The research shows that coated nanoparticles can penetrate rigid plant cell walls to deliver synthetic mRNA, which then spreads through the plant. This technique, published in Nature Plants, could accelerate the development of improved crop varieties without traditional breeding or genetic modification, offering a faster and more flexible approach to enhancing food quality and yield.

💊 Healthcare

🇬🇧 UK researchers develop 10-minute CT scan to cure hormone-related high blood pressure

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London, Barts Hospital, and Cambridge University Hospital have created a specialized CT scan that detects tiny aldosterone-producing nodules in the adrenal glands, a hidden cause of high blood pressure. Published in Nature Medicine, the scan uses a radioactive dye to pinpoint the affected gland, allowing for targeted surgery that could cure hypertension in some patients. This breakthrough offers a faster, less invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic tests, potentially transforming hypertension treatment worldwide.

🇺🇸 US researchers find diabetes drug significantly reduces heart attack and stroke risk

A study led by Mount Sinai researchers has found that sotagliflozin, a newly approved SGLT inhibitor for diabetes and kidney disease, is the first in its class to significantly lower heart attack and stroke risk. Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the trial of 10,584 patients showed a 23% reduction in major cardiovascular events. Unlike other SGLT2 inhibitors, sotagliflozin blocks both SGLT1 and SGLT2, offering broader cardiovascular benefits. This breakthrough could expand its use in high-risk patients worldwide.

🇺🇸 US researchers develop implant to track and treat multiple sclerosis in mice

Scientists at the University of Michigan have created a sponge-like implant that attracts diseased immune cells, allowing researchers to study and treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in mice. Published in PNAS, the study used nanoparticle-based therapy to block inflammatory signals, preventing disease onset when administered early and reducing symptoms by half when given later. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for primary progressive MS, the most aggressive form of the disease.

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