Science

In September, clinical trials of the world’s first drug for dental regeneration will take place at Kyoto University Hospital in Japan. The drug, based on an antibody that deactivates the USAG-1 protein, is initially intended for patients born with some or all missing teeth (congenital dental agenesis). Over time, the researchers hope to expand the therapy to people who have lost teeth either accidentally or due to infection. While in healthy people the number of permanent teeth is strictly limited to 32, approximately 1% of the population has more permanent teeth (hyperdontia, or supernumerary teeth) or fewer (dental agenesis). Dental agenesis occurs as a result of premature cessation of tooth development and includes hypodontia (missing 1 to 5 permanent teeth), oligodontia (absence of more than 6 teeth), and anodontia (absence of all teeth). Although several genes have been identified as being responsible for congenital tooth agenesis, research has shown that one protein in particular regulates the formation of new teeth. This is a USAG-1 protein that suppresses the activation of BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) and Wnt factors, two signaling molecules necessary for the development of bones and teeth.

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For the first time in history, researchers used laser light to push the nucleus of a thorium atom to a higher energy level. This scientific success paves the way for a new generation of watches of unsurpassed precision, capable of helping us understand the most fundamental forces in the Universe. How do atomic clocks work? Atomic clocks, which are the most accurate in existence today, are based on an amazing principle of quantum physics. They use atoms to measure time with extreme precision. Think of the atom as a miniature solar system, with a nucleus at the center and electrons orbiting around it. These electrons can occupy different energy levels, like the floors of a building. When an electron receives a certain amount of energy, it can “jump” from one floor to another. This is what we call the energy transition.

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NASA is currently exploring futuristic concepts for space exploration. One of these projects may well change our understanding of cargo transportation on the lunar surface. The project, called Flexible Levitation on a Track (FLOAT), recently received the green light to move into the second phase of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program. NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program is a bold initiative to develop revolutionary concepts for the future of space exploration. This program can change our understanding of space and open up new opportunities for its exploration. SPARROW (Steam Powered Autonomous Search Robot for Ocean Worlds) is a concept developed under NASA’s NIAC program. The project is exploring the possibility of using a small, steam-powered robot to explore the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, such as Europa, Enceladus and Titan.

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For the past four days, since May 8, SpaceX workers at Starbase have been transporting several prototypes in preparation for upcoming flights. SpaceX is preparing not only for the fourth Starship launch, which seems to be just around the corner, but also for the next ones. According to Musk’s latest statement, the next flight is expected in three to five weeks, contradicting previous statements about a May takeoff. Musk also said that the main goal of the next flight is to surpass what was done in March. This means SpaceX expects Ship 29 to experience a peak heating moment during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. SpaceX has faced several delays, with the main known reasons being on-site repairs and permitting. In order to receive those permits from the Federal Aviation Administration, the federal agency must complete an investigation into problems that arose during the March flight. SpaceX itself must submit a report to the FAA, but judging by the latest rumors, this has not yet happened.

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A joint team of researchers from Harvard University and Google Research has created the most detailed 3D map of the human brain to date. The reconstruction, which combined 1,400 terabytes of digital data, includes no less than 57,000 neurons, 230 millimeters of blood vessels and 150 million synapses – all in one cubic millimeter of brain. The resulting images highlight the impressive complexity of the human brain, as well as details that have never been discovered before. The complexity of the brain’s microstructure underlies our inherent cognitive abilities. However, our understanding of this structure is significantly limited due to lack of access to high-quality brain samples. For example, biopsies can provide valuable information about the functioning of an organ and the pathological conditions that may affect it, but they are rarely performed on the human brain.

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