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In the latest research in the field of technology, there has been a breakthrough development. Recently, the journal Nature announced a collaborative study conducted by the Google DeepMind team in conjunction with the AI drug development team Isomorphic Labs, presenting their newest protein prediction modelāAlphaFold 3. AlphaFold 3 exhibits a powerful capability, not only limited to the structural prediction of single proteins or multi-protein complexes but also accurately deciphers the complex structures formed when proteins bind with various biomolecules, revealing their interactions.
This model is hailed by the research team as “a revolutionary model” with unprecedented precision, capable of predicting the structures and interactions of all molecules in life. Based on the achievements of its predecessor, AlphaFold 2, AlphaFold 3 has further trained, utilizing data from the Protein Data Bank and integrating diffusion model techniques that are popular in artificial intelligence drawing models. It can directly predict the three-dimensional coordinates of atoms and build accurate molecular structures through multiple steps of aggregation.
In the published paper abstract, the researchers note that AlphaFold 3 can perform joint structural predictions on protein complexes composed of proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, ions, and modified residues, and its accuracy far surpasses all existing tools. However, unlike AlphaFold 2, the source code for AlphaFold 3 is not currently available for download. Researchers can use this tool via the “AlphaFold” server, but usage is limited to ten times per day, and users cannot directly obtain protein structures related to potential drug development. Isomorphic Labs is currently using AlphaFold 3 in several drug discovery projects.
In December 2023, the Venezuelan government took a measure to try to protect its Humboldt Glacier from further melting, involving the use of geotextiles for coverage. However, this effort did not achieve the expected success. It is understood that the continued shrinking of glaciers may cause Indonesia, Mexico, and Slovenia to become glacier-free countries in the near future.
In the field of zoology, there is an interesting phenomenon where many male animals, such as lions and gorillas, tend to kill the offspring brought by new mates, to ensure the spread of their own genes. However, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus) sometimes exhibits a different behavior pattern. This thirty-year study conducted in Venezuela, observing Green-rumped Parrotlets through artificial nest boxes, found that males would linger around the nest boxes shortly after a female lost her mate. Contrary to traditional expectations, some new stepfather parrots opt not to kill the chicks; instead, they continue to care for them. This means that rearing non-biological young is as common a behavior in Green-rumped Parrotlets as killing them. The study also found that there was no significant difference in the number of chicks produced by males who reared chicks compared to those who killed them, challenging traditional views.
In the public health sector, changes in policy regarding the oral polio vaccine have led to significant consequences. Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by three types of virus and was effectively controlled through oral vaccines. Since 1988, this vaccine has reduced the number of infections by 99.9% and has helped in the eradication of the virus. However, in April 2016, when a new version of the oral vaccine, which no longer protected against type 2 poliovirus, was introduced, the World Health Organization decided to remove the component targeting type 2 virus from the original vaccine. The motivation behind this strategy was based on the confidence that type 2 poliovirus seemed to have been eradicated, and the expectation of reducing vaccine-derived infections. Unfortunately, this decision did not work as anticipated, and instead led to a more widespread occurrence of vaccine-derived polio cases, escalating from a few isolated incidents to widespread outbreaks.
Since 2015, there has been a surge in certain cases of the disease, with an increase of approximately tenfold. To date, this situation has affected several countries, leading to symptoms of paralysis in over 3300 children. Research reports indicate that with the increasing number of children not receiving routine immunization programs, the epidemic caused by type 2 poliovirus has started to spiral out of control. Officials from the World Health Organization emphasize that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative will engage in in-depth discussions with its management and monitoring teams, independent experts, and member states, with the goal of making a decision by early 2025 on how to stop the use of the oral polio vaccine.
In the field of planetary science, historical observations of rocky exoplanets have either failed to detect evidence of atmospheres or have only discovered very weak atmospheric layers. Latest research results, based on new observations by the Webb Space Telescope, suggest that the rocky exoplanet 55 Cancri e, located 41 light years from Earth, may possess a relatively thick atmosphere. The planet, also known as a “super-Earth,” is twice the diameter and 8.8 times the mass of Earth, and it orbits a star smaller than the sun. Previous observations of this rocky exoplanet had already suggested the possibility of an atmosphere, but its exact extent and components have remained unconfirmed until now. Researchers, by analyzing two transit events of the planet passing behind its star, have studied its characteristics. Spectral data indicate the presence of a volatile atmosphere rich in carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide around 55 Cancri e, suggesting that a sea of magma might be key to sustaining this atmosphere. Nonetheless, the researchers also point out that alternative interpretations of these observations are possible, and further observations are necessary to confirm these atmospheric features and the new information they could reveal about 55 Cancri e.
In the field of biology, new findings related to the structure that protects chromosome integrityātelomeresāhave emerged. Telomeres are sequences of DNA at the ends of chromosomes, and if damaged and unable to repair themselves properly, can lead to genomic instability and potentially trigger cancer. A study recently published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals a new discovery: PARP1āa protein-modifying enzyme in the DNA repair processācan also modify telomere DNA, which might then obstruct its normal repair and affect telomere integrity. PARP1 is known as an important cancer treatment target. Previous research suggests that PARP1 primarily carries out genomic surveillance functions, adding ADP-ribose molecules to specific proteins and attracting other DNA repair proteins upon detecting DNA damage. By comparing normal human cells with cells deficient in PARP1, the research team discovered ADP-ribose additions on the telomere DNA of normal cells, but not on the telomere DNA of the deficient cells. This discovery provides a new focal point for future cancer treatments.
Researchers’ new findings reveal a key biological mechanism associated with cellular aging and death. According to these findings, the accumulation of ADP-ribose in the telomere region hinders its normal replication process, leading to abnormal telomere shortening. This shortening can cause cells to enter a premature aging state and ultimately result in cell death.
These research results further emphasize the crucial role of maintaining PARP1 function and controlling ADP-ribose modifications on DNA in preserving the overall stability of the genome. The discovery of this regulatory mechanism provides deeper insight into the cell life cycle and may also have a profound impact on the development of anti-aging strategies.
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