Within a decade we will cure disease, not just treat it. AI accelerates drug discovery and will reduce cost of new drugs by 4 from $2.4 billion to $600 million, and time from 14 years to 6 years. ROI improves 12 times. AI in medicine will not just improve medicines but will improve diagnosis and treatment.
Most research shows Mistrust in science increasing over the past decades and primarily driven by political polarization, amplified by partisan media and social media algorithms that spread misinformation, with variation observed across age, rural vs. urban populations, and political affiliations. Was it the nuclear bomb, or Rachael Carson, but mistrust is increasing rapidly.
Electrification promises up to 80% of all global energy requirements and can rapidly stop emissions. In this podcast, Lord Adair Turner points out efficient technologies such as heat pumps, electricity for heating water, air, and materials can rapidly change emissions. The focus shifts from energy consumption to energy services for better human welfare. Solar PV costs at 9 cents/watt and batteries under $100/kWh enable transition.
New research from Prof Ali Max reveals the COVID-19 spike protein can persist in the body for years, causing brain damage. The protein accumulates in the skull and meninges, leading to inflammation, neuronal damage, and neurodegenerative changes. Long COVID patients exhibit elevated levels of neurodegenerative markers. Vaccination can significantly reduce spike protein accumulation and long-term neurological effects.
Stroke is a major health issue, especially for those over 60. Statins lower cholesterol, stabilize plaques, and reduce inflammation, effectively preventing repeat strokes. However, evidence for statins preventing first strokes in the elderly, particularly those over 75, is weaker, leading to inconsistent guidelines.
About one in eight people who get covid-19, also get long covid which is post-infection symptoms persisting for at least a month. Long covid impacts young and is cumulative. Loss of IQ. Loss of fitness, and for some months or years of pain. Long covid is real. Prevention is needed. Masks. Vaccines. Ventilation
The Human Cell Atlas project is revolutionizing our understanding of human biology with its 37 trillion cells and will transform medicine and healthcare. The Atlas provides not only the DNA, but where and how the RNA and control mechanisms operate
It is a testament to the power of collaborative research and the potential of big data to drive scientific discovery.
Rapid electrification is forcing gas network companies to seek higher fees by over $200m as they try to protect over $10 billion of stranded assets. As more households switch to electricity, the future of renewable gas remains uncertain. The energy transition challenges policymakers to protect both consumers and gas companies.
Renewables can supply 100% power, with several countries already achieving high percentages. They are cheaper than fossil fuels, despite rising energy bills due to external factors. While land use is less for renewables, the environmental impact of fossil fuels is significant. Job transitions from fossil fuels to renewables are underway, with potential growth in sectors like battery technology. Renewables offer economic, environmental, and job benefits over fossil fuels.
We have all heard or know of someone who is taking the obesity drug but the exciting news is research going to take the obesity GLP-1 drugs for wider use. A science paper summary of the GLP-1 advances shows how researchers are focusing on other uses.
Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists have swept the world for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Their extended value is reducing inflammation and improving clinical outcomes in heart disease by 20% or more. Kidney diseases along with promising but less consistent evidence in liver diseases, while research in autoimmune diseases and dementia remains preliminary.
Wind turbine prices have increased recently due to factors like supply chain issues and inflation. However, technological advancements and economies of scale have led to more efficient and larger turbines, reducing the cost of energy production per MWh. While costs vary by country, China has seen significant reductions in wind turbine installation costs. Overall, the trend is towards more affordable wind energy, despite recent price fluctuations.
Learn how Ontario nuclear power, despite claims of cost-effectiveness, is heavily subsidized and carries significant risks. Explore the truth behind the promises and the reality of nuclear energy.
Tesla is rapidly improving its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, with a 1,000x improvement expected by 2Q25. This will make it safer than human drivers. Tesla is also planning a robotaxi fleet with the Cybercab. Existing full self driving is already 10 times better than humans. Track the data, not the naysayers.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, detailed high expectations at Tesla’s quarterly Q3 2024. Investors goto over 28 updates on production, competition, and future plans. Musk discusses autonomous driving, new models like the Cybertruck, and Tesla’s battery tech. He addresses challenges like supply chain issues and regulatory hurdles, maintaining optimism about Tesla’s market dominance and innovation.
The scientific consensus is clear: human activity is causing dangerous climate change with potentially catastrophic consequences.
We have passed the point of avoiding some impacts, but immediate action can still limit the damage.
Climate change is a social justice issue, as wealthier nations contribute more to the problem but are less vulnerable to its effects.
Japan has over contracted gas from countries such as Australia. With 20% of surplus gas, they are reselling globally. While they have clean energy plans, their greenwashing shows up as still wanting to have their gas.
Recent publications show a 3°C climate change costs 36% of GDP or $56 trillion. That is like the depression of 1929, but forever. The article outlines a three-pronged approach of Mitigation Resilience and Renewal for Climate Change. There are scary changes underway that have a potential to decrease
Batteries are essential for the renewable energy transition. They enable storage of excess solar power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Tesla’s recent announcement of producing 100 million 4680 batteries highlights the rapid advancements in battery technology. This progress is crucial for a sustainable energy future, for electric transport and grid storage to enable full production by solar and wind for the end of the fossil fuel era
China is a good comparison of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In Foshan city an H2 tram has been mothball and when you look at all cars and public transport, it is hard to see where the use case for hydrogen is.
