This week in The Prototype, we explore the fascinating world of cancer-killing fungi, robots performing eye surgery, genetically modified bacteria turning plastic into Tylenol, and more. Sign up to receive The Prototype in your inbox here.
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When I was young, I was fascinated by King Tut’s tomb and the tales of the curse surrounding its discovery. While the curse was debunked, a toxic fungus called aspergillus found in the tomb may have had a deadly impact on Lord Carnarvon, one of the discoverers. Fast forward to today, where this fungus is being explored for its potential in treating leukemia. A recent study revealed that chemical compounds from aspergillus exhibit anti-cancer properties, with the addition of a fatty molecule showing promise in fighting leukemia similar to existing drugs.
This Startup Aims to Revolutionize Eye Surgery with Robots
Forsight Robotics
Cataract surgery is a common medical procedure globally, but the demand often surpasses the available medical professionals. To address this gap, an Israeli startup is developing robotic technology to enhance and streamline cataract surgery and other eye-related procedures.
ForSight Robotics recently secured $125 million in funding to further develop Oryom, its robotic surgery platform designed for cataracts and other eye conditions. The company’s innovative approach has garnered significant attention, with the latest funding round valuing ForSight at $500 million.
With successful trials on pig eyes, ForSight is gearing up for its first robotic surgery on a human patient this year, aiming to introduce its technology to the U.S. market and engage with the FDA for regulatory approvals.
For more details, check out the full story on Forbes.
DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK: Transforming Plastic into Painkillers
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have engineered bacteria capable of converting waste plastic into a key ingredient used in acetaminophen (Tylenol). By breaking down PET plastic and utilizing specialized enzymes, the bacteria efficiently transformed over 90% of the plastic into the painkiller component, offering a more sustainable production method compared to traditional oil-based processes.
The team aims to scale up this innovative approach with the support of pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, potentially revolutionizing acetaminophen manufacturing.
FINAL FRONTIER: First Glimpse from Vera Rubin Observatory
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory unveiled its inaugural images of space this week, capturing detailed views of a galaxy cluster in the Virgo constellation. Equipped with a cutting-edge camera and telescope system, the observatory not only provides high-resolution images but also enables continuous monitoring of celestial changes through time-lapsed videos.
OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST
In our newsletter InnovationRx, we delve into topics such as health insurance streamlining prior authorization processes, Bell Labs’ IP commercialization strategy, public attitudes towards childhood vaccinations, and more.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has identified a new exoplanet outside our solar system, comparable in size to Saturn, orbiting a red dwarf star approximately 111 light-years away.
Waymo, a self-driving taxi service, has expanded its operations to Atlanta, marking its presence in the fifth major U.S. city.
The Trump administration has terminated substantial government subscriptions to the Springer Nature group, including renowned scientific journals like Nature.
After delays, SpaceX successfully launched its fourth mission with Axiom Space, sending astronauts to the International Space Station for scientific research endeavors.
PRO SCIENCE TIP: Enhance Business Profits with an IPO
A study involving mice suggests that taking breaks from focused learning can actually improve task acquisition. By engaging in unstructured activities, mice demonstrated accelerated learning when tasked with specific objectives, indicating the potential benefits of balancing productivity with relaxation for optimal performance.
WHAT’S ON MY RADAR THIS WEEK
I recently completed reading The Book Censor’s Library by Bothayna Al-Essa. Set in a dystopian world of censorship, the novel follows a censor’s journey as he discovers the power of books and navigates a resistance movement to protect literature and freedom.
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