In this week’s edition of The Prototype, we explore quantum computing for image recognition, a gene therapy utilizing a patient’s own skin cells, electricity-generating bacteria, using physics to cook perfect pasta, and more. Sign up to receive The Prototype in your inbox here.
Bacteria living in deep sea vents use electricity to breathe instead of oxygen
Several years ago, scientists discovered that certain types of bacteria seem to breathe by producing electricity rather than absorbing oxygen, but the mechanism behind this was unknown. A recent study published in the journal Cell reveals the process: the microbes utilize a group of chemicals known as naphthoquinones in a similar way to how a battery discharges electricity. This ability allows bacteria to thrive in oxygen-depleted environments like deep sea vents.
With this understanding, scientists may be able to harness these bacteria for various applications, such as wastewater treatment or developing bioelectronic sensors. It could also be utilized to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals–a sustainability win-win.
Exciting developments lie ahead.
New FDA-Approved Gene Therapy Utilizes Patients’ Own Skin Cells for Healing
CEO Vishwas Seshdari
Approximately 750 individuals in the United States suffer from a rare genetic disorder called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Individuals with this condition cannot produce a specific type of collagen crucial for skin health, leading to severe blistering and slow wound healing, if at all.
Earlier this week, the FDA approved a new treatment called Zevaskyn for this condition, developed by gene therapy company Abeona Therapeutics. The therapy is crafted using a patient’s own skin cells that have been genetically modified to produce the necessary collagen. These modified cells are then transformed into sheets that can be grafted onto a patient’s wound site.
In clinical trials, 81% of wounds treated with Zevaskyn exhibited significant healing after six months, a stark improvement compared to just 16% with current therapies. Furthermore, the healing effects appear to be long-lasting, with sustained improvements observed during follow-up assessments conducted years later. Patients undergoing this therapy also reported reduced pain levels.
Abeona’s CEO Vishwas Seshdari mentioned that following the approval, the company aims to begin treating patients by July, targeting a pace of treating around six patients per month initially. The cost per treatment is $3.1 million, with patients anticipated to undergo one or two treatments in their lifetime. Seshdari also mentioned ongoing efforts to establish reimbursement agreements with insurers to ensure accessibility for those in need.
The company is also ramping up its manufacturing capacity with a goal of treating 10 patients per month by the first half of next year. “We are eager to provide this therapy to patients,” he stated.
DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK: QUANTUM IMAGE RECOGNITION
Quantum software company BlueQubit has uncovered a method to employ quantum computing for powering image-classifying AI. Collaborating with the Honda Research Institute, they devised three distinct approaches to encode images for manipulation by quantum computing hardware. These encoded images were tested on both conventional computers utilizing quantum algorithms and IBM-manufactured quantum computers. Through their research, the company found that one of the encoding techniques enabled quantum-powered AI to classify images with approximately 94% accuracy, comparable to what traditional computers can achieve. However, current image classification methods remain faster. By establishing a means to conduct image classification on quantum hardware, this study paves the way for leveraging such applications when quantum computers reach a stage where they consistently outperform traditional computers.
FINAL FRONTIER: PROJECT KUPIER TAKES OFF
On Monday morning, Amazon’s Project Kuiper launched 27 satellites into orbit. CEO Andy Jassy confirmed via social media that all satellites were operational. The company envisions deploying over 3,200 satellites in orbit to provide global broadband internet access.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
Waymo has partnered with Toyota to develop a new platform for autonomous cars and trucks with a focus on personal use.
Scientists have detected a massive, luminous molecular cloud just 300 light years from our solar system. This expansive cloud of gas and dust, named Eos, is predominantly composed of hydrogen and is estimated to dissipate in approximately 6 million years.
A team of researchers has created a soft exoskeleton known as the MyoStep, constructed from lightweight materials to assist children with cerebral palsy in walking and playing.
Starbucks has 3D-printed its latest store, a drive-thru facility in Brownsville, Texas, covering 1400 square feet.
A genetically modified probiotic could extract mercury from seafood post-consumption. Developed by researchers at UCLA and UC San Diego, this gut microbe demonstrated reduced mercury transfer into the brains and fetuses of mice fed a fish-based diet.
PRO SCIENCE TIP: USE PHYSICS TO PERFECT YOUR CACIO E PEPE
Cacio e pepe is an elegantly simple Italian dish comprising just three ingredients – pasta, black pepper, and pecorino romano cheese, creating a luscious and creamy dish. However, achieving the perfect consistency can be challenging. A team of physicists has cracked the code for flawless results every time, and published their results in the journal Physics of Fluids. The secret lies in adding powdered starch to the cooking water before adding the pasta, ensuring sufficient starch content for cheese blending. Allowing the water to cool before incorporating the cheese, then gradually heating the resulting sauce to avoid clumping, is crucial. If you’re seeking a culinary adventure this weekend, give it a try.
WHAT’S ENTERTAINING ME THIS WEEK
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Guy Ritchie’s series MobLand on Paramount+. This organized crime drama set in London primarily follows Tom Hardy’s Harra Da Souza, serving as the chief enforcer for his boss portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. The show is not only well-crafted and engaging but is elevated by Helen Mirren’s portrayal of a Lady MacBeth-like crime boss’s wife. I highly recommend it.
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