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Israeli scientists discover forgotten protein with ability to fight viruses

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1 year ago

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A group of Israeli scientists discovered that different species have a forgotten innate protein that has the ability to fight off viruses and strengthen their bodily immunity.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy “currency” of all living organisms on Earth. In a study that was recently published in the journal Cell with the title “Ultrafast distant wound response is essential for whole-body regeneration,” scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot described a new family of proteins that deplete cells of their energy, protecting them from invaders.

The researchers demonstrated that this hitherto undiscovered immune system is used by numerous living things including corals and bees, and has survived more than a billion years of evolution.

The freshly discovered protein is just one of more than 100 recent discoveries of very complex mechanisms employed by bacteria in their valiant fight against viruses known as bacteriophages. Many of these mechanisms were identified and characterised in the molecular genetics department at Weizmann’s Rotem Sorek lab.

Phages are made up of a lot of genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, which they inject into the bacteria they are taking over, much like the viruses that attack us. 

After completing this operation, these viruses employ the cellular machinery of the bacteria to repeatedly duplicate themselves. They rip apart a bacterium’s membrane, break out, and spread across the entire bacterial colony once they have exhausted the bacterium’s resources.

The gene that had mystifyingly cancelled out a phage’s capacity to replicate itself and infect the remainder of the colony was the subject of the researchers’ study. The researchers discovered that the unidentified gene encodes a protein that shatters and obliterates cells irreversibly.

Surprisingly, this protein is used a lot more frequently than one may think. The researchers examined the genomes of tens of thousands of bacteria and found over 1,000 immune genes that function similarly. They were shocked to discover ATP-depleting properties in a protein family that was previously unknown to belong to the immune system. 

This means that scientists have uncovered a novel immunological strategy that is present in a wide variety of bacteria and provides them with efficient defence against viruses.

The researchers did not, however, stop with bacteria; they conducted a thorough examination demonstrating that many other, more complex organisms, including fungi, insects like bees, corals, sponges, and corals, also manufacture immune ATP-cutting proteins. 

Nevertheless, this kind of immune protein does not exist in humans, the researchers believe that it is the ancient predecessor of the proteins that make up our innate immune systems.

“Many studies in the past few years have used the knowledge of advanced organisms’ immune systems to reveal immune strategies used by bacteria,” concluded Sorek. 

“Our new study shows that the extensive knowledge accumulated about bacterial immune systems enables us to follow the opposite logic – we can learn about the immune systems of advanced organisms by studying those of bacteria. ATP molecules are among the most widely occurring in nature, so clarifying their role in immunity can greatly contribute to understanding the defense strategies that countless organisms use when attacked by viruses.”

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Balochistani Graduates Selected for NUTECH Islamabad’s Mining Program

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6 days ago

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For 18 graduates of the Reko Diq Mining Project, the National University of Technology, Islamabad, has started a training program. These graduates will complete an 18-month on-the-job training program at Barrick’s International Mining Sites after completing a two-month course at NUTECH.

The graduates will acquire proficiency in mining and associated technical domains during the training program. The chosen graduates will also get specific instruction on environmental protection, safety, exploration, and geology.

Along with the development of communication skills, the curriculum will also emphasise the most recent advancements in the mining industry. Barrick’s International Graduate Development Program for 2024 includes the Balochistani graduates.

Additionally, nine Baloch graduates were selected in 2023 and transported to Barrick’s facility in Argentina for on-the-job training.

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WhatsApp will improve the updates tab by introducing new shortcuts and a revamped interface.

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7 days ago

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WhatsApp is implementing a new upgrade to refine the Updates tab interface, hence boosting accessibility for status and channel updates.

WABetaInfo reports that the upgrade introduces expedited shortcuts that streamline the updating of statuses and channels. Users can now select and upload photos and videos directly from the interface, reducing the steps involved in choosing media from the gallery.

The Meta-owned messaging application has also revamped the button for generating text-based status updates and introduced a feature for recording and sharing voice status updates. This offers customers a more expedient method to disseminate text and speech updates without depending on the floating action button.

The revisions correspond with recent modifications to other tabs, ensuring a modernised interface that improves navigation and update creation. WhatsApp is modifying the floating action button to facilitate content sharing within channels.

When selecting the floating action button, users will see several options, including creating status updates, starting new channels, or sharing photos, videos, voice, and text in existing channels. This revamp integrates all content-generating options into a singular section.

The new shortcuts are anticipated to be accessible to a broader user base in the forthcoming weeks. Beta testers can currently access them in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.24.26.13, available on the Google Play Store.

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China and Pakistan Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Launch AI-Powered Agricultural Equipment

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1 week ago

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Through Chinese expertise, the arrangement, which was made possible by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), intends to increase Pakistan’s agricultural output.

The Punjab government and China’s “AI Force Tech” company have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to introduce advanced agricultural machinery during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s visit to China.

Through the use of advanced robotic technology, the MoU seeks to transform Pakistan’s agricultural industry, guarantee economic growth, and boost farmers’ wealth with China’s assistance.

Through the partnership, Pakistan would also have the chance to absorb knowledge about China’s sophisticated farming methods.

In the meantime, plans have been revealed by the Federal Minister of Planning to send 1,000 agricultural experts to China to study contemporary farming methods.

A Chinese business and the Punjab government previously inked an agreement to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment technologies to Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hygea Medical Technologies while she was in China in order to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment equipment and techniques to Punjab.

This equipment will make it feasible to treat cancer without the need for chemotherapy or surgery.

Following a meeting with Hygea Medical Technologies President Dr. Luo Fuliang, Maryam Nawaz said the organization has promised expert assistance for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital.

She went on to say that the hospital will work with China to treat cancer patients utilizing the newest equipment and techniques following the agreement.

Maryam Nawaz and a high-level delegation are present. From December 8 to December 15, the chief minister will go to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

CM Maryam Nawaz is expected to attend a number of conferences, events, and meetings with the goal of enhancing bilateral relations and looking into potential joint ventures in the areas of infrastructure development, technology, agriculture, and governance.

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