Latest news with #Research
Fast Company
12 hours ago
- Health
- Fast Company
Ear wax may hold the key to early Parkinson's diagnosis
An unlikely body byproduct may be able to help doctors diagnose Parkinson's Disease early. According to a new Chinese study, which was published in Analytical Chemistry, ear canal secretion, or ear wax, contain chemical compounds which can be telltale signs of Parkinson's. During the study, researchers examined ear canal secretions from 209 people. About half (108 of the participants) had Parkinson's. In their examinations, scientists were able to identify four volatile organic compounds (VOC) that were notably different in those with the disease. Those compounds, or biomarkers, were ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. The scientists then trained an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system on the biomarker data. And once training was complete, the AIO system was able to successfully determine which patients had Parkinson's and which did not. The system was accurate 94% of the time. Currently, Parkinson's is a tough disease to diagnose. According to Mayo Clinic, it requires expensive imaging, neurological tests, blood tests, genetic testing, and more. And often, a diagnosis is still often not conclusive. Likewise, treatment is a work-in-progress, with current therapies aimed at slowing progression rather than curing it. Therefore, ear wax testing could be a breakthrough first-step screening tool that's inexpensive, noninvasive, and accessible. The researchers who worked on the study say the findings are a major step in Parkinson's early detection, which currently, doesn't exist, but that more research is needed. 'This method is a small-scale single-center experiment in China,' study coauthor Hao Dong said in a press release. Hoa Dong continued, 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value.'
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Shortest X-Ray Pulse in History': US Scientists Smash Records With Ultrabrief Bursts That Could Transform Atomic Imaging Forever
IN A NUTSHELL ✨ Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have generated the world's shortest hard X-ray pulses , marking a significant advancement in laser technology . , marking a significant advancement in . 🔬 These pulses, lasting less than 100 attoseconds , allow scientists to observe electron dynamics with unprecedented precision. , allow scientists to observe with unprecedented precision. 💡 The breakthrough was achieved through a new type of laser effect, leading to cleaner and more controlled X-ray pulses than ever before. than ever before. 🌌 This innovation opens up vast opportunities for scientific advancements in fields such as chemistry, physics, and materials science. In an extraordinary scientific breakthrough, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have successfully generated the shortest hard X-ray pulses ever recorded. This remarkable achievement allows scientists to observe electrons in slow motion, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior. By leveraging a powerful new type of laser effect, scientists have managed to produce X-ray pulses that are less than 100 attoseconds long, marking a significant milestone in the field of laser technology. The Magic of Attosecond Pulses An attosecond is an incredibly brief period of time, equivalent to one quintillionth of a second. To comprehend the magnitude of this feat, consider that an attosecond is to one second what one second is to the age of the universe since the Big Bang. The creation of these short X-ray pulses has opened a new frontier in laser science, allowing us to observe electron dynamics with stunning precision. The research team, led by physics professor Uwe Bergmann, has observed strong lasing phenomena in inner-shell X-ray lasing and successfully simulated and calculated the evolution of these pulses. This discovery is crucial because current X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) produce 'messy' pulses with uneven timing and varying wavelengths, limiting their application. Cleaner, more controlled X-ray pulses could revolutionize the field, leading to new and advanced laser applications. 'Deepest Hole on Earth': Quaise Energy Unveils Revolutionary Wave Drilling Tech to Pierce the Planet's Crust Like Never Before Harnessing the Power of X-ray Laser Pulses The study aimed to create tightly focused X-ray laser pulses directed at copper or manganese samples. Despite their initial messiness, these pulses were incredibly intense, akin to concentrating all the sunlight hitting Earth onto a single, tiny spot. The emitted X-ray light, analyzed by a detector, revealed unexpected patterns—bright hotspots instead of a smooth signal. Through 3D simulations, researchers discovered that as the X-rays traveled through the sample, they formed filaments, explaining the observed anomalies. Further experimentation showed that increasing the input pulse intensity led to unexpected spectral broadening and multiple spectral lines, attributed to Rabi cycling. Ultimately, the team succeeded in generating stimulated emission pulses lasting just 60 to 100 attoseconds, setting a new record for the shortest hard X-ray pulse. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything Unleashing a Myriad of Opportunities This groundbreaking research paves the way for numerous opportunities within the scientific community. As Bergmann notes, many nonlinear technologies and phenomena used in laser science have not been fully explored with hard X-rays. With Angstrom wavelengths providing atomic spatial resolution and sensitivity to different elements, hard X-rays hold immense potential for scientific advancements. While XFELs have existed for about 15 years, scientists are still in the early stages of understanding and applying them effectively. This study marks the first successful attempt to 'clean up' hard X-ray pulses and demonstrate strong lasing phenomena on this unprecedented timescale. The details of this achievement have been published in the journal Nature, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in laser science. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use The Future of X-ray Pulses The generation of the shortest hard X-ray pulses by the University of Wisconsin–Madison team represents a significant leap forward in laser technology. By capturing electron dynamics at the attosecond timescale, researchers can gain insights into the fundamental processes governing atomic and molecular interactions. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as chemistry, physics, and materials science. As we continue to explore the possibilities offered by these ultrashort X-ray pulses, we may uncover new methods for manipulating matter and energy at the atomic level. The implications for future technologies and scientific discoveries are vast and exciting, leaving us to ponder: What new horizons will this groundbreaking achievement open for the next generation of scientists and researchers? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (28)
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE deepens strategic partnership with Germany in science, research, emerging technologies
18 June 2025 15:43 ABU DHABI (WAM) A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a successful visit to the Federal Republic of visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations in critical, emerging, and advanced technologies, while expanding strategic collaboration in science, innovation, and advanced mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
Dubai Eye
2 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE strives to deepen ties with Germany in technology, science sectors
A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a "successful" visit to Germany that focused on strengthening cooperation in the technology sector, while expanding strategic collaboration in science and innovation. The mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German government. Sharaf held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA countries. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in Stuttgart. The visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie mark. The UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
TAG 91.1
2 days ago
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE strives to deepen ties with Germany in technology, science sectors
A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a "successful" visit to Germany that focused on strengthening cooperation in the technology sector, while expanding strategic collaboration in science and innovation. The mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German government. Sharaf held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA countries. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in Stuttgart. The visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie mark. The UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
