The upcoming season of HBO's The Last of Us suggests a grim, post-apocalyptic landscape molded by a lethal fungal outbreak, hinting at a more ominous storyline.
In the realm of science and technology, the past week has seen a flurry of exciting advancements. Let's delve into some of the most intriguing developments.
Robots and Manufacturing
China's MagicBot humanoid robot has demonstrated impressive strength, effortlessly pulling 551 pounds [1]. In another development, a new robot hand has been designed to work smoothly in tight spaces, capable of twisting open jars and turning handles [2]. A start-up plans to boost car parts production in China with 100 factory robots [6]. Meanwhile, China unveiled a bionic antelope robot to observe endangered Tibetan species [7].
Space Exploration
China also unveiled a space-debris catcher with potential military use [3]. The future of space travel could be revolutionised by orbital refueling, a challenging yet promising technology [8].
Climate Change and Fungal Diseases
Researchers have been focusing on the ways fungi interact with humans. A review article, co-authored by Jim Kronstad, PhD, explores these interactions [9]. Fungal diseases, such as those caused by Candida and Aspergillus species, can cause a range of conditions from mild infections to severe diseases [10]. Climate change can accelerate fungal growth, expand their habitats, and potentially increase human exposure [2][4]. Warming temperatures may facilitate the rise of dangerous fungi like Coccidioides and Candida auris [11].
The new season of HBO's series 'The Last of Us' offers a chilling glimpse into the potential future, as researchers highlight the potential for fungal diseases to change in response to the effects of climate change [12]. The storyline follows a post-apocalyptic world where a mutated cordyceps fungus infects humans and turns them into zombies. Scientists from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada suggest that the fictional drama might be closer to reality than previously thought [12].
Food and Technology
Fungi are important in everyday foods, showing up in ingredients used in products like vegan burgers [13]. A new high-strength plastic promises endless recycling without losing quality [14].
Energy and Technology
US scientists have developed a self-healing plastic stronger than steel [15]. A new hot-cold design makes solar thermoelectric power generation 15 times more efficient [16].
Privacy and Security
AI-powered radar can spy on phone calls from 10 feet, exposing new privacy risks [17]. New light-based watermarking could strengthen defence against deepfake videos [18].
Environment and Wildlife
A new fungus, Rhodosporidium fluvialis, has been identified in human infections [19]. A deadly parasite forces infected ants to climb to a high branch and burst through their heads, releasing toxic spores [5]. A massive jellyfish swarm forced a full shutdown of France's largest nuclear plant [20].
Health and Science
A study stresses the need for more studies to understand how a warming climate could influence fungal evolution and increase the risk of new, potentially harmful species to humans [11][21]. The study also highlights that fungi include over 400 species, many of which are parasitic [9]. A parasite forces infected ants to climb to a high branch and burst through their heads, releasing toxic spores [5].
References:
[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220922141242.htm [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16303-8 [3] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16303-8 [5] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16303-8 [6] https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [7] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [8] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [9] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16303-8 [10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279476/ [11] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16303-8 [12] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16303-8 [13] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [14] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [15] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [16] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [17] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [18] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [19] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [20] https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3166189/china-unveils-space-debris-catcher-could-have-military-use [21] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16303-8
- Science and innovation in cybersecurity have progressed, as new light-based watermarking could strengthen defense against deepfake videos, potentially impacting entertainment and privacy sectors.
- In the medical field, fungal diseases like those caused by Candida and Aspergillus species, which can cause a range of conditions from mild infections to severe diseases, are being researched in relation to climate change and fungal evolution, raising concerns about future medical-conditions.
- Advancements in robotic technology are not limited to manufacturing and space exploration, as a start-up plans to use robots to boost car parts production, while research on a new robot hand focuses on its ability to work in tight spaces, indicating innovation in both the science of robotics and entertainment industries.
