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Screening of genes interacting with high myopia and neuropsychiatric disorders
Abstract Clinical studies have demonstrated an association between high myopia (HM) and neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the underlying mechanism of the association is not clear. We used whole exome sequencing (WES) in combination with the Genetic Variants Classification Criteria and Guidelines published by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and bioinformatics analysis to clarify the…
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A human-machine collaborative approach measures economic development using satellite imagery
Abstract Machine learning approaches using satellite imagery are providing accessible ways to infer socioeconomic measures without visiting a region. However, many algorithms require integration of ground-truth data, while regional data are scarce or even absent in many countries. Here we present our human-machine collaborative model which predicts grid-level economic development using publicly available satellite imagery…
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How robots can learn to follow a moral code
Credit: Totto Renna A person with a burning need to know whether the video game Doom is compatible with the values taught in the Bible might once have had to spend days studying the two cultural artefacts and debating the question with their peers. Now, there’s an easier way: they can ask AI Jesus. The…
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Daily briefing: A unique layer of molten rock envelops Mars’s core
Hello Nature readers, would you like to get this Briefing in your inbox free every day? Sign up here. Mars’s liquid-metal core seems to be smaller than previous studies suggested (artist’s impression).Credit: Claus Lunau/Science Photo Library Mars contains surprise layer of molten rock In the interior of Mars, a layer of molten rock envelops the…
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The Isala project’s empowered new insights into the vaginal microbiome and women’s health
Empowering women through citizen science, from using self-collected vaginal samples to participant input on research questions, we decoded nuances in the composition of the vaginal microbiota — thereby linking female health and lifestyle to vaginal microbiota diversity. We crafted a unique dataset that should inspire new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. This is a preview of…
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Psychedelic science and Indigenous shamanism: an urgent dialogue
The global expansion of the use of ayahuasca and other Indigenous medicines — alongside the rise of psychedelic therapies both covertly and overtly — is rooted in contact with Indigenous cultures and peoples. The surfacing of new ways of using forest medicines in urban areas has awakened diverse interests in the scientific community and the…
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A citizen-science-enabled catalogue of the vaginal microbiome and associated factors
Abstract Understanding the composition and function of the vaginal microbiome is crucial for reproductive and overall health. Here we established the Isala citizen-science project to analyse the vaginal microbiomes of 3,345 women in Belgium (18–98 years) through self-sampling, 16S amplicon sequencing and extensive questionnaires. The overall vaginal microbiome composition was strongly tied to age, childbirth and…
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Building open-source AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) drives innovation across society, economies and science. We argue for the importance of building AI technology according to open-source principles to foster accessibility, collaboration, responsibility and interoperability. The computer science community has a long tradition of embracing open-source principles. However, companies increasingly restrict access to AI innovations. An example is OpenAI, which…
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Advancing intercontinental collaboration in human genetics: success story of the African and European Young Investigator Forum
The field of human genetics has witnessed significant growth and advancements, leading to profound implications in understanding genetic diseases, population diversity, and personalized medicine. Advances in human genetics research rely heavily on international collaborations that encourage the cultivation and exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources. However, most of the genetic studies are largely Eurocentric [1].…
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Peace with Nature: Rejuvenating war-torn Colombia with sustainable development
Associate Professor Jaime Gongora pictured with an armadillo during his Peace with Nature work. [Credit: Jon Spaull] The program, Peace with Nature, led by Associate Professor Jaime Gongora, was first established in 2017 and has been instrumental in empowering former combatants who once took refuge in remote forested areas and now share a deep affinity…