• Our Understanding of Rules that Produce Lifes Genetic Code May Require a Revision
    www.discovermagazine.com
    Get me a rewrite, reporters used to shout into a telephone when they called into a newsroom with changing information. Scientists may now want to yell the same thing but about how our existing genetic code came to be, according to a study in PNAS. That rewrite could shift our understanding of how life evolved on Earth from its simplest forms, and what it could look like on other planets.How the Genetic Code WorksThat code is both deceptively simple in appearance, but amazingly complicated in function. Its basis is four molecular letters that always pair in particular ways (code is different than sequence, which is the order all those letters are arranged). Next, three sets of those letters (called codons) work together to form one of 20 amino acids. Those, in turn, create proteins, which are essential building blocks of life.This code has created amazing diversity over millions of years. But it wasnt written all at once, likely changed over time, and may have left earlier versions behind in the developmental dust, according to the study.One of the most amazing things about the groups new look at the old code is how little many of its words changed over billions of years. That indicates that a complicated, lengthy process led to a robust code.There are things that have changed so little over 4 billion years that we can triangulate and figure out a little bit what life 4 billion years ago must have been like, says Joanna Masel, senior author of the paper and a professor at the University of Arizona. It blows my mind.Looking BackwardMasel led a team of scientists in retracing how and when new amino acid words emerged over time. They found that smaller, simpler amino acids likely came first, with larger more complex ones arriving later. They also discovered that amino acids that bind to metals joined the rulebook earlier than previously though. And, finally, they hypothesize that the existing genetic code may have arisen from other, now extinct chemical rulebooks.So, how did the team come to these conclusions?Masel, paradoxically came up with the analytical technique when she was studying how new genes emerge from random-seeming DNA. She was essentially looking forward. In doing so, she kept seeing amino acid commonalities, so she decided to see how far back they could be traced. The answer, it turns out, is billions of years.Her group analyzed amino acid sequences present in life in different time periods including a last universal common ancestor (LUCA). LUCA represents a theoretical population of organisms that lived four billion years ago and from which all subsequent life emerged.In doing so, they took a novel approach. Previous studies looked at the full set of amino acids that makes each protein. This group instead relied on shorter protein domains."If you think about the protein being a car, a domain is like a wheel," Sawsan Wehbi, a graduate student at the University of Arizona, said in a press release. "It's a part that can be used in many different cars, and wheels have been around much longer than cars."The team used statistical analysis to determine when each amino acid likely entered the genetic code. They employed the assumption that specific amino acids that show up more frequently in the oldest sequences did so because they were added to the codebook earlier, and vice versa. The team ultimately identified about 400 sequence families dating back to LUCA, with 100 or so likely emerging earlier than previously thought. Read More: Cracking the Genetic Code on Facial FeaturesChallenging AssumptionsThe authors argue that the current assumption of how the code evolved is flawed because it is partially based on misleading laboratory experiments. For example, the Urey-Miller experiment of 1952 tried to simulate the emergence of life on ancient Earth.It demonstrated that life could arise from nonliving matter, including amino acids, through chemical reactions. But those experiments didnt include sulfur, even though the element was plentiful on early Earth an omission Masel calls bizarre, because, in retrospect it seems obvious.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.
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  • Mapping cells through time and space with moscot
    www.nature.com
    Nature, Published online: 22 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08453-2Moscot is an optimal transport approach that overcomes current limitations of similar methods to enable multimodal, scalable and consistent single-cell analyses of datasets across spatial and temporal dimensions.
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  • RELM sets the threshold for microbiome-dependent oral tolerance
    www.nature.com
    Nature, Published online: 22 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08440-7RELM mediates a gut immuneepithelial circuit regulating tolerance to food antigens, offering targetable candidates for the prevention and treatment of food allergies.
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  • Check Out This Blender Add-On That Refines Your 3D Geometry Shapes
    cgshares.com
    Even Edges, a Blender by Alternate Realms, is designed to make edges of the geometry shapes created within the software smooth and evened, which helps achieve a more refined and realistic look.The tool takes sequences of edges, treats them as splines, and then re-distributes the input vertices along that spline in an even way. You can adjust the options for how even you would like the vertices to be. Also, the tool allows you to scale the spacing and move them up and down the spline. The creation of the spline can also be customized, as you can smooth the spline out, like relaxing it.Also, check out Paint System, an add-on that utilizes Blenders node system and integrates a lot of features that are aimed at simplifying the painting process in Blender, including layer clipping and blend mode:Learn more and get the Even Edges add-on here anddont forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Check Out This Blender Add-On That Refines Your 3D Geometry Shapes appeared first on CG SHARES.
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  • Custom Unity Shaders That Perfectly Capture The Retro VHS Feel
    cgshares.com
    Although many efforts have been made to replicate these effects in 3D art, they often overlook key details that make them feel accurate. Through experimentation and refinement, Mirza Beig, whose versatile glass shader weve recently featured,developed a shader he believes provides a solid foundation for simulating the VHS look with the CRT-specific aspects to come later. While hes worked on retro-inspired effects before, this project feels like his most accurate attempt at capturing the true VHS aesthetic yet.He claims that the secret is in performing calculations and adjustments in the YUV color space, where Y represents luminance (grayscale) and UV corresponds to the chromatic channels. See more examples below:These effects are planned for asset release, but the work isnt done yet. Whats your favorite retro effect or aesthetic? Let Mirza know, and follow him on X/Twitter for updates on the project.Also, join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Custom Unity Shaders That Perfectly Capture The Retro VHS Feel appeared first on CG SHARES.
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  • Doctor Who Fans Can Finally Complete Their Sylvester McCoy Blu-Ray Collection
    www.gamespot.com
    Doctor Who: Sylvester McCoy Complete Season Two $63 (was $70) | Releases February 25 Preorder at Amazon Doctor Who has been around since 1963, airing over 800 episodes since it first hit the small screen. Several actors and actresses have stepped into the Doctors shoes during its lifetime, with Sylvester McCoy serving the role from 1987 through 1989. And now, for the very first time, Doctor Who fans can finally complete their Sylvester McCoy Blu-ray collection with the upcoming release of Doctor Who: Sylvester McCoy Complete Season Two. Preorders for the Blu-ray are discounted to $63 (normally $70) at Amazon. Locking in your preorder now guarantees you'll only pay the lowest price once the Blu-ray launches, and you wont be charged until your order ships. Doctor Who: Sylvester McCoy Complete Season Two $63 (was $70) | Releases February 25 Oddly enough, Season One and Season Three Blu-rays already exist for The Seventh Doctor. That means this upcoming 8-disc set is the last missing piece of the Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy collection. Featuring all 14 episodes in a newly restored format for Blu-ray, its arguably the best way to enjoy the show in 2025. It also comes packed with bonus features, such as documentaries and a profile of actor Dursley McLinden. Note that this is a standard Blu-ray and does not come with 4K or digital copies. Preorder at Amazon Doctor Who: Sylvester McCoy Season Two Bonus FeaturesA wealth of bonus features are included with this Blu-ray. Heres a look at the full list:Special Editions: Updated special effects and untransmitted scenesThree In Conversation SpecialsBehind The Sofa: Four new episodes of the documentary seriesThe Making of Silver Nemesis: Documentary from 1988Silver Nemesis VHS VersionLooking for Dursley: Profile of actor Dursley McLindenExclusive Archive Treats: Previously unavailable content from the BBC archivesStudio and Location Footage: Hours of unseen footage from around the studioMore additional contentLooking for even more Doctor Who Blu-rays? Heres a look at the best Blu-rays across the entire series, featuring a variety of Doctors beyond McCoy.Continue Reading at GameSpot
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  • The Stylish New RPG Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 A Collector's Edition
    www.gamespot.com
    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Standard Edition $50 | Releases April 24 Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at GameStop Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Digital Deluxe Edition $60 | Releases April 24 Preorder on PS5 Preorder for Xbox Series X|S Preorder for PC (Steam) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Lumiere Edition $70 | Releases April 24 Preorder at GameStop Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Collector's Edition (PS5 Exclusive) $150 | Releases April 24 Preorder at GameStop Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass on April 24. The turn-based RPG is the debut title from Sandfall Interactive, and featutes gameplay inspired by classic console RPGs like Final Fantasy with stylish visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 5. The game is getting a physical release, with a standard edition, special Lumiere Edition, and premium Collector's Edition up for grabs. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-Month Code $30.59 (was $50) with promo code SAVETEN (Jan. 23) See at Woot See at Amazon Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Preorder BonusNo preorder bonuses have been announced for any versions of Clair Obsur: Expedition 33, but we'll update this post if anything is confirmed ahead of launch. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Standard Edition $50 | Releases April 24 The $50 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Standard Edition includes the base game on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. Physical edition preorders are available at Best Buy and GameStop. Digital preorders are available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at GameStop Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Digital Deluxe Edition $60 | Releases April 24 If you want a few more cosmetic items for the in-game characters, you can grab the $60 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Digital Deluxe Edition. This version includes:Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 base gameThe Flowers Collection DLC with unique cosmetic itemsA "Clair custom outfit for MaelleAn Obscur custom outfit for GustaveClair Obscur: Expedition 33 Digital Deluxe Edition preorders are available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Preorder on PS5 Preorder for Xbox Series X|S Preorder for PC (Steam) Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Lumiere Edition $70 | Releases April 24 A physical version of the deluxe edition called the Lumiere Edition is also available. This version includes everything in the Digital Deluxe Edition, plus a steelbook case and 48-page artbook. Here's a look at everything included in the Lumiere Edition:Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 base gameA collectible Steelbook case featuring unique cover artThe Expeditioners Journal 48-page hardcover artbookThe Flowers Collection DLC with unique cosmetic itemsA "Clair custom outfit for MaelleAn Obscur custom outfit for GustavePhysical PS5 and Xbox Series X preorders are available at GameStop. Preorder at GameStop Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Collector's Edition (PS5 Exclusive) $150 | Releases April 24 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is also available in a PS5-exclsuive Collector's Edition that includes all the bonus DLC from the Digital Deluxe and Lumiere Editions, plus a few physical collectibles. Here's what's included:Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 base gameAn 8-inch hand-painted Monolith music boxA collectible Steelbook case featuring unique cover artThe Expeditioners Journal 48-page hardcover artbookThe Flowers Collection DLC with unique cosmetic itemsA "Clair custom outfit for MaelleAn Obscur custom outfit for GustavePreorders for the Clair Obscur: Expedition Collector's Edition are available at GameStop. Preorder at GameStop More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Fortnite Festival Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller Gets Rare Discount Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Is Discounted On Launch Day Last Chance To Grab 3 Movies On 4K Blu-Ray For Only $33 At Amazon + Show More More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Links (5) Final Fantasy 7 Remake Physical Edition Gets PS5 Reprint - Snag It While You Can The 2,500-Piece Legend Of Zelda Lego Set Is Now Available At Amazon Mario Kart Lego Sets Are Available Now - Check Out All Six In The Launch Lineup Fortnite Lego Sets Launch At Major Retailers, Including Amazon And Walmart Backbone One iPhone And Android Controller Is 50% Off
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  • Get the Fortnite Xbox Controller for Under $100 for a Limited Time
    gamerant.com
    The PowerA Fortnite gaming controller for Xbox Series X/S has received a 20% discount, lowering the retail price from $100 to $80. For Fortnite fans who own an Xbox Series X/S, this is an amazing opportunity to grab this incredible wireless gaming controller at a lower price. If you've always wanted a special-edition controller to enrich your gaming setup, this is one worth considering.
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  • When Should You Start Exploring In Horizon Forbidden West
    gamerant.com
    Horizon Forbidden West improves upon many aspects of its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, particularly the open-world elements. The world is significantly larger, with many areas feeling distinct and diverse. Its no surprise that players will naturally be drawn to exploring such a stunning and immersive environment.
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