• Fabrics Like Polyester Can Contain a Number of Chemicals That Might Impact Fertility

    The epidermisis the body’s largest organ, so it would make sense that toxins found in fabrics that sit on the skin’s surface could be absorbed by the skin and make their way into the bloodstream. And polyester has been considered a particularly suspect fabric because it’s made from a chemical called polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic polymer used in various products.One study published in 1993 followed 24 dogs who were divided into two equal groups, one group wore cotton underpants and the other polyester. At the end of the study period, there was a significant decrease in sperm count and an increase in sperm abnormalities in the dogs who wore the polyester pants. But that said, this study is three decades old, done on dogs, and has had little additional research to show for it since.So, the jury is certainly still out as to whether fabrics decrease fertility, but there are some things that we do know. Chemicals Found in PolyesterAccording to Audrey Gaskins, an associate professor of environmental health at Emory University, most studies are focused on specific chemicals that might be found in fabrics rather than the fabrics themselves, and those chemicals are usually measured in blood or urine. But fabrics like polyester can contain a number of chemicals that might impact fertility. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals found in thousands of products, and they’re difficult for the body to eliminate.“PFAS are commonly found in water-resistant clothing,” says Gaskins. However, drinking water is likely the most common avenue of exposure, as well as non-stick cookware, and many others.Research has shown that PFAS can reduce fertility in women by some 40 percent. According to NIH’s National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, high levels of PFAS found in the blood were linked to a reduced chance of pregnancy and live birth. Other research has shown that PFAS are linked to increased instances of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, both of which reduce fertility.Poor Pregnancy OutcomesPolyestermay also contain bisphenol A, another chemical compound that has been shown to potentially impact fertility. A December 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found a higher prevalence of PCOS in women with high amounts of BPA in their blood.Finally, polyester can contain phthalates, a chemical commonly used in things like sports bras and other pieces of clothing. These, too, have been shown to have a negative impact on fertility. A study published in the September 2021 issue of the journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that higher concentrations of the chemical have been associated with decreased rates of pregnancy, increased incidences of miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications.“We’ve found suggestive associations between higher concentrations of bisphenol and phthalate metabolites and worse markers of reproductive health like poor success with IVF,” says Gaskins. “What we don’t know is where the source of exposure is coming from.”Exposure to Fertility-Decreasing ChemicalsStill, the obvious implication if you’re trying to get pregnant is to try to decrease your exposure to any of these chemicals through any route possible, especially when you have control over exposure. If we know there are chemicals in these fabrics, decreasing use of them would be more achievable for many people compared to, say, changing your drinking water, says Gaskins.There’s definitely no downside to decreasing your exposure to these chemicals, and while clothing is likely not the largest means of exposure to things like PFAs, phthalates, and BPA, if you’re trying to get pregnant, they’re certainly a good place to start.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. PFAS Exposure Linked to Reduced Fertility in Women Center for Environmental Health. What You Need to Know About BPA in ClothingJournal of Clinical Medicine. Bisphenol-A and Female Fertility: An Update of Existing Epidemiological StudiesBest Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Phthalates, ovarian function and fertility in adulthoodSara Novak is a science journalist based in South Carolina. In addition to writing for Discover, her work appears in Scientific American, Popular Science, New Scientist, Sierra Magazine, Astronomy Magazine, and many more. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia. She's also a candidate for a master’s degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University.
    #fabrics #like #polyester #can #contain
    Fabrics Like Polyester Can Contain a Number of Chemicals That Might Impact Fertility
    The epidermisis the body’s largest organ, so it would make sense that toxins found in fabrics that sit on the skin’s surface could be absorbed by the skin and make their way into the bloodstream. And polyester has been considered a particularly suspect fabric because it’s made from a chemical called polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic polymer used in various products.One study published in 1993 followed 24 dogs who were divided into two equal groups, one group wore cotton underpants and the other polyester. At the end of the study period, there was a significant decrease in sperm count and an increase in sperm abnormalities in the dogs who wore the polyester pants. But that said, this study is three decades old, done on dogs, and has had little additional research to show for it since.So, the jury is certainly still out as to whether fabrics decrease fertility, but there are some things that we do know. Chemicals Found in PolyesterAccording to Audrey Gaskins, an associate professor of environmental health at Emory University, most studies are focused on specific chemicals that might be found in fabrics rather than the fabrics themselves, and those chemicals are usually measured in blood or urine. But fabrics like polyester can contain a number of chemicals that might impact fertility. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals found in thousands of products, and they’re difficult for the body to eliminate.“PFAS are commonly found in water-resistant clothing,” says Gaskins. However, drinking water is likely the most common avenue of exposure, as well as non-stick cookware, and many others.Research has shown that PFAS can reduce fertility in women by some 40 percent. According to NIH’s National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, high levels of PFAS found in the blood were linked to a reduced chance of pregnancy and live birth. Other research has shown that PFAS are linked to increased instances of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, both of which reduce fertility.Poor Pregnancy OutcomesPolyestermay also contain bisphenol A, another chemical compound that has been shown to potentially impact fertility. A December 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found a higher prevalence of PCOS in women with high amounts of BPA in their blood.Finally, polyester can contain phthalates, a chemical commonly used in things like sports bras and other pieces of clothing. These, too, have been shown to have a negative impact on fertility. A study published in the September 2021 issue of the journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that higher concentrations of the chemical have been associated with decreased rates of pregnancy, increased incidences of miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications.“We’ve found suggestive associations between higher concentrations of bisphenol and phthalate metabolites and worse markers of reproductive health like poor success with IVF,” says Gaskins. “What we don’t know is where the source of exposure is coming from.”Exposure to Fertility-Decreasing ChemicalsStill, the obvious implication if you’re trying to get pregnant is to try to decrease your exposure to any of these chemicals through any route possible, especially when you have control over exposure. If we know there are chemicals in these fabrics, decreasing use of them would be more achievable for many people compared to, say, changing your drinking water, says Gaskins.There’s definitely no downside to decreasing your exposure to these chemicals, and while clothing is likely not the largest means of exposure to things like PFAs, phthalates, and BPA, if you’re trying to get pregnant, they’re certainly a good place to start.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. PFAS Exposure Linked to Reduced Fertility in Women Center for Environmental Health. What You Need to Know About BPA in ClothingJournal of Clinical Medicine. Bisphenol-A and Female Fertility: An Update of Existing Epidemiological StudiesBest Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Phthalates, ovarian function and fertility in adulthoodSara Novak is a science journalist based in South Carolina. In addition to writing for Discover, her work appears in Scientific American, Popular Science, New Scientist, Sierra Magazine, Astronomy Magazine, and many more. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia. She's also a candidate for a master’s degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University. #fabrics #like #polyester #can #contain
    WWW.DISCOVERMAGAZINE.COM
    Fabrics Like Polyester Can Contain a Number of Chemicals That Might Impact Fertility
    The epidermis (skin) is the body’s largest organ, so it would make sense that toxins found in fabrics that sit on the skin’s surface could be absorbed by the skin and make their way into the bloodstream. And polyester has been considered a particularly suspect fabric because it’s made from a chemical called polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic polymer used in various products.One study published in 1993 followed 24 dogs who were divided into two equal groups, one group wore cotton underpants and the other polyester. At the end of the study period, there was a significant decrease in sperm count and an increase in sperm abnormalities in the dogs who wore the polyester pants. But that said, this study is three decades old, done on dogs, and has had little additional research to show for it since.So, the jury is certainly still out as to whether fabrics decrease fertility, but there are some things that we do know. Chemicals Found in PolyesterAccording to Audrey Gaskins, an associate professor of environmental health at Emory University, most studies are focused on specific chemicals that might be found in fabrics rather than the fabrics themselves, and those chemicals are usually measured in blood or urine. But fabrics like polyester can contain a number of chemicals that might impact fertility. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals found in thousands of products, and they’re difficult for the body to eliminate.“PFAS are commonly found in water-resistant clothing,” says Gaskins. However, drinking water is likely the most common avenue of exposure, as well as non-stick cookware, and many others.Research has shown that PFAS can reduce fertility in women by some 40 percent. According to NIH’s National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, high levels of PFAS found in the blood were linked to a reduced chance of pregnancy and live birth. Other research has shown that PFAS are linked to increased instances of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both of which reduce fertility.Poor Pregnancy OutcomesPolyester (when combined with spandex) may also contain bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical compound that has been shown to potentially impact fertility. A December 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found a higher prevalence of PCOS in women with high amounts of BPA in their blood.Finally, polyester can contain phthalates, a chemical commonly used in things like sports bras and other pieces of clothing. These, too, have been shown to have a negative impact on fertility. A study published in the September 2021 issue of the journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that higher concentrations of the chemical have been associated with decreased rates of pregnancy, increased incidences of miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications.“We’ve found suggestive associations between higher concentrations of bisphenol and phthalate metabolites and worse markers of reproductive health like poor success with IVF,” says Gaskins. “What we don’t know is where the source of exposure is coming from.”Exposure to Fertility-Decreasing ChemicalsStill, the obvious implication if you’re trying to get pregnant is to try to decrease your exposure to any of these chemicals through any route possible, especially when you have control over exposure. If we know there are chemicals in these fabrics, decreasing use of them would be more achievable for many people compared to, say, changing your drinking water, says Gaskins.There’s definitely no downside to decreasing your exposure to these chemicals, and while clothing is likely not the largest means of exposure to things like PFAs, phthalates, and BPA, if you’re trying to get pregnant, they’re certainly a good place to start.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. PFAS Exposure Linked to Reduced Fertility in Women Center for Environmental Health. What You Need to Know About BPA in ClothingJournal of Clinical Medicine. Bisphenol-A and Female Fertility: An Update of Existing Epidemiological StudiesBest Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Phthalates, ovarian function and fertility in adulthoodSara Novak is a science journalist based in South Carolina. In addition to writing for Discover, her work appears in Scientific American, Popular Science, New Scientist, Sierra Magazine, Astronomy Magazine, and many more. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia. She's also a candidate for a master’s degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University (expected graduation 2023).
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  • How Light-Controlled Bacteria Could Tackle the Problem of Antibiotic Resistance

    Bacteria wouldn’t be so bad if we could tell them what to do. “Stop spreading! Stop sticking together! Stop fending off our antibiotics!” A new method is starting to allow scientists to do just that, letting them use light to control certain functions of bacteria. Introduced in a paper published in The European Physical Journal Plus, the preliminary approach could have several potential applications, including a possible avenue for combating antibiotic resistance.The Problem of Antibacterial Resistance Bacteria are behind a variety of diseases, from strep to staph to pneumonia and meningitis, and they attack our bodies in a variety of ways, as well, including through the production of toxins that damage and disrupt our cells. Some of these infections stop on their own, but others are too stubborn, or too serious, to leave untreated. These are the infections that we target with antibiotics — that is, as long as our antibiotics are working.But, because bacteria are constantly changing, they can develop defenses against the antibiotics that we use to stave them off, making these treatments much less effective. That’s the gist of the growing threat posed by antibiotic resistance, which has contributed to millions of deaths since 1990 and is anticipated to contribute to millions more by 2050. Setting out to find a new solution to this growing problem, scientists from the Italian Institute of Technology and the Polytechnic University of Milan embarked on the Engineering of Bacteria to See Lightproject. The project aims to use light to control bacteria, primarily for the fight against antibiotic resistance. And the new method pushes the project closer to achieving that aim. Using light and light-sensitive molecules to adjust the electrical signals that are transmitted across the bacterial membrane, the method impacts the biological activity of bacteria without any alterations to their genetic makeup.“This interplay between light and electricalallows us to control key biological processes such as movement, biofilm formation, and antibiotic sensitivity,” said Giuseppe Maria Paternò, a study author and a professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan, according to a press release. “We can influence antibiotic uptake and restore or even enhance the effectiveness of treatments against resistant strains.”Coating Bacteria to Curb Antibiotic ResistanceTo control bacteria, the method takes advantage of a light-sensitive molecule called Ziapin2, which sticks to the bacterial surface. By covering bacteria with this light-sensitive molecule and by subjecting the covered bacteria to light, the scientists were able to modify the electrical signals that were transmitted across their bacterial membranes, transforming the bacteria’s basic functioning. Testing their method on one of the most studied bacterial species, the scientists changed the electrical signaling across the membranes of Bacillus subtilis, a popular model organism that’s often used as a stand-in for Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that causes staphylococcus, or staph, infections.When tested, the method modulated the bacteria’s susceptibility to Kanamycin, an intracellular antibiotic that’s frequently used as a treatment for severe bacterial infections after other treatments fail. “Under blue light,” Paternò said in the release, “the effectiveness of Kanamycin was significantly reduced,” indicating that the electrical signaling on the bacterial membrane “plays a crucial role in the drug’s uptake.”Additional research is required to tailor the method to increase the effectiveness of Kanamycin and other antibiotics against bacteria. But for now, it seems that such an outcome could be possible. “This initial assessmentrepresents a first step in a completely new field of study,” the scientists state in their paper. “This proof-of-concept study underscores the potential of non-genetic, light-based interventions to modulate bacterial susceptibility in real time. Future work will expand this approachultimately advancing our understanding of bacterial bioelectric regulation and its applications in antimicrobial therapies.”This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:The European Physical Journal Plus. Photocontrol of Bacterial Membrane Potential Regulates Antibiotic Persistence in B. SubtilisSam Walters is a journalist covering archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and evolution for Discover, along with an assortment of other topics. Before joining the Discover team as an assistant editor in 2022, Sam studied journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
    #how #lightcontrolled #bacteria #could #tackle
    How Light-Controlled Bacteria Could Tackle the Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
    Bacteria wouldn’t be so bad if we could tell them what to do. “Stop spreading! Stop sticking together! Stop fending off our antibiotics!” A new method is starting to allow scientists to do just that, letting them use light to control certain functions of bacteria. Introduced in a paper published in The European Physical Journal Plus, the preliminary approach could have several potential applications, including a possible avenue for combating antibiotic resistance.The Problem of Antibacterial Resistance Bacteria are behind a variety of diseases, from strep to staph to pneumonia and meningitis, and they attack our bodies in a variety of ways, as well, including through the production of toxins that damage and disrupt our cells. Some of these infections stop on their own, but others are too stubborn, or too serious, to leave untreated. These are the infections that we target with antibiotics — that is, as long as our antibiotics are working.But, because bacteria are constantly changing, they can develop defenses against the antibiotics that we use to stave them off, making these treatments much less effective. That’s the gist of the growing threat posed by antibiotic resistance, which has contributed to millions of deaths since 1990 and is anticipated to contribute to millions more by 2050. Setting out to find a new solution to this growing problem, scientists from the Italian Institute of Technology and the Polytechnic University of Milan embarked on the Engineering of Bacteria to See Lightproject. The project aims to use light to control bacteria, primarily for the fight against antibiotic resistance. And the new method pushes the project closer to achieving that aim. Using light and light-sensitive molecules to adjust the electrical signals that are transmitted across the bacterial membrane, the method impacts the biological activity of bacteria without any alterations to their genetic makeup.“This interplay between light and electricalallows us to control key biological processes such as movement, biofilm formation, and antibiotic sensitivity,” said Giuseppe Maria Paternò, a study author and a professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan, according to a press release. “We can influence antibiotic uptake and restore or even enhance the effectiveness of treatments against resistant strains.”Coating Bacteria to Curb Antibiotic ResistanceTo control bacteria, the method takes advantage of a light-sensitive molecule called Ziapin2, which sticks to the bacterial surface. By covering bacteria with this light-sensitive molecule and by subjecting the covered bacteria to light, the scientists were able to modify the electrical signals that were transmitted across their bacterial membranes, transforming the bacteria’s basic functioning. Testing their method on one of the most studied bacterial species, the scientists changed the electrical signaling across the membranes of Bacillus subtilis, a popular model organism that’s often used as a stand-in for Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that causes staphylococcus, or staph, infections.When tested, the method modulated the bacteria’s susceptibility to Kanamycin, an intracellular antibiotic that’s frequently used as a treatment for severe bacterial infections after other treatments fail. “Under blue light,” Paternò said in the release, “the effectiveness of Kanamycin was significantly reduced,” indicating that the electrical signaling on the bacterial membrane “plays a crucial role in the drug’s uptake.”Additional research is required to tailor the method to increase the effectiveness of Kanamycin and other antibiotics against bacteria. But for now, it seems that such an outcome could be possible. “This initial assessmentrepresents a first step in a completely new field of study,” the scientists state in their paper. “This proof-of-concept study underscores the potential of non-genetic, light-based interventions to modulate bacterial susceptibility in real time. Future work will expand this approachultimately advancing our understanding of bacterial bioelectric regulation and its applications in antimicrobial therapies.”This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:The European Physical Journal Plus. Photocontrol of Bacterial Membrane Potential Regulates Antibiotic Persistence in B. SubtilisSam Walters is a journalist covering archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and evolution for Discover, along with an assortment of other topics. Before joining the Discover team as an assistant editor in 2022, Sam studied journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. #how #lightcontrolled #bacteria #could #tackle
    WWW.DISCOVERMAGAZINE.COM
    How Light-Controlled Bacteria Could Tackle the Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
    Bacteria wouldn’t be so bad if we could tell them what to do. “Stop spreading! Stop sticking together! Stop fending off our antibiotics!” A new method is starting to allow scientists to do just that, letting them use light to control certain functions of bacteria. Introduced in a paper published in The European Physical Journal Plus, the preliminary approach could have several potential applications, including a possible avenue for combating antibiotic resistance.The Problem of Antibacterial Resistance Bacteria are behind a variety of diseases, from strep to staph to pneumonia and meningitis, and they attack our bodies in a variety of ways, as well, including through the production of toxins that damage and disrupt our cells. Some of these infections stop on their own, but others are too stubborn, or too serious, to leave untreated. These are the infections that we target with antibiotics — that is, as long as our antibiotics are working.But, because bacteria are constantly changing, they can develop defenses against the antibiotics that we use to stave them off, making these treatments much less effective. That’s the gist of the growing threat posed by antibiotic resistance, which has contributed to millions of deaths since 1990 and is anticipated to contribute to millions more by 2050. Setting out to find a new solution to this growing problem, scientists from the Italian Institute of Technology and the Polytechnic University of Milan embarked on the Engineering of Bacteria to See Light (EOS) project. The project aims to use light to control bacteria, primarily for the fight against antibiotic resistance. And the new method pushes the project closer to achieving that aim. Using light and light-sensitive molecules to adjust the electrical signals that are transmitted across the bacterial membrane, the method impacts the biological activity of bacteria without any alterations to their genetic makeup.“This interplay between light and electrical [signaling] allows us to control key biological processes such as movement, biofilm formation, and antibiotic sensitivity,” said Giuseppe Maria Paternò, a study author and a professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan, according to a press release. “We can influence antibiotic uptake and restore or even enhance the effectiveness of treatments against resistant strains.”Coating Bacteria to Curb Antibiotic ResistanceTo control bacteria, the method takes advantage of a light-sensitive molecule called Ziapin2, which sticks to the bacterial surface. By covering bacteria with this light-sensitive molecule and by subjecting the covered bacteria to light, the scientists were able to modify the electrical signals that were transmitted across their bacterial membranes, transforming the bacteria’s basic functioning. Testing their method on one of the most studied bacterial species, the scientists changed the electrical signaling across the membranes of Bacillus subtilis, a popular model organism that’s often used as a stand-in for Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that causes staphylococcus, or staph, infections.When tested, the method modulated the bacteria’s susceptibility to Kanamycin, an intracellular antibiotic that’s frequently used as a treatment for severe bacterial infections after other treatments fail. “Under blue light,” Paternò said in the release, “the effectiveness of Kanamycin was significantly reduced,” indicating that the electrical signaling on the bacterial membrane “plays a crucial role in the drug’s uptake.”Additional research is required to tailor the method to increase the effectiveness of Kanamycin and other antibiotics against bacteria. But for now, it seems that such an outcome could be possible. “This initial assessment […] represents a first step in a completely new field of study,” the scientists state in their paper. “This proof-of-concept study underscores the potential of non-genetic, light-based interventions to modulate bacterial susceptibility in real time. Future work will expand this approach […] ultimately advancing our understanding of bacterial bioelectric regulation and its applications in antimicrobial therapies.”This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:The European Physical Journal Plus. Photocontrol of Bacterial Membrane Potential Regulates Antibiotic Persistence in B. SubtilisSam Walters is a journalist covering archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and evolution for Discover, along with an assortment of other topics. Before joining the Discover team as an assistant editor in 2022, Sam studied journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
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  • Exploring Grey Literature on SSRN

    SSRN

    Exploring Grey Literature on SSRN

    There has been a growing discussion in the academic community surrounding the concept of grey literature, a broad term that encompasses documents, data, research, and materials created outside of the traditional pathways of academic publication, and often for non-academic audiences. This work contributes to the information ecosystem by providing sources of knowledge that are timely and broad, filling in gaps in research and offering original data and insights that extend beyond the typical channels for academic publishing.
    In practice, what does this look like? Grey literature includes various reports, conference proceedings, datasets, legal transcripts, working papers, dissertations, blog posts, policy documents, and a wide range of other work that expands the knowledge base and enriches modern scholarship.
    The Purpose of Grey Literature
    Traditional academic publishing involves peer review, a lengthy publication process, and such documents may not be widely accessible to those without academic library privileges. Grey literature may be released more quickly and is often directly accessible for all, allowing current research within a field to be shared in real-time. This provides the opportunity for dissemination of ongoing research, recent developments in policy and government, and relevant reports that help inform the academic discourse of the present and influence the development of research in the future.
    Grey literature provides other benefits beyond its timeliness. The structure of the work itself provides the opportunity to fill in research and knowledge gaps. This can be through the release of up-to-date data, case studies, and reports that don’t fall within the scope of academic publications, or it can present preliminary findings that serve as complementary to previously published works. Grey literature captures perspectives that have a wider scope and therefore rounds out the scholarly record.
    The accessibility and relevance of grey literature allows the work to have significance outside the world of academia. It helps inform policies, programs, and future academic research. Grey literature takes research and data and translates it into real-world impact.
    Joshua Tucker, professor and researcher at NYU, shared his grey literature on SSRN. He was pleased to see that his report  – which would not be included in traditional academic publications – had a presence on SSRN, generating additional attention and citations it wouldn’t have received otherwise. He shared with SSRN that, “This review of the literature was never intended to be an academic article. It was a report commissioned by the Hewlett Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation put it on its website. I thought people in the policy community were going to see it on the Hewlett website, but I’d love for people to see it in the academic community. I thought that maybe we’d get a few citations out of it, andto throw it up on SSRN, on a whim. And now it’s been downloaded over 40,000 times and continues to be cited all the time. In that sense,filled this really nice niche: we had something that we didn’t write to be an academic publicationweren’t going to send to journals. It’s a nice home for things that don’t have a natural fit.“
    Grey Literature’s Place on SSRN
    As a repository for early-stage research, SSRN provides a home for research in all stages of development. Work submitted to SSRN is made available quickly, creating an outlet for real-time research.
    SSRN is a platform where research of many mediums can thrive. We define research broadly: presentations, infographics, case studies, white papers, proceedings, working papers, datasets, conference proceedings, informational guides, reports and more. They exist side-by-side, all with the objective of sharing knowledge at a global level. Because of this, SSRN is a great place for grey literature of all kinds. Even research that doesn’t take a traditional academic pathway can thrive on SSRN.
    The Future of Research
    The world changes quickly – with technology, faster than ever – and SSRN allows the flow of research to keep up with the changing times. The relevance and impact of research matters, and grey literature is a big contributor to that.
    SSRN is where it starts; submit your research in real-time, bring work of any scale and any format, and contribute to the future of this evolving research and scholarship landscape.
    Want to share your grey literature or other early-stage research on SSRN? Click here to submit your research today.
    #exploring #grey #literature #ssrn
    Exploring Grey Literature on SSRN
    SSRN Exploring Grey Literature on SSRN There has been a growing discussion in the academic community surrounding the concept of grey literature, a broad term that encompasses documents, data, research, and materials created outside of the traditional pathways of academic publication, and often for non-academic audiences. This work contributes to the information ecosystem by providing sources of knowledge that are timely and broad, filling in gaps in research and offering original data and insights that extend beyond the typical channels for academic publishing. In practice, what does this look like? Grey literature includes various reports, conference proceedings, datasets, legal transcripts, working papers, dissertations, blog posts, policy documents, and a wide range of other work that expands the knowledge base and enriches modern scholarship. The Purpose of Grey Literature Traditional academic publishing involves peer review, a lengthy publication process, and such documents may not be widely accessible to those without academic library privileges. Grey literature may be released more quickly and is often directly accessible for all, allowing current research within a field to be shared in real-time. This provides the opportunity for dissemination of ongoing research, recent developments in policy and government, and relevant reports that help inform the academic discourse of the present and influence the development of research in the future. Grey literature provides other benefits beyond its timeliness. The structure of the work itself provides the opportunity to fill in research and knowledge gaps. This can be through the release of up-to-date data, case studies, and reports that don’t fall within the scope of academic publications, or it can present preliminary findings that serve as complementary to previously published works. Grey literature captures perspectives that have a wider scope and therefore rounds out the scholarly record. The accessibility and relevance of grey literature allows the work to have significance outside the world of academia. It helps inform policies, programs, and future academic research. Grey literature takes research and data and translates it into real-world impact. Joshua Tucker, professor and researcher at NYU, shared his grey literature on SSRN. He was pleased to see that his report  – which would not be included in traditional academic publications – had a presence on SSRN, generating additional attention and citations it wouldn’t have received otherwise. He shared with SSRN that, “This review of the literature was never intended to be an academic article. It was a report commissioned by the Hewlett Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation put it on its website. I thought people in the policy community were going to see it on the Hewlett website, but I’d love for people to see it in the academic community. I thought that maybe we’d get a few citations out of it, andto throw it up on SSRN, on a whim. And now it’s been downloaded over 40,000 times and continues to be cited all the time. In that sense,filled this really nice niche: we had something that we didn’t write to be an academic publicationweren’t going to send to journals. It’s a nice home for things that don’t have a natural fit.“ Grey Literature’s Place on SSRN As a repository for early-stage research, SSRN provides a home for research in all stages of development. Work submitted to SSRN is made available quickly, creating an outlet for real-time research. SSRN is a platform where research of many mediums can thrive. We define research broadly: presentations, infographics, case studies, white papers, proceedings, working papers, datasets, conference proceedings, informational guides, reports and more. They exist side-by-side, all with the objective of sharing knowledge at a global level. Because of this, SSRN is a great place for grey literature of all kinds. Even research that doesn’t take a traditional academic pathway can thrive on SSRN. The Future of Research The world changes quickly – with technology, faster than ever – and SSRN allows the flow of research to keep up with the changing times. The relevance and impact of research matters, and grey literature is a big contributor to that. SSRN is where it starts; submit your research in real-time, bring work of any scale and any format, and contribute to the future of this evolving research and scholarship landscape. Want to share your grey literature or other early-stage research on SSRN? Click here to submit your research today. #exploring #grey #literature #ssrn
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    Exploring Grey Literature on SSRN
    SSRN Exploring Grey Literature on SSRN There has been a growing discussion in the academic community surrounding the concept of grey literature, a broad term that encompasses documents, data, research, and materials created outside of the traditional pathways of academic publication, and often for non-academic audiences. This work contributes to the information ecosystem by providing sources of knowledge that are timely and broad, filling in gaps in research and offering original data and insights that extend beyond the typical channels for academic publishing. In practice, what does this look like? Grey literature includes various reports, conference proceedings, datasets, legal transcripts, working papers, dissertations, blog posts, policy documents, and a wide range of other work that expands the knowledge base and enriches modern scholarship. The Purpose of Grey Literature Traditional academic publishing involves peer review, a lengthy publication process, and such documents may not be widely accessible to those without academic library privileges. Grey literature may be released more quickly and is often directly accessible for all, allowing current research within a field to be shared in real-time. This provides the opportunity for dissemination of ongoing research, recent developments in policy and government, and relevant reports that help inform the academic discourse of the present and influence the development of research in the future. Grey literature provides other benefits beyond its timeliness. The structure of the work itself provides the opportunity to fill in research and knowledge gaps. This can be through the release of up-to-date data, case studies, and reports that don’t fall within the scope of academic publications, or it can present preliminary findings that serve as complementary to previously published works. Grey literature captures perspectives that have a wider scope and therefore rounds out the scholarly record. The accessibility and relevance of grey literature allows the work to have significance outside the world of academia. It helps inform policies, programs, and future academic research. Grey literature takes research and data and translates it into real-world impact. Joshua Tucker, professor and researcher at NYU, shared his grey literature on SSRN. He was pleased to see that his report  – which would not be included in traditional academic publications – had a presence on SSRN, generating additional attention and citations it wouldn’t have received otherwise. He shared with SSRN that, “This review of the literature was never intended to be an academic article. It was a report commissioned by the Hewlett Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation put it on its website. I thought people in the policy community were going to see it on the Hewlett website, but I’d love for people to see it in the academic community. I thought that maybe we’d get a few citations out of it, and [decided] to throw it up on SSRN, on a whim. And now it’s been downloaded over 40,000 times and continues to be cited all the time. In that sense, [SSRN] filled this really nice niche: we had something that we didn’t write to be an academic publication [and] weren’t going to send to journals. It’s a nice home for things that don’t have a natural fit.“ Grey Literature’s Place on SSRN As a repository for early-stage research, SSRN provides a home for research in all stages of development. Work submitted to SSRN is made available quickly, creating an outlet for real-time research. SSRN is a platform where research of many mediums can thrive. We define research broadly: presentations, infographics, case studies, white papers, proceedings, working papers, datasets, conference proceedings, informational guides, reports and more. They exist side-by-side, all with the objective of sharing knowledge at a global level. Because of this, SSRN is a great place for grey literature of all kinds. Even research that doesn’t take a traditional academic pathway can thrive on SSRN. The Future of Research The world changes quickly – with technology, faster than ever – and SSRN allows the flow of research to keep up with the changing times. The relevance and impact of research matters, and grey literature is a big contributor to that. SSRN is where it starts; submit your research in real-time, bring work of any scale and any format, and contribute to the future of this evolving research and scholarship landscape. Want to share your grey literature or other early-stage research on SSRN? Click here to submit your research today.
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  • Lower Alzheimer's Risk With the MIND Diet, a Combo of the DASH and Mediterranean Diets

    If you’ve ever wondered whether the food on your plate could shape your brain’s future, the science is starting to say: yes, it might. While healthy eating has long been linked to better brain health, new research is getting more specific about which diets help, and when you should start following them.At this year’s annual Nutrition conference in Orlando, Florida, researchers presented findings that add weight to the growing link between diet and dementia. According to a news release, study author Song-Yi Park of the University of Hawaii at Manoa said, “Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias. This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia.”The research focused on nearly 93,000 U.S. adults from the long-running Multiethnic Cohort Study. Participants were between 45 years and 75 years old when they entered the study in the 1990s. Over time, more than 21,000 developed Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias — but those who closely followed a specific eating plan, the MIND diet, were significantly less likely to be among them.Combining the Mediterranean Diet and DASH DietThe MIND dietblends the best elements of two established eating plans: the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional cuisines of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. It focuses on plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy, with red meat eaten sparingly. It’s been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and is also environmentally friendly.The DASH diet, originally designed to lower blood pressure, shares many similarities but puts extra emphasis on limiting sodium and increasing intake of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It includes low-fat dairy and lean protein sources and doesn’t rely on any hard-to-find foods.The MIND diet specifically promotes brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil, combining benefits of both approaches with a focus on protecting cognitive health.Read More: Is the Mediterranean Diet Healthy?The MIND Diet Over TimeAccording to Park and her team, people who scored highest in MIND diet adherence at the study’s start had a 9 percent lower risk of developing dementia. That number was even higher with around 13 percent for African American, Latino, and White participants. Looking at those who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over time, showed a 25 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to those whose dietary habits declined, which was consistent no matter the age or racial background.“We found that the protective relationship between a healthy diet and dementia was more pronounced among African Americans, Latinos, and Whites, while it was not as apparent among Asian Americans and showed a weaker trend in Native Hawaiians,” Park said in the press release. “A tailored approach may be needed when evaluating different subpopulations’ diet quality.”Interestingly, Asian Americans also tend to have lower dementia rates overall, which researchers believe could mean other cultural eating patterns might offer similar protection than the MIND diet for that group.The Best Time to Start Is NowOne of the most encouraging findings was that starting late still helped. Participants who began following the MIND diet more closely over a 10-year period, regardless of how old they were when they began, saw benefits. This suggests that even if you didn’t grow up eating brain-boosting foods, it’s not too late to change course.It’s worth noting that the study is observational, so, by itself, it can’t prove this specific diet causes better brain health. Study author Park notes that the next step is conducting interventional studies to verify these promising results.Still, the evidence is mounting. Whether you're 45 or 75, choosing greens over greasy snacks could make a real difference when it comes to aging with or without dementia.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:National Institute of Aging. What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease?Harvard Health Publishing. A practical guide to the Mediterranean dietNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Following the DASH Eating PlanHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.
    #lower #alzheimer039s #risk #with #mind
    Lower Alzheimer's Risk With the MIND Diet, a Combo of the DASH and Mediterranean Diets
    If you’ve ever wondered whether the food on your plate could shape your brain’s future, the science is starting to say: yes, it might. While healthy eating has long been linked to better brain health, new research is getting more specific about which diets help, and when you should start following them.At this year’s annual Nutrition conference in Orlando, Florida, researchers presented findings that add weight to the growing link between diet and dementia. According to a news release, study author Song-Yi Park of the University of Hawaii at Manoa said, “Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias. This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia.”The research focused on nearly 93,000 U.S. adults from the long-running Multiethnic Cohort Study. Participants were between 45 years and 75 years old when they entered the study in the 1990s. Over time, more than 21,000 developed Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias — but those who closely followed a specific eating plan, the MIND diet, were significantly less likely to be among them.Combining the Mediterranean Diet and DASH DietThe MIND dietblends the best elements of two established eating plans: the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional cuisines of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. It focuses on plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy, with red meat eaten sparingly. It’s been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and is also environmentally friendly.The DASH diet, originally designed to lower blood pressure, shares many similarities but puts extra emphasis on limiting sodium and increasing intake of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It includes low-fat dairy and lean protein sources and doesn’t rely on any hard-to-find foods.The MIND diet specifically promotes brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil, combining benefits of both approaches with a focus on protecting cognitive health.Read More: Is the Mediterranean Diet Healthy?The MIND Diet Over TimeAccording to Park and her team, people who scored highest in MIND diet adherence at the study’s start had a 9 percent lower risk of developing dementia. That number was even higher with around 13 percent for African American, Latino, and White participants. Looking at those who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over time, showed a 25 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to those whose dietary habits declined, which was consistent no matter the age or racial background.“We found that the protective relationship between a healthy diet and dementia was more pronounced among African Americans, Latinos, and Whites, while it was not as apparent among Asian Americans and showed a weaker trend in Native Hawaiians,” Park said in the press release. “A tailored approach may be needed when evaluating different subpopulations’ diet quality.”Interestingly, Asian Americans also tend to have lower dementia rates overall, which researchers believe could mean other cultural eating patterns might offer similar protection than the MIND diet for that group.The Best Time to Start Is NowOne of the most encouraging findings was that starting late still helped. Participants who began following the MIND diet more closely over a 10-year period, regardless of how old they were when they began, saw benefits. This suggests that even if you didn’t grow up eating brain-boosting foods, it’s not too late to change course.It’s worth noting that the study is observational, so, by itself, it can’t prove this specific diet causes better brain health. Study author Park notes that the next step is conducting interventional studies to verify these promising results.Still, the evidence is mounting. Whether you're 45 or 75, choosing greens over greasy snacks could make a real difference when it comes to aging with or without dementia.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:National Institute of Aging. What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease?Harvard Health Publishing. A practical guide to the Mediterranean dietNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Following the DASH Eating PlanHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard. #lower #alzheimer039s #risk #with #mind
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    Lower Alzheimer's Risk With the MIND Diet, a Combo of the DASH and Mediterranean Diets
    If you’ve ever wondered whether the food on your plate could shape your brain’s future, the science is starting to say: yes, it might. While healthy eating has long been linked to better brain health, new research is getting more specific about which diets help, and when you should start following them.At this year’s annual Nutrition conference in Orlando, Florida, researchers presented findings that add weight to the growing link between diet and dementia. According to a news release, study author Song-Yi Park of the University of Hawaii at Manoa said, “Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias. This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia.”The research focused on nearly 93,000 U.S. adults from the long-running Multiethnic Cohort Study. Participants were between 45 years and 75 years old when they entered the study in the 1990s. Over time, more than 21,000 developed Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias — but those who closely followed a specific eating plan, the MIND diet, were significantly less likely to be among them.Combining the Mediterranean Diet and DASH DietThe MIND diet (short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) blends the best elements of two established eating plans: the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional cuisines of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. It focuses on plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains), healthy fats like olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy, with red meat eaten sparingly. It’s been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and is also environmentally friendly.The DASH diet, originally designed to lower blood pressure, shares many similarities but puts extra emphasis on limiting sodium and increasing intake of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It includes low-fat dairy and lean protein sources and doesn’t rely on any hard-to-find foods.The MIND diet specifically promotes brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil, combining benefits of both approaches with a focus on protecting cognitive health.Read More: Is the Mediterranean Diet Healthy?The MIND Diet Over TimeAccording to Park and her team, people who scored highest in MIND diet adherence at the study’s start had a 9 percent lower risk of developing dementia. That number was even higher with around 13 percent for African American, Latino, and White participants. Looking at those who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over time, showed a 25 percent reduction in dementia risk compared to those whose dietary habits declined, which was consistent no matter the age or racial background.“We found that the protective relationship between a healthy diet and dementia was more pronounced among African Americans, Latinos, and Whites, while it was not as apparent among Asian Americans and showed a weaker trend in Native Hawaiians,” Park said in the press release. “A tailored approach may be needed when evaluating different subpopulations’ diet quality.”Interestingly, Asian Americans also tend to have lower dementia rates overall, which researchers believe could mean other cultural eating patterns might offer similar protection than the MIND diet for that group.The Best Time to Start Is NowOne of the most encouraging findings was that starting late still helped. Participants who began following the MIND diet more closely over a 10-year period, regardless of how old they were when they began, saw benefits. This suggests that even if you didn’t grow up eating brain-boosting foods, it’s not too late to change course.It’s worth noting that the study is observational, so, by itself, it can’t prove this specific diet causes better brain health. Study author Park notes that the next step is conducting interventional studies to verify these promising results.Still, the evidence is mounting. Whether you're 45 or 75, choosing greens over greasy snacks could make a real difference when it comes to aging with or without dementia.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:National Institute of Aging. What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease?Harvard Health Publishing. A practical guide to the Mediterranean dietNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Following the DASH Eating PlanHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.
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  • A Coding Guide to Building a Scalable Multi-Agent Communication Systems Using Agent Communication Protocol (ACP)

    In this tutorial, we implement the Agent Communication Protocolthrough building a flexible, ACP-compliant messaging system in Python, leveraging Google’s Gemini API for natural language processing. Beginning with the installation and configuration of the google-generativeai library, the tutorial introduces core abstractions, message types, performatives, and the ACPMessage data class, which standardizes inter-agent communication. By defining ACPAgent and ACPMessageBroker classes, the guide demonstrates how to create, send, route, and process structured messages among multiple autonomous agents. Through clear code examples, users learn to implement querying, requesting actions, and broadcasting information, while maintaining conversation threads, acknowledgments, and error handling.
    import google.generativeai as genai
    import json
    import time
    import uuid
    from enum import Enum
    from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional
    from dataclasses import dataclass, asdict

    GEMINI_API_KEY = "Use Your Gemini API Key"
    genai.configureWe import essential Python modules, ranging from JSON handling and timing to unique identifier generation and type annotations, to support a structured ACP implementation. It then retrieves the user’s Gemini API key placeholder and configures the google-generativeai client for subsequent calls to the Gemini language model.
    class ACPMessageType:
    """Standard ACP message types"""
    REQUEST = "request"
    RESPONSE = "response"
    INFORM = "inform"
    QUERY = "query"
    SUBSCRIBE = "subscribe"
    UNSUBSCRIBE = "unsubscribe"
    ERROR = "error"
    ACK = "acknowledge"
    The ACPMessageType enumeration defines the core message categories used in the Agent Communication Protocol, including requests, responses, informational broadcasts, queries, and control actions like subscription management, error signaling, and acknowledgments. By centralizing these message types, the protocol ensures consistent handling and routing of inter-agent communications throughout the system.
    class ACPPerformative:
    """ACP speech acts"""
    TELL = "tell"
    ASK = "ask"
    REPLY = "reply"
    REQUEST_ACTION = "request-action"
    AGREE = "agree"
    REFUSE = "refuse"
    PROPOSE = "propose"
    ACCEPT = "accept"
    REJECT = "reject"
    The ACPPerformative enumeration captures the variety of speech acts agents can use when interacting under the ACP framework, mapping high-level intentions, such as making requests, posing questions, giving commands, or negotiating agreements, onto standardized labels. This clear taxonomy enables agents to interpret and respond to messages in contextually appropriate ways, ensuring robust and semantically rich communication.

    @dataclass
    class ACPMessage:
    """Agent Communication Protocol Message Structure"""
    message_id: str
    sender: str
    receiver: str
    performative: str
    content: Dictprotocol: str = "ACP-1.0"
    conversation_id: str = None
    reply_to: str = None
    language: str = "english"
    encoding: str = "json"
    timestamp: float = None

    def __post_init__:
    if self.timestamp is None:
    self.timestamp = time.timeif self.conversation_id is None:
    self.conversation_id = str)

    def to_acp_format-> str:
    """Convert to standard ACP message format"""
    acp_msg = {
    "message-id": self.message_id,
    "sender": self.sender,
    "receiver": self.receiver,
    "performative": self.performative,
    "content": self.content,
    "protocol": self.protocol,
    "conversation-id": self.conversation_id,
    "reply-to": self.reply_to,
    "language": self.language,
    "encoding": self.encoding,
    "timestamp": self.timestamp
    }
    return json.dumps@classmethod
    def from_acp_format-> 'ACPMessage':
    """Parse ACP message from string format"""
    data = json.loadsreturn cls,
    conversation_id=data.get,
    reply_to=data.get,
    language=data.get,
    encoding=data.get,
    timestamp=data.get)
    )

    The ACPMessage data class encapsulates all the fields required for a structured ACP exchange, including identifiers, participants, performative, payload, and metadata such as protocol version, language, and timestamps. Its __post_init__ method auto-populates missing timestamp and conversation_id values, ensuring every message is uniquely tracked. Utility methods to_acp_format and from_acp_format handle serialization to and from the standardized JSON representation for seamless transmission and parsing.
    class ACPAgent:
    """Agent implementing Agent Communication Protocol"""

    def __init__:
    self.agent_id = agent_id
    self.name = name
    self.capabilities = capabilities
    self.model = genai.GenerativeModelself.message_queue: List=self.subscriptions: Dict] = {}
    self.conversations: Dict] = {}

    def create_message-> ACPMessage:
    """Create a new ACP-compliant message"""
    return ACPMessage),
    sender=self.agent_id,
    receiver=receiver,
    performative=performative,
    content=content,
    conversation_id=conversation_id,
    reply_to=reply_to
    )

    def send_inform-> ACPMessage:
    """Send an INFORM message"""
    content = {"fact": fact, "data": data}
    return self.create_messagedef send_query-> ACPMessage:
    """Send a QUERY message"""
    content = {"question": question, "query-type": query_type}
    return self.create_messagedef send_request-> ACPMessage:
    """Send a REQUEST message"""
    content = {"action": action, "parameters": parameters or {}}
    return self.create_messagedef send_reply-> ACPMessage:
    """Send a REPLY message in response to another message"""
    content = {"response": response_data, "original-question": original_msg.content}
    return self.create_messagedef process_message-> Optional:
    """Process incoming ACP message and generate appropriate response"""
    self.message_queue.appendconv_id = message.conversation_id
    if conv_id not in self.conversations:
    self.conversations=self.conversations.appendif message.performative == ACPPerformative.ASK.value:
    return self._handle_queryelif message.performative == ACPPerformative.REQUEST_ACTION.value:
    return self._handle_requestelif message.performative == ACPPerformative.TELL.value:
    return self._handle_informreturn None

    def _handle_query-> ACPMessage:
    """Handle incoming query messages"""
    question = message.content.getprompt = f"As agent {self.name} with capabilities {self.capabilities}, answer: {question}"
    try:
    response = self.model.generate_contentanswer = response.text.stripexcept:
    answer = "Unable to process query at this time"

    return self.send_replydef _handle_request-> ACPMessage:
    """Handle incoming action requests"""
    action = message.content.getparameters = message.content.getif anyfor capability in self.capabilities):
    result = f"Executing {action} with parameters {parameters}"
    status = "agreed"
    else:
    result = f"Cannot perform {action} - not in my capabilities"
    status = "refused"

    return self.send_replydef _handle_inform-> Optional:
    """Handle incoming information messages"""
    fact = message.content.getprintack_content = {"status": "received", "fact": fact}
    return self.create_messageThe ACPAgent class encapsulates an autonomous entity capable of sending, receiving, and processing ACP-compliant messages using Gemini’s language model. It manages its own message queue, conversation history, and subscriptions, and provides helper methodsto construct correctly formatted ACPMessage instances. Incoming messages are routed through process_message, which delegates to specialized handlers for queries, action requests, and informational messages.
    class ACPMessageBroker:
    """Message broker implementing ACP routing and delivery"""

    def __init__:
    self.agents: Dict= {}
    self.message_log: List=self.routing_table: Dict= {}

    def register_agent:
    """Register an agent with the message broker"""
    self.agents= agent
    self.routing_table= "local"
    print")

    def route_message-> bool:
    """Route ACP message to appropriate recipient"""
    if message.receiver not in self.agents:
    printreturn False

    printprintprintprint}")

    receiver_agent = self.agentsresponse = receiver_agent.process_messageself.message_log.appendif response:
    printprintprint}")

    if response.receiver in self.agents:
    self.agents.process_messageself.message_log.appendreturn True

    def broadcast_message:
    """Broadcast message to multiple recipients"""
    for recipient in recipients:
    msg_copy = ACPMessage),
    sender=message.sender,
    receiver=recipient,
    performative=message.performative,
    content=message.content.copy,
    conversation_id=message.conversation_id
    )
    self.route_messageThe ACPMessageBroker serves as the central router for ACP messages, maintaining a registry of agents and a message log. It provides methods to register agents, deliver individual messages via route_message, which handles lookup, logging, and response chaining, and to send the same message to multiple recipients with broadcast_message.
    def demonstrate_acp:
    """Comprehensive demonstration of Agent Communication Protocol"""

    printDEMONSTRATION")
    printbroker = ACPMessageBrokerresearcher = ACPAgentassistant = ACPAgentcalculator = ACPAgentbroker.register_agentbroker.register_agentbroker.register_agentprintfor agent_id, agent in broker.agents.items:
    print: {', '.join}")

    print")
    query_msg = assistant.send_querybroker.route_messageprint")
    calc_request = researcher.send_request+ 10"})
    broker.route_messageprint")
    info_msg = researcher.send_informbroker.route_messageprintprint}")
    print)}")
    print)}")

    printsample_msg = assistant.send_queryprint)
    The demonstrate_acp function orchestrates a hands-on walkthrough of the entire ACP framework: it initializes a broker and three distinct agents, registers them, and illustrates three key interaction scenarios, querying for information, requesting a computation, and sharing an update. After routing each message and handling responses, it prints summary statistics on the message flow. It showcases a formatted ACP message, providing users with a clear, end-to-end example of how agents communicate under the protocol.
    def setup_guide:
    print ACP PROTOCOL FEATURES:

    • Standardized message format with required fields
    • Speech act performatives• Conversation tracking and message threading
    • Error handling and acknowledgments
    • Message routing and delivery confirmation

    EXTEND THE PROTOCOL:
    ```python
    # Create custom agent
    my_agent = ACPAgentbroker.register_agent# Send custom message
    msg = my_agent.send_querybroker.route_message```
    """)

    if __name__ == "__main__":
    setup_guidedemonstrate_acpFinally, the setup_guide function provides a quick-start reference for running the ACP demo in Google Colab, outlining how to obtain and configure your Gemini API key and invoke the demonstrate_acp routine. It also summarizes key protocol features, such as standardized message formats, performatives, and message routing. It provides a concise code snippet illustrating how to register custom agents and send tailored messages.
    In conclusion, this tutorial implements ACP-based multi-agent systems capable of research, computation, and collaboration tasks. The provided sample scenarios illustrate common use cases, information queries, computational requests, and fact sharing, while the broker ensures reliable message delivery and logging. Readers are encouraged to extend the framework by adding new agent capabilities, integrating domain-specific actions, or incorporating more sophisticated subscription and notification mechanisms.

    Download the Notebook on GitHub. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also, feel free to follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to join our 95k+ ML SubReddit and Subscribe to our Newsletter.
    Asif RazzaqWebsite |  + postsBioAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences.Asif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Yandex Releases Yambda: The World’s Largest Event Dataset to Accelerate Recommender SystemsAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Stanford Researchers Introduced Biomni: A Biomedical AI Agent for Automation Across Diverse Tasks and Data TypesAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/DeepSeek Releases R1-0528: An Open-Source Reasoning AI Model Delivering Enhanced Math and Code Performance with Single-GPU EfficiencyAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/A Coding Guide for Building a Self-Improving AI Agent Using Google’s Gemini API with Intelligent Adaptation Features
    #coding #guide #building #scalable #multiagent
    A Coding Guide to Building a Scalable Multi-Agent Communication Systems Using Agent Communication Protocol (ACP)
    In this tutorial, we implement the Agent Communication Protocolthrough building a flexible, ACP-compliant messaging system in Python, leveraging Google’s Gemini API for natural language processing. Beginning with the installation and configuration of the google-generativeai library, the tutorial introduces core abstractions, message types, performatives, and the ACPMessage data class, which standardizes inter-agent communication. By defining ACPAgent and ACPMessageBroker classes, the guide demonstrates how to create, send, route, and process structured messages among multiple autonomous agents. Through clear code examples, users learn to implement querying, requesting actions, and broadcasting information, while maintaining conversation threads, acknowledgments, and error handling. import google.generativeai as genai import json import time import uuid from enum import Enum from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional from dataclasses import dataclass, asdict GEMINI_API_KEY = "Use Your Gemini API Key" genai.configureWe import essential Python modules, ranging from JSON handling and timing to unique identifier generation and type annotations, to support a structured ACP implementation. It then retrieves the user’s Gemini API key placeholder and configures the google-generativeai client for subsequent calls to the Gemini language model. class ACPMessageType: """Standard ACP message types""" REQUEST = "request" RESPONSE = "response" INFORM = "inform" QUERY = "query" SUBSCRIBE = "subscribe" UNSUBSCRIBE = "unsubscribe" ERROR = "error" ACK = "acknowledge" The ACPMessageType enumeration defines the core message categories used in the Agent Communication Protocol, including requests, responses, informational broadcasts, queries, and control actions like subscription management, error signaling, and acknowledgments. By centralizing these message types, the protocol ensures consistent handling and routing of inter-agent communications throughout the system. class ACPPerformative: """ACP speech acts""" TELL = "tell" ASK = "ask" REPLY = "reply" REQUEST_ACTION = "request-action" AGREE = "agree" REFUSE = "refuse" PROPOSE = "propose" ACCEPT = "accept" REJECT = "reject" The ACPPerformative enumeration captures the variety of speech acts agents can use when interacting under the ACP framework, mapping high-level intentions, such as making requests, posing questions, giving commands, or negotiating agreements, onto standardized labels. This clear taxonomy enables agents to interpret and respond to messages in contextually appropriate ways, ensuring robust and semantically rich communication. @dataclass class ACPMessage: """Agent Communication Protocol Message Structure""" message_id: str sender: str receiver: str performative: str content: Dictprotocol: str = "ACP-1.0" conversation_id: str = None reply_to: str = None language: str = "english" encoding: str = "json" timestamp: float = None def __post_init__: if self.timestamp is None: self.timestamp = time.timeif self.conversation_id is None: self.conversation_id = str) def to_acp_format-> str: """Convert to standard ACP message format""" acp_msg = { "message-id": self.message_id, "sender": self.sender, "receiver": self.receiver, "performative": self.performative, "content": self.content, "protocol": self.protocol, "conversation-id": self.conversation_id, "reply-to": self.reply_to, "language": self.language, "encoding": self.encoding, "timestamp": self.timestamp } return json.dumps@classmethod def from_acp_format-> 'ACPMessage': """Parse ACP message from string format""" data = json.loadsreturn cls, conversation_id=data.get, reply_to=data.get, language=data.get, encoding=data.get, timestamp=data.get) ) The ACPMessage data class encapsulates all the fields required for a structured ACP exchange, including identifiers, participants, performative, payload, and metadata such as protocol version, language, and timestamps. Its __post_init__ method auto-populates missing timestamp and conversation_id values, ensuring every message is uniquely tracked. Utility methods to_acp_format and from_acp_format handle serialization to and from the standardized JSON representation for seamless transmission and parsing. class ACPAgent: """Agent implementing Agent Communication Protocol""" def __init__: self.agent_id = agent_id self.name = name self.capabilities = capabilities self.model = genai.GenerativeModelself.message_queue: List=self.subscriptions: Dict] = {} self.conversations: Dict] = {} def create_message-> ACPMessage: """Create a new ACP-compliant message""" return ACPMessage), sender=self.agent_id, receiver=receiver, performative=performative, content=content, conversation_id=conversation_id, reply_to=reply_to ) def send_inform-> ACPMessage: """Send an INFORM message""" content = {"fact": fact, "data": data} return self.create_messagedef send_query-> ACPMessage: """Send a QUERY message""" content = {"question": question, "query-type": query_type} return self.create_messagedef send_request-> ACPMessage: """Send a REQUEST message""" content = {"action": action, "parameters": parameters or {}} return self.create_messagedef send_reply-> ACPMessage: """Send a REPLY message in response to another message""" content = {"response": response_data, "original-question": original_msg.content} return self.create_messagedef process_message-> Optional: """Process incoming ACP message and generate appropriate response""" self.message_queue.appendconv_id = message.conversation_id if conv_id not in self.conversations: self.conversations=self.conversations.appendif message.performative == ACPPerformative.ASK.value: return self._handle_queryelif message.performative == ACPPerformative.REQUEST_ACTION.value: return self._handle_requestelif message.performative == ACPPerformative.TELL.value: return self._handle_informreturn None def _handle_query-> ACPMessage: """Handle incoming query messages""" question = message.content.getprompt = f"As agent {self.name} with capabilities {self.capabilities}, answer: {question}" try: response = self.model.generate_contentanswer = response.text.stripexcept: answer = "Unable to process query at this time" return self.send_replydef _handle_request-> ACPMessage: """Handle incoming action requests""" action = message.content.getparameters = message.content.getif anyfor capability in self.capabilities): result = f"Executing {action} with parameters {parameters}" status = "agreed" else: result = f"Cannot perform {action} - not in my capabilities" status = "refused" return self.send_replydef _handle_inform-> Optional: """Handle incoming information messages""" fact = message.content.getprintack_content = {"status": "received", "fact": fact} return self.create_messageThe ACPAgent class encapsulates an autonomous entity capable of sending, receiving, and processing ACP-compliant messages using Gemini’s language model. It manages its own message queue, conversation history, and subscriptions, and provides helper methodsto construct correctly formatted ACPMessage instances. Incoming messages are routed through process_message, which delegates to specialized handlers for queries, action requests, and informational messages. class ACPMessageBroker: """Message broker implementing ACP routing and delivery""" def __init__: self.agents: Dict= {} self.message_log: List=self.routing_table: Dict= {} def register_agent: """Register an agent with the message broker""" self.agents= agent self.routing_table= "local" print") def route_message-> bool: """Route ACP message to appropriate recipient""" if message.receiver not in self.agents: printreturn False printprintprintprint}") receiver_agent = self.agentsresponse = receiver_agent.process_messageself.message_log.appendif response: printprintprint}") if response.receiver in self.agents: self.agents.process_messageself.message_log.appendreturn True def broadcast_message: """Broadcast message to multiple recipients""" for recipient in recipients: msg_copy = ACPMessage), sender=message.sender, receiver=recipient, performative=message.performative, content=message.content.copy, conversation_id=message.conversation_id ) self.route_messageThe ACPMessageBroker serves as the central router for ACP messages, maintaining a registry of agents and a message log. It provides methods to register agents, deliver individual messages via route_message, which handles lookup, logging, and response chaining, and to send the same message to multiple recipients with broadcast_message. def demonstrate_acp: """Comprehensive demonstration of Agent Communication Protocol""" printDEMONSTRATION") printbroker = ACPMessageBrokerresearcher = ACPAgentassistant = ACPAgentcalculator = ACPAgentbroker.register_agentbroker.register_agentbroker.register_agentprintfor agent_id, agent in broker.agents.items: print: {', '.join}") print") query_msg = assistant.send_querybroker.route_messageprint") calc_request = researcher.send_request+ 10"}) broker.route_messageprint") info_msg = researcher.send_informbroker.route_messageprintprint}") print)}") print)}") printsample_msg = assistant.send_queryprint) The demonstrate_acp function orchestrates a hands-on walkthrough of the entire ACP framework: it initializes a broker and three distinct agents, registers them, and illustrates three key interaction scenarios, querying for information, requesting a computation, and sharing an update. After routing each message and handling responses, it prints summary statistics on the message flow. It showcases a formatted ACP message, providing users with a clear, end-to-end example of how agents communicate under the protocol. def setup_guide: print🔧 ACP PROTOCOL FEATURES: • Standardized message format with required fields • Speech act performatives• Conversation tracking and message threading • Error handling and acknowledgments • Message routing and delivery confirmation 📝 EXTEND THE PROTOCOL: ```python # Create custom agent my_agent = ACPAgentbroker.register_agent# Send custom message msg = my_agent.send_querybroker.route_message``` """) if __name__ == "__main__": setup_guidedemonstrate_acpFinally, the setup_guide function provides a quick-start reference for running the ACP demo in Google Colab, outlining how to obtain and configure your Gemini API key and invoke the demonstrate_acp routine. It also summarizes key protocol features, such as standardized message formats, performatives, and message routing. It provides a concise code snippet illustrating how to register custom agents and send tailored messages. In conclusion, this tutorial implements ACP-based multi-agent systems capable of research, computation, and collaboration tasks. The provided sample scenarios illustrate common use cases, information queries, computational requests, and fact sharing, while the broker ensures reliable message delivery and logging. Readers are encouraged to extend the framework by adding new agent capabilities, integrating domain-specific actions, or incorporating more sophisticated subscription and notification mechanisms. Download the Notebook on GitHub. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also, feel free to follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to join our 95k+ ML SubReddit and Subscribe to our Newsletter. Asif RazzaqWebsite |  + postsBioAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences.Asif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Yandex Releases Yambda: The World’s Largest Event Dataset to Accelerate Recommender SystemsAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Stanford Researchers Introduced Biomni: A Biomedical AI Agent for Automation Across Diverse Tasks and Data TypesAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/DeepSeek Releases R1-0528: An Open-Source Reasoning AI Model Delivering Enhanced Math and Code Performance with Single-GPU EfficiencyAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/A Coding Guide for Building a Self-Improving AI Agent Using Google’s Gemini API with Intelligent Adaptation Features #coding #guide #building #scalable #multiagent
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    A Coding Guide to Building a Scalable Multi-Agent Communication Systems Using Agent Communication Protocol (ACP)
    In this tutorial, we implement the Agent Communication Protocol (ACP) through building a flexible, ACP-compliant messaging system in Python, leveraging Google’s Gemini API for natural language processing. Beginning with the installation and configuration of the google-generativeai library, the tutorial introduces core abstractions, message types, performatives, and the ACPMessage data class, which standardizes inter-agent communication. By defining ACPAgent and ACPMessageBroker classes, the guide demonstrates how to create, send, route, and process structured messages among multiple autonomous agents. Through clear code examples, users learn to implement querying, requesting actions, and broadcasting information, while maintaining conversation threads, acknowledgments, and error handling. import google.generativeai as genai import json import time import uuid from enum import Enum from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional from dataclasses import dataclass, asdict GEMINI_API_KEY = "Use Your Gemini API Key" genai.configure(api_key=GEMINI_API_KEY) We import essential Python modules, ranging from JSON handling and timing to unique identifier generation and type annotations, to support a structured ACP implementation. It then retrieves the user’s Gemini API key placeholder and configures the google-generativeai client for subsequent calls to the Gemini language model. class ACPMessageType(Enum): """Standard ACP message types""" REQUEST = "request" RESPONSE = "response" INFORM = "inform" QUERY = "query" SUBSCRIBE = "subscribe" UNSUBSCRIBE = "unsubscribe" ERROR = "error" ACK = "acknowledge" The ACPMessageType enumeration defines the core message categories used in the Agent Communication Protocol, including requests, responses, informational broadcasts, queries, and control actions like subscription management, error signaling, and acknowledgments. By centralizing these message types, the protocol ensures consistent handling and routing of inter-agent communications throughout the system. class ACPPerformative(Enum): """ACP speech acts (performatives)""" TELL = "tell" ASK = "ask" REPLY = "reply" REQUEST_ACTION = "request-action" AGREE = "agree" REFUSE = "refuse" PROPOSE = "propose" ACCEPT = "accept" REJECT = "reject" The ACPPerformative enumeration captures the variety of speech acts agents can use when interacting under the ACP framework, mapping high-level intentions, such as making requests, posing questions, giving commands, or negotiating agreements, onto standardized labels. This clear taxonomy enables agents to interpret and respond to messages in contextually appropriate ways, ensuring robust and semantically rich communication. @dataclass class ACPMessage: """Agent Communication Protocol Message Structure""" message_id: str sender: str receiver: str performative: str content: Dict[str, Any] protocol: str = "ACP-1.0" conversation_id: str = None reply_to: str = None language: str = "english" encoding: str = "json" timestamp: float = None def __post_init__(self): if self.timestamp is None: self.timestamp = time.time() if self.conversation_id is None: self.conversation_id = str(uuid.uuid4()) def to_acp_format(self) -> str: """Convert to standard ACP message format""" acp_msg = { "message-id": self.message_id, "sender": self.sender, "receiver": self.receiver, "performative": self.performative, "content": self.content, "protocol": self.protocol, "conversation-id": self.conversation_id, "reply-to": self.reply_to, "language": self.language, "encoding": self.encoding, "timestamp": self.timestamp } return json.dumps(acp_msg, indent=2) @classmethod def from_acp_format(cls, acp_string: str) -> 'ACPMessage': """Parse ACP message from string format""" data = json.loads(acp_string) return cls( message_id=data["message-id"], sender=data["sender"], receiver=data["receiver"], performative=data["performative"], content=data["content"], protocol=data.get("protocol", "ACP-1.0"), conversation_id=data.get("conversation-id"), reply_to=data.get("reply-to"), language=data.get("language", "english"), encoding=data.get("encoding", "json"), timestamp=data.get("timestamp", time.time()) ) The ACPMessage data class encapsulates all the fields required for a structured ACP exchange, including identifiers, participants, performative, payload, and metadata such as protocol version, language, and timestamps. Its __post_init__ method auto-populates missing timestamp and conversation_id values, ensuring every message is uniquely tracked. Utility methods to_acp_format and from_acp_format handle serialization to and from the standardized JSON representation for seamless transmission and parsing. class ACPAgent: """Agent implementing Agent Communication Protocol""" def __init__(self, agent_id: str, name: str, capabilities: List[str]): self.agent_id = agent_id self.name = name self.capabilities = capabilities self.model = genai.GenerativeModel("gemini-1.5-flash") self.message_queue: List[ACPMessage] = [] self.subscriptions: Dict[str, List[str]] = {} self.conversations: Dict[str, List[ACPMessage]] = {} def create_message(self, receiver: str, performative: str, content: Dict[str, Any], conversation_id: str = None, reply_to: str = None) -> ACPMessage: """Create a new ACP-compliant message""" return ACPMessage( message_id=str(uuid.uuid4()), sender=self.agent_id, receiver=receiver, performative=performative, content=content, conversation_id=conversation_id, reply_to=reply_to ) def send_inform(self, receiver: str, fact: str, data: Any = None) -> ACPMessage: """Send an INFORM message (telling someone a fact)""" content = {"fact": fact, "data": data} return self.create_message(receiver, ACPPerformative.TELL.value, content) def send_query(self, receiver: str, question: str, query_type: str = "yes-no") -> ACPMessage: """Send a QUERY message (asking for information)""" content = {"question": question, "query-type": query_type} return self.create_message(receiver, ACPPerformative.ASK.value, content) def send_request(self, receiver: str, action: str, parameters: Dict = None) -> ACPMessage: """Send a REQUEST message (asking someone to perform an action)""" content = {"action": action, "parameters": parameters or {}} return self.create_message(receiver, ACPPerformative.REQUEST_ACTION.value, content) def send_reply(self, original_msg: ACPMessage, response_data: Any) -> ACPMessage: """Send a REPLY message in response to another message""" content = {"response": response_data, "original-question": original_msg.content} return self.create_message( original_msg.sender, ACPPerformative.REPLY.value, content, conversation_id=original_msg.conversation_id, reply_to=original_msg.message_id ) def process_message(self, message: ACPMessage) -> Optional[ACPMessage]: """Process incoming ACP message and generate appropriate response""" self.message_queue.append(message) conv_id = message.conversation_id if conv_id not in self.conversations: self.conversations[conv_id] = [] self.conversations[conv_id].append(message) if message.performative == ACPPerformative.ASK.value: return self._handle_query(message) elif message.performative == ACPPerformative.REQUEST_ACTION.value: return self._handle_request(message) elif message.performative == ACPPerformative.TELL.value: return self._handle_inform(message) return None def _handle_query(self, message: ACPMessage) -> ACPMessage: """Handle incoming query messages""" question = message.content.get("question", "") prompt = f"As agent {self.name} with capabilities {self.capabilities}, answer: {question}" try: response = self.model.generate_content(prompt) answer = response.text.strip() except: answer = "Unable to process query at this time" return self.send_reply(message, {"answer": answer, "confidence": 0.8}) def _handle_request(self, message: ACPMessage) -> ACPMessage: """Handle incoming action requests""" action = message.content.get("action", "") parameters = message.content.get("parameters", {}) if any(capability in action.lower() for capability in self.capabilities): result = f"Executing {action} with parameters {parameters}" status = "agreed" else: result = f"Cannot perform {action} - not in my capabilities" status = "refused" return self.send_reply(message, {"status": status, "result": result}) def _handle_inform(self, message: ACPMessage) -> Optional[ACPMessage]: """Handle incoming information messages""" fact = message.content.get("fact", "") print(f"[{self.name}] Received information: {fact}") ack_content = {"status": "received", "fact": fact} return self.create_message(message.sender, "acknowledge", ack_content, conversation_id=message.conversation_id) The ACPAgent class encapsulates an autonomous entity capable of sending, receiving, and processing ACP-compliant messages using Gemini’s language model. It manages its own message queue, conversation history, and subscriptions, and provides helper methods (send_inform, send_query, send_request, send_reply) to construct correctly formatted ACPMessage instances. Incoming messages are routed through process_message, which delegates to specialized handlers for queries, action requests, and informational messages. class ACPMessageBroker: """Message broker implementing ACP routing and delivery""" def __init__(self): self.agents: Dict[str, ACPAgent] = {} self.message_log: List[ACPMessage] = [] self.routing_table: Dict[str, str] = {} def register_agent(self, agent: ACPAgent): """Register an agent with the message broker""" self.agents[agent.agent_id] = agent self.routing_table[agent.agent_id] = "local" print(f"✓ Registered agent: {agent.name} ({agent.agent_id})") def route_message(self, message: ACPMessage) -> bool: """Route ACP message to appropriate recipient""" if message.receiver not in self.agents: print(f"✗ Receiver {message.receiver} not found") return False print(f"\n📨 ACP MESSAGE ROUTING:") print(f"From: {message.sender} → To: {message.receiver}") print(f"Performative: {message.performative}") print(f"Content: {json.dumps(message.content, indent=2)}") receiver_agent = self.agents[message.receiver] response = receiver_agent.process_message(message) self.message_log.append(message) if response: print(f"\n📤 GENERATED RESPONSE:") print(f"From: {response.sender} → To: {response.receiver}") print(f"Content: {json.dumps(response.content, indent=2)}") if response.receiver in self.agents: self.agents[response.receiver].process_message(response) self.message_log.append(response) return True def broadcast_message(self, message: ACPMessage, recipients: List[str]): """Broadcast message to multiple recipients""" for recipient in recipients: msg_copy = ACPMessage( message_id=str(uuid.uuid4()), sender=message.sender, receiver=recipient, performative=message.performative, content=message.content.copy(), conversation_id=message.conversation_id ) self.route_message(msg_copy) The ACPMessageBroker serves as the central router for ACP messages, maintaining a registry of agents and a message log. It provides methods to register agents, deliver individual messages via route_message, which handles lookup, logging, and response chaining, and to send the same message to multiple recipients with broadcast_message. def demonstrate_acp(): """Comprehensive demonstration of Agent Communication Protocol""" print("🤖 AGENT COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL (ACP) DEMONSTRATION") print("=" * 60) broker = ACPMessageBroker() researcher = ACPAgent("agent-001", "Dr. Research", ["analysis", "research", "data-processing"]) assistant = ACPAgent("agent-002", "AI Assistant", ["information", "scheduling", "communication"]) calculator = ACPAgent("agent-003", "MathBot", ["calculation", "mathematics", "computation"]) broker.register_agent(researcher) broker.register_agent(assistant) broker.register_agent(calculator) print(f"\n📋 REGISTERED AGENTS:") for agent_id, agent in broker.agents.items(): print(f" • {agent.name} ({agent_id}): {', '.join(agent.capabilities)}") print(f"\n🔬 SCENARIO 1: Information Query (ASK performative)") query_msg = assistant.send_query("agent-001", "What are the key factors in AI research?") broker.route_message(query_msg) print(f"\n🔢 SCENARIO 2: Action Request (REQUEST-ACTION performative)") calc_request = researcher.send_request("agent-003", "calculate", {"expression": "sqrt(144) + 10"}) broker.route_message(calc_request) print(f"\n📢 SCENARIO 3: Information Sharing (TELL performative)") info_msg = researcher.send_inform("agent-002", "New research paper published on quantum computing") broker.route_message(info_msg) print(f"\n📊 PROTOCOL STATISTICS:") print(f" • Total messages processed: {len(broker.message_log)}") print(f" • Active conversations: {len(set(msg.conversation_id for msg in broker.message_log))}") print(f" • Message types used: {len(set(msg.performative for msg in broker.message_log))}") print(f"\n📋 SAMPLE ACP MESSAGE FORMAT:") sample_msg = assistant.send_query("agent-001", "Sample question for format demonstration") print(sample_msg.to_acp_format()) The demonstrate_acp function orchestrates a hands-on walkthrough of the entire ACP framework: it initializes a broker and three distinct agents (Researcher, AI Assistant, and MathBot), registers them, and illustrates three key interaction scenarios, querying for information, requesting a computation, and sharing an update. After routing each message and handling responses, it prints summary statistics on the message flow. It showcases a formatted ACP message, providing users with a clear, end-to-end example of how agents communicate under the protocol. def setup_guide(): print(""" 🚀 GOOGLE COLAB SETUP GUIDE: 1. Get Gemini API Key: https://makersuite.google.com/app/apikey 2. Replace: GEMINI_API_KEY = "YOUR_ACTUAL_API_KEY" 3. Run: demonstrate_acp() 🔧 ACP PROTOCOL FEATURES: • Standardized message format with required fields • Speech act performatives (TELL, ASK, REQUEST-ACTION, etc.) • Conversation tracking and message threading • Error handling and acknowledgments • Message routing and delivery confirmation 📝 EXTEND THE PROTOCOL: ```python # Create custom agent my_agent = ACPAgent("my-001", "CustomBot", ["custom-capability"]) broker.register_agent(my_agent) # Send custom message msg = my_agent.send_query("agent-001", "Your question here") broker.route_message(msg) ``` """) if __name__ == "__main__": setup_guide() demonstrate_acp() Finally, the setup_guide function provides a quick-start reference for running the ACP demo in Google Colab, outlining how to obtain and configure your Gemini API key and invoke the demonstrate_acp routine. It also summarizes key protocol features, such as standardized message formats, performatives, and message routing. It provides a concise code snippet illustrating how to register custom agents and send tailored messages. In conclusion, this tutorial implements ACP-based multi-agent systems capable of research, computation, and collaboration tasks. The provided sample scenarios illustrate common use cases, information queries, computational requests, and fact sharing, while the broker ensures reliable message delivery and logging. Readers are encouraged to extend the framework by adding new agent capabilities, integrating domain-specific actions, or incorporating more sophisticated subscription and notification mechanisms. Download the Notebook on GitHub. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also, feel free to follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to join our 95k+ ML SubReddit and Subscribe to our Newsletter. Asif RazzaqWebsite |  + postsBioAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences.Asif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Yandex Releases Yambda: The World’s Largest Event Dataset to Accelerate Recommender SystemsAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Stanford Researchers Introduced Biomni: A Biomedical AI Agent for Automation Across Diverse Tasks and Data TypesAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/DeepSeek Releases R1-0528: An Open-Source Reasoning AI Model Delivering Enhanced Math and Code Performance with Single-GPU EfficiencyAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/A Coding Guide for Building a Self-Improving AI Agent Using Google’s Gemini API with Intelligent Adaptation Features
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  • This Detailed Map of a Human Cell Could Help Us Understand How Cancer Develops

    It’s been more than two decades since scientists finished sequencing the human genome, providing a comprehensive map of human biology that has since accelerated progress in disease research and personalized medicine. Thanks to that endeavor, we know that each of us has about 20,000 protein-coding genes, which serve as blueprints for the diverse protein molecules that give shape to our cells and keep them functioning properly.Yet, we know relatively little about how those proteins are organized within cells and how they interact with each other, says Trey Ideker, a professor of medicine and bioengineering at University of California San Diego. Without that knowledge, he says, trying to study and treat disease is “like trying to understand how to fix your car without the shop manual.” Mapping the Human CellIn a recent paper in the journal Nature, Ideker and his colleagues presented their latest attempt to fill this information gap: a fine-grained map of a human cell, showing the locations of more than 5,000 proteins and how they assemble into larger and larger structures. The researchers also created an interactive version of the map. It goes far beyond the simplified diagrams you may recall from high school biology class. Familiar objects like the nucleus appear at the highest level, but zooming in, you find the nucleoplasm, then the chromatin factors, then the transcription factor IID complex, which is home to five individual proteins better left nameless. This subcellular metropolis is unintelligible to non-specialists, but it offers a look at the extraordinary complexity within us all.Surprising Cell FeaturesEven for specialists, there are some surprises. The team identified 275 protein assemblies, ranging in scale from large charismatic organelles like mitochondria, to smaller features like microtubules and ribosomes, down to the tiny protein complexes that constitute “the basic machinery” of the cell, as Ideker put it. “Across all that,” he says, “about half of it was known, and about half of it, believe it or not, wasn't known.” In other words, 50 percent of the structures they found “just simply don't map to anything in the cell biology textbook.”Multimodal Process for Cell MappingThey achieved this level of detail by taking a “multimodal” approach. First, to figure out which molecules interact with each other, the researchers would line a tube with a particular protein, called the “bait” protein; then they would pour a blended mixture of other proteins through the tube to see what stuck, revealing which ones were neighbors.Next, to get precise coordinates for the location of these proteins, they lit up individual molecules within a cell using glowing antibodies, the cellular defenders produced by the immune system to bind to and neutralize specific substances. Once an antibody found its target, the illuminated protein could be visualized under a microscope and placed on the map. Enhancing Cancer ResearchThere are many human cell types, and the one Ideker’s team chose for this study is called the U2OS cell. It’s commonly associated with pediatric bone tumors. Indeed, the researchers identified about 100 mutated proteins that are linked to this childhood cancer, enhancing our understanding of how the disease develops. Better yet, they located the assemblies those proteins belong to. Typically, Ideker says, cancer research is focused on individual mutations, whereas it’s often more useful to think about the larger systems that cancer disrupts. Returning to the car analogy, he notes that a vehicle’s braking system can fail in various ways: You can tamper with the pedal, the calipers, the discs or the brake fluid, and all these mechanisms give the same outcome.Similarly, cancer can cause a biological system to malfunction in various ways, and Ideker argues that comprehensive cell maps provide an effective way to study those diverse mechanisms of disease. “We've only understood the tip of the iceberg in terms of what gets mutated in cancer,” he says. “The problem is that we're not looking at the machines that actually matter, we're looking at the nuts and bolts.”Mapping Cells for the FutureBeyond cancer, the researchers hope their map will serve as a model for scientists attempting to chart other kinds of cells. This map took more than three years to create, but technology and methodological improvements could speed up the process — as they did for genome sequencing throughout the late 20th century — allowing medical treatments to be tailored to a person’s unique protein profile. “We're going to have to turn Moore's law on this,” Ideker says, “to really scale it up and understand differences in cell biologybetween individuals.”This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Cody Cottier is a contributing writer at Discover who loves exploring big questions about the universe and our home planet, the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of science and more. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and media production from Washington State University.
    #this #detailed #map #human #cell
    This Detailed Map of a Human Cell Could Help Us Understand How Cancer Develops
    It’s been more than two decades since scientists finished sequencing the human genome, providing a comprehensive map of human biology that has since accelerated progress in disease research and personalized medicine. Thanks to that endeavor, we know that each of us has about 20,000 protein-coding genes, which serve as blueprints for the diverse protein molecules that give shape to our cells and keep them functioning properly.Yet, we know relatively little about how those proteins are organized within cells and how they interact with each other, says Trey Ideker, a professor of medicine and bioengineering at University of California San Diego. Without that knowledge, he says, trying to study and treat disease is “like trying to understand how to fix your car without the shop manual.” Mapping the Human CellIn a recent paper in the journal Nature, Ideker and his colleagues presented their latest attempt to fill this information gap: a fine-grained map of a human cell, showing the locations of more than 5,000 proteins and how they assemble into larger and larger structures. The researchers also created an interactive version of the map. It goes far beyond the simplified diagrams you may recall from high school biology class. Familiar objects like the nucleus appear at the highest level, but zooming in, you find the nucleoplasm, then the chromatin factors, then the transcription factor IID complex, which is home to five individual proteins better left nameless. This subcellular metropolis is unintelligible to non-specialists, but it offers a look at the extraordinary complexity within us all.Surprising Cell FeaturesEven for specialists, there are some surprises. The team identified 275 protein assemblies, ranging in scale from large charismatic organelles like mitochondria, to smaller features like microtubules and ribosomes, down to the tiny protein complexes that constitute “the basic machinery” of the cell, as Ideker put it. “Across all that,” he says, “about half of it was known, and about half of it, believe it or not, wasn't known.” In other words, 50 percent of the structures they found “just simply don't map to anything in the cell biology textbook.”Multimodal Process for Cell MappingThey achieved this level of detail by taking a “multimodal” approach. First, to figure out which molecules interact with each other, the researchers would line a tube with a particular protein, called the “bait” protein; then they would pour a blended mixture of other proteins through the tube to see what stuck, revealing which ones were neighbors.Next, to get precise coordinates for the location of these proteins, they lit up individual molecules within a cell using glowing antibodies, the cellular defenders produced by the immune system to bind to and neutralize specific substances. Once an antibody found its target, the illuminated protein could be visualized under a microscope and placed on the map. Enhancing Cancer ResearchThere are many human cell types, and the one Ideker’s team chose for this study is called the U2OS cell. It’s commonly associated with pediatric bone tumors. Indeed, the researchers identified about 100 mutated proteins that are linked to this childhood cancer, enhancing our understanding of how the disease develops. Better yet, they located the assemblies those proteins belong to. Typically, Ideker says, cancer research is focused on individual mutations, whereas it’s often more useful to think about the larger systems that cancer disrupts. Returning to the car analogy, he notes that a vehicle’s braking system can fail in various ways: You can tamper with the pedal, the calipers, the discs or the brake fluid, and all these mechanisms give the same outcome.Similarly, cancer can cause a biological system to malfunction in various ways, and Ideker argues that comprehensive cell maps provide an effective way to study those diverse mechanisms of disease. “We've only understood the tip of the iceberg in terms of what gets mutated in cancer,” he says. “The problem is that we're not looking at the machines that actually matter, we're looking at the nuts and bolts.”Mapping Cells for the FutureBeyond cancer, the researchers hope their map will serve as a model for scientists attempting to chart other kinds of cells. This map took more than three years to create, but technology and methodological improvements could speed up the process — as they did for genome sequencing throughout the late 20th century — allowing medical treatments to be tailored to a person’s unique protein profile. “We're going to have to turn Moore's law on this,” Ideker says, “to really scale it up and understand differences in cell biologybetween individuals.”This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Cody Cottier is a contributing writer at Discover who loves exploring big questions about the universe and our home planet, the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of science and more. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and media production from Washington State University. #this #detailed #map #human #cell
    WWW.DISCOVERMAGAZINE.COM
    This Detailed Map of a Human Cell Could Help Us Understand How Cancer Develops
    It’s been more than two decades since scientists finished sequencing the human genome, providing a comprehensive map of human biology that has since accelerated progress in disease research and personalized medicine. Thanks to that endeavor, we know that each of us has about 20,000 protein-coding genes, which serve as blueprints for the diverse protein molecules that give shape to our cells and keep them functioning properly.Yet, we know relatively little about how those proteins are organized within cells and how they interact with each other, says Trey Ideker, a professor of medicine and bioengineering at University of California San Diego. Without that knowledge, he says, trying to study and treat disease is “like trying to understand how to fix your car without the shop manual.” Mapping the Human CellIn a recent paper in the journal Nature, Ideker and his colleagues presented their latest attempt to fill this information gap: a fine-grained map of a human cell, showing the locations of more than 5,000 proteins and how they assemble into larger and larger structures. The researchers also created an interactive version of the map. It goes far beyond the simplified diagrams you may recall from high school biology class. Familiar objects like the nucleus appear at the highest level, but zooming in, you find the nucleoplasm, then the chromatin factors, then the transcription factor IID complex, which is home to five individual proteins better left nameless. This subcellular metropolis is unintelligible to non-specialists, but it offers a look at the extraordinary complexity within us all.Surprising Cell FeaturesEven for specialists, there are some surprises. The team identified 275 protein assemblies, ranging in scale from large charismatic organelles like mitochondria, to smaller features like microtubules and ribosomes, down to the tiny protein complexes that constitute “the basic machinery” of the cell, as Ideker put it. “Across all that,” he says, “about half of it was known, and about half of it, believe it or not, wasn't known.” In other words, 50 percent of the structures they found “just simply don't map to anything in the cell biology textbook.”Multimodal Process for Cell MappingThey achieved this level of detail by taking a “multimodal” approach. First, to figure out which molecules interact with each other, the researchers would line a tube with a particular protein, called the “bait” protein; then they would pour a blended mixture of other proteins through the tube to see what stuck, revealing which ones were neighbors.Next, to get precise coordinates for the location of these proteins, they lit up individual molecules within a cell using glowing antibodies, the cellular defenders produced by the immune system to bind to and neutralize specific substances (often foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, but in this case homegrown proteins). Once an antibody found its target, the illuminated protein could be visualized under a microscope and placed on the map. Enhancing Cancer ResearchThere are many human cell types, and the one Ideker’s team chose for this study is called the U2OS cell. It’s commonly associated with pediatric bone tumors. Indeed, the researchers identified about 100 mutated proteins that are linked to this childhood cancer, enhancing our understanding of how the disease develops. Better yet, they located the assemblies those proteins belong to. Typically, Ideker says, cancer research is focused on individual mutations, whereas it’s often more useful to think about the larger systems that cancer disrupts. Returning to the car analogy, he notes that a vehicle’s braking system can fail in various ways: You can tamper with the pedal, the calipers, the discs or the brake fluid, and all these mechanisms give the same outcome.Similarly, cancer can cause a biological system to malfunction in various ways, and Ideker argues that comprehensive cell maps provide an effective way to study those diverse mechanisms of disease. “We've only understood the tip of the iceberg in terms of what gets mutated in cancer,” he says. “The problem is that we're not looking at the machines that actually matter, we're looking at the nuts and bolts.”Mapping Cells for the FutureBeyond cancer, the researchers hope their map will serve as a model for scientists attempting to chart other kinds of cells. This map took more than three years to create, but technology and methodological improvements could speed up the process — as they did for genome sequencing throughout the late 20th century — allowing medical treatments to be tailored to a person’s unique protein profile. “We're going to have to turn Moore's law on this,” Ideker says, “to really scale it up and understand differences in cell biology […] between individuals.”This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Cody Cottier is a contributing writer at Discover who loves exploring big questions about the universe and our home planet, the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of science and more. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and media production from Washington State University.
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  • Number of US workers with side hustles reaches all-time high as economic worries rise

    As concerns around the economy have risen in the US, the number of full-time employees doing side work or gig jobs has reached record highs.

    According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 8.9 million Americans, or 5.4% of the civilian workforce, now hold more than one job, an all-time high.

    A new survey by global HR tech firm Remote placed the percentage of those working more than one job even higher. The survey of 2,000 full-time, desk-based US employees revealed that 18% have already taken on a second job or side hustle, and another 57% are considering one.

    The survey also found that only 17% of full-time office workers say their employer is giving them the resources and support they need to feel stable and motivated at work.

    Additionally, 79% of those surveyed by Remote indicated that they’re more concerned about the economic direction of the nation compared to last year. The top concerns driving those sentiments include retirement savings and financial preparedness, followed by layoffs and job security.

    Side gigs more common, but problems remain

    Gig workers, earning through short-term, flexible jobs via apps or platforms, are in high demand, according to career site JobLeads.

    JobLeads analyzed data from the Online Labour Observatory and the World Bank Group to reveal the countries dominating online gig work. The United States is leading in the number of online freelancers, with 28% of the global online freelance market. Software and tech roles dominate in the US, representing 36.4% of freelancers, followed by creative/multimediaand clerical/data entry jobs.

    Emily Rose McRae, a senior director analyst at Gartner Research, said a new normal has emerged within organizations where employees working side gigs isn’t necessarily considered a problem. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, employers were much more sensitive to employees performing work for secondary companies.

    The real issue isn’t fraud — it’s poor performance, McRae said. If someone isn’t meeting expectations and it goes unnoticed, that’s a failure of management, not the fact that they have two jobs.

    “are actually saying, ‘Well, if this starts to be a problem, let me know,’” she said. “You have to more actively manage the issue, instead of trying to prevent the problem.”

    Another issue with side gigs: “What if they’re doing a side hustle where they do work as a contractor that’s quite similar to the work they do for you as an employer?” McRae asked. “What if they’re doing it for a competitor? Where is the line there in terms of what you are comfortable having shared and not shared?”

    The other problem that has arisen is workers contracting out their jobs to cheap overseas labor — a practice known as “shadow stand-ins.” This trend has gained traction with the rise of remote work and online platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

    To address these concerns, organizations should be actively monitoring their employees to ensure they’re holding to work standards and not burning out due to their self-imposed workloads across multiple gigs, McRae said. The bottom line is they need to not only pay attention to potential employees during the hiring process but continue to check in on employees regularly once they’re on board.

    “At a minimum, they need to pay much more active attention to potential intellectual property and other international informational security issues, and it also requires that managers be a little bit more attentive,” she said.

    Stress is up

    Remote’s survey also showed that 62% of those surveyed reported higher work-related stress than a year ago. Motivation is an issue as well: just 24% describe themselves as ‘very motivated’ at work, 31% say they are only slightly motivated, and 8% report being not at all motivated.

    “People are showing up, doing the work, and carrying real pressure, but the data shows they’re not hearing directly from leadership, and they’re not seeing action that matches the moment,” said Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer at Remote. “That gap doesn’t close with simple perks or surface-level fixes. It takes real attention and follow-through.”

    According to Remote, employers need to acknowledge and accommodate employees’ lives outside work. By doing so, companies can better retain talent, while also expanding the talent pool to potential employees who can’t meet the rigid requirements of a traditional 9-5, fully in-office job.

    Employers should also:

    Prioritize regular, transparent communication about business performance and future plans. 

    Offer development pathways and mentorship to help employees grow and adapt. The ability to chart a clear path forward can make employees feel more secure in their role. 

    Check in on financial wellness and offer supportwhere possible. 

    Create a space for honest feedback, especially when the conversations are likely to feel tough.

    “The findings serve as a reminder that people-first leadership isn’t about guesswork; it’s about listening, responding, and proactively creating environments where employees can maintain stability and productivity even in uncertain times,” Matthews said.
    #number #workers #with #side #hustles
    Number of US workers with side hustles reaches all-time high as economic worries rise
    As concerns around the economy have risen in the US, the number of full-time employees doing side work or gig jobs has reached record highs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 8.9 million Americans, or 5.4% of the civilian workforce, now hold more than one job, an all-time high. A new survey by global HR tech firm Remote placed the percentage of those working more than one job even higher. The survey of 2,000 full-time, desk-based US employees revealed that 18% have already taken on a second job or side hustle, and another 57% are considering one. The survey also found that only 17% of full-time office workers say their employer is giving them the resources and support they need to feel stable and motivated at work. Additionally, 79% of those surveyed by Remote indicated that they’re more concerned about the economic direction of the nation compared to last year. The top concerns driving those sentiments include retirement savings and financial preparedness, followed by layoffs and job security. Side gigs more common, but problems remain Gig workers, earning through short-term, flexible jobs via apps or platforms, are in high demand, according to career site JobLeads. JobLeads analyzed data from the Online Labour Observatory and the World Bank Group to reveal the countries dominating online gig work. The United States is leading in the number of online freelancers, with 28% of the global online freelance market. Software and tech roles dominate in the US, representing 36.4% of freelancers, followed by creative/multimediaand clerical/data entry jobs. Emily Rose McRae, a senior director analyst at Gartner Research, said a new normal has emerged within organizations where employees working side gigs isn’t necessarily considered a problem. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, employers were much more sensitive to employees performing work for secondary companies. The real issue isn’t fraud — it’s poor performance, McRae said. If someone isn’t meeting expectations and it goes unnoticed, that’s a failure of management, not the fact that they have two jobs. “are actually saying, ‘Well, if this starts to be a problem, let me know,’” she said. “You have to more actively manage the issue, instead of trying to prevent the problem.” Another issue with side gigs: “What if they’re doing a side hustle where they do work as a contractor that’s quite similar to the work they do for you as an employer?” McRae asked. “What if they’re doing it for a competitor? Where is the line there in terms of what you are comfortable having shared and not shared?” The other problem that has arisen is workers contracting out their jobs to cheap overseas labor — a practice known as “shadow stand-ins.” This trend has gained traction with the rise of remote work and online platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. To address these concerns, organizations should be actively monitoring their employees to ensure they’re holding to work standards and not burning out due to their self-imposed workloads across multiple gigs, McRae said. The bottom line is they need to not only pay attention to potential employees during the hiring process but continue to check in on employees regularly once they’re on board. “At a minimum, they need to pay much more active attention to potential intellectual property and other international informational security issues, and it also requires that managers be a little bit more attentive,” she said. Stress is up Remote’s survey also showed that 62% of those surveyed reported higher work-related stress than a year ago. Motivation is an issue as well: just 24% describe themselves as ‘very motivated’ at work, 31% say they are only slightly motivated, and 8% report being not at all motivated. “People are showing up, doing the work, and carrying real pressure, but the data shows they’re not hearing directly from leadership, and they’re not seeing action that matches the moment,” said Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer at Remote. “That gap doesn’t close with simple perks or surface-level fixes. It takes real attention and follow-through.” According to Remote, employers need to acknowledge and accommodate employees’ lives outside work. By doing so, companies can better retain talent, while also expanding the talent pool to potential employees who can’t meet the rigid requirements of a traditional 9-5, fully in-office job. Employers should also: Prioritize regular, transparent communication about business performance and future plans.  Offer development pathways and mentorship to help employees grow and adapt. The ability to chart a clear path forward can make employees feel more secure in their role.  Check in on financial wellness and offer supportwhere possible.  Create a space for honest feedback, especially when the conversations are likely to feel tough. “The findings serve as a reminder that people-first leadership isn’t about guesswork; it’s about listening, responding, and proactively creating environments where employees can maintain stability and productivity even in uncertain times,” Matthews said. #number #workers #with #side #hustles
    WWW.COMPUTERWORLD.COM
    Number of US workers with side hustles reaches all-time high as economic worries rise
    As concerns around the economy have risen in the US, the number of full-time employees doing side work or gig jobs has reached record highs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 8.9 million Americans, or 5.4% of the civilian workforce, now hold more than one job, an all-time high. A new survey by global HR tech firm Remote placed the percentage of those working more than one job even higher. The survey of 2,000 full-time, desk-based US employees revealed that 18% have already taken on a second job or side hustle, and another 57% are considering one. The survey also found that only 17% of full-time office workers say their employer is giving them the resources and support they need to feel stable and motivated at work. Additionally, 79% of those surveyed by Remote indicated that they’re more concerned about the economic direction of the nation compared to last year. The top concerns driving those sentiments include retirement savings and financial preparedness (60%), followed by layoffs (45%) and job security (44%). Side gigs more common, but problems remain Gig workers, earning through short-term, flexible jobs via apps or platforms, are in high demand, according to career site JobLeads. JobLeads analyzed data from the Online Labour Observatory and the World Bank Group to reveal the countries dominating online gig work. The United States is leading in the number of online freelancers, with 28% of the global online freelance market. Software and tech roles dominate in the US, representing 36.4% of freelancers, followed by creative/multimedia (21.1%) and clerical/data entry jobs (18.2%). Emily Rose McRae, a senior director analyst at Gartner Research, said a new normal has emerged within organizations where employees working side gigs isn’t necessarily considered a problem. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, employers were much more sensitive to employees performing work for secondary companies. The real issue isn’t fraud — it’s poor performance, McRae said. If someone isn’t meeting expectations and it goes unnoticed, that’s a failure of management, not the fact that they have two jobs. “[Employers] are actually saying, ‘Well, if this starts to be a problem, let me know,’” she said. “You have to more actively manage the issue, instead of trying to prevent the problem.” Another issue with side gigs: “What if they’re doing a side hustle where they do work as a contractor that’s quite similar to the work they do for you as an employer?” McRae asked. “What if they’re doing it for a competitor? Where is the line there in terms of what you are comfortable having shared and not shared?” The other problem that has arisen is workers contracting out their jobs to cheap overseas labor — a practice known as “shadow stand-ins.” This trend has gained traction with the rise of remote work and online platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. To address these concerns, organizations should be actively monitoring their employees to ensure they’re holding to work standards and not burning out due to their self-imposed workloads across multiple gigs, McRae said. The bottom line is they need to not only pay attention to potential employees during the hiring process but continue to check in on employees regularly once they’re on board. “At a minimum, they need to pay much more active attention to potential intellectual property and other international informational security issues, and it also requires that managers be a little bit more attentive,” she said. Stress is up Remote’s survey also showed that 62% of those surveyed reported higher work-related stress than a year ago. Motivation is an issue as well: just 24% describe themselves as ‘very motivated’ at work, 31% say they are only slightly motivated, and 8% report being not at all motivated. “People are showing up, doing the work, and carrying real pressure, but the data shows they’re not hearing directly from leadership, and they’re not seeing action that matches the moment,” said Barbara Matthews, Chief People Officer at Remote. “That gap doesn’t close with simple perks or surface-level fixes. It takes real attention and follow-through.” According to Remote, employers need to acknowledge and accommodate employees’ lives outside work. By doing so, companies can better retain talent, while also expanding the talent pool to potential employees who can’t meet the rigid requirements of a traditional 9-5, fully in-office job. Employers should also: Prioritize regular, transparent communication about business performance and future plans.  Offer development pathways and mentorship to help employees grow and adapt. The ability to chart a clear path forward can make employees feel more secure in their role.  Check in on financial wellness and offer support (e.g., planning resources, education, or benefits) where possible.  Create a space for honest feedback, especially when the conversations are likely to feel tough. “The findings serve as a reminder that people-first leadership isn’t about guesswork; it’s about listening, responding, and proactively creating environments where employees can maintain stability and productivity even in uncertain times,” Matthews said.
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  • Vital for Bone Health, Vitamin D May Also Slow Aging at the Cellular Level

    The anti-aging supplement industry is valued at many billions of dollars, with North America offering the largest market worldwide. Through clever marketing, many such supplements have promised consumers everything from halting to reversing the aging process — often without clear scientific evidence to back it up.However, recent findings from a long-term randomized controlled study have put a widely used and potent supplement into the anti-aging spotlight: Vitamin D.A sub-study from the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and led by researchers at Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia, has revealed that long-term Vitamin D supplementation may actually slow aging on a cellular level. This adds even more promise to Vitamin D’s already impressive list of health benefits.There's More to Vitamin D Roughly a quarter of Americans take Vitamin D supplements daily — and for good reason. While this fat-soluble vitamin is best known for maintaining bone health by helping regulate calcium and phosphorus, its role in the body extends far beyond that. Vitamin D also supports immune function, regulates inflammation, and influences cell growth to name a few.That said, getting enough Vitamin D naturally can be challenging. It’s found mainly in fatty animal products like fish, red meat, and eggs. Our skin can also synthesize it through sun exposure — which isn’t always a reliable source due to lifestyle, geography, or sunscreen use. This is why many people end up deficient.With the latest findings from the VITAL Trial, the benefits of adequate Vitamin D supplementation may now include not just stronger bones and better immunity but also support for healthy aging.Read More: What's the Difference Between Vitamin D2 and D3?Vitamin D Prevented Aging on Cellular Level“VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length,” said JoAnn Manson, principal investigator of VITAL and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in a press statement.Telomeres — repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes — protect genetic material during cell division. As we age, telomeres naturally shorten, a process linked to increased risk of age-related diseases and general cellular aging.While earlier small-scale studies offered mixed results, the VITAL Telomere sub-study stands out due to its size and rigor. It followed 1,054 participants aged 50 and older over four years, comparing those who took 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3 dailywith those who took a placebo. Telomere length was measured at the start, at two years, and at four years.The results? Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly slowed telomere shortening — effectively preserving the equivalent of close to three years of cellular aging compared to the placebo group.Why Aging Research Matters“Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted,” said study’s first author Haidong Zhu, a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia in the news release.Aging research often gets lumped in with science fiction-like efforts to stop aging or live forever, but its real goal is far more grounded: to improve health across the lifespan. Instead of chasing immortality, scientists aim to extend the health span — the number of years people live free of chronic disease and disability.By uncovering interventions like Vitamin D that can support healthier aging, researchers hope to help more people enjoy a higher quality of life well into their later years, without resorting to expensive or unproven treatments.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Cleveland Clinic: Vitamin D DeficiencyNational Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.
    #vital #bone #health #vitamin #also
    Vital for Bone Health, Vitamin D May Also Slow Aging at the Cellular Level
    The anti-aging supplement industry is valued at many billions of dollars, with North America offering the largest market worldwide. Through clever marketing, many such supplements have promised consumers everything from halting to reversing the aging process — often without clear scientific evidence to back it up.However, recent findings from a long-term randomized controlled study have put a widely used and potent supplement into the anti-aging spotlight: Vitamin D.A sub-study from the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and led by researchers at Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia, has revealed that long-term Vitamin D supplementation may actually slow aging on a cellular level. This adds even more promise to Vitamin D’s already impressive list of health benefits.There's More to Vitamin D Roughly a quarter of Americans take Vitamin D supplements daily — and for good reason. While this fat-soluble vitamin is best known for maintaining bone health by helping regulate calcium and phosphorus, its role in the body extends far beyond that. Vitamin D also supports immune function, regulates inflammation, and influences cell growth to name a few.That said, getting enough Vitamin D naturally can be challenging. It’s found mainly in fatty animal products like fish, red meat, and eggs. Our skin can also synthesize it through sun exposure — which isn’t always a reliable source due to lifestyle, geography, or sunscreen use. This is why many people end up deficient.With the latest findings from the VITAL Trial, the benefits of adequate Vitamin D supplementation may now include not just stronger bones and better immunity but also support for healthy aging.Read More: What's the Difference Between Vitamin D2 and D3?Vitamin D Prevented Aging on Cellular Level“VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length,” said JoAnn Manson, principal investigator of VITAL and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in a press statement.Telomeres — repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes — protect genetic material during cell division. As we age, telomeres naturally shorten, a process linked to increased risk of age-related diseases and general cellular aging.While earlier small-scale studies offered mixed results, the VITAL Telomere sub-study stands out due to its size and rigor. It followed 1,054 participants aged 50 and older over four years, comparing those who took 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3 dailywith those who took a placebo. Telomere length was measured at the start, at two years, and at four years.The results? Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly slowed telomere shortening — effectively preserving the equivalent of close to three years of cellular aging compared to the placebo group.Why Aging Research Matters“Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted,” said study’s first author Haidong Zhu, a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia in the news release.Aging research often gets lumped in with science fiction-like efforts to stop aging or live forever, but its real goal is far more grounded: to improve health across the lifespan. Instead of chasing immortality, scientists aim to extend the health span — the number of years people live free of chronic disease and disability.By uncovering interventions like Vitamin D that can support healthier aging, researchers hope to help more people enjoy a higher quality of life well into their later years, without resorting to expensive or unproven treatments.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Cleveland Clinic: Vitamin D DeficiencyNational Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard. #vital #bone #health #vitamin #also
    WWW.DISCOVERMAGAZINE.COM
    Vital for Bone Health, Vitamin D May Also Slow Aging at the Cellular Level
    The anti-aging supplement industry is valued at many billions of dollars, with North America offering the largest market worldwide. Through clever marketing, many such supplements have promised consumers everything from halting to reversing the aging process — often without clear scientific evidence to back it up.However, recent findings from a long-term randomized controlled study have put a widely used and potent supplement into the anti-aging spotlight: Vitamin D.A sub-study from the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (or VITAL Trial), published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and led by researchers at Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia, has revealed that long-term Vitamin D supplementation may actually slow aging on a cellular level. This adds even more promise to Vitamin D’s already impressive list of health benefits.There's More to Vitamin D Roughly a quarter of Americans take Vitamin D supplements daily — and for good reason. While this fat-soluble vitamin is best known for maintaining bone health by helping regulate calcium and phosphorus, its role in the body extends far beyond that. Vitamin D also supports immune function, regulates inflammation, and influences cell growth to name a few.That said, getting enough Vitamin D naturally can be challenging. It’s found mainly in fatty animal products like fish, red meat, and eggs. Our skin can also synthesize it through sun exposure — which isn’t always a reliable source due to lifestyle, geography, or sunscreen use. This is why many people end up deficient.With the latest findings from the VITAL Trial, the benefits of adequate Vitamin D supplementation may now include not just stronger bones and better immunity but also support for healthy aging.Read More: What's the Difference Between Vitamin D2 and D3?Vitamin D Prevented Aging on Cellular Level“VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length,” said JoAnn Manson, principal investigator of VITAL and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in a press statement.Telomeres — repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes — protect genetic material during cell division. As we age, telomeres naturally shorten, a process linked to increased risk of age-related diseases and general cellular aging.While earlier small-scale studies offered mixed results, the VITAL Telomere sub-study stands out due to its size and rigor. It followed 1,054 participants aged 50 and older over four years, comparing those who took 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily (a high dosage usually recommended for those with deficiency) with those who took a placebo. Telomere length was measured at the start, at two years, and at four years.The results? Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly slowed telomere shortening — effectively preserving the equivalent of close to three years of cellular aging compared to the placebo group.Why Aging Research Matters“Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted,” said study’s first author Haidong Zhu, a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia in the news release.Aging research often gets lumped in with science fiction-like efforts to stop aging or live forever, but its real goal is far more grounded: to improve health across the lifespan. Instead of chasing immortality, scientists aim to extend the health span — the number of years people live free of chronic disease and disability.By uncovering interventions like Vitamin D that can support healthier aging, researchers hope to help more people enjoy a higher quality of life well into their later years, without resorting to expensive or unproven treatments.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Cleveland Clinic: Vitamin D DeficiencyNational Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.
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  • How the Non-Essential Spleen Could Regenerate Vital Organs Inside the Body

    The idea of using the body’s own organs as mini bioreactors to grow replacement tissue or even regenerate other organs might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it's already becoming reality in cutting-edge labs around the world.A collaboration between Wenzhou Medical University, Nanjing University, and the University of Macau has taken an unexpected turn in regenerative medicine by turning to the spleen, a lymphatic organ typically overshadowed by its more high-profile neighbors. Their findings, recently published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that the spleen could be key to growing new, functional tissues within the body. And the implications are huge, particularly for diseases like type 1 diabetes.Reinventing the Spleen's PurposeRoughly the size of an avocado and tucked under the left side of the rib cage just above the stomach, the spleen’s usual responsibilities include filtering damaged blood cells and supporting the immune system. It’s often considered non-essential as many people live healthy lives without their spleen, if it was removed after injury or illness.But its seemingly simple structure might be exactly what makes it so powerful. With its sponge-like texture, nutrient-rich environment, and proximity to major blood vessels like those of the liver, the spleen turns out to be an ideal candidate for tissue cultivation.Insulin, Made in the SpleenIn this study, researchers set their sights on type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells. Working with the spleens of primates, the team engineered microenvironments within the test organs to support human pancreatic islets.“We’re essentially converting the spleen into a high-performance bioreactor,” explained study co-author Lei Dong in a press release. “By enhancing extracellular matrix support, accelerating blood vessel growth, and suppressing immune attacks, we’ve created an ideal niche for transplanted cells to thrive.”After transplantation, the human islet cells matured inside the primates’ spleens and began producing insulin and C-peptidecontinuously for 28 days. It’s a critical proof of concept — showing that not only can the spleen host new tissue, but it can support it long enough to function effectively.This isn't the team’s first foray into reimagining the spleen’s capabilities. They already reprogrammed mouse spleens to perform liver functions, used gene editing to grow liver tissue without transplanting any cells, and even rebuilt thyroid tissue in animal models.Now, the next frontier is personal: using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cellsto grow customized organs. “The spleen acts like a living bioreactor embedded in our bodies,” said Dong. “With minimally invasive B-ultrasound-guided delivery, we could one day cultivate custom-made organs on demand.”While the concept is promising, clinical use is still a few years away. However, after undergoing thorough safety testing, this work forces a re-evaluation of regenerative medicine and what we consider “non-essential.” The spleen, long overshadowed and often dismissed, might just be one of the body’s most underutilized resources — an internal bioreactor whose potential is only just starting to be realized.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Science Advances: Transforming the spleen into a liver-like organ in vivoScience Translational Medicine: Islet transplantation in immunomodulatory nanoparticle–remodeled spleensHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.
    #how #nonessential #spleen #could #regenerate
    How the Non-Essential Spleen Could Regenerate Vital Organs Inside the Body
    The idea of using the body’s own organs as mini bioreactors to grow replacement tissue or even regenerate other organs might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it's already becoming reality in cutting-edge labs around the world.A collaboration between Wenzhou Medical University, Nanjing University, and the University of Macau has taken an unexpected turn in regenerative medicine by turning to the spleen, a lymphatic organ typically overshadowed by its more high-profile neighbors. Their findings, recently published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that the spleen could be key to growing new, functional tissues within the body. And the implications are huge, particularly for diseases like type 1 diabetes.Reinventing the Spleen's PurposeRoughly the size of an avocado and tucked under the left side of the rib cage just above the stomach, the spleen’s usual responsibilities include filtering damaged blood cells and supporting the immune system. It’s often considered non-essential as many people live healthy lives without their spleen, if it was removed after injury or illness.But its seemingly simple structure might be exactly what makes it so powerful. With its sponge-like texture, nutrient-rich environment, and proximity to major blood vessels like those of the liver, the spleen turns out to be an ideal candidate for tissue cultivation.Insulin, Made in the SpleenIn this study, researchers set their sights on type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells. Working with the spleens of primates, the team engineered microenvironments within the test organs to support human pancreatic islets.“We’re essentially converting the spleen into a high-performance bioreactor,” explained study co-author Lei Dong in a press release. “By enhancing extracellular matrix support, accelerating blood vessel growth, and suppressing immune attacks, we’ve created an ideal niche for transplanted cells to thrive.”After transplantation, the human islet cells matured inside the primates’ spleens and began producing insulin and C-peptidecontinuously for 28 days. It’s a critical proof of concept — showing that not only can the spleen host new tissue, but it can support it long enough to function effectively.This isn't the team’s first foray into reimagining the spleen’s capabilities. They already reprogrammed mouse spleens to perform liver functions, used gene editing to grow liver tissue without transplanting any cells, and even rebuilt thyroid tissue in animal models.Now, the next frontier is personal: using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cellsto grow customized organs. “The spleen acts like a living bioreactor embedded in our bodies,” said Dong. “With minimally invasive B-ultrasound-guided delivery, we could one day cultivate custom-made organs on demand.”While the concept is promising, clinical use is still a few years away. However, after undergoing thorough safety testing, this work forces a re-evaluation of regenerative medicine and what we consider “non-essential.” The spleen, long overshadowed and often dismissed, might just be one of the body’s most underutilized resources — an internal bioreactor whose potential is only just starting to be realized.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Science Advances: Transforming the spleen into a liver-like organ in vivoScience Translational Medicine: Islet transplantation in immunomodulatory nanoparticle–remodeled spleensHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard. #how #nonessential #spleen #could #regenerate
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    How the Non-Essential Spleen Could Regenerate Vital Organs Inside the Body
    The idea of using the body’s own organs as mini bioreactors to grow replacement tissue or even regenerate other organs might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it's already becoming reality in cutting-edge labs around the world.A collaboration between Wenzhou Medical University, Nanjing University, and the University of Macau has taken an unexpected turn in regenerative medicine by turning to the spleen, a lymphatic organ typically overshadowed by its more high-profile neighbors. Their findings, recently published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that the spleen could be key to growing new, functional tissues within the body. And the implications are huge, particularly for diseases like type 1 diabetes.Reinventing the Spleen's PurposeRoughly the size of an avocado and tucked under the left side of the rib cage just above the stomach, the spleen’s usual responsibilities include filtering damaged blood cells and supporting the immune system. It’s often considered non-essential as many people live healthy lives without their spleen, if it was removed after injury or illness.But its seemingly simple structure might be exactly what makes it so powerful. With its sponge-like texture, nutrient-rich environment, and proximity to major blood vessels like those of the liver, the spleen turns out to be an ideal candidate for tissue cultivation.Insulin, Made in the SpleenIn this study, researchers set their sights on type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells. Working with the spleens of primates (macaques), the team engineered microenvironments within the test organs to support human pancreatic islets.“We’re essentially converting the spleen into a high-performance bioreactor,” explained study co-author Lei Dong in a press release. “By enhancing extracellular matrix support, accelerating blood vessel growth, and suppressing immune attacks, we’ve created an ideal niche for transplanted cells to thrive.”After transplantation, the human islet cells matured inside the primates’ spleens and began producing insulin and C-peptide (a byproduct of insulin production) continuously for 28 days. It’s a critical proof of concept — showing that not only can the spleen host new tissue, but it can support it long enough to function effectively.This isn't the team’s first foray into reimagining the spleen’s capabilities. They already reprogrammed mouse spleens to perform liver functions, used gene editing to grow liver tissue without transplanting any cells, and even rebuilt thyroid tissue in animal models.Now, the next frontier is personal: using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to grow customized organs. “The spleen acts like a living bioreactor embedded in our bodies,” said Dong. “With minimally invasive B-ultrasound-guided delivery, we could one day cultivate custom-made organs on demand.”While the concept is promising, clinical use is still a few years away. However, after undergoing thorough safety testing, this work forces a re-evaluation of regenerative medicine and what we consider “non-essential.” The spleen, long overshadowed and often dismissed, might just be one of the body’s most underutilized resources — an internal bioreactor whose potential is only just starting to be realized.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:Science Advances: Transforming the spleen into a liver-like organ in vivoScience Translational Medicine: Islet transplantation in immunomodulatory nanoparticle–remodeled spleensHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When she’s not immersed in a popular science book, you’ll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.
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  • Resilience & Continuity Governance Analyst at Ubisoft

    Resilience & Continuity Governance AnalystUbisoftMontreal QC ca3 minutes agoApplyJob DescriptionUbisoft IT is seeking a Resilience and Business Continuity Governance Analyst to join the Resilience team within the Security and Risk Managementdepartment. The primary mission of this team is to ensure Ubisoft's ability to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises and disruptions. As a Resilience Analyst, you will play a key role in strengthening organizational readiness through business continuity management, disaster recovery, and crisis management, working with multiple stakeholders across our sites worldwide.Responsibilities:Implement disaster recovery, crisis preparedness and business continuity plans at the global level and coordinate all local efforts toward a global unique strategy;Support stakeholders in documenting and maintaining all disaster recovery, crisis preparedness and business continuity plans;Review all plans to support continued operations and regulatory requirements.Participate in the creation, review and deployment of policies, standards, processes, and guidelines;Identify potential risks and propose solutions to mitigate and bring them to an acceptable level for management;Develop and maintain security metrics and executive reports to communicate project risks and remediation activity status to management;Oversee coordination of support, training & community management, and awareness, including tabletop exercises, microsimulations, and training on the software tools operated by our team;Contribute to specific security projects or initiatives within the department, ensuring that deadlines are met, and objectives are achieved.QualificationsPrevious experience in organizational resiliency with an emphasis on coordinating business continuity, crisis preparedness and disaster recovery plans;Strong auditing and presentation capabilities;Strong capacity to collaborate, influence, and negotiate with all hierarchical levels such as senior stakeholders;Ability to conduct informational training sessions;Ability to write clear and concise documentation.Additional InformationJust a heads up: If you require a work permit, your eligibility may depend on your education and years of relevant work experience, as required by the government.Skills and competencies show up in different forms and can be based on different experiences, that's why we strongly encourage you to apply even though you may not have all the requirements listed above.At Ubisoft, we embrace diversity in all its forms. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment for all. We know the importance of providing a pleasant interview experience, therefore if you need any accommodation, please let us know if there is anything we can do to facilitate the interview process.Company DescriptionUbisoft’s 19,000 team members, working across more than 30 countries around the world, are bound by a common mission to enrich players’ lives with original and memorable gaming experiences. Their commitment and talent have brought to life many acclaimed franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Just Dance, Rainbow Six, and many more to come. Ubisoft is an equal opportunity employer that believes diverse backgrounds and perspectives are key to creating worlds where both players and teams can thrive and express themselves. If you are excited about solving game-changing challenges, cutting-edge technologies, and pushing the boundaries of entertainment, we invite you to join our journey and help us create the unknown.
    Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings.
    Apply
    #resilience #ampamp #continuity #governance #analyst
    Resilience & Continuity Governance Analyst at Ubisoft
    Resilience & Continuity Governance AnalystUbisoftMontreal QC ca3 minutes agoApplyJob DescriptionUbisoft IT is seeking a Resilience and Business Continuity Governance Analyst to join the Resilience team within the Security and Risk Managementdepartment. The primary mission of this team is to ensure Ubisoft's ability to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises and disruptions. As a Resilience Analyst, you will play a key role in strengthening organizational readiness through business continuity management, disaster recovery, and crisis management, working with multiple stakeholders across our sites worldwide.Responsibilities:Implement disaster recovery, crisis preparedness and business continuity plans at the global level and coordinate all local efforts toward a global unique strategy;Support stakeholders in documenting and maintaining all disaster recovery, crisis preparedness and business continuity plans;Review all plans to support continued operations and regulatory requirements.Participate in the creation, review and deployment of policies, standards, processes, and guidelines;Identify potential risks and propose solutions to mitigate and bring them to an acceptable level for management;Develop and maintain security metrics and executive reports to communicate project risks and remediation activity status to management;Oversee coordination of support, training & community management, and awareness, including tabletop exercises, microsimulations, and training on the software tools operated by our team;Contribute to specific security projects or initiatives within the department, ensuring that deadlines are met, and objectives are achieved.QualificationsPrevious experience in organizational resiliency with an emphasis on coordinating business continuity, crisis preparedness and disaster recovery plans;Strong auditing and presentation capabilities;Strong capacity to collaborate, influence, and negotiate with all hierarchical levels such as senior stakeholders;Ability to conduct informational training sessions;Ability to write clear and concise documentation.Additional InformationJust a heads up: If you require a work permit, your eligibility may depend on your education and years of relevant work experience, as required by the government.Skills and competencies show up in different forms and can be based on different experiences, that's why we strongly encourage you to apply even though you may not have all the requirements listed above.At Ubisoft, we embrace diversity in all its forms. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment for all. We know the importance of providing a pleasant interview experience, therefore if you need any accommodation, please let us know if there is anything we can do to facilitate the interview process.Company DescriptionUbisoft’s 19,000 team members, working across more than 30 countries around the world, are bound by a common mission to enrich players’ lives with original and memorable gaming experiences. Their commitment and talent have brought to life many acclaimed franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Just Dance, Rainbow Six, and many more to come. Ubisoft is an equal opportunity employer that believes diverse backgrounds and perspectives are key to creating worlds where both players and teams can thrive and express themselves. If you are excited about solving game-changing challenges, cutting-edge technologies, and pushing the boundaries of entertainment, we invite you to join our journey and help us create the unknown. Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply #resilience #ampamp #continuity #governance #analyst
    Resilience & Continuity Governance Analyst at Ubisoft
    Resilience & Continuity Governance AnalystUbisoftMontreal QC ca3 minutes agoApplyJob DescriptionUbisoft IT is seeking a Resilience and Business Continuity Governance Analyst to join the Resilience team within the Security and Risk Management (SRM) department. The primary mission of this team is to ensure Ubisoft's ability to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises and disruptions. As a Resilience Analyst, you will play a key role in strengthening organizational readiness through business continuity management, disaster recovery, and crisis management, working with multiple stakeholders across our sites worldwide.Responsibilities:Implement disaster recovery, crisis preparedness and business continuity plans at the global level and coordinate all local efforts toward a global unique strategy;Support stakeholders in documenting and maintaining all disaster recovery, crisis preparedness and business continuity plans;Review all plans to support continued operations and regulatory requirements.Participate in the creation, review and deployment of policies, standards, processes, and guidelines;Identify potential risks and propose solutions to mitigate and bring them to an acceptable level for management;Develop and maintain security metrics and executive reports to communicate project risks and remediation activity status to management;Oversee coordination of support, training & community management, and awareness, including tabletop exercises, microsimulations, and training on the software tools operated by our team;Contribute to specific security projects or initiatives within the department, ensuring that deadlines are met, and objectives are achieved.QualificationsPrevious experience in organizational resiliency with an emphasis on coordinating business continuity, crisis preparedness and disaster recovery plans;Strong auditing and presentation capabilities;Strong capacity to collaborate, influence, and negotiate with all hierarchical levels such as senior stakeholders;Ability to conduct informational training sessions;Ability to write clear and concise documentation.Additional InformationJust a heads up: If you require a work permit, your eligibility may depend on your education and years of relevant work experience, as required by the government.Skills and competencies show up in different forms and can be based on different experiences, that's why we strongly encourage you to apply even though you may not have all the requirements listed above.At Ubisoft, we embrace diversity in all its forms. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment for all. We know the importance of providing a pleasant interview experience, therefore if you need any accommodation, please let us know if there is anything we can do to facilitate the interview process.Company DescriptionUbisoft’s 19,000 team members, working across more than 30 countries around the world, are bound by a common mission to enrich players’ lives with original and memorable gaming experiences. Their commitment and talent have brought to life many acclaimed franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Just Dance, Rainbow Six, and many more to come. Ubisoft is an equal opportunity employer that believes diverse backgrounds and perspectives are key to creating worlds where both players and teams can thrive and express themselves. If you are excited about solving game-changing challenges, cutting-edge technologies, and pushing the boundaries of entertainment, we invite you to join our journey and help us create the unknown. Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply
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