🌟 Exciting news on the horizon! RFK Jr. is shining a light on the potential of mRNA research, not for vaccines, but for groundbreaking therapies in cancer and genetic conditions! 💪✨ While funding for mRNA vaccines may be reduced, this opens up a world of possibilities for innovative treatments that could change lives. Let's embrace this shift and stay optimistic about the future of medicine! Together, we can support advancements that heal and inspire hope! 🌈❤️ #mRNA #CancerResearch #GeneticTherapies #HopeForTheFuture #InnovateAndInspire

A team at HUCA is using 3D printing for aortic aneurysm treatment. It’s aimed at older people, especially those over 60, who are at a higher risk. Apparently, these aneurysms can affect areas that branch out toward organs, which sounds serious. But honestly, it feels like just another medical advancement. I guess it’s good news, but who really cares? #3DPrinting #AorticAneurysm #MedicalAdvancement #HUCA #Healthcare

In a world saturated with images, I find myself lost in the shadows of disappointment. As Erik Christensen introduces the Scan Space Image Processor, a free tool for photo treatment, I can't help but feel the weight of unmet expectations. It's hard to swallow that even the best tools like Lightroom can't always capture the essence of what we wish to preserve. Each click of the shutter resonates with a sense of longing, yet the final product often falls short. The loneliness of creation is a heavy burden, where every processed photo feels like a reminder of unfulfilled dreams. 💔 #Photogrammetry #ScanSpace #Loneliness #Heartbreak #Photography

Florida is now allowing doctors to offer unapproved stem-cell treatments for things like pain management and wound care. It's kind of a big deal, I guess, since it goes against the FDA rules. Not sure how I feel about it. Just seems like another day, another questionable medical trend popping up. #Florida #StemCell #MedicalTrends #HealthCare #PainManagement

Imagine a world where scientists are printing 3D tumors like they're crafting the latest smartphone case. Yes, you heard it right! "Experts" are now busy turning tumors into a trendy 3D art project, all in the name of cancer treatment. Who needs conventional research when you can have a tumor on your desk as a conversation starter? Next up: DIY cancer therapy kits delivered to your door! Don't worry, these aren't just any tumors; they're "customized" for your health needs. Because nothing screams medical advancement like a little printer ink and a pinch of sarcasm! Welcome to the future, where even diseases need a 3D makeover! #3DTumors #CancerResearch #MedicalInnovation #SciFiReality

It's absolutely outrageous that Romero Games is left in the lurch after Microsoft reportedly cancels their project funding! This is a clear indicator of how disconnected major publishers are from the gaming community and the developers who pour their hearts into creating innovative experiences. The industry is plagued by a lack of commitment to support creative talent, and this situation is a glaring example of that failure. We can't just sit back and hope for a miracle when the very foundation of game development is at risk. Wake up, gamers! We need to demand better treatment for our beloved developers and hold these corporations accountable! #RomeroGames #Microsoft #GameDevelopment #CancelCulture #GamerCommunity

Scientists have apparently managed to reverse Parkinson’s symptoms in mice. They say this gives some hope that maybe one day it could happen for humans too. But, you know, experts are all like, “It’s complicated and we’ll probably need a bunch of different treatments.” So, not exactly a miracle breakthrough. Just more research and waiting, I guess. #Parkinsons #ResearchUpdates #MedicalScience #Hope #MiceStudies

What a world we live in when scientists finally unlock the secrets to the axolotls' ability to regenerate limbs, only to reveal that the key lies not in some miraculous regrowth molecule, but in its controlled destruction! Seriously, what kind of twisted logic is this? Are we supposed to celebrate the fact that the secret to regeneration is, in fact, about knowing when to destroy something instead of nurturing and encouraging growth? This revelation is not just baffling; it's downright infuriating! In an age where regenerative medicine holds the promise of healing wounds and restoring functionality, we are faced with the shocking realization that the science is not about building up, but rather about tearing down. Why would we ever want to focus on the destruction of growth molecules instead of creating an environment where regeneration can bloom unimpeded? Where is the inspiration in that? It feels like a slap in the face to anyone who believes in the potential of science to improve lives! Moreover, can we talk about the implications of this discovery? If the key to regeneration involves a meticulous dance of destruction, what does that say about our approach to medical advancements? Are we really expected to just stand by and accept that we must embrace an idea that says, "let's get rid of the good stuff to allow for growth"? This is not just a minor flaw in reasoning; it's a fundamental misunderstanding of what regeneration should mean for us! To make matters worse, this revelation could lead to misguided practices in regenerative medicine. Instead of developing therapies that promote healing and growth, we could end up with treatments that focus on the elimination of beneficial molecules. This is absolutely unacceptable! How dare the scientific community suggest that the way forward is through destruction rather than cultivation? We should be demanding more from our researchers, not less! Let’s not forget the ethical implications. If the path to regeneration is paved with the controlled destruction of vital components, how can we trust the outcomes? We’re putting lives in the hands of a process that promotes destruction. Just imagine the future of medicine being dictated by a philosophy that sounds more like a dystopian nightmare than a beacon of hope. It is high time we hold scientists accountable for the direction they are taking in regenerative research. We need a shift in focus that prioritizes constructive growth, not destructive measures. If we are serious about advancing regenerative medicine, we must reject this flawed notion and demand a commitment to genuine regeneration—the kind that nurtures life, rather than sabotages it. Let’s raise our voices against this madness. We deserve better than a science that advocates for destruction as the means to an end. The axolotls may thrive on this paradox, but we, as humans, should expect far more from our scientific endeavors. #RegenerativeMedicine #Axolotl #ScienceFail #MedicalEthics #Innovation

In early-stage start-ups, the pitch deck is often the first thing investors see. Sometimes, it’s the only thing. And yet, it rarely gets the same attention as the website or the socials. Most decks are pulled together last minute, with slides that feel rushed, messy, or just off. That’s where designers can really make a difference. The deck might seem like just another task, but it’s a chance to work on something strategic early on and help shape how the company is understood. It offers a rare opportunity to collaborate closely with copywriters, strategists and the founders to turn their vision into a clear and convincing story. Founders bring the vision, but more and more, design and brand teams are being asked to shape how that vision is told, and sold. So here are five handy things we’ve learned at SIDE ST for the next time you’re asked to design a deck. Think in context Designers stepping into pitch work should begin by understanding the full picture – who the deck is for, what outcomes it’s meant to drive and how it fits into the broader brand and business context. Their role isn’t just to make things look good, but to prioritise clarity over surface-level aesthetics. It’s about getting into the founders’ mindset, shaping visuals and copy around the message, and connecting with the intended audience. Every decision, from slide hierarchy to image selection, should reinforce the business goals behind the deck. Support the narrative Visuals are more subjective than words, and that’s exactly what gives them power. The right image can suggest an idea, reinforce a value, or subtly shift perception without a single word. Whether it’s hinting at accessibility, signalling innovation, or grounding the product in context, design plays a strategic role in how a company is understood. It gives designers the opportunity to take centre stage in the storytelling, shaping how the company is understood through visual choices. But that influence works both ways. Used thoughtlessly, visuals can distort the story, suggesting the wrong market, implying a different stage of maturity, or confusing people about the product itself. When used with care, they become a powerful design tool to sharpen the narrative and spark interest from the very first slide. Keep it real Stock photos can be tempting. They’re high-quality and easy to drop in, especially when the real images a start-up has can be grainy, unfinished, or simply not there yet. But in early-stage pitch decks, they often work against your client. Instead of supporting the story, they flatten it, and rarely reflect the actual team, product, or context. This is your chance as a designer to lean into what’s real, even if it’s a bit rough. Designers can elevate even scrappy assets with thoughtful framing and treatment, turning rough imagery into a strength. In early-stage storytelling, “real” often resonates more than “perfect.” Pay attention to the format Even if you’re brought in just to design the deck, don’t treat it as a standalone piece. It’s often the first brand touchpoint investors will see—but it won’t be the last. They’ll go on to check the website, scroll through social posts, and form an impression based on how it all fits together. Early-stage startups might not have full brand guidelines in place yet, but that doesn’t mean there’s no need for consistency. In fact, it gives designers a unique opportunity to lay the foundation. A strong, thoughtful deck can help shape the early visual language and give the team something to build on as the brand grows. Before you hit export For designers, the deck isn’t just another deliverable. It’s an early tool that shapes and impacts investor perception, internal alignment and founder confidence. It’s a strategic design moment to influence the trajectory of a company before it’s fully formed. Designers who understand the pressure, pace and uncertainty founders face at this stage are better equipped to deliver work that resonates. This is about more than simply polishing slides, it’s about helping early-stage teams tell a sharper, more human story when it matters most. Maor Ofek is founder of SIDE ST, a brand consultancy that works mainly with start-ups.  #sharpen #story #design #guide #startups

Researchers unexpectedly discovered toxic airborne pollutants in Oklahoma. The image above depicts a field in Oklahoma. Credit: Shutterstock University of Colorado Boulder researchers made the first-ever airborne detection of Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffinsin the Western Hemisphere. Sometimes, scientific research feels a lot like solving a mystery. Scientists head into the field with a clear goal and a solid hypothesis, but then the data reveals something surprising. That’s when the real detective work begins. This is exactly what happened to a team from the University of Colorado Boulder during a recent field study in rural Oklahoma. They were using a state-of-the-art instrument to track how tiny particles form and grow in the air. But instead of just collecting expected data, they uncovered something completely new: the first-ever airborne detection of Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins, a kind of toxic organic pollutant, in the Western Hemisphere. The teams findings were published in ACS Environmental Au. “It’s very exciting as a scientist to find something unexpected like this that we weren’t looking for,” said Daniel Katz, CU Boulder chemistry PhD student and lead author of the study. “We’re starting to learn more about this toxic, organic pollutant that we know is out there, and which we need to understand better.” MCCPs are currently under consideration for regulation by the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty to protect human health from long-standing and widespread chemicals. While the toxic pollutants have been measured in Antarctica and Asia, researchers haven’t been sure how to document them in the Western Hemisphere’s atmosphere until now. From Wastewater to Farmlands MCCPs are used in fluids for metal working and in the construction of PVC and textiles. They are often found in wastewater and as a result, can end up in biosolid fertilizer, also called sewage sludge, which is created when liquid is removed from wastewater in a treatment plant. In Oklahoma, researchers suspect the MCCPs they identified came from biosolid fertilizer in the fields near where they set up their instrument. “When sewage sludges are spread across the fields, those toxic compounds could be released into the air,” Katz said. “We can’t show directly that that’s happening, but we think it’s a reasonable way that they could be winding up in the air. Sewage sludge fertilizers have been shown to release similar compounds.” MCCPs little cousins, Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins, are currently regulated by the Stockholm Convention, and since 2009, by the EPA here in the United States. Regulation came after studies found the toxic pollutants, which travel far and last a long time in the atmosphere, were harmful to human health. But researchers hypothesize that the regulation of SCCPs may have increased MCCPs in the environment. “We always have these unintended consequences of regulation, where you regulate something, and then there’s still a need for the products that those were in,” said Ellie Browne, CU Boulder chemistry professor, CIRES Fellow, and co-author of the study. “So they get replaced by something.” Measurement of aerosols led to a new and surprising discovery Using a nitrate chemical ionization mass spectrometer, which allows scientists to identify chemical compounds in the air, the team measured air at the agricultural site 24 hours a day for one month. As Katz cataloged the data, he documented the different isotopic patterns in the compounds. The compounds measured by the team had distinct patterns, and he noticed new patterns that he immediately identified as different from the known chemical compounds. With some additional research, he identified them as chlorinated paraffins found in MCCPs. Katz says the makeup of MCCPs are similar to PFAS, long-lasting toxic chemicals that break down slowly over time. Known as “forever chemicals,” their presence in soils recently led the Oklahoma Senate to ban biosolid fertilizer. Now that researchers know how to measure MCCPs, the next step might be to measure the pollutants at different times throughout the year to understand how levels change each season. Many unknowns surrounding MCCPs remain, and there’s much more to learn about their environmental impacts. “We identified them, but we still don’t know exactly what they do when they are in the atmosphere, and they need to be investigated further,” Katz said. “I think it’s important that we continue to have governmental agencies that are capable of evaluating the science and regulating these chemicals as necessary for public health and safety.” Reference: “Real-Time Measurements of Gas-Phase Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins Reveal Daily Changes in Gas-Particle Partitioning Controlled by Ambient Temperature” by Daniel John Katz, Bri Dobson, Mitchell Alton, Harald Stark, Douglas R. Worsnop, Manjula R. Canagaratna and Eleanor C. Browne, 5 June 2025, ACS Environmental Au. DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.5c00038 Never miss a breakthrough: Join the SciTechDaily newsletter. #scientists #detect #unusual #airborne #toxin