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    All the news and science from the 2024 Nobel prizes

    This podcast discusses news, science, and surprises from this year's Nobels, with focus on awards for discovery of microRNA, creation of new proteins, recognition for artificial intelligence, and involvement of Guardian science team members Nicola Davis, Ian Sample, and Hannah Devlin.

    enOctober 09, 2024
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    Guardian

    150 Episodes

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    • Nobel DiscoveryVictor Ambrose and Gary Revkin won the 2024 Nobel Prize for discovering microRNA, which reveals a new layer of control over how DNA instructions are used in cells. This discovery enhances our understanding of gene expression and cellular function.

      Scientists Victor Ambrose and Gary Revkin won the 2024 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for discovering microRNA, a new form of RNA that plays a crucial role in how our cells use DNA instructions. This discovery adds depth to our understanding of gene expression and cellular differentiation, showing that it's not just proteins controlling gene activity but also this tiny RNA. This work highlights the complexity of our genetic library, much like a reference library, from where cells can only copy certain instructions at the right time. The conversation around these findings is happening amidst the excitement of the Nobel Prize announcements, alongside discussions about popular culture, science communication, and the anticipation of what groundbreaking research will be unveiled next.

    • Gene RegulationAmbrose and Rovkin discovered that microRNA regulates gene expression in sea elegans, with implications for health issues like cancer and genetic disorders, emphasizing its importance in gene regulation across species.

      Victor Ambrose and Gary Rovkin made a significant discovery studying tiny roundworms called sea elegans. They found that the Lin-4 gene produces a small RNA that controls the Lin-14 gene, which produces a protein. This regulation happens across the animal kingdom, extending to humans with over 1,000 known microRNA genes. Their research revealed that these microRNAs play a crucial role in gene regulation and have important health implications, such as cancer and other genetic disorders. This basic science can lead to applications in diagnostics and treatments, highlighting the significance of understanding our biological processes. As this research progresses, it may unlock new ways to address serious health conditions.

    • AI BreakthroughsJohn Hopfield and Jeff Hinton revolutionized AI with neural networks. Hopfield's associative memory and Hinton's Boltzmann machine advance pattern recognition, yet Hinton fears AI's potential dangers, stressing the need for cautious management to harness its benefits without losing control.

      John Hopfield and Jeffrey Hinton made significant contributions to artificial intelligence by developing neural network models. Hopfield's work on associative memory allows computers to correct errors in incomplete data, mimicking human memory recall. Hinton expanded on this with the Boltzmann machine, which distinguishes patterns in data, similar to how humans recognize objects. Despite their groundbreaking work, Hinton expresses concern about the rise of AI, fearing it could control jobs and society smarter than humans, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences. He emphasizes the necessity of careful management to leverage AI's benefits while avoiding danger. This recognition by the Nobel Prize in Physics reflects how deeply interconnected AI and traditional science have become, raising questions about future awards in these areas.

    • Nobel Chemistry AdvancesThe Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for breakthroughs in protein science, recognizing significant contributions from both David Baker for protein design and DeepMind's AlphaFold for protein structure prediction, showcasing the impact of AI in advancing scientific research.

      Recently, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for significant advancements in protein science. David Baker was recognized for his innovative work in designing new proteins using computational biology. Simultaneously, John Jumper and Demis Hasabis from DeepMind received the prize for their groundbreaking AlphaFold program, which predicts protein structures. This achievement has revolutionized biochemistry by solving a long-standing problem that has perplexed scientists for decades. The ability to predict how proteins fold has immense implications in fields like medicine and materials science, opening up new avenues for drug development and therapies. These advancements highlight the powerful role of AI in addressing complex challenges in biology, showcasing how technology can enhance scientific research and lead to transformative discoveries.

    • AI in ScienceAI tools like Google DeepMind's Alpha Fold 2 are revolutionizing scientific research, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in breakthroughs and hinting at a future where technology and science go hand in hand in important recognitions.

      Artificial intelligence, particularly with models like Alpha Fold 2 from Google DeepMind, is becoming a powerful tool in scientific research. This model has been made available publicly and is already benefiting millions of researchers. While AI is playing a significant role in modern breakthroughs, it relies heavily on the collaboration of scientists and experts in various fields, highlighting that effective research still requires human insight and teamwork. This trend suggests a future where more scientific and even literary achievements may be recognized alongside AI developments, as they grow together. The recent Nobel Prizes reflect this shift, showing how technology and collaboration can drive advancements in understanding complex scientific issues.

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