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I can see the light

On this day, in 1960, the first functioning laser was invented by Theodore Maiman. Often referred to as the father of the electro-optics industry, Maiman was then an employee of Hughes Aircraft Co. and later went on to receive many awards, including two nominations for Nobel Prizes.

Every now and then a scientific breakthrough happens that has a massive and continuous impact on not only scientific development, but on daily life. This is one of them. The invention of the laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is one of the light-infused reasons we celebrate the International Day of Light on May 16.

But scientific innovations made possible because of light are not limited to lasers.

Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity — specifically, special relativity — is based on his recognition of the constant speed of light. Whether the light source is stationary or moving, the speed remains at 300,000 kilometers per second. This may seem a simple and unimpressive discovery, but it changed how the world understands time, space, energy and gravity.

For example, the speed at which something falls determines its mass. The faster it falls, the higher its mass.

Or every time you use your phone to check directions, track a delivery, or find someone’s location, you’re relying on Einstein’s theory of relativity to make sure it works correctly.

IMAGE: Shutterstock

This discovery also led to technologies used globally like the CERN particle accelerators doing revolutionary work in particle physics, contributing to our deeper understanding of matter.

Einstein’s theory also laid the foundation for high-speed electronics and materials science and contributes to numerous scientific fields like astrophysics and cosmology.

Light has enabled us to explore the universe, understand it and ultimately protect ourselves against its threats.

Today we enjoy therapies like laser eye surgery, life-saving imaging like X-rays, CT scans and PET scans that use light to see inside the human body. These technologies, plus fiber optic communication that uses light to contribute to telemedicine, make remote surgeries possible and save lives daily.

CAPTION: The logo of UNESCO on the main building in Paris, France. IMAGE: Shutterstock

A little closer to home, light also has enabled us to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces and in water, and this makes hospitals, air filters and water purification systems available for use during times of global pandemics. It also enables traffic lights and emergency lighting that contribute to road safety and ensure quick emergency or crisis response.

And though light allows us to kill disease on surfaces and on the food we eat, it also allows us to grow it, maintain our circadian rhythms and build green technologies to save our planet.

From the ancient Greeks — the first to study the nature of light — to the most intricate mysteries of the universe, the impact light has had on science and technology throughout history is ample and endless. “Without light, our planet would be but a cold and barren place. Indeed, where there is light, there is often an abundance of life. Yet light represents even more for humanity. Light goes hand in hand with knowledge; it is a lens through which to see and understand the world,” says Audrey Azoulay, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) director-general.

UNESCO leads the International Day of Light alongside a committee of representatives from global partners. It was created as an extension of the International Year of Light and was first celebrated in 2018. Celebratory events are listed on the UNESCO website.

More like this: Underwater light tech helps corals survive bleaching

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A splash of cysteine cuts mercury
in tuna

Good news for tuna lovers: Scientists have cooked up a simple way to lower mercury levels in canned tuna by up to 35 percent by giving the fish a soak in cysteine, the amino acid that is the building block of body proteins.

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that if you soak tuna in a water solution with 1.2 percent cysteine, mercury levels drop a lot — and this happens naturally over just two weeks of storage. No weird chemicals, no extra processing, and the pH (acidity) stays normal.

They tested ways to clean up the mercury from the soaking liquid afterward, but that part’s still a work in progress.

This could cut down on mercury risks without changing on taste or texture.

More like this: Robot fish has microplastics for lunch

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Big mammals equal big impact

Turns out, whales do a whole lot more than just swim around looking majestic — they’re helping to keep our oceans healthy every time they excrete waste.

A new study published in The Biophysicist shows that the poop of baleen whales (humpback and blue whales) is packed with nutrients that ocean life needs to thrive. Whale feces are rich in iron, which tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton use to grow. These plants are the base of the marine food web.

So, more iron means more food for fish and essentially everyone else on the planet.

Whales are not just fertilizing the ocean, they’re also cleaning up potential toxins.

Whale poop has copper, but special compounds in it bind the copper tightly, stopping it from becoming toxic to marine life.

Prior to industrial whaling, which drastically reduced whale populations, oceans likely had a much better nutrient-recycling system. This new research suggests that these natural ecosystem engineers could help restore ocean health.

More like this: Polluted oceans: Let the trash take itself out

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Exercise and the longevity
question

Most doctors will recommend exercise as a means to a healthy body and longevity, but a new study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology reveals it’s not the only factor.

The investigation into the long-term effects of leisure-time physical activity on mortality and biological aging revealed that mortality risks of the physically active were only slightly lower than those of sedentary individuals.

Researchers analyzed data from the Finnish Twin Cohort tracking physical activity levels over five years and mortality outcomes over 30 years.

Though the study revealed that the mortality rate was only slightly lower between active and inactive participants, this gap extended once lifestyle and genetics were factored in.

Another notable outcome indicates highly active and sedentary people showed accelerated signs of aging, as opposed to those who exercised moderately.

More like this: Faster. Higher. Stronger. Techier

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Global gut woes

There is a lot of published and ongoing research into tsRNAs in tumor-related gastrointestinal diseases. But a new study published in Genes & Diseases explores their role as biomarkers in diagnosis and treatment of other, non-tumor-related gastro diseases.

TsRNAs are tiny molecules that come from tRNA, a type of RNA that helps build proteins. Even though they don’t make proteins themselves, they play important roles in the cell. They can help control how cells grow, decide when damaged cells should die and help regulate the immune system.

If they don’t work properly, they could lead to problems like cancer, immune disorders or neurodegenerative diseases.

This review examines the role of tsRNAs in digestive diseases, including issues like stomach and colon cancer, liver disease and pancreas inflammation. Scientists have found that small tsRNA molecules might help detect these diseases early and could even be used for treatment.

They may also influence how these diseases develop by affecting key cell-communication systems in the body.

More research is required as statistics of a 2021 multinational large-scale study on digestive diseases revealed that 40 percent of the global population has functional gastrointestinal disorders, which affect quality of life and place a significant burden on health care.

More like this: A step forward in targeting tumors