GoKawiilA new tool is designed to help researchers interact with published papers. Plus, promising news for an RNA-based treatment for ALS and how psychoactive drugs might have shaped pre-Incan culture.
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Stephen Hawking worked on the black-hole information paradox throughout his life.Credit: Santi Visalli/Getty
An RNA therapy for rare forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has shown promising results in the first person to receive it. He experienced improved symptoms and continued to work as a physician a year after starting treatment. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy uses short strands of genetic material to target RNA produced by a faulty gene called CHCHD10. Roughly 5–10% of people with ALS have a known genetic mutation, and antisense oligonucleotide therapies could someday benefit them and others with neurodegenerative diseases caused by rare mutations.
Nature | 7 min read
Reference: Med paper
Chinese firms subject to sanctions by the US government seemed to produce more science-related patents and publish more papers than did unsanctioned companies. It’s not certain that being placed on the US ‘Entity List’ actually caused an increase in innovation, but the findings might be a sign of unintended consequences of such restrictions. “Whether or not one supports technology controls, it is important to recognize that they can come with costs,” says political economist Dinsha Mistree.
Nature | 7 min read
Reference: Science paper
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