Medicine.net Team Brings You the Latest Medical News from Across the Web Each Week.

Alphafold3 is Now Open-Source

On November 11, at its headquarters in London, Alphafold3 announced that researchers can now download the software code and use this AI tool for non-commercial applications. As the latest tool in AI protein structure prediction, Alphafold3 can accurately and rapidly predict protein structures, making it the biggest breakthrough in the field this year. Additionally, this open-sourcing is particularly significant since the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded this year to contributors of Alphafold.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-03708-4

Scientists Disagree on How Alzheimer’s Disease Should Be Diagnosed

Since Alzheimer’s disease was discovered, researchers have been searching for the most accurate diagnostic methods. Cognitive screening has traditionally been the main method, but with advances in technology, brain scans and blood tests have become the most popular diagnostic approaches in recent years. However, research has led to significant disputes among scientists. Some believe that new biomarker tests could identify the best treatment window for reversing the disease, while others argue that diagnosing from a single test could cause distress and confusion if the person tested never develops the disease. Thus, some researchers criticize this diagnostic approach.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-03629-2

Mouse Virtual Embryo Shows Organ Formation in Stunning Detail

Although the process of how an embryo develops into various organs is well understood, a complete visualization of this process has been lacking. Researchers have now created a 3D atlas of a mouse embryo, visualizing nearly 8 million cells. This map shows how cells interact and migrate during the first two weeks of pregnancy and can help researchers identify causes of congenital diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-03615-8

Avian Influenza Threatens the World

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, known as H5 HPAI, is now spreading across all continents, even reaching remote areas like Antarctica. It has been found spreading among domestic poultry, wild birds, and some mammals. The biggest concern is the potential risk of this virus spreading in human populations.

DOI: 10.1126/science.adj1190

Trump's Election Could Impact Global Health

Following the U.S. election, the world is preparing for the newly elected President Trump. After announcing his victory, Trump has publicly stated his intent to reform the U.S. health system. Once Trump officially takes office, more detailed health reform plans might emerge, and there are concerns that he could replicate his previous administration's threats to withdraw from the World Health Organization.

DOI: 10.1126/science.zg685cc