Category Archives: science

Toronto hospital performs first Canadian heart transplant after circulatory death

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**Historic First in Canada: Successful Heart Transplant Using Donation After Circulatory Death**

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN) have successfully completed a heart transplant using a donor whose heart had stopped beating. This innovative technique, known as donation after circulatory death (DCD), marks a significant milestone for Canada’s organ transplant landscape.

Unlike traditional heart transplants that rely on organs from brain-dead donors whose hearts continue to beat, the DCD approach recovers hearts after life support is withdrawn and the heart has stopped beating. This expands the donor pool and offers new hope for patients on transplant waiting lists.

In early September, a team at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital performed the novel transplant. Dr. Ali Rabi, the cardiac surgeon at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre who led the surgery, explained the significance of the procedure:
“Before, we only used hearts from brain-dead donors whose hearts were still beating. Now, we can use hearts that have stopped beating after life support is withdrawn. These are donors who are not considered brain dead. They have a few basic reflexes but no prospect of recovery. That decision is made by the patient, their family, their treatment team, and a neurology team. The family then decides they do not want their loved one to continue like this.”

Heart failure remains one of the most common causes of hospital admission and death in Canada. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, by the end of 2024, there were 155 adults and 29 children waiting for a heart transplant. Dr. Rabi highlighted the impact of this new technique:
“Because of this surgery, we increase the number of heart transplants by 20 to 40 per cent. This will also reduce the number of people who never receive a heart transplant and die waiting for one.”

This technique is not entirely new globally—it has been successfully used in countries including Australia, the U.K., and the United States. In Canada, it is expected to increase heart transplants by approximately 30 percent. A representative shared the emotional impact of seeing the new heart beating:
“When the heart started beating again in the new patient, it’s amazing. The heart’s natural strength is incredible. This breakthrough shows how innovation can save more lives. Congratulations to UHN for this historic milestone.”

Dr. Rabi also acknowledged the profound generosity of donor families:
“It’s the hardest day of their lives, but many find comfort knowing their loved one helped save others.”

Recent data from Australia and the U.S. indicate no difference in long-term survival between recipients of DCD hearts and those receiving organs from traditional brain-dead donors. Dr. Rabi is optimistic about the future of heart transplantation:
“I encourage young people who are interested in heart failure and heart transplant to look at the field, and I guarantee you in the next five years, the field will be completely unrecognizable.”

This landmark surgery not only expands opportunities for patients in need but also represents a hopeful leap forward in cardiac care and transplant innovation in Canada.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11469587/toronto-heart-transplant/

Breakthrough Israeli AI slashes head-CT wait times, flags missed brain bleeds – exclusive

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**Breakthrough Israeli AI Slashes Head-CT Wait Times, Flags Missed Brain Bleeds**

An innovative AI system developed in Israel and installed on CT scanners at Assuta Medical Centers has significantly reduced reporting times for suspected stroke cases. This advanced technology not only accelerates diagnosis but also accurately identifies life-threatening intracranial hemorrhages that might otherwise be missed.

The implementation of this AI-driven solution marks a major advancement in emergency medical care, enabling faster and more reliable detection of brain bleeds. Early identification is crucial for effective treatment, improving patient outcomes and potentially saving lives.

*Brain scans (photo credit: Shutterstock)*

By Dr. Itay Gal
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-869819

Breakthrough Israeli AI slashes head-CT wait times, flags missed brain bleeds – exclusive

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**Breakthrough Israeli AI Slashes Head-CT Wait Times, Flags Missed Brain Bleeds**

An Israeli-developed artificial intelligence system, recently installed on CT scanners at Assuta Medical Centers, has significantly reduced reporting times for patients with suspected stroke. This cutting-edge technology not only accelerates diagnosis but also helps identify life-threatening intracranial hemorrhages that might otherwise be missed.

The system analyzes brain scans quickly and accurately, allowing medical teams to respond faster and improve patient outcomes in critical situations.

*Brain scans (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)*

By Dr. Itay Gal
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-869819

IISER Kolkata Develops ‘Friendly Bacteria’ To Combat Cancer From Within Patient’s Body

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Kolkata: A team from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata has developed a “friendly bacteria” that can safely and effectively fight cancer from within the patient’s body, the premier institute announced in a statement.

Alongside this breakthrough, the team is also developing a detection system capable of monitoring the progress of the therapy. Together, these innovations mark a new frontier in the combined therapeutic and diagnostic approach to cancer treatment, IISER Kolkata said.

Their project, titled ReSET (Reprogramming the Suppressive Environment of Tumour Microenvironment), addresses one of the biggest barriers in cancer therapy. According to the statement, “Cancer often hides behind special immune cells called T regulatory cells (Tregs), which suppress the body’s natural defence system. This makes standard therapies like immunotherapy or chemotherapy less effective.”

Taking a bold and innovative approach, the IISER Kolkata team is engineering probiotics that can detect tumors and disrupt Tregs activity, reactivating the immune system against cancer. In simple terms, they are converting friendly microbes into living, targeted medicines that could one day work from inside the patient’s body to make cancer treatment safer and more effective.

Moving beyond the lab, the students have integrated human practices into their design by engaging with oncologists, surgeons, cancer survivors, and NGOs. They have also organized outreach programs in schools, cancer awareness campaigns, and collaborated with hair donors and patient support groups. These dialogues helped shape the therapy to be scientifically sound, ethically responsible, and socially relevant.

The team emphasizes that their work is not only a scientific prototype but also a proof of concept demonstrating that India’s youth can drive world-class research. “By targeting the Tregs pathway with engineered bacteria, we hope to bring forward a completely new class of cancer therapeutics, one that will revolutionize the way we treat cancer,” the team noted.

The group of 11 undergraduate students from IISER Kolkata will represent their institute and India at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Grand Jamboree 2025, the world’s largest synthetic biology competition, to be held in Paris in October this year.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/iiser-kolkata-develops-friendly-bacteria-to-combat-cancer-from-within-patients-body

Inhalers for asthma, COPD are climate change contributors, study finds

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Inhalers that provide fast-acting treatment for people with certain respiratory conditions are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, which can worsen both climate change and the conditions themselves, according to new research.

Published Monday in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*, the study found that inhalers approved for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generated an estimated 24.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in the United States from 2014 to 2024. This amount is equivalent to the emissions of about 530,000 gas-powered cars each year.

“Scaled across tens of millions of inhalers dispensed annually, these emissions drive global warming, exacerbating the very respiratory conditions inhalers are meant to relieve,” authors of a supplemental editorial note wrote.

Asthma and chronic lung disease affect millions of Americans. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 28 million Americans have asthma, and 34 million live with chronic lung disease. These cases are expected to increase as climate change worsens air pollution, which in turn raises the risk and severity of respiratory symptoms.

Researchers identified metered-dose inhalers—the boot-shaped treatment devices many people picture—as the most harmful to the environment. These inhalers accounted for 98% of emissions over the decade-long period. However, it’s not the medication itself causing the issue.

The problem lies in the hydrofluoroalkane propellants contained in these inhalers. Hydrofluoroalkanes are potent greenhouse gases widely used in products like aerosol sprays, which significantly contribute to the carbon footprint.

“Inhalers add to the growing carbon footprint of the US healthcare system, putting many patients with chronic respiratory disease at risk,” said lead author Dr. William Feldman, a pulmonologist and health services researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, in a news release. “On the upside, there is tremendous opportunity to make changes that protect both patients and the planet by utilizing lower-emission alternatives.”

The study also found that other types of inhalers, such as dry powder inhalers and soft mist inhalers, are less harmful to the environment. These devices deliver medication to the lungs without the need for propellants, offering a greener alternative for patients and healthcare systems alike.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inhalers-produce-carbon-emissions-study/

John Clarke, Michel H Devoret & John M Martinis Bag Nobel Prize For Physics For Breakthroughs In Quantum Tunneling & Energy Quantisation

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The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis “for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.”

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which announced the award, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the laureates’ work. The trio conducted a series of experiments demonstrating that the unusual characteristics of the quantum realm can be observed in a system large enough to hold in one’s hand.

According to the announcement, “Their superconducting electrical system was capable of tunnelling from one state to another, as though it were passing directly through a barrier. They also established that the system absorbed and released energy in specific increments, precisely as quantum mechanics predicts.”

Last year, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their pioneering use of physics-based tools to develop methods that form the foundation of modern machine learning. Hopfield created an associative memory capable of storing and reconstructing images and other data patterns, while Hinton developed a technique that autonomously identifies properties within data, enabling it to recognize specific elements in images.

In other 2025 Nobel announcements earlier this week, Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. They were honored for their groundbreaking research on peripheral immune tolerance — a mechanism that allows the immune system to fight harmful microorganisms while avoiding attacks on the body’s own cells.

The Nobel Prizes are also awarded in chemistry, literature, and peace, each accompanied by a monetary reward of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million). Beyond the financial aspect, receiving a Nobel Prize bestows immediate international recognition, a prestigious accolade that remains out of reach for the vast majority of scientists worldwide.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/john-clarke-michel-h-devoret-john-m-martinis-bag-nobel-prize-for-physics-for-breakthroughs-in-quantum-tunneling-energy-quantisation

‘The Big Bang Theory’: Entertaining but far from scientific reality

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**‘The Big Bang Theory’: Entertaining but Far from Scientific Reality**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 07, 2025, 11:18 am*

**What’s the story?**

*The Big Bang Theory*, the popular sitcom, has been widely praised for its quirky take on geek culture. However, when it comes to portraying academic life, the show doesn’t always offer an accurate picture. While it provides a fun glimpse into the lives of scientists, it often prioritizes humor over realism.

Here’s a closer look at some common misconceptions about academia that *The Big Bang Theory* tends to perpetuate.

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### Overemphasis on Stereotypes

*The Big Bang Theory* relies heavily on stereotypes of scientists as socially awkward and nerdy. While there are certainly individuals who fit this description, it’s not a fair or complete representation of all academics. Many scientists are well-rounded, possessing diverse interests and strong social skills.

By focusing mainly on these stereotypes, the show reinforces a narrow and sometimes misleading image of what it means to be a scientist beyond the lab or classroom.

—

### Simplification of Scientific Work

The show frequently simplifies complex scientific concepts to generate comedic effect. Although this approach makes for entertaining television, it doesn’t accurately reflect the nuanced and detailed nature of real scientific work.

In reality, scientific research involves rigorous methodologies, ongoing learning, and extensive collaboration—elements that are often glossed over or exaggerated in the name of humor.

—

### Lack of Focus on Collaboration

In *The Big Bang Theory*, academic success is frequently portrayed as the result of individual achievement. However, genuine scientific progress is usually born out of teamwork and collaboration among researchers from various disciplines.

This portrayal risks undermining the critical role of cooperation and communication skills within actual academic settings.

—

### Misrepresentation of Academic Environments

The show depicts labs and academic settings as chaotic spaces filled with eccentric behavior. While this makes for amusing storytelling, it doesn’t align with how most research environments actually function.

In truth, laboratories tend to be organized places where focus, discipline, and teamwork are essential for productivity and success.

—

### Ignoring Real-Life Challenges

While *The Big Bang Theory* humorously highlights certain aspects of academic life, it often overlooks the real challenges scientists face. These include issues like funding constraints, work-life balance struggles, and pressures to publish groundbreaking results.

These challenges are integral to academia and demand resilience and adaptability from researchers daily.

—

**Conclusion**

Though *The Big Bang Theory* remains an entertaining and culturally significant show, viewers should keep in mind that its portrayal of scientific life is exaggerated and simplified for comedic purposes. Appreciating the realities of academia requires looking beyond sitcom stereotypes to the true nature of scientific work.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/what-the-big-bang-theory-gets-wrong-about-academia/story

‘The Big Bang Theory’: Entertaining but far from scientific reality

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**‘The Big Bang Theory’: Entertaining but Far from Scientific Reality**
*By Vinita Jain | Oct 07, 2025, 11:18 am*

**What’s the story?**

*The Big Bang Theory*, a popular sitcom, has been widely praised for its quirky take on geek culture. However, when it comes to depicting academic life, the show doesn’t always present an accurate picture. While it provides a glimpse into the lives of scientists, humor often takes precedence over realism.

Here, we explore some common misconceptions about academia that *The Big Bang Theory* perpetuates.

—

### Overemphasis on Stereotypes

The show frequently relies on stereotypes, portraying scientists as socially awkward and nerdy. While some individuals may fit this description, it’s far from a fair or complete representation of all academics. Many scientists are well-rounded, with diverse interests and strong social skills. This stereotype risks reinforcing narrow and inaccurate ideas about what it means to be a scientist beyond the lab or classroom.

—

### Simplification of Scientific Work

For comedic effect, *The Big Bang Theory* often simplifies complex scientific concepts. Although this makes for entertaining television, it fails to capture the nuanced and detailed nature of real scientific work. Actual research involves rigorous methodologies, extensive collaboration, and ongoing learning—elements that the show frequently glosses over or exaggerates in the name of humor.

—

### Lack of Focus on Collaboration

Academic success in the show is commonly portrayed as an individual achievement. In reality, most scientific advancements stem from teamwork and collaboration among researchers across various fields. This portrayal can undervalue the vital importance of cooperation and communication skills in academic settings.

—

### Misrepresentation of Academic Environments

The academic environments depicted in *The Big Bang Theory* tend to be exaggerated and unrealistic. For example, labs are shown as chaotic spaces filled with eccentric behavior, which is not reflective of most research environments. In truth, labs are usually well-organized, focused spaces where teamwork and discipline drive productivity.

—

### Ignoring Real-Life Challenges

While the show humorously highlights certain aspects of academic life, it often overlooks the real challenges scientists face. Issues such as funding shortages, struggles with work-life balance, and the pressure to publish results are integral parts of academia. These challenges demand resilience and adaptability, traits that are rarely addressed in the series.

—

In summary, *The Big Bang Theory* succeeds in entertaining audiences and celebrating geek culture but should not be viewed as an accurate representation of academic life or scientific work. Understanding the realities behind the humor helps appreciate the dedication and complexity involved in real-world science.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/what-the-big-bang-theory-gets-wrong-about-academia/story

EU Council calls for life sciences investment fund

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EU governments are planning to launch a European Life Sciences Investment Fund as part of a coordinated strategy to make Europe a more attractive destination for private investment in research and innovation.

At a meeting held in Brussels on September 30, research ministers approved Council conclusions focused on life sciences for enhancing EU competitiveness. These conclusions call on the European Commission to explore the feasibility of establishing a dedicated fund through the European Investment Fund (EIF), which is part of the European Investment Bank Group.

Strong and innovative life sciences are essential for the Union’s sustainable global competitiveness, sovereignty, security, and autonomy. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of European citizens, addressing societal and environmental challenges, and supporting the green transition.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/life-sciences/eu-council-calls-life-sciences-investment-fund

Philrice testing rice farm pest control via drones

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is utilizing drone technology to spray herbicides and manage weeds in rice plantations.

According to PhilRice, researchers have discovered that drones can effectively control weeds in wet direct-seeded rice. This advancement has the potential to transform weed management into a modern farming practice.

“This is especially useful for large rice fields,” the institute noted, highlighting the benefits of adopting drone technology in agriculture.

https://business.inquirer.net/551041/philrice-testing-rice-farm-pest-control-via-drone