Technology

Do Some Electric Fish Sense the World Through Comrades’ Auras?

Published

10 months ago

March 6, 2024

Scientists uncover evidence for a new form of collective sensing that appears to enable elephantnose fish to extend their perceptual reach

NEW YORK, March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — It would be a game-changer if all members of a basketball team could see out of each other’s eyes in addition to their own. A research duo at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute has found evidence that this kind of collective sensing occurs in close-knit groups of African weakly electric fish, also known as elephantnose fish. This instantaneous sharing of sensory intelligence could help the fish locate food, friends and foes.

“In engineering it is common that groups of emitters and receivers work together to improve sensing, for example in sonar and radar. We showed that something similar may be happening in groups of fish that sense their environment using electrical pulses. These fish seem to ‘see’ much better in small groups.” said Nathaniel Sawtell, PhD, a principal investigator at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute and a professor of neuroscience at Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

In a paper published online today in Nature, Dr. Sawtell and postdoctoral research associate Federico Pedraja, PhD, combine multiple lines of evidence to argue that the species of electric fish they study, Gnathonemus petersii, pull off a lightning-fast feat of collective sensing never before documented in biology.

Scientists have long known that electric fish sense changes in the electric fields they project into their waterscapes, much like the acoustic signals that bats and dolphins deploy. The fish rely on specialized organs in their skin that emit and sense electric fields to communicate. They also use them for an electric version of echolocation to detect, track and distinguish various objects in their watery environments.

G. petersii electric fish dwell in African river habitats that are dark and murky, where the fishes’ eyes are of limited value. In thinking about that challenge with an engineering mindset, Drs. Pedraja and Sawtell conjectured that the fish might have evolved sensory abilities akin to networked radar and sonar systems, whose multiple units can collaborate to detect objects further out and in more detail than can lone unconnected units.

To test if this principle of collective sensing applied to electric fish, the researchers first developed a computer model in which they could simulate the fishes’ electrical environment. They analyzed whether individual electric fish were better at detecting objects by tapping into signals emitted by nearby fish.

“Think of these external signals as electric images of the objects that nearby electric fish automatically produce and beam to nearby fish at the speed of light,” said Dr. Pedraja. “Our work suggests that three fish in a group would each receive three different “electrical views” of the same scene at virtually the same time,” added Dr. Sawtell.

Among the most telling results of the simulation study, Dr. Sawtell noted, is that collective sensing could extend the electro-location range of the electric fish up to 3 times. The researchers say that such a large sensory enhancement would almost certainly confer survival benefits.

The researchers then went in search of an actual neural basis for such an ability in G. petersii. Recordings in a part of the brain devoted to the electrosensory system showed that the fish respond to both their own electric discharges and to external electrical signals from, say, other electric fish or lab-generated mimics of the signals. Particularly exciting to the scientists was how the patterns of brain activity closely matched what the simulation studies suggested the researchers might see in neural recordings.

Behavioral observations added more evidence that the fish really do engage in collective sensing. In the tanks, the fish assumed in-line and right-angle formations that the computer model showed are favorable for collective sensing. Also, recordings of a kind of electrical dialog between fish featured highly-precise turn-taking in which the fish emitted their electrical discharges in strict alternation. The authors speculate that this behavior, previously termed the “echo response,” might play a key role in coordinating collective sensing.

As the researchers have uncovered a new sensory capability, more fascinating questions have emerged for them.

“These fish have some of the biggest brain-to-body mass ratios of any animal on the planet,” said Dr. Sawtell. “Perhaps these enormous brains are needed for rapid and highly sophisticated social sensing and collective behavior?”

The researchers noted that learning more about the brain mechanisms involved could provide leads for artificial sensing technologies for applications including underwater autonomous vehicles and medical imaging.

The paper, “Collective Sensing in Electric Fish,” by Federico Pedraja and Nathaniel Sawtell of Columbia’s Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, was published online in Nature on March 6, 2024.

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

CONTACT: Ivan Amato, news@zi.columbia.edu; 301-919-0626

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SOURCE Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute

Technology

Macrogen Consortium win tender for National Bio Big Data Project

Published

26 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Illumina is proud to be selected as sequencing technology partner to the Macrogen Consortium.

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Macrogen a global healthcare company that specializes in precision medicine and Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN), a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announced today that they are honoured to support the National Bio Big Data project by sequencing and analysing 145,952 Korean genomes.

The National Bio Big Data Project project has been running in Korea as a pilot project since 2020. During this period about 20,000 genomes were analysed, 10,000 of these including people with a rare disease. The ultimate goal is to enable precision medicine by building a reference genome for about 770,000 Koreans by 2028 and a total of 1 million by 2032.

“Being a part of this step change to improving public health in Korea through the voluntary collection and analysis of genomic, clinical and life record information from the general public, is paramount to ensure precision medicine becomes a standard of care for all Koreans,” said Changhoon Kim, CEO Macrogen.

“Illumina is pleased to be a part of the Korean bio industry ecosystem and to participate in such an important national project. We look forward to contributing to Korea by bringing our expertise and lessons learned from our direct involvement in leading pop gen projects around the world,” said Robert McBride, General Manager of Illumina Korea.

People across the globe have very similar genes but a small number of variants between populations can impact health. For example, some variants are associated closely with particular diseases such as cystic fibrous.[1]These variants can present differently in populations and have a significant impact on how individuals respond to medicines and treatments. Therefore, it is beneficial for Koreans to have information available that is unique to them.

Worldwide, the number of pop gen projects is expanding rapidly, including the UK, Japan, Singapore, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria.

“Population genome projects are growing worldwide with many programs reaching significant milestones. But despite this inequity remains with the majority of genome datasets being of European descent. This means we have a lot of information how to develop drugs for European populations but this doesn’t translate in any meaningful way to other nationalities,“ said Robert McBride.

Population genomics provides a platform for industry engagement and investment, specifically in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and data sectors. By integrating large, diverse data sets and using advanced computing technology (such as artificial intelligence or machine learning), health systems and partners are optimally positioned to unlock the power of the genome even further, while improving quality of life and care and fostering economic growth.

“Precision medicine is changing how diseases are treated and this benefits everyone. For patients, treatments often work better when decisions are based around an individual’s genome, for drug companies it can reduce cost of development and for governments there are long term savings related to less waste and healthier patients,” said Changhoon Kim.

References

[1] https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/educational-resources/fact-sheets/human-genomic-variation#:~:text=How%20do%20peoples’%20genomes%20vary,person%20responds%20to%20certain%20medications.

About Macrogen

Macrogen is a global genetic service provider, partnered with over 18,000 scientists in 150+ countries, and with more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Established in 1997, from the Genome Medical Research Institute of Seoul National University, Macrogen has become a major service provider and consulting agent for government agencies, universities and research institutes around the world.

About Illumina

Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit www.illumina.com and connect with us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

About the Consortium

Macrogen Consortium members include the following companies: DNA Link, Theragen Bio, and CG Invites

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SOURCE Illumina

Technology

As 2025 IRS Mileage Rate Hits 70 Cents, Expert Warns: Ditch Risky Apps for Secure Paper Tracking

Published

5 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Gig economy expert Ed Ryder warns against the risks of mileage tracking apps, and advocates using paper-based tracking methods instead. He introduces The Big Mileage Form, a secure alternative developed over two years to meet the specific needs of food delivery gig workers. Ryder highlights recent tech failures, like the July 2024 global IT outage, to underscore the vulnerabilities of digital solutions. The press release also mentions Ryder’s significant mileage deduction using his form and directs readers to GigCoach.net for additional resources, including a consumer tutorial to drive better food delivery outcomes and a gig coach training program.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — As the IRS announces a standard mileage rate of 70 cents per mile for 2025, gig economy expert Ed Ryder, who has completed over 10,000 deliveries with his own car using major food delivery platforms, urges fellow gig workers to reconsider their mileage tracking methods. While acknowledging the convenience of digital solutions, Ryder advocates for a return to secure, paper-based tracking to protect valuable mileage deductions.

With the mileage rate at 70 cents, accurate tracking is crucial for gig workers and small business owners. Mileage apps seem convenient, but they risk data loss from outages, glitches, and cyber attacks. Many overlook these significant dangers.

“With the mileage rate increasing to 70 cents, accurate tracking is more crucial than ever for gig workers and small business owners,” says Ryder, creator of The Big Mileage Form. “While mileage tracking apps seem convenient, they come with significant risks that many overlook. Network outages, app glitches, and cyber attacks can jeopardize months of data.”

Ryder points to the July 2024 global IT outage as a prime example of technology’s vulnerabilities. “A faulty software update caused mass airline disruptions and impacted other industries, catching major corporations off guard. This incident highlights that even in our digital age, software isn’t infallible. For me, I simply won’t trust mileage tracking apps with my most important tax deduction.”

To address these concerns, Ryder developed a comprehensive, paper-based solution. “I spent two years perfecting The Big Mileage Form, tailoring it to the specific needs of food delivery gig workers,” he explains. “At 11×17 inches, it provides ample space for detailed record-keeping and, crucially, it’s immune to software glitches, data breaches, and ransomware attacks.”

Ryder’s meticulous paper-based record-keeping resulted in a mileage deduction exceeding $19,000 on his 2023 federal taxes. “All my business-related miles are thoroughly documented on paper. I’m fully prepared to defend this deduction in case of an audit. This level of confidence is what I aim to provide other gig workers.”

“In today’s digital age, sometimes the most secure solution is the simplest one,” Ryder concludes. “My form not only ensures data security but also prepares users for potential IRS audits. It’s time to reconsider the old-fashioned, but reliable pen-and-paper method.”

For those interested in learning more about effective mileage tracking and other aspects of gig work, Ryder offers valuable resources on GigCoach.net. These include a tutorial for consumers titled ‘Fair Deal Delivery,’ which provides insights on how to improve food delivery outcomes. Additionally, experienced food delivery couriers can explore Ryder’s gig coach training program. Visit GigCoach.net to access these resources and learn more about The Big Mileage Form.

Media Contact

Ed Ryder, Match Experiment LLC, 1 484-493-8740, hello@ideamaned.com, gigcoach.net

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SOURCE Gig economy expert Ed Ryder

Technology

DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Ascension Health Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised

Published

5 hours ago

December 22, 2024

NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating claims regarding data privacy violations by Ascension Health (“Ascension”). Ascension learned of suspicious activity on or about May 8, 2024. To join this case, go HERE.

About Ascension Health

Ascension is a prominent non-profit health system in the nation and operates under Catholic principles.

What happened?

On or about May 8, 2024, Ascension detected unauthorized activity in its computer systems. Ascension initiated an investigation, which included retaining consulting cybersecurity experts and notifying the FBI. The investigation determined that between May 7 and 8, 2024, a cybercriminal accessed files containing personal information about Ascension’s patients and employees. This information included names, medical records, payment details, insurance information, government identification numbers, and other personal data such as dates of birth and addresses. Approximately 6 million individuals have been affected by this data breach.

How can I protect my personal data?

If you receive a data breach notification, you must guard against possible misuse of your personal information, including identity theft and fraud, by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. Additionally, you should consider legal options for mitigating such risks.

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for customers whose sensitive personal and patient data may have been compromised by the Ascension data breach.

For more information, please contact:

Marc H. Edelson, Esq.
EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP
411 S. State Street, Suite N-300
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: 844-696-7492
Email: medelson@edelson-law.com
Web: www.edelson-law.com

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP
Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so counsel does not represent you unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing now. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff.

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SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP