The Insight spiral

The Insight spiral Welcome to the edge of innovation. Here, we explore the deep connections between technology, intelligence, and the future.

From mind-bending concepts to minimalist clarity — this is where insight begins to spiral.

That’s about one IVF-conceived child born every 35 seconds. The count began in 1978 with the world’s first IVF baby and ...
09/04/2025

That’s about one IVF-conceived child born every 35 seconds.

The count began in 1978 with the world’s first IVF baby and has since grown exponentially, thanks to advances in medical technology, wider access to fertility care, and social acceptance of assisted reproduction.

By 2018, researchers estimated 10 to 13 million IVF births, and when accounting for more recent data, the number likely sits closer to 17 million by 2024, more than half the population of Australia. Most IVF babies now come from frozen embryos, as advancements in cryopreservation have improved success rates while allowing for single-embryo transfers, thereby minimizing the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. Despite these encouraging numbers, access to IVF remains a challenge in some countries.

High-income countries with public funding and regulation have higher per-capita use, while many low- and middle-income countries lack the infrastructure and affordability to offer the same options. Experts stress that IVF is a vital medical treatment for infertility, not a quick fix for declining birth rates, and success rates still depend heavily on age. For example, women aged 35 have about a 30% chance of a live birth per cycle, but that drops to just 10% by age 42. Researchers say the future of IVF should focus on equitable access worldwide, ensuring fertility care is treated as a human right rather than a privilege.

Imagine being able to create music even after passing away. With advancements in artificial intelligence and music techn...
09/03/2025

Imagine being able to create music even after passing away. With advancements in artificial intelligence and music technology, it is now possible for musicians' estates to generate new music using AI algorithms trained on the artist's existing work. This technology can analyze the musician's style, melody, and rhythm, allowing it to create new compositions that sound as if they were created by the artist themselves. While some might view this as unconventional, it opens up new possibilities for artists to leave a lasting legacy and continue inspiring fans even after they are gone. This innovative approach to music creation is redefining the boundaries of art and technology.

A new state of matter is rewriting the rules of physicsScientists revealed something extraordinary: the discovery of an ...
09/02/2025

A new state of matter is rewriting the rules of physics

Scientists revealed something extraordinary: the discovery of an entirely new state of matter, unlike anything we have ever known before. For centuries, we have been taught that matter exists in familiar forms, solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Now, this breakthrough shows that the universe still holds secrets far beyond these basic categories, and it could change how we understand reality itself.

This new state does not behave like ordinary matter. Instead of following predictable patterns, it bends the rules of physics in surprising ways. Particles within it interact in ways that challenge old assumptions, opening doors to technologies that once seemed impossible. By unlocking this hidden behaviour, scientists believe we may be able to develop ultra-efficient energy systems, next-generation computers, and even entirely new materials that reshape our daily lives.

Traditional science often assumed that all states of matter had been discovered long ago. The fact that researchers continue to uncover new forms proves that the universe is still a vast laboratory of surprises. Much like when plasma was first identified in the 19th century or when superconductors stunned the scientific world, this discovery pushes us into uncharted territory.

The real-world impact could be profound. Imagine materials that conduct electricity without loss, devices that process information millions of times faster than today’s computers, or energy storage systems that make clean power limitless and affordable. By studying this new state of matter, we are not just expanding physics, we are laying the foundation for future revolutions in technology.

This moment is a reminder of how much we have yet to learn. The universe is not a finished story but a living mystery, unfolding one discovery at a time. With each breakthrough, we take one step closer to unlocking the full potential of nature itself.

Just the sight of a sick person can trigger our immune system — even if they’re just a virtual image on a screen. In a n...
09/02/2025

Just the sight of a sick person can trigger our immune system — even if they’re just a virtual image on a screen.

In a new study, researchers used virtual reality headsets to show people avatars that looked either healthy or visibly ill, think pale skin, rashes, or feverish faces. What happened next surprised even the scientists: just seeing the “sick” avatars caused participants’ brains to switch into high alert and sent signals to their immune systems. Specifically, certain immune cells in their blood, known to respond during actual infections, increased, despite no physical contact or real illness present. The brain seemed to interpret the visual signs of sickness as a potential threat, and that alone was enough to start a defensive response.

Participants’ reaction times even changed. When they saw a sick-looking avatar and felt a light touch on their face, they responded faster, as if their bodies were bracing for danger. Interestingly, the strongest brain responses came not when the sick avatar was close, but when it appeared farther away, possibly because the brain sees something approaching as more of a threat. Areas of the brain like the hypothalamus lit up, this is the same region that gets activated when we’re vaccinated or exposed to certain immune triggers. The researchers say this suggests our brains and immune systems are more tightly connected than we thought. It’s not just about catching a virus, it’s about sensing the possibility of one. This fast-acting, built-in alert system may be a leftover from evolution, helping humans spot and avoid illness before it spreads.

paper
Trabanelli, S., Akselrod, M., Fellrath, J. et al. Neural anticipation of virtual infection triggers an immune response. Nat Neurosci (2025).

🦷 Scientists in Japan have created a drug that lets humans regrow lost teeth naturally!The medication, created by resear...
09/01/2025

🦷 Scientists in Japan have created a drug that lets humans regrow lost teeth naturally!

The medication, created by researchers led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital, works by blocking a protein called USAG-1 that normally suppresses tooth growth.

In mouse trials, this inhibition successfully triggered the growth of brand-new teeth, and the team is now preparing for human clinical trials with the goal of making the treatment publicly available by 2030.

If successful, this therapy could transform dental care by giving people a third chance at growing their own teeth.

The science builds on decades of regenerative medicine research and the discovery that humans may have dormant “third set” tooth buds, much like animals such as sharks and elephants that naturally grow multiple sets of teeth.

Combined with ongoing advances in bone and dental pulp regeneration, scientists believe this approach could one day reverse tooth loss caused by genetics, injury, or aging. Within the next decade, what was once science fiction—regrowing teeth naturally—may become an everyday reality for patients around the world.

read the paper
Ravi, V., Murashima-Suginami, A., Kiso, H., Tokita, Y., Huang, C.L., Bessho, K., Takagi, J., Sugai, M., Tabata, Y., Takahashi, K. Advances in tooth agenesis and tooth regeneration. Regenerative Therapy, Vol 22, March 2023, Pages 160–168.

Scientists created a brain-computer interface that quickly translates brain activity into audible words.This new brain i...
09/01/2025

Scientists created a brain-computer interface that quickly translates brain activity into audible words.

This new brain implant could allow people who’ve lost the ability to talk to communicate clearly.

In a new study, a U.S.-based team tested an implantable brain-computer interface (or BCI) on four people with severe paralysis and achieved up to 74 percent accuracy in translating silent, imagined speech into actual words. Unlike older BCIs that relied on a person trying to speak or write despite their body not responding, this system focuses on inner speech where the person just thinks the words. The implant reads neural activity in the motor cortex, the area that controls movement and speech, then uses machine learning to detect patterns tied to phonemes, the building blocks of spoken language.

Once decoded, those phonemes are pieced together into full words, allowing for the recognition of a vocabulary of up to 125,000 words. Although there is some overlap in brain activity between imagined and attempted speech, the researchers could reliably distinguish the two. The system isn’t flawless yet, and in many cases the accuracy was much lower than the peak 74 percent, but the core breakthrough is clear: silent thought can now be decoded into spoken language with measurable success. The team sees this as a starting point, with hopes that improved implant tech and broader brain mapping will raise accuracy and adaptability. One particularly sensitive issue is privacy. If a device can read thoughts, when does it start and stop listening? To solve this issue, researchers tested a mental "password" to activate or pause the system, which worked 98 percent of the time.

paper
A streaming brain-to-voice neuroprosthesis to restore naturalistic communication. Littlejohn KT, Cho CJ, Liu JR, Silva AB, Yu B, Anderson VR, Kurtz-Miott CM, Brosler S, Kashyap AP, Hallinan IP, Shah A, Tu-Chan A, Ganguly K, Moses DA, Chang EF, Anumanchipalli GK. Nat Neurosci. 2025 Apr;28(4)

The line between biology and technology is blurring in ways once reserved for science fiction. An Australian startup has...
08/30/2025

The line between biology and technology is blurring in ways once reserved for science fiction. An Australian startup has unveiled the world’s first living biocomputer, a machine built using human brain cells capable of processing information like a computer.

Unlike traditional silicon-based computers, this biocomputer uses networks of living neurons to perform calculations, store data, and even learn from experience. By leveraging the natural ability of neurons to form connections and adapt, the device can tackle certain problems more efficiently than conventional machines. This approach opens the door to computing systems that combine human-like adaptability with the speed of digital technology.

The implications are profound. Living biocomputers could revolutionize artificial intelligence, enabling machines to process information in ways more similar to the human brain. They may also advance medical research, allowing scientists to test drugs or study neurological diseases in entirely new ways. Unlike purely digital systems, biocomputers could potentially self-repair or reconfigure in response to damage, mimicking the resilience of biological systems.

This breakthrough challenges our understanding of what computers can be and how technology can integrate with living systems. It also raises deep ethical questions about the use of human cells in machines, prompting conversations about the future of intelligent technology and its role in society.

As research continues, living biocomputers may become more capable, offering a glimpse into a future where the boundary between mind and machine is increasingly fluid. The possibilities are vast, from smarter AI to medical innovations that could transform our world.





Scientists created matter that exists in two places at once - permanently.Quantum physicists successfully created macros...
08/30/2025

Scientists created matter that exists in two places at once - permanently.

Quantum physicists successfully created macroscopic objects that maintain quantum superposition at room temperature, essentially making matter exist in multiple locations simultaneously without collapsing into a single state. These "persistent quantum objects" challenge fundamental assumptions about the boundary between quantum and classical physics, demonstrating that large-scale objects can exhibit quantum behaviors indefinitely. The breakthrough uses specially designed materials that protect quantum states from environmental interference, allowing everyday objects to exist in superposition for hours or days. The implications are staggering: quantum computers that work at room temperature, ultra-precise sensors, and potentially even quantum teleportation of macroscopic objects. The research suggests that our classical perception of reality might be an illusion, with all matter actually existing in quantum superposition until observed. This could lead to technologies where objects can be in multiple states simultaneously, revolutionizing computing, communication, and our understanding of physical reality itself.

New research suggests consciousness (the sense of self) may be widespread across the animal kingdom — even among bugs.Ne...
08/29/2025

New research suggests consciousness (the sense of self) may be widespread across the animal kingdom — even among bugs.

New research is reshaping our understanding of animal consciousness, suggesting that far more creatures experience awareness than previously thought—including insects.

While science has long acknowledged consciousness in mammals and birds, recent studies now point to signs of subjective experience in species ranging from octopuses to bees.

These findings come from behavioral experiments, brain imaging, and evolutionary biology, all of which are building a growing case that consciousness—defined as the ability to feel, perceive, and perhaps even suffer—may be much more widespread across the animal kingdom.

Insects, once dismissed as simple automatons, are now at the center of the debate. Bees can count, recognize faces, and even show signs of pessimism when stressed.

Some scientists argue that such behaviors indicate a form of inner experience. If true, the implications are profound—not just for science, but for ethics, agriculture, and conservation. Recognizing consciousness in these creatures could drive a reevaluation of how humans interact with and impact the lives of animals, from farm practices to pest control.

👁️ New contact lenses let you see in the dark — even through your eyelids.Scientists have developed futuristic contact l...
08/28/2025

👁️ New contact lenses let you see in the dark — even through your eyelids.

Scientists have developed futuristic contact lenses that give humans infrared vision, even with their eyes shut.

By embedding special nanoparticles into ultra-thin membranes, the lenses convert infrared light into visible wavelengths detectable by the human eye.

Unlike traditional night-vision gear, these lenses require no external power source and are so thin and flexible they can be worn like regular contacts. The breakthrough offers a streamlined, wearable alternative to bulky equipment, opening up possibilities in fields like security, rescue missions, and even medical diagnostics.

What sets this innovation apart is its passive functionality — users don’t have to actively "see" through their eyes for the technology to work.

The lenses translate invisible infrared light into visible images directly on the retina or surrounding tissue, creating a kind of sixth sense for heat and motion. As this technology matures, it could revolutionize how humans interact with their environments in low-light or high-risk settings, merging biology with advanced optics in ways previously reserved for science fiction.

Source: Gibney, E. (2025). These contact lenses give people infrared vision — even with their eyes shut. Nature.

Scientists found a plant virus that makes the human body hunt and kill cancer. And it shrank real tumors. A plant virus ...
08/28/2025

Scientists found a plant virus that makes the human body hunt and kill cancer.

And it shrank real tumors.

A plant virus known for infecting beans may hold the key to a breakthrough in cancer treatment. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have uncovered why the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) uniquely stimulates the human immune system to attack tumors—while closely related viruses do not.

Published in Cell Biomaterials, the study shows that CPMV triggers a powerful dual immune response by activating both innate and adaptive pathways. When injected into tumors in mice, CPMV recruited immune cells to the site, activated long-lasting immune memory, and even shrank untreated tumors elsewhere in the body.

Unlike traditional oncolytic viruses that infect and destroy tumor cells, CPMV works by being recognized as a foreign invader, prompting a robust immune attack.

Researchers discovered that CPMV's RNA stays active longer inside immune cells and activates a critical receptor, TLR7, sparking strong anti-cancer signaling. Closely related plant viruses, like CCMV, fail to produce the same effect. With previous success in both mouse models and canine cancer patients, CPMV now stands out as a promising, non-infectious immunotherapy agent. The team is preparing for clinical trials, hoping this plant pathogen could become a future weapon against cancer.

source
Anthony O. Omole, Hannah S. Newton, Edward Cedrone, Kimia Nematpour, Shaojun Xie, Yongmei Zhao, Bao Tran, Marina A. Dobrovolskaia, Nicole F. Steinmetz. Comparative analyses for plant virus-based cancer immunotherapy drug development. Cell Biomaterials, 2025; 1 (6):Scientists found a plant virus that makes the human body hunt and kill cancer.

And it shrank real tumors.

A plant virus known for infecting beans may hold the key to a breakthrough in cancer treatment. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have uncovered why the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) uniquely stimulates the human immune system to attack tumors—while closely related viruses do not.

Published in Cell Biomaterials, the study shows that CPMV triggers a powerful dual immune response by activating both innate and adaptive pathways. When injected into tumors in mice, CPMV recruited immune cells to the site, activated long-lasting immune memory, and even shrank untreated tumors elsewhere in the body.

Unlike traditional oncolytic viruses that infect and destroy tumor cells, CPMV works by being recognized as a foreign invader, prompting a robust immune attack.

Researchers discovered that CPMV's RNA stays active longer inside immune cells and activates a critical receptor, TLR7, sparking strong anti-cancer signaling. Closely related plant viruses, like CCMV, fail to produce the same effect. With previous success in both mouse models and canine cancer patients, CPMV now stands out as a promising, non-infectious immunotherapy agent. The team is preparing for clinical trials, hoping this plant pathogen could become a future weapon against cancer.

source
Anthony O. Omole, Hannah S. Newton, Edward Cedrone, Kimia Nematpour, Shaojun Xie, Yongmei Zhao, Bao Tran, Marina A. Dobrovolskaia, Nicole F. Steinmetz. Comparative analyses for plant virus-based cancer immunotherapy drug development. Cell Biomaterials, 2025; 1 (6):

🚨 New study finds that COVID-19 can age your blood vessels by 5 years.And it's a real problem for women. Here's what it ...
08/28/2025

🚨 New study finds that COVID-19 can age your blood vessels by 5 years.

And it's a real problem for women. Here's what it means for your heart.

A new international study reveals that COVID-19 may accelerate the ageing of blood vessels—especially in women—by as much as five years.

Researchers found that even mild infections can increase arterial stiffness, a known risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The findings, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed 2,390 participants from 16 countries and showed that women, particularly those with long COVID symptoms or who had been hospitalized, experienced the most significant vascular ageing.
Researchers used a measure called pulse wave velocity (PWV), which tracks how quickly blood pressure waves travel through arteries; higher values indicate stiffer, older vessels.

The damage appears tied to how the virus invades the body via ACE2 receptors on blood vessel linings, triggering inflammation that accelerates vascular ageing. Encouragingly, vaccinated individuals had less arterial stiffening, and over time, some recovery of vascular health was observed. Researchers stress that these changes are clinically meaningful, especially for older women, who saw a 3% increased risk of cardiovascular disease with just a 0.5 m/s rise in PWV. The study highlights the need for early identification and management of vascular risks in post-COVID patients—especially women—as researchers continue tracking long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

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