Think Forward.

Snake Venom That Does Nothing to a Honey Badger, Kills a Human

Anas Bedraoui, 2 mon.
The honey badger is one of nature's toughest creatures. Despite its small size, this fearless animal isn't afraid to take on some of the most dangerous predators, including venomous snakes. What’s truly fascinating is that the snake venom that can kill a human has little effect on a honey badger---- The honey badger, also called a ratel, lives in Africa, Southwest Asia, and parts of India. It’s known for its aggressive behavior, strong build, and thick, loose skin, which makes it hard for snake fangs to deliver a full dose of venom. This tough skin is one reason why honey badgers can survive snake bites that would be deadly to other animals. ---- But the honey badger's resistance to venom isn't just about its skin. Scientists have discovered that honey badgers have special adaptations at the molecular level. Snake venom typically attacks nerve cells by binding to specific receptors. However, the honey badger's receptors have evolved to be less affected by these toxins, allowing the badger to survive bites that would be fatal to humans. ---- Another interesting aspect is how honey badgers react when bitten. They might show signs of being affected by the venom, such as slowing down or swelling, but they often recover quickly. This suggests that their bodies have proteins or other molecules that neutralize the venom, helping them bounce back after an encounter with a deadly snake. FASCINATING, right?

A formal Definition of Stealing

Tariq Daouda, 2 mon.
One of the basic rules of economy is that value is created by exchanging (not by printing money). ---- ==Lets imagine a simple example:== Person A has lots of pens. For them a pen is only worth 1$, a sheet of paper, however is worth 4$. Person B has a lot of paper for them a sheet is only worth 1$, but a pen is a valuable item worth 4$. Person A wants a sheet and Person B wants a pen. They decide to exchange A gives a pen to B and, B gives a sheet of paper to A. At the end of the exchange, both have lost 1$ of value, but got 4$ in return, meaning that they have made 3$ of value each. A total of 6$ of value has been created by the exchange. ---- Now lets look at what happen during theft. When something is stolen, no exchange happenes between the parties, therefor no value has been created. In fact for society as a whole the yield is negative, as the thief had to spend energy (value) to get what he wanted. So although he enriched himself, he also made everybody poorer. We can consider this a definition of stealing: A transfer of goods that results in a negative creation of value. The same is true, to a lesser degree, when one of the parties cheats the other by providing an item that is less valuable than previously thought. Like a pen that does not write.

A threat we are not prepared to face

Aouani Khalil, 2 mon.
Read time: 4-5mins In 2021 as I was finishing my Bachelor's degree, I wrote this article after the overnight shutdown of the Facebook servers - After the global outage caused by Crowdstrike and Microsoft, I decided to share it again. Article below: Have you ever asked yourself what would happen if the internet shuts down ? On the 4th of October 2021, Facebook servers shut down causing the Whatsapp and Instagram Apps also to not work. So let’s ask ourselves a question : Were we prepared for that ? Well yes, people were still using platforms like Telegram, Signal and mail for texting, others were using Twitter and TikTok for scrolling etc… But if the internet suddenly stops working, what would happen to the financial markets such as real estate, stocks, cryptocurrencies ? Let us look for a way to be prepared for it. The carrington event: In 1859 mankind witnessed the Carrington event, named after the scientist Richard Carrington, this phenomenon is also known as a geomagnetic storm. On a calm afternoon of September, Carrington witnessed a sudden flash of increased brightness on the surface of the Sun that lasted for a few minutes while watching the observable Universe with his telescope. At that time we didn’t know what this light was but today we know that it is a solar flare. The same night a few hours later, we noticed green and blue lights travelling across the skies which are today known as the Aurora Borealis. At that time of course, people were very shocked and the solar flare caused the whole telegraph system to shut down but there was no internet or satelites so life moved on as if nothing happened. So what would happen if a Carrington event of that caliber strikes us today, specifically to financial markets ? We are for almost two years now, the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and we were absolutely not prepared for it even if scientists kept warning us. For weeks we did not know what we were facing and globally, most of the businesses stopped working and are still recovering from it today. Now if a virus of 100 nanometers of diameter can cause us to stay at home for 1 year, what would be the impact of a solar storm ? Risks we face in front of a Solar Flare: Relax, we people do not risk anything violent or apocalyptic because the earth amosphere will shield us from x-rays, gamma rays and cosmic radiations but our society and our routine will be affected. How is that ? In former times, messages, money transfers or even news took days, sometimes months to get to destination, people would even do the delivery as a job. Today you can be in Tokyo and still facetime a friend who is in Europe or Brasil, you can send mails and get immediate answers, buy stocks from the NYSE even if you are in Africa etc… but all of this is not really wireless. In fact the 380 underwater cables that are spanning a lenght of over 1.2 million kms connect all the continents and are the reason we can do all we do today, alongside the 6542 satelites orbiting the planet at the moment. These cables are not really affected by geomagnetic currents but due to their lenght we had to install repeaters along certain gaps and those repeaters are susceptible to fail and if they do, an entire cable that connects two continents, instantly disconnects them. What if the power grid is down ? Let’s imagine the worst case scenario where our power grid gets knocked, that could cause a wolrdwide blackout, but not only because our satelites will also be disabled, which means we will not be able to buy stocks or crypto anymore but that is not our biggest concern since we won’t be able to place phone calls, we will not be able to know what is happening since google or the TV are not functionning anymore, we will also not be able to charge our electronic devices which means no more zoom meetings ; navigation systems would break which means no more airplanes and last but not least places that accept credit cards will not be able to take payments. Unfortunately it gets worse, our health would also be affected since all of the material in hospitals are electronic so hospitals won’t be able to work normally. This is without mentionning the unability to maintain the stock of food because how can you do that without refrigirating systems, also that means no more ice cream. To sum up, this would cause a global mess followed by a movement of panic. In that scenario, lots of markets would collapse but curiously markets like the real estate or the stock market would not because we would simply do it the old way, a piece of paper and a pen and you are good to go, it would be a lot slower, but it would survive. Most of us would also have to go back to the unfashionned way : barter. And since neither banks or financial instruments would be available, the people who have been saving a heavy load of cash or simply people that bought gold would be saved. What an irony, the most powerful tool we created is the internet, because there is no off switch that could turn off the whole thing, but here is the off switch right in front of our eyes sitting at a few million kilometers : a hot ball of glowing gasses at the heart of our solar system. Real estate in the 19th century : The probability of happening of a Carrington event According to the PNAS, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the US, the probability of a Carrington event happening is once every 150 years, and we are not sheltered from it. In 2012 there was an unusual and strong solar superstorm that luckily got dodged by 9 days. In fact when the storm passed, our planet was 9 days behind in the rotation cycle from the path of the storm. The famous boxer Mike Tyson once said « everyone has a strategy, until they get kicked in the mouth ». So let us not give up what we need most for what we want now and unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, be prepared. The potential that would cost us a Carrington event financially is not shy of 2 Trillion USD, which represents 2.5% of world’s GDP. Of course it will only be a matter of time before the competent authorities fix the problem, which could be a week or a month, and life in the 21st century will go back to its fullest. Aouani Khalil
heconomist.ch/2021/10/19/a-threa...

Can You Become a Millionaire by Working on Venom? Yes!

Anas Bedraoui, 2 mon.
1 min read.
The idea of becoming a millionaire might conjure images of tech startups, real estate investments, or Wall Street. But working with venom can be your ticket to wealth, thanks to its significant medical and commercial potential. ---- Venom, produced by creatures like snakes, spiders, and scorpions, is a complex mixture of proteins and peptides. These toxic cocktails hold incredible potential for medical applications, creating a profitable intersection of nature and science.---- Venom-derived drugs have made significant impacts in medicine. For instance: - Captopril, derived from the Brazilian pit viper's venom, generates over $1 billion annually in revenue. - Prialt, a painkiller from cone snail venom, can cost up to $20,000 per year per patient. ---- The pharmaceutical industry constantly seeks new compounds for effective treatments. Venom-derived substances are particularly appealing, leading to substantial investments in research and development. This can result in lucrative patents and partnerships.---- Venom production and farming are other profitable ventures. Companies like Amsaal Venom Farm LLC specialize in producing and distributing venom for research and antivenom production. High-quality venom can sell for up to $5,000 per gram, depending on the species and purity.---- Owning patents on venom-derived compounds is highly lucrative. Licensing these patents to pharmaceutical companies can yield substantial royalty payments. For example, licensing agreements typically offer 3–5% royalties on net sales. A successful drug generating $500 million annually could provide $15-$25 million in royalties.---- Imagine discovering a new venom-derived compound that becomes a best-selling drug. With an annual revenue of $1 billion and a 3% royalty, you could earn $30 million per year. Alternatively, running a venom farm producing 100 grams of high-quality venom per year could generate $500,000 annually, assuming a $5,000 per gram price.

The African Union and the "Ten Commandments" for improving women's education

Aziz Daouda, 2 mon.
The African Union and the "Ten Commandments" for improving women's education A piece of information has just caught my attention and aroused my astonishment, so obvious is it. It is a reminder of one of the known chronic deficits of the African continent, at the root of its socio-economic situation and its difficulties in leaving the zone of systemic precariousness of a large fringe of the population. On 4 and 5 July 2024, African Unity organised a gathering of great importance, which was given the name of Conference. The conference was devoted to debating the importance of education for girls and women. Of course, for the sake of fashion and to fit in with a modern narrative, we talked about strategy. The conference discussed a strategy for increased access to "inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa". My astonishment stems from the fact that it was only in 2024 that African Unity finally took an interest in a recurring problem that has been present throughout the continent since the dawn of time. A problem that everyone believes to be one of the main causes of the continent's underdevelopment and the pervasive precariousness of its population. In fact, for a very long time now, the pan-African organisation, whether in its old form or in its new one, has been floundering in so-called political difficulties. It lives to the rhythm of petty conflicts and never-ending conciliations between petty warlords imbued with imported ideologies in which they themselves do not believe, but who cares? All it does is denounce or try to appease the perpetrators of massacres in the name of causes that are often in the interests of this or that interest, without ever succeeding in imposing or settling anything... Finally, in July 2024, the Commissioner dedicated to this mission within African Unity will give us his prophecy. In essence, he said: "As Member States, we must redouble our efforts to support girls' education by acting on knowledge and skills. Let's support girls' education at primary, secondary and even tertiary levels, so that our girls complete their studies successfully and become very responsible citizens, capable of making very sound decisions". Fantastic. All we have to do, Commissioner, is prepare our girls and women to make the right decisions... What decisions are we talking about, Commissioner: stopping the conflicts that are making more than one rich region tired, stopping the squandering of public money on far-fetched projects and misguided policies, creating work for young people by encouraging investment, primarily in the country itself, helping to improve governance for the benefit of all, improving health services and other public necessities? To do this, Commissioner, we need to go further and deeper and question the political systems in particular and the way in which power is seized in certain countries... Thank you, Commissioner, for reminding Africa of something it should have been doing a long time ago. You would just have added 'so much time wasted on infighting and idiotic debates instead of addressing the continent's real problems'. What's even more astonishing is that, in order to supposedly help overcome the endemic situation of women on the continent, we are still making recommendations... As the Conference was only consultative, the only outcome was obviously the publication of recommendations. There were ten of them. Even Moses has not been able to impose his recommendations for thousands of years, despite the divine words: "You shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not bear witness". Commissioner, wouldn't it have been wise to recall these Commandments of Moses as a preamble to the Conference's recommendations? Perhaps... In its 'Ten Commandments', for example, the Conference calls on the parties concerned, those who finance or can do so, to put a little more money into education budgets... The problem that the conference did not address, but did it have the courage to do so, is how to ensure that this money, which is supposed to be forthcoming, will be protected so that it is really spent on education for education's sake... and does not, as in many cases, end up in the pockets and distant accounts of those who are supposed to manage it for the good of Africans...

Three People Who Should Be in Your Professional Life

Fatima Zahra EL hajji (Tima EL), 2 mon.
0 min read.
In your professional life, there are many people you can meet daily in your work environment. You should find three types of people among them. **The Exemplar: **This person represents a model you can follow to achieve your goals. He is a source of inspiration and creativity. Observing and learning from an Exemplar can significantly enhance your professional growth and development. **The Encourager:** This person represents a source of energy that pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to thinkoutside the box, take risks, and explore new opportunities. **The Learner:** This person represents a source of pleasure and happiness. Sharing your knowledge with a Learner helps you to love yourself and what you do more. Their eagerness to learn can reignite your passion for your work and provide a sense of fulfillment.

How Nature's Deadliest Creatures Influence Medicines?

Anas Bedraoui, 2 mon.
2 min read.
When we think about the most dangerous animals in the world, we often imagine deadly snakes, venomous spiders, or stinging scorpions. These creatures are feared for their powerful venoms, but what if I told you that their venoms could save lives? It may sound surprising, but many scientists are now using these dangerous venoms to create new medicines. Here are some of my thoughts on this fascinating topic. Spider venom might give you chills, but it is also giving hope to people who suffer from strokes. The Australian funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) produces a venom that contains a peptide called Hi1a. This peptide has been found to protect brain cells from damage caused by a stroke. Researchers are studying Hi1a to create treatments that could save the lives of stroke victims and help them recover more quickly. Snakes are some of the most feared animals on the planet, but their venom is helping to treat serious illnesses. For example, the Brazilian pit viper (Bothrops jararaca) produces a venom that contains a molecule called bradykinin-potentiating peptide (BPP). This molecule has been used to develop a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. These drugs work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure, turning a deadly venom into a lifesaving medication. Scorpion venom is another powerful substance that is being turned into medicine. Researchers have found that a protein in scorpion venom, chlorotoxin, can bind specifically to cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. This discovery has led to the development of a drug called Tumor Paint, which helps surgeons see cancer cells more clearly during surgery. The venom of the deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) is being harnessed to ensure that cancerous tissue is removed more precisely, reducing the risk of recurrence. The ocean is home to many venomous creatures, like cone snails and jellyfish. The venom of the cone snail (Conus magus) contains a compound called ziconotide, which has been developed into a drug for severe chronic pain. Ziconotide works by blocking calcium channels in nerve cells, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. This non-opioid painkiller offers a powerful alternative to traditional pain medications and has been a significant breakthrough in pain management. Bees and wasps are often seen as pests, but their venoms are being used to help treat autoimmune diseases. Melittin, a peptide found in bee venom, has shown potential in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Melittin can modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. Scientists are working to isolate and modify melittin to enhance its therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects, offering new hope to patients with these challenging conditions. The Gila monster is a venomous lizard whose saliva contains a hormone called exendin-4. This hormone has been turned into a drug called exenatide, which helps people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Exenatide mimics the action of a natural hormone that stimulates insulin release and inhibits glucagon production, effectively controlling blood glucose levels. It's amazing to think that a substance from a lizard's mouth can help millions of people control their diabetes. Centipedes might seem like creepy crawlies, but their venom is showing promise as a pain reliever. The venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans) contains a peptide called SsTx. SsTx can block pain signals by inhibiting sodium channels in nerve cells, offering a new approach to pain management. Researchers are synthesizing SsTx in the lab and conducting trials to evaluate its effectiveness and safety, potentially leading to new, non-addictive painkillers. It is truly fascinating how scientists can transform deadly venoms into life-saving medicines. Studying these natural toxins, researchers are finding new ways to treat some of the most challenging diseases and conditions. This innovation shows the incredible diversity of nature and emphasizes the importance of preserving these species and their habitats. The transformation from venom to cure is a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and the power of nature. Attached, please find our open-source scientific article explaining everything in detail.
sciencedirect.com/science/articl...

THE END OF AN EPOCH

Brad Ovitt, 2 mon.
2 min read.
I've never heard anybody ask the question, "how risk adjusted is civilization?" I suspect that many of us know the answer. Even if we refuse to admit it, civilization is not secure. We are in the most consequential period of modern human history. Not only are times changing faster than they ever have before, the avenues to our demise are most plentiful. I have a few theories about the universe, the first being that all things bring about their opposite over a sufficiently long time. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Thus, all things are paradoxes. The second being that all things are connected through mutual mechanics. All things are conscious (panpsychism), which is a controversial take, and my argument is that our conscious thinking clearly has an effect on the world, so consciousness must be a physical force. The third being that good and evil are fundamental forces. Good seeks to create life and evil destroys the vessel it occupies. Goodness is God and evil is Satan. All things are paradoxes, thus evil creates good and vice versa. Examples of evil include suicide and hedonism (like homosexuality and pedophilia, though there's a big difference between a homosexual who has children and a homosexual who chooses sexual satisfaction over preservation of life). My final theory is that the mechanics that govern consciousness and physics enforce the paradoxical nature of the universe. An epoch is a period of birth and death as all forces become balanced, continuing like a wave. All things are connected through magnetic and electric forces, it's just to complicated to understand in practice. If we are to then inspect civilization, we see a rise in evil. There is an epoch fairly frequently, about 80 years, or one human lifetime, that oscillates between evil and good. The last time it happened was WW1/WW2. We are right on point for another collapse of our values. There are plenty of signs, like the prevalence of homosexuality, which is evil in nature because it destroys the vessel it's in. Western society is on the brink of population collapse, suicide rates have risen sharply, especially among younger people, and faith in the principles of our society has never been weaker. Divorce is commonplace, dating is a nightmare, and quite simply, people see less value in life and each other. People on the street dress like mental patients and children go to school to learn that queer is good and they should distrust their parents. Free speech is under assault and Liberal Democracy is on the verge of collapse. How long can we go without blowing ourselves up in nuclear war? Or allow AI to destroy us? Or spread devastating bioweapons? Or even a large scale conventional war? Evil destroys the vessel it occupies. From these ends, I believe we're on the verge of the end of an epoch.