In a groundbreaking development, Life Biosciences, a Boston-based startup founded by Harvard professor David Sinclair, has received FDA approval to initiate the first human trials of a rejuvenation therapy aimed at combating age-related eye diseases. This pioneering effort marks a significant milestone in the quest for age reversal, leveraging a cutting-edge approach known as reprogramming. The method has garnered substantial investment from prominent Silicon Valley firms, including Altos Labs and Retro Biosciences, highlighting a growing interest in biological rejuvenation technologies.
Meanwhile, the digital divide is poised to narrow as several companies prepare to test high-altitude internet delivery systems this year. Despite the setback of Google’s Loon project, advancements in stratospheric airships and uncrewed aircraft have continued to evolve. These innovative platforms aim to provide internet access to the estimated one billion people who currently lack reliable connectivity, particularly in remote areas. With new solutions on the horizon, the potential for high-altitude internet delivery could significantly change the landscape of global connectivity.
OpenAI has also entered the spotlight with the launch of Prism, a free tool designed for scientists that integrates ChatGPT into a text editor for scientific writing. This initiative aims to enhance the research documentation process by embedding advanced AI capabilities within the tools that scientists already use, facilitating a more efficient and innovative approach to scientific communication. As these developments unfold, they reflect the ongoing convergence of technology and science in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Source: The Download: A bid to treat blindness, and bridging the internet divide via MIT Technology Review