Hit the peak: AI to predict epidemics and toys to protect against aging

Russia has developed a neural network capable of predicting the development of epidemics, as well as an AI algorithm that will help prevent accidents in energy networks. In addition, Russian scientists have found out how toys can slow down the aging process of the liver, and discovered ancient bacteria that used a rare metal, niobium, in their metabolism. Researchers from the United States reported the results of their work, according to which one of the popular sports supplements can reduce the risk of developing cancer. Read more about the most interesting science news of the week in the Izvestia collection.

New AI predicts the beginning of dangerous epidemics

The Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics has created an artificial intelligence model capable of predicting outbreaks of infectious diseases. With high-quality data, the methodology can be adapted to seasonal influenza, tuberculosis, and other diseases with pandemic potential.

Joaquim Timoteo, a student at the Faculty of Cybersecurity and Information Security at MTUCI

Photo: MTUCI Student Project Office Center

— The main feature of the model is the combination of analytical approaches. Their combination makes it possible to identify complex patterns. The goal of the development is to provide health authorities with a decision—making support tool for early detection of outbreak risk, optimizing resource allocation and improving the effectiveness of preventive measures," Joaquim Timoteo, a student at the Faculty of Cybersecurity and Information Security at MTUCI, told Izvestia.

During the tests, the model was trained on data on the incidence of malaria in Angola in 2000-2025. Then the system learned how to predict the development of the epidemiological situation for six to eight weeks ahead.

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Ancient bacteria will help to extract rare metals

Fossilized clusters of ancient microbes that accumulated niobium in cells were discovered by scientists from the V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences together with colleagues from other scientific organizations.

The discovery was made at the Tomtorskoye deposit, one of the world's largest reserves of niobium and rare earth metals. It is located in Yakutia about 400 km south of the coast of the Laptev Sea.

Photo: TASS/Donat Sorokin

—For the first time, microorganisms (streptomyces) have been identified that concentrate niobium, an element that, according to its biochemical properties, has no known biological function and, rather, inhibits the viability of bacteria," the researchers said in the publication.

As the researchers explained, this is the first time that biogenic concentration of niobium has been recorded. The discovery will help create new technologies for biomining — mining with the help of microorganisms.

Domestic agrodrones will clear roadsides from hogweed

Design engineers at the Moscow Aviation Institute have created the country's first smart nozzle for agricultural drones. This device helps to accurately spray fields with pesticides and fertilizers.

— The device is a centrifugal type nozzle. It sprays liquid using a rotating disc. By changing its rotation speed and feed parameters, it is possible to adjust the droplet size in the range from 50 to 500 micrometers, as well as control the width of the spray torch, the shape of the jet created by the sprayer," said Anton Lyapin, Project Manager of the Aeromobility Directorate of MAI.

Photo: MAI press service

According to him, the basis of the nozzle is a Russian—made brushless electric motor, to which a domestic speed controller is connected. The device operates automatically according to a preset program, however, the operator can change the basic spray parameters directly during the flight.

The prototype is currently undergoing resource testing. The next stage is field testing. Among the developed scenarios for the use of the device is the protection of linear objects from Sosnovsky hogweed, a dangerous weed. The nozzle will help to spray the active substance precisely on the target plants without harming the environment.

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Toys slowed down liver aging in rats

Scientists from the Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology named after Academician A.P. Avtsyn found out that even a short stay in a special environment gives a powerful rejuvenating effect to the liver of aging rats.

During the experiment, the experts selected 12-month-old animals (which corresponds to mature age) and conducted daily ten-minute sessions for them for two weeks, placing them in a space with treadmills, tunnels, houses and ladders.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Andrey Erstrem

Observations showed that after this, the rodents had decreased levels of corticosterone (stress hormone) and increased testosterone. Antioxidant protection was also activated, glycogen reserves in the liver were restored, and the accumulation of the "aging pigment" lipofuscin decreased. At the same time, the protective effect on the liver was achieved not through direct action on the organ, but indirectly through an improvement in the functioning of the hormonal system and an increase in the activity of natural antioxidants in the body.

The researchers noted that similar methods of cognitive-sensory stimulation are promising for humans as a non-pharmacological prevention of age-related disorders in the body.

Sports supplement will strengthen anti-cancer immunity

Scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) have discovered that creatine, a popular sports supplement for muscle growth, is able to activate antitumor immunity. The study showed that the substance works as a stimulator of dendritic cells, the main initiators of the immune response. They capture tumor antigens and demonstrate them to T-lymphocytes, which, following the "tip", recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko

— Creatine has previously been shown to be important for the functioning of killer T cells. Now we have found out that it also acts at an earlier stage — on dendritic cells, which trigger the entire immune response. This opens up new possibilities for enhancing treatment methods," said one of the developers, UCLA Professor Lily Yang.

The scientists emphasized that creatine is an inexpensive, widely available and studied supplement with a high safety profile. In the future, it can be used as an adjunct to cancer vaccines. However, the researchers warned against self-administration of creatine in cancer. Sometimes this substance can cause the opposite effect and increase metastasis.