Lumina Probiotic & Google AI

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• Lumina Probiotic

• Google AI’s Absurd Errors

• Bird Flu in Beef Tissue

• Climate Change Is Turning Rivers Orange

• Black Hole Breakthrough

• Starliner Delays

Lumina Probiotic

Most people have had a cavity at least once in their life, and it’s always awkward going to the dentist. However, according to ScientificAmerican, Lumina Probiotic, developed by Lantern Bioworks, aims to prevent cavities using genetically modified bacteria. The technology, initially created by oral biologist Jeffrey Hillman, involves altering Streptococcus mutans to produce alcohol instead of lactic acid, potentially outcompeting harmful strains. Aaron Silverbook founded Lantern Bioworks in 2023 and brought the product to market as a cosmetic, avoiding the rigorous trials required for drugs. Despite this, experts raise safety concerns, citing the lack of human trials, potential unintended consequences, and ethical issues around transmission and informed consent. While some people have tried Lumina, more research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.

Lumina Probiotic product box. @Lumina Probiotic

Google AI’s Absurd Errors

According to BBC, Google's new AI search feature, designed to provide quick, summary responses to user queries, has faced criticism for giving inaccurate and bizarre answers. These include suggesting "non-toxic glue" to make cheese stick to pizza and recommending eating rocks daily. These errors, attributed to sources like Reddit and other sites, have sparked ridicule on social media. Despite these issues, Google claims such errors are rare and not reflective of the overall performance of the feature. The AI Overviews tool, launched for all US users in mid-May after initial trials in the UK, aims to simplify searches by summarizing results, although users are cautioned about its experimental nature. The reliability of AI-generated answers is critical as Google's search engine, dominating over 90% of the global market, remains essential.

"Google stall at an event in Germany 🇩🇪." @Rajeshwar Bachu

Bird Flu in Beef Tissue

We have previously discussed the "bird flu" that has been circulating for a few months. Now, according to The New York Times, Federal officials announced that beef tissue from a sick dairy cow tested positive for the bird flu virus (H5N1), but the meat did not enter the commercial food supply, which remains safe according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.). The discovery raises concerns about potential risks, as the virus has only been found in dairy cattle so far. Experts recommend thorough cooking to ensure safety, as lab tests show that cooking meat to 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit eliminates the virus. Critics warn that assurances may be premature, especially for rare or raw meat. The U.S.D.A. continues to test additional samples, emphasizing the importance of established food safety practices.

Cows at sunset. @Iga Palacz

Climate Change Is Turning Rivers Orange

According to The Washington Post, A recent study suggests that climate change is likely responsible for turning several Alaskan rivers orange. This phenomenon, observed in over 75 streams and rivers, primarily in the Brooks Range of northern Alaska, could have severe implications for aquatic ecosystems and rural communities. The discoloration is due to changes in the rivers' chemistry, a potential consequence of rising temperatures and melting permafrost. Brett Poulin, an assistant professor of environmental toxicology at UC Davis and one of the researchers, is now emphasizing the significant ecological and community impacts of these changes.

Orange stream in Alaska. @The Washington Post

Black Hole Breakthrough

In the last few decades, black holes have been a contentious topic in the field of astronomy. Now, according to ScientificAmerican, scientists have, for the first time, observed matter plunging into a black hole's "plunging region," an area near the event horizon where classical mechanics fail and Einstein's general relativity takes over. This discovery was made by studying the black hole MAXI J1820+070, located 10,000 light-years away, during an outburst in 2018. Using data from NASA's NuSTAR and NICER telescopes, researchers identified extra light from the plunging region, confirming Einstein's predictions. This observation also revealed that the black hole was spinning slowly, challenging previous models and offering new insights into black hole dynamics and their role in the universe.

"Star Eater." @Jacob Granneman

Starliner Delays

According to The Washington Post, NASA has announced a new launch date for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, now targeting June 1 at 12:25 p.m. from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission, which will be the first time humans fly in the Starliner capsule, has faced multiple delays, with the initial launch planned for May 6. The latest postponement, marking the fifth delay, is due to NASA's efforts to address a persistent helium leak in the spacecraft's service module.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. @Reuters

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