Added October 22, 2006:

Added October 31, 2006:A discussion of the main models on the spontaneous origin of life that aims to show how cellular complexity could have gradually emerged from simple systems - in contrast to the sudden appearance of complexity that creationists claim to have been necessary at the beginning of life. Central issues like the composition of the early atmosphere of the Earth and the origin of the homochirality of amino acids and sugars are reviewed as well.

By Aileen Ryan, President, RAIN Alliance.

As costs spiral across the retail sector, maintaining profitability is a growing challenge. Organisations are increasingly seeking practical, affordable solutions that enable them to drive operational efficiencies and reduce overhead costs.

Couchbase, Inc., the cloud database platform company, has launched Capella Columnar on AWS, which helps organisations streamline the development of adaptive applications by enabling real-time data analysis alongside operational workloads within a single database platform.

Fifty years ago, the first retail barcode was scanned, marking a pivotal moment in computing history by linking a physical product to its digital identity.

To commemorate this milestone and in conjunction with Cambridge Tech Week, Orca Scan has launched a new exhibition, ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Barcode Scanning’, in collaboration with Datalogic and the Centre for Computing History.

As the peak festive sales season approaches, retailers face greater cybersecurity risk during the fourth quarter than any other time of year. Last year the average cost of a data breach jumped up 10% between 2023 and 2024. For retailers the cost has increased beyond the global annual average and sits at an 18% YoY increase ($2.96m).

British Business-to-Business (B2B) companies take on average 32 days to collect, collate and enrich all the necessary data for a new product launch, significantly impacting UK productivity and go-to-market times, according to research conducted by Akeneo, the Product Experience (PX) Company and leading provider of Product Information Management (PIM) solutions.

Paynetics, provider of embedded finance services, has entered into a strategic partnership with tell.money to implement the Confirmation of Payee (CoP) service. The collaboration ensures that Paynetics will take advantage of tell.money CoP service, allowing partners to embed financial services while staying fully CoP covered with minimal effort.

“In an age when your digital privacy can be invaded by several types of software unconsciously, it turns into a vital skill to learn how to protect your PC and your private conversations,” said Thibeau Maerevoet, ProxyScrape CEO.

GreyOrange Inc. has introduced SoftFence, a virtual shielding technology from its retail software as a service (SaaS) platform, gStore.

Casinos and high-end resorts are constantly challenged to provide a personalized and engaging guest experience while maximizing revenue and operational efficiency.The growing demand for immersive, tailored experiences means that traditional analog video systems are no longer sufficient.

The Co-op Media Network (CMN) is to install 300 new front-of-store digital media screens to turbo-charge its retail media offering, taking the total number of screens to over 9,000 across its store estate.

A global study by Checkout.com, the global digital payments company, highlights the consumer buying behaviour which is powering today’s digital economy. The research, conducted across the UK, US, UAE and China, reveals a number of trends, including the growing spending power of Generation Alpha.

New research by BSI reveals growing public confidence in AI capabilities, with over half (51%) of respondents saying AI could perform some aspects of their job, up from 38% in 2023.

Whilst the survey highlighted some concerns related to deployment, it showed that people are optimistic about AI’s capabilities....

In 2024, the retail landscape has continued to evolve rapidly, with leading retailers adopting the best solutions to increase efficiency and improve customer experience. In recent years, ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels) have been viewed as the next big thing for accurate price communication and inventory management for retailers.

Datalogic, the global provider of automatic data capture and industrial automation solutions, has announced that the Memor 30/35 has been officially certified as a rugged device under the prestigious Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) program, meeting and surpassing key standards set by Android.

Merchants, payment service providers (PSPs) and third-party providers (TPPs) recognise the potential of Commercial Variable Recurring Payments (CVRP, in the UK) and Dynamic Recurring Payments (DRP, in Europe) to deliver better payment experiences, more choice and lower processing costs. There are real concerns, however, that lack of bank support is impeding their delivery.

TrusTrace, a global SaaS company with a platform for product traceability and supply chain compliance in fashion and retail, host a key session at COP29 entitled, ‘Data-Driven Decarbonisation: Navigating Fashion’s Path to Net Zero’ on November 16th from 13.00-13.40 at the Swedish Pavilion, C17, COP29 Blue Zone. 

Moscow is dealing with an explosive increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said, Interfax reports. According to him, the admission of seriously ill coronavirus patients to hospitals has increased by 70 percent. “Today we are on the rise, and a very big one. It is higher than, say, in April-May of the previous  year, when we first encountered this, and has almost reached the December peak, which was reported late last year," Sobyanin said during a visit to the coronavirus hospital at City Clinical Hospital No. 15 named after Filatov.

The Indian coronavirus strain, known as the delta variant or B.1.617, has four dangerous new symptoms, Express reports with reference to Abdul Ghafur, an infectious disease doctor from the Indian city of Chennai. According to the doctor, the symptoms of the delta variant of COVID-19 are similar to those of common cold: an infected individual develops a headache, runny nose and sore throat. Four new symptoms of the disease have been identified to date: diarrhea, hearing impairment, severe stomach disorders and blood clots that may lead to gangrene. Doctors note the new variant of the virus is unpredictable and state that any of the above symptoms could indicate an infection.

In Russia, the first case of delta plus coronavirus infection was recorded. "This is the only one case, most likely from abroad,” Darya Danilenko, deputy director of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza said. This strain was recorded in isolated cases in the United States and Great Britain.

Russia's CoviVac drug is effective against the delta coronavirus strain, Aidar Ishmukhametov, one of the creators of the vaccine, director general of the Chumakov Federal Research Center, said, TASS reports. “The studies carried out have shown comparable results on the immunological efficacy of the vaccine,” Ishmukhametov said. Earlier, immunologist Vladimir Bolibok compared the infectivity of the Wuhan and Indian strains of coronavirus. According to him, contracting the new coronavirus strain has become a lot easier.

There is nothing wrong with having sex after vaccination against COVID-19, Vladislav Zhemchugov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, specialist in especially dangerous infections, said in an interview with RIA Novosti. According to him, sex is an energy-intensive process. However, according to the doctor, everything depends on the person.  “I think that on the contrary, a higher emotional background contributes to an increase in immunity,” the specialist said.

In Russia, as many as 986 people died of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. This is a new record for Russia since the start of the pandemic, the operational headquarters for the fight against the coronavirus infection said on October 14. A day earlier, on October 13, 984 deaths were reported in Russia. The total death toll since the start of the pandemic thus amounts to 220,315 people.  Over the past 24 hours, 31,299 new cases of coronavirus infection were registered in the Russian Federation. This is the largest number of COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The total number of positive cases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia has thus amounted to 7.892,980. A day earlier (October 13) 28,717 cases of the coronavirus infection were recorded in the country.

A research group from the George Institute for Global Health in Australia found out that the estrogen levels can be an indicator of a woman's risk of developing dementia. The researchers suggest that some of the reproductive factors (early or late menstruation, early menopause) are a sign of a higher risk of certain neurological problems connected with cognitive and social skills. According to the PloS Medicine journal, pregnancy and abortion are connected with the lower risk of dementia and other neurological problems.

An American from California simultaneously contracted the coronavirus and monkeypox, reports NBC. Mitcho Thompson, from the town of Sebastopol, told the TV channel that he tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of June, and soon after noticed red spots on his back, legs, arms and neck. "The doctor was absolutely certain that I had monkeypox and that I had both," Thompson said.

According to the dietitian Li Yuanjuan, moderate consumption of eggs per week can contribute to a healthy diet. However, he warns about the possible danger of the product as it can increase cholesterol levels in the blood. The dietitian emphasizes that the key to a healthy diet is the correct amount of egg consumption - from three to six per week, no more than one egg per day. In his interview with the Chinese portal Sina, Li Yuanjuan notes that eggs are the main food for those who adhere to a healthy lifestyle, as they contain high-quality protein that is well absorbed by the body. According to the specialist, the proper consumption of eggs in combination with a varied and balanced diet, as well as regular physical exercise, can help reduce the risk of various diseases and elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. Therefore, adhering to the recommended amount of egg consumption per week is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

Laysan Utyasheva, a famous gymnast, shared the recipe for a miraculous drink that she swears by. She only learned the recipe for this drink at the beginning of 2022, and since then she has been drinking it every morning to wake up quickly. Utyasheva claims that this drink helps her wake up better than five cups of coffee. In an interview on the YouTube show "Daring Cooking," Laysan Utyasheva explained that one morning, when she was going on a desert excursion, she really needed to wake up quickly, but five cups of coffee didn't do the trick. That's when she tried the new drink, which woke her up much better. The recipe for this drink is simple: add a pinch of turmeric, cinnamon, and lemon to warm water. This drink helps reduce swelling and boost immunity. However, Laysan Utyasheva warned that the taste of the drink is not very pleasant, but it is very effective.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic have identified certain eating habits that can shorten one's lifespan, revealing that even foods that are considered healthy can have a negative impact. According to their research, it's best to avoid consuming too many diet drinks as they often contain sugar substitutes that can be harmful. Furthermore, inadequate water intake can also speed up the aging process and lead to poor health. Juices with high sugar content should also be consumed in moderation, with natural alternatives being the preferable option. Frequent consumption of soda can lead to rapid weight gain and excessive cholesterol production.

According to dietician Elena Solomatina, overeating can have fatal consequences. Internal organs often suffer, as the swollen stomach presses on the diaphragm, which can even lead to death during sleep. Existing medical conditions can also worsen, causing belching, gastritis, and inflamed gallbladder. "If a person sleeps with a full stomach, it can lead to snoring and even to stopping breathing during sleep. If there are already cardiovascular diseases, it can lead to heart failure, angina, and even a heart attack or stroke... If there is nausea, vomiting with greenish content, weakness - an ambulance must be called," Solomatina was quoted as saying by URA.RU. To reduce the risk of aggravating old illnesses and let the food lump pass, it is necessary to take a walk in the fresh air. Afterwards, it is recommended to prepare a caffeine-containing beverage that can act as a mild laxative.

Margarita Koroleva, a professor at the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, a doctor of medical sciences and a dietician, shared her recommendations regarding the way of cooking vegetables to get the best of them. Some vegetables should be boiled to extract as many nutrients as possible. For example, boiled carrots are better absorbed by the body than raw ones, which allows us to obtain more vitamin A from this vegetable. When tomatoes and red peppers are thermally processed, lycopene, a wonderful antioxidant that is highly beneficial for tissue and blood health, is activated and better absorbed by the body. The specialist also advised people with digestive problems should consume boiled turnip and radish, as their nutrients are better digested by the human body if those vegetables are boiled.

UCLA investigators have shown that that combining pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, with standard chemotherapy can improve treatment outcomes for patients with small cell bladder cancer and small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Catina Latham, PhD, will succeed Brenda Battle as UChicago Medicine's Senior Vice President for Community Health Transformation and Chief Equity Officer

A new study finds that seniors who tend to mirror other people's feelings are more likely to show signs of being anxious or depressed themselves.

Scientists have identified a molecule that appears to restore normal breathing in mice following a large dose of fentanyl.

In an effort to foster economic growth throughout Southern California's diverse communities, Cedars-Sinai has taken a lead role in creating a first-of-its-kind centralized resource directory designed to help diverse-owned vendors secure business opportunities with Southern California hospitals.

Physicians and investigators from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai will give more than 30 presentations at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions Nov. 16-18 in Chicago.

Childhood trauma can increase a breast cancer survivor's chance of experiencing more severe and longer-lasting treatment-related anxiety, depression and fatigue, as well as reduced cognitive function, years after cancer treatment has ended, according to a preliminary study led by Jamie Myers, Ph.D., FAAN, research associate professor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing.

Only half of people with early-onset cancers reported discussing fertility preservation options prior to their oncology treatments, according to results of a cross-sectional study published Nov. 12 in JAMA Network Open.

Looking for medical experts to comment on the findings of the following embargoed study: Vitamin D Supplements May Lower Blood Pressure in Older People with Obesity

The use of biologic and targeted therapies for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) surpassed more typical therapies in recent years, according to Rutgers Health researchers.

Over 60 percent of Illinois parents had never asked another parent about an unlocked firearm in their home before allowing their child to visit for a playdate, according to a survey from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago published in Pediatrics. Many parents reported they had not asked about firearms because it never occurred to them to do so, which highlights a critical need to raise awareness of this important safety concern.

A research team has identified 2,586 orphan genes (OGs) in Rosa chinensis, offering new insights into the role of these unique genes in flower development, stress response, and environmental adaptation.

A research team has conducted a comprehensive study on the effects of various sterilization methods on the quality of Aronia melanocarpa juice (AMJ).

People with conditions or habits such as high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or smoking, not only have a higher risk of stroke, they may also have more severe strokes than people without these risk factors, according to a study published in the November 13, 2024, online issue of Neurology(r), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Join Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn, for an inspiring talk on Supramolecular and Adaptive Chemistry! This is a unique chance to hear directly from one of the world's most distinguished chemists as he explores how Constitutional Dynamic Chemistry (CDC) leads to adaptive, evolving systems of increasing complexity.

Dr. Neil Johnson, a physics professor at George Washington University, explores unconventional areas within physics, focusing on complex, "taboo" problems not traditionally tackled by physicists, like online hate networks.

Dogs are the bounding balls of energy that greet us at the door, and the beloved companions that curl up with us at night, yet for many military veterans, they're also a vital support, helping manage their everyday wellbeing and promote positive mental health.