MI weekly selection #555

Blind quantum computing promises widespread access

A breakthrough method to securely connect a quantum computing server to an independent computer over existing fiber optic networks could allow home or office computers to access quantum computing through the cloud,. The method dubbed blind quantum computing uses unique combinations of quantum memory and photons to ensure data security and authenticity.

Full Story: Interesting Engineering

Human ovarian cell atlas sheds light on fertility

A new atlas of human ovarian cells will enable researchers to better understand the factors that determine which follicles will grow, produce and release a mature egg. Scientists analyzed RNA and identified distinct gene activity patterns in major follicle cell types.

Full Story: Live Science

Bones likely show human sacrifice during Stone Age

Skeletal remains of women found in France that were in odd positions could point to human sacrifice during the Stone Age. The method of ritualistic killing is believed to been widespread across Europe among farming communities, with the bones in the study dating back to between 4000 BCE and 3500 BCE.

Full Story: Science

Extinct fox may have been companion animal

A nearly complete skeleton of a fox that went extinct around 500 years ago was found buried with a person in a 1,500-year-old grave in Patagonia, Argentina, and DNA evidence shows that the fox ate some of the same foods as hunter-gatherers in the area. The findings, along with other archeological evidence in Argentina and Peru, suggest that some people kept foxes as companion animals.

Full Story: BBC

Pregnancy may speed cellular aging

A study found that pregnancy in some women was associated with markers of accelerated cellular aging, and more pregnancies were linked to greater biological aging.

Full Story: HealthDay News