Science & Health Summary

Chai Discovery, an OpenAI-backed biotech firm, has successfully raised $130 million in a Series B funding round, achieving a valuation of $1.3 billion. The company focuses on developing foundation models aimed at drug discovery, specifically to predict molecular interactions for potential cures.

In another study, synthetic cathinones, commonly known as bath salts, have been shown to induce significant oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species accumulation in heart cells, leading to cell death.

This research emphasizes the detrimental effects these substances have on cardiac health. Furthermore, a study from the Queensland Brain Institute indicates that scanning ultrasound is safe and well-tolerated in humans, marking a vital step toward new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

These developments highlight ongoing advancements in understanding drug interactions and the safety of novel medical technologies, along with the critical health risks associated with synthetic drugs.