Beyond the Arches #35: Nobel celebrates advances in technology, medicine, and the humanities. Invest in the cutting-edge startups working to make the world a healthier place. 

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Established by Swedish chemist and inventor Alfred Nobel in 1895, the Nobel Prize honors outstanding contributions to humanity in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. The annual award series provides funding and recognition for leaders in each discipline. 

This year, the Nobel Organization’s awards highlight the prevalence of artificial intelligence in the fields of economics, science, and medicine. The Nobel Prize in Physics 2024, which was awarded jointly to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton, recognizes the pair’s work in using AI and machine learning to help computers more closely emulate human learning. The work of these Nobel recipients, going back as far as the 1970s, created the early foundation for later work on modern neural networks. 

AI also played a role in the work of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recipients. Researchers Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, of Google DeepMind, used AI to predict the structure of millions of proteins. The third recipient, David Baker of the University of Washington, used computer software to invent a new protein. Applying AI to medical and chemical research offers profound possibilities – including reducing research time and accelerating therapeutic discovery.

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun claimed the 2024 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine based on their discovery of microRNA. Their research into millimeter-size roundworms revealed a new principle that governs how gene activity is regulated – which has been an important scientific goal for decades. The discovery can fuel a better understanding of the development and health of multicellular organisms.  

Rounding out the yearly awards:

• The Nobel Peace Prize recognized a group of Japanese atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki for their work in abolishing nuclear weapons.
• South Korean author Han Kang became the first laureate from her country to claim the Nobel Prize for Literature.
• Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson claimed the Nobel Prize in Economics for their research on the study of inequality; specifically, why some nations succeed while others fail. 

MedTech startups that are leading the charge against disease

The solutions of tomorrow begin in the research labs of today. These innovative MedTech sector startups are committed to finding the source of disease for treatment and prevention and are worth serious consideration for investors.

• Genomic Expression: In the quest to eliminate cancer and improve treatment options, scientists are looking beyond DNA to find answers. The Genomic Expression OneRNA platform enables individualized treatment plans for certain cancers. The AI-powered platform will speed up drug discovery and care plans, as well as increase the use of individualized treatment plans. 
• RegenMed: Clinical research is the cornerstone of fighting disease, but access to trials limits the ability of clinicians and patients to participate in this life-changing research. The RegenMed platform makes clinical research more accessible while maintaining research integrity. It aims to reduce clinical burden, make trials more affordable, and give more patients trial-based access to life-saving therapies in development.

On Our Radar This Week

• Tensions between two world powers mount as Canada and India expel diplomats over killing of Sikh activist. The death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot in Vancouver in 2023, prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse Indian authorities of involvement in the separatist leader’s death. Canada expelled six diplomats in response to New Delhi’s refusal to cooperate in the investigation. Indian officials responded in kind, expelling six Canadian diplomats.
• Cash-starved Boeing’s crisis is getting worse. Facing a month-long strike and ever-growing concerns about the safety of its aircraft, the company made regulatory filings earlier this year outlining a $35B capital raise. Under the plan, Boeing will borrow $10B to offset losses and operational challenges. Boing would also raise $25B through stock sales and debt financing, and the company’s CEO announced plans to cut 17,000 jobs.

Macro Bites

• Walgreens will close 1,200 stores as part of a turnaround effort. The staged, three-year plan, helmed by CEO Tim Wentworth, will help the pharmacy chain reduce costs and improve operations.
• Nvidia closes at record as AI chipmaker’s market cap tops $3.4 trillion. The all-time high comes thanks to its leading position in the AI chipmaking race.
• True Value files for bankruptcy after 75 years. The company, a staple of small-town economies, entered into a $153M cash acquisition deal with rival Do It Best.

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Highlights:

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