CERN researchers direct attention towards theoretical magnetic monopole

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

American theoretical physicist Joseph Polczynski once said that the existence of magnetic monopoles is “one of the safest bets you can make about physics that has yet to be seen.” In the search for these particles that have magnetic charges and are predicted by several theories that extend the standard model, Moedal (Monopole and Exotic Detectors at the LHC) Although the collaboration has yet to prove Polczynski correct, its latest discovery represents a major advance. The new results narrow the search window for these hypothetical particles.

Generation of monopole pairs by Schwinger mechanism. Image credit: MoEDAL Collaboration / CERN.

At CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), interactions between protons or heavy ions can produce pairs of magnetic monopoles.

In collisions between protons, protons can be formed from a single virtual photon (Dorrell-Yang mechanism) or from the fusion of two virtual photons (photon fusion mechanism).

Through a process called the Schwinger mechanism, pairs of magnetic monopoles can also be generated from the vacuum of huge magnetic fields produced by near-miss collisions of heavy ions.

Since starting data acquisition in 2012, MoEDAL has achieved several firsts, including conducting the first search for magnetic monopoles produced by photon fusion and Schwinger mechanisms at the LHC. Ta.

inside First part of the latest researchMoEDAL physicists explored monopoles and highly charged objects (HECOs) produced via the Dorell-Yang mechanism and the photon fusion mechanism.

This search was based on proton-proton collision data collected during Experiment 2 at the LHC using the complete MoEDAL detector for the first time.

The complete detector consists of two main systems that sense magnetic monopoles, HECO, and other highly ionizing virtual particles.

First, magnetic monopole and HECO trajectories can be permanently registered without background signals from standard model particles. The second system consists of an approximately 1-ton capture volume designed to capture magnetic monopoles.

Although the researchers did not find any magnetic monopoles or HECOs in their latest scan of the trapping volume, the masses and production rates of these particles were determined for different values of particle spin, a unique form of angular momentum. limits have been set.

For magnetic monopoles, a mass limit of 1 to 10 times the Dirac charge (gD), the basic unit of magnetic charge, is set, excluding the existence of monopoles with masses as high as about 3.9 trillion electron volts (TeV). I did. .

For HECO, a mass limit was established for charges from 5e to 350e, where e is the electronic charge, and the presence of HECO with masses in the range up to 3.4 TeV was excluded.

“MoEDAL's search reach for both monopoles and HECOs allows the collaboration to explore vast swaths of the theoretical 'discovery space' for these hypothetical particles,” said a spokesperson for the MoEDAL collaboration. said Dr. James Pinfold.

in their second studyMoEDAL scientists focused on searching for monopoles produced via the Schwinger mechanism in heavy ion collision data collected during LHC Experiment 1.

In a unique effort, we scanned a decommissioned section of the CMS experimental beam pipe for trapped monopoles instead of the trapping volume of the MoEDAL detector.

Again, the team found no monopoles, but set the strongest mass constraints yet for Schwinger monopoles with charges between 2 gD and 45 gD, ruling out the existence of monopoles with masses up to 80 GeV. did.

“A crucial aspect of the Schwinger mechanism is that the production of complex monopoles is not suppressed compared to the production of elementary monopoles, as is the case with Dorell-Yang and photon fusion processes,” Pinfold said. Ta.

“Therefore, if monopoles are composite particles, this and the previous Schwinger monopole search may have been the first ever chance to observe monopoles.”

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Moedal collaboration. 2024. Searching for highly ionized particles in pp collisions in LHC Run-2 using the Full MoEDAL detector. arXiv: 2311.06509

B. Acharya other. 2024. MoEDAL explores magnetic monopoles generated by the Schwinger effect in CMS beam pipes. arXiv: 2402.15682

Source: www.sci.news

How intelligent were the Tyrannosaurus and other giant theropod dinosaurs?

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Large theropods were as intelligent as reptiles, but not as smart as apes, according to a new study led by paleontologists at the University of Bristol.

tyrannosaurus rex Holotype specimen at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, USA. Image credit: Scott Robert Anselmo / CC BY-SA 3.0.

in study Vanderbilt University paleontologist Suzana Herculano-Hausel announced last year that dinosaurs tyrannosaurus It had a huge number of neurons and was much more intelligent than expected.

She argued that these high numbers of neurons could directly inform intelligence, metabolism, and life history. tyrannosaurus In some habits they were more like monkeys.

Theropod dinosaurs of North America from the Late Cretaceous tyrannosaurus “It is an apex predator, one of the largest, heaviest, and most powerful (in terms of bite force) terrestrial carnivores ever known,” said Dr. Heidi George from the University of Bristol.

“Recently, Dr. Herculano Hausel proposed that we should add primate-level intelligence to great apes. tyrannosaurusAlready an impressive predation history, based on high estimates of the number of neurons in the forebrain. ”

“This conclusion arose from the paradigm that neurological variables inferred from endocasts can be used to infer metabolic parameters, behavior, and lifespan of fossil species.”

In the new study, Dr. George and his co-authors took a closer look at the techniques used to predict both brain size and number of neurons in dinosaur brains.

They found that previous assumptions about the size of dinosaur brains and the number of neurons they contained were unreliable.

This new study follows decades of analysis in which paleontologists and biologists studied the size and anatomy of dinosaur brains and used these data to infer behavior and lifestyle.

Information about dinosaur brains comes not only from the shape of the brain cavity itself, but also from its mineral fillings, called endocasts.

The authors found that their brain size, particularly the size of the forebrain, was overestimated, and thus the number of neurons was also overestimated.

Furthermore, we show that estimates of neuron number are not a reliable guide to intelligence.

“To reliably reconstruct the biology of a long-extinct species, researchers need to examine multiple lines of evidence, including skeletal anatomy, bone histology, the behavior of living relatives, and trace fossils.” the researchers said.

“To determine the intelligence of dinosaurs and other extinct animals, it's best to use a wealth of evidence, from gross anatomy to fossilized footprints, rather than relying solely on estimates of neuron counts,” Dr. Heidi said. added.

“We argue that it is not a good idea to predict the intelligence of extinct species when only the number of neurons reconstructed from endocasts is sufficient,” said Dr. Kai Kasper, a paleontologist at Heinrich Heine University. Ta.

“Neuron number is not a good predictor of cognitive ability, and using neuron number to predict intelligence in long-extinct species can lead to very misleading interpretations,” Mikel Crusafont Catalan Paleontologist said Dr. Ornella Bertrand, a paleontologist at the Institute.

“The possibility is that tyrannosaurus The possibility that they were as intelligent as baboons is both fascinating and frightening, and has the potential to transform the way we view our past,” said Dr Darren Naish, a palaeontologist at the University of Southampton. .

“But our study shows how all the data we have contradicts this idea. They were more like smart giant crocodiles, which was just as fascinating. ”

of result Published in anatomical records.

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Kai R. Kasper other.How clever! tyrannosaurus• Examine claims about the extraordinary cognitive abilities of dinosaurs and the application of neuron number estimation in paleontological research. anatomical records, published online on April 26, 2024. doi: 10.1002/ar.25459

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Mayan ball fields reveal presence of psychoactive and ceremonial plants, say researchers

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A research team led by University of Cincinnati archaeologists has found evidence of an assemblage of four species of ceremonial plants beneath the endfield of a late Preclassic ball field at the Helena complex in Mexico’s ancient Mayan city of Yaxnoca. Plants included Ipomoea corymbosa (xtabentun in Mayan), Capsicum sp. (chili pepper or ic in Mayan), Hampea Trilobata (Joel), and Oxandra lanceolata (Chilkahuit). Two of these plants, jor and Cirkawit, are involved in the production of ritually related crafts, while chili pepper and Stabentun are associated with divination rituals. Extaventun (known to the Aztecs as oloruqui) produces a highly effective hallucinogenic compound.

Map of the Helena complex showing excavation locations in relation to the baseball field structures (Structures H-4 to H-7). Image credit: Lenz other., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301497.

The ancient Mayans played several ball games, including pokatok, which had rules similar to soccer and basketball. Players tried to pass the ball through rings and hoops on the wall.

“The ancient Mayans likely made ceremonial offerings during the construction of their ball courts,” said University of Cincinnati professor David Lentz.

“When they built a new building, they asked for God’s goodness to protect the people living there.”

“Some people call this a soul-entering ritual to obtain blessings from the gods and appease them.”

From 2016 to 2022, Professor Lentz and colleagues worked in the ancient Mayan city of Yaxnoca, in the state of Campeche, about 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) north of the Guatemalan border.

They discovered 2,000-year-old Mayan ceremonial deposits beneath the early piazza floor of the civil ceremonial platform on which the ball court was built in Yaxnoca’s Helena complex.

“Just like with baseball stadiums, when a building was expanded or reused, the ancient Mayans made offerings to bless the site,” said Nicholas Dunning, a professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati.

“Archaeologists sometimes find ceramics and jewelry among these offerings, along with culturally significant plants.”

“We’ve known for years from ethnohistorical sources that the Maya also used perishable materials in these offerings, but finding them archaeologically is nearly impossible and That’s what makes this discovery using eDNA so special.”

“In tropical climates, ancient plant remains are rarely found and quickly decompose.”

However, using environmental DNA, scientists were able to identify several types known for their ritual significance.

They found evidence of a morning glory called stabentun, known for its hallucinogenic properties, lancewood, chili pepper, and jowl, whose leaves were used to wrap ritual offerings.

“It’s significant that we found evidence that these plants exist together in the same small sediment sample,” said Dr. Eric Tepe, a botanist at the University of Cincinnati.

“The fact that these four plants, known to be culturally important to the Maya, were found in concentrated samples indicates that they were intentionally and purposefully collected under this platform. I think that says a lot.”

“Interpreting a botanical collection through the opaque lens of 2,000 years of prehistory is a challenge, but this discovery helps further deepen the story of this sophisticated culture,” Professor Lenz said.

The ancient Mayans devised water filtration systems and adopted forest practices with conservation in mind.

However, they were powerless against years of drought and are thought to have cleared vast areas of forest for agriculture.

“We see the yin and yang of human existence in the ancient Maya. To me, that’s why they’re so fascinating,” Professor Lentz said.

of findings It was published in the magazine PLoS ONE.

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DL Lenz other. 2024. Psychotropic drugs and other ceremonial plants unearthed from a 2,000-year-old Mayan ritual deposit at Yaxnoca, Mexico. PLoS ONE 19 (4): e0301497; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301497

Source: www.sci.news

AI Predicting Mortality Risk Saves Lives in Hospital Trial

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Electrocardiogram tests used to train AI to predict risk of fatal heart disease

Gerain0812/Shutterstock

Artificial intelligence systems have proven they can save lives by alerting doctors to test patients whose heart test results show they are at high risk of death. In a randomized clinical trial of approximately 16,000 patients across two hospitals, AI reduced overall deaths in high-risk patients by 31%.

“This is actually quite unusual,” he says Eric Topol Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute Translational Institute in California were not involved in the study. “Any drug, [produce] Mortality is down 31%, and it's even rarer for non-drugs, but that's just monitoring people with AI. ”

Chin Lin Researchers at Taiwan's National Defense Medical Center first trained the AI on more than 450,000 electrocardiogram (ECG) tests that measure the electrical activity of the heart, as well as survival data from ECG subjects. The AI learned to generate a percentile score representing each patient's risk of death, and considered patients at at least the 95th percentile to be at high risk.

The researchers then tested the AI alert system with 39 doctors from two different hospitals. When a nurse uploads a new patient's EKG test to a computer server, an AI system analyzes the results and immediately alerts doctors if the patient is deemed to be at high risk.

In addition to reducing the risk of death from all causes, the AI system reduced deaths in high-risk patients from heart disease by more than 90%.

Lin and his colleagues speculate that AI predictions could help focus attention on groups most at risk. Doctors usually respond to alerts with more diagnostic tests or additional treatments.

The AI alert system is already in use at 14 military hospitals in Taiwan.

“This can be implemented in every hospital in the world, and it shouldn't be expensive,” says Topol. “If it's so effective, it should become the standard of care.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Golden Rice, Genetically Modified, Poised for Success in the Philippines

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Golden rice is genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A

Ili

Farmers in the Philippines may be able to continue growing golden rice, which has been genetically modified to fight malnutrition, despite a court ruling revoking permits to grow it.

Adrian Duboc, a member of the Golden Rice Humanitarian Committee that guided the production of Golden Rice, said the Philippine government would oppose the decision. “A challenge will be filed in the Court of Appeals and I think it will probably be successful,” he says.

Golden Rice was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. As a result, it is estimated as follows. Up to 500,000 children go blind every yearHalf of them die within a year.

This is completely preventable if the child eats sufficient amounts of vitamin A or foods containing vitamin A precursors such as beta-carotene. This orange pigment, found in vegetables such as carrots, is converted into vitamins in the body.

In the 1980s, a group of scientists set out to genetically modify rice to contain beta-carotene, and it became known as golden rice because of its color.

The project became a major target for campaigners against genetically modified crops, and adoption of Golden Rice was significantly delayed. “The suspicions raised by Greenpeace were very effective,” Dubock said.

In 2021, the Philippines became the first country to approve the cultivation of golden rice (locally known as Marsog or healthy rice). It was previously approved as safe to eat. It is also approved for human consumption in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Rice cultivation and consumption is promoted by the Philippine Rice Institute, a government corporation.

This means that over the past three years, those who could benefit from that rice have finally been able to eat it. For example, the city of San Mateo introduced golden rice this year to its school lunch program for severely underweight infants.a recent research One in six children under the age of five in the Philippines has been found to be vitamin A deficient.

However, on April 17, the Philippine Court of Appeals revoked Golden Rice's permit following a lawsuit filed by Greenpeace Southeast Asia and other groups.

“This decision is a monumental victory for Filipino farmers and Filipinos who have been fighting against genetically modified (GM) crops for decades,” said Greenpeace Southeast Asia activist Wilhelmina Peregrina. stated in a statement.

Dubock said it is his understanding that the court's decision was based on a specific technical error that occurred during the approval process. “We have to assume that the Philippine government will win the appeal,” he says.

in a statementthe Philippine Rice Research Institute said it is reviewing the impact of the court's decision to prepare a response.

Scientists have also applied for permission to grow golden rice in Bangladesh, but the country has been delaying a decision since 2017. “The need is greater than the Philippines,” Duboc said.

There is also significant vitamin A deficiency in many African countries, he says.

In his own research, Dubock compared the health outcomes of children eating golden rice to other types of rice, and hopes the results will encourage more countries to adopt golden rice.

topic:

Genetic recombination/
nutrition

Source: www.newscientist.com

‘Hubble Space Telescope Discovers Intricate Galaxy in Virgo Galaxy Cluster’

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Hubble team has released a beautiful new image of the dwarf galaxy IC 776 in the constellation Virgo.

This Hubble image shows IC 776, a dwarf galaxy about 100 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / M. Sun.

IC776 It is located in the constellation Virgo, about 100 million light years away from Earth.

This galaxy, also known as ALFALFA 3-210, LEDA 39613, and UGC 7352, discovered It was announced by French astronomer Stéphane Javert on May 4, 1893.

IC 776 is Virgo Clusterthe nearest and best-studied large galaxy cluster.

It is a dwarf galaxy and is also classified as a dwarf galaxy. SAB type One study calls this the “complex case” in morphology.

“This extremely detailed observation from Hubble illustrates its complexity,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.

“IC 776 has a ragged and disorganized disk, but it still appears to spiral around a central core, creating an arc of star-forming regions.”

The color image of IC 776 was created from separate exposures taken in the visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum. Hubble's advanced survey camera (ACS).

Two filters were used to sample different wavelengths. Color is obtained by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.

“This image comes from an observational program dedicated to the study of dwarf galaxies in the Virgo cluster and searching for X-ray sources in such galaxies,” the researchers said.

“X-rays are often emitted from accretion disks, where matter pulled into a compact object by gravity collides, forming a hot, glowing disk.”

“This compact object could be a white dwarf or neutron star that steals material from its companion star, or it could be a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy that consumes its surroundings.”

“Dwarf galaxies like IC 776 passing through the Virgo cluster can experience pressure from intergalactic gas, stimulate star formation, and feed the black hole at the galaxy's center,” the study says. they added.

“It could produce a high-energy accretion disk that is hot enough to emit X-rays.”

“Hubble cannot see X-rays, but in conjunction with X-ray telescopes such as NASA's Chandra, it can use visible light to reveal the source of this radiation in high resolution.”

“Dwarf galaxies are thought to be of great importance for understanding cosmology and galaxy evolution.”

“As with many fields of astronomy, the ability to examine these galaxies across the electromagnetic spectrum is critical to research.”

Source: www.sci.news

Melatonin’s benefits extend beyond improving sleep

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Have you ever taken melatonin to help you sleep? Melatonin is a natural hormone involved in sleep. Our brains react to darkness by synthesizing melatonin, which helps regulate our internal and biological clocks. circadian rhythm. However, melatonin has many diverse functions that help maintain our health. It’s more than just a good night’s sleep.

For example, researchers have shown in the past that melatonin is an antioxidant and helps calm inflammation. When our bodies are damaged, the immune system initiates a natural repair response through inflammation, but excessive inflammation can actually harm cells. Scientists have discovered that melatonin has anti-inflammatory properties and can help stop harmful inflammation.

These properties have led scientists to propose that melatonin may also help heal injuries associated with severe inflammation, such as spinal cord injuries. These complex injuries are rooted in the central nervous system and can affect our ability to move, speak, and process information. Healing is very difficult because spinal cord cells cannot regenerate like other cells such as skin cells.

A team of Chinese scientists recently began testing whether melatonin can reduce spinal cord injuries in mice. They hypothesized that melatonin may do so through a biochemical pathway that activates it. anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

The researchers paralyzed the limbs of 100 mice to simulate spinal cord injury, then injected them with different doses of melatonin. They injected a control group of 25 mice with a placebo and compared their responses to mice receiving melatonin injections.

The scientists took sections of tissue from the spinal cords of mice before and after giving them melatonin. They stained the tissue to see if the cells were dead, dying, or normal. They found that mice injected with melatonin had fewer dead cells than the control group.

To see how the mice responded to these treatments at the cellular level, the scientists also investigated the energy factories in the mice’s cells, mitochondria. They stained the mice’s mitochondria and examined them under a microscope. Scientists have discovered that the mitochondria in mice are fatally affected by paralysis. They observed bubble-like structures within the mitochondria. vacuole, only in mice that did not receive melatonin. This means that the mouse’s cells died from lack of energy, just as plants die when they are deprived of water.

The research team confirmed that fewer vacuoles formed within mitochondria in mice injected with melatonin. They suggested that this means that melatonin’s antioxidant properties protect the membranes of our cellular power-generating factories, just as our skin protects us from the elements.

Scientists also tested whether melatonin could prevent inflammation and other changes in the chemical structure of cells by interacting with proteins.a protein called NLRP3 inflammasome Code of inflammation within our body. Scientists predicted that too much NLRP3 could promote injury, cause uncontrolled inflammation, and cause cell death.

The scientists used a gel-based method to separate proteins in tissue samples based on size. western blot, to detect what kind of proteins are made by mice injected with melatonin. They confirmed that melatonin interacted with the NLRP3 inflammasome in these mice through proteins of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and reversed the inflammatory effects of NLRP3. They confirmed that melatonin reduced inflammation in these mice and prevented the progression of the simulated spinal cord injury.

The researchers concluded that melatonin may reduce spinal cord injury and provide insight into the recovery process. They suggested that future researchers should test whether melatonin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects could treat other diseases associated with cell death, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Scientists are baffled by the discovery of a mysterious cosmic sphere in the universe

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Discovered by chance in 2019, Odd radio circles (ORCs) are circular regions of faint radio radiation with bright edges that are not visible to optical, infrared, ultraviolet, and X-ray wavelengths.

Some ORCs contain galaxies at their centers, while others do not, but what sets them apart is their size, which is significantly larger than normal galaxies. Some ORCs display a double ring structure, while others have a single ring. There are also some with internal arc-like structures that might be linked to galaxies surrounded by bubbles of radio emission.

While objects with high spherical symmetry are common in the universe, ORCs appear to be distinct from them all, prompting astronomers to classify them as a new type of object.

ORCs could potentially be a type of spherical shock wave generated by fast radio bursts, gamma-ray bursts, or neutron star mergers. If this is the case, they must be extremely ancient to have grown to such a large size.

Alternatively, they may be associated with material jets emanating from the central regions of radio galaxies, but explaining their size and the absence of central objects in all galaxies is challenging.

One intriguing theory suggests that ORCs are created by the fusion of two supermassive black holes in a central galaxy. The available data also support the idea that the shell is caused by a “shock termination” of high-energy particle winds from the central “starburst” galaxy.

Another hypothesis proposes that the ORC is the throat of a “wormhole,” a theoretical passage through spacetime. However, astronomers have yet to agree on the true nature of ORC.

This article addresses the question (by Bradford’s Brendan Owens): “What are strange radio circles?”

If you have any questions, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor send us a message Facebook, Xor Instagram Page (remember to include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Uncovering the Science Behind Excessive Flatulence – The Mystery of Why I Fart so Much

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

On a daily basis, everyone naturally releases about 2.5 liters of gas through burps and farts. This gas originates from the air we breathe, the liquids we consume, and the bacteria in our digestive system. Our bodies expel this excessive gas through the mouth and anus. Sometimes, the gas may be released without notice, in small amounts, and without any detectable odor.

Unlike cows, methane is not the primary component of human farts. Therefore, when someone ignites a fart, it usually burns hydrogen gas.

Farting is a normal bodily function, but if you notice an increase in farting frequency, it may be due to an underlying medical condition.

Why do we fart?

Farting occurs because there is gas in our intestines that needs to be released.

A mixture of swallowed air and gas produced by digestive bacteria in the intestines eventually needs to be expelled through burps and farts.

The main gases in flatulence are hydrogen and carbon dioxide, while the unpleasant odor often comes from sulfur compounds present in small amounts.

Nerve endings in the anus help distinguish between gas buildup and solid stool, allowing gas to pass through without any issues.

Does everyone fart?

Every individual, without exception, passes gas through the large intestine due to swallowed air and intestinal bacteria. This gas mainly consists of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, and trace amounts of smelly compounds.

Although everyone farts, some individuals may be more discreet about their flatulence.

Read more about flatulence:

Why do I fart so much?

It is normal for some people to fart more frequently than others. According to NHS, the average person farts between 5 and 15 times a day. However, certain medical conditions can lead to excessive farting.

Farting can be a symptom of conditions like celiac disease and lactose intolerance, as well as issues like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroenteritis.

If you are concerned about your farting frequency, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Where do you go when you hold back a fart?

What happens if you hold back a fart? ©Getty Images

If you try to suppress a fart, it might come out more quietly or get retained until your next trip to the bathroom. Eventually, the gas will find its way out!

What foods make you fart?

Beans, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, onions, prunes, and apples are among the foods that can cause flatulence. Consuming these foods, rich in soluble fiber, can lead to the production of gas during the fermentation process in the colon.

Do animals fart?

All humans fart, but not all animals do. Different animals have varying digestive systems that influence flatulence production.

Do rabbits fart?

Yes, rabbits fart due to their plant-based diet and digestive process involving fermentation in the cecum. Excessive gas buildup can be harmful to rabbits if not expelled properly.

Do spiders fart?

The possibility of spiders farting exists, but it has not been extensively studied. Their unique digestive system suggests gas production during liquid digestion.

Do birds fart?

Birds can fart, but evidence of this phenomenon is scarce. Some theories propose that birds may not fart frequently due to their rapid digestion process.

Did dinosaurs fart?

Dinosaurs, like other animals, did fart. Their historical flatulence played a role in the planet’s climate during the Mesozoic Era.

Read more about how the body works:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Washington state set to reintroduce grizzly bears in an effort to preserve population

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The federal government announced this week that grizzly bears will be reintroduced to Washington state’s North Cascade Mountains. The decision follows many years of intense and divisive debate.

But due to the complex process of capturing bears from British Columbia and northwestern Montana, transporting them by truck and helicopter, it will take many years before bears can venture into the remote and rugged terrain. It may also be costly.

“There’s a lot of work to do before we can schedule it,” said Jason Ransom, a wildlife biologist with North Cascades National Park. “Getting the planning right is critical to the success of a project like this.”

The National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Thursday that over the next 5 to 10 years, a “founder population” of bears will be released into a secluded part of the forest.

This reintroduction will restore a keystone species to the North Cascades, one of the most protected landscapes in the United States. Grizzlies once roamed throughout the region, but were extensively hunted for their fur. The National Park Service reports that there has not been a confirmed bear sighting since 1996.

Both agencies plan to release between three and seven bears each year with the goal of reaching a population of 200 bears within 60 to 100 years.

The North Cascades are one of six areas where federal agencies are working to rehabilitate grizzly bears. Supporters believe that this effort will improve the overall ecosystem health.

Ransom mentioned that grizzly bears play a vital role in turning soil, spreading seeds, and adapting to various habitats for reproduction. Their versatility makes them resilient to environmental changes, including those caused by climate change.

But opponents express concerns about the safety risks grizzly bears may pose to humans, as well as the potential conflicts with farmers and ranchers in the surrounding areas. The reintroduction project is addressing these concerns by selecting a release site in high-quality habitat far from populated areas.

The federal government has designated the project’s grizzly bears as a “nonessential experimental population” under the Endangered Species Act, providing legal flexibility to manage potential conflicts and protect both humans and bears.

The process of capturing and releasing bears involves using culvert traps, anesthesia, veterinary examinations, and radio collars for tracking purposes. The gradual reintroduction process aims to allow humans and bears to adapt to each other in an environment that has been bear-free for decades.

Starting with 25 bears allows the population to grow slowly, giving both humans and bears a chance to coexist in the area that has been without bears for a long time.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Effects of Nuclear Fallout on Life: A Closer Look

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When it comes to apocalypse scenarios, nuclear destruction stands out as both fascinating to viewers and alarmingly realistic. From the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima, humanity has witnessed the devastating consequences of our current nuclear power usage.

But what impact does radiation actually have on the environment where it is released? Recent reports of thriving life at Chernobyl present a different perspective on the post-apocalyptic wasteland depicted in many fallout series.

“We live in an increasingly radioactive world,” says biologist Professor Timothy Mousseau, who has studied ecosystems in nuclear disaster sites for 25 years, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

“So, what we learn from places like Chernobyl, Fukushima, and atomic bomb test sites will ultimately have implications for humanity,” Mousseau adds.

The effects of radiation are usually dire

One thing that movies get right is that you definitely don’t want to be involved in a nuclear disaster if you can avoid it.

Mousseau explains that when radioactive events like Chernobyl happen, ionizing radiation is released into the environment, potentially damaging or altering DNA in exposed organisms. These genetic changes can lead to mutations, with some causing no harm, others resulting in severe issues like cancer or juvenile cataracts.

“Between these extremes, there are many mutations with small or partial effects, such as asymmetric individuals or odd growths,” Mousseau elaborates.

The effects of radiation are not limited to animals. Plants also feel the brunt of nuclear disaster impacts, with radioactive materials often being absorbed by the soil. The International Atomic Energy Agency notes that leaves around Chernobyl changed shape post-explosion, and the once green pine forest turned red, eventually being cleared due to the risk of radioactive clouds in case of a fire.

Though the original trees of the Red Forest have been cut down, the area remains highly radioactive. – Image credit: Getty

In conclusion, living in highly radioactive areas is not ideal, as Mousseau points out.

Superpowers are (probably) unlikely

While radiation-induced mutations can have negative impacts, some may also be advantageous. Mousseau mentions that scientists have found certain crops benefiting from mutations, resulting in increased yields and pest resistance. Even coffee trees resistant to fungal diseases have been developed using nuclear mutation breeding methods.

Naturally occurring beneficial mutations can also arise, as seen in Chernobyl’s tree frogs, which developed darker skin to protect against radiation-induced oxidative stress.

Despite the energy released in the Chernobyl disaster, tree frogs adapted with darker skin. – Image credits: German Orizaola and Pablo Burraco

However, Mousseau emphasizes that beneficial mutations are rare, and the chances of gaining any form of superpowers from radiation exposure are slim.

About our experts:

Timothy Mousseau, a professor at the University of South Carolina, has extensive research experience in genetic adaptations to environmental stresses, including radiation effects on organisms in nuclear disaster zones. His work has shed light on the implications for these environments on various species and their evolutionary responses. Mousseau has authored numerous scientific papers related to Chernobyl and Fukushima research.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Giant troodontid dinosaur footprints found in China

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists discovered the footprints of a 5-meter-long (16.4-foot) trodontid in the Longxiang area of China’s Fujian province.

Illustrated reconstruction Fujianipus inryangi truck maker. Image credit: Yingliang.

The Ryusho orbital trace contains 12 bipedal orbitals, which are classified into two forms, distinguished by both size and shape.

The small footprints, approximately 11 cm (4.3 inches) long, belong to the long-known genus Ichno. Velociraptoricnus.

Large footprints up to 36 cm (14.2 inches) long Fujianipus inryangi.

Based on body size, this tracker was over 1.8 m (5.9 ft) tall at the waist, comparable in size to the largest known deinonychosaurids. Austraptor and Utahraptor.

“When you think of raptor dinosaurs, you probably think of the muscular, human-sized, aggressive hunters from the movie Jurassic Park,’ said Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist at the University of Queensland. .

“But these traces were left by a much leaner and smarter group in the family. TroodontidaeIt appeared in the late Jurassic period about 95 million years ago. ”

“This raptor was about 5 meters long and had legs of 1.8 meters, far exceeding the size of the raptors depicted in Jurassic Park. Imagine coming.”

“The footprints were compared to other known bipedal dinosaur footprints found throughout Asia, the Americas, and Europe.”

details of Fujianipus inryangi Railway tracks preserved at the site of the Longxiang track in China. Image credit: Xing other., doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109598.

“We found this type of truck to be unique in shape and very unique,” he said.

“The concept of large troodontids has only recently emerged in paleontology.”

“The bones found in Alaska suggest a trend towards giantism near the ancient Arctic Circle, an area where long winter darkness may have led to less competition for species.”

“But our findings suggest that these raptor giants roamed much farther south and were more widely dispersed.”

“Interestingly, some of our research teams are also working on the world’s smallest dinosaur footprint, a Korean raptor footprint that is just one centimeter long.”

“This shows the amazing size range of raptor dinosaurs and highlights their adaptability and ecological diversity.”

a paper A description of the discovery was published in a magazine iscience.

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Rida Singh other. Deinonychosaurid footprints in southeastern China record a possible giant troodontid. iscience, published online on April 24, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109598

Source: www.sci.news

Preparation in the United States for a possible avian influenza outbreak

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Dairy cows on a farm in the US

Shutterstock / Roman Melnyk

The avian influenza virus continues to spread among dairy cows in the United States, and the country’s health authorities are actively preparing for possible spread to humans.

“risk [of bird flu] “While the current rate remains low, we continue to be strongly prepared as new data becomes available,” Vivian Dugan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at a meeting of health officials on April 25. Stated.

The first priority is tracking the spread of the virus. So far, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the H5N1 avian influenza virus subtype in dairy cows. 33 farms across 8 statessix cats on farms in three of those states.

Genetic sequencing has shown that out of 260 samples taken from sick dairy cows, only one has a mutation that suggests H5N1 is adapted to infect mammals, he said. Rosemary Chiffo d At the Department of Agriculture during a meeting. However, this marker has been previously observed in other diseased mammals and did not affect the ability of the virus to transmit between mammals. Furthermore, her other 10 samples from the same herd from which this sample was collected did not have the same mutation.

“It hasn’t changed much and remains an avian virus…in other words, it hasn’t become an avian virus. [cow] It’s a virus,” Sifford said.

According to data presented at the meeting, the CDC tested 23 people who had close contact with the animals for the virus. Only one person tested positive, a dairy worker in Texas whose only symptom was bloodshot eyes. To increase testing capacity, the CDC recently increased funding to genetic sequencing centers in six states, Dugan said.

Another important measure being taken is to ensure the security of the milk supply in the United States. Milk from infected cows contains large amounts of the virus. Although milk from sick animals should not enter the milk supply, initial testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that: 1 in 5 milk samples Contains genetic signatures of avian influenza.

“Importantly, this does not mean the sample contains intact infectious virus.” donald prater At the FDA. The test method used detects any genetic material, including dead virus.

Most milk sold in the United States is pasteurized, a process that uses high heat to kill pathogens. Although no studies have evaluated the effectiveness of pasteurization against H5N1, research on similar influenza viruses suggests it may be effective, Prater said. This is why people should avoid consuming or touching raw dairy products.

Two vaccine candidates against H5N1 are also under development. Initial testing by the CDC showed both to be effective in laboratory tests on current strains of cattle, Dugan said.

As part of pre-established procedures, the US Office of Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) said it is stockpiling supplies for the avian influenza vaccine. david boucher At the ASPR conference. This involves producing a part of the vaccine called an antigen that triggers an immune response to the virus. He said ASPR and its commercial partners have already filled hundreds of thousands of bottles of H5N1 vaccine and can quickly supply it for clinical trials or emergency use if needed.

“Based on the CDC’s current situational risks, vaccination is not a necessary tool at this time. But we want to be prepared in case the situation changes,” Boucher said. Enough material is also stockpiled to produce 10 million more doses. And ASPR has contracts with vaccine manufacturers to further increase production as needed.

“If we need to pull any of these levers, we are ready to do so,” Boucher said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA’s Ongoing Efforts to Save Voyager 1: A Closer Look

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Voyager 1 faced a critical issue when it was first discovered in November. NASA acknowledged that while the spacecraft was still in communication with Earth, the signals being received were indecipherable. This led to a concentrated effort over a month to identify and rectify the problem, saving the Voyager 1 mission.

Despite the challenges faced by the team, including the difficulty of troubleshooting a spacecraft over 15 billion miles away in interstellar space, there remained hope and determination to overcome the obstacles.

The main culprit was found to be a hardware failure in one of Voyager 1’s three computers, resulting in corrupted code that hindered the transmission of crucial updates and data. Unfortunately, the chip containing the problematic software was deemed irreparable.

However, a solution was devised by splitting and storing the code in different memory locations of the computer. This allowed for the affected sections to be reprogrammed, ensuring the continued functionality of the system.

Following meticulous verification and testing processes, Voyager 1 gradually resumed its normal operations, as confirmed by NASA’s recent update.

The Voyager missions, launched in 1977, have been instrumental in exploring the outer regions of our solar system. Voyager 1, now in interstellar space, continues to transmit valuable data and may well do so until the 2030s, serving as an enduring reminder of human exploration.

Both Voyager probes carry time capsules containing images and sounds representing Earth and its inhabitants, intended to be discovered by extraterrestrial beings in the distant future.

“Our silent ambassadors,” as Voyager 1 and 2 are affectionately known, will continue their journey for millennia, potentially reaching other stars and civilizations,” remarked Spilker.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A unique mutation linked to short stature may hold clues to understanding the aging process

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Two of the researchers and several study participants with Laron syndrome

Jaime Guevara-Aguirre and Bartel Longo

People with rare genetic mutations that cause short stature and may even live longer are helping to understand the causes of aging.

People with unusual genetic mutations have some characteristics that protect them from heart disease, one of the most common causes of death, and this explains why their life expectancy exceeds that of the general population. You may have.

A signaling molecule called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has long been suspected to be involved in longevity. Several animals, including worms and mice, have been shown to live longer when their levels of this compound are artificially lowered, such as through genetic modification. Centenarians also have slightly lower IGF-1 levels,on average.

In most species, IGF-1 promotes growth when the animal is young and influences how cells use energy later in life. One idea is that there is a trade-off between animals investing energy in further growth and maintaining health.

“As you get older and your body starts to break down, you want to spend your energy on preventing your body from breaking down instead of spending it on growth,” he says. Nir Barzilai from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York was not involved in the new study.

The question of whether this trade-off also occurs in humans is through a rare genetic disease called Laron syndrome, first identified in a group of Ecuadorians whose ancestors left Spain during the Inquisition centuries ago. can be researched.

This mutation causes people to have defective growth hormone receptors, leading to short stature. People with Laron syndrome also have low levels of IGF-1 because the release of IGF-1 is usually triggered by growth hormone.

Because so few people carry the mutation, it is unclear whether it truly extends lifespan. Suggestive evidence comes from a 2011 study of 90 Ecuadorians with Lalon syndromean estimated 400 to 500 people are affected worldwide.

The researchers found that more people with the disease were surviving longer than expected compared to the general Ecuadorian population. 'We know they are more common in older people' walter longo at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

In the latest study, Longo and his colleagues compared 24 people with Laron syndrome from Ecuador or the United States to 27 relatives who did not have the mutation. People with Laron syndrome appeared to be healthier on several heart-related measures, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and sensitivity to insulin, a hormone involved in controlling blood sugar levels.

People with this mutation also had higher levels of a compound called low-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoproteins are also known as “bad cholesterol” because they are thought to make arteries more susceptible to plaque, which can lead to heart attacks. However, only 7 percent of Laron syndrome patients had such plaques, compared with 36 percent of their relatives.

The small number of people in the study means this difference may have arisen by chance, but it does suggest that their arteries appear less unhealthy than those of people without the mutation. suggests, Longo said.

It has also previously been shown that people with Laron syndrome are less likely to develop cancer and may have a lower incidence of cancer. Decline in cognitive function that usually occurs with older age.

This new finding supports the idea that somehow weakening the IGF-1 signaling pathway in later life can slow the aging process. Alexey Maklakov at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. “It's a matter of timing,” he says. “At critical stages of growth and development, you definitely don't want to do that. But later in life, it can interfere with the function of these pathways.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

5 Unexpected Concepts About the Mind and Consciousness

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The problem of consciousness is one of the greatest mysteries in science

Yuichiro Kayano/Getty Images

It's been two years since we opened our New York office, and we're excited to share it with you. New Scientist is launching a new live event series in the US. It starts in New York on June 22nd. A one-day masterclass on the science of the brain and human consciousness. To celebrate this, we've unlocked access to his five in-depth features that explore the mysteries of the human heart.

Perhaps there is no greater mystery in human experience than consciousness. In the simplest terms, it's about being aware of our existence. It is our experience of ourselves and the world.

It's less clear how and why this happens, and whether other living things, or indeed machines or forms of artificial intelligence, can experience consciousness in the same way that we do.

For much of human history, the idea that consciousness could somehow be explained or fully understood seemed fanciful and beyond the scope of scientific study. However, in recent decades, we have come closer than ever to identifying the physical structures, mechanisms, and neural networks responsible.

As neuroscientist Christoph Koch had to admit last year, we're not there yet. “When you're young, you have to believe that things are simple,” said Koch, who has been working with philosopher David Chalmers for 25 years to find out exactly which brain cells give rise to life by 2023. He admitted that he lost the bet. into our conscious experience of the world.

Still, Koch doesn't have to think too hard. We're always getting a little closer, from what happens inside our brains when we sleep and dream to how increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence is challenging the meaning of the world. It brings out fresh insights into everything. Be aware – and how can a machine even recognize this if it happens?

One day master class on consciousness

Join us on June 22nd in New York City for an instant expert event on the latest science of consciousness and the human brain.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Berlin witnesses fastest spinning asteroid breakup in recorded history

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A long exposure photo showing the trajectory of asteroid 2024 BX1 just before impact. Changes in brightness are caused by the asteroid’s rotation

L. Buzzi, Schiaparelli Observatory, Italy (MPC 204)

The asteroid that entered Earth’s atmosphere this year was spinning at a rate of 2.6 seconds per rotation, faster than any known asteroid.

The object, known as 2024 BX1, was likely less than one meter wide and entered Earth’s atmosphere on January 21. It disintegrated over Berlin, Germany. Some debris survived the fireball and was retrieved. This is a rare instance of a monitored asteroid fall, where the incoming rock was detected before impact, in this case, just three hours prior to impact.

Maxime Devogele and his team at the European Space Agency’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center in Italy captured images of the asteroid before impact. Despite traveling at around 50,000 kilometers per hour, the elongated shape of the asteroid made changes in brightness due to rotation quite noticeable in these images.

These changes in brightness corresponded to a rotation time of 2.588 seconds, equivalent to approximately 30,000 rotations per day. “This is the fastest rotation we have observed to date,” Devogele remarked.

Asteroids rotate for various reasons, including early-life collisions. In general, a space rock larger than one kilometer cannot rotate more than once every 2.2 hours, as it would disintegrate. However, smaller asteroids like 2024 BX1 are more resilient and can withstand much faster rotations. “They have internal strength, allowing them to rotate at higher speeds,” Devogele explained.

Measuring the rotation of such objects could be beneficial for planetary defense, providing insights into the durability of small asteroids and their likelihood of surviving passage through Earth’s atmosphere. “If you have hard snow, it will react differently than if you have snow with no internal strength,” Devogele stated.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The FDA Approves Pfizer’s First Gene Therapy for a Rare Inherited Bleeding Disorder

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer’s treatment of rare genetic diseases and bleeding disorders, making it the company’s first-ever gene therapy. The approval came on Friday. This groundbreaking gene therapy, named Bekvez, is for adults with moderate to severe hemophilia B, meeting specific requirements. Pfizer spokesperson mentioned that the medication will be available by prescription to eligible patients this quarter with a hefty price tag of $3.5 million, making it one of the most expensive drugs in the United States.

More than 7,000 people in the US live with hemophilia B, primarily affecting men as it causes a lack of Factor IX, a crucial protein for blood clotting. Bekvez is designed as a one-time treatment to enable patients to produce their own Factor IX to prevent and control bleeding effectively.

Pfizer’s approval for Bekvez is a major milestone in the company’s efforts to diversify its portfolio after facing challenges due to the decline in its COVID-19 business. The company has heavily invested in anti-cancer drugs and gene and cell therapies, aiming to revolutionize the treatment of chronic diseases. Pfizer also acquired the rights to manufacture and market Bekvez in collaboration with Spark Therapeutics.

In addition, Pfizer is seeking FDA approval for marstasimab, an experimental antibody to treat hemophilia A and B. The company is also developing a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Bekvez will be competing with similar gene therapies like Hemogenix from CSL Behring, which also comes with a significant price tag of $3.5 million in the US, marking a new era in the treatment of hemophilia.

Despite the high costs and logistical challenges associated with gene therapies, medical experts are hopeful that these one-time treatments can replace traditional lifelong treatments for chronic diseases, offering long-term benefits to patients.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Bird flu infecting cows and their milk – Are humans at risk next?

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A strain of avian influenza, known as H5N1 or highly pathogenic avian influenza, has sparked concerns in cattle herds across the United States in recent weeks. This development has raised significant alarm among health experts. The Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of the high mortality rate associated with the virus in humans.

As of now, the virus has affected more than 20 clusters in eight states of the U.S since a surge was initially reported last month.

The states that have been impacted so far include Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and South Dakota.

Moreover, on April 1st, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the virus had spread further in Texas and had infected individuals who were exposed to dairy cows.

Experts are emphasizing the need for extreme vigilance, investigation, and situational assessment due to the rapidly changing individual risk scenarios.

Infection of cattle is unprecedented.

This virus is not new – H5N1 was initially detected in 1996 in waterfowl in southern China. A new version of the H5N1 virus became widespread in 2021 and has continued to infect both wild and domestic bird populations globally.

Spread to other animals has occurred occasionally as the virus has crossed into various mammalian populations, including foxes, seals, sea lions, and humans, according to the CDC.

While the spread to mammals is a concern and can be fatal, past cases have shown that avian influenza typically stops spreading when it reaches mammalian populations, particularly humans.

However, in October 2022, a significant shift occurred when the virus spread from mink to mink at a mink farm in Spain, deviating from the usual transmission from birds to mammals. The USDA has confirmed that cows have been infected for the first time, and cow-to-cow transmission has contributed to the recent spread of avian influenza in dairy farms.

There is still uncertainty about how the disease spreads through cattle populations, with reports suggesting that the virus may be transmitted through milk due to high concentrations of the virus being shed in milk.

Is it safe to drink milk?

Most dairy products are pasteurized, which effectively eliminates the virus, making milk consumption safe for the majority of individuals. Drinking unpasteurized milk poses some risk, but experts suggest that even unpasteurized milk may be safe if not consumed immediately after milking.

Experts recommend avoiding unpasteurized milk after high concentrations of the avian influenza virus are detected. – Image credit: Getty

The presence of the virus in milk raises questions about its transmission and impact on human health, as the virus is typically a respiratory disease.

How worried should I be?

The situation is under close monitoring by authorities, with several states implementing restrictions on dairy cow imports from affected regions. Scientists are analyzing virus sequences to identify genetic changes that could impact transmission and treatment effectiveness.

Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of biosecurity measures on farms in controlling the spread of the virus. Experts emphasize the need for increased vigilance and monitoring to prevent further transmission.

Could H5N1 cause the next pandemic?

While there is uncertainty about the future, a widespread pandemic remains unlikely at this point. Authorities are prepared with stockpiles of vaccines and antiviral drugs effective against potential influenza strains.

There are two existing vaccine candidates against H5N1 available to manufacturers, along with several FDA-approved antiviral drugs. The focus remains on combating bird flu and preparing for any potential future outbreaks.

Experts continue to monitor the situation closely and emphasize the importance of staying informed and prepared for any developments.

About our experts

Jeremy Rothman is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Virology at the University of Kent. His research focuses on infectious diseases’ pathogenesis and has been published in various scientific journals.

Matthew Hayek is an assistant professor at New York University, specializing in the impact of food production on climate change, ecological processes, and the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

NASA’s revolutionary new mission using solar sails may pave the way for interstellar travel

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Humanity has always dreamed of traveling beyond our solar system to the stars, but the vastness of the universe has kept us grounded. Our closest star, Proxima Centauri, is a staggering 4.24 light years away, which is too far for us to wait patiently.

Recently, on April 23, NASA launched the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System from New Zealand, a system that uses lightweight sails to propel spacecraft instead of traditional rockets. This development has excited both experts and science fiction fans, as it opens up possibilities for long-distance space travel.

How solar sail works

Instead of using thrusters and fuel like traditional spacecraft, solar sail systems use reflective sails to absorb momentum from photons emitted by the sun. This technology enables spacecraft to gain acceleration without the limitations of fuel. In space, where there is no air resistance, a slight push from the sun is all that’s needed for propulsion.

Solar sails operate similar to sailing ships, utilizing the momentum of photons for movement. By harnessing the sun’s energy, spacecraft can travel far distances at manageable speeds.

How fast can an interstellar probe travel with a solar sail?

The speed of a solar sail system depends on factors like the size of the sail, spacecraft mass, and distance from the sun. With creative maneuvers like slingshot maneuvers and potential laser boosts, spacecraft using solar sails can achieve speeds close to 20% of the speed of light.

Future solar sail systems could reach speeds up to 20 percent of the speed of light. – Image credit: NASA/Aero Animation/Ben Schweighart

Will humanity ever be able to sail to another planet?

Potentially, solar sail technology could pave the way for human interstellar travel in the future. However, there are challenges, such as sustaining long-term missions for generations and addressing relativistic effects caused by near-light speed travel.

What exactly is NASA's solar sail mission?

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is a demonstration of solar sail technology that aims to test a new lightweight boom made of flexible materials. The mission involves a CubeSat deploying an 80 square meter sail in orbit to gather data for future solar sail missions.

About our experts

patrick johnson is an associate professor at Georgetown University with expertise in quantum mechanics. He authored the book “Star Wars Physics” and has contributed to scientific journals like Physical Review.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Astronomers observe massive flare emitted by Messier 82 magnetar

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using sensitive instruments aboard ESA’s International Gamma-ray Astrophysics Laboratory (Integral) mission, astronomers GRB231115A Taken from the center of Messier 82 (M82, NGC 3034, or the Cigar Galaxy). Messier 82 (M82, NGC 3034, or Cigar Galaxy) is a starburst irregular galaxy located 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. They say the spectral and timing characteristics of GRB 231115A, as well as the lack of X-ray and optical observations and gravitational wave signals several hours after the event, indicate that this outburst was the result of a giant flare from a magnetar. Suggests. They conclude that starburst galaxies like Messier 82, which are known to produce magnetars, could be promising targets for studying giant flares.

On November 15, 2023, Integral detected a burst of gamma rays that lasted just one-tenth of a second. The detection was sent to the Integral Science Data Center, where software determined it came from the nearby galaxy Messier 82. A small square on Integral's map indicates the location of the burst. Blue circles on the two cropped images indicate corresponding locations. Image credit: ESA / Integral / XMM-Newton / INAF / TNG / M. Rigoselli, INAF.

Giant flares are short explosive events that release very large amounts of energy as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).

Only three such flares have been observed from magnetars in our Milky Way galaxy and the nearby Large Magellanic Cloud in the past roughly 50 years.

Observations of giant flares from distant magnetars are hampered by the fact that at long distances it is difficult to identify the source of the energy burst.

“Some young neutron stars have very strong magnetic fields, more than 10,000 times stronger than a typical neutron star. These are called magnetars. They emit energy as flares, and sometimes these flares can be huge,” said ESA astronomer Dr. Ashley Climes.

“However, in the past 50 years of gamma-ray observations, huge flares from our galaxy's magnetars have only been observed three times.”

“These explosions are extremely powerful. The explosion detected in December 2004 came from 30,000 light-years away from us, but was still powerful enough to affect the upper layers of Earth's atmosphere. It's like a solar flare coming from much closer to us.

“The flare detected by Integral is the first confirmation of the existence of a magnetar outside the Milky Way,” said Dr. Sandro Meleghetti, an astronomer at the National Institute of Astrophysics.

“We suspect that some of the other 'short gamma-ray bursts' revealed by Integral and other satellites are also giant flares from magnetars.”

“This discovery will begin the search for other extragalactic magnetars. If we can find more stars, we will be able to understand how often these flares occur and how the stars lose energy in the process. We can begin to understand that,” Dr. Cromes said.

“However, such short-lived explosions can only be caught by chance if the observatory is already pointing in the right direction,” said Dr. Jan-Uwe Ness, a scientist at the Integral project.

“This makes Integral, with its wide field of view more than 3,000 times the area of the sky covered by the Moon, extremely important for these detections.”

“Messier 82 is a bright galaxy in which star formation occurs,” the authors said.

“In these regions, massive stars are born, live short, turbulent lives, and leave behind neutron stars.”

“The discovery of magnetars in this region confirms that magnetars are likely young neutron stars.”

“The search for additional magnetars will continue in other star-forming regions to understand these extraordinary objects.”

of findings It was published in the magazine Nature.

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S. Meleghetti other. A giant magnetar flare in the nearby starburst galaxy M82. Nature, published online March 7, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07285-4

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers Discover Oldest Evidence of Earth’s Magnetic Field in Greenland

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Recovering ancient records of the Earth's magnetic field is difficult because the magnetization of rocks is often reset by heating during burial due to tectonic movements over a long and complex geological history. Geoscientists from MIT and elsewhere have shown that rocks in West Greenland's Isua supercrustal zone have experienced three thermal events throughout their geological history. The first event was the most important, heating rocks to 550 degrees Celsius about 3.7 billion years ago. His two subsequent phenomena did not heat the region's northernmost rocks above 380 degrees Celsius. The authors use multiple lines of evidence to test this claim, including paleomagnetic field tests, metamorphic mineral assemblages across the region, and temperatures at which the radiometric ages of observed mineral assemblages are reset. They use this body of evidence to argue that an ancient record of Earth's magnetic field from 3.7 billion years ago may be preserved in the striated iron layer at the northernmost edge of the magnetic field. .

Earth's magnetic field lines. Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

In a new study, Professor Claire Nicholls from the University of Oxford and colleagues examined a range of ancient iron-bearing rocks from Isua, Greenland.

Once locked in place during the crystallization process, iron particles effectively act as tiny magnets that can record both the strength and direction of a magnetic field.

Researchers found that 3.7 billion-year-old rocks exhibited magnetic field strengths of at least 15 microteslas, comparable to modern magnetic fields (30 microteslas).

These results provide the oldest estimates of the strength of Earth's magnetic field derived from whole rock samples, providing a more accurate and reliable estimate than previous studies using individual crystals.

“It's very difficult to extract reliable records from rocks this old, so it was really exciting to see the primary magnetic signals start to emerge when we analyzed these samples in the lab,” Professor Nichols said. said.

“This is a very important step forward in our efforts to understand the role of ancient magnetic fields in the creation of life on Earth.”

Although the strength of the magnetic field appears to remain relatively constant, the solar wind is known to have been significantly stronger in the past.

This suggests that surface protection from the solar wind may have strengthened over time, thereby allowing life to leave the protection of the oceans and migrate to the continents.

The Earth's magnetic field is created by the mixing of molten iron within a fluid outer core, driven by buoyancy as the inner core solidifies, forming a dynamo.

During the early stages of Earth's formation, a solid inner core had not yet formed, leaving unanswered questions about how the initial magnetic field was maintained.

These new results suggest that the mechanisms driving Earth's early dynamo were as efficient as the solidification processes that generate Earth's magnetic field today.

Understanding how the strength of Earth's magnetic field has changed over time is also key to determining when Earth's interior solid core began to form.

This helps us understand how fast heat is escaping from the Earth's deep interior, which is key to understanding processes such as plate tectonics.

A key challenge in reconstructing Earth's magnetic field back in time is that any event that heats rocks can change the preserved signal.

Rocks in the Earth's crust often have long and complex geological histories that erase information about previous magnetic fields.

However, the Isua supercrustal zone has a unique geology, sitting on a thick continental crust and protected from extensive tectonic movements and deformation.

This allowed scientists to build clear evidence for the existence of magnetic fields 3.7 billion years ago.

The results may also provide new insights into the role of magnetic fields in shaping the development of Earth's atmosphere as we know it, particularly regarding the release of gases into the atmosphere.

“In the future, we hope to expand our knowledge of Earth's magnetic field before oxygen increased in the Earth's atmosphere about 2.5 billion years ago by examining other ancient rock sequences in Canada, Australia, and South Africa. “We believe that this is the case,” the authors said.

“A better understanding of the strength and variability of ancient Earth's magnetic field will help determine whether the planet's magnetic field was important for harboring life on the planet's surface and its role in the evolution of the atmosphere. Masu.”

of study Published in Geophysical Research Journal.

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Claire IO Nichols other. 2024. Possible Archean record of geomagnetism preserved in the Isua supercrustal zone of southwestern Greenland. Geophysical Research Journal 129 (4): e2023JB027706; doi: 10.1029/2023JB027706

Source: www.sci.news

The EPA’s latest regulation requires coal-fired power plants to either capture emissions or cease operations

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule on Thursday that will require coal-fired power plants to capture smokestack emissions or shut down. This new regulation aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants, which are a major contributor to global warming. It is part of President Joe Biden’s pledge to eliminate carbon pollution from the power sector by 2035 and the entire economy by 2050.

The rule includes measures to reduce toxic wastewater pollutants from coal-fired power plants and safely manage coal ash in unlined retention ponds. EPA Administrator Michael Regan stated that the rule will reduce pollution, protect communities, and improve public health while ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the nation.

Industry groups and Republican-leaning states are expected to challenge the rule, citing concerns about the reliability of the power grid. However, environmental groups have praised the EPA’s actions as crucial in combating climate change and protecting public health.

The rule sets standards for existing coal-fired power plants to control carbon emissions, with future plants required to capture up to 90% of their carbon pollution. Coal-fired power plants must reduce or capture 90% of their carbon emissions by 2032 to continue operating beyond 2039. Plants scheduled to be retired by 2039 will also face stricter standards.

The EPA rule does not mandate carbon capture and storage technology but sets a cap on carbon pollution that power plant operators must adhere to. The regulation also addresses toxic wastewater pollution from coal-fired power plants and the safe management of coal ash, a hazardous byproduct of coal combustion.

Overall, the EPA’s new rule represents a significant step in reducing carbon pollution, protecting public health, and moving towards a cleaner energy future for the United States.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Exploring the Future of Forensic Medicine: Blood Droplets in Microgravity

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

High blood splatter

“Get ready!” This immortal motto of the Scout movement will come to the mind of many readers who read the paper “Dynamics of bloodstain patterns in microgravity environment: Pilot study observations on the next frontier of forensic medicine.”

Reader Sarah Rosenbaum flagged feedback on the study’s first clearly stated purpose: “Investigating the ultimate violent criminal acts that occur outside of the global environment.”

This is the most futuristic forensic science. “It’s almost here.” The most effective approach is joint criminal investigation between the United Kingdom and the United States. The researchers are from Staffordshire University and Hull University in the UK, and the University of Louisville in Kentucky and Roswell Police in Georgia in the US.

“We hypothesize that the calculated impact angles would be more accurate if gravity were removed as a force acting on the blood droplet in flight,” they write.

They performed tests, or rather flew, aboard a parabolic flight research airplane that took off and landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. (Fort Lauderdale, like many cities in Florida, is no stranger to blood splatter. We see a steady increase in the number of violent crimes According to statistics reported by the local police department’s crime analysis department, it will occur between 2020 and 2023.)

In the experiment, “a 1 cc syringe containing a blood analogue was used to inject the liquid onto a flight path approximately 20 cm long, which was intercepted by a 16.5 cm x 16.5 cm target.” [made of] Fifty pound paper adhered to foam board backing.

The study found that droplets that hit paper at a 90-degree angle behaved as predicted by the traditional forensic blood droplet equation. But while this is a blood-stirring challenge for forensic scientists and true crime enthusiasts alike, someone needs to come up with a better equation for predicting what will happen from the other angle.

Thinking: Inside the box

Seeing sometimes leads to believing. Feeling, hearing, and reasoning are equally powerful when combined.

Shorey Croom, Hanbei Chow, and Chaz Firestone of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, explain this in the magazine. PNAS How did they try to answer the question “?” “Can you tell what another person is trying to learn just by observing their movements?”

They filmed a volunteer shaking an opaque box and attempting to measure i) the number of objects hidden inside, or ii) the shape of the objects inside. He then asked others to watch the video and tried to determine “who is shaking because of the numbers and who is shaking because of the shapes.” Most observers were pretty good at recognizing who was shaking and why.

Back in 2017, Milte Plesier of Delft University in the Netherlands and Jeroen Smeets of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam spoke to attendees of the IEEE World Haptics Conference in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany, about a project they called “How many objects are in this box?”

Their method was simple. “We investigated how accurately participants could determine the number of wooden balls inside a box by shaking it.” They found that while they were able to perform the task accurately, they systematically underestimated the number of more spheres. The larger numbers they tested were 4 and 5. The situation with larger quantities remains theoretically unknown.

stick to fruit

Many scientists will not be able to determine whether the metal sticks to the fruit.

Generally speaking, if properly persuaded, they will. News about this can be found at “Reversibly attaching metals and graphite to hydrogels and tissues” by Wenhao Xu, Faraz Burni, and Srinivasa Raghavan of the University of Maryland.

writing in diary ACS Central Science “We have discovered that hard conductors (such as metals and graphite) can be bonded to soft aqueous materials (such as hydrogels, fruit, and animal tissue) without the use of adhesives.” The adhesion is caused by a low direct current electric field… [This] It can also be achieved underwater, where normal adhesives cannot be used.

“The experiment is very simple,” the study says, anticipating that many people would be surprised by such a simple, hitherto essentially unknown effect.

Accidental genital glow

Faraz Alam sent us the results of his research with colleagues at Imperial College London, published in the journal 2013. PLoS One “This is the paper on which I accidentally made my genitals glow in the dark.” The title is “Non-invasive monitoring of Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine efficacy using intravital optical imaging”. Those reproductive organs belonged to mice.

This spurred feedback that reminded me of a paper on humans published in 1950 by P. A. MacDonald and M. Sidney Margolese. Obstetrics and gynecology questionnaire. They called it “Luminous phenomenon of female external genitalia”.

These are both examples of how scientists perceive the wonders of biology.

Mark Abrahams hosted the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founded the magazine Annals of Improbable Research. Previously, he was working on unusual uses of computers.his website is impossible.com.

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Injecting Neurons into Rats Gives Mice the Ability to Smell Cookies, Despite Their Lack of Olfactory Function.

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Mouse brain hippocampus (red) containing some rat cells

M. Kadish Imtiaz/Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CC BY-NC-ND)

Rat cells grown in the brains of mice without a sense of smell have enabled them to acquire the sense of smell. This is the first time that one species has experienced the world through the sensory neurons of another species.

When cells of one species multiply within the body of another species, the resulting organism is known as an interspecies chimera. These have previously been used to study specific tissues, such as mice containing cells of the human immune system, to study disease responses. However, creating chimeras of other tissues, such as neural tissue, is more complex.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center previously bred mice with parts of rat brains transplanted into them. Now, another team of researchers has shown that this cross-species chimerism may confer the ability to smell in mice genetically modified to lack scent-sensing neurons.

christine baldwin The researchers at Columbia University in New York injected these engineered mouse embryos with rat stem cells. Once the embryos became adult mice, the researchers monitored neuronal activity. The researchers discovered that these animals have functional neural pathways for sensing odors, made up of both rat and mouse cells that can communicate directly with each other.

When researchers tested these mice's sense of smell by searching for hidden mini Oreo cookies, they found that the mice that received stem cell injections found the food more easily, as opposed to the same genetically modified mice. It turned out that it was possible. It wasn't a chimera.

“This is a huge opportunity for human health, allowing us to better understand how to create cell replacement therapies for humans,” Baldwin said. “We can also create models in mice and rats for diseases that affect long-lived organisms.”

The fact that rat cells were able to facilitate food exploration in mice, which normally don't have a sense of smell, is very impressive, he says. walter lowe at the University of Minnesota. “Now, it is not yet clear whether something similar to this can occur in even different species, but at least [this study] Shows what's happening in two relatively close species [in evolutionary terms]” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Top 17 Mind-Blowing Science Experiments of the Year (To Date)

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) has announced the winners of this year’s Scientific Image Competition, which celebrates the hidden beauty of scientific research.

The contest is divided into four categories: “Subjects of Research,” “Locations and Equipment,” “Women and Men Scientists,” and “Video Loops.”

The winning entries include an image of the transparent abdomen of a glass frog taken by Francesca Angiolani-Larrea, a doctoral student at the University of Bern, who won first place in the “Research Subject” category.

Check out the winners and standout images from this year’s contest.

Distinguishing between locations and instrument categories – organized chaos

This operating room image was taken before pig surgery began. The purpose of this surgery was to evaluate the in vivo performance of a new vascular graft for aortic replacement. This treatment has the potential to improve patients’ life expectancy and quality of life after intervention. Photo credit: Georgios Lovas

Distinguishing research target categories – maize root microbiome

This image visualizes the corn root microbiome (the collection of microorganisms that live in or on the roots) and how they process the plant’s secondary metabolites. Photo credit: Lisa Tennen

Winners in the Research Subject Category – In Search of a Good Father

This image shows Hyalinobtrachium valerioi, a type of glass frog with a transparent stomach. Although child rearing in the animal kingdom has traditionally been seen as the job of the mother, it takes on a more diverse form in amphibians. This species is a good example. The female’s role is to select the best mate and lay eggs. Males stay close to their children and take care of them. Sometimes they hold up to seven animals at once. Photo credit: Francesca Angiolani-Larrea

Differentiating between video loop categories – Smapshot

“Smapshot” is a crowdsourcing project that allows citizens to localize historical photos using a virtual globe. Participants can georeference the image by clicking on points that appear within the image and on the virtual globe. Georeferenced images are of interest to researchers and the general public because they help visualize phenomena such as climate change and urbanization. Video stills by Jens Ingensand

Video Loop Categories Distinction – Tumor Cells…

A still image from a video showing how tumor cells extracted from patient tissue grow within a three-dimensional matrix. Video stills by Michele Gallioni

Male and female science winners – more than just wearing lab coats

In this photo, a veterinarian is auscultating a mini pig’s heart to make sure it’s healthy. Photo credit: Mariafrancesca Petrucci

Winner of the Video Loop Category – Wingtip vortex…

This shows the flow pattern in a wind tunnel test section that occurs downstream of an aircraft arched wing located near a solid surface. In classic flight conditions, high above the ground, a single vortex develops at the wing tip. In this case, a complex spiral system is seen. Video stills by Cyprien de Sepibus

Distinguishing research subject categories – Cerebrospinal fluid…

This supercomputing simulation shows how cerebrospinal fluid flows around the optic nerve. Cerebrospinal fluid flows from the brain to the optic nerve, nourishing it and removing toxic metabolites. Photos by Diego Rossinelli, Jatta Berberat, Jill Forsti

Location and Equipment Winner – Bees and Chips

This photo shows a close-up of a robotic device inhabited by bees, developed within the Mobile Robot Systems Group at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). Trials were being carried out in Austria in collaboration with biologists from the University of Graz as part of the EU-funded Hiveopolis project. Photo credit: Raphael Balmak

Scientists Women and Men by Category – Wheat Harvest

Hundreds of research wheat fields must be threshed to study crop growth using sensors and high-tech equipment. This includes manual labor such as bagging and collecting seed samples for drying and further processing. Photo credit: Andreas Hund

Distinguishing between locations and equipment categories – UV reactors…

The photo shows the UV reactor used for photopolymerization. Photopolymerization is a process in which light induces the chemical assembly of short monomer molecules to form long polymer chains. The reactor is built with a 5-meter strip containing 300 LEDs wrapped inside an aluminum cylinder. Photo credit: Deborah Toney

Distinguishing women from men in science – the big stakes in the history of medicine

This photo was taken at the historic library and museum of the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, France. It has a collection of books on the history of medicine and dermatology, many of which are out of print and extremely rare. Photo by Alexandre Wenger and Radu Suciu

Video loop category differentiation – tumor growth simulation

This computer simulation shows how a malignant tumor grows from a single cell to a million cells. Each cell is colored according to its relative age, from red (young) to blue (old). Video stills by Roman Vetter

Classification of research subject categories – My voice in the video…

My Voice in Images is a photo-based participatory research method that gives children and young people the opportunity to express their views on social issues and public policies that interest them. The children who created this photo emphasized the need for a solid roof over their heads. Photo by Sylvia Garcia Delahaye and Lavinia Johnson.

Distinguishing between locations and instrument categories – Wandering eye

An ophthalmic microsurgeon practices surgical techniques for artificial eyes. The development of educational materials aims to create realistic conditions for surgical training workshops before it is possible to safely operate on live patients. Photo credit: Julien Boussette

Distinguishing research object categories – thin layer chromatography plates…

Thin layer chromatography plates in fluorescent dye synthesis. Chromatography is a technique for spatially separating the components of a mixture. This example image was generated during the purification of a complex fluorochrome, or fluorescent compound. Photo credit: Salome Puntenar

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Monumental explosion detected on enigmatic lifeless star

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The night sky is a treasure trove of celestial wonders, and sometimes incredible events happen when no one is watching. Astronomers were thrilled when a satellite captured a rare explosion in space by chance, pointing in the right direction at the right time.

A massive eruption illuminated the galaxy known as M82, which is situated 12 million light-years away from Earth. Initially thought to be caused by a collision between two neutron stars, astronomers discovered that the explosion was actually the result of a superpowerful neutron star emitting an intense gamma-ray burst.

Neutron stars are the remnants of massive stars that exploded as supernovae, forming compact spheres with strong magnetic fields instead of collapsing into black holes.

The observed neutron star was identified as a magnetar due to its extremely powerful magnetic field, more than 10,000 times stronger than a typical neutron star. Magnetars are known to have the strongest magnetic fields in the universe and release energy through massive flares.

In November 2023, ESA’s INTEGRAL satellite accidentally detected an extragalactic flare which lasted only 10 seconds, triggering a gamma-ray burst alert that quickly reached astronomers worldwide.

Dr. Sandro Meleghetti, the lead author of the study published in the journal Nature, emphasized the significance of the burst coming from a nearby bright galaxy, and the subsequent observations failed to detect any visible light, X-ray, or gravitational wave signals.

This event confirmed the first magnetar flare outside the Milky Way, shedding light on the mysterious phenomena associated with these incredibly magnetic neutron stars.

Only three giant flares from galactic magnetars have been confirmed by scientists in the past 50 years, with the 2004 event being so powerful that it impacted Earth’s upper atmosphere akin to solar flares.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The US’s Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

America is often described as the land of the free and the home of the brave. However, some parts of the country grapple with issues surrounding violent crime.

According to data from the FBI, dangerous cities are ranked based on the number of serious felonies reported per 100,000 people in a year. These felonies include murder, manslaughter, assault, and robbery.

Recent data indicates a general decline in violent crime across the United States. Technological advancements, such as real-time crime maps and gun detection software, are being utilized to enhance safety in urban areas. However, here are some of America’s most dangerous cities.

10. Indianapolis, Indiana

An aerial view of the downtown area of Indianapolis looking east-northeast. The Indiana State Capitol is visible in the foreground.Photo credit: TpsDave/Wikipedia

Indianapolis, known for hosting the Indy 500, boasts museums and green spaces. However, the city also struggles with a high incidence of violent crime, with 1,333.96 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported in 2019.

Efforts to lower violent crime rates include initiatives like the Indiana Crime Gun Task Force, which aims to combat the flow of firearms into the city.

9. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Monsoon season in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. This is the view from the Sandia Mountains of the Embud His Canyon Trailhead.Photo by Mona Makela/Getty Images

Albuquerque, known for its culture and history, faces a violent crime rate of 1,369.14 felonies per 100,000 people, placing it as the 9th most dangerous city. The number of crimes continued to rise from 2019 to 2023.

To address the high crime rate, funding has been increased for local law enforcement agencies to implement technology like video surveillance, live mapping, acoustic monitoring, and gunshot recognition technology.

8. Stockton, California

Stockton has one of the highest crime rates in California.Photo by Luis Cinco/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Stockton, a port city, with a relatively small population, faces a high violent crime rate of 1,414.56 felonies per 100,000 people, ranking it as the 8th most dangerous city.

The city declared bankruptcy in 2012, mainly due to real estate value decline and high unemployment rates from the 2008 financial crisis. Efforts to combat crime include additional taxes for police enforcement and anti-gang programs.

7. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland waterfront on the Cuyahoga River, USA. Photo by Kenneth Sponsler/Getty Images

Cleveland, located on Lake Erie, is known for its port, heavy industry, and advancements in the medical field. Unfortunately, the city faces a violent crime rate of 1,556.76 crimes per 100,000 people.

While crime had been decreasing, there was a significant rise in crime rates in 2020 and 2021, attributed to increased poverty rates and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local police forces.

6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A police car drives down Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. Photo credit: Vincent Desjardins/Wikipedia

Milwaukee, famed for its beer and cheese, suffers from a declining population and a violent crime rate of 1,597.36 felonies per 100,000 people.

The city aims to attract residents back through new investments and building developments.

5. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City skyline. Photo by Tony Dezenzio/Getty Images

Kansas City, famous for its barbecue and jazz, faces a rising crime rate with 1,724.31 violent crimes per 100,000 people recorded in 2019.

To combat crime, the Kansas City Police Department collaborates with community organizations to implement citywide strategies, addressing poverty, mental health, and violence prevention.

4. Memphis, Tennessee

A Memphis police car is parked on Beale Street in Memphis, USA. Photo courtesy of Zodebala/Getty Images

Memphis, known for blues and rock music, struggles with a high violent crime rate, recording nearly 400 murders in 2023.

Efforts to combat crime include federal funding and the Violent Crime Initiative, aiming to revitalize the city and improve safety.

3. Baltimore, Maryland

Contrast between residential and industrial areas on President Street in Baltimore, USA. You can see the downtown skyline in the distance. Photo credit: Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

Baltimore, a vital port city, faces a high violent crime rate of 2,027.01 felonies per 100,000 people.

New strategies implemented in 2021, treating violent crime as a public health issue, have significantly reduced crime rates and offer a promising future for residents.

2. Detroit, Michigan

An abandoned building on Franklin Street in downtown Detroit, USA.Photo by Ayman Heikal/Getty Images

Detroit, once thriving with industrial history, faces a violent crime rate of 2,056.67 crimes per 100,000 people due to population decline and economic challenges.

Recent improvements in wages, poverty levels, and crime rates are leading to a potential resurgence in Detroit.

1. St. Louis, Missouri

Goodfellow Boulevard (shown in this image) forms the boundary of what is known as “Hayden's Rectangle.” This is a rectangular piece of land in the northern part of the city, an area of high crime and poverty.Photo by Jahi Chikwendu/Washington Post/Getty Images

St. Louis is the most dangerous city, with 2,082.29 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2019, attributed to high poverty and racial disparities.

Efforts to combat crime include new camera technology to help reduce crime rates and create a safer environment for residents.

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Researchers warn that the rapid spread of a virus poses a threat to the health of cocoa trees

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Cocoa swollen bud virus disease It is one of the most economically damaging cocoa tree diseases, accounting for almost 15-50% of crop losses in Ghana. This virus is transmitted when several species of mealybugs feed on cocoa plants.

A cacao tree with cacao fruit attached directly to the trunk or branches.Image credit: Gamera other., doi: 10.1094/PDIS-10-22-2412-FE.

Cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) first observed Infected by farmers in the eastern region of Ghana in 1936, the nature of the virus was identified in 1939.

CSSVD is considered the most economically damaging cocoa virus disease and can cause yield losses of 15-50% when severe strains are involved in infection.

Cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) is classified as a member of the plant-infecting pararetroviruses of the genus Cocoa swollen shoot virus. badnavirus It contains nonenveloped rod-like particles that encapsulate a circular double-stranded DNA genome.

Previously, isolates and strains were grouped according to severity of symptom onset and geographic origin.

CSSVD is currently known to be caused by the following causes: complex of badnavirus seed Based on molecular structure.

CSSV affects all parts of the cocoa plant. Symptoms seen on leaves include red vein stripes on immature “flush” leaves, green-green vein spots or stripes that can occur in angular spots, removal of green-green veins, and various shapes Includes mosaic symptoms.

The virus causes swelling of the stem (nodes, internodes, tips) and roots.

In some strains, the infected pods change shape, becoming rounder and smaller and with a smoother surface.

“This virus is a real threat to the world's chocolate supply,” said Professor Benito Chen Charpentier, a researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington.

“Pesticides are ineffective against mealybugs, so farmers try to prevent the spread of the disease by cutting down infected trees or breeding resistant trees. However, Ghana has lost more than 254 million cocoa trees in recent years.

Farmers can combat mealybugs by vaccinating trees with CSSV. But vaccines are expensive, especially for low-wage farmers, and vaccinated trees produce less cocoa, making the damage caused by the virus even worse.

Electron micrograph of swollen shoot virus particles in purified cocoa. Scale bar – 200 nm.Image credit: Gamera other., doi: 10.1094/PDIS-10-22-2412-FE.

Professor Chen Charpentier and colleagues have developed a new strategy. Use mathematical data to determine how far apart farmers can plant vaccinated trees to prevent mealybugs from jumping from one tree to another and spreading the virus That's what it is.

“Mealybugs have several ways of getting around, including moving from canopy to canopy, being carried by ants, and being blown by the wind,” Professor Chen Charpentier said.

“What we needed to do was create a model for cocoa farmers to vaccinate unvaccinated trees to prevent the spread of the virus while making costs more manageable for smallholders. The goal was to be able to know how far away a tree could be safely planted.”

By experimenting with mathematical patterning techniques, the authors create two different types of models that allow farmers to create a protective layer of vaccinated cocoa trees around unvaccinated trees. Did.

“Although still experimental, these models are exciting because they can help farmers protect their crops while achieving better yields,” said Professor Chen Charpentier.

“It’s good for farmers’ bottom lines and it’s good for the world’s chocolate addiction.”

a paper The findings were published online in the journal PLoS ONE.

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FB Agusto other. 2024. Cocoa Sustainability: The Case of Cocoa Swollen Bud Virus Co-infection. PLoS ONE 19 (3): e0294579; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294579

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble marks its 34th anniversary with stunning images of Messier 76

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Messier 76also known as M76, NGC 650/651, or the Little Dumbbell Nebula, is a planetary nebula located approximately 3,400 light-years away in the northern constellation of Perseus.

This Hubble image shows Messier 76, a planetary nebula about 3,400 light-years away in the constellation Perseus. Image credit: NASA/ESA/STScI.

Since its launch in 1990, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has made 1.6 million observations of more than 53,000 celestial objects.

To date, the Space Telescope Science Institute's Mikulski Space Telescope Archive contains 184 terabytes of processed data.

Since 1990, 44,000 scientific papers have been published from Hubble observations.

Hubble is the most scientifically productive space astrophysics mission in NASA history.

Demand for the use of Hubble is so high that it is currently oversubscribed by a factor of 6 to 1.

Most of Hubble's discoveries, such as supermassive black holes, exoplanet atmospheres, gravitational lensing by dark matter, the presence of dark energy, and the abundance of interstellar planet formation, were not anticipated before launch.

To commemorate the 34th anniversary of Hubble's launch, astronomers took a snapshot of the planetary nebula Messier 76.

“Messier 76 is located approximately 3,400 light-years away in the northern constellation of Perseus,” Hubble astronomers said.

“It is classified as a planetary nebula, an expanding shell of glowing gas ejected from a dying red giant star. The star will eventually collapse into a super-dense, hot white dwarf.”

“Although planetary nebulae are not related to planets, they got their name because astronomers in the 1700s using low-power telescopes thought these types of objects resembled planets.”

“Messier 76 consists of a ring that is visible head-on as a central bar structure and two lobes located at openings on either side of the ring. Before burning out, the star ejected a ring of gas and dust. ”

“This ring was probably formed by the influence of a star that once had a binary companion.”

“This sloughed off material formed a thick disk of dust and gas along the orbital plane of the companion star.”

“The hypothetical companion star is not seen in the Hubble image, so it may have been later swallowed by the central star.”

“The host star has collapsed to form a white dwarf,” the researchers said.

“It is one of the hottest stellar remnants known, at a scorching 139,000 degrees Celsius (250,000 degrees Fahrenheit), 24 times the surface temperature of the Sun.”

“The blazing white dwarf is visible pinpointed in the center of the nebula. The stars visible projected beneath it are not part of the nebula.”

“Sandwiched by the disk, two clumps of hot gas escape from above and below the 'belt' along the star's axis of rotation perpendicular to the disk.”

“They are propelled by hurricane-like outflows of material from dying stars, tearing apart space at 2 million miles per hour.”

“That's fast enough to travel from Earth to the Moon in just over seven minutes.”

“This intense stellar wind is channeling cooler, slower-moving gas that was ejected during the star's early stages of life, when it was a red giant.”

“Intense ultraviolet radiation from superhot stars makes the gas glow. The red color is due to nitrogen, and the blue color is due to oxygen.”

“Given that our solar system is 4.6 billion years old, according to cosmological timekeeping, the entire nebula is a fleeting event. It will disappear in about 15,000 years.”

Source: www.sci.news

Recent study uncovers prehistoric salmon with fang-like teeth akin to a “saber-toothed tiger”

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

An extinct species of giant salmon called Oncorhynchus lastrosus They boasted a pair of front teeth that protruded like fangs from the sides of their mouths, according to new research.

Oncorhynchus lastrosus: (A) CT model of the holotype. (B) Holotype seen from the front of the skull, before complete preparation and CT scanning. (C) Artist-rendered male iconic fish skull with accurate spike-tooth configuration. (D) Artist's rendering of a complete female iconic fish with precise spike tooth configuration. Scale bar blocks – 1 cm each.Image credit: Clairson other., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300252.

Oncorhynchus lastrosus It lived along the Pacific coast of North America (California, Oregon, and Washington) about 11 million to 5 million years ago.

This extinct species was first described in the 1970s from fossils discovered in the freshwater Gateway locality of the Madras Formation near the town of Gateway, Jefferson County, Oregon.

The fish was 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) long and weighed, by some estimates, close to 177 kilograms (400 pounds), making it the largest known member of its family. Salmonidae To live forever.

This species migrated from the Pacific Ocean to inland rivers to spawn, much like salmon today. And it was placophagous based on its numerous gill rakes and few small teeth.

but Oncorhynchus lastrosus It had two upper teeth, 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.

Initially, paleontologists thought that these oversized teeth were oriented backwards in the mouth, like fangs, mainly because the tooth fossils were found separated from the rest of the skull. was. This led to the common name “saber-toothed tiger.”

However, through new CT scans and various analyses, Oncorhynchus lastrosus Using fossils collected over the years, Professor Kellyn Cresson of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and her colleagues were able to confirm that the fish's teeth did indeed point sideways out of its mouth, like a warthog.

“As a result, this species should be renamed 'spine-toothed salmon,'” the paleontologists said.

“It is unclear exactly what these teeth were used for, but it is likely that they were used for fighting other spiny-toothed salmon, for defense against natural predators, or as tools for digging nests. ”

“It is also possible that the teeth were used for multiple purposes,” the researchers added.

“However, the teeth were probably not used to capture prey. Oncorhynchus lastrosus It is believed that it was a filter feeder that fed on plankton. ”

“We've known for decades that these extinct salmon in Central Oregon were the largest of all time. Discoveries like ours mean they're probably more than just gentle giants. It shows that there was no such thing,” Professor Cresson said.

“The giant spines on the tips of their snouts would have helped them protect themselves from predators, compete with other salmon, and eventually build nests to incubate their eggs.”

“We are pleased to be able to give a new face to the giant spiny salmon and bring knowledge from the Oregon field to the world,” said University of Oregon researcher and director Dr. Edward Davis. Condon Collection, University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

“We also emphasize that females and males alike had huge fang-like teeth. So both sexes were equally terrifying,” said Professor Brian Sidlauskas, curator of fishes at Oregon State University. said.

team's result It was published in the magazine PLoS ONE.

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KM watercress other. 2024. From the saber to the spike: Reconstruction of an ancient giant sexually dimorphic Pacific salmon from a new angle. Oncorhynchus lastrosus (Salmonidae: Salmonini). PLoS ONE 19 (4): e0300252; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300252

Source: www.sci.news

Effective Recycling Techniques to Reduce Plastic Waste from Ending up in Landfills

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images

In 1980, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, began developing a new method of generating electricity for its theme parks that would reduce the use of increasingly expensive oil. The solid waste-to-energy conversion plant took garbage, including plastics, and converted it into flammable gas using a method called pyrolysis. It opened in 1982 but closed a year later due to high operating costs.

Today, environmentalists cite the Disney story that shatters the reputation of a series of new technologies collectively known as advanced recycling, which takes plastic waste and turns it back into brand new plastic.

Their argument is dishonest. The failure of the Disney plant had more to do with the subsequent drop in oil prices than with any technical or environmental issues. Pyrolysis has improved significantly since the 1980s. In any case, Disney’s factory is designed to produce fuel, not classified as advanced recycling.

Advanced recycling is rapidly innovating with the potential to help solve the global plastics crisis, as reported in our feature “A surprising new technology that could recycle all plastics forever.” It has the potential to capture millions of tonnes of waste plastic and turn it back into a clean, fresh state by breaking it down into its molecular components. The goal is a circular economy that eliminates the need to make “virgin” plastic from oil.

It’s not a panacea. These factories produce toxic waste, have problems with their energy use, and perpetuate traditional plastics ahead of newer, greener alternatives. Campaigners are right to argue that it would be better to do away with plastic altogether. However, given practical considerations, they are not going away anytime soon, and most advanced recycling technologies are better for the environment than their alternatives.

There should be serious discussion about advanced recycling, especially whether it should be incorporated into future global treaties on plastic pollution. Make sure it’s based on fact and not a Disney story.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Eliminating Predatory Starfish to Safeguard Great Barrier Reef Coral

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A diver injects vinegar into crown-of-thorns starfish as part of a culling program.

CSIRO

A culling program has successfully protected key areas of the Great Barrier Reef from voracious coral-eating starfish. Scientists who analyzed the results say efforts need to be scaled up to further protect coral reefs.

Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) are persistent predators of almost all types of coral within Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Each starfish reaches a diameter of 1 meter and eats 10 square meters of coral reef each year.

Starfish live on coral reefs, and it is believed that increased nutrient input into reef waters due to agriculture and other human factors is increasing their numbers and exacerbating coral destruction. Between 1985 and 2012, they accounted for 40 percent of coral losses in the region.

When starfish erupted across the reef from 2012 to 2022, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority conducted a massive culling program. A team of divers injects the starfish with a single shot of vinegar or cow bile, which kills the starfish and prevents it from releasing its larvae.

Roger Beeden The Park Service and colleagues found that in areas where timely removals were carried out, outbreaks were limited and coral cover recovered and increased by up to 44%. Where no culling occurred, coral losses were severe. The study also confirmed that by preventing outbreaks on strategically important coral reefs, the larvae do not spread to other reefs on ocean currents, reducing further outbreaks.

To date, the program has focused on 500 of the marine park’s 3,000 reefs scattered throughout the park, which have significant value to the tourism industry or are home to starfish. were chosen because they are known to be important for the spread of

“The results we found in this study are the result of using integrated pest management. [the starfish] Just like managing plague locusts and other pest species, it needs to be done at the right time and on the right reef,” says Beeden.

But researchers recommend expanding the program from the current fleet of five to seven ships to 10 to 15 ships. “At any given time, about a third to a half of his 500 cases are involved in the current outbreak,” Beeden said.

Terry Hughes Researchers at James Cook University in Townsville do not agree that culling programs are worthwhile. “It is becoming increasingly clear that attempts to protect Great Barrier Reef corals by culling crown-of-thorns starfish on a few reefs are just a drop in the ocean,” he says.

Mr Hughes said geographical differences in starfish numbers and coral abundance – which the study attributed to levels of culling in different parts of the Great Barrier Reef – could be explained by which areas had suffered from recent cyclones and coral mass destruction. Events they say could be explained by who is most affected by large-scale bleaching. Professor Beeden acknowledges that it is difficult to separate these factors from the effects of selection, but he says: “Our results are strengthened and are not confounded by the fact that the increase in coral cover in the Townsville region was achieved despite two large-scale bleaching events in 2020 and 2022. do not have” “

Instead, Hughes says the priority should be to tackle global warming, which is accelerating the frequency and intensity of coral bleaching. “Each time there is a bleaching event, the Australian government announces additional funding to eliminate starfish from some coral reefs, shifting the focus away from addressing the causes of these outbreaks and reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Utilizing Quantum Forces for Automated Assembly of Small Devices

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Triangular gold flakes can be manipulated using mysterious quantum forces

George Zograf

A tiny gold device for controlling light is built using strange quantum effects hidden in seemingly empty space.

In 1948, physicist Hendrik Casimir theorized that when objects are brought close together in space, some objects experience a very weak gravitational pull due to imperceptible flickering of quantum fields in the gaps between them. Ta. Researchers then confirmed this Casimir effect in the laboratory. Betul Kyucukoz and his colleagues at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology have found a way to make this useful.

They wanted to build a cavity that would trap the light using two pieces of gold placed parallel to each other, so that the light would bounce back and forth between them and would not be able to escape. First, we created the bottom edge of the cavity by transferring triangular gold flakes ranging in size from 4 to 10 microns onto a small piece of glass. The top end of the cavity also contained a triangular gold flake, but instead of holding it in place with an instrument, the researchers attached it to the glass in a salt water solution containing an additional triangular gold flake. The gold flakes were then dipped in and then allowed to develop. Instead, work naturally.

One of those forces was the electrostatic force caused by the charge associated with the dissolved salt. Another is the Casimir effect. Kyuchkoz said he observed the experiment under the microscope many times and could always see the Casimir effect in action. This causes the floating gold flakes to move towards the gold flake where one is imprinted on the glass, and then he moves over the imprinted gold flake until the triangular footprints of the two flakes match. It was rotated.

This completes the assembly of a cavity that can trap light. The researchers were able to significantly control the cavity formation process, Kyucukoz said. For example, by using different concentrations of salt, we can adjust the strength of the electrostatic force so that the distance between the flakes is different for each cavity, creating cavities with slightly different dimensions of 100-200 nanometers. It can trap colored light.

Raul Esquivel Sirbento The professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico said the idea of self-assembly, likened to throwing a Lego set into a pot and a structure emerges without having to manually press the pieces together, is not new. But he said his team’s experiment was more detailed and controlled than previous attempts to exploit the Casimir effect for similar purposes. But the Casimir effect can be very subtle, so there may be other effects here as well that haven’t been detected yet, Esquivel Servent said.

In the future, Küçüköz and his colleagues hope to use the cavity as part of more complex experiments with light, such as placing objects inside the cavity between two gold flakes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Japan’s lunar lander “Slim” miraculously persevered through three lunar nights

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The SLIM lander continues to take photos of the moon's surface.

JAXA

Somehow, Japan's Smart Lunar Survey Lander (SLIM) survived three lunar nights. This is an amazing feat. The moon's nights are so cold that the spacecraft's batteries and electronics fail, so a lunar lander can typically survive one day on the moon, or about two weeks on Earth.

The lunar lander is built to withstand the moon's nighttime temperatures, which can drop to -133°C (-208°F). SLIM is no exception. There are no heaters or special insulation designed to keep the spacecraft's electronics warm.

The original plan was for the lunar night to mark the end of the lander's mission, so no one expected to wake up again when night fell less than two weeks after SLIM's January 19 landing. I wasn't expecting it. But on February 25, the sun rose over SLIM's resting place near the moon's south pole, lighting it up again.

Alarmed, the SLIM operations crew on Earth began instructing the lander to image and measure its surroundings until the next lunar night, when the mission would truly end. In late March, the sun rose again and the lander powered on and began transmitting data to Earth.

By all standards, the mission was a shocking success, even after a difficult landing left the spacecraft tilted. But yet another surprise awaited – three nights later on April 23, SLIM was revived again.

X's SLIM official account Posted“SLIM maintained its primary functionality even after a three-night stay, which was not envisioned at the time of its design.” New photos of the lunar surface accompanying that post show that the lander once again understands the moon. It also shows that they are working hard to collect data that will not only help them do this, but also help them create a spacecraft that can withstand moonlit nights.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Fusion experiments successfully navigate major operational barriers

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Inside the DIII-D tokamak fusion reactor

Ruth Wilcox (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Fusion reactions have overcome two important barriers to operating in the “sweet spot” needed for optimal power production: increasing plasma density and keeping a denser plasma confined. This milestone marks another stepping stone toward fusion power, although commercial reactors are likely still years away.

One of the main avenues being considered in efforts to achieve fusion power generation is the use of tokamak reactors. These have donut-shaped chambers in which plasma, hotter than the surface of the sun, is trapped by giant magnets.

It was thought that there was a point known as the Greenwald limit, beyond which the plasma could not become denser without escaping the influence of the magnets, potentially damaging the reactor. However, experiments have shown that the power of a tokamak reactor increases proportionally to the square of the fuel density, so increasing the density is important to increase the power.

now, Siye Din General Atomics in San Diego, California, and colleagues have shown that there is a way to increase plasma density and have shown that plasma density can be stabilized. DIII-D National Fusion Facility The tokamak reactor was operated for 2.2 seconds at an average density 20 percent above the Greenwald limit. This barrier has been crossed before with low stability and short duration, but this experiment was importantly also performed with a metric greater than 1, known as H98(y,2).

H98(y,2) states that it is a complex combination of measurements and values that indicate how well the plasma is confined in the magnet. gianluca sarri At Queen's University Belfast, a value of 1.0 or higher indicates normal plasma retention.

“He's starting to show some sort of stable behavior where he can consistently be in the sweet spot,” Sarri says. “This was done on a small machine. If we extrapolate these results to a larger machine…we would expect to find a situation where we can achieve gains and significant power production over a significant period of time.”

Sarri said the DIII-D experiment relied on a combination of approaches that are not new in themselves, but that their combination appears to have produced a promising approach. The researchers increased the power by increasing the density in the center of the donut-shaped plasma, while allowing the plasma to sink at the end closest to the containment vessel, avoid plasma leakage. They also injected deuterium gas into the plasma to calm the reaction in certain areas.

DIII-D's plasma chamber has an outer radius of just 1.6 meters, but it remains to be seen whether the same method will work for ITER, the next generation tokamak being built in France. ITER has a radius of 6.2 meters and is expected to be completed. It is planned to generate plasma by 2025 at the earliest.

“These plasmas are very complex,” Sarri says. “Small changes in circumstances lead to large changes in behavior. Experimentally, it was a trial-and-error kind of approach, trying out many different configurations and basically seeing which one worked best. It was all about It's about forcing the plasma to do something that is completely against its nature and that it doesn&#39t actually want to do.”

Ding says the experiment bodes well for the future of fusion power generation. “Many reactor designs require high confinement and high density at the same time. Experimentally, this is the first time this has been achieved,” he says. “Next steps will be costly and research is currently moving in many directions. We hope this document will help focus efforts around the world.”

Sarri says this work is another step toward a practical fusion power plant, but no one should expect a commercial reactor to be completed within the next five or even 10 years.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New genetic research on flowering plants changes the tree of life at a large scale

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The pink lapacho tree is one of approximately 300,000 species of flowering plants

Roberto Okamura Tetsuo/Shutterstock

Botanists have used genome data from more than 9,500 species to map evolutionary relationships among flowering plants. The newly compiled Tree of Life will help scientists piece together the origins of flowering plants and inform future conservation efforts.

Approximately 90 percent of plants that live on land are flowering and fruiting plants called angiosperms. These flowering plants are essential to maintaining Earth's ecosystems, including storing carbon and producing oxygen, and they make up a large portion of our diet.

“Our very existence depends on them,” he says. william baker At the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England. “That's why we need to really understand them.”

For the past eight years, Baker and his colleagues have been working to complete the Tree of Life, which describes the evolutionary relationships between all genera of plants and fungi.

Starting with flowering plants, the researchers designed molecular probes to search for 353 specific genes found in the nucleus of all angiosperms. “The nuclear genome is huge,” Baker says. “So we needed to focus on a specific set of genes.”

Researchers have so far sequenced the genes of 9,506 species of flowering plants, primarily using specimens from collections and public databases around the world. This represents nearly all known angiosperm families and approximately 8,000 of the 13,400 recorded genera.Some of the specimens collected in the analysis are more than 200 years old; Arenaria globifloraand many Guadalupe Island olives (Espererea Palmeri).

By comparing the similarities in the gene sequences of different flowering plants, researchers were able to figure out where they fit on the tree of life.

Baker says this is the most comprehensive survey of angiosperms to date. “We often liken it to the periodic table of elements,” he says. “It's the basic framework for life.”

angiosperm tree of life

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Angiosperms emerged about 140 million years ago and have rapidly flourished, overtaking flowerless gymnosperms to become the world's dominant plant species. The sudden appearance of the diversity of flowering plants in the fossil record has baffled scientists for the past few centuries, and Charles Darwin called it “a hideous mystery.”

Now, the Tree of Life confirms that about 80 percent of the major flowering plant lineages that still exist today were part of this early boom in angiosperm diversity. “We can't say we've solved this 'damn mystery,' but at least we can say it really does exist,” Baker said.

The tree of life also highlights a further surge in diversity that occurred around 40 million years ago, possibly caused by a drop in global temperatures at the time.

In the future, he says, the Tree of Life could also help in the search for plants with pharmaceutical properties for new drugs. Ilia Leech, another member of Cue's team. It also helps scientists identify new species and assess which species are most vulnerable to climate change.

“This is the latest and greatest evolutionary framework for conducting new research that approaches the mechanisms that have allowed flowering plants to take over the world,” he says. ryan falk at Mississippi State University.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Mars Express uncovers mysterious ‘spider’ near ‘Inca City’ on Martian outskirts

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft found obvious traces of spider. They are scattered in the south pole region of Mars.

This image of an Inca city on Mars was taken on February 27, 2024 by the high-resolution stereo camera on board ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin.

“The Martian ‘spiders’ are not actual spiders, but form when spring sunlight falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited during the dark winter,” said a member of the Mars Express team.

“Sunlight turns the carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer into gas, which then accumulates and breaks through the ice sheet above.”

“During Mars’ spring, the gas explodes, dragging black material down to the surface as it progresses and shattering layers of ice up to a meter thick.”

“The resulting gas, laden with black dust, erupts through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains and geysers, before falling down and sinking to the surface.”

This creates a dark spot 45 m to 1 km (148 to 3,280 ft) in diameter.

This same process carves a distinctive “spider-shaped” pattern beneath the ice. Therefore, these black spots are evidence that a spider may be lurking underneath.

“Dark spots can be seen throughout the Mars Express image. But most of them can be seen as small specks in the dark region on the left, located just on the outskirts of a part of Mars called Inca City.” said the researchers.

“The reason for this name is no mystery: the network of linear, almost geometric ridges recalls Inca ruins.”

More formally known as Angustus Labyrinth. Inca City was discovered in 1972 by NASA’s Mariner 9 spacecraft.

“We still don’t know exactly how Inca cities formed. Sand dunes may have turned to stone over time,” the scientists said.

“Perhaps materials such as magma or sand are seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock. Alternatively, the ridges could be ‘eskers,’ tortuous structures associated with glaciers.”

“The ‘walls’ of Inca cities appear to be part of a larger circle, 86 km (53.5 miles) in diameter.”

Scientists suspect that Inca City is located inside a large crater formed when rocks from space collided with the planet’s surface.

“This impact may have caused the fault to ripple in the surrounding plains, which was then filled with rising lava and then worn away over time,” the researchers said.

Source: www.sci.news

The Gullah-Geechee community faces a threat from climate change.

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing millions of dollars to help traditionally underserved coastal communities combat climate change. This funding includes a significant stretch of 12,000 square miles of land spanning from North Carolina to Florida, known as the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Designated by Congress in 2006, this land increases the wealth of the Gullah-Geechee by allowing communities along the corridor to utilize federal funds for programs and projects and receive technical and financial assistance from the National Park Service, all in an effort to protect and preserve their history and culture.

In April 2023, NOAA also announced over $265 million in funding for 38 new projects aimed at strengthening the climate resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities. These projects include initiatives in South Carolina to accelerate living shoreline projects in underserved communities, as well as collaborations with the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor to create living shoreline projects in these communities. Additionally, the funding includes $6.2 million for programs supporting the Regional Ambassador Program for Coastlines.

NOAA-recommended projects involve hiring new staff to assist restoration organizations in building relationships with the Gullah-Geechee community, identifying resiliency priorities for community members, and establishing local relationships to support future restoration efforts. Moreover, $536,000 has been allocated to form an advisory committee.

A Gullah woman weaves a sweetgrass basket, circa 1930.
H. Armstrong Roberts/Classic Stock/Getty Images

Tia Clark operates Casual Club with Tia in Charleston, South Carolina, focusing on catching blue crabs, a staple in Gullah-Geechee cuisine. She participates in a conservation effort to build oyster reefs and create habitat for marine life to thrive, as rising temperatures are endangering crab habitats. With blue crab populations at an all-time low in South Carolina in 2023, Clark emphasizes the need to protect these resources from further decline.

Clark collaborates with state agencies and local schools to educate students about the importance of preserving water resources for future generations, emphasizing the impacts of climate change on the environment and wildlife.

Numerous federal programs support the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, emphasizing the importance of combatting climate change to protect the land, water, and way of life cherished by those living along the corridor.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the survival and continuation of our traditions as native Gullah Geechee,” said Queen Couette. “We are committed to preserving our heritage for generations to come.”

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Source: www.nbcnews.com

Study: Io, Jupiter’s moon, has been erupting volcanically continuously since its formation

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Sulfur and chlorine isotopes in Io’s atmosphere indicate that Io has been volcanically active throughout the solar system’s 4.57 billion-year history.

This global map of Io was obtained in January 1999 by NASA’s Galileo spacecraft. Image credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona.

Jupiter’s moon Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system.

Io’s volcanic activity is the result of tidal heating due to friction that occurs within the moon’s interior as it is pulled between Jupiter and its neighboring moons Europa and Ganymede.

However, it is not fully understood how long this moon has hosted such extensive volcanic activity.

Due to the Moon’s current level of volcanic activity, Io’s surface is constantly being reworked, leaving only the most recent 1 million years of its geological record.

Stable isotope measurements of volatile elements in Io’s atmosphere could provide information about Io’s volcanic history.

“Io is a moon of Jupiter and is the most volcanically active body in the solar system,” says Dr. Ellie Hughes, a volcanic fluid geochemist at GNS Science.

“Io is in orbital resonance with Jupiter’s other two large moons, Europa and Ganymede.”

“For every time Ganymede orbits Jupiter once, Europa orbits twice and Io orbits four times.”

“This configuration causes Io’s orbit around Jupiter to be elliptical rather than circular, causing Jupiter’s gravity on Io to change periodically.”

“This change in gravity causes something called tidal heating on Io, just as the moon causes ocean tides on Earth, which causes volcanic activity.”

“However, it is unclear whether volcanic activity has occurred on Io over a long period of time or how this activity has changed over Io’s 4.57 billion year history.”

“Io has experienced so much volcanic activity that its surface is constantly being updated, leaving little trace of its past.”

“Fortunately, we can study Io back in time by studying sulfur and its isotopes.”

In the new study, Hughes, Caltech researcher Catherine de Clare, and colleagues used the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) to observe gases in Io’s tenuous atmosphere. , we measured stable isotope radio waves of sulfur and chlorine. Carries molecules.

Scientists believe that both elements have lower concentrations of heavier isotopes compared to the solar system average due to the loss of lighter isotopes from the upper atmosphere as material is continually recycled between Io’s interior and atmosphere. I discovered that it is very plentiful.

The findings show that Io lost 94% to 99% of its sulfur through this outgassing and recycling process.

This would require that Io maintained its current level of volcanic activity throughout its lifetime.

“Sulfur is released into the atmosphere from Io’s interior by tidal heating from volcanic activity,” Hughes said.

“Some of the sulfur is lost to space by Jupiter’s magnetosphere, a bundle of charged particles swirling around Jupiter that continuously bombards Io’s atmosphere.”

“The sulfur that is left behind will eventually be buried back inside Io, ready to start the cycle again.”

“Isotopes of the same element have different weights from each other, so they can behave slightly differently during this cycle.”

“We found that the sulfur lost to space on Io is a little lighter isotopically than the sulfur that is recycled into Io’s interior.”

“Thus, over time, the sulfur left on Io becomes isotopically heavier and heavier. How heavy it gets depends on how long the volcanic activity has been occurring.”

“We found much more isotopically heavy sulfur in Io’s atmosphere than the solar system average. This requires that Io has lost almost all of its original sulfur.”

“Based on numerical modeling, this means that Io has been volcanically active for billions of years, and that tidal heating and orbital resonance have also occurred for most of Io’s history.”

“In the future, variability in atmospheric sulfur isotopic composition may help quantify Io’s average tidal heating rate.”

of study appear in the diary science.

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katherine de clair other. Isotopic evidence for long-lived volcanism on Io. science, published online on April 18, 2024. doi: 10.1126/science.adj0625

Source: www.sci.news