From the discovery of an Earth-sized planet covered in volcanoes to groundbreaking discoveries that could improve the lives of brain cancer patients, a lot has happened in science this week. Here are the top science stories of the week.
Newly discovered Earth-sized planet covered in volcanoes
Scientists have discovered a volcanic, Earth-sized planet similar to Jupiter’s moon Io, the most volcanically active object in the solar system. Volcanic activity on this planet, 86 light-years away, has not been directly observed, but is inferred due to significant gravitational interactions with the larger of her two other planets orbiting this dim star. It was done. The gravitational pull from the larger planet could squeeze and bend the newly identified planet, heating its interior and triggering surface volcanism similar to Io.
Bezos’ Blue Origin to develop lunar lander for NASA
Jeff Bezos’ rocket company won a NASA contract to land astronauts on the moon two years after losing out to SpaceX. Blue Origin received a $3.4 billion contract Friday to lead the development team for a lunar lander called Blue Moon. It will be used to transport astronauts to the moon as early as 2029, following two crew landings by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. NASA plans to use its own rockets and capsules to put astronauts into orbit around the moon, but wants the private sector to take over from there.
Genomic data reveal the origins of Homo sapiens in Africa
A new study shows that multiple ancestral groups across Africa contributed to the emergence of humans. homo sapiens Like a patchwork, they migrate from one region to another, mixing with each other over hundreds of thousands of years. It also turns out that everyone alive today can trace their ancestry to at least two different populations that existed in Africa about a million years ago.
Breakthrough discovery that could improve lives for brain tumor patients
Researchers have found that cancer cells bind to healthy brain cells and become hyperactive, causing rapid cognitive decline and death in patients. The research team, led by Indian Sarisa Krishna, also found that commonly used anti-seizure drugs were effective in reducing tumor cell hyperactivity and even stopping their growth. In addition, it is possible to manipulate communication between healthy brain cells and cancerous cells to slow or even stop tumor growth. These findings will be even more beneficial for patients with glioblastoma, which is thought to be the deadliest brain tumor in adults.
New bionic technology allows amputees to feel human warmth
Scientists have developed a new bionic technology that allows amputees to feel the temperature of matter. Amputees reported feeling hot and cold sensations not only directly on the arm, but also on phantom hands and fingers after placing thermal electrodes on the skin of the remaining arm. Ultimately, scientists hope that people will be able to feel their loved ones more naturally while wearing the prosthesis. The trial was conducted on 27 people, 17 of whom reported successful testing.
Hundreds of millions of life-years lost in pandemic: WHO
The World Health Organization has announced that nearly 337 million life years have been lost in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic as millions died prematurely. The pandemic has officially killed nearly 7 million people, with the real death toll believed to be closer to 20 million. WHO officially recorded 5.4 million deaths from COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, but according to its excess mortality data, about 14.9 million people actually died from the coronavirus crisis during this period. shown to be likely. Moreover, in those two years alone, COVID-19 has wiped out 336.8 million years of his otherwise life around the world.
Only about 13% of global methane emissions are regulated
Researchers find only about 13% of global methane emissions are regulated, even though methane emissions cause at least 25% of current global warming bottom. After reviewing the literature, we systematically examined all major anthropogenic sources, agriculture, energy and waste. The researchers focused on 281 policies around the world (255 of which are currently in force) aimed at monitoring and reducing methane emissions, examining their geographic scope, strength and effectiveness. 90% of identified national policies are adopted in his three regions: North America (39%), Europe (30%) and Asia Pacific (21%).
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