October 19th, 2010
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Slushy Moons, TWiThe End of the World OR Clymidia, Electric Microbes, GoupStress, TWiWorld Robot Domination, Minion Mailbag, And Much More!!!
Show Notes:
Microbial Electricity
Researchers at the University of Southern California, have discovered that some bacteria can grow electrical hair that lets them link up to form a microbial electrical circuit. This suggests that these bacterial colonies may survive, communicate and share energy by sometimes using these bacterial nano wires. The researchers grew colonies of a bacteria called Shewanella Oneidensus MR-1, which has plenty of these nano wires. They deposited the MR-1 bacteria across a microscopic surface covered with electrodes, and when the nano wires touched two electrodes, a closed circuit was formed, enabling a measurable flow of current.
Americans Trust Scientists More Regarding Climate Change.
A recent survey has concluded that more and more Americans trust scientists about climate Change. More and more people are turning to trusted science agencies, scientists, science programs and science museums for information. But there are many Americans who still get their information from biased sources like TV, media, the internet and climate deniers.
Carbon Dioxide, The Main Driving Force Behind The Greenhouse Effect
Researchers at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies ( GISS ) conducted a study into how greenhouse gasses and clouds effects our atmosphere. The new Atmosphere-Ocean Climate Modeling Study revealed that carbon dioxide has a big part to play in controlling earths temperature. Although water vapor and clouds contribute to global warming, the researchers discovered that non-condensing gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFC’s and ozone provide the core influence towards the greenhouse effect. In an experiment to remove these non-condensing gasses from the atmospheric climate model, the greenhouse effect promptly disappeared and the earth returned to an icy planet.
Enceladus throws a wobble, lets off steam
Saturn’s moon Enceladus is not as lifeless as it seems. In 2005, Nasa’s Cassini probe, photographed giant jets of water gushing from fissures on the surface. This left scientists baffled as to how a seemingly dead moon can be so active. They have since surmised that between the push and the pull of Saturn’s gravity and it’s elliptical orbit, a gravitational tidal forcing is caused. This then heats the ice under the surface by friction and tears the crust on the moon, resulting in the jets of water spotted by Cassini.
Titan, Life from the Atmosphere ?
Researchers have demonstrated that complex organic molecules such as amino acids and nucleotide bases, could be formed by chemical processes in the atmosphere of Titan. Using radio-frequency radiation as an energy source, scientists produced these building blocks of life in a reaction chamber, proving that these complex molecules could be formed without liquid water.
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Group Stress
Scientists in Israel have conducted studies to see how stress and anxiety affects large social groups. Using the natural predator and prey relationships between the owl and the vole, researchers were able to test the unified group responses to a common threat. They were surprised to discover that the stress levels amongst a group of voles that shared a particular dangerous experience, were equal in each vole, whereas voles that were stressed when alone, had different levels of stress between them. Their research could lead to a better understanding and treatments for victims involved in a trauma experienced as a group.
Robot Hit Me, But Be Gentle
Isaac Asimov must be turning in his grave. Scientists in Slovenia are encouraging robots to punch people. Asimov’s Law stresses that a ‘Robot may not injure a human being or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm’. So in order for robots not to harm people, they must first learn the limits of their powers and understand the forces that cause people harm or injury.
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October 12th, 2010
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Solar Cooling. Asteroids and ice. Lost Language Found. Bacteria and Asthma Linked. From Eye to Brain. No Need To Smooch a Stranger to Save a Life. Bad Moos for the future
Show Notes:
Less Solar Activity, Earth Gets Warmer
A snapshot of the solar activity between 2004 and 2007 has revealed unexpected results. A study by Joanna Haigh has revealed than in spite of a decline of the Suns activity in this period, the Earth may have become warmer, challenging what we knew about the Sun’s role on our climate. By using satellite data and computer modelling, researchers have analyzed how the spectrum of radiation and the amount of energy from the Sun has changed since 2004.
Second Asteroid Found with Water Ice
Scientists have discovered water ice on an asteroid for the second time. Researchers studying Asteroid 65 Cybele, have found evidence of water ice and other organic materials on this 180 mile diameter asteroid which is orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. This evidence as well as the water ice discovery on asteroid 24 Themis, suggests that water ice could be more common on space rocks than previously thought, supporting the theory that an asteroid had brought our planet its water and the building blocks for life to form here.
Language Found New To Science
National Geographic’s Enduring Voices project expedition to Northern India, has stumbled upon a completely new language to science called Koro. Researchers targeting a language hot spot in Nothern India came across the language while researching two poorly recorded languages of Aka and Miji in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh. They discovered that Koro is spoken by about 800 people and is so unique compared to the local dialects that it is as different as Japanese is to English.
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Bacteria, Another Cause of Asthma Attacks in Children
Scientists in Denmark have discovered that bacterial infections may trigger asthma attacks in children. A study examining 361 children found viral and bacterial infections during asthma attacks. This opens a whole new possibility of using antibiotics in the treatment of people with asthma.
From the Eye to the Brain
Scientists have finally mapped how cells in the eyes communicate with the brain. By comparing a clearly defined visual input to an electrical output of the retina, scientists were able to trace for the first time the neuronal circuitry that connects individual photoreceptors with retinal ganglion cells, the neurons that carry visual signals from the eye to the brain. The discovery may lead to better retinal implants.
Untrained Bystanders Should Attempt CPR
Researchers have concluded that there is no need to give mouth to mouth resuscitation if you come across someone in need. During their studies, they found that the odds of survival was more when people used compression only. They found that people were less reluctant to try CPR when mouth to mouth was not involved, therefore eliciting a quicker response in attempting to save a life.
Meat Lovers May Endanger the Future of the Planet
People may have to cut meat from their diets if they want to save the planet from more greenhouse gases, habitat destruction and nitrate pollution. Researchers have calculated that by 2050, the environmental impact of sustaining livestock for an ever growing population could have a detrimental impact on the planet. The research concludes that a cut in meat reduction of between 19 to 42 % would be enough just to stand still regarding environmental damage.
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October 6th, 2010
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Planet Goldilocks, Hectic Heliosheath, Robot Hood, Dinosaurs Taller than Previously Thought, The Zebra Finch and the Ancient Virus Fossil, Atomic Bondage, Escaping the Event Horizon, And Much More…
Show Notes:
Planet Goldilocks
A new planet that could be just right for life has been discovered just 20 light years away. Orbiting the middle of a ‘habitable zone’ around the red dwarf star Gliese 581, means it could possibly have water on it’s surface. It has a mass of 3 or 4 times that of the Earth and is tidally locked to it’s sun, one half in a perpetual day the other a perpetual night.
Life in the Collision Zone
So what really goes on in the depths of space where the edge of the Heliosphere meets the beginning of infinity? Nasa’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer spacecraft was launched on October 19th to map the interactions between the Solar Wind and the Energetic Neutral Atoms of Hydrogen ( ENAs ) and discovered that not all is what it seemed. Interstellar space is more dynamic than previously thought.
Robot Hits the Target
Scientists at the Italian Institute of Technology have created the iCub, a robot that teaches itself to fire a bow and arrow. The researchers created a complicated algorithm called ARCHER, using a camera to process the bull’s eye and trial and error to figure out the right angle, force, and trajectory to eventually hit the centre of the target.
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Dinosaurs Taller Than Previously Thought
For years paleontologists have calculated the height of dinosaurs by reconstructing the skeletons of these ancient beasts. However, new research indicates that they may have gotten it wrong. Scientists studying the closest living relatives of the dinosaur, the ostrich and the alligator, have discovered that by removing the cartilage from their limbs and measuring the skeletons, they were up to 10% shorter. So, by not factoring in the cartilage in the measurement of dinosaur skeletons, their heights have been underestimated.
The Zebra Finch and the Ancient Virus
The Hepatitis B family of viruses has been around for a long time, but new discoveries in Zebra Finch DNA have revealed that these viruses have been around for at least 19 million years. The studies have changed the understanding of the timescale of the evolution of the Hepadnavirus.
Slicing Proteins with Occams Razor
How does myoglobin have different functions in different animals? This oxygen binding protein functions differently in different animals. From the lightning reflex of the cheetah to the lumbering descent of the whale. Researchers are trying to figure out why myglobin releases oxygen at different rates for different mammals. Scientists have found a way to unlock the secrets of myoglobin at an atomic level.
Escaping the Event Horizon
Are Italian Scientists on the verge of proving Hawking’s Radiation hypothesis in the lab? Hawking theorised that some energy does indeed escape a black hole. Now, researchers in Italy are experimenting with lasers and glass, to replicate a mini black hole with surprising results.
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September 28th, 2010
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Malaria – Blame it on the Gorilla, Triclosan v’s Toxoplasma Gondii – The Lesser of Two Evils, Russian Anti Aging, Naval Research Battles Against Energy Waste, Have an Ice Life, Soil Bacteria in the Arctic, Oscillating Neurons, Urban Evolution, Neanderthal Complexities, Plants Learning to Live with Radiation and much more.
Show Notes:
Gorillas and Malaria
Scientists at the University of Alabama, Birmingham studying primate droppings for genetic material in their HIV studies, have discovered that gorilla malaria Plasmodium Falciparum is more similar to the human form of the parasite than chimp Plasmodium. Their research have led them to wonder if the malaria parasite Plasmodium Falciparum primarily jumped species from gorilla to humans, be it through eating gorilla bush meat or via mosquitos that tucked into gorilla blood before snacking on humans. If Plasmodium Falciparum is eradicated from humans, should we target eradicating it from the gorilla population too?
Triclosan v’s Toxoplasma Gondii
Many anti-bacterial products from soap to toothpaste, contains the ingredient Triclosan. But could Triclosan eventually lead to the creation of a superbug, which will eventually resist all forms of medication ? Also, when mixed with Chlorine, it’s possible that it could be carcinogenic. However, it also blocks the enzyme which requires Toxoplasma Gondii to thrive. This leave us with a dilemma, which is the lesser of the two evils?
Russian Anti – Aging
A Scientist in Russia, claims to have found a method to live longer and healthier. By creating a treatment for Glaucoma, he discovered that the substance he used, penetrated the mitochondria which reduced oxidation damage to the cells. Further research on mice using his treatment, resulted in the mice living 100% longer. How will society be effected if we all lived a healthier and longer life? Will the dynamics of society change?
The Navy researching for Better Use of Energy.
Researchers have designed a system that controls the electrical flow for lighting, which has reduced peak power usage by 39 %. This system harnesses and recycles residual magnetic power and also produces less heat and less electromagnetic interference and is hoped that overall energy consumption will be reduced considerably. . Good for the environment perhaps? Or will this lead to cheaper energy and more consumption?
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Did Life Evolve from Ice?
The general consensus for the beginnings of life, is that it evolved in a hot, volatile environments such as thermal vents or hot mud. But, could it have also evolved in icy conditions? Contrary to popular belief, Ice is not 100 % solid, it contains a microscopic network of channels and spaces, which allow cold loving RNA Ribozyme molecules to replicate better in conditions below freezing. These sub zero temperatures stabilizes the molecules and prevents them from breaking down. Perfect for RNA to take off.
Soil Bacteria in the Arctic.
Although plant and animal life is more diverse towards the tropics, the opposite is true for soil bacteria. Studies have revealed that the rules for determining plant and animal species patterns are different for bacteria. These findings will help to understand the biological and ecological factors that determine where and why species occur where they do.
Had an Oscillating Brain Wave Lately ?
Researchers have discovered that different neurons dance to different tunes, in the form of oscillating electrical activity and specific frequencies. The millions of neurons spread across the brain need to work together without interfering with other neuron groupings. But how do they do it? Could electrical activity in the brain organise these individual neurons to work in unison in a larger
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September 24th, 2010
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Everything’s Evolving, A Fountain Of Youth, This Week in Space, Inspecting The Introspective, Deceptive Birds, Savings On CEOs, How To Be Human, And Much More!!!
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September 14th, 2010
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Say Goodbye To Ali, Aging Oxygen, Monkey Touch Monkey Buy, Selfish Mom Genes, Preemie Predictions, Fertility Secrets, SneakyBots (TWIWRD), Prescription Tunes, Stress Hair, Crazy D, Marscanoes, Minion Mailbag, and Much, Much More!!!
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September 7th, 2010
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Changing Laws of Physics, A New Human Organ, Testing Strings, Forbidden Food, Tiny Cannibals, People Power, Red Rain and Aliens, Whirly Bird Lasers, You Can’t Stop The Madness, Accidental Chemistry, We Need Stem Cells, Volcanic Eruptions, and Much, Much More…
Show Notes:
Fighting the Law
The laws of physics may vary through time and through different parts of the universe. It’s possible that we live in a very special pocket of physical laws that sustain life.
New Organ Found in Humans (Mostly Americans)
Some scientists argue that taken as a whole fat cells could actually be considered an organ. Instead of just passively storing fat, these cells actively send chemical signals to other parts of that body. 20 types of hormones and other substances have been shown to be secreted from fat cells that are not secreted from anywhere else in the body, contributing to problems such as heart disease.
Physical Physics
Scientists are attempting to physically test the mathematical predictions made by string theory using quantum entanglement. They hope to give string theory (which has long been purely theoretical) some evidential backing.
From DNA to GPA
Scientists analyzing the correlation between genetics and academic success have found that academic performance tends to suffer if certain dopaminergic variants are present.
Death by One’s Own Sword
Its long been known that bacteria engage in chemical warfare, including a certain cannibalistic bacteria called Bacillus subtilis. Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to pinpoint the killing factors that were involved in this species’ attack. They isolated the proteins and then used these isolated chemicals to kill the Bacillus as well as other species of bacteria. Is this the first step towards using a bacteria’s own chemical defense system against itself?
September calls for a new book of the month! This month read along with the TWIS Bookclub as we dive into Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold. Get your copy now:
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Laser-Copters
New lasers attached to helicopters are designed to shoot down guided missiles.
Breakthrough in Fuel Cell Efficiency
The goal of self sufficient houses is to make each home its own power system with solar panels on the roof, and a fuel cell in the basement. Until now a limiting factor has been finding a catalyst for splitting water that will take minimal electrical input. Now a new catalyst is boosting the current system by 200 fold.
This is your Brain on Thinking…
Exercising your brain has been shown to delay dementia, but new research shows that once dementia does set in, a well exercised brain actually decays due to dementia faster.
Stem Cell Ruling Halts Research for Sight
A freeze in federal funding has halted research that was on the way to restoring sight for the blind. Scientists warn the public that a generation of researchers may turn away from stem cell research if these political standstills continue.
Aliens in the Rain
In 2001 red rain the fell on India. A physicist examining samples of this mysterious rain found cells with no DNA. After years of studying these cells, he found that they reproduce at a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius. Scientists speculate whether these cells could have an extraterrestrial origin, possibly from a comet that disintegrated in the atmosphere and seeded the clouds.
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September 1st, 2010
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New Worlds Ahoy, Neptune Makes A Lap, Air-tricity, Oil-Nom-Nom, Dry Water Is Not Wet, Destroying HIV, Buzz-Buzz-Groom, New Memristor Circuit, Space Flight Electroshock, Bi-focalled Bugs, Jetlag Fix, The Sex Lives of Birds, Double Complete Hand Transplant, And… A Camel! No, Wait… Tom Merritt!
Show Notes:
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