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nature: Asteroids, antibiotics, and ants: a year of fascinating science
In this episode:
01:58 Evidence of ancient brine on an asteroid
Samples taken from the asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft indicate that the parent body from which it originated likely contained salty water beneath the surface. This discovery provides insight into the chemistry of the early solar system and suggests that brines may have been an important place for the formation of prebiotic molecules.
News and opinions: The asteroid Bennu contains salts from ancient brine
Nature Podcast: The asteroid Bennu contains the building blocks of life
08:01 How gene expression doesn’t always reflect cell function
Cells are often grouped into categories according to the RNA molecules they produce. But the study of zebrafish (Denmark Rerio) Brains revealed that cells can be functionally diverse even if they appear molecularly similar. This discovery adds further nuance to how a cell’s “type” is ultimately determined.
News and opinions: Does a cell’s gene expression always reflect its function?
12:01 Disproportionate mortality risk from heavy rainfall
An assessment of mortality rates in the major Indian coastal city of Mumbai has revealed that the impact of heavy rainfall will be highest for women, young children and residents of informal settlements. This situation is likely to become more pronounced as a result of climate change.
News and opinions: Heavy rains pose the greatest risk to the most vulnerable people in Mumbai
14:46 Underwater glue designed by AI
Inspired by animals such as barnacles and with the help of machine learning, researchers have developed a super-viscous compound that acts as an underwater adhesive. To demonstrate its properties, the researchers used it on a rubber duck, which was firmly attached to a rock on the beach despite being exposed to sea blows.
News and opinions: Artificial intelligence learns from nature to design super-sticky gels that work underwater
Nature Podcast: Underwater glue shows its adhesion ability in a rubber duck test