What a week this has been. Seems like I’ve had nothing but internet and server issues all week long, Despite that, I’ve managed to slog my way through to the end of this round of editing on the next Logan’s World book, for which I have to thank my wonderful wife, who painstakingly ensures I dot all my T’s and cross all my I’s! Now, I have a little time to relax and share some science.
- The word “cancer” strikes fear into the best of us, and with good reason. But recently a Seattle-based team of researchers announced that a new therapy for lymphocytic leukemia called CAR T-cell therapy has kept two patients cancer-free since 2010! What’s more, the treatment may be effective against a range of cancers. Read more…
- In Philip K. Dick‘s short story, and subsequent movie, Minority Report, the “Precogs” are able to predict future crime using precognition. Now, we may be on the verge of being able to predict behaviors mapping the brain’s neural pathways. Read more…
- Astronomers have discovered the largest galaxy ever observed, and it stretches a massive sixteen million light-years! Read more…
- Recently discovered gravitational waves should, according to theory, leave permanent distortions in space-time like cosmic fingerprints. Now, researchers are racing to find them, and they may have implications for black holes. Read more…
- While battery electric vehicles are being seen in greater numbers, their reliance on costly, rare materials raises a possible obstacle to their widespread use on a mass scale. But hydrogen-powered cars could avoid that. And two of the biggest investors in hydrogen technology, Toyota, and Yamaha, are joining forces to develop a hydrogen-fueled V8. Read more…
- A giant cosmic arc of galaxies throws doubt on the cosmological principle that the universe is the same everywhere. Is this a death blow for the idea that underpins most of current astronomical thinking? Read more…
- The Salton “Sea” in California is highly polluted and poisonous, but has recently been found to be an excellent source of lithium – a vital component in modern battery technologies. Could California become a leader in its production? Read more…
- Ethiopia is Africa’s largest country, but has a huge deficit in electricity production that limits not only its growth but the entire region. But recently it has green-lit its biggest hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile. Once finished, it will generate over five thousand megawatts (MW) of electricity. Read more…
That’s this week’s round-up. As always, feel to leave a comment. Stay safe, positive, and curious!
