This week I got my latest novel back from my editor (complete with lots of red ink!) so now the “fun” of editing returns, but never fear, there’s always time for some fun science. Here’s my selection for this week.
- I sometimes use the byline “The Future’s About to Get a Lot More Action Packed” alongside my novels. But now it looks like orbital space could be going there soon. Recently, a Chinese space tug designated Shijian-21 was used to pull another out of its orbit. Although meant for peaceful uses, like de-orbiting a defunct satellite, they could also be used for nefarious purposes, in true James Bond style. Read more…
- Detecting gravitational waves isn’t easy. We only detected the first seven years ago using the Laser Interferometry Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detector. Since then we’ve detected more, but now a new method of capturing these elusive waves promises to provide even more information about their inner workings. Read more…
- Ever since their discovery in 1965, neutrinos have baffled physicists. First, they detected fewer than theory predicted, then more, each baffling new experiment tipping earlier theories on their heads. Now, scientists believe this is pointing to a whole new rich “dark sector” of particles that could explain dark matter and the expansion of the universe. Read more…
- With the damage to our environment growing every day, a team of university engineers from UIC in Chicago has developed a low cost artificial leaf, capable of capturing CO2 100 times more effectively than current systems. While carbon capture won’t save us, it’s another tool in the battle. Read more…
- Physicists trying to solve the incompatibility between Einstein’s relativity and quantum gravity recently tried a new approach, one which surprisingly showed a possible connection to string theory. Read more…
- A recent study on a cancer drug shows that it may help flush out the dormant HIV virus, which might lead to a possible cure for those already infected. Read more…
- It turns out that sponges have roughly the same number of genes as humans. Which is surprising as they form one of the earliest branches of the evolutionary tree and hints at the idea that they may have been the origin of neurons and other complex cells. Read more…
- Scientists have used MRI scanners to create and guide magnetic seeds that can heat up and kill cancer. Read more…
- And finally, as goods transport is one of the biggest culprits in climate change, a new airplane design could carry 60% more cargo, at half the cost. Read more…
Until next week, stay safe, positive, and curious!
