Results for: Science

A recent study analyzing medical records from 1992 to 2018 projects an increase in cancer rates among Gen Xers at age 60. The study estimates that Gen Xers are more likely to develop certain cancers, such as thyroid, kidney, and colon cancers, compared to baby boomers. The overall increase in cancer rates is expected to remain high for decades, with Asian or Pacific Islander men being the only exception. The reasons behind the projected increase are still unclear but may include environmental factors, lifestyle changes, and improved cancer screening and diagnostics.

From a hidden planet at the edge of our solar system to rogue black holes and enigmatic cosmic phenomena, astronomers are grappling with some of the most perplexing mysteries in the universe. Could Planet Nine lurk beyond Neptune, a massive celestial body tugging on the orbits of distant objects? Are black holes capable of breaking free from their galaxies, hurtling through space like intergalactic billiard balls? And what triggered the formation of the enormous Fermi and eROSITA bubbles above and below our own galaxy’s black hole? These extraordinary discoveries are challenging our understanding of the cosmos and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.

NASA’s Landolt mission, set to launch by 2029, will deploy an artificial star satellite in geosynchronous orbit to serve as a reliable reference point for astronomers. The mission’s primary objective is to improve the accuracy of absolute flux calibration for distant stars, enabling researchers to determine the true brightness of stars up to 10 times more precisely than current estimates. Armed with this data, astronomers can enhance their studies of exoplanets, stellar evolution, and the universe’s expansion rate. Involving both ground-based telescopes and an orbiting satellite, Landolt represents a unique hybrid mission that will contribute significantly to our understanding of the universe.

A leatherback turtle named Uke Sasakolo has broken the record for the deepest dive ever recorded by a turtle, reaching a depth of 4,409 feet (1,344 meters). The researchers also tracked another turtle named Aunty June, who swam across the entire Pacific Ocean. The leatherback turtle has a unique ability to withstand the extreme pressures of the deep due to adaptations such as a specialized carapace and the ability to hold its breath for long periods of time. The findings highlight the importance of protecting these critically endangered turtles, as every nesting adult is crucial for the survival of the species.

After experiencing a technical glitch, the iconic Voyager 1 spacecraft has regained full functionality, allowing all four of its scientific instruments to collect and transmit data from interstellar space. The glitch, which affected the flight data subsystem, was resolved after months of investigation and the implementation of a workaround. Voyager 1 continues its exploration of the interstellar medium, providing valuable scientific insights despite its age and distance from Earth.

In the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, researchers have discovered a deadly pool of extremely salty water known as the ‘Hot Tub of Despair.’ This toxic brine pool, located nearly 3,300 feet below the surface, harbors only a handful of organisms that can tolerate its extreme conditions. Hydrocarbons bubbling up through buried slabs of salt create the pool’s high salinity and density, preventing it from mixing with the surrounding seawater. The brine’s high temperatures, hydrogen sulfide, and methane make it inhabitable for most organisms, resulting in the accumulation of dead animals on the pool’s floor.

NASA’s Maven orbiter has captured remarkable footage of aurora lights illuminating Mars in vibrant purple hues. These auroras, unlike their counterparts on Earth, envelop the entire planet due to Mars’ lack of a strong magnetic field. The images, taken between May 14 and 20, provide insights into the planet’s interactions with solar storms and particle emissions.

Encephalartos woodii, an ancient cycad species, is on the brink of extinction due to an existential crisis. Despite surviving dinosaurs and mass extinctions, this enigmatic plant faces a unique challenge: it has no known female partner. Scientists are racing against time to find a female specimen to save this living fossil and preserve its genetic legacy.

NASA’s first planned spacewalk of 2024 was abruptly canceled on Thursday, approximately an hour before its scheduled initiation at the International Space Station. The space agency cited a ‘spacesuit discomfort issue’ as the reason for the postponement, without elaborating on whether the problem affected one or both astronauts, Tracy C. Dyson and Matthew Dominick. The spacesuits utilized for spacewalks are known for their bulky nature, and an improper fit can pose a significant challenge during extended periods of time. Despite the unusual nature of such a cancellation, NASA emphasized that the crew and spacesuits remain in good condition. The next scheduled spacewalks are set for Monday, June 24, and Tuesday, July 2, with the astronaut assignments yet to be determined. The planned research, involving the swabbing of exterior surfaces to assess the survival of microorganisms released from the station’s vents, will be conducted during the Monday spacewalk, albeit slightly delayed.

Rare Earths Norway announced the discovery of Europe’s largest deposit of rare earth elements within the Fen Carbonatite Complex, an ancient volcano southwest of Oslo. The estimated 8.8 megatons of rare earth oxides, including significant amounts of neodymium and praseodymium used in magnets, could transform Europe’s rare earths value chain. The company plans further drilling and a pilot plant for ore processing. This discovery highlights the global importance of secure domestic supply chains for rare earth elements, which are essential for technologies like touch screens and batteries.