Tiny Matters [BONUS] 1930s (inebriated) chemist poetry and a new organelle: Tiny Show and Tell Us #4
Aug 14, 2024
Anne Hilden, a chemistry enthusiast and scriptwriter for Headline Science, joins the discussion. They unveil the exciting discovery of nitroplasts, organelles with the potential to transform agriculture. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they explore 1930s poetry by chemists, even those inspired by a few drinks! Additionally, they delve into a historical chemical map of North America, celebrating its role in revealing the origins of medicinal ingredients. It's a delightful blend of science and creativity that you won't want to miss!
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New Organelle: The Nitroplast
- A newly classified organelle called the nitroplast, similar to mitochondria, has only evolved about 100 million years ago.
- It can fix nitrogen inside algae cells, potentially transforming agricultural practices by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Nitroplast and Evolutionary Milestones
- The nitroplast's evolution is a rare co-evolutionary event like mitochondria and chloroplasts.
- Such organelles coincide with major evolutionary milestones, hinting nitroplasts could impact evolution significantly.
Agricultural Revolution via Nitroplast
- Current nitrogen fertilizer production is energy-intensive and releases significant CO2.
- Nitroplast-enabled nitrogen fixation in plants or algae could revolutionize agriculture with eco-friendly nutrient sourcing.
