Moon missions, Musk v scientists, sperm and longevity
Mar 6, 2025
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Recent lunar missions have showcased private companies achieving soft landings on the moon, pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Tension arises as scientists question Elon Musk's role within the Royal Society, reflecting on accountability in science. A groundbreaking study suggests that men with higher-quality sperm may live two to three years longer, linking reproductive health and longevity. This research prompts concerns over low sperm quality and its association with early mortality, signaling a need for deeper investigation into male health.
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Quick takeaways
The successful soft landing of the Blue Ghost spacecraft underscores significant progress in private lunar exploration and NASA's support for commercial ventures.
Debate over Elon Musk's Royal Society fellowship highlights tensions between scientific integrity and public behavior influenced by social media.
Deep dives
Milestone in Moon Exploration
The recent successful soft landing of the Blue Ghost spacecraft represents a significant advancement in private lunar exploration. Operated by Firefly Aerospace, it marks the second time a private company has achieved this feat, with the prior attempt by Intuitive Machines leading to a tipped-over lander. NASA's funding through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services Initiative is crucial for these ventures, aiming to foster a commercial industry for lunar missions. The mission not only serves as a testbed but also seeks to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing GPS signals from Earth for navigation on the Moon, a potential game-changer for future lunar endeavors.
Elon Musk and the Royal Society Controversy
Elon Musk's fellowship at the Royal Society has sparked significant debate among scientists regarding his behavior and public statements on social media. Concerns were raised over Musk's tweets, which many fellows viewed as inconsistent with the Society's code of conduct, prompting a call for his fellowship to be reconsidered. The situation escalated with notable resignations from esteemed scientists who believe Musk's actions undermine the Society's reputation. Although the Royal Society has internal protocols for addressing such issues, its response to this controversy remains unclear, with increasing calls for accountability.
Sperm Quality as a Health Indicator
A large-scale study in Denmark suggests that the quality of men's sperm may be linked to their lifespan, with findings indicating that men with higher quality sperm lived two to three years longer than those with lower quality. The research, conducted using sperm samples from men visiting fertility clinics, raises questions about the broader implications of sperm quality on overall health. Speculation exists that environmental exposures or conditions during fetal development could influence both sperm quality and health outcomes later in life. Future research aims to uncover specific health risks associated with low-quality sperm, potentially allowing for early interventions.
Madeleine Finlay and Ian Sample discuss three intriguing science stories from the week. From two private moon landings to the controversy over Elon Musk’s continued membership of the Royal Society, and a new study making a link between men’s health and their sperm quality. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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