SciShow Tangents
Dust
Aug 22, 2023
This podcast explores the fascinating world of dust, including its abundance in the universe, its presence on our bodies and in our homes, and even planets made of dust. It touches on topics such as moon dust's value and controversy, using spider webs to track microplastics, and the omnipresence of dust mites. Join the hosts as they uncover intriguing facts about this dusty phenomenon.
41:47
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Quick takeaways
- Spider webs can be used as a simple and effective way to monitor airborne microplastics, with an average of 10% of the mass of spider webs consisting of microplastics.
- Researchers have been experimenting with creating space concrete using simulated moon and Martian dust, including unusual ingredients such as human serum albumin and urea, which could potentially be used in future space missions.
Deep dives
Inhaling Microplastics: The Dusty Dilemma
Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 0.2 inches in diameter, are found in the air, ocean, and soil. They are often a result of the breakdown of larger plastic items and can be harmful when inhaled. A team of scientists in Germany found a cheap and easy way to track microplastics using spider webs. By collecting spider webs from bus shelters and analyzing them, they discovered that an average of 10% of the mass of the webs was made up of microplastics. This method could provide a simple and effective way to monitor airborne microplastics.
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