Nature Podcast

Star-eating black hole could power cosmic particle accelerator

Oct 16, 2024

In this discussion, physicist Xiaojie Wang, renowned for his work on gamma-ray microquasars, and researcher Jamie Holder delve into the exciting discovery of a high-energy gamma-ray producing microquasar. They explore its potential as a natural particle accelerator and its role in unraveling the mysteries of galactic cosmic rays. They also highlight intriguing recent research on comb jellies fusing their bodies and archaeological findings from Siberian burials, drawing fascinating connections between biology and ancient cultures.

29:36

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Episode guests

Xiaojie Wang

Jamie Holder

Dan Fox

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Quick takeaways

The discovery of a new γ-ray emitting microquasar suggests these objects may contribute significantly to our understanding of cosmic ray sources in the galaxy.

A newly developed 'smart' insulin molecule dynamically adjusts its activity based on blood glucose levels, potentially transforming diabetes management strategies for patients.

Deep dives

Discovery of a Gamma-Ray Microquasar

Physicists have identified a new gamma-ray microquasar in the Milky Way, suggesting that such objects could be more common than previously believed. This microquasar, named V4641 Sagittarii, was found to emit gamma rays, challenging the idea that previous gamma-ray detections were anomalies. Microquasars are smaller versions of quasars that consist of a black hole and an orbiting star, and they can eject jets of subatomic particles. The discovery was made using the High Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma-ray Observatory, which traces the particles resulting from gamma-ray interactions with the Earth’s atmosphere.

Intro

2min

New Frontiers in Gamma-Ray Microquasars

9min

Ancient Mysteries: Comb Jellies and Siberian Burials

3min

Innovative Insulin Molecule Offers Hope for Better Blood Sugar Control

2min

Innovative Advances in Insulin Therapy

11min

Revolutionizing Cellular Analysis

4min

Wrapping Up with Resources and Subscriptions

2min

In this episode:

00:46 An unusual γ-ray producing microquasar

A type of binary-system known as a microquasar has been found to be firing out γ-rays at high energy-levels, which may make it a candidate to be a long-theorized natural particle-accelerator known as a PeVatron. These objects are thought to be a source of galactic cosmic rays, the origins of which are currently a mystery.

Understanding how this microquasar works could also help researchers learn more about full-sized quasars — monstrous objects centred around supermassive black holes, which are too distant to study easily.

Research Article: Alfaro et al.

News and Views: High-altitude particle detector spots a second Galactic microquasar

09:27 Research Highlights

The comb jellies caught fusing their bodies, and an ancient burial site reveals that Classical accounts of Scythian culture appear to be true.

Research Highlight: Two comb jellies fuse their bodies and then act as one

Research Highlight: Evidence of dead people posed on dead horses found in ancient tomb

12:08 A ‘smart’ insulin-molecule that could lower hypoglycaemia risk

Researchers have developed a modified insulin-molecule that varies its level of activity depending on blood-glucose levels. It’s hoped that this ‘smart’ insulin could one day help those with diabetes regulate their blood sugar more easily.

Many people with diabetes rely on regular insulin injections, but because blood-sugar levels can be difficult to predict it can be hard to select the correct dose. This can lead to hypoglycaemia — a life-threateningly low level of glucose. To overcome this, a team created a modified form of insulin with a switch that activates the molecule when glucose levels are high, and deactivates it when levels are low. This insulin-molecule was effective at maintaining correct blood glucose in animal models, and may eventually help lessen diabetes-related complications in humans.

Research Article: Hoeg-Jensen et al.

News and Views: Smart insulin switches itself off in response to low blood sugar

20:33 Briefing Chat

Ancient DNA confirms that infamous lions hunted humans and a variety of game, and a new technique can sequence a cell’s DNA and pinpoint its proteins, without cracking it open.

Nature: Famed lions’ full diet revealed by DNA — and humans were among their prey

Nature: ‘Phenomenal’ tool sequences DNA and tracks proteins — without cracking cells open

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