Baseball Mud Bath, Water Woes and Wooden Satellites
Nov 11, 2024
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Discover how wooden satellites like Japan's LignoSat are paving the way for eco-friendly space exploration. The severe drought affecting nearly all U.S. states underlines the urgent need for water conservation strategies. Microplastics complicate wastewater recycling efforts and pose serious health risks. Plus, learn about the unique mud from the Delaware River that gives baseballs a better grip. These fascinating topics intertwine science with everyday life in surprising ways!
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Quick takeaways
The introduction of the wooden satellite, LignoSat, highlights a significant move towards environmentally friendly space technology to reduce pollution.
Research reveals that proprietary mud enhances baseball grip, linking natural resources to improved performance in sports.
Deep dives
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Recent Innovations in Science
The launch of the first wooden satellite, LignoSat, at the International Space Station signals a shift towards more environmentally friendly technology, as it helps mitigate metal satellites' negative impact on the ozone layer. This four-inch CubeSat, made from magnolia wood, aims to collect data during its orbit while facing the ongoing challenge of space debris. In another advancement, NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to make a record-breaking solar pass, coming within 3.86 million miles of the Sun, further expanding our understanding of solar phenomena. These innovations reflect a commitment to pairing scientific progress with environmental considerations, showcasing how technology can evolve for the better.
A wooden solution to metal satellites polluting space. Water woes create droughts in 48 of the 50 U.S. states—and climate change is of course a culprit. Microplastics could make wastewater recycling more challenging. And researchers figure out how mud from a secret spot off the Delaware River makes baseballs easier to grip.
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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg and Jeff DelViscio. Our show is edited by Anaissa Ruiz Tejada with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.