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New Scientist Podcasts

Weekly: Deepest hole ever drilled in Earth’s mantle; Glitter on Mars; Quantum telepathy

Aug 9, 2024
Geologists have struck gold by drilling deeper into Earth's mantle than ever before, potentially unveiling secrets about the origins of life. Meanwhile, the evolutionary timeline of the 'hobbits' may need a rewrite as new findings suggest they evolved smaller statures much quicker than expected. On a cosmic scale, quantum telepathy could revolutionize stock trading by speeding up transactions at light speed, while a unique terraforming method involving glittery clouds may make Mars more hospitable for humans.
30:30

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Quick takeaways

  • The deepest drill into Earth’s mantle at Atlantis Massif aims to uncover secrets crucial for understanding the origins of life.
  • Quantum telepathy could revolutionize stock trading by allowing instantaneous communication between distant exchanges, potentially enhancing trading speed significantly.

Deep dives

Drilling into Earth's Mantle

Geologists recently achieved a significant milestone by drilling the deepest hole ever into the Earth's mantle, reaching over 1,200 meters. This strategic drilling occurred at the Atlantis Massif, an underwater mountain near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the upper mantle is exposed. Researchers aimed to gather information about the mantle’s composition and the geological processes that occur within it, particularly how melting and chemical compounds like methane might relate to the origins of life. The findings from this drill hole are expected to provide vital insights across multiple scientific disciplines for years to come.

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