Weekly: The first life on Earth; Banana-shaped galaxies; When is smartphone use ‘problematic’?

Aug 2, 2024

Explore the ancient origins of life as researchers dissect 3.5 billion-year-old fossils that could redefine our understanding of early bacteria. Dive into the discovery of banana-shaped galaxies that challenge traditional cosmic models, thanks to advanced telescopes. Also, consider the fine line between smartphone use and addiction, especially in teenagers, as experts investigate its impact on mental health. This engaging conversation blends prehistoric mysteries with modern technology.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Secrets of Ancient Life: Fossils and Origins

01:45 • 6min

Advancements and Cautions in Alzheimer's Treatment

07:18 • 6min

Emerging Hope in Alzheimer's Treatments and Engaging Health Discussions

13:03 • 2min

Exploring Adolescence and Banana-Shaped Galaxies

14:34 • 2min

Galaxies and Screen Time: A Dual Exploration

16:37 • 15min

The Feasibility of an Earth Life Repository

31:46 • 3min

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What was the first life on Earth like? Ancient fossils hint it could be a primitive kind of bacteria – but these 3.5 billion-year-old fossilised cells are controversial since they’re vastly bigger than any modern bacteria. But there’s now reason to believe that maybe, just maybe, they really are what they seem.

Three game-changing drugs approved by the US for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease may be less impressive than we first hoped. These are the first drugs to actually slow the progression of the condition – but they also come with risky side effects. Is the benefit worth the risk?

Galaxies usually come in spiral or blob form, but it turns out there may be some that are shaped like… bananas. First spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope, we initially thought their shape was a trick of light. But the much more powerful James Webb Space Telescope is seeing them too. The problem is this doesn’t fit with our understanding of how galaxies form – it may be time for a rewrite.

Do you ever feel addicted to your smartphone? Well, there’s a term for that – problematic smartphone use. The question is, what constitutes addiction and is your smartphone habit impacting you enough to be considered problematic? One group of researchers are working to find out, starting by looking at the link between problematic use and mental health in teenagers.

The diversity of life on Earth may be best safeguarded on the moon. Parts of the lunar landscape are colder than anywhere on Earth, so it may be the best place to cryogenically freeze cells for things like fish, cows and even useful bacteria like those used in cheesemaking. But, as you might expect with the moon, such a biorepository faces some logistical challenges.

Hosts Christie Taylor and Timothy Revell discuss with guests Michael Le Page, Alexandra Thompson, Alex Wilkins, Carissa Wong and James Woodford.

To read more about these stories, visit newscientist.com.

Find Dr Karan Explores here: https://www.drkaranrajan.com/podcast

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