
New Scientist Podcasts
Weekly: Most Amazing Science Stories of 2024 | Live at the Science Museum
Dec 20, 2024
Join Sam Wong, News editor for New Scientist, Catherine de Lange, editor, and Madeleine Cuff, reporter, as they explore awe-inspiring science stories of 2024. Discover how preserved brains are easier to find than thought and the potential of seafloor metallic nodules as geobatteries. They discuss surprising findings about Dyson Spheres and alien life, dive into cultural highlights like the installation 'Breathing with the Forest', and full cheers about flowers that sequester nickel and groundbreaking frog conservation efforts. Plus, a fun quiz tests science knowledge!
45:12
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Quick takeaways
- The intriguing preservation of human brains after death offers insights into dementia and brain aging mechanisms.
- Metallic nodules on the ocean floor not only generate oxygen but also raise environmental concerns with potential deep-sea mining activities.
Deep dives
Preservation of the Human Brain Post-Mortem
Research reveals intriguing insights into what happens to human brains after death, challenging previous assumptions about post-mortem decay. A study reviewed over 4,000 cases of preserved human brains, discovering that in many instances, the brains remained intact while the surrounding tissues decomposed. This phenomenon has been attributed to various preservation processes, including unique conditions found in bogs that result in a leather-like preservation. The findings open avenues for understanding brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that the mechanisms behind these preserved brains may mirror certain processes in conditions like dementia.
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