Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe Listener Questions #10
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May 15, 2025 In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle the unsettling world of prions, exploring how these misfolded proteins pose health risks. They dive into the mind-bending effects of time dilation on music played near black holes, highlighting its impact on perception. The conversation takes a surprisingly light turn with medical maggots, discussing their history and effectiveness in treating wounds, especially in the face of antibiotic resistance. Expect humor and intriguing science as they cover everything from biology to innovative medical treatments.
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How Prions Infect Proteins
- Prions are infectious proteins that cause normal proteins to misfold into harmful shapes.
- They differ from bacteria and viruses by lacking genetic material and spreading by changing protein structure.
Prions' Molecular Mechanism
- Prions force healthy proteins into a stable but harmful misfolded shape by physical interaction.
- This misfolded shape is a deep energy minimum making it hard for proteins to revert.
Time Dilation and Music Near Black Holes
- Time dilation near black holes slows processes and lowers sound frequencies for distant observers.
- A recording made near a black hole will play normally if observed locally, unaffected by external time dilation.