Interview with Dan Friesen and Jordan Holmes from Knowledge Fight podcast; Solar Panels at Proxima Centauri; Oldest Evidence of Humans in Americas; Addictive Foods; Chickens Flu Resistant; Superheavy Elements; Alex Jones' Deception; Exoplanet Collisions; Quantum Computer Error Correction; Digital Twin Brain
CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to genetically modify chickens and make them resistant to avian influenza, potentially controlling the spread of the virus.
Research suggests the possibility of an island of stability for super heavy elements around the atomic number 164, providing insights into their properties and expanding our understanding of the periodic table.
Analysis of tree ring data reveals ancient solar storms that were significantly more powerful than modern events, potentially causing major disruptions to modern infrastructure if they were to occur today.
Deep dives
Genetically modifying chickens to be resistant to bird flu
Scientists at the University of Arizona have used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically modify chickens and make them resistant to avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The researchers targeted a gene called ANP32, which is necessary for the flu virus to replicate. By editing this gene, the virus was unable to bind to the protein and could not proliferate. In experiments, the gene-edited chickens had a lower viral load and were less likely to spread the virus to other birds. This could potentially be a valuable tool to control and prevent the spread of bird flu.
Exploring the potential of hyper heavy elements
Scientists are researching the characteristics of hypothetical super heavy elements that could exist beyond the known elements on the periodic table. These super heavy elements are not naturally occurring and must be created synthetically in a lab. Using a model called the Thomas-Fermi model of atomic structure, researchers showed that hyper heavy elements could potentially have a density range near 68 grams per cubic centimeter. This suggests the possibility of an island of stability for super heavy elements around the atomic number 164. While these elements are currently only laboratory curiosities, further research could provide insights into their properties and expand our understanding of the periodic table.
Dating ancient solar flares through tree ring data
Scientists have used tree ring data to uncover evidence of ancient solar flares or solar storms. By analyzing the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in tree rings, researchers can track the levels of cosmic rays hitting the Earth. Major solar events, such as a coronal mass ejection or powerful solar flare, can cause a pulse of carbon-14 in the atmosphere. This is followed by a period of minimal solar activity, which increases the amount of cosmic rays and carbon-14 in the atmosphere for years. Recent data shows the biggest solar storm occurred 14,000 years ago and was ten times stronger than the Carrington event, potentially leading to significant disruptions to modern infrastructure if it were to occur today.
Astronomers spot first exoplanet collision
Astronomers have observed the first collision between exoplanets in a system located 1800 light years away. The collision occurred between two ice giant exoplanets and emitted a massive plume that blocked out the star's light. The observation included a characteristic drop in the star's light curve, as well as an afterglow in the infrared. This finding provides valuable insights into the dynamics of exoplanet systems and the potential for planet collisions.
Scientists develop highly effective error correction method for quantum computers
Scientists have successfully developed a new method of error correction in quantum computers, which is 10 times more effective than previous techniques. This method has achieved fidelities of 0.999, significantly reducing errors in quantum computing. By utilizing laser light to control and correct errors, this breakthrough paves the way for more reliable and efficient quantum computing systems.
NIH funds $150 million to develop digital twin brain
The NIH has granted $150 million to develop a digital twin brain, an open-source platform that aims to virtually duplicate human brain function. The project aims to model the brain as closely as possible using current knowledge and data in order to gain a deeper understanding of brain function. However, it is important to note that while this theoretical proposal exists, there is currently no funding in place for its actual implementation.
Interview with Dan Friesen and Jordan Holmes from the Knowledge Fight podcast; Quickie with Bob: Solar Panels at Proxima Centauri; News Items: Oldest Evidence of Humans in Americas, Addictive Foods, Using CRISPR to Make Chickens Flu Resistant, Superheavy Elements, Prehistoric Solar Storms; Who's That Noisy; Your Questions and E-mails: Nobel Peace Prize; Science or Fiction
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
