The science stories you missed over the holiday period
Jan 10, 2024
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Researchers develop polar bear-inspired aerogel fibers for insulation. Fossilized remains reveal young Tyrannosaurus's diet. OSIRIS-REx's sample container opening challenges scientists. High number of retractions in scientific publishing in 2023. Surprising survey on cats that fetch.
Researchers have created a high-performance insulating fiber inspired by polar bear fur, offering a potential alternative for high-insulation clothing.
A study on the stomach contents of a juvenile Gorgosaurus Liberatus dinosaur reveals its preference for consuming oviraptorosaur legs, raising questions about the feeding behavior of other Tyrannosaur species.
NASA's Osiris-Rex spacecraft successfully collected a sample from the asteroid Bennu but struggles to open the sample container, hindering valuable insights into the composition and geology of asteroids.
Deep dives
Innovative research develops insulating fiber inspired by polar bear fur
Researchers have created a high-performance insulating fiber by mimicking the structure of polar bear fur. The fiber, made using a technique called freeze spinning, combines an aerogel core known for its superior insulation properties with a tough and flexible outer layer made of a common thermoplastic. The resulting fiber, which maintains its insulating properties even when stretched or wet, outperforms materials like wool and cotton, offering a potential alternative for high-insulation clothing.
Juvenile Tyrannosaur discovered with remains of other dinosaurs in its stomach
A study examining the stomach contents of a juvenile Gorgosaurus Liberatus dinosaur sheds light on its diet and feeding behavior. The study found two sets of leg bones from oviraptorosaurs, small feathered dinosaurs with toothless beaks, in the dinosaur's stomach. Researchers discovered that the dinosaur had eaten the legs at different times and it likely had a preference for this type of prey. The study suggests a shift in diet between juvenile and adult Gorgosaurus and raises questions about the feeding behavior of other Tyrannosaur species.
NASA's Osiris-Rex spacecraft successfully collected a sample from the asteroid Bennu and returned to Earth. However, opening the sample container has proven to be a challenge. Although researchers have already analyzed dust and material on the outside of the container, they have been unable to open it due to a stubborn bolt. The agency is working on a special tool to undo the bolt and anticipate further challenges after issues during the original mission, including problems with the parachute system. The sample, once opened, is expected to provide valuable insights into the composition and geology of asteroids.
Record-breaking retractions highlight challenges in scientific publishing
Over 10,000 research articles were retracted in 2023, breaking previous records and exposing challenges in scientific publishing. The majority of retractions were due to fraudulent practices, such as sham papers and peer review fraud, with one publisher's journals accounting for a significant portion of the retractions. The rise in retractions reflects the pressure to publish and the exploitative practices that take advantage of the publish-or-perish mindset. The analysis also suggests that the number of retractions may be just the tip of the iceberg, with many cases of fraudulent publishing yet to be discovered. Efforts to improve research integrity and peer review processes are ongoing.
Survey reveals that some cats have a natural inclination to fetch
A survey conducted by British researchers found that some cats exhibit a natural inclination to fetch, without any specific training. Out of over a thousand responses, 94.4% of cat owners reported that their cats started fetching on their own. The behavior often began with the cat spontaneously bringing an item to its owner, who then started engaging in a fetch game. While the propensity to retrieve items is a characteristic bred into dogs, cats seem to enjoy fetching on their own terms. The research highlights the individuality of animals and the value of play in their behavior.
In this episode of the Nature Podcast, we catch up on some science stories from the holiday period by diving into the Nature Briefing.
We chat about: an extra-warm sweater inspired by polar bear fur; the fossil find revealing what a juvenile tyrannosaur liked to snack on; why scientists are struggling to open OSIRIS-REx’s sample container; how 2023 was a record for retractions; and how cats like to play fetch, sometimes.
