Weekly science update: Overdue seismic activities and star-like brain cell discoveries
In the galactic and terrestrial realms, this week's science news has been nothing short of fascinating.
Cosmic Dawn Breakthrough: Earth Stares into the Abyss of Time
An astonishing development has taken place when astronomers managed to glance back at the early universe's infancy using ground-based telescopes. In what was earlier considered impossible, astronomers detected faint polarized microwave signals emanating from the Cosmic Dawn—the time when the first stars sparked to life over 13 billion years ago. Conventional space telescopes such as NASA's WMAP and ESA's Planck have previously been the only ones able to measure these ancient signals[1][4].
This breakthrough is a significant leap forward, enabling us to explore the Cosmic Dawn from the ground, which is not only cost-effective but also expandable unlike space missions. These groundbreaking observations have been conducted with the help of CLASS telescopes, nestled in Chile’s Atacama Desert to minimize atmospheric interference[1][3][4].
The signals scrutinized are vitally important polarized microwaves originating from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation, a remnant of radiation echoes leftover after the Big Bang. These microwaves bear subtle polarization patterns (“E-mode”) that have been impressively shaped by free electrons which were freed when the first stars ionized the surrounding hydrogen[3][4].
Deep-sea Discoveries and Mysteries Unraveled
While we gazed into the distance, researchers dived deep into the oceans this week, uncovering secrets hidden within the "world's richest shipwreck" off the Colombian coast, and capturing a blood-red squid for the first time in history[2]. On the flip side, something fascinating was found in an unpleasant location – a marine species surfaced far from where it should be, presenting researchers with an intriguing mystery to solve.
Brain Cells: Memory Maestros
Researchers have found that astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells, could play a crucial role in memory formation. Previously, it was believed that neurons were the primary architects of thought and memory. However, scientists have leveraged machine learning to appreciate the behaviors of astrocytes when they interact with one another to establish connections[1]. They discovered that astrocytes aid in storing memories through changes in calcium-based signals within and between cells, and in turn, these calcium signaling patterns are relayed to neurons, which, in turn, fine-tune their activity[1].
This revelation deepens our understanding of the intricate dance between different brain cells in memory formation.
Additional Science Headlines
- Mystery Solved? A new theory suggests that the Lost Colony of Roanoke may have assimilated into Indigenous society[5].
- Quantum Leap: IBM aspires to construct a 10,000-qubit quantum computer by 2029[6].
- Ancient DNA Reveals Isolation: A study reveals centuries of genetic isolation in Papua New Guinea[7].
- Roman-era "Fast Food" Unearthed: Ancient trash heap on Mallorca reveals signs of one of the first takeout spots in history[8].
- Turing's Legacy Sold at Auction: The seminal papers of Alan Turing, which were nearly shredded, are now set for auction[9].
Stay Curious
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References:[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05113-4[2] https://www.livescience.com/colombia-rare-squid-discovery[3] https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2238/[4] https://www.class-astro.org/news/2022/05204-22/[5] https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2022-05-20/lost-colony-theory-roanoke-indigenous[6] https://www.wsj.com/articles/international-business-machines-aims-to-build-10000-qubit-quantum-computer-by-2029-11653079923[7] https://www.cell.com/current-biology/full text/S0960-9822(22)00877-3[8] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/roman-era-fast-food-discovered-trash-heap-scn/index.html[9] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/may/18/alan-turing-papers-set-for-auction-despite-bid-to-preserve-them-in-uk
- The discovery of polarized microwaves from the Cosmic Dawn, originally observed only by space telescopes, is revolutionizing the study of the early universe from ground-based telescopes, offering cost-effective and expandable alternatives to space missions.
- In the world's oceans, scientists uncovered secrets hidden within a rich shipwreck off the Colombian coast and captured a blood-red squid for the first time, while elsewhere, the surfacing of a marine species in an unusual location presents scholars with a baffling mystery to solve.
- Recent research suggests that astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells, might play a key role in memory formation, challenging previous beliefs about the primary role of neurons in memory and thought processes.
- Astronomers' progress in understanding the Cosmic Dawn has been accompanied by archaeological findings, including a new theory suggesting the Lost Colony of Roanoke may have integrated into native societies and the discovery of Roman-era "fast food" residues in Mallorca, hinting at one of history's earliest takeout spots.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health,Weight management, ongoing studies delve into the intricate dance of brain cells and calcium signaling patterns in memory formation.
- Remarkable advances continue to be made in various fields, with IBM aiming to construct a 10,000-qubit quantum computer by 2029 and genetic studies revealing centuries of isolation in Papua New Guinea, while ancient artifacts hint at the myriad wonders that await yet to be uncovered in the space-and-astronomy world.
