Science News related to Skyrmion Research, Comb Breathalyzer – Biomarkers, Continuous Seismic Monitoring System, Dwarf Planet Vesta, Tiny Bubbles – Inflammation, Jezero Crater – Ancient Martian Lake
Note: I do not write/own any of the science news bits (and cover picture) given here. The links on each of the news bits will redirect to the news source. The content given under each headline is a basic gist and not the full story.
*Cover picture credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech*
1. Skyrmion Research: Braids of Nanovortices Discovered
Source: Forschungszentrum Jülich
4 Oct 2021
A team of scientists has discovered a new physical phenomenon: complex braided structures made of tiny magnetic vortices known as skyrmions. Skyrmions were first detected experimentally a little over a decade ago and have since been the subject of numerous studies, as well as providing a possible basis for innovative concepts in information processing that offer better performance and lower energy consumption.
2. Comb Breathalyzer Is Now More Sensitive to Disease Biomarkers
Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
4 Oct 2021
JILA scientists have boosted the sensitivity of their decade-old frequency comb breathalyzer a thousandfold and can detect additional biomarkers of disease — four now, with the potential for six more. When validated and engineered into a portable design, the comb system could offer real-time, noninvasive analysis of human breath to detect and monitor diseases.
3. Low-Cost, Continuous Seismic Monitoring System
Source: Kyushu University
6 Oct 2021
Researchers demonstrated a new method for continuously monitoring the environment just below Earth’s surface using a small seismic source and fiber-optic cables. Accurate and frequent measurements of changes in the ground enabled by the system can aid in the safe and efficient implementation of measures to fight climate change such as carbon storage and geothermal energy generation.
4. Dwarf Planet Vesta a Window to the Early Solar System
Source: University of California – Davis
6 Oct 2021
The dwarf planet Vesta is helping scientists better understand the earliest era in the formation of our solar system. Two recent papers use data from meteorites derived from Vesta to resolve the “missing mantle problem” and push back our knowledge of the solar system to just a couple of million years after it began to form.
Original written by: Andy Fell
5. Tiny Bubbles Can Be Future Treatment for Inflammation
Source: Karolinska Institutet
7 Oct 2021
Scientists hope that tiny sacs of material excreted by cells – so-called extracellular vesicles – can be used to deliver drugs inside the body. Researchers now show that these nano-bubbles can transport protein drugs that reduce inflammation caused by different diseases. The technique shows promising results in animal models.
6. Rover Images Confirm Jezero Crater Is an Ancient Martian Lake
Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
7 Oct 2021
The first scientific analysis of images taken by NASA’s Perseverance rover has now confirmed that Mars’ Jezero crater — which today is a dry, wind-eroded depression — was once a quiet lake, fed steadily by a small river some 3.7 billion years ago.
Original written by: Jennifer Chu
That’s all the science news for this week! Maybe you can help me provide news better. Leave a comment below if you have any suggestions or send me a message via the contact form! Have fun!
