S26E63: In this episode of SpaceTime with Stuart Gary, we explore some of the latest discoveries and news in astronomy and space science, including:
- The discovery of a potentially volcano-covered Earth-size world
- How computer simulations show where the first quasars might have come from
- How the stuck antenna on the Jupiter-bound spacecraft Juice was freed
We also have a special report on the science of psychedelic drug therapy, and how it can help people with mental health issues.
## Show Notes
### Discovery of a potentially volcano-covered Earth-size world
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-size exoplanet, or world beyond our solar system, that may be carpeted with volcanoes. The planet, named TOI-1431b, orbits a star about 490 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the hottest and most extreme planets ever found, with a surface temperature of about 2,700 degrees Celsius. The planet is so close to its star that it completes one orbit in just 2.4 days, and is tidally locked, meaning one side always faces the star and the other side is in perpetual darkness. The planet's atmosphere is likely stripped away by the intense radiation from the star, leaving behind a bare rocky surface that could be covered with lava flows and volcanic eruptions.
### Computer simulations show where the first quasars might have come from
New computer simulations have shown how massive streams of primordial gas in the very early universe could have created supermassive black holes without needing to first form stars. These black holes are thought to be the seeds of the first quasars, which are extremely bright and powerful sources of light and energy that outshine entire galaxies. Quasars are powered by accretion disks of gas and dust that swirl around supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. The simulations suggest that these black holes could have formed directly from the collapse of large gas clouds under the influence of gravity and dark matter.
### Stuck antenna freed on Jupiter-bound spacecraft
The European Space Agency have successfully freed a crucial radar antenna that was jammed in a semi stowed position on its Juice spacecraft. Juice, which stands for JUpiter ICy moons Explorer, is a mission to study Jupiter and its four largest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch in 2022 and arrive at Jupiter in 2029. One of its main instruments is a radar that will probe beneath the icy surfaces of the moons to look for signs of liquid water and life. The radar antenna consists of a 10-meter-long boom that was folded up for launch. During a test in July 2021, the boom failed to fully deploy due to a faulty hinge. After months of analysis and testing, engineers managed to fix the problem by applying a series of gentle pushes and pulls to the boom using electric motors.
## The Science Report
- A new study confirms that using cannabis during pregnancy can impact the growth and development of the baby. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that cannabis exposure during pregnancy can alter gene expression and DNA methylation in the placenta and fetal brain, potentially affecting brain function and behavior later in life.
- Scientists have released the first draft of a reference 'pangenome' for wheat, which captures the genetic diversity of this staple crop. A pangenome is a collection of genomes that represents all the variations within a species. The wheat pangenome, published in the journal Science, contains more than 15 million genetic variations that are not present in the current reference genome. These variations could help breeders develop new varieties of wheat that are more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases.
- A new study estimates that two thirds of native elephant habitat has been lost in Asia since the 1700s. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, used historical records and satellite data to map the changes in elephant range over time. The researchers found that elephants have disappeared from 95% of their historical range in India, 81% in Myanmar, 76% in Thailand, and 72% in Cambodia. The main drivers of habitat loss are human population growth, agriculture expansion, logging, mining, and infrastructure development.
- A new report by Skeptoid Media explores the science behind psychedelic drug therapy, and how it can help people with conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and chronic pain. The report, titled "Psychedelic Science: How Drugs Like Psilocybin Heal Your Brain", features interviews with experts and patients who have experienced the benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The report also examines the history and legality of psychedelic drugs, as well as the challenges and risks involved in their use.
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