Surprise superconductor claims put to the test | New Scientist Weekly podcast 209 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A new blood test for Alzheimer's is available, but its accuracy and usefulness are still uncertain. There's ongoing drama surrounding the claim of a room-temperature superconductor. Researchers are investigating the injection of carbon dioxide underground for climate change mitigation. NASA temporarily lost contact with Voyager 2 spacecraft. The Euclid Space Telescope has started sending back images to study dark matter and dark energy. The oldest jellyfish fossil, 500 million years old, has been found.

Key Insights

• 👶 The accuracy and usefulness of the new blood test for Alzheimer's are still uncertain, and further research is needed to determine its role in early detection and prevention of the disease.
• 😀 The claim of a room-temperature superconductor is facing skepticism, highlighting the importance of rigorous replication and verification in scientific research.
• 🤣 Injecting carbon dioxide into the sea floor as a form of carbon capture and storage is being explored, but concerns about induced seismicity and CO2 leakage need to be addressed.
• 👾 NASA's temporary loss of contact with Voyager 2 spacecraft highlights the challenges and resilience of space exploration missions.
• 🕶️ The Euclid Space Telescope's study of dark matter and dark energy through galaxy mapping holds promise for advancing our understanding of these fundamental aspects of the universe.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does the blood test for Alzheimer's work?

The test measures the ratio of amyloid proteins in the blood, as a lower ratio has been found to correlate with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain, a characteristic of Alzheimer's. However, the accuracy of the test and its usefulness for asymptomatic individuals are still uncertain.

Q: What is the current status of the room-temperature superconductor claim?

The claim of a room-temperature superconductor called LK 99 is facing skepticism and failed replication attempts from other labs. While some simulations suggest that unusual electron properties in LK 99 could enable superconductivity, more experiments and data are needed for conclusive evidence.

Q: What are the potential risks and benefits of injecting carbon dioxide underground for climate change mitigation?

Injecting carbon dioxide into the sea floor can serve as a method of carbon capture and storage. However, there are concerns about induced seismicity and CO2 leakage. The research is ongoing to address and mitigate these potential risks. If successful, this method could contribute to slowing climate change.

Q: Why did NASA lose contact with Voyager 2 spacecraft and when will it be back in operation?

Due to a minor error in antenna orientation, NASA temporarily lost contact with Voyager 2 spacecraft. However, the spacecraft will be reoriented on October 15th and is expected to continue its mission of exploring interstellar space.

Q: What is the Euclid Space Telescope studying and what are its initial findings?

The Euclid Space Telescope is studying dark matter and dark energy by mapping the 3D distribution of galaxies. It has recently started sending back images but has not yet conducted full science investigations. The data from the telescope will provide insights into the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

Q: What is the significance of the oldest jellyfish fossil discovery?

The discovery of a 500 million-year-old jellyfish fossil provides insights into the ancient marine ecosystems and the evolution of jellyfish. It was found in the Burgess Shale fossil deposit, known for its exceptional preservation of soft tissues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A new blood test for Alzheimer's that measures the ratio of amyloid proteins in the blood is available, but its accuracy and usefulness are still uncertain.

• The claim of a room-temperature superconductor called LK 99 is facing skepticism and failed replication attempts from other labs.

• Researchers are investigating the injection of carbon dioxide into the sea floor as a method of carbon capture and storage to mitigate climate change. Concerns about induced seismicity and CO2 leakage are being addressed.

• NASA temporarily lost contact with Voyager 2 spacecraft due to a minor error in antenna orientation, but it will be reoriented and continue its mission of exploring interstellar space.

• The Euclid Space Telescope has started sending back images to study dark matter and dark energy, building a 3D map of galaxies to gain insights into these phenomena.

• The oldest jellyfish fossil, dating back 500 million years, has been found in the Burgess Shale fossil deposit in Canada.