Science Saturday 11/10

Welcome to another Science Saturday. Here’s what went on this week:

LiveScience: Alien Asteroid

There is a strange object known as “Oumuamua” orbiting our sun. Researchers studying the odd bit of space debris theorize that it is the only known object in our solar system that originated in another star system. Now, a group of researchers at Harvard have dreamed up the theory that it could be a light sail that was sent here by intelligent alien life. (Spoiler: it probably isn’t, but a slim possibility remains.)

ScienceDaily: Neoroscience Breakthrough

Researchers at Virginia Tech have finally discovered the purpose of perineuronal nets, extracellular structures that are wrapped around neurons in the brain. It has been found that perineuronal nets modulate electrical impulses between neurons. Furthermore, When these structures are dissolved, signaling between brain cells can be disrupted, causing siezures. This discovery could lead to effective treatment of acquired epilepsy.

ScienceNews: New Volcanic Ash

Finally a Geology post! Researchers studying ancient volcanic ash in Oregon have identified a new form of ash that can be emitted by volcanic eruptions. Newly-named as the Bread-Crust Bubble, this ash takes the form of tiny sphere with gas trapped inside. It is theorized that they form when gas expands as magma rushes towards Earth’s surface, and the bubbles never rupture before being expelled from the volcano.

SiliconRepublic: Another Fusion Breakthrough for MIT

MIT scientists have announced that they might be able to use new, high-temperature super conductors to build extrememly powerful magnets for use in nuclear fusion reactors. One of the challenges that fusion presents is keeping the product elements stable. The MIT researchers say that super strong magnets might help us there. In short: Fusion is still hard, but magnets are cool.

National Geographic: Astronomy Photos

National Geographic has assembled the best astronomy photos of 2018. Pretty self explanatory, and definitely worth a look.

 

That’s all for this week. Enjoy the weekend.

-Sal