#15 — Models predict future Earth's supercontinent, Pangea Ultima, will bring extreme heat
In 250 million years, Earth's supercontinent will become inhospitable to most mammals, including humans. This is based on a recent study using newer climate models.
Scientists, led by the University of Bristol, have used advanced climate models to predict that Pangea Ultima, a supercontinent expected to form 250 million years from now, will result in scorching temperatures. The study reveals that a combination of increased volcanism and a hotter sun will create an inhospitable environment for mammals, with temperatures reaching as high as 70°C. This research offers insight into Earth's future climate changes driven by natural processes and highlights the adaptability limits of mammals to extreme heat, including humans.
Hunting for extraterrestrial life at lower frequencies
A team of astrophysicists, including Professor Evan Keane from Trinity College Dublin, is on a quest to find signs of intelligent alien life in the universe. They're using a multi-telescope technique to scan millions of star systems, searching at lower frequencies (110–190 MHz) for "technosignatures." This collaborative effort, detailed in The Astronomical Journal, enhances the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and opens up the possibility of making groundbreaking discoveries.
Using genomic surveillance in fighting superbugs
A recent research review underscores the importance of harnessing advances in genomic surveillance to combat the rise of deadly "superbugs." These superbugs, resistant to antibiotics and other treatments, pose a global health threat. The research advocates for a "One Health" approach, encompassing humans, animals, plants, and the environment, and calls for coordinated efforts to establish national genomic surveillance programs to track and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
Maggot therapy for treating wounds
Video Credit: American Society for Microbiology on YouTube.
Sharks are very slow to evolve
Sharks, one of the most ancient vertebrate groups on Earth, have maintained their genetic stability for 400 to 500 million years, according to an international study. Researchers found that sharks have the lowest mutation rate ever recorded in vertebrates, which contributes to their low cancer rates but poses challenges for adaptation to ecological stresses. As shark populations decline due to various threats, preserving their genetic diversity becomes vital for marine ecosystems.
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