Science Saturday 04/06

Hello everyone! Welcome back to Science Saturday. Here’s What happened this week:

LiveScience: Broken Planet

Astronomers just found what they believe to be the shattered remains of a planet that could have once been Earth-like. The large piece of planetary debris is likely the heavy metallic core of the dead planet, which is orbiting a white dwarf at breakneck speed through a dirty cosmic boneyard full of other chunks of dead planets. Mourn the dead planet and its dead star if you like, but do not pity them; one day, astronomers say, our solar system will probably look much the same.

Forbes: The Dangers of Space Warfare

Late last week, the Indian government tested an anti-satellite missile which successfully destroyed its intended target, one of India’s own satellites. The rest of the world, and NASA in particular, condemned this action as being remarkably foolish, as it scattered a massive debris field which could compromise the safety of the International Space Station. This test is a stark reminder of the dangers of space warfare.

 

Futurism: HIV Breakthrough

HIV has proved to be difficult to treat because the Virus is able to hide within the immune-system cells of the carrier. This week, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh reported that they’ve developed an immunotherapy treatment that draws the virus out of hiding, and kills it. They are currently seeking funding for clinical trials in humans.

 

ScienceNews: Fossils from the Moment the Dinosaurs Went Extinct.

Newly discovered fossils in North Dakota might show the minutes directly following the massive meteor impact that caused the dinosaurs to go extinct. The meteor impact off of the coast of what is now Mexico was so large that it caused water to surge into streams more than a thousand miles away, burying fish in the sediment, where they would become fossilized. Here’s a cool picture of them:

ScienceNews: Cats are Just Assholes

A new study shows that cats are able to distinguish the sound of their own names from other sounds we make. This proves that cats know we’re talking to them, they’re just ignoring us.

 

That’s all for this week. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the weekend.