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This week, we have a selection of new STEM discoveries for you to explore!
Volcanoes are one of those geological fixtures that can easily be imagined on planets other than Earth; however, very few planets are actually known to exhibit volcanic activity. For a long time, Venus was thought to be devoid of volcanic activity because it doesn’t have a system of plate tectonics–the system which largely powers volcanoes on Earth. Despite this, new research seems to indicate that Venus might experience some volcanic activity after all. A survey done by the University of Alaska Fairbanks documented changes in a volcanic vent on Venus that are most likely the result of volcanic activity. This interesting discovery places Venus in a unique class of planets that are actively volcanic, alongside Mars and Io, one of Jupiter’s moons. If you’d like to learn more, check out the article linked above!
If I told you that computers powered by human neurons were on the technology horizon, what would you think? It sounds a bit far-fetched, but, just a few weeks ago, scientists revealed research to suggest that we very well may be approaching a future where neuron-powered technology exists. Researchers have been modifying mature tissue samples into neural tissue since 2012, but the recent boom in Artificial Intelligence has encouraged them to explore the potential uses of this lab-grown brain tissue beyond testing medical treatments. Our neurons are remarkably efficient, making them an ideal substitute for standard computer hardware. The only problem is getting them to send and receive specific signals in the way that our current technology does, and researchers are already hard at work circumventing this problem. There are many technological–and ethical–matters to address before this breakthrough can live up to its full potential, but, regardless, it stands as one of 2023’s most fascinating developments in STEM.
The battle against climate change is ever-ongoing, and, recently, researchers have developed and tested a new method of capturing Carbon Dioxide that shows immense promise. Carbon capture technology is something that certainly already exists; in the past, we’ve even covered other breakthroughs in the field. However, this new method has the potential to outshine its predecessors, both in efficiency and cost. Using a hybrid material composed of resins and other commercially available chemicals, researchers were able to capture CO2 and convert it into sodium bicarbonate–also known as baking soda. This new technology has demonstrated a carbon capture ability three times as great as other forms of carbon capture, and its product is one that can be stored large-scale in the oceans without causing damage. Check out the article above to learn more!
Our hearts are one of our most important organs, and the issues that plague them are some of the most pressing medical concerns of our modern age. Researchers at MIT have recently made a breakthrough that could help ease some of the current challenges facing the treatment of heart problems. They have discovered a method through which an exact replica of a patient’s heart can be 3D-printed out of flexible polymer. These heart replicas can be made to function just like the real deal, giving doctors and surgeons a tangible idea of what’s going on inside their patient’s chest without the need for more invasive (and costly) procedures to investigate. These 3D-printed models aren’t meant to be replacements, but, instead, an effective means through which to plan and test treatments. Check out the article above for images, videos, and further information!
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