Influencers on Earth and in Space: Social Media, Origins of Life, and Orbital Data Centers
Episode 610 sheds light on how social media shapes user decisions, discusses space data centers, and explores the origins of life on Earth.
In this episode, Leonardo and Francesca discuss social networks and orbital data centers. Leonardo begins by explaining how platforms like X (Twitter) can influence voters' political choices through algorithmic or chronological feed selection.
Out in the field, we join Valeria as she interviews Edoardo Gianni, a researcher at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Edoardo discusses self-replicating RNA as a potential origin of life on Earth. He explains what ribozymes are and highlights the unique properties of the QT45 ribozyme he discovered, with its activity detailed in a recent article in Science (https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adt2760).
We return to the studio for our usual "bad joke" and then hear from Francesca, who will talk about orbital data centers. She will analyze the challenges involved and explore the actual feasibility of these ambitious (and perhaps futuristic) projects.
Hosts: Francesca Cecilia Lauta and Leonardo Maccari
Editing: Leonardo Maccari
Guests: Valeria Cagno and Edoardo Gianni
Cover Image: Generated with Gemini
Fresh materials — Science News
Suspected Pneumonic Plague Case Sparks Outbreak Fears
Russian authorities reported a pneumonia death of unknown cause in an employee at a Siberian lab that studies infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring the situation and collaborating with Russian health officials. The WHO stated that while the woma
Gene Therapy and Special Goggles Restore Limited Vision
A new experimental treatment, coupled with custom-designed goggles, is allowing some blind individuals to perceive their surroundings. This advancement enables them to locate doorways and identify objects.
Extinct Crocodilian Fossils Discovered in Great Sphinx Limestone
Fossils of an extinct crocodilian, identified as Herugavialis, were found embedded in the limestone quarried for the Great Sphinx. Notably, this ancient reptile, much like the iconic statue it shares its origin stone with, appears to be missing its nose. The discovery of Herugavialis with
Blockbuster Retatrutide Trial: A New Benchmark for Weight-Loss Drugs
The experimental weight-loss drug retatrutide has reached a significant milestone: a Phase 3 clinical trial showed participants with type 2 diabetes losing up to 49.6 pounds, or over 20 percent of their body weight. Eli Lilly, the drug's developer, reported this as a first for the field.
NASA Pursues Uncrewed and Crewed Missions with Boeing's Starliner
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will attempt to fly NASA astronauts to space again, this time following an uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA administrator Bill Nelson announced that the capsule is scheduled for an uncrewed mission as early as December. This represe
TikTok promotes home remedy that risks botulism
A homemade concoction of garlic fermented in honey, trending on TikTok for its supposed immune-boosting properties, carries a serious risk of causing botulism, according to health experts. Influencers on the platform are promoting this mixture in numerous videos, claiming it