This week, there’s buzz around an asteroid named 2024 YR4. NASA has adjusted the chances of it hitting Earth in 2032 from 1.2% to 2.3%. That’s a slight increase in risk, but it’s still low.
2024 YR4 is about 180 feet (55 meters) wide, similar to the height of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World. While it’s not big enough to threaten humanity as a whole, it could cause significant damage if it lands in a city, releasing energy similar to more than 500 atomic bombs.
Interestingly, there’s a tiny possibility it could hit the moon too!
To understand more about this asteroid and its path, scientists are using the James Webb Space Telescope. Despite the increased odds, experts like David Rankin from the University of Arizona recommend we don’t worry. “This asteroid is nothing to lose sleep over,” he said.
In other news, scientists in Albania recently found what they believe is the world’s largest underground thermal lake. Located at the bottom of a 330-foot (100-meter) deep cave, Lake Neuron measures 454 feet (138 meters) long and 138 feet (42 meters) wide—about enough water to fill 3.5 Olympic swimming pools. Researchers hope studying it will provide insights into unique underground ecosystems and local geology.
Another interesting topic is why flies are drawn to humans. Turns out, our warm blood attracts some species, while others are lured by the oils and dead skin cells on our bodies. They manage to find us even when we think we’re being careful!
On the medical front, researchers discovered that digoxin, a compound from the foxglove plant used to treat heart issues, might also help in cancer treatment. By affecting calcium absorption in tumor cells, it may prevent them from clustering together, potentially making treatment more effective. Note, though, that foxglove is toxic and should not be consumed.
In other exciting science stories this week:
- The most energetic neutrino ever was detected in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Japan launched the first hybrid quantum supercomputer.
- A stash of early-medieval coins was found at a cult site in the Netherlands.
- A Moroccan fly maggot has a unique tactic of using a fake face to invade termite colonies.
Lastly, a cool archaeological discovery related to Leonardo da Vinci has surfaced. In the late 1490s, he sketched out defensive features of Sforza Castle in Milan, Italy. Recent advanced scanning techniques have revealed a network of hidden underground rooms and passages that could match his sketches, suggesting the castle has more secrets yet to be uncovered.
For those looking for weekend reads, here are a few intriguing articles:
- “The hollowness of AI art proves machines can never emulate genuine human intelligence.”
- “Biological aging may not be driven by what we thought.”
- “There’s evidence of corpses being dumped in the Thames since the Bronze Age.”
- “A strange triangle will appear in the zodiac this month, providing opportunities for rare skywatching.”
Science continually uncovers fascinating aspects of our world, from the cosmos to our own health. Stay curious!
