NASA SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR SIMULATED MARS MISSION 2025.
NASA is inviting applications for its second CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) mission, a one-year simulated Mars surface mission starting in spring 2025, to aid in preparing for human exploration of Mars. The mission involves a four-person crew living in a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat at the Johnson Space Center, facing challenges similar to those on Mars, including simulated spacewalks and habitat maintenance. NASA seeks healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 30-55, proficient in English. Requirements include a master’s degree in a STEM field and professional experience, with various educational backgrounds considered. The mission aims to generate scientific data to support future Mars expeditions, contributing to NASA’s broader Artemis campaign for Moon exploration. This initiative aims to land the first woman and person of color on the Moon, engaging international partners in preparing for Mars. Applications are due by April 2, with compensation details provided during screening. (NASA)
ODYSSEUS ROBOTIC LANDER TRANSMITS MAIDEN IMAGES FROM SPACE.
Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus, a robotic moon lander, has transmitted its first images back to Earth, showcasing Earth in the backdrop, following its February 15 launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Odysseus is on a mission to deliver science instruments to the moon, supporting the Artemis program’s goal of establishing a crewed lunar base. The lander carries six NASA experiments and six private payloads, aiming for a February 22 lunar touchdown. This mission marks a significant stride in private lunar exploration, with Odysseus potentially becoming the first private spacecraft to achieve a soft moon landing. It has successfully tested its liquid methane and oxygen engine in space, a technology shared with SpaceX’s Raptor engines. This event comes after the Peregrine lander, another CLPS mission, failed to reach the moon due to a fuel leak, highlighting the challenges and progress in lunar exploration. (space.com)
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U.S. INTELLIGENCE: RUSSIA DEVELOPING SPACE-BASED NUCLEAR WEAPON.
Recent U.S. intelligence shared with Congress suggests Russia is developing a space-based anti-satellite weapon with a nuclear component, raising significant national security concerns. The White House confirmed that such a weapon would breach the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in space. This development heightens tensions, especially as global relations with Russia are strained due to its actions in Ukraine. Historically, both the U.S. and Soviet Union explored nuclear capabilities in space during the Cold War, but treaties like the Outer Space Treaty and the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty limited the militarization of space. The potential for space-based nuclear weapons introduces risks of preemptive strikes and escalatory pressures, potentially sparking a new arms race and destabilizing strategic stability. This situation underscores the shifting dynamics of international security and the challenges of maintaining peace in an era where technological advancements outpace diplomatic agreements. (The Conversation)
RNA EDITING THERAPIES ENTER CLINICAL TRIALS, HERALD NEW TREATMENT ERA.
RNA editing, a technique allowing precise modifications of RNA to correct harmful mutations or enhance beneficial protein production, is advancing into clinical trials, marking a significant step in therapeutic development. Unlike permanent CRISPR genome editing, RNA editing offers a safer, more flexible option by making temporary changes in RNA, reducing the risk of off-target effects since RNA molecules are transient. This approach could transform treatments for genetic disorders and cancer by enabling the production of normal proteins or inducing the death of cancer cells. Companies like Wave Life Sciences and Ascidian Therapeutics are pioneering these treatments, targeting conditions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Stargardt disease, respectively. Furthermore, Rznomics is exploring RNA editing for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, using engineered ribozymes to splice in toxic sequences to tumor cells. This burgeoning field, bolstered by recent RNA vaccine developments, highlights RNA’s potential as a versatile therapeutic tool, opening new avenues for treating a range of diseases. (Nature)
ANTI-OBESITY DRUG LIRAGLUTIDE SHOWS PROMISE IN REDUCING OPIOID CRAVINGS.
A groundbreaking study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference revealed that the anti-obesity drug liraglutide significantly reduced opioid cravings by 30% in a small trial of 20 patients. This is the first randomized controlled trial to explore the efficacy of GLP-1 medications, like liraglutide, against opioid addiction. Participants also receiving buprenorphine, an FDA-approved treatment for opioid use disorder, reported even fewer cravings, suggesting an additive effect of the two drugs. Despite the promising results, the trial faced challenges such as a high drop-out rate due to gastrointestinal side effects, particularly in patients only receiving liraglutide. However, those on the combination of liraglutide and buprenorphine experienced lower side effects and drop-out rates. The study, funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, Novo Nordisk, and a donor family, indicates the potential of GLP-1 medications as a new or adjunct treatment for opioid addiction, although larger and more diverse trials are needed to confirm these findings. (STAT)
REPORT REVEALS ALARMING LINKS BETWEEN ELITE INSTITUTIONS AND FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY LOBBYISTS.
A report by F Minus and LittleSis highlights a concerning overlap between New York’s elite institutions and the fossil fuel industry through shared lobbying firms. These firms represent both entities committed to combating the climate crisis, such as New York University, Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, and the New Museum, and those contributing to it, including Valero, National Grid, Koch Industries, BP America, and the Williams Companies. This dual representation raises questions about the sincerity of these institutions’ environmental commitments and provides the fossil fuel industry with a shield against legislative scrutiny. The report emphasizes the conflict of interest, suggesting that institutions unknowingly support climate crisis perpetuation by sharing lobbyists with fossil fuel entities. It also points out the broader issue of influential companies like Google using their clout to indirectly benefit less environmentally friendly clients through shared lobbying efforts, underscoring the complex relationships within political advocacy and environmental responsibility. (The Guardian)
DUKE UNIVERSITY TO CLOSE HERBARIUM, SPARKS OUTCRY AMONG SCIENTISTS.
Duke University announced the closure of its century-old herbarium within 2-3 years due to high maintenance costs and outdated facilities, sparking protests from the scientific community. The herbarium, which houses 825,000 specimens, is recognized for its contributions to Duke’s reputation in biological sciences. Critics argue the decision undermines Duke’s capacity to address environmental challenges and limits research opportunities in biodiversity and evolutionary biology. The collection, especially rich in specimens from the southeastern U.S., is a vital resource for studying climate change effects and tracking invasive species. Efforts to save the herbarium included proposals for better space utilization and fundraising, with a significant donation offer ignored by Duke. At least $25 million is needed for new facilities, a cost Duke is unwilling to bear, suggesting relocation as a preservation strategy. However, concerns about the feasibility of transferring the entire collection and the risk of specimen loss in the process highlight the broader challenge of sustaining natural history collections in academic institutions. (Science)
ANCIENT CAVE ART IN PATAGONIA DATES BACK 8,200 YEARS.
Archaeologists have discovered that cave art in Cueva Huenul 1, located in the desert of Patagonia, Argentina, is significantly older than previously thought, dating back approximately 8,200 years. This finding, detailed in Science Advances, reveals the oldest known example of rock art in Patagonia, featuring a comblike motif that persisted over thousands of years. The persistence of this design suggests it held important cultural significance, possibly aiding in the transmission of knowledge and oral traditions through challenging climatic periods. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about human activity in the region, indicating a continuity of cultural practices even as environmental conditions became more arid and difficult. The comb motif, made with black pigment likely derived from charred wood, highlights the resilience and adaptability of early human societies in Patagonia, offering insights into how these communities may have coped with significant climatic shifts. (New York Times)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: NASA.
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