Woolly Mammoth Genome Mapped in 3D
Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by reconstructing the first 3D genome of an extinct species—a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth. Discovered in Siberia in 2018, the mammoth’s remains were remarkably preserved in a freeze-dried, glass-like state, allowing for exceptional DNA conservation.
This innovative approach to studying ancient DNA opens up new possibilities for exploring the biology and evolution of extinct species. Researchers believe that this could lead to deeper insights into how these majestic creatures lived and adapted to their environment, potentially informing conservation efforts for modern-day species.
Rare Intermediate-Mass Black Hole Discovered
Astronomers have identified evidence of a rare intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) at the core of Omega Centauri, the brightest and largest globular cluster visible from Earth. Observations indicate that a massive object is exerting a gravitational pull on seven rapidly moving stars near the cluster’s center.
The suspected IMBH is estimated to be about 8,000 times more massive than our sun and located approximately 18,000 light-years from Earth. This discovery provides a valuable opportunity to study black holes of this intermediate size, which are considered a missing link in our understanding of black hole formation and growth.
Pig Kidney Transplant Tragically Fails
In a significant development in transplant medicine, a 54-year-old woman from New Jersey has died less than three months after receiving a genetically modified pig kidney. Lisa Pisano was the second person in history to undergo such a procedure, having been near death from kidney and heart failure when she received the transplant in April.
Her passing comes just two months after the death of the first patient to receive a pig kidney transplant. These outcomes highlight the challenges and complexities involved in xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting organs or tissues between different species. Researchers continue to explore this field in hopes of addressing the critical shortage of human donor organs.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Under Investigation
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the in-flight failure of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Approximately an hour after liftoff, the rocket’s second stage failed to reignite, resulting in the deployment of a batch of Starlink internet satellites into a dangerously low orbit.
The satellites risked burning up in Earth’s atmosphere due to the low deployment altitude. This incident marks a setback for SpaceX’s ambitious plans to expand global internet coverage through its Starlink constellation. The FAA’s investigation aims to determine the cause of the failure and ensure the safety of future launches.
Reference(s):
Science Saturday: Ancient DNA, black hole and pig kidney transplant
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