Galactic Mysteries, Duckweed’s Promise, and Beetle-Inspired Microrobots

The Point by Modern Sciences - September 20, 2024

Author

Don Smith
September 20, 2024

In partnership with

By The Modern Sciences Team

September 20, 2024

To all readers and Cultivators of Curiosity,


Welcome to the 18th edition of The Point by Modern Sciences! This time, we're exploring breakthroughs that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos, transform the food industry, and inspire new robotic technologies.


Discover how NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has upended existing theories on galactic evolution, revealing ancient stars and supermassive black holes much earlier than previously believed. Then, dive into the world of duckweed, a tiny aquatic plant with the potential to revolutionize protein sourcing for a sustainable future. Lastly, learn how beetle wing mechanics inspire cutting-edge microrobot design, offering efficient solutions for applications like search and rescue.


Each article presents a fresh perspective on innovation and nature, highlighting the profound impact these discoveries may have on science and society.

SPACE

NASA's JWST Discovery Challenges Galactic Evolution Theories

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed luminous, very red objects in the early universe, challenging traditional theories of galaxy and supermassive black hole evolution. Read more.



Salient points:

  • Revolutionary Discovery: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has identified luminous, very red objects in the early universe, challenging existing theories on the origins and evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes.

  • Unexpected Findings: Analysis revealed "old" stars and massive supermassive black holes in these objects, dating back to 600–800 million years after the Big Bang. This contrasts sharply with conventional models, which predict the synchronized growth of galaxies and black holes over billions of years.

  • Implications for Cosmology: The discovery forces scientists to reevaluate established cosmological paradigms and opens new research avenues. It highlights the JWST's transformative impact on our understanding of the early universe.


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LISTS

Science Documentaries That Inspire: A Curated Collection for Enthusiasts

A handful of titles stand out in the world of science documentaries for their ability to both educate and inspire. Whether you are fascinated by the vastness of space, the intricacies of Earth's ecosystems, or the urgent challenges of climate change, these documentaries provide unparalleled insights into our universe and planet. With high-definition visuals, expert narration, and in-depth storytelling, these series and films offer viewers an engaging way to deepen their understanding of complex scientific concepts. Read more.

MATH AND THE SCIENCES

A small aquatic plant, duckweed, could revolutionize the food of tomorrow

Duckweed, an aquatic plant found on freshwater surfaces, contains up to 45% protein when grown in optimal conditions, making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient. Read more.



Crucial takeaways:

  • High Protein Potential of Duckweed: Duckweed, an aquatic plant on the surface of freshwater, is gaining attention for its high protein content, which has the potential to revolutionize human diets. When grown in optimal conditions, duckweed can contain up to 45% protein, significantly higher than soybeans, the most widely grown legume, which produce just 0.6 to 1.2 tons per hectare.

  • Challenges and Innovations in Protein Extraction: Extracting the protein Rubisco from duckweed leaves has been a significant challenge due to undesirable compounds in the cells. However, researchers have developed an innovative protocol using statistical modeling to achieve one of the highest yields reported, extracting 60% protein. This protein concentrate has excellent properties for food ingredients, such as solubility and the ability to form foams, gels, and emulsions.

  • Future Applications and Sustainability: Duckweed proteins show promise for multiple uses in food formulation and nutrition, potentially aiding in reducing high blood pressure. This versatile and sustainable protein source could revolutionize diets and contribute to a more nutritious and sustainable food future for everyone.


ENGINEERING

Researchers Develop Microrobot Inspired by Beetle Wing Mechanics

Recent studies on rhinoceros beetles unveiled passive wing mechanisms in these insects, revealing innovative insights into insect wing dynamics. Read more.



Major highlights:

  • Innovative Wing Mechanism: Researchers have discovered that rhinoceros beetles use passive mechanisms to control their wing movements, relying on hardened forewings instead of muscle power. This provides a novel model for robot design.

  • Flapping Microrobot: Inspired by these findings, a new microrobot with foldable wings has been created, deploying and retracting without complex actuators, enabling efficient and versatile applications such as search and rescue.

  • Future Research and Applications: The study paves the way for further exploration into passive wing strategies in insects and offers promising advancements in microrobot design, potentially enhancing engineering and biological research tools.