Squid-Inspired Materials, Collapsing Fisheries, and a 'Donut' in Earth's Core

The Point by Modern Sciences - December 11, 2024 (A)

Author

Don Smith
December 11, 2024

In partnership with

By The Modern Sciences Team

December 11, 2024

Hello again, Cultivators of Curiosity!


Welcome to the 32nd edition of The Point by Modern Sciences, where we delve into the latest breakthroughs in materials science, marine conservation, and Earth's inner workings. In this edition, we explore how squid's unique sucker teeth could inspire self-healing materials, reveal the alarming state of global fisheries, and uncover a mysterious region deep within Earth's core that could hold the key to understanding our planet’s magnetic field.


This issue presents a fascinating look at the potential for nature to drive innovation in technology while also addressing critical environmental issues and deepening our knowledge of Earth’s inner structure. Each article offers a unique perspective on the pressing challenges and exciting discoveries that shape our understanding of the world, making this edition an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and daily life.

"Squid komodo" by Nhobgood is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

NATURE

Squid have tiny teeth in their suckers − scientists could use their unique properties to make self-healing materials

Squids have serrated teeth inside the suction cups on their tentacles, allowing them to latch onto prey effectively. Unlike most animal teeth, however, squid sucker teeth are composed of structural proteins rather than being mineralized with calcium. Read more.



Vital points:

  • Unique Structure of Squid Sucker Teeth: Squid sucker teeth, located inside the suction cups on their tentacles, are composed of structural proteins rather than the typical mineralized hard tissues like bones or shells. These proteins form serrated teeth that allow the squid to latch onto prey, demonstrating flexibility and compression resistance.

  • Advanced Nanostructures: The proteins in squid sucker teeth contain nanocrystals that form nanotubes, giving the teeth exceptional strength, toughness, and flexibility. These properties surpass many synthetic polymers and modern materials, making them a subject of interest for scientists studying their unique composition.

  • Inspiration for New Materials: The structure and properties of squid sucker teeth have inspired the development of innovative materials, including self-healing and recyclable materials. These squid-inspired materials could have applications in medical devices, robotics, and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics because they can self-repair and degrade without leaving waste.


Stay up-to-date with AI

The Rundown is the most trusted AI newsletter in the world, with 1,000,000+ readers and exclusive interviews with AI leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Demis Hassibis, Mustafa Suleyman, and more.

Their expert research team spends all day learning what’s new in AI and talking with industry experts, then distills the most important developments into one free email every morning.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

LISTS

Best Educational Software for STEM Learning: Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

As the holidays approach, finding the perfect gift combining fun and learning can be challenging. STEM-based educational tools are an excellent way to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in kids. Whether your child is interested in coding, engineering, or exploring artificial intelligence, these handpicked STEM gifts will ignite their passion for learning. Below, we’ve curated some of the best last-minute STEM gift ideas to bring joy and knowledge to young learners this Christmas. Read more.

EARTH

Investigation reveals global fisheries are in far worse shape than we thought – and many have already collapsed

A study reveals that many overfished species are in worse condition than reported, and the sustainability of fisheries is often overstated. Earlier estimates of fish stock depletion were found to be overly optimistic, especially for overfished stocks, leading to misguided management decisions. Read more.



Essential points:

  • Inaccurate Fisheries Models: Recent research reveals that models used to estimate fish populations, especially in overfished areas, have been overly optimistic. This has led to significant underestimations of fish stock depletion, with the number of collapsed stocks likely 85% higher than previously recognized.

  • Case Study of the Jackass Morwong: The population of jackass morwong off southern Australia was found to be more depleted than initial estimates suggested. Inaccurate stock assessments led to unsustainable fishing practices, contributing to a continued decline in fish numbers until corrective measures were finally taken in 2022.

  • Call for Fundamental Changes: The study underscores the need for more accurate fish stock assessments and more cautious fisheries management practices. These changes are essential to address the worsening global problem of overfishing, ensure sustainable fisheries, and protect marine ecosystems and food security.


EARTH

Seismic echoes reveal a mysterious ‘donut’ inside Earth’s core

Scientists have discovered a donut-shaped region in Earth's outer core around the Equator, where seismic waves travel about 2% slower than in the rest of the core. This is likely due to a higher concentration of lighter elements like silicon and oxygen. Read more.



Essential highlights:

  • Discovery of a Donut-Shaped Region in Earth's Core: Researchers have identified a donut-shaped region in the outer core around Earth's equator, where seismic waves travel about 2% slower than in other parts of the core. The previously undetected region is believed to contain higher concentrations of lighter elements like silicon and oxygen.

  • Implications for Earth's Magnetic Field: This lighter element-rich region may play a crucial role in the convection currents within the outer core, which generate Earth's magnetic field. Understanding this region helps scientists gain insights into the geodynamo process that maintains the magnetic field, essential for protecting the planet from solar radiation.

  • Advanced Seismic Wave Analysis: The discovery was made possible through a novel method called the "coda-correlation wavefield," which analyzes the fainter, later parts of seismic waves created by earthquakes. This approach allowed researchers to detect subtle variations in wave speeds and provided a more detailed view of the outer core's structure, particularly near the equator.