Mysterious mass discovered under South Pole of moon
Researchers have found a huge, heavy and mysterious mass of material underneath the far side of the moon — the South Pole-Aitken basin. It seems to drag down features on the lunar surface into a depression. The find might lead to a better understanding of how all rocky bodies came to be. ISRO’s freshly-announced Chandrayaan-2 probe is to land at the moon’s South Pole. More on the mysterious mass in National Geographic.
Twice as many plants have gone extinct than all birds, mammals, & amphibians combined
Researchers have combed through published work and museum specimens to come to the conclusion that 571 plant species have gone extinct in the past 250 years. This is twice the number of all the extinct birds, mammals and amphibians combined. But owing to the sheer number and variety of plants, the percentage of extinction is still 0.2 per cent for plants while it is 5 per cent for mammals and birds. More in Science.
Controversial Chinese CRISPR babies could die earlier than normal
Chinese scientist He Jiankui made news last year for all the wrong reasons, having created the first gene-edited babies in China while engaging in what many describe as unethical and potentially illegal experimentation. A gene that makes humans susceptible to infections like West Nile virus was removed from the twins who were born. New research shows this could have potentially reduced their lifespan. Check out the MIT Technology Review report for more.
Over 100 bubble tea balls stuck in a teenager’s stomach
Boba tea, or bubble tea, is a popular Taiwanese drink that is made with ice tea and fruit. It contains tapioca balls, called bubbles, in the drink. The harmless drink is gaining popularity across the globe. But last week, a 14-year-old Chinese girl was hospitalised complaining of extreme stomach ache and persistent constipation. An X-ray revealed that her stomach contained over 100 bubbles. Insider has more on this.
Gut bacteria interfere with Parkinson’s drug, finds new study
During the study of a drug called Levodopa, used to treat Parkinson’s, US researchers have discovered that gut microbiome are responsible for breaking down the drug too early and converting a part of it to dopamine before it can pass the blood-brain barrier. The barrier is what separates chemicals in the blood from entering the brain and affecting it. However, this interference can be treated and actually make the drugs more effective, found the study. Head to New Scientist for more.
Also read: Levels of carbon dioxide in atmosphere hit record high in May