Science Wrap: Saturn rings disappear, a 3D-printed fish, and 2023's first lunar eclipse
This week's science news is dominated by disappearing Saturn rings, the year's first lunar eclipse, an artificial fish fillet, and a face-off between cannabis and painkillers.
1- Are Saturn's rings disappearing?
The planet Saturn is synonymous with its rings (most of which comprise of rocks and ice) but it seems like these rings are in danger now. Research has revealed that the rings are constantly eroding, and we still dont know how long they will stick around.
The strange rings that have astounded scientists are becoming thinner as the slabs of ice around the planet collide with one another. “We’re still trying to figure out exactly how fast they are eroding," said Saturn researcher Dr James O’Donoghue in a statement.
2- Fish can now be 3-D printed!
You might have heard of artificial lab-grown chicken and beef but now gear up for 3-D printed fish! Yes, this is not a joke.
Israeli foodtech company Steakholder Foods has partnered with Singapore's Umami Meats to devise a method to make fish fillets in the confines of a lab. Steakholder claims to have 3D printed the first ready-to-cook fish fillet using animal cells that were cultivated and grown in a laboratory.
As expected, the process comes at quite a cost and further research is awaited for this 3D-printed fish to enter the general consumption market. Because the cost of cell cultivation alone is still too high to compete with that of conventional seafood, the fish cells are currently diluted with plant-based ingredients in the bio-ink.
3- Cannabis can treat cancer pain better than painkillers. Fact or fiction?
A new study published in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care studied 358 cancer patients and arrived at the conclusion that "safe and effective complementary treatment for pain relief in patients with cancer." In fact, the pain-easing and relaxing effects can be way more effective that conventional painkillers, the study adds.
Many people with cancer have been seeking out alternative ways to control their pain, including cannabis for quite a long time. Obviously, the legality in some territories and the general taboo associated with cannabis can cause issues for some patients.
READ MORE: Cannabis can treat cancer pain more effectively than painkillers, says new study
4- Penumbral lunar eclipse
On the night of May 5 (Friday), Earth witnessed the first lunar eclipse of the year. More specifically, this was a Penumbral lunar eclipse which means that the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra (the outer region of its shadow).
Observed in India from 10:52 pm onwards, the Moon appeared darker than usual (but not fully covered). Even astrology buffs were observing it with great detail as this so-called "lunar eclipse in Scorpio" was meant to carry a lot of chaotic energy with it.