Science Wrap: How Oppenheimer built the bomb, a mind-reading device, and an Alzheimer's breakthrough
This week in science was marked by notable events. We delve into the realms of self-healing materials, revolutionary mind-machine communication, groundbreaking Alzheimer's research, and an ingenious application of LEGO robotics in DNA origami. But first, in light of the Barbenheimer weekend, we take start with a quick look at the science behind the bomb.
1. How does an atom bomb work?
The atomic bomb was a devastating weapon based on the principle of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of certain heavy atoms, like uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is split, releasing an immense amount of energy.
When a small amount of fissile material is brought together to form a critical mass, a chain reaction begins as neutrons collide with fissile nuclei, causing them to split and release additional neutrons. These newly released neutrons continue the chain reaction, resulting in a rapid and intense release of energy equivalent to thousands of tons of conventional explosives.
The detonation produces a destructive blast, searing thermal radiation, and harmful ionising radiation in the form of gamma rays and neutrons. The devastating power of the atomic bomb was tragically demonstrated during World War II when it was used in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
The development and use of atomic bombs have raised significant ethical and humanitarian concerns due to their potential for catastrophic consequences, which of course are more eloquently approached in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer in theatres this weekend.
READ OUR REVIEW of OPPENHEIMER: Man creates bomb. Bomb kills people. Man goes WTF. Nolan makes billions.
2. Self-healing metal discovered
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in material science, observing metal that can self-heal after cracking without any human intervention. This remarkable finding challenges fundamental scientific theories and has the potential to revolutionise engineering.
Self-healing metal? It's not just the stuff of science fiction https://t.co/6atfra3YG2 pic.twitter.com/ZMqOn3YABL
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 19, 2023
The research team from Sandia National Laboratories and Texas A&M University demonstrated this phenomenon in a study published in the journal Nature. If harnessed, this self-healing property could lead to the development of structures like engines, bridges, and airplanes that can repair damage caused by wear and tear, significantly improving safety and durability.
3. Mind-reading device allows users to browse the Internet mentally
'AlterEgo', an innovative invention by an MIT student, Arnav Kapur, is set to change the way we interact with technology and satisfy pizza cravings without lifting a finger. This device, equipped with AI, allows users to communicate silently through their thoughts, without moving their lips.
Using bone conduction, 'AlterEgo' captures innermost thoughts and translates them into words, facilitating private and internal conversations with machines, AI assistants, and real people.
Additionally, the device enables users to browse the Internet mentally, bypassing the need for typing on a phone, and receive responses through vibrations transmitted into the skull and inner ear.
4. Breakthrough drug in Alzheimer's research
Eli Lilly's experimental drug, Donanemab, shows significant promise in slowing cognitive and functional decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Thank you to the more than 10,800 leaders in dementia research who joined us in Amsterdam and online for #AAIC23! Together, you are accelerating science into a new era and providing hope to all those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. #ENDALZ pic.twitter.com/TvCSwu0ezW
— Alzheimer's Association (@alzassociation) July 20, 2023
This monoclonal antibody targets the amyloid protein responsible for damaging neurons in dementia patients' brains. In a Phase-3 clinical trial with 1,736 participants, nearly half of the patients showed no decline in disease severity after one year, and 72 per cent completed the treatment within 18 months.
These positive results, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), offer hope for improving the lives of individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's.
5. Recreating DNA origami with LEGO robots
Bioengineers from Arizona State University have devised a cost-effective solution for creating DNA origami nanostructures. They successfully used a LEGO robot as a gradient mixer, a crucial part of the DNA origami structure creation process, eliminating the need for expensive machinery.
In their paper published on PLOS ONE, the team explains the construction and performance of this mixer, which offers a more accessible and affordable approach to purifying DNA origami nanostructures compared to conventional methods that utilize rate-zone centrifugation.