- casualSTEM
- Posts
- Blood Run | Rad-Bears | Space Trees
In partnership with
I got my eyes dilated for the first time this week. Walking home really put things in a new perspective: blurry.
-Steve
Get the weekly email that explains science in sweatpants. Stay smart for free.
Blood Run
Vampires run on carb-free power. Treadmills uncovered how vampire bats metabolize energy on blood-only diets.
Blood lacks carbs and lipids used by most mammals for energy
Vampire bats often run after landing to catch prey
Special treadmills enabled metabolic breath analysis
In less than 10 minutes, the bats converted amino acids into enough energy for over 1.5 hours of running. Placing their metabolism closer to the tsetse fly than mammals. For comparison, I just won’t run 1.5 hours. 😅
Quick! (poll)Which would you rather race? |
Check out last week’s results in “Unnatural Selection” below
Rad-Bears
We’re one step closer to human-tardigrade hybrids! Researchers identified a gene responsible for their rapid radiation repair.
Tardigrades = micro-animals that survive in extreme environments
New species = Hypsibius henanensis
Radiation exposure triggered gene DODA1 to produce betalains
These betalains neutralize radiation’s effects and were supported by tardigrade-specific protein TRID1 for rapid-recovery. This research will be further expanded to better protect humans from radiation, specifically for space exploration. Orrr we could train Tardigronauts.
Space Trees
(LignoSat arrived at the ISS on November 5th! Let’s review why that’s important.)
Trees will soon be orbiting Earth. LignoSat, a satellite built primarily from wood, will test greener alternatives to traditional satellites that often leave metallic particles in our atmosphere.
Size: 4” per side
Made of magnolia wood
Launched in September 2024
LignoSat will soon orbit Earth for ~6 months before burning to biodegradable ash upon reentry. Understanding wood’s durability in space could lead to more sustainable space exploration. Now hiring: Space Carpenter!
Daily News from 1440
Why are you seeing this ad? I’m still working on my wooden satellite prototype.
So I personally review all ads for potential value to you. Plus, checking them out helps support the cost of running casualSTEM 🤓
Receive Honest News Today
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.
Clickables
🦁 Lions climbing trees is actually pretty weird
✨ Sparkly psychedelic worm turns the ocean floor into a runway
🦛 Can you handle ANOTHER baby pygmy hippo?
Unnatural Selection
Last week: “Which would you rather have?”
Last week’s hamster-wheel training helped the succulent run away with this one. Next opponent: vampire bats!
Make sure you vote up top for next week’s “Unnatural Selection”!
st3v on site
Vampire Lunch
Classic rookie mistake, messaging the whole group instead of your lunch-crew. st3v once invited everyone to Bee’s Knees Coffee…at the same time!
Claim your sunglasses!
Sharing is caring…and also unlocks cool shades 😎
You currently have 0 referrals, only 3 away from receiving casualSTEM Sunglasses!.
or simply forward this email and tell them to click the “Subscribe Now” button in the intro! (or this one 👇️)
currently available in US only
New to the casualSTEM?
Get the weekly email that explains science in sweatpants. Stay smart for free.
Missed last week’s science in sweatpants?
Catch-up here: 🔬Hamstersynthesis | Antibiotic Persistence | Venom Rx
I'd love to hear from you!
Reply to this email, I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!
Reply