Scientists observing the exoplanet WASP-107b with the James Webb Space Telescope say that the planet has clouds of sand high in its atmosphere. The scientists detected water vapor, sulfur dioxide, and silicate sand clouds in the atmosphere of the planet, which is about the mass of Neptune but the size of Jupiter—stats that caused astronomers to describe it as “fluffy.” Science journalist Swapna Krishna joins guest host Flora Lichtman for a look at the planet.
They also discuss the tense seismic situation on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. Starting in late October, earthquakes have been occurring there with increasing frequency, with hundreds of earthquakes detected over a recent 24-hour period. The quakes are due to underground magma flowing into the area and straining the earth’s crust. Measurements have also spotted an increasing concentration of sulfur dioxide gas in the area—which could point to an impending volcanic eruption. The Icelandic Meteorological Office said that there was significant likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the coming days.
Flora and Swapna also discuss other stories from the week in science, including a growing discrepancy in life expectancy between US men and women, a 3D printed robot hand with working tendons, efforts to control the spread of a drug lord’s escaped hippos in Colombia, and the tale of a tool bag—lost in space.
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A Land Return, A COVID Update, Texas’ Power Grid, and A Gene-Editing Thriller. July 15, 2022, Part 1
Big Bang Debate History, Black Hole Sounds, Maggot Healthcare, Forest Lichens. July 8, 2022, Part 2
Bird Poop Importance, The Wonders Of Sweat, Invertebrate Butts. July 8, 2022, Part 1
Summer Science Books, Effect of Roe on Obstetric Care, Female Athletic Injuries. July 1, 2022, Part 2
SCOTUS Restricts EPA, Scientist Rebellion Protests, Kansas Wheat Problems, Early Science Films. July 1, 2022, Part 1
HIPAA Explained, Trans Research, Queer Scientists. June 24, 2022, Part 2
Roe V. Wade Overturned, Animals’ Amazing Sensory Abilities. June 24, 2022, Part 1
The Rise Of Mammals And A Cephalopod Celebration. June 17, 2022, Part 2
COVID Vaccines For Kids Under 5, IVF Status After Roe V. Wade. June 17, 2022, Part 1
Race And Medicine, Salmon Recovery, Emergency Mushroom ID. June 10, 2022, Part 1
Cephalopod Wonders, Jumping Worms, Early Plastic Surgery. June 10, 2022, Part 2
Medical And Recreational Cannabis, Ocean Viruses, The Sound of Wi-Fi. June 3, 2022, Part 2
History Of Sex, Plastic Battery, Mosquito Smell, Postpartum Art. June 3, 2022, Part 1
SIDS Research, Period Tracking Apps, Women And Girls In Science. May 27, 2022, Part 2
Gun Violence, Baby Formula, Monkeypox, Milk Banking, Wondrous Sharks. May 27, 2022, Part 1
Seabird Poop, ‘Prehistoric Planet’ TV Show, Dry Great Plains, Six Foods For A Changing Climate. May 20, 2022, Part 2
Miscarriage Care, End of Astronauts, COVID Deaths Milestone. May 20, 2022, Part 1
Abortion Medication, Rat Island, Access To Parks, Climate And Seafood. May 13, 2022, Part 2
Second Black Hole Image, Last Days Of The Dinosaurs, Rising COVID Cases. May 13, 2022, Part 1
Revisiting The Titanic, STEM Drag Performers As Science Ambassadors. May 6, 2022, Part 2
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