Current:Home > FinanceAstronomers have some big gravitational wave news-LoTradeCoin
Astronomers have some big gravitational wave news
lotradecoin two-factor authentication setup View Date:2024-12-25 12:37:14
All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro returns to nerd-out with Regina G. Barber and Geoff Brumfiel on science in the news. They discuss the discovery of new gravitational waves, a robot prototype that draws design inspiration from nature and why orcas might be attacking boats along the coast of Europe.
A 'multi-modal' robot, inspired by nature
This week in the journal Nature Communications, a group of scientists describe a new robot they're working on — with funding from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory — inspired by the way animals use their limbs to move in different ways. They call it the "Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot," or M4. It's being developed with search-and-rescue in mind, but could be useful in future space exploration as well.
Researchers have uncovered a new kind of gravitational wave
Scientists have new evidence that the fabric of space and time is rippling with gravitational waves as big as the Milky Way. The waves could be created by some of the biggest black holes in the universe. Black holes are thought to send out these elusive waves when they merge. Until now, researchers have only been able to detect gravitational waves from much smaller black holes. These newly detected waves could be a signal from the dawn of the universe itself. Learn more from NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce.
Orcas are attacking boats — and scientists can only guess why
As NPR's Scott Neuman reported this month, scientists can only guess why orcas — also known as killer whales — continue to attack boats in and around the Strait of Gibraltar, a busy waterway that links the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. One theory suggests the whales' action is the result of trauma. Others think it may be a form of play.
Have questions about science in the news? Email us at [email protected].
Listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
This episode was produced by Megan Lim and Carly Rubin. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez, Brent Baughman and Christopher Intagliata. Brit Hanson checked the facts. The audio engineers were Ted Mebane and Robert Rodriguez.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly rise
- Trial of man who killed 10 at Colorado supermarket turns to closing arguments
- Rome Odunze's dad calls out ESPN's Dan Orlovsky on social media with game footage
- Weasley Twins James Phelps and Oliver Phelps Return to Harry Potter Universe in New Series
- One Tech Tip: How to protect your communications through encryption
- 'SNL' taps Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, John Mulaney for Season 50 lineup
- Strong storm flips over RVs in Oklahoma and leaves 1 person dead
- Pac-12 gutting Mountain West sparks fresh realignment stress at schools outside Power Four
- Fewer U.S. grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data
- California governor signs package of bills giving state more power to enforce housing laws
Ranking
- Taylor Swift makes history as most decorated artist at Billboard Music Awards
- Jake Paul says Mike Tyson wasn't the only option for the Netflix fight. He offers details.
- Wisconsin officials ask state Supreme Court to decide if RFK Jr. stays on ballot
- Krispy Kreme brings back pumpkin spice glazed doughnut, offers $2 dozens this weekend
- Most reports ordered by California’s Legislature this year are shown as missing
- Zayn Malik Makes Rare Comment About Incredible Daughter Khai on Her 4th Birthday
- Pac-12 gutting Mountain West sparks fresh realignment stress at schools outside Power Four
- Justin Theroux Reveals How He and Fiancée Nicole Brydon Bloom First Met
Recommendation
-
Video shows drone spotted in New Jersey sky as FBI says it is investigating
-
‘They try to keep people quiet’: An epidemic of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes
-
USC out to prove it's tough enough to succeed in Big Ten with visit to Michigan
-
Journalist Olivia Nuzzi Placed on Leave After Alleged Robert F. Kennedy Jr Relationship
-
Sabrina Carpenter reveals her own hits made it on her personal Spotify Wrapped list
-
Wendy Williams received small sum for 'stomach-turning' Lifetime doc, lawsuit alleges
-
A night with Peter Cat Recording Co., the New Delhi band that’s found global appeal
-
A night with Peter Cat Recording Co., the New Delhi band that’s found global appeal