Happy to be back after the break! We’ve got some exciting news for you today. First off, let’s talk about delays in space agencies. NASA’s crew was supposed to arrive at its destination last week, but that didn’t happen due to a technical issue with their spacecraft. This delay is expected to impact several of the agency’s upcoming missions.
On a more positive note, scientists have just released a new image of an exoplanet system that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. The system, located about 300 light-years away from Earth, consists of seven planets and features some of the most extreme weather patterns in our solar system.
But let’s not forget to talk about animals today! Researchers have discovered how gray seals can hold their breath for over an hour without panicking. According to a new study, these amazing creatures sense oxygen levels in their blood directly, rather than relying on carbon dioxide levels like humans do. This ability is crucial for their survival as they dive deep into the ocean.
Additionally, scientists have found out that penguin poop can cause quite a commotion among zooplankton. In a recent study, researchers discovered that krill swam faster and reacted differently to guano-contaminated seawater. While it may sound strange, these tiny creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem and are already adapting to climate change.
That’s all for today’s news roundup. Stay tuned for more updates on space agencies’ delays, new exoplanet discoveries, and animal research that will leave you amazed!
Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman along with other talented team members.
Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/nasa-astronauts-return-seals-hold-their-breath-underwater-and-penguin-poop