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In this episode of Discover Daily, hosts Alex and Sienna dive into the mysterious craters appearing in Siberia's permafrost. Recent scientific investigations reveal these massive holes, measuring up to 230 feet across and 160 feet deep, are caused by climate change triggering explosive releases of methane gas. As Arctic temperatures rise, surface ice melt travels into underground pockets of unfrozen, salty soil called cryopegs. This builds up immense pressure over years until it cracks the permafrost above and triggers sudden explosive methane releases, forming huge craters.
The hosts also discuss a discovery by chemists at UCLA who have upended a century-old rule in organic chemistry. By successfully synthesizing molecules that were thought to be impossible under Bredt's Rule, the researchers have opened up exciting new possibilities for drug discovery and materials science. These "anti-Bredt" molecules could lead to novel medicines that interact with the body in powerful new ways.
For the final segment, Sienna explores a study that shows evolution may be more predictable than previously thought. Using machine learning to analyze bacterial genomes, scientists uncovered deterministic patterns in how genes interact and evolve over time. With the ability to forecast evolutionary trajectories, this research could transform fields from medicine to environmental science - enabling us to combat antibiotic resistance, engineer microbes to break down pollution, and even develop solutions to climate change.
From Perplexity's Discover Feed:
https://www.perplexity.ai/page/mysterious-siberian-craters-fo-We7IoRDnQpSeh7.zj.0QsA
https://www.perplexity.ai/page/100-year-chemistry-rule-debunk-KoJfcmkFRy26nRNJLWT4hA
https://www.perplexity.ai/page/machine-learning-shows-predict-cE80E41uS_29DojZ8Dx40Q
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