Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
NASA’s newest mission, TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites), soon will begin studying how Earth’s magnetic shield protects our planet from the effects of space weather. By having two satellites in close proximity to one another, TRACERS will be able to see how areas of Earth's magnetic field that are undergoing reconnection — the snapping and recombining of field lines — change over short time frames. This reconnection happens as activity between the sun's solar wind (a continual stream of charged particles from our star) occasionally moves around denser patches stemming from coronal mass ejections.
Researchers have discovered that psilocin, a chemical produced when psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, is consumed, may help slow ageing and extend life. The study found that psilocin increased the lifespan of human skin and lung cells by more than 50%. In a separate pre-clinical study with mice, those treated with regular doses of psilocybin lived about 30% longer than untreated mice. The treated mice also showed signs of better physical health, including improved fur condition and hair regrowth. The researchers noted that most cells in the body have serotonin receptors, which psilocybin interacts with, meaning the compound could have wide-ranging effects on the body's ageing process.
Scientists analyzed a sample of more than 100,000 oral exams and found that students’ chances of passing were affected by the time of day when the exam began. Results showed that students were less likely to pass exams scheduled before 09:00 or after 15:00, compared to students taking exams around noon. As per the study, the ideal time to take oral exam or interview is 11.00 to 13.00. The scientists say these effects, which might be explained by physiological rhythms affecting tiredness and alertness, could potentially influence job interviews. The results highlight how biological rhythms — often overlooked in decision-making contexts — can subtly but significantly shape the outcome of high-stakes evaluations.
Want to prevent diabetes before onset? Try pistachios before bedtime. A new study reveals that swapping a typical nighttime carbohydrate snack for pistachios may beneficially alter gut bacteria in people with prediabetes. The 12-week clinical trial found that pistachio consumption increased beneficial gut microbes like Roseburia and reduced harmful ones such as Blautia hydrogenotrophica. These microbiome changes could potentially support metabolic health and slow the progression to Type 2 diabetes. While more research is needed to confirm health outcomes, this study positions pistachios as a promising late-night snack with microbiome-boosting potential.
