Science Saturday: Exploring Bionic Prostheses, Solar Eclipses, and More
Science Saturday: Exploring bionic prostheses, the solar eclipse, and additional fascinating topics.
TroibNews 
**Brain-Controlled Bionic Limbs**
According to researchers featured in "Natural Medicine," a new technique has been developed that allows a user's brain to control a bionic prosthesis. This innovative approach, known as magneto micrometry, involves placing magnetic spheres within muscles, with their movements being tracked by magnetometers. By reconstructing muscle pairs, users can gain a sense of the position and movement of their bionic limb. The team anticipates that this system will be commercially available within five years, enabling individuals with below-knee amputations to walk more naturally and navigate slopes, stairs, and obstacles more effectively.
**Easter Island's 'Ring of Fire'**
On October 2, a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse was witnessed from Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. During the event, the new moon appeared to nestle perfectly within the sun's disk for approximately six minutes, with the moon's edge appearing to touch the inner perimeter of the sun. This resulted in the optical phenomenon known as "Baily’s beads." Rapa Nui is rarely situated in the direct path of solar eclipses, making this the island's first annular solar eclipse since 1788.
**Sea Urchins vs. Predators**
Invasive sea urchins are rapidly consuming kelp forests along Australia’s New South Wales coast. Traditionally seen as key predators of these sea urchins, lobsters have been under observation by scientists at the University of Newcastle to better understand the dynamics between the two species. Recent findings reveal that a significant number of sea urchins placed outside lobster dens are actually being consumed by sharks. This diversity among predators could bode well for the preservation of kelp forests.
**Flu Shot Protection**
Have you received your flu shot? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that recent data show this year's vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization by 35 percent among high-risk groups. This information was gathered from over 11,000 individuals at risk for severe influenza in five Southern Hemisphere countries. The study highlights that hospitalization risk varies across different age groups and suggests that data from the Southern Hemisphere may provide insights into the protective effects for the Northern Hemisphere.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
According to researchers featured in "Natural Medicine," a new technique has been developed that allows a user's brain to control a bionic prosthesis. This innovative approach, known as magneto micrometry, involves placing magnetic spheres within muscles, with their movements being tracked by magnetometers. By reconstructing muscle pairs, users can gain a sense of the position and movement of their bionic limb. The team anticipates that this system will be commercially available within five years, enabling individuals with below-knee amputations to walk more naturally and navigate slopes, stairs, and obstacles more effectively.
**Easter Island's 'Ring of Fire'**
On October 2, a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse was witnessed from Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. During the event, the new moon appeared to nestle perfectly within the sun's disk for approximately six minutes, with the moon's edge appearing to touch the inner perimeter of the sun. This resulted in the optical phenomenon known as "Baily’s beads." Rapa Nui is rarely situated in the direct path of solar eclipses, making this the island's first annular solar eclipse since 1788.
**Sea Urchins vs. Predators**
Invasive sea urchins are rapidly consuming kelp forests along Australia’s New South Wales coast. Traditionally seen as key predators of these sea urchins, lobsters have been under observation by scientists at the University of Newcastle to better understand the dynamics between the two species. Recent findings reveal that a significant number of sea urchins placed outside lobster dens are actually being consumed by sharks. This diversity among predators could bode well for the preservation of kelp forests.
**Flu Shot Protection**
Have you received your flu shot? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that recent data show this year's vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization by 35 percent among high-risk groups. This information was gathered from over 11,000 individuals at risk for severe influenza in five Southern Hemisphere countries. The study highlights that hospitalization risk varies across different age groups and suggests that data from the Southern Hemisphere may provide insights into the protective effects for the Northern Hemisphere.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
