Discover the untold story of Margaret S. Collins, a trailblazing entomologist who broke racial and gender barriers in her field. Meanwhile, a mysterious bacterium called Chonkus has been found to store large amounts of carbon, potentially revolutionizing our fight against climate change.
Margaret S. Collins was a trailblazer in her field as the first Black female entomologist in the United States to earn a Ph.D. She overcame racism and sexism to become a renowned field biologist and termite expert, as reported by life sciences writer Susan Milius in ‘Termite Pioneer.’ Dr. M. Alma Solis, a research entomologist, shared her own experiences with Collins: ‘I had the honor of knowing Margaret S. Collins in the early 1990s… She was very good at reading people and very funny.’
The Mutant Bacterium Chonkus Holds Promise for Carbon Sequestration
A marine cyanobacterium called ‘Chonkus‘ has been discovered to store large amounts of carbon and sink rapidly in liquid. This trait holds promise for sequestering carbon in the ocean to combat climate change, as reported by earth and climate writer Carolyn Gramling in ‘A mutant cyanobacterium has an appetite for carbon.’ Reader Deborah Strod asked about the timescale of carbon cycling in the ocean, which can vary depending on factors such as water depth. Microbiologist Max Schubert explained that if organic carbon is sunk deep enough, it can remain separated from the atmosphere for thousands of years.
The Potential Risks and Rewards of Ocean Iron Fertilization
Scientists are exploring ways to measure the effectiveness of ocean iron fertilization, which involves fertilizing the ocean surface to increase phytoplankton growth. These organisms capture carbon throughout their lives and sink down to the seafloor when they die. However, this process can also rob valuable nutrients from the environment, potentially disrupting certain ocean ecosystems. Schubert notes that Chonkus may have an advantage in terms of carbon sequestration while robbing fewer other nutrients.
Ocean iron fertilization is a geoengineering technique that involves adding iron to the oceans to stimulate phytoplankton growth.
Phytoplankton absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, which can help mitigate climate change.
However, the effectiveness and feasibility of ocean iron fertilization are still debated.
Some studies suggest it could sequester up to 1.5 billion metric tons of CO2 annually, while others raise concerns about potential ecosystem disruptions and unintended consequences.
Science News’ New Look
The January 2025 issue of Science News unveiled a new design with more pages and visual elements, as well as science-themed puzzles and comprehensive coverage. Some readers shared their first impressions: Mark Waltz wrote, ‘I love it… It’s great to see your efforts to deliver scientific news in what I am sure continues to be a challenging news ecosystem.’ Joel Sanet urged the publication to continue publishing word and math puzzles, including acrostics that incorporate science clues.
Scientists worldwide are making groundbreaking discoveries, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
Recent breakthroughs in quantum computing and artificial intelligence have paved the way for significant advancements in fields like medicine and space exploration.
According to a report by the National Science Foundation, 2020 saw a 10% increase in scientific research funding.
This surge has led to a rise in innovative solutions for pressing global issues.
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Science journalism has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations.
In the 19th century, newspapers began publishing articles on scientific discoveries and breakthroughs.
The first science journalists emerged in the early 20th century, with pioneers like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells writing about emerging technologies.
Today, science journalism encompasses various formats, including online blogs, podcasts, and social media platforms.
Its primary goal remains to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad audience, promoting public understanding and engagement with science.
