Connect with us

Published

on

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have made a major discovery by creating animal cells that can draw energy from sunlight. This achievement was made possible by embedding chloroplasts, photosynthetic structures found in algae, into animal cells, a process previously thought impossible. The researchers believe this new method could open doors to innovative solutions in artificial tissue development, especially in low-oxygen conditions.

The Experiment and Its Unique Approach

The team selected the CHO-K1 cell line, derived from a Chinese hamster, as the host for the chloroplasts due to its high receptivity to foreign materials. By using chloroplasts from Cyanidioschyzon merolae, a red algae that tolerates warmer environments, the scientists circumvented a key challenge. Unlike other chloroplasts that lose function below 37°C, these algae chloroplasts can stay active at body temperature, making them a suitable choice for integration with animal cells.

New Ground in Cell Integration

For years, attempts to incorporate chloroplasts into animal cells faced a persistent obstacle: these foreign structures were typically broken down within hours. However, the University of Tokyo team observed that, with the right conditions, these chloroplasts maintained photosynthetic activity in hamster cells for up to 48 hours. Through sophisticated imaging techniques, they tracked the photosynthetic process, showing that these chloroplasts continued to generate energy when exposed to light—a significant milestone in cellular biology.

Implications for Future Research

The findings hint at more possibilities for the future. The researchers noted that cells with chloroplasts showed improved growth, possibly due to an additional energy source within the cells. This boost could pave the way for further exploration into how chloroplasts might support cell function and growth. The mechanisms behind the interaction between chloroplasts and animal cell components remain undiscovered. The researchers are keen to understand this dynamic.

Professor Sachihiro Matsunaga, leading the team, envisions these hybrid “planimal” cells as valuable tools in advancing a more sustainable, carbon-neutral approach in biotechnology. With continued research, these hybrid cells could become a crucial element in developing energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Antarctic Ozone Hole Might Fully Recover by 2066, Claims New Study



Anthropic Introduces PDF Image Understanding With Claude 3.5 Sonnet AI Model

Continue Reading

Science

Massive Steam Plume Spotted at Alaska’s Mount Spurr as Volcano May Erupt Soon

Published

on

By

Massive Steam Plume Spotted at Alaska’s Mount Spurr as Volcano May Erupt Soon

A large steam plume has been seen emerging from Mount Spurr in Alaska, signalling increased volcanic activity. Images shared by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) on March 28 confirmed steam and gas emissions visible from the volcano’s summit and a northern vent. The volcano is located around 80 miles west of Anchorage and stands at 11,070 feet high. The experts have revealed that there could be a possible eruption in the coming weeks or months. However, nothing is certain yet.

Increased Signs of Unrest Reported

According to the latest update by the Alaska Volcano Observatory steam was observed rising from the summit on March 26. A smaller plume was also recorded from a fumarole on the volcano’s northern flank. No immediate changes in seismic activity or gas levels were detected during these observations as per the AVO statement.

The AVO had earlier mentioned in a March 11 update that a noticeable rise in gas emissions indicates fresh magma has moved into the crust beneath Mount Spurr. This has led scientists to assess the chance of an eruption in the near future. The observatory clarified that the exact timing of any eruption cannot be predicted yet.

Hazards and Possible Alerts

The observatory has cautioned that the volcano’s alert level might be raised if there are further signs of escalation. According to AVO, this may include persistent seismic tremors, increased gas emissions or visible surface changes. If an eruption occurs, possible hazards include ash clouds impacting flights, ashfall across nearby areas, pyroclastic flows and mudflows known as lahars.

The volcano last erupted in 1992. That eruption resulted in heavy ashfall and affected air travel in the region. AVO has advised residents and visitors to stay informed and follow safety instructions if alerts are raised.

Continue Reading

Science

Study Identifies Plasma Formation as a Pseudostreamer

Published

on

By

Study Identifies Plasma Formation as a Pseudostreamer

A towering spiral of plasma has been recorded extending millions of kilometres from the Sun. The video was taken by the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter during an eight-hour period on October 12, 2022. A coronal mass ejection caused the plasma to rise from the Sun’s surface. The footage captured something which was never observed before. It showed a swirling motion in the solar wind. As per the latest report, scientists also recorded bright streaks that were moving across the frame. Researchers also revealed that these streaks appeared as pixelated lines, which might also ressemble like UFOs. Scientists later confirmed they were distant stars visible due to the imaging process.

Study Identifies Plasma Formation as a Pseudostreamer

The study published in The Astrophysical Journal revealed that the massive structure that appeared in the photos was a large pseudostreamer. It was formed near the Sun’s north pole after a solar flare erupted. The report further highlighted that the plasma reached 1.5 times the Sun’s width and remained visible for three hours. Scientists believes the twisting movement of the plasma was due to Alfvénic fluctuations. These fluctuations happen when waves of charged particles respond to magnetic disturbances. Scientists says the pseudostreamer’s location influenced its unique shape. Magnetic fields at the Sun’s poles are stronger than those near the equator.

Unusual Streaks Explained

The video also showed bright, half-dark lines crossing the screen. These lines appeared to move in a pattern similar to arcade game graphics. ESA confirmed that these were distant stars. The video’s editing technique made them appear as streaks rather than points of light. The Solar Orbiter’s movement against the background created this effect.

Solar Activity Expected to Intensify

The Sun is currently experiencing solar maximum. Flares and solar winds have increased since early 2024. The pseudostreamer in the video formed before this peak. Scientists were surprised by its early appearance. ESA’s Solar Orbiter continues to capture detailed images of solar wind. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe and ESA’s Proba-3 mission are also studying these phenomena. More extreme solar winds are expected in the coming years.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Battleground Reality Show OTT Release: Where to Watch it Online?



Lava Breaches Grindavík’s Defences as Volcanic Fissure Erupts in Iceland

Related Stories

Continue Reading

Science

SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9 Rocket, Booster Lands Safely

Published

on

By

SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9 Rocket, Booster Lands Safely

SpaceX has sent another batch of satellites into orbit. On April 3, a Falcon 9 rocket launched 27 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The rocket lifted off at 9.02 p.m. Eastern Time and was followed by a successful landing of the first-stage booster on a drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This booster had already been used on four earlier flights. The satellites are expected to be deployed nearly an hour after takeoff if mission steps proceed as planned. The launch formed part of SpaceX’s continued effort to expand its low Earth orbit network.

Details from the Launch Mission Description

According to the mission information provided by SpaceX, the launch marked the fifth use of the same Falcon 9 booster. The drone ship used for recovery was named “Of Course I Still Love You”. This reusable system has become a routine part of SpaceX operations. The booster’s return was completed around eight minutes after liftoff. The launch contributed to the growing total of Starlink satellites which is aimed at building a global broadband network.

Launch Activity in 2025

This latest mission has brought the number of Falcon 9 launches in 2025 to 38. About two-thirds of those have supported the expansion of the Starlink constellation. Earlier this week, two separate launches were also completed. One of them included the Fram2 private astronaut mission, which carried crew members into orbit over Earth’s poles. That mission marked a new milestone in human spaceflight.

Starlink Satellite Network

Over 7100 satellites are now part of the Starlink constellation. The system is already the largest of its kind. SpaceX continues to work on expanding its coverage by launching more satellites regularly. The objective remains to provide consistent internet access worldwide, especially in regions with limited connectivity options.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Lumio Vision 7, Vision 9 Features Teased Ahead of April 10 Launch; Dolby Vision, 30W Speakers Confirmed



Anti-CBDC Bill Cleared by House Financial Services Committee in US: Details

Related Stories

Continue Reading

Trending