Private spaceflight had a mixed week with both successes and failures. Last Tuesday, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services committee released a new draft report on the health risks of alcohol consumption. The report found that even just one drink a day could increase the risk of liver cirrhosis, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and death from seven types of cancer. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy had previously suggested that alcoholic drinks should come with cancer warning labels.
Interestingly, the report also highlighted some counterintuitive connections, such as a lower risk of ischemic stroke for those who consumed one drink a day, and a lower risk of diabetes for women who consumed up to three drinks per day. However, these benefits were found to be inconsistent and could be overshadowed by other health risks associated with alcohol consumption. The World Health Organization maintains that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health.
In other health news, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, beverages, and ingested drugs due to its potential carcinogenic effects. While the mechanism by which the dye causes cancer in male rats may not be directly applicable to humans, the FDA decided to uphold the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the authorization of any additive shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.
A team of experts publishing in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal argued that the current diagnosis of obesity based on body mass index (BMI) is flawed. They proposed using more precise measurements of excess body fat and suggested categorizing individuals based on their health conditions rather than BMI alone.
Turning to space news, last Wednesday saw a successful launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying two new lunar landers from private companies. One of the landers, created by Japanese startup ispace, and the other by Texas-based Firefly Aerospace, were released into slightly different orbits. The Blue Ghost lunar lander, developed by Firefly Aerospace, is carrying payloads for 10 different NASA experiments and is expected to reach the lunar surface in about 45 days.
Additionally, on Thursday, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket launched for the first time. While the rocket’s upper stage successfully made it into orbit, the company failed to land the reusable booster on a ship waiting in the Atlantic. Despite this setback, the launch was technically a success for Blue Origin.
Overall, the week showcased both advancements and challenges in the fields of health, food safety, and private spaceflight, highlighting the ongoing efforts to explore new frontiers while ensuring public safety and well-being. SpaceX competitor Blue Origin recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of their New Shepard rocket. The company, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, managed to beat out rival SpaceX in the race to send tourists to space. New Shepard’s successful flight marks a major victory for Blue Origin, especially considering the delays that the New Glenn rocket has faced. Originally scheduled for launch in 2020, the New Glenn rocket has yet to take off, giving Blue Origin a much-needed win in the competitive space industry.
On the other hand, SpaceX faced a setback last week during the seventh test launch of its Starship vehicle. The second stage of the rocket, carrying mock satellites, exploded shortly after takeoff. SpaceX founder Elon Musk attributed the explosion to a propellant leak and announced plans for another launch next month. Despite this setback, SpaceX remains a key player in the space exploration industry, with ambitious plans for future missions.
In other news, researchers made a fascinating discovery in Australia with the identification of a new species of funnel-web spider. Dubbed “Big Boy,” this spider is a close relative of the Sydney funnel-web spider, known for its venomous bite. The new species boasts larger size, fangs, and venom glands, making it a formidable addition to Australia’s already diverse spider population. This discovery serves as a reminder of the unique wildlife found in Australia, where researchers continue to uncover new species and expand our understanding of the natural world.
As we wrap up this week’s news roundup, it’s clear that the space industry and scientific research continue to push boundaries and uncover new discoveries. Stay tuned for more updates and developments in the world of science and exploration. Subscribe to Scientific American for the latest news and insights, and join us again for our next episode. Thank you for listening, and have a great week!
