
New Gravitational Waves, Nature-Inspired Robot, and Orca Attacks
Join All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro as he delves into the fascinating world of science with Regina G. Barber and Geoff Brumfiel. They discuss three intriguing topics making waves in the scientific community.
Unveiling a ‘Multi-Modal’ Robot Inspired by Nature In a recent article published in Nature Communications, a group of scientists unveils their innovative robot prototype, the “Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot” (M4). Inspired by how animals utilize their limbs for diverse movements, this robot, developed with support from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, aims to excel in search-and-rescue missions and potentially contribute to future space exploration endeavors.Discovery of a New Type of Gravitational Wave Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery, presenting evidence of gravitational waves that span the dimensions of space and time, comparable in scale to the Milky Way. These gravitational waves are believed to originate from some of the universe’s most massive black holes. While previous detections focused on gravitational waves from smaller black holes, these new findings provide insight into the merging of more significant black holes, possibly offering a glimpse into the early stages of our universe.Orcas’ Unusual Behavior: Attacking Boats off Europe’s Coast An intriguing and puzzling phenomenon has emerged along Europe’s coastlines: orcas, also known as killer whales, have been observed attacking boats. This uncharacteristic behavior has sparked curiosity and concern among researchers and the public alike. Experts are studying the potential causes behind this behavior, including changes in food sources, disturbance to their natural habitat, or social interactions. Understanding these events can help ensure the safety of both humans and these magnificent marine creatures.