🐒 Primates, Asteroid, Nuclear Fusion: Last Week in Science #8

Geneticists have sequenced the genomes of almost half of all primate species, physicists have reached a record 100 million Kelvin in a spherical tokamak, and the UAE Space Agency will send a space probe to the asteroid.

Primate genomes

Researchers have sequenced genomes from nearly half of all primate species, investigating more than 800 genomes from 233 species around the world, representing all 16 families of primates. The new database promises to improve our understanding of human biology and disease. For instance, this information could help identify disease-causing mutations in people.

Arabe spacecraft

The United Arab Emirates Space Agency will send a space probe on a seven-year journey to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The MBR Explorer spacecraft is intended to launch in 2028 and will orbit seven asteroids before attempting to land on its final destination, the asteroid Justitia, in May 2035. The probe will capture high-resolution images and collect data on the asteroids’ temperatures and geological characteristics. The scientists hope to understand more about Justitia’s origins and the complex organic material on its surface.

Fusion record

Physicists have reached a record plasma temperature in spherical tokamaks achieving central ion temperatures above 100 million degrees Kelvin (8.6 keV). This is comparable to the plasma temperature in the future ITER fusion reactor. The record was set on a small experimental spheromak ST40, built by the private British company Tokamak Energy.

Elia Kabanov is a science writer covering the past, present and future of technology (@metkere)

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Illustration: Elia Kabanov feat. MidJourney.