Scientists have decoded the genome of Ludwig van Beethoven using his hair samples and found that he was genetically predisposed to liver disease and had a hepatitis B virus infection. The Japanese Space Agency’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft obtained samples from the asteroid Ryugu and scientists found two organic compounds – uracil and niacin – that are essential for life. GOOD Meat, a California-based company, has received clearance from the FDA to bring its lab-grown chicken to the market. Virgin Orbit plans to recall a small team from furlough to work on rocket upgrades. These developments are significant and will have a positive impact in their respective fields.
Science News Roundup: Asteroid Discovery Suggests Ingredients for Life on Earth Came from Space; Beethoven’s Genetic Code Reveals Liver Disease and More
In this science news roundup, significant developments have taken place in various fields, including the discovery of two organic compounds on the asteroid Ryugu that are essential for living organisms, the decoding of the genetic code of Ludwig van Beethoven using his hair samples, and the U.S. regulator’s approval for the market release of GOOD Meat’s lab-grown chicken. Additionally, Virgin Orbit plans to recall a small team from furlough for rocket upgrades.
Beethoven’s Genome Sequenced Using Locks of Hair
A team of scientists has decoded the genome of one of the greatest musical composers in history, Ludwig van Beethoven, using five locks of his hair. The German composer, who died in 1827 at the age of 56 in Vienna, was found to be genetically predisposed to liver disease and had a hepatitis B virus infection. Although his fatal hearing loss was not determined by this study, researchers were able to gain insight into his liver disease, which was caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, viral infection, and alcohol consumption.
Asteroid Ryugu Contains Organic Compounds Vital for Life
In 2019, the Japanese Space Agency’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft obtained samples from the asteroid Ryugu. Recently, scientists detected two organic compounds – uracil and niacin – which are essential for the advent of life. Uracil is a chemical building block for RNA, a molecule that carries instructions for building and operating living organisms. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is critical for metabolism. The discovery suggests that the ingredients for life on Earth could have originated in space billions of years ago.
Lab-Grown Chicken Cleared for Human Consumption
GOOD Meat, a California-based company, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring its lab-grown chicken to the market. Cultivated meat companies in the United States must receive approval from both the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture before selling their products. Several firms are working towards bringing cultivated meat to the market in the U.S.
Virgin Orbit to Recall Small Team from Furlough for Rocket Upgrades
Virgin Orbit plans to recall a small team from a near company-wide furlough to work on rocket upgrades. The number of employees to return is not clear, but Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart mentioned it would involve a “small subset” of workers. The cash-strapped company has been working on rocket launchers for small satellites, including deploying NASA’s Payload on LauncherOne mission earlier this year.
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