Research Features explores the latest research that takes us among the stars, catching up with John C Mather about his work with the James Webb Space Telescope. We also look at space science being carried out here on Earth with the work of the UN’s Basic Space Science Initiative.
COVID-19’s effects continue to be felt in all areas of academic research, including a study into the possible genetic cause for extreme symptoms of COVID-19. Broadening the horizons of traditional concepts continues with a theory that seeks to express biology in mathematical terms, as well as research that calls for a transdisciplinary approach to philosophy.
A journey through time and space: Catching up with John C Mather
We speak to Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist John C Mather about the edges of space, what the James Webb Space Telescope has already given us in terms of breath-taking images and intriguing data. He also discusses the future of space science, the wonders of our own solar system, and what it might be like to live on Mars.
Genes and viruses: Why does COVID-19 affect people differently?
Some people are far more likely to have severe symptoms of COVID-19, even when taking factors such as age, ethnicity, and sex are taken into account. This may be due to a particular gene which is linked to inflammation in the body, which may lead to genetic profiling to identify who might be at highest risk of COVID-19.
UNBSSI – planting the seeds of space exploration
An organisation in the UN is expanding the scope of space exploration by making space science, education, and research accessible to everybody – particularly developing nations. UNBSSI works to encourage researchers to share knowledge and access to the data gathered by telescopes, with a growing focus on space weather.
Theoretical biology: Describing life with mathematics
Explaining living organisms using mathematical formulae may seem daunting, but one researcher has outlined a theory that expresses living organisms in relation to their environments, using two key equations to quantify the information in these natural systems and a mathematical expression of natural selection.
The future of philosophy is transdisciplinary
Philosophy and science have ever been two sides of one coin, both aiming to understand the world and our place in it. Recent research argues that we should combine the two and focus on a transdisciplinary approach, particularly in terms of neuro-techno-philosophy – a specific form of transdisciplinarity that brings together humanities and STEM subjects.
