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Did you know that sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins?

Sloths can slow their heart rate and hold their breath underwater for up to 40 minutes. In comparison, dolphins typically hold their breath for about 10 minutes before needing to surface for air.

Science

CERN Breakthrough

Scientists are well-versed in the properties of electrons, protons, neutrons, and other subatomic particles that make up matter. However, the particles that constitute antimatter, a rare but real counterpart of matter, still have many mysteries.

The primary distinction between matter and antimatter lies in their electric charges. While matter is composed of particles like protons and electrons, antimatter consists of antiparticles such as antiprotons (negatively charged) and positrons (positively charged), which have opposite charges compared to their matter counterparts.

Studying antimatter could unveil new energy sources and shed light on unknown aspects of the universe. A groundbreaking study by researchers at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) introduces a revolutionary device capable of cooling antiprotons in just eight minutes, a significant improvement from the previous 15-hour process.

“This considerable improvement makes it possible to measure antiprotons’ properties with unparalleled precision,” the study authors note.

Why Cool Antiprotons?

To study antimatter, scientists create and collide particles like antiprotons and positrons in particle accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Cooling these particles is essential because cooler antiprotons move more slowly, allowing for precise control and measurement without interference from rapid, random movements. This precision is critical for accurate experiments and measurements.

For example, to determine the magnetic moment of an antiproton, scientists must measure the frequency of spin quantum transitions, known as spin flips. An antiproton’s spin alternates between ½ and -½ in a magnetic field, and measuring the spin-flip frequency requires the particle to be slow.

“To get a clear measurement of an antiproton’s spin transitions, we need to cool the particle to less than 200 millikelvins (-459.3°F or -272.95°C),” explains Barbara Latacz, lead author and researcher in the BASE experiment at CERN.

The BASE (Baryon Antibaryon Symmetry Experiment) team studies the magnetic moments of protons and antiprotons to identify any differences between matter and antimatter. Previously, their setup required about 15 hours to cool antiprotons. To get the data they needed, they would have to conduct 1000 measurement cycles, which would take 3 years which was prohibitively long.

The new breakthrough reduces the cooling time over 99% to just eight minutes, enabling the BASE team to conduct 1000 measurement cycles and obtain precise results within a month. The drastic improvement in cooling efficiency is attributed to a combination of factors, enhancing the study of antimatter and potentially unlocking new insights into the universe.

US News

Teen Donates $1.3M in School Supplies

An 18-year-old from Oklahoma organized his ninth annual Back-to-School Book Bag, distributing 6,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Over the past nine years, the event has provided more than 33,000 backpacks and $1.3 million worth of supplies to students and families in Reed Marcum’s hometown and neighboring states including Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. The drive-thru event is part of Reed Marcum’s efforts to support the McAlester community in Pittsburg County.

“I want to help kids get their school year started right,” said Reed, a rising sophomore at Oklahoma State University. “We’ve been doing this for nine years, and it’s fulfilling to know we’re helping kids get excited about their education.”

Inspired by his involvement in 4-H, a youth organization focused on leadership, Reed’s giveaway is part of his annual 4-H service project. His work has earned him the 4-H Youth in Action Award and national recognition, including a $5,000 scholarship and opportunities to network with 4-H alumni. Since 2016, Reed has also hosted an annual 4-H Toy Giveaway. Last year’s event saw over three miles of cars lined up at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester, where he distributed more than 10,000 toys.

“I’m grateful to 4-H for the support and opportunity to make a difference in my community.” Reed’s efforts are supported by the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation and Hudson Strong. To contribute, click here.

Good News

K9 Sniffers in Oklahoma Help Convict Child Predators

A doctor in Ecuador faces a 30-year prison sentence for creating explicit content involving minors, thanks to Rosco, an electronic sniffer dog trained to detect chemicals on data storage devices, including tiny SD cards.

Rosco, is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Rogers County, Oklahoma, along with his partner, Lieutenant John Haning.

“If you overlook one cell phone, computer, micro-SD card, or hidden camera, that could lead to another victim or help us put the perpetrator away for a long time,” Haning said.

Though they typically work in the US, their success has led to international requests. In Ecuador, they joined a police raid to catch a high-profile doctor involved in creating and sharing explicit content.

After the police entered, Rosco and Haning searched for hidden storage devices. Rosco's secondary training as a support dog also came into play when he comforted a distressed 15-year-old girl with special needs, calming her almost immediately. Rosco also provides comfort to Haning and his colleagues, who deal with challenging cases.

This story shows that not all heroes wear capes—some sniff out motherboards.

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Mind Stretchers

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Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
What has 10 letters and starts with gas?
- Automobile

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