Short Takes – 8-2-24

Scientists uncover microbes that destroy 'forever chemical' pollutants. LiveScience.com article. Pull quote: “The microbes highlighted in the new study break down carbon-fluorine bonds in some unsaturated PFAS. This process, known as defluorination, is driven by enzymes that split the chemical bonds, thus releasing fluoride atoms. These atoms would usually kill bacteria. But the researchers found that the Acetobacterium species have specialized channels that pump fluoride out of their cells and into the environment, enabling the bacteria to survive.”

A moon of Uranus could have a hidden ocean, James Webb Space Telescope finds. LiveScience.com article. Pull quote: “Comparing this to simulated spectra from a chemical mix in the lab here on Earth revealed to the team that Ariel has some of the most carbon dioxide-rich deposits in the solar system. Not only did this add an extra 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) of thickness to the ice on the side of the tidally locked Ariel that permanently faces away from Uranus, but it also revealed clear deposits of carbon monoxide for the first time.”

Space propulsion-as-a-service gets a Boost! ESA.int article. Pull quote: ““We are very impressed with what is being developed by the three partners that make up Omega, with their fresh take on the space propulsion business,” says ESA’s Jorgen Bru. “The service-based model that Omega is advancing foresees a future where satellite integrators can focus on their core business and Omega takes care of everything related to propulsion and transportation.””

NASA says it is “evaluating all options” for the safe return of Starliner crew. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “So what will the space agency do? Starliner probably could make it back to Earth safely. But there appears to be some reasonable doubt that Starliner will come back safely. If NASA defers to its fallback plan, flying on Dragon, it may spell the end of the Starliner program. During the development and testing of Starliner, the company has already lost $1.6 billion. Reflying a crew test flight mission, which likely would be necessary should Starliner return autonomously, would cost much more. Boeing might opt to cancel Starliner and leave NASA with just a single provider of crew transportation. That would be painful for both NASA and Boeing.”

Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies. Federal Register STB RETAC vacancies notice. Pull quote: “The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice of five vacancies on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC) for three representatives from electric utilities; one representative from biofuel feedstock growers or providers and biofuel refiners, processors, and distributors; and one representative from the petroleum shipping industry. The Board is soliciting nominations from the public for candidates to fill these vacancies.”