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Cosmic radiation altered virus evolution in Africa, study finds
- A nearby supernova may have influenced the evolution of life on Earth approximately 2.5 million years ago, according to astronomers from UC Santa Cruz.
- The radiation from the supernova is believed to have broken apart the DNA of living creatures in Lake Tanganyika in Africa, leading to an increase in viruses in the region.
- The study, led by recent graduate Caitlyn Nojiri and her team, found evidence of iron-60 isotopes from the supernova in samples retrieved from Lake Tanganyika.
- The team traced the origin of the iron isotopes back to a nearby supernova that occurred between 2 and 3 million years ago.
- Simulation of a near-Earth supernova suggested that cosmic rays bombarded Earth for 100,000 years after the blast, potentially damaging DNA.
- The researchers observed an increased diversification of viruses in the Rift Valley lakes at a similar timeframe to the supernova event.
- Caitlyn Nojiri, the lead researcher, was the first UCSC undergraduate invited to give a seminar at CCAPP at Ohio State and plans to pursue a career in astrophysics.
- Nojiri participated in programs like UC LEADS and Lamat, which inspired her to apply for graduate school in astrophysics.
- Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, the UCSC Professor of astronomy, emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in solving scientific problems.
- The study sheds light on how cosmic events like supernovae can impact the evolution of life on Earth and highlights the interdisciplinary nature of scientific research.
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