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Strange connection between cosmic radiation viruses on earth

More than two million years ago, the viruses passed in Tanganyika, East Africa, fish, and unusual. The different types of viruses quickly diversified, which indicates increased mutation rates that scientists have confused.

The Tanganyika -See – The deepest water body of the continent – is in the East African crack, framed by robust upright land that separate it from the surrounding regions.

The lake extends over 645 kilometers and holds a strong part of the accessible fresh water in the world.

The researchers proposed a possible connection between the diversification of viruses that infect fish and infect an increased content of cosmic radiation in the same period.

Understand cosmic rays – the basics

Cosmic rays are high -energy particles that stir through the room at almost the speed of light. They come from many different locations in the universe, such as exploding stars (supernovae), the sun and even mysterious sources outside of our galaxy.

When these particles swallow into the earth's atmosphere, create a shower of secondary particles that can reach the surface.

Some cosmic rays are so powerful that they even mess with electronics, disturb the satellite communication and can easily increase the radiation pollution for astronauts and high length.

Scientists still struggle their secrets, but one thing is clear-so-they are an important player in the high-energy drama of the universe.

Despite their science fiction name, cosmic rays are a natural part of life on earth. The magnetic field and the atmosphere of our planet look like a shield and block most of them before they reach us.

But they still play a role in the design of the earth's environment – some studies even indicate that they could influence cloud formation and the climate in return.

Cosmic radiation and development

Scientists had previously discovered radioactive iron in deep sediments that indicate the effects of a nearby supernova event around 2.5 million years ago.

The explosion of the star cleared an intensive, indispensable cosmic radiation, which could have collided with the earth's surface for about 100,000 years due to modeling forecasts.

“It is really cool to find ways of how these super -distant things can affect our life or the habitability of the planet,” said the senior author Caitlyn Nojiri from UC Santa Cruz.

Earlier studies have shown that cosmic radiation can break DNA strands, which changes the genetic material and influences the way in which organisms develop.

Cosmic rays associated with viral changes

Noriji and colleagues wanted to investigate whether cosmic radiation could have played a role in the expansion of the viruses that were identified in the fish types of Lake Tanganyika.

The research team has no absolute certainty about linking cosmic events with the rise of new Aquatic pathogens. “We cannot say that they are connected, but they have a similar time frame,” said Nojiri.

The biggest surprise was learning that a distant star explosion and a local virus increase may overlap in time.

Merging together of the cosmic path

The data created by star blast helped back the location of the star. Calculations suggest that our solar system hovered through the local bladder, an area of ​​sparse gas, shaped by the explosions of several old supernovae.

Scientists have associated this passage with increased cosmic rays that reached the earth. Some researchers believe that if they are strong enough, these rays cause mutations and possibly influence the biological results.

The current study underlines the importance of cosmic events that could change life in an unexpected way.

Nojiri's path began in the Community College, where she discovered a passion for astrophysics. She joined specialized programs that led her into research with mentoring.

“People from different areas of life bring different perspectives to science and can solve problems in very different ways,” said Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, who also contributed to the study.

Cosmic rays and viral variety

There are still questions about how cosmic rays can accelerate the mutation in viruses, especially in an environment that is as different as Tanganjika.

Scientists refer to the uniqueness of this Rift Lake, which has isolated the populations of species that are rarely found elsewhere.

The researchers believe that viral replication could change in a way that produces more diversity as soon as DNA is damaged.

This reasoning inspired the follow -up examination to other evolutionary burdens and was looking for correlations with cosmic phenomena.

Why is something of it?

Although the Supernova event took place millions of years ago, scientists are still interested in potential echoes today.

Some teams wonder whether modern species still wear the remains of old mutation waves that were triggered by cosmic energy.

Other teams focus on the current cosmic radiation levels and assess whether another narrow star explosion, although it is soon unlikely, could have a similar influence.

Understanding these patterns may help to pursue the changes in life over the geological time.

Cosmic events and life on earth

Nojiri would like to do his doctorate in astrophysics, which is driven by its fascination for cosmic events that may shape life on earth. She believes that studying the universe can reveal unexpected connections between space and biology.

Her research focuses on cosmic rays and its potential role in changing DNA millions of years.

Scientists continue to investigate how radiation from remote supernovae could have influenced evolution in the ecosystems of the earth. Every new discovery strengthens the idea that cosmic forces can influence life in a surprising way.

Nojiri hopes that her work will inspire future scientists to explore the deep connections between space and life. The study of cosmic rays continues to offer valuable references to the past and future of the earth.

The study is in published in The astrophysical journal letters.

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