Human Biology In Space | December 10, 2024

Summary

CNN 10 covers key news from December 9, 2024, starting with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria after rebel forces seized major cities, including Aleppo and Damascus. The broadcast delves into Assad’s brutal rule and the long-standing civil war that devastated Syria. The segment also explores space research on aging, with scientists studying the effects of microgravity on human tissue in the International Space Station. Lastly, the report highlights New Orleans' new ban on confetti and metallic balloons to prevent power outages, and ends with a fun update on 2024's Word of the Year, 'polarization'.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has fallen, with rebels taking control of major cities like Aleppo and Damascus after years of civil war.
• 😀 Assad's brutal rule, which began after his father's death in 2000, led to widespread civil war, war crimes, and the rise of ISIS.
• 😀 The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, caused immense destruction, displacing millions and resulting in a global refugee crisis.
• 😀 Russia's involvement in the war helped Assad regain control, but the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has weakened his regime's support.
• 😀 Syria's brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad, will be remembered for violent repression and war crimes that devastated the country.
• 😀 The longest day in our solar system occurs on Venus, lasting 5,832 hours, which is longer than its year.
• 😀 Scientists are studying the effects of space on human aging by comparing tissue samples aboard the International Space Station with those on Earth.
• 😀 The microgravity environment of space may accelerate aging processes, providing a unique model for studying human aging.
• 😀 Space travel impacts human biology, causing issues like muscle loss, bone deterioration, and immune system problems, which are similar to age-related diseases.
• 😀 New Orleans city council has banned the release of confetti and metallic balloons to prevent power outages and other disruptions caused by their contact with power lines.
• 😀 Merriam-Webster's 2024 word of the year is 'polarization,' reflecting the divided political climate in an election year, with 'totality' and 'demure' also featured as notable words.

Q & A

What event triggered the Syrian civil war in 2011?

The Syrian civil war began after the Assad regime's brutal crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2011, which led to widespread violence and repression.

How did Bashar al-Assad come to power in Syria?

Bashar al-Assad inherited the presidency from his father, Hafez al-Assad, after his father's death in 2000. Despite lacking experience and facing internal family challenges, he was pushed into power by Syria's elite.

What role did external powers like Russia and Iran play in the Syrian conflict?

Russia and Iran played key roles in supporting Assad's regime, with Russia providing military assistance and Russia, Hezbollah, and Iranian militias fighting alongside Assad's forces to turn the tide of the war in his favor.

What significant military event occurred in Syria recently?

Recently, rebel forces launched a surprise attack, taking control of key Syrian cities, including Aleppo and Damascus, amid a weakened Assad regime and its allies dealing with other conflicts.

Why did the Assad regime's rule weaken in 2022?

Assad's rule weakened in 2022 due to Russia's involvement in the Ukraine war and the ongoing conflicts of his main allies, Iran and Hezbollah, particularly their involvement in a war with Israel.

How do scientists plan to study the aging process using space research?

Scientists are studying the impact of microgravity on aging by sending human tissue samples to the International Space Station, where they can be compared with identical samples on Earth to observe how space conditions accelerate aging.

What are some health problems astronauts face that are similar to aging?

Astronauts suffer from muscle loss, joint and bone issues, and immune system problems while in space, which are similar to age-related diseases, providing an opportunity to study aging more rapidly.

Why did New Orleans City Council ban confetti and metallic balloons?

The New Orleans City Council banned confetti and metallic balloons after these items caused power outages when they came into contact with power lines, disrupting the water supply and injuring a plant employee.

What were some of the consequences of power outages caused by confetti and metallic balloons?

The power outages caused by these items led to the disruption of the city's water pumps, forcing a boil water advisory and creating significant public safety risks.

What word did Merriam-Webster choose as 2024's word of the year?

Merriam-Webster chose 'polarization' as the word of the year for 2024, reflecting its widespread use in media, especially in the context of the election year.