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Science In Action: Can Science Save the Northern White Rhino?

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22/03/2018 GMT

Can Science Save the Northern White Rhino?

BBC World Service - Science In Action, Can Science Save the Northern White Rhino?

IVF and stem cell treatments could help save the northern white rhino. Only two remain.

IVF and stem cell treatments could help save the northern white rhino. Only two remain. Also, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and upcoming missions to get rid of space debris.

Genetic treatments could help save the northern white rhino. Only two females remain in the world following the death of the last male this week. Scientists want to use IVF and stem cell techniques to try to conserve the subspecies. 

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
After three months collecting 1.3 million bits of rubbish from an area in the ocean the size of Iran, researchers now estimate there are 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic floating around what is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The patch lies between California and Hawaii. The next step: cleaning it with a 600 metre floating boom, starting this summer.

Space Junk
Up in space, researchers are launching a four-step plan to understand and get rid of space debris orbiting our planet. First, they plan to send into space artificial debris with sensors to measure and monitor the real debris. Next, they will test a netting system and a harpoon to capture any debris. Lastly, disposal: a large sail attached to the captured debris will slow it down and lower its orbit, causing it to burn as it falls down to Earth. Meanwhile, scientists at the University of Texas are trying to forecast exactly where space junk will be. Knowing where it is is vital to cleaning it up.

Picture: White Rhino, Credit: Jan Stejskal

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Ania Lichtarowicz

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