Nine ultra-compact galaxies from the universe’s first billion years—identified by Hao Jin Yang and collaborators in archival JWST data—appear as tiny point sources at redshift ~12–12.6, yet their narrow emission lines and Milky Way–scale energy output defy the traditional quasar picture. Dubbed the “cosmic platypuses,” these objects hint at a previously unrecognized, quiet mode of early star formation and challenge merger-driven narratives of galaxy assembly. In this episode, we unpack what t...
All content for Intellectually Curious is the property of Mike Breault and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Nine ultra-compact galaxies from the universe’s first billion years—identified by Hao Jin Yang and collaborators in archival JWST data—appear as tiny point sources at redshift ~12–12.6, yet their narrow emission lines and Milky Way–scale energy output defy the traditional quasar picture. Dubbed the “cosmic platypuses,” these objects hint at a previously unrecognized, quiet mode of early star formation and challenge merger-driven narratives of galaxy assembly. In this episode, we unpack what t...
From Wild Tomato to Tuber: The Origin of the Potato
Intellectually Curious
5 minutes
2 weeks ago
From Wild Tomato to Tuber: The Origin of the Potato
A landmark genomic study across 128 genomes reveals the potato arose 8–9 million years ago through a hybrid between a wild tomato ancestor and Etuberosum. We unpack how two genes—SP6A and IT1—flipped the switch to tuber formation, creating a brand-new underground storage organ, fueling Andean adaptation and global diversification. We also explore how this map is guiding modern breeding and synthetic biology to shape crops for the future. Note: This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI ...
Intellectually Curious
Nine ultra-compact galaxies from the universe’s first billion years—identified by Hao Jin Yang and collaborators in archival JWST data—appear as tiny point sources at redshift ~12–12.6, yet their narrow emission lines and Milky Way–scale energy output defy the traditional quasar picture. Dubbed the “cosmic platypuses,” these objects hint at a previously unrecognized, quiet mode of early star formation and challenge merger-driven narratives of galaxy assembly. In this episode, we unpack what t...
