Newsflash Faculty of Science: Help finding black holes, and more
Quick updates
At Utrecht University’s Faculty of Science, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments, breakthroughs, and achievements that shape our academic landscape. In this newsflash, you will find quick, bite-sized updates on a range of topics that we wish to share with you in addition to the other, more extensive articles in our newsfeed.
Citizens search for black holes
Utilise the 'Black Hole Finder' app to actively participate in the exploration of uncharted celestial events, including the discovery of new black holes. Telescopes worldwide continually capture images of space, occasionally unveiling novel phenomena. Automated programmes sift through this vast stream, presenting a curated selection of images that may showcase intriguing occurrences. However, distinguishing between authentic events, such as neutron star collisions, and optical illusions remains a challenge for computers. This is where the engagement of citizen scientists becomes crucial. The app allows users to review the initial selection of potentially significant images and contribute their judgment on whether an exciting event is unfolding. When multiple users identify an image as noteworthy, it is shared with collaborating astronomers for further investigation.
The app offers users examples of astronomical events, providing explanations of how they can be observed. This preparation equips participants to engage in the exploration and make new discoveries. No prior knowledge is necessary; anyone with curiosity and an interest in exploring space can actively participate in this research. "The great thing is that every user of the app helps the field of astronomy by making a good selection while training the existing selection programmes. Data from the participants is reused for machine learning. So, those systems get better and better at judging the images," Stefan Vandoren explains. He is involved in the project as part of the Dutch Black Hole Consortium. "The more data, the better. The project’s success depends on the number of users, so we hope for many users worldwide." The app Black Hole Finder is available for free for Apple and Android
Dozens of science teachers recruited through free training at Dutch universities
Three years ago, the eleven science faculties in the Netherlands initiated a programme (in Dutch) to train more first-degree teachers in science subjects: Beta4all. They achieve this through free courses that significantly simplify and shorten the path to a first-degree qualification. By now, through this programme, dozens of academics have started their training to become teachers in science subjects, such as math and physics. The universities have now agreed to continue with the programme at least until 2030.
"There is a significant shortage of teachers, and this programme is doing well. Hundreds of participants are coming here," says coordinator Ralph Meulenbroeks from Utrecht University in DUB. Meanwhile, a language variant, Alfa4all, has also been launched to prepare for a university teacher training program in a language. Read more in this article in DUB (in Dutch).
Biomedical and historical experts collaborate to eliminate stigma surrounding leprosy in Suriname
The various migration flows towards Suriname over the past five centuries have left traces of diseases. For instance, they brought a diversity of leprosy strains that are still present in the country. This was revealed in an interdisciplinary study conducted by science historians and biomedical scientists from, among others, Utrecht University, the Amsterdam Medical Center, and the Academic Hospital Paramaribo.
The research team examined the origin and spread of leprosy in Suriname from a historical perspective. In addition, the team conducted genetic research (PCR genotyping and whole-genome sequencing) on biopsies from individuals with leprosy. Project leader Toine Pieters considers the full integration of historical research and laboratory investigation innovative: “It's not common for molecular genetics and medical research to be an integral part of research in the science history field.”
Leprosy is a disease surrounded by a significant stigma. The researchers hope that their results will dispel the unjustified African stigma surrounding leprosy in Suriname, and draw attention to a One Health approach to the disease.