On The Radar

News from the world of science

Nasa sees the sun in Stereo

Nasa’s Stereo probes have returned a full view of the Sun, the space agency announced this week.

Launched back in 2006, the twin spacecraft are now 180 degrees apart and can image our star both front and back.

“For the first time ever, we can watch solar activity in its full three-dimensional glory,” said Angelos Vourlidas, a member of the Stereo science team at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC, in a statement. “This is a big moment in solar physics. Stereo has revealed the sun as it really is – a sphere of hot plasma and intricately woven magnetic fields.”

Brain molecule depression link

Low levels of the brain molecule neuropeptide Y (NPY) appear to be linked with increased risk of depressive disorders, according to a new study in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

The research found that people whose genes predisposed them to having low levels of NPY tended to have stronger negative brain responses to stress and pain.

Researcher Dr Brian Mickey from the University of Michigan, said it was hoped these genes can help assess an individual’s risk for developing depression and anxiety.