Science

Question 1

What are numts?

Answer 1

Numts, pronounced “new mites” are nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments. These are pieces of mitochondrial DNA that jump into/insert into chromosomal DNA.

A 2022 study found that new numts are created in 1 in every 4000 births, and we all have some, inherited and compiled from all our ancestors.

A 2024 study found that people generate many of them throughout their lives (lots of numtogenesis), most of it concentrated in the brain.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/jumping-numts-from-mitochondria-can-be-fast-and-deadly/

Question 2

What factors influenced the unexpected intensity of the Palisades and Kenneth fires?

Answer 2

A lot of dry vegetation after a couple of very wet winters in previous years and a very vast drought. (Clear link to climate change)

Santa Ana winds—powerful gusts that have the capacity to topple power lines, carry embers, feed the flames.

Increased population and electricity usage. As of 1/9/25 the initial cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but the prediction is power lines being blown down.

https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5

Question 3

What are Santa Ana winds?

Answer 3

Santa Anas are dry, warm, strong gusts of wind coming from the northeast. The form from the high pressure in the great basin (above several western states) and move towards the shore (against the normal direction of offshore winds).

The air sinks from the great basin and loses moisture, and flows in a clockwise direction towards Southern California. As it passes the mountains, it picks up speed as it has to flow through narrower passages.

Santa Anas can increase wildfire risk by decreasing humidity and knocking over power lines.

https://apnews.com/article/santa-ana-winds-california-0b2c68cdc29a7c354238c6ccc09c830c