The World, the Universe and Us · New Scientist

$1 trillion of platinum on the moon; how your brain distinguishes between reality and imagination; rise of the hyperworm

June 6, 2025·26 min·2 clips

How did we miss $1 trillion of platinum on the moon, and what does it mean for space exploration?

This episode explores the potential for valuable metals on the Moon and the science of brain function. Hosts discuss a new analysis suggesting significant lunar resources and a study on how the brain processes complex tasks. An independent researcher named Jayanth Chenamangalam modeled lunar craters created by metallic asteroids. His work estimates these asteroids could have deposited platinum group metals on the Moon. The model considers the fraction of craters from metallic asteroids and their impact velocities. It calculates that asteroids with sufficient metal content and slow enough impacts could leave material behind. The total estimated value of these platinum group metals reaches one trillion dollars. These metals include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. The Moon's heavily cratered surface provides evidence for this theory of asteroid delivery. The discussion then shifts to how the human brain manages complicated activities. Research indicates the brain does not simply work harder during difficult tasks. Instead, it appears to reallocate neural resources from other regions to meet new demands. This finding challenges the common assumption that mental effort directly correlates with increased overall brain activity. The insight comes from studies monitoring brain function during problem-solving. The episode maintains a conversational and educational tone, blending space science with neuroscience. It presents speculative economic ideas alongside established cognitive research. Listeners interested in space resource economics and fundamental brain science would enjoy this episode. Those seeking a deep, critical examination of the lunar mining claim's feasibility might find the treatment brief.

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