China successfully launched the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft, carrying a three-person crew to the Tiangong space station. The mission aims to conduct experiments for lunar base construction and perform spacewalks. Commander Cai Xuzhe leads the crew, which includes rookie astronaut Song Lingdong and spaceflight engineer Wang Haoze.
Africa is gradually splitting due to tectonic movements, potentially leading to the formation of a new ocean within 50 million years. The East African Rift System, a significant fault line, is causing this division into the Nubian and Somalian plates. This geological evolution mirrors Earth's ancient transformations and will continue to shape Africa's landscape over millions of years.
Astronomers have found a black hole in the Cygnus constellation formed without a supernova. This unique system includes a black hole and two stars. The black hole, feeding off a nearby red giant star, supports the 'direct collapse' theory of star implosion without an explosion, a first confirmed observation of its kind.
Brain scans have shown that poor sleep quality in early middle age may lead to accelerated brain ageing, increasing the brain's age by nearly three years. Researchers from the University of California San Francisco found that poor sleep is linked to higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of early sleep interventions.
NASA's Crew-8 mission has concluded after 236 days in space, as the team successfully splashed down off Pensacola, Florida, in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The mission covered 100 million miles and involved eight spacecraft arrivals and departures at the ISS, underscoring ongoing space station operations.
Deep Blue Aerospace is set to sell two tickets for a 2027 suborbital commercial spaceflight, priced at 1.5 million yuan each. Passengers will experience weightlessness for five minutes. During a livestream event, buyers can secure their seats with a 50,000 yuan deposit. The Chinese firm aims to reduce space travel costs through reusable rocket technology.
Nasa unveils a full-scale prototype telescope for the LISA mission, which aims to detect gravitational waves by measuring minuscule changes in distance across a vast array of spacecraft. The prototype, featuring a gold-coated mirror and crafted from Zerodur, ensures high precision and thermal stability.
A study involving over 600,000 participants worldwide found loneliness significantly increases dementia risk by over 30%, regardless of age or gender. This psychological state also precedes cognitive decline. Researchers emphasized the need for further studies across different cultural contexts, especially in low-income countries, to fully understand how loneliness impacts cognitive health.
Chennai's coastline recently dazzled with bioluminescent waves, captivating locals and tourists. This rare event, caused by marine organisms called dinoflagellates, highlighted environmental health issues and the importance of marine conservation. Heavy rainfall and cooler sea temperatures contributed to the phenomenon, sparking discussions about the impact of human activities on coastal ecosystems and the need for sustainable practices.
A study published in the European Journal of Paediatrics claims homeopathic treatment for children under two provides better results for common illnesses compared to allopathic treatment, reducing sick days and antibiotic use significantly, with no adverse reactions noted.
Robert Roberson's execution in Texas was halted due to a subpoena tied to the state's 2013 junk science law, which allows review of convictions based on outdated or debunked evidence. Despite broad support and proven flaws in the case, no death penalty sentence has been overturned under this law.
Meta unveils innovative AI models, including the 'Self-Taught Evaluator,' which minimizes human involvement in AI development by using AI-generated data. Other releases include updates to image-identification models and tools for faster response times in large language models. These advancements could lead to more autonomous AI systems.
Researchers have discovered that Gliese 229B is actually a binary system of two brown dwarfs, Gliese 229Ba and Gliese 229Bb. This finding, made using advanced telescopes, offers new insights into brown dwarf masses and challenges existing star formation models.
Astronomy enthusiasts in the U.S. have had the chance to witness stunning celestial events recently. Highlights include a geomagnetic storm causing the northern lights to reach as far south as Texas and the visibility of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, observable in the western sky post-sunset until October 24, before it fades away in early November.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have linked various neurological diseases to blood leakage into the brain, sparking harmful immune reactions. Research has shown that neutralizing the blood protein fibrin can prevent these effects and is protective in animal models. A novel fibrin-targeting immunotherapy is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials, promising new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.
Columbia researchers have created personalized probiotic bacteria that train the immune system to eliminate cancer cells. In advanced colorectal cancer and melanoma mouse models, this bacterial vaccine shrunk or eradicated tumors, providing a promising new approach to cancer immunotherapy by precisely targeting tumor-specific mutations.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a groundbreaking image of AF Leporis b, the lowest-mass exoplanet directly observed by JWST and the closest to its star. Measuring 3.2 times the mass of Jupiter, this youthful planet is just 23 million years old, providing valuable insights into planetary formation and evolution. The findings were published in the Astrophysical Journal.
The October Hunter’s Moon will reach peak illumination on October 17th, offering a brilliant sight from Tuesday evening through Friday morning. This supermoon appears brighter and rises earlier, aiding traditional hunting practices. Its bright light extends evening hours, and it holds cultural significance as Sharad Purnima in Hindu traditions, marking the end of monsoon and beginning of harvest.
Elon Musk’s Tesla has unveiled the Cybercab, a fully self-driving vehicle with no driver, pedals, or steering wheel, showcasing the future of urban transport. The much-anticipated reveal took place at California’s Warner Bros. Discovery studios, where the Cybercab navigated a controlled, artificial city environment. Although not yet ready for public roads, the event sparked excitement and raised important questions about the potential and challenges of autonomous technology. The Cybercab offers a glimpse into the future of mobility, but its readiness and safety for real-world conditions remain to be seen.
Comet C/2023 A3, discovered in January 2023, offers a rare 80,000-year viewing opportunity, now visible across India. Best seen before sunrise on the eastern horizon and after sunset from October 12, this comet displays a visible tail through binoculars or telescopes.
Scientists are exploring Jupiter's moon Europa for potential life due to its subsurface ocean, rich in water, chemical elements, and energy from tidal flexing. NASA's Europa Clipper will assess its habitability, with Europa's conditions resembling those on Earth, such as a salty ocean and hydrothermal activity, possibly supporting microbial life.
NASA's solar-powered Europa Clipper spacecraft launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket to explore Jupiter's moon Europa. The mission aims to investigate the moon's subsurface ocean for potential habitability by performing 49 flybys over three years, using advanced instruments to study water presence, chemistry, and potential energy sources.
Nasa launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, aiming to investigate its subsurface ocean for habitability. The mission, costing $5.2 billion, features nine instruments to study Europa's environment, expecting to reach Jupiter by 2030, and conduct 49 flybys over four years.
Dr S Somanath, secretary of India's Department of Space and Isro chairman, received the 2024 IAF World Space Award for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. The International Astronautical Federation acknowledged India's advancements in lunar exploration, marking the first landing near the lunar South Pole. Celebrations for the achievement were held in Milan.
NASA prepares to launch the Europa Clipper mission aimed at exploring Jupiter's moon, Europa, which may host an ocean beneath its icy crust. Scheduled for today on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the spacecraft will travel 1.8 billion miles over 5.5 years, performing 49 close flybys and gathering crucial data about Europa's potential to support life.
SpaceX successfully flew a rocket booster back to its launch site and caught it mid-air with mechanical arms, marking a significant leap in spaceflight technology. The test flight of Starship brings SpaceX closer to its goals for Mars exploration and lunar missions, including landing NASA astronauts on the moon under the Artemis program.
Nasa unveils its strategy to counter potential catastrophic asteroids, drawing lessons from the dinosaur extinction event. Plans include deploying spacecraft or nuclear solutions to intercept and deflect threatening NEOs. A successful DART mission in 2022 highlights Nasa's capability to redirect hazardous asteroids.
Intense aurora sightings over Ladakh validate Indian astrophysicists' space weather predictions, reflecting heightened solar activity in Solar Cycle 25. Observed by Indian Institute of Astrophysics, these events highlight the potential impact of solar storms on satellite-based services and modern society.
SpaceX conducted a high-stakes test flight of its 400-foot Starship rocket, attempting to recover the first-stage booster with mechanical arms at the launch pad. After launch from Texas, the booster aimed for a return to the pad, while the spacecraft planned a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Enhancements were made to software and the heat shield.
A recent study reveals that some humans, much like wolves and bears, survived the last ice age in Central Europe rather than retreating south. This challenges previous theories of human migration and adaptation during glacial periods, suggesting a resilience to harsh climates through ecological adaptation or technological advancements such as clothing, dwellings, and fire.
AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, who won a Nobel Prize in physics, celebrated at Google's HQ, despite no longer working there. The next day, Google's AI team also secured a Nobel in chemistry for pioneering protein design. Hinton stresses the potential of neural networks and raises concerns about AI’s ethical impact, especially when driven by commercial interests.
Indian and international observatories, including India's AstroSat and NASA's facilities, have observed a massive black hole tearing apart one star and repeatedly pummelling another with its debris. This discovery links two phenomena, tidal disruption events (TDEs) and quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs), providing significant insights.
Pfizer's combination of Talzenna and Xtandi has shown a notable improvement in overall survival rates for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in a late-stage study. This combination works regardless of genetic mutations, offering a significant advancement over using Xtandi alone. Pfizer aims to update Talzenna's label globally based on these promising results.
The Hunter's Moon, the year's largest supermoon, will be the closest to Earth on October 17, offering a dazzling display. Other October celestial events include two visible comets and the emergence of a new star. Stargazers should seek locations with minimal light pollution for the best views. Halloween will be notably dark, with the next Halloween full moon in 2039.
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun are awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for discovering microRNA, a genetic switch that can regulate gene functions. This discovery offers potential treatments for cancer, heart disease, and viruses, although no treatments have yet reached patients.
Stormy weather might postpone the launch of Europe's Hera spacecraft, aimed at analyzing the aftermath of NASA's DART collision with the asteroid Dimorphos. Scheduled for Monday, the mission's objective is to gather crucial data on planetary defense. If postponed, a back-up launch is set for Tuesday. The launch window extends until October 27.
India's lunar ambitions are advancing with the clearance of the fifth lunar mission, Lupex, to be jointly implemented by India and Japan. This mission, following Chandrayaan-1 to 4, aims to explore the Moon for water and resources, and marks a step towards India's goal of human lunar landing.
Archaeologists discovered a 1,000-year-old seed in the Judean desert, which grew into a 10-foot tree believed to be linked to biblical trees. Despite thriving, the tree did not produce aromatic compounds like myrrh. Research was published after confirming its distinct identity from Judean Balsam.
A study published in Cell Press reveals the significant role of gamma-delta T cells in treatment outcomes for 33 cancer types. Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that these cells' diversity and clonality impact patient survival and treatment efficacy, providing new clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Sammy Basso, the longest living survivor of progeria, has died at 28. Progeria causes rapid aging and has a life expectancy of 13.5 years. Basso, diagnosed at two, co-founded the Italian Progeria Association and was featured in a National Geographic documentary. There are 130 recognized cases worldwide.
An asteroid, 2024 ON, comparable in size to the Eiffel Tower, recently captured media attention but posed no actual threat to Earth. Despite challenges in tracking Near Earth Objects (NEOs), NASA’s DART mission demonstrated a successful asteroid diversion strategy. The upcoming Hera mission aims to further refine these defense techniques.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the Unified Genomic Chip and indigenous sex-sorted semen production technology in Maharashtra to assist farmers in identifying high-quality cattle and producing more female calves at lower costs. Additionally, he will release the 18th instalment of Rs 20,000 crore under the PM-Kisan scheme to benefit 9.4 crore farmers.
Antarctica's vegetation cover has grown significantly, increasing from less than a square kilometre to nearly 12 square kilometres between 1986 and 2021. The accelerated greening, driven by climate change and reduced sea-ice extent, highlights the rapid and concerning transformation of the Antarctic Peninsula's landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for further research and action to protect this vulnerable region.
Guwahati will host the India International Science Festival from November 30, featuring a 10-meter high moon replica by artist Luke Jerram to celebrate the Chandrayaan mission. Organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, this event aims to promote science achievements and discuss India's development by 2047. It includes sessions on north-east development, nuclear energy, and biotechnology's role in economic growth.
Group Captain Angad Pratap talks about the evolving diversity in India’s human spaceflight programme, emphasizing science over personal glory. ISRO seeks candidates with expertise in experimental domains and aerospace research. The Gaganyaan training is comprehensive, covering academics, physical fitness, and survival skills, preparing astronauts for future space missions.
LNG leaves a greenhouse gas footprint significantly higher than coal over a 20-year period, according to a new study. This footprint, driven primarily by methane emissions during extraction and liquefaction, remains equal to or worse than coal even over 100 years, challenging its label as a cleaner energy source.
Students from a Sri Lankan university and SpaceKidz India are collaborating to develop a communication satellite, set to launch by ISRO in late 2025. The project aims to equip students from Jaffna and Tamil Nadu with skills in satellite technology, offering groundbreaking research opportunities and STEM education.
NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson will discuss her six-month mission aboard the International Space Station on Oct. 4. Her mission highlights include remotely controlling a robot, using a 3D bioprinter for cardiac tissue, and conducting protein crystallization experiments. The event at NASA’s Johnson Space Center will be streamed live on NASA’s platforms.