Friday, February 28, 2025

India should play a leading role in forming Asia Space Agency, says Nambi Narayanan



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Watch: NASA astronaut Don Pettit’s video of water droplets orbiting a needle in space stuns internet – “Zero gravity is so dope”

NASA astronaut Don Pettit conducted a fascinating experiment on the ISS, demonstrating how charged water droplets circle a Teflon knitting needle in microgravity. The results, showcased in a video post, provide insights into fluid behavior in space, which can aid future spacecraft system designs. This intriguing experiment has garnered significant attention and curiosity online.

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Blue Origin NS-31 2025 mission to make history with all-female crew including Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez and others into space

Blue Origin's upcoming NS-31 mission will make history with an all-female crew, including pop star Katy Perry, launching in spring 2025. Led by Lauren Sanchez, the mission aims to inspire future generations of female space travelers by demonstrating gender equality in spaceflight. The crew also includes Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, and Aisha Bowe.

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Thursday, February 27, 2025

Sunita Williams is returning to Earth on… : Know how and when NASA astronaut will return from space

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will return to Earth in March 2025 from the ISS after delays with the Boeing Starliner. They will return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft due to technical issues with the Starliner. Crew-10's launch, planned for March 12, will include the arrival of new astronauts, ensuring continuous missions on the ISS.

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National Science Day: Celebrating the legacy of Dr CV Raman on February 28

India observes National Science Day on February 28 to honour Sir CV Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928. The 2023 theme emphasiSes youth leadership in science and innovation, aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Notably, Raman, who won the Nobel Prize in 1930, made significant contributions to physics and passed away in 1970.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Mysterious 'crying disease' kills over 50 in Congo: What we know so far

An unknown illness has resulted in 53 deaths in Congo's Equateur province, with nearly half of the victims dying within hours. The cause and mode of transmission are still under investigation, with the WHO ruling out Ebola and exploring other potential sources such as zoonotic transmission and environmental factors.

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Nasa and Nokia unveil the Moon's first mobile network with Intuitive Machines

Nasa and Nokia are pioneering lunar exploration by launching a mobile network on the Moon as part of Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission. The Lunar Surface Communication System, developed by Nokia, will enable high-definition video streaming and vital communication functions between lunar vehicles and landers, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space.

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Earth dodges ‘city-killer’ asteroid — but Nasa says the Moon might not be so lucky



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Mixing food waste in concrete can increase strength of construction: IIT Indore research

Researchers at IIT Indore have discovered a method to enhance concrete strength using food waste and non-pathogenic bacteria. The bacteria and waste form calcium carbonate crystals that fill cracks in the concrete, significantly increasing its durability. This process utilizes domestic food discards and rotting fruits, making it cost-effective and sustainable compared to previous methods involving synthetic chemicals.

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Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Nasa astronaut shares the funniest way to wear pants in zero gravity – video goes viral

NASA astronaut Don Pettit's video of dressing in zero gravity has gone viral. In the clip, Pettit uniquely slides into his pants with both legs simultaneously, showcasing the lighter side of life on the ISS. The video has garnered significant social media attention, highlighting the novelty and challenges of mundane tasks in space.

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Monday, February 24, 2025

Maha Shivaratri 2025: Why the world's most advanced particle physics lab has a statue of Lord Shiva

At CERN, the enigmatic bronze Nataraja stands as a bridge between the empirical and the ineffable—a cosmic emblem transcending disciplinary bounds. This Shiva statue, a gift from India, celebrates the eternal Tandava: the interplay of creation, preservation, and dissolution. It evokes both the artistic grace of ancient mythology and the perplexing dance of quantum phenomena, echoing Rodin’s transcendent encounter in Chennai. As physicists grapple with the unfathomable T = 0 moment of the Big Bang, Shiva’s dance reminds us that the universe, much like art, is a dynamic tapestry of paradox and possibility—a mystery perpetually unfolding.

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Sunday, February 23, 2025

PM Modi hails Isro's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a 'Day for Science'

During the 119th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Narendra Modi celebrated Isro's 100th rocket launch, emphasizing the nation's resolve in space achievements and growing women's participation. He encouraged spending National Science Day with a scientific focus to spark curiosity among youth and highlighted India's advancements in AI.

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Nasa and China brace for ‘city-killer’ asteroid: Will Earth be ready?



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Saturday, February 22, 2025

NASA Alert! 67-foot asteroid heading towards Earth at 16,490 mph tomorrow

NASA has alerted the world to a 67-foot asteroid traveling at 16,490 mph that's set to pass Earth on February 18, 2025. Though there's no threat of collision, the asteroid's proximity has caused concern. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory assures vigilant monitoring, emphasizing the importance of space observation and planetary defense.

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World's only freshwater river 'Ganga' with a remarkable 50 times faster elimination of germs, says expert

Despite over 60 crore visitors and countless holy dips during Maha Kumbh, the Ganga remains germ-free. A study by Padma Shri Dr. Ajay Sonkar reveals Ganga's unique bacteriophages that naturally purify the water by killing harmful bacteria. These bacteriophages—1,100 types—eliminate pollution and ensure self-purification, marking Ganga as the world's only freshwater river with such capabilities.

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‘City Killer’ asteroid approaching Earth in 2032: Is Mumbai at risk? Here’s what we know

Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a potential threat to Earth with a 1.5% impact chance in December 2032. Major cities like Mumbai, BogotĆ”, and Lagos could be affected. Space agencies including NASA and ESA are closely monitoring its trajectory to refine predictions. Upcoming observations will improve assessments of its impact risk.

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

Team led by Indian-origin astrophysicist discovers largest dwarf galaxy samples

A team of scientists in the US, led by Indian-origin astrophysicist Raga Deepika Pucha, has discovered the largest samples of intermediate-mass black holes and dwarf galaxies with active black holes. Utilizing the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), this discovery enhances our understanding of the dynamics between dwarf galaxy evolution and black hole growth.

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Is spending all day on your feet at work an occupational hazard?

In the US, many workers, including those in retail and at airports, face challenges due to prolonged standing. Extended standing can cause health issues such as back pain and leg swelling. Some places have laws to ensure seating for workers, while employees at certain companies are negotiating for similar rights to improve their working conditions.

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Is Nasa planning to 'destroy' the 'city-killer' asteroid from hitting Earth in 2032?

Nasa is monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 1.5% chance of hitting Earth by 2032. Measuring between 130 and 300 feet wide, the asteroid could impact a major city, endangering millions. Space agencies worldwide are tracking its path, considering potential interventions. Despite uncertainties, vigilance remains crucial to mitigate risks.

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Space regulator IN-SPACe launches tech fund to accelerate startups’ growth



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Is Earth's oxygen running out? Supercomputer predicts when it will happen and what it means for humanity

A University of Bristol simulation predicts the formation of supercontinent Pangaea Ultima within 250 million years, making Earth uninhabitable due to extreme heat, volcanic activity, and increased humidity. Temperatures could reach 50°C, with volatile conditions leading to mass extinctions. Human survival would require adaptation, advanced technology, or even space colonization.

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'City killer' asteroid now has higher chance of hitting Earth: Nasa

Nasa has identified an asteroid, 2024 YR4, with a 3.1 percent chance of striking Earth on December 22, 2032. The asteroid measures between 130 and 300 feet wide, traveling at high velocities. If it impacts, it could cause significant destruction. Experts assure there is no immediate alarm as monitoring and possible intervention efforts continue.

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

India's first microbiological nanosat, developed by students, to find ways to keep astronauts healthy

India's first microbiological nanosatellite, RVSAT-1, developed by students from RV College of Engineering, was launched by ISRO to study gut bacterium in space. Data collected from the mission will aid in space medicine, waste management, and combating antibiotic resistance, providing insights for astronaut health and prebiotic supplementation during long journeys.

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Chandrayaan-4 will have 5 modules, need multiple dockings; work on Lupex Marches on

India's planned Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to collect lunar samples and return them to Earth, requiring two separate launches due to its 9,200kg mass. Chennaiyan -5, also known as Lupex, is a joint mission with Japan featuring a heavier lander and sophisticated payloads contributed by India, Japan, USA, and Europe.

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"Even lifting a pencil will feel like a workout...': Why gravity will make Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s Earth return a struggle

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are returning to Earth on March 19, 2025 after over eight months aboard the ISS. They faced delays due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner. Upon return, they'll undergo an extensive rehabilitation program to readjust to gravity, rebuild strength and balance, as well as mitigate the effects of microgravity.

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Monday, February 17, 2025

Why did life evolve to be so colourful? Research is starting to give us some answers

The journey to Earth's vibrant colours began over 600 million years ago with the evolution of vision. Fast-forward to today, and this advancement has resulted in trichromatic vision, the introduction of colourful plants, and the appearance of bright animal species, influencing biodiversity.

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Satellite India’s 1st private PSLV will launch TDS-1 to test 35 new technologies



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Exploring Andromeda’s past through Nasa’s Hubble Space telescope

Nasa’s Hubble Space Telescope has uncovered the hidden history of the Andromeda Galaxy, revealing its complex formation and evolution. By studying ancient stellar populations, Hubble provides critical insights into how this galaxy formed and how it has changed over billions of years. This research helps scientists piece together the broader story of galaxy development in the universe. A significant discovery Hubble made is the detection of stellar streams—faint, scattered trails of stars that reveal past galactic mergers. These streams are the remnants of smaller galaxies that collided with Andromeda billions of years ago. The presence of these streams offers clues about how Andromeda grew through these ancient cosmic interactions, reshaping its structure over time.

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Sunday, February 16, 2025

Seals can essentially act as 'smart sensors': Study

Marine biologists at UC Santa Cruz have discovered that northern elephant seals can serve as 'smart sensors' for monitoring fish populations in the ocean’s twilight zone. Seals' foraging behavior can provide critical data about fish availability in this deep, dimly lit area, helping address the growing demand for protein-rich foods.

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New study explains how antidepressants can protect against infections, sepsis

Antidepressants, such as Prozac, are routinely used to treat mental health issues, but recent research reveals they may also protect against major infections and life-threatening sepsis. Scientists at the Salk Institute have now discovered how medications regulate the immune system and protect against infectious disease, providing insights that could lead to a new generation of life-saving treatments and improve global readiness for future pandemics.

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Saturday, February 15, 2025

Sunita Williams and astronauts may reduce cartilage damage with jumping exercises, new study suggests

Jumping exercises may help prevent cartilage damage, aid bone strength in astronauts on long-duration space missions, a mice study suggests. Johns Hopkins research indicates that jump training enhances cartilage thickness and bone health in a microgravity environment. This exercise could be crucial to maintaining astronaut health on future Moon and Mars missions, highlighting the importance of movement in space.

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Friday, February 14, 2025

What’s really inside a black hole? Quantum computing sheds new light

Researchers at the University of Michigan, led by Enrico Rinaldi, have discovered through quantum computing that black holes might be storing information on their surfaces like holograms. This groundbreaking finding could reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics and revolutionize our understanding of space and time, potentially unlocking more universal secrets.

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Scientists discover hidden 'ice quakes' deep inside Greenland's ice streams for the first time

Scientists discovered thousands of ice quakes beneath Greenland’s Ice Sheet, changing our understanding of ice movements and global climate. These quakes, revealed through advanced technology, provide new insights into ice stream behavior, crucial for predicting sea level rise due to global warming. This new knowledge updates previous assumptions, improving climate change models.

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Depression could hasten pace of developing physical conditions by over 30 %, study finds

Adults with depression could develop chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and hypertension 30 per cent faster than those without, a study from the University of Edinburgh suggests. Following over 1.7 lakh people from the UK Biobank for seven years, the study highlights the need for treating both mental and physical health together to improve outcomes.

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Sunita Williams may be back by mid-March



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Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore’s salary revealed; here’s what NASA is actually paying them

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are undergoing an extended mission on the ISS due to spacecraft technical issues. Originally an eight-day mission, it has stretched to eight months, raising financial and physical concerns. NASA plans their return around March 12 via Crew-10 mission, addressing their significant readjustment challenges after prolonged microgravity exposure.

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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to return home sooner: Know the official date confirmed by NASA and Space X

NASA and SpaceX are accelerating plans to return astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth, targeting mid-March. Initially planned for late March or April, the return is being expedited through a capsule swap due to extended stays and previous mission delays. NASA and SpaceX are ensuring safety amidst operational challenges.

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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Elon Musk's ‘welcome to Mars’ post on X sparks global buzz a prediction made 9 years ago

Elon Musk's 2016 prediction of humans setting foot on Mars by 2025 has resurfaced with his viral tweet featuring a futuristic 'Welcome to Mars' video. The video envisions an advanced Martian habitat but omits natural elements like greenery. Public reactions highlight design concerns and debates on the feasibility and ethics of prioritizing Mars colonization over Earthly issues.

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Stuck in space? Nasa's new plan may speed up Sunita Williams' return

Nasa announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, stranded on the ISS, will return to Earth sooner than expected. SpaceX will adjust its schedule for a mid-March return. Originally set for June, technical issues delayed their return, extending their mission to over nine months. Nasa will use an older capsule for the crew launch on March 12.

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Earth's inner core isn't just slowing down... it's possibly changing shape too



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Even 'the science' agrees there are more than two genders



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Monday, February 10, 2025

'City-killer': Why scientists are watching asteroid 2024 YR4 closely



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Can sunlight really make you sneeze? Read more to know the surprising reason behind this occurrence

Photic sneeze reflex, officially known as ACHOO syndrome, causes sudden sneezes when exposed to bright light. This reflex affects up to 35% of people and is linked to the crossing of optic and trigeminal nerves. While harmless, wearing sunglasses or managing allergies can reduce symptoms. Genetic and environmental factors influence its occurrence.

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Sunday, February 9, 2025

Chandrayaan-3 landing site is estimated to be 3.7 billion years old: Scientists

Indian scientists have determined that the landing site where the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft touched down in 2023 is about 3.7 billion years old. The geological map of the site, known as 'Shiv Shakti' point, offers new insights into the Moon's history and enhances the significance of the mission.

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Nasa finds rare ‘bullseye’ galaxy with 9 star-filled rings, 250,000 light-years wide

Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has captured LEDA 1313424, a galaxy with nine star-filled rings, the most ever detected, resulting from an impact with a smaller blue dwarf galaxy. This unique discovery was made by Yale doctoral student Imad Pasha. The galaxy is 250,000 light-years wide, twice the size of the Milky Way, with rings forming like ripples in water.

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Saturday, February 8, 2025

"I don't think we're stuck up here...": Sunita Williams after nearly a year in space says she still feels at home

Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, have been on the ISS for nearly ten months due to technical issues with their Starliner return capsule. Despite the extended mission and initial setbacks, the astronauts remained productive, conducting crucial maintenance and scientific research. Their optimistic outlook highlights the importance of their extended stay on the space station.

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Friday, February 7, 2025

February or April? Experts warn of disappearing seasons amid climate shifts

India is seeing January temperatures akin to early spring, marking January 2024 the third-warmest on record. The lack of winter rainfall raises concerns, with experts attributing the shifting seasons to climate change. This trend impacts agriculture, biodiversity, and traditional spring celebrations, with northern regions particularly dry and temperatures above normal.

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Thursday, February 6, 2025

Some species are susceptible to broad range of viruses: Study

According to a study on fruit flies, certain species are extremely vulnerable to a variety of viruses. In the study - by the University of Exeter - 35 fruit fly species were exposed to 11 different viruses of diverse types

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Elon Musk demands investigation into the strange square formation on Mars: “We should send astronauts to Mars to investigate!”

A perfectly square-shaped structure on Mars, 3 kilometers wide, spotted in NASA’s Mars Orbiter Camera images, has sparked curiosity and speculation. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk calls for direct investigation into this anomaly, highlighting its precise angular geometry. While theories range from natural processes to extraterrestrial origins, this discovery emphasizes the importance of continued Mars exploration.

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