A viral debate on whether 100 unarmed humans could defeat a silverback gorilla has drawn commentary from experts. Primatologists suggest that while a gorilla's strength is formidable, humans could win through numbers and strategy, though with significant casualties. Experts highlight the importance of gorilla conservation over hypothetical combat scenarios, emphasizing their gentle nature and the real threat of extinction.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a rare partial solar eclipse in April, unobservable from Earth, where the moon obscured 23% of the sun. The SDO, launched in 2010, provides high-definition views of solar activity, aiding researchers in understanding solar interactions. NASA anticipates more eclipses, including events in May and July, furthering our knowledge of the sun-moon relationship.
At 70, Don Pettit defied age by completing a seven-month mission on the ISS, finding weightlessness rejuvenated him. Despite a rough return, his experience challenges age limits in space, highlighting potential benefits for aging research. Pettit's success redefines astronaut capabilities, inspiring future space missions and broader access to space travel.
NASA's images reveal Earth's deteriorating condition due to human actions, highlighting melting ice, deforestation, and pollution. Environmental warnings since the 1970s went largely unheeded, leading to ocean acidification, Amazon rainforest destruction, and rising global temperatures. While renewable energy and international agreements offer hope, urgent action is needed to address climate change's intensifying effects and protect the planet.
What if your consciousness could actually shape reality? Scientists are diving into theories that suggest our awareness might be more than just brain chemistry, it could be altering the world around us. From quantum mechanics to psychedelics, groundbreaking research is uncovering mind-bending possibilities. The question is: could everything we know about reality be wrong?
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured a stunning image of the Curiosity rover in motion, revealing its winding trail across the Martian surface. The rover, heading towards a region with potential signs of ancient groundwater activity, left tracks spanning over 1,050 feet. This marks the first mid-drive photo of Curiosity, showcasing its ongoing exploration and impact on the Red Planet.
A dangerous trend is emerging in oceans as tourists and influencers seek close-up shark selfies, leading to increased defensive shark bites. A recent study reveals that many incidents are triggered by humans poking or grabbing sharks. Experts warn against treating sharks without caution, as viral social media content encourages risky behavior.
Researchers have made a significant discovery by inserting a human-specific gene, NOVA1, into mice, leading to notable changes in their vocal communication. The modified mice produced higher-pitched sounds and a diverse range of vocal patterns. This suggests that subtle genetic variations, like the one in NOVA1, could have significantly influenced the development of human language and communication abilities during evolution.
The UK government is investing £50 million in a geoengineering project to explore solar radiation management, aiming to reflect sunlight back into space. This controversial initiative seeks to temporarily cool the planet while addressing the root causes of climate change. Critics raise concerns about potential risks and the need for international surveillance, emphasising the importance of real-world data gathering.
Scientists in Brazil found a very old ant fossil. This fossil is 113 million years old. It is of a 'hell ant,' a type of predator. The discovery changes what we know about ant history. Ants were around when dinosaurs lived. The fossil shows ants were complex even long ago. This find is important for understanding ant evolution.
Astronomers have spotted a zombie star, SGR 0501+4516, speeding through the Milky Way. This magnetar has an incredibly strong magnetic field. Its origin is a mystery, challenging existing theories. Scientists suggest it might have formed from a white dwarf collapse, without a supernova. This discovery could help explain fast radio bursts.
The Hubble Space Telescope marks its 35th anniversary with a stunning new image of the Sombrero Galaxy. This detailed view reveals the galaxy's structure, including its bright bulge and dusty disc. Located 30 million light-years away, the Sombrero Galaxy has a supermassive black hole. The James Webb Space Telescope also studies the galaxy, providing infrared observations.
Astronaut Don Pettit will host a live conference on April 28 to discuss his 220-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS), where he conducted vital research, including 3D printing in space and water sanitization. NASA invites the public to participate through social media using #AskNASA and will host an Instagram Q&A.
Geologists have made a groundbreaking discovery: the Indian Plate is splitting, with a portion peeling away and sinking into the Earth's mantle. This delamination process, previously undetected, could significantly impact earthquake patterns and reshape landscapes. Experts are calling for further research to understand the implications of this shift on Earth's dynamics and seismic activity.
Indian and French scientists collaborated on microgravity experiments during the 68th CNES parabolic flight campaign, potentially revolutionizing material fabrication in space. IISc Professors Saptarshi Basu and Aloke Kumar, along with French counterparts, studied droplet behavior to advance bio-printing, electronics, and other applications in extraterrestrial environments.
Using the MeerKAT radio telescope, scientists have detected numerous plasma structures near a twinkling pulsar, J0437-4715, revealing new insights into our cosmic neighborhood. The study unveils 25 scintillation arcs, indicating a surprising abundance of plasma within the Local Bubble, challenging previous assumptions of its emptiness.
Nasa's Lucy spacecraft successfully completed a flyby of asteroid Donaldjohanson, revealing its unexpectedly large and irregular bowling pin shape, measuring approximately 5 miles long. The mission, a rehearsal for future Trojan asteroid encounters near Jupiter, saw Lucy pass within 600 miles of the space rock. Further data analysis will refine understanding of the asteroid's dimensions.
Comet SWAN, a newly discovered green comet from the Oort Cloud, has likely disintegrated after its recent solar passage, diminishing hopes for naked-eye visibility. Discovered by amateur astronomers, this icy relic from the early solar system may not survive its first trip past the sun.
After 220 days in orbit, NASA astronaut Don Pettit returned to Earth, celebrating his 70th birthday in style, floating among the stars. From preflight training in Kazakhstan to unforgettable moments aboard the ISS, including his zero-gravity birthday bash, Pettit’s Expedition 72 journey was filled with discovery, laughter, and a few out-of-this-world memories. His emotional return to Earth marked the end of an extraordinary mission, captured in this photo story from lift-off to homecoming.
Get ready for the Lyrid meteor shower. This celestial event will peak on April 21-22, 2025. Sky gazers can expect to see up to 18 meteors per hour. Occasional fireballs may also appear. The best viewing time is in the early morning hours. Find a dark location away from city lights for an optimal experience.
ISRO has achieved a second successful docking of its SpaDeX satellites, marking a significant advancement in space technology. Chairman V Narayanan hailed the operation as smooth, emphasizing its importance for future missions. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the docking, following the initial docking on January 16 and subsequent undocking on March 13.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) proposes developing 'angstrom-scale' chips using 2D materials like graphene, potentially surpassing current 3-nanometer silicon chips. Submitted to the government, the Rs 500 crore project aims to establish India as a semiconductor leader.
India's space program is gaining momentum with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's upcoming trip to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking the second Indian in space. Following this, the joint Indo-US NISAR satellite, a significant Earth observation project, is scheduled for launch in June. These missions highlight India's growing capabilities and international collaborations in space exploration.
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have detected potential biosignatures, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and/or dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b using the James Webb Space Telescope. These molecules, typically produced by life on Earth, offer the strongest evidence yet of possible life beyond our solar system.
The discovery of dimethyl sulfide on K2-18b, a planet 120 light-years away, has ignited hopes for extraterrestrial life due to its potential for liquid water. While scientists are excited about the possibility of microbial life, some experts caution against making contact. They warn that such interactions could pose risks to humanity, emphasizing the need for further research and careful consideration.
India's space program is set for significant milestones with the confirmed launch of the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite in June 2025, designed to monitor Earth's surface changes. Furthermore, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will journey to the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4, conducting crucial research in microgravity and marking a new era for Indian astronauts.
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have found compelling evidence of a supermassive black hole at the heart of the Messier 83 galaxy. Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument detected highly ionised neon gas, suggesting an active galactic nucleus previously hidden by dust. Further observations with ALMA and VLT are planned to confirm the black hole's presence and explore alternative explanations.
Scientists propose a new theory to solve the Hubble tension. The universe might be rotating very slowly. Istvan Szapudi suggests this cosmic spin could explain inconsistencies in expansion measurements. A mathematical model shows promising results. It calculates a consistent Hubble constant with slight rotation. This opens new research avenues. Scientists aim to simulate the spin's effect over time.
NASA has revealed a 328-foot-wide hole on Mars, potentially a gateway to subterranean caves that could harbor alien life. These pits, formed by meteor impacts, might offer protection from harsh surface conditions and preserve essential ingredients for life. This discovery fuels exploration plans, with future missions aiming to explore these subsurface environments for potential habitats and signs of Martian life.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics researchers have revisited the ultra-diffuse galaxy, NGC 1052-DF2, challenging previous assumptions about its dark matter deficiency. The study suggests the galaxy possesses a 'cored' dark matter halo, unlike earlier 'cuspy' models. This new model indicates a more evenly spread dark matter distribution, potentially aligning NGC 1052-DF2 with standard galaxy formation theories.
The heart of the criticism lies in the nature of the mission. Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, while undeniably advanced, follows a suborbital flight path. It climbs to about 62 miles (100 kilometres) above sea level—just beyond the Kármán line, the internationally recognised boundary of space—before falling back to Earth. That short arc gives passengers about three to four minutes of weightlessness, not because they’ve escaped Earth’s gravity, but because they’re in freefall. As Pollack puts it, it’s “more roller coaster than space odyssey.”
Astronomers have detected potential signs of life on planet K2-18b, located 700 trillion miles away, using the James Webb Space Telescope. The team discovered chemical traces of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in the planet's atmosphere, gases only produced by microorganisms on Earth. While the detection has a 99.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has risen from near bankruptcy to dominate the space industry. After early rocket failures, Musk's investment kept the company afloat. SpaceX achieved a historic milestone by launching the first private company to send humans to space. Innovations like reusable rockets and the Dragon spacecraft have revolutionised spaceflight.
Sperm Racing, a startup founded by young entrepreneurs, is set to host the world's first sperm race in Los Angeles on April 25. This unique event aims to raise awareness about declining male fertility rates, a global health issue often overlooked. The competition will feature live-streamed microscopic races, complete with commentary and wagering, designed to mimic the female reproductive system.
A powerful solar storm is approaching Earth. This creates a rare chance to view the Northern Lights in many US and European areas. The storm comes from solar ejections. Scientists say the sun's activity is increasing. This leads to more chances for such events. However, solar storms can disrupt satellites, communications, and power grids.
India is preparing for Mangalyaan-2, a follow-up to its successful Mars Orbiter Mission. ISRO plans to achieve a historic first by landing a spacecraft on Mars. The mission involves a direct entry into the Martian atmosphere, utilizing advanced technologies for a safe touchdown. A mini-helicopter will also be deployed to survey the landscape, expanding exploration capabilities.
Blue Origin achieved a milestone with its New Shepard rocket, launching the first all-female spaceflight in over six decades on April 14, 2025. The eleven-minute suborbital journey included celebrities like Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez, alongside scientists and activists, sparking discussions about space tourism. The mission demonstrated Blue Origin's technology and vision for expanding commercial space exploration beyond tourism.
Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez soared into space aboard a Blue Origin rocket from West Texas, marking the company's 11th human flight. The all-female crew, including Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyn, and Kerianne Flynn, saw Perry express her mission as boundary-breaking, inspiring young girls to dream big.
Nasa released stunning nighttime images from the International Space Station, showcasing illuminated regions across the globe. One captivating photograph features India, glowing with city lights under a starlit sky. The series also includes views of the cloud-covered Midwest United States, Southeast Asia, and Canada with a faint green aurora, sparking social media appreciation.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully launched 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, from Kennedy Space Center on Saturday after previous delays. The launch, coinciding with a full moon, provided a spectacular view for watchers. The first-stage booster landed on the drone ship, marking its tenth flight, while SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch on Sunday.
Pop icon Katy Perry will fly into space on Blue Origin's NS-31 mission. This marks the first all-female crew since 1963. The mission aims to promote gender diversity in spaceflight. Perry will be joined by Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. The flight is scheduled for April 14, 2025, and will be live-streamed.
