China has successfully performed the world’s first satellite-based, ultra-remote surgeries using the Apstar-6D communications satellite. Doctors from multiple locations conducted complex operations on patients in Beijing with the aid of a robotic surgical system, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of such procedures even at vast distances.
Poor sleep can affect mental health by impairing the brain's ability to suppress unwanted memories. A study showed that sleep-deprived individuals struggle to engage brain regions for memory control. REM sleep was found to help restore these functions, highlighting sleep's role in memory and emotional regulation.
Scientists from Oxford and Birmingham Universities uncovered extensive dinosaur footprints from the Middle Jurassic Period in Oxfordshire. The discovery includes trackways from Megalosaurus and herbivorous sauropods, offering insights into dinosaur behavior and interactions. The excavation will be showcased on BBC Two's Digging for Britain and featured in Oxford University Museum's new exhibition. Over 200 footprints were documented for future research.
Two asteroids, 2024 YF7 and 2024 YR9, are set to pass near Earth in early January. NASA confirms no immediate threat but emphasizes the importance of tracking such objects for solar system insights and planetary defense. These events help scientists understand early solar system conditions and prepare for potential future risks.
The first weekend of 2025 brings the Quadrantid meteor shower, peaking on January 3rd-4th with 80 meteors per hour. Viewing is best from the Northern Hemisphere, despite cold and brief peak window. The Quadrantids, from asteroid 2003 EH1, offer bright fireballs and are named after the historical constellation Quadrans Muralis.
India's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019. Emission intensity dropped 36% from 2005 to 2020, highlighting India's progress in decoupling economic growth from emissions. In 2020, the energy sector was the largest emissions contributor, while the LULUCF sector reduced net emissions significantly. India is committed to reducing GDP emission intensity by 45% by 2030.