Science

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) mission which was scheduled for Thursday, after the satellites drifted more than expected during a manoeuvre, ISRO said in a statement on Wednesday. This is the second time that the docking experiment has been postponed.It was originally scheduled for January 7. In
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Antarctica’s melting ice sheet, driven by global climate change, could potentially awaken over 100 hidden volcanoes buried beneath its surface. The phenomenon, linked to the reduction of pressure on magma chambers as ice melts, has been associated with increased volcanic activity in other regions. Scientists suggest that as the Antarctic Ice Sheet continues to thin,
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A 2,300-year-old marble statuette discovered in Alexandria, Egypt, has offered new insights into how dwarves were perceived during the Ptolemaic period (332–150 B.C.). Depicting a muscular, nude dwarf in motion, the 4-inch sculpture reflects a combination of Egyptian and Greek artistic traditions. Despite missing its arms, legs, and part of the head, the craftsmanship of
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The ancient Rujm el-Hiri site, situated in the Golan Heights and often referred to as the “Wheel of Ghosts,” has been re-evaluated, with its long-standing identification as an astronomical observatory coming under scrutiny. Researchers have determined that geodynamic changes over millions of years have altered the site’s orientation, raising questions about its original purpose. These
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A breakthrough has been reported in particle physics, focusing on hypernuclei—rare atomic systems that form through the inclusion of hyperons, particles containing at least one “strange” quark. Unlike the ordinary nuclei of atoms made of protons and neutrons, hypernuclei exhibit unique properties that may offer insights into subatomic forces and the extreme conditions present in
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A study has explored the techniques used by chimpanzees to select stone tools for cracking nuts, revealing possible similarities to methods employed by ancient human ancestors. Researchers observed that chimpanzees, like early hominins, exhibited a deliberate process in choosing stones based on specific properties rather than appearance. This insight has prompted discussions about parallels in
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A novel crystal-based technology has been identified as a potential solution for sustainable cooling systems. Current refrigeration and air conditioning devices rely on liquid-based systems to absorb heat through evaporation and condensation. While effective, these fluids contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions when leaked, intensifying global warming. Efforts to counteract this environmental impact have led
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The first confirmed case of a female burial with weapons from the 10th century in the Carpathian Basin, Hungary, has been uncovered. Skeletal remains and grave goods, including weaponry, were identified at the Sárrétudvari-Hízóföld cemetery. This discovery, described by experts, challenges prior assumptions about societal roles during the Hungarian Conquest period, a time marked by
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Elon Musk’s SpaceX said on Friday its upcoming Starship test flight would include the rocket’s first attempt to deploy payloads in space by releasing 10 model Starlink satellites, a key demonstration for Starship’s potential in the satellite launch market. “While in space, Starship will deploy 10 Starlink simulators, similar in size and weight to next-generation
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A remarkable image of the Antlia Cluster has been captured by the Dark Energy Camera (DECam), showcasing a diverse array of galaxies located approximately 130 million light-years from Earth in the Antlia constellation. With over 230 galaxies identified, including lenticular, irregular, and ultra-compact dwarfs, the cluster is dominated by two elliptical giants, NGC 3268 and
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The possibility of retrieving memories from a deceased person’s brain is being explored by neuroscientists, though the process is considered highly complex and technically challenging. Efforts to understand memory storage in the brain have made significant progress, with scientists identifying engrams — physical traces of memories formed by groups of neurons. These discoveries have sparked
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A significant biodiversity survey conducted in Peru’s Alto Mayo region has led to the discovery of at least 27 new species, including a striking ‘blob-headed’ bristlemouth armored catfish from the genus Chaetostoma. The research, carried out in 2022, highlighted the region’s ecological importance, spanning approximately 780,700 hectares in the San Martín department. The survey documented
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A new material with stretchable, flexible, and recyclable properties has been created by researchers using a 3D printing technique. It is said that the material, made from thermoplastic elastomers, allows objects to possess customisable stiffness and flexibility. The technique combines cost-effectiveness with scalability, making it suitable for industrial use. These advancements are expected to pave
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An international team of astronomers has studied a nearby galaxy cluster merger, offering new insights into the processes of galactic collisions. Observations of CIZA J0107.7+5408, a post-core passage binary cluster merger, were carried out using the Very Large Array (VLA). These findings have shed light on the intricate dynamics of merging galaxy clusters, which are
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Frogs around the world are being severely impacted by the chytrid fungus, which has led to population declines in over 500 species and the presumed extinction of approximately 90 species. This invasive pathogen is disrupting ecosystems and causing significant biodiversity loss. Innovative methods to combat this threat have emerged, focusing on providing frogs with heated
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Archaeologists in Egypt unveiled significant discoveries throughout 2024, shedding new light on the lives, beliefs, and practices of this ancient civilisation. As reported by Live Science, these findings range from rare artefacts to evidence of advanced practices, reflecting the remarkable complexity of ancient Egyptian society. The discoveries have been made at various sites across Egypt,
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An undersea volcano situated roughly 470 kilometers off Oregon’s coastline, Axial Seamount, is showing signs of imminent activity. Researchers have noted telltale signals such as ground deformation, heightened seismic activity, and magma accumulation beneath the surface. These observations have led to a forecast suggesting that the volcano could erupt as early as 2025. This prediction
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As researchers delve into the cosmos, organic molecules—the building blocks of life—emerge as a recurring theme, hinting at answers to some of science’s most profound questions. Recent studies, including data from missions like the European Space Agency’s Rosetta and NASA’s Osiris-Rex, continue to reveal the ubiquity of these compounds across the universe. According to reports,
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to close the year with the Spadex mission, scheduled for launch at 9:58 pm on December 30 from the Sriharikota spaceport. This mission involves two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), aimed at demonstrating docking capabilities in orbit. By showcasing the alignment, connection, and power transfer between
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Innovative VR headsets have been designed for mice, enabling scientists to study brain activity in highly immersive environments. Using these headsets, researchers can observe neural responses during specific behaviours, potentially unlocking new understanding of human neurological disorders. Crafted from readily available components such as smartwatch screens and miniature lenses, these devices are seen as a
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The rise in pandemics has been attributed to disruptions caused by human activities to the planet’s ecosystems. Infectious diseases, which have historically resulted in significant loss of life, are appearing more frequently. This resurgence has raised concerns among experts about the factors driving this trend. Modern advancements in science, including vaccinations and antibiotics, initially seemed
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Efforts are underway in the Mediterranean Sea to install the underwater neutrino telescope known as KM3NeT, as reported by various sources. The telescopes are designed to detect high-energy neutrinos, subatomic particles emitted from unidentified cosmic sources. Unlike traditional telescopes, these devices rely on capturing light generated when neutrinos collide with seawater. This massive project spans
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Efforts to improve data centre efficiency have led mathematicians at Virginia Tech to develop a novel method of data storage and retrieval. According to reports, the researchers have utilised algebraic geometry to tackle issues arising from high energy consumption in data centres, which is impacting global climate goals. This breakthrough was detailed in IEEE BITS,
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NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made its closest-ever approach to the Sun on Tuesday, becoming the first man-made object to accomplish this feat. Parker should have travelled as close as 6.1 million kilometres to the Sun, gathering important data about its outer atmosphere. The confirmation about these feats should arrive by December 27, as the space
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