Science

An elliptical galaxy located 88 million light-years from Earth has been observed displaying unusual characteristics, with astronomers identifying it as a cosmic predator. The latest images captured by the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) indicate that the galaxy, designated NGC 3640, has a history of consuming smaller galaxies and may

A decline in global ocean evaporation has been identified over the past decade, despite rising sea surface temperatures. This shift challenges established climate models, which have long linked higher temperatures to increased evaporation. The unexpected trend was observed through satellite data analysis, revealing that evaporation rates started decreasing after 2008. Researchers suggest that changing atmospheric

The likelihood of intelligent life emerging elsewhere in the universe may not be as improbable as previously believed, as suggested by recent research. A new model proposes that the development of life on Earth was not dictated by a sequence of rare, chance events but was instead influenced by evolving geobiological conditions. It has been

A celestial event of rare significance is set to unfold as seven planets align in the sky, creating a phenomenon that will not be witnessed again until 2040. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will appear along the ecliptic, the Sun’s apparent path across the sky. While they will not form a perfect

A significant advancement in India’s space technology has been achieved with the development of a 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer, the largest globally for solid propellant production. Designed and manufactured through a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), this new equipment is expected to enhance efficiency and

Concerns regarding asteroid 2024 YR4 have diminished, as NASA has revised the probability of its impact on Earth in 2032 from 1 in 32 to 1 in 360. The asteroid, which has an estimated diameter of 55 meters, was initially considered the most hazardous object on NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) Sentry

The next suborbital space tourism mission by Blue Origin, known as NS-30, is set to take place at an undisclosed date. This will be the 30th launch of the company’s New Shepard rocket and its 10th crewed mission. The flight will take off from Blue Origin’s West Texas facility, carrying six individuals on a brief

A bright fireball streaked across the European sky on February 19, as debris from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket made an uncontrolled reentry. Reports from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland confirmed sightings of the object as it burned up in the atmosphere before fragments crashed to the ground. Social media users in Lincolnshire, England,

Breakthrough in AI-Driven Genome Design A new artificial intelligence model has been introduced, marking a significant advancement in biological research. Developed using a dataset of 128,000 genomes covering various life forms, this AI can generate entire chromosomes and small genomes from scratch. Researchers claim it has the potential to interpret non-coding gene variants associated with

A potential method to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere has been identified, involving a material that could be used in agriculture. This approach utilises specific minerals to accelerate the natural process of carbon mineralisation, a method that could significantly impact carbon removal efforts. Research suggests that by modifying certain minerals, CO2 can

A team of researchers has successfully created a synthetic diamond that exhibits greater hardness than its natural counterpart. The development involved scientists from multiple Chinese institutions collaborating with a researcher from Umeå University in Sweden. Their findings describe a process where graphite is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, resulting in the formation of a

A metal detector search for World War II relics in a forested area of Poland has led to the discovery of a much older artifact—a broken sword believed to be nearly 2,000 years old. Found in the Jura region of southern Poland, the sword was intentionally shattered into three pieces and is thought to have

A rise in microplastic contamination in human brain tissue has been reported, with findings indicating an increase over recent years. Concerns about potential health impacts have been raised, as microplastics and nanoplastics have been detected in significant amounts. Research suggests that individuals with dementia had even higher concentrations, though the causation remains unclear. While the

A nearly 5,000-year-old fortress in southwestern Spain has revealed a surprising discovery—an isolated burial from the Roman era. The remains of a man, estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old, were found near the fortress’s outer wall, despite the site having been abandoned for over 2,500 years. The presence of a Roman military

A new study has explored the nature of time at the quantum level, uncovering evidence that contradicts the widely accepted notion of a single, forward-moving arrow of time. Researchers have examined the fundamental mechanics of quantum systems interacting with their environment, suggesting that time may not be as fixed as previously believed. The findings, which

A specialised form of cellulose produced by bacteria has been found to enhance wound healing and regeneration in plants. Research indicates that when applied as a bandage to plant wounds, this bacterial cellulose significantly improves recovery rates, potentially offering new solutions for agricultural applications. The material, already used in medical treatments for humans, has shown

NASA’s Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) is being prepared to analyse the Moon’s subsurface for resource extraction, with its technology expected to aid future Artemis missions. The experiment, which will assess lunar soil and identify potential resources, has been developed to support sustained human exploration. The instruments onboard will work together to drill, collect,

A breakthrough in theoretical physics has led to a fresh understanding of black hole formation, suggesting they can emerge purely from gravitational effects without requiring exotic matter. This advancement challenges long-standing notions derived from General Relativity, where singularities are predicted to exist at the core of black holes, causing the breakdown of physical laws. Researchers

New findings have revealed that tiny plasma jets on the Sun play a significant role in driving both the fast and slow solar wind. Observations have been made using high-resolution imaging and direct measurements, offering a clearer picture of how the solar wind originates and moves through space. The study sheds light on a longstanding

A striking cloud formation was observed in the Martian sky by NASA’s Curiosity rover, revealing a feather-shaped structure tinged with iridescent colours. The phenomenon was recorded on January 27, 2023, shortly after sunset. Scientists analysing the image have indicated that such formations help in understanding cloud particle sizes and their growth over time. The event