Category: Science

Tristan da Cunha, a remote group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for being the most isolated inhabited location on the planet. This British Overseas Territory houses a farming community of approximately 250 people on its only populated island, Tristan da Cunha. The settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is surrounded […]

A black hole once believed to bridge the gap between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes has been re-evaluated. The object, previously identified as an intermediate-mass black hole in the dense star cluster Omega Centauri, has been reclassified as a cluster of smaller stellar-mass black holes. This finding challenges earlier conclusions about the discovery of this […]

Astronomers have identified a rare phenomenon involving five dwarf galaxies positioned in a near-linear arrangement, resembling a cosmic string of pearls. Located approximately 117 million light-years from Earth, these galaxies are held together by mutual gravitational forces. While some among them interact harmoniously, others are involved in a gravitational pull that disrupts their structure, stripping […]

A powerful stream of solar wind is expected to strike Earth this weekend due to a large coronal hole in the sun’s atmosphere, as per reports. This phenomenon could lead to striking auroral displays, particularly at higher latitudes. A smaller coronal hole adjacent to the primary one is also directing solar wind toward Earth. The […]

A large metallic fragment, described as an 8-foot-wide ring weighing around 500 kilograms, crashed into Mukuku village, Makueni County, Kenya, on December 30. The object, reportedly red-hot at the time of impact, has raised suspicions of being space debris. The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has secured the site and taken custody of the debris for […]

A new method for oxygen formation in carbon dioxide-rich planetary atmospheres has been identified, potentially altering the approach to searching for extraterrestrial life. This discovery demonstrates a unique pathway for molecular oxygen production that may occur without the involvement of biological processes. The finding sheds light on how oxygen could exist in the atmospheres of […]

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 […]

Supermassive black holes are believed to exist at the centre of most galaxies, including our Milky Way. However, in certain cases, two such black holes are thought to orbit one another, forming binary systems. These gravitationally bound pairs could provide significant insights into the dynamics of galaxy formation and the behaviour of space-time. Detecting them, […]

The site of Alexander the Great’s decisive Battle of the Granicus against the Persian Empire appears to have been uncovered in northwest Turkey. Archaeologists have pinpointed the location roughly 10 kilometres north of Biga, where the famed confrontation occurred in 334 B.C. This victory allowed Alexander to establish a critical foothold in Persian territory, marking […]

An intense wave of Arctic weather is predicted to sweep through the eastern United States (US), with meteorologists warning of the coldest temperatures in more than a decade. A polar vortex surge, accompanied by significant atmospheric pressure changes, is expected to drive temperatures far below seasonal norms. Regions including the Appalachians, Great Lakes, and Northeast […]

The flight dynamics of birds have inspired researchers to explore innovative enhancements for aeroplane wings. Featherlike flaps, designed to resemble the covert feathers seen on bird wings, have demonstrated the potential to improve lift, reduce drag, and prevent stalls. These advancements, inspired by avian flight mechanisms, aim to enhance the efficiency and safety of aircraft, […]

A new infrared photodiode has been developed, which could enhance the efficiency of technologies relying on infrared light detection. Developed by researchers, this new sensor achieves a 35 percent increase in responsivity at a wavelength of 1.55 µm, widely used in telecommunications. Its design enables it to be manufactured with existing production techniques, simplifying integration […]

Innovative nanoscale sensors capable of detecting mechanical forces with high sensitivity and range have been developed by researchers. These sensors, made from luminescent nanocrystals, respond to force by altering their intensity or colour. Remote measurements are possible using only light, eliminating the need for wires or physical connections. Potential applications for these sensors span from […]

Human remains from the period following Roman rule in Britain are being studied with a groundbreaking DNA analysis technique. Researchers aim to unravel mysteries surrounding the transition to Anglo-Saxon dominance and understand how populations interacted during this time. The method promises to reveal genetic changes spanning just a few hundred years, offering insights into migration […]

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 […]

Fast radio bursts (FRBs), known for their brief but powerful emissions of radio waves, have been traced to extremely compact cosmic objects, including neutron stars and potentially black holes. These bursts, lasting only a millisecond, carry immense energy, rivaling the brightness of entire galaxies. Their origins have long puzzled astronomers, with discoveries ranging from our […]

Efforts to conserve the American burying beetle, a large carrion-eating insect once widespread across North America, have yielded positive results in Nebraska. Numbers of this species, which is listed as threatened, have been observed to increase in the Loess Canyons grasslands. Previously found across 35 states and parts of Canada, the beetle is now limited […]

A blazing trail of fireballs was seen over Los Angeles and parts of central and Southern California on April 2, sparking speculation among onlookers. This phenomenon was later attributed to the reentry and subsequent disintegration of debris from the Shenzhou-15 spacecraft, originally launched by China in November 2022. The incident, which caused a sonic boom […]

A breathtaking auroral display ushered on the New Year, illuminating skies across parts of the central United States and Europe. Triggered by a pair of powerful solar storms, the northern lights were visible as far south as California, Austria, and Germany. Geomagnetic disturbances, caused by solar activity on New Year’s Eve, created vibrant ribbons and […]

Researchers have pinpointed potential locations on Mars where life may exist, focusing on deep underground regions where methane has been detected. Seasonal methane variations observed by rovers on the planet’s surface have intrigued scientists for years, sparking questions about the Red Planet’s potential to host life. Mars presents extreme conditions, including subzero temperatures, a thin […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Japan is set to adopt a new energy strategy aimed at addressing increasing electricity demand while pursuing its decarbonisation goals. A government-backed panel of experts has supported plans to maximise nuclear power and expand renewable energy sources, targeting up to 50% renewable energy by 2040. Nuclear energy is expected to make up 20 percent of […]

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the study of ancient manuscripts, unlocking texts that have remained unreadable for centuries. From deciphering burnt Roman scrolls to analysing damaged cuneiform tablets, AI-driven tools are revealing new information about the ancient world. This advancement allows researchers to examine vast archives, identify previously unknown writings, and reconstruct […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

A 12,000-year-old canine leg bone unearthed at the Swan Point archaeological site in Alaska has provided new insights into the early relationship between humans and wolves. The analysis of this ancient bone revealed a wolf-like animal with a fish-heavy diet, which researchers believe could have been influenced by human interaction. This discovery has raised intriguing […]