National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

A gravitational wave event detected in 2019 might have led astronomers to discover the first wormhole in the universe. LIGO and Virgo picked up the wave that lasted less than a tenth of a second. Scientists analysed the event and deduced that it was the result of a collision between two black holes. However, six years later, they think they might have been partly wrong. While the scientists still think that a merger between two black holes triggered the waves, it probably didn't happen in our universe. Instead, what we witnessed was the reverberation from an alternate universe that reached us through a wormhole. The signal named GW190521 is still the "preferred interpretation", as per researchers of a new study, but they are not denying the wormhole theory either. The revelation was made by physicist Qi Lai of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in a preprint uploaded to arXiv.<h2>What are wormholes?</h2>Wormholes are hypothetical structures in the universe that connect two points in the universe. These two points could either be divided by space or time. The wormhole acts as a bridge between the distant points, and hence, is also known as the Einstein–Rosen bridge and was proposed by Albert Einstein and Nathan Rosen in 1935. If the 2019 event did come from a wormhole formed because of the merger of the two black holes, it would prove that these objects, popularised by space fiction movies and TV shows, are real. However, the study authors are playing it safe and not just calling it a collapsing wormhole formed from a mega collision. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/human-hunt-for-intelligent-alien-life-could-help-us-outlive-all-the-stars-scientist-says-1758531158090">Humans can survive cosmic winter by befriending super intelligent aliens, scientist says</a>&nbsp;To explain their wormhole theory, Lai and team wrote that gravitational waves are generated when massive, dense objects, such as black holes and neutron stars, collide. But, in case the event occurs with a black hole pair in a binary orbit, their interacting gravitational fields also generate ripples as they are pulled towards each other. These ripples start off weak and gradually become stronger. The mass of the merger is 142 times the mass of the Sun; hence, the wave should have been detectable. But they were missing in the case of GW190521. This led the researchers to state that the black holes were not locked together and were passing each other when they became entangled in each other's gravitational fields.<h2>Humans may have probably seen their first wormhole</h2>Another explanation given by the researchers for the short burst of gravitational waves is that a binary black hole merger resulted in a wormhole that collapsed and formed a single black hole. Such an event would trigger only a short burst. A waveform model of what this gravitational wave signal would look like was made and compared with data collected in 2019. They also constructed a waveform for a standard binary black hole merger. They noted that the binary black hole merger waveform was only slightly a better explanation for the signal, yet they think the wormhole scenario could still have happened. This would mean that GW190521 was the first time humanity likely observed another universe.&nbsp;

We might have seen our first wormhole in the universe. A signal detected in 2019 could have come from another universe, passing through a wormhole that collapsed after forming from a black hole collision in an alternate world.

A gravitational wave event detected in 2019 might have led astronomers to discover the first wormhole in the universe. LIGO and Virgo picked up the wave that lasted less than a tenth of a second. Scientists analysed the event and deduced that it was the result of a collision between two black holes. However, six years later, they think they might have been partly wrong. While the scientists still think that a merger between two black holes triggered the waves, it probably didn't happen in our universe. Instead, what we witnessed was the reverberation from an alternate universe that reached us through a wormhole. The signal named GW190521 is still the "preferred interpretation", as per researchers of a new study, but they are not denying the wormhole theory either. The revelation was made by physicist Qi Lai of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in a preprint uploaded to arXiv. What are wormholes? Wormholes are hypothetical structures in the universe that connect two points in the universe. These two points could either be divided by space or time. The wormhole acts as a bridge between the distant points, and hence, is also known as the Einstein–Rosen bridge and was proposed by Albert Einstein and Nathan Rosen in 1935. If the 2019 event did come from a wormhole formed because of the merger of the two black holes, it would prove that these objects, popularised by space fiction movies and TV shows, are real. However, the study authors are playing it safe and not just calling it a collapsing wormhole formed from a mega collision. Also Read: Humans can survive cosmic winter by befriending super intelligent aliens, scientist says To explain their wormhole theory, Lai and team wrote that gravitational waves are generated when massive, dense objects, such as black holes and neutron stars, collide. But, in case the event occurs with a black hole pair in a binary orbit, their interacting gravitational fields also generate ripples as they are pulled towards each other. These ripples start off weak and gradually become stronger. The mass of the merger is 142 times the mass of the Sun; hence, the wave should have been detectable. But they were missing in the case of GW190521. This led the researchers to state that the black holes were not locked together and were passing each other when they became entangled in each other's gravitational fields. Humans may have probably seen their first wormhole Another explanation given by the researchers for the short burst of gravitational waves is that a binary black hole merger resulted in a wormhole that collapsed and formed a single black hole. Such an event would trigger only a short burst. A waveform model of what this gravitational wave signal would look like was made and compared with data collected in 2019. They also constructed a waveform for a standard binary black hole merger. They noted that the binary black hole merger waveform was only slightly a better explanation for the signal, yet they think the wormhole scenario could still have happened. This would mean that GW190521 was the first time humanity likely observed another universe.

We might have seen our first wormhole in the universe. A signal detected in 2019 could have come from another universe, passing through a wormhole that collapsed after forming from a black hole collision in an alternate world.

Scientists think we have received a signal from a parallel universe via a WORMHOLE

Leopard sharks were seen engaging in a threesome in New Caledonia, the first time any kind of sexual encounter was seen in these marine creatures. The scene was witnessed and recorded by Dr Hugo Lassauce, a researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast, while snorkelling. Lassauce was in the waters, carrying out a survey of the leopard shark population off the coast of Nouméa, when he saw three of them in a grasping battle. Two males were grasping a female shark's pectoral fins on the sand. He knew something was about to happen and decided to wait. An hour's wait yielded fruit as the sexual rendezvous began. Lassauce said the whole thing was "over in minutes" and lasted only 110 seconds. The first male took 63 seconds, while the second was done in 47 seconds. The males lay flat while the sprightly female shark left the scene. “Then the males lost all their energy and lay immobile on the bottom while the female swam away actively,” Lassauce said. The findings were published in a study in the Journal of Ethology. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ghostly-silence-from-blue-whales-an-ominous-sign-for-the-world-scientists-warn-1753863195541">Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world</a>&nbsp;<h2>See video of the shark threesome</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">📍 Nouméa, New Caledonia 🇳🇨 For the first time in the wild, scientists have documented group copulation in the Endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum). 🔗 Read more here: <a href="https://t.co/3Bxn7HqbWH">https://t.co/3Bxn7HqbWH</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ZebraSharkNC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZebraSharkNC</a> <a href="https://t.co/c7j1IieeSX">pic.twitter.com/c7j1IieeSX</a>&mdash; ReShark (@resharkorg) <a href="https://twitter.com/resharkorg/status/1970014393544110542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>First time leopard sharks were seen mating in any form</h2>Scientists say this is the first time a leopard shark has been observed mating in the wild. Previously, other shark species had been observed mating in groups, which happened with multiple males and one female. Dolphins are seen mating all the time, but researchers say leopard sharks are not like dolphins. Leopard sharks are a globally endangered species, and experts say this observation will help with conservation efforts. The video from New Caledonia indicates that this site is a mating site for leopard sharks. Dr Christine Dudgeon, a marine ecology and evolution expert, said that this information can help devise ways to promote mating and conservation strategies. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/baffling-sound-coming-from-pacific-born-from-something-humans-did-46-years-ago-1758525907990">Baffling sound coming from Pacific born from something humans did 46 years ago</a>&nbsp;Dudgeon expressed surprise at witnessing a threesome among the sharks. “It’s surprising and fascinating that two males were involved sequentially on this occasion. From a genetic diversity perspective, we want to find out how many fathers contribute to the batches of eggs laid each year by females," she said. Experts working to conserve and promote reproduction among the leopard sharks have also been working on artificial insemination to “rewild” the species.

Leopard sharks have been seen engaging in sexual activity for the first time ever. Not only this, three of these marine creatures were caught on camera entangled in a threesome, with two males and one female shark.

Leopard sharks were seen engaging in a threesome in New Caledonia, the first time any kind of sexual encounter was seen in these marine creatures. The scene was witnessed and recorded by Dr Hugo Lassauce, a researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast, while snorkelling. Lassauce was in the waters, carrying out a survey of the leopard shark population off the coast of Nouméa, when he saw three of them in a grasping battle. Two males were grasping a female shark's pectoral fins on the sand. He knew something was about to happen and decided to wait. An hour's wait yielded fruit as the sexual rendezvous began. Lassauce said the whole thing was "over in minutes" and lasted only 110 seconds. The first male took 63 seconds, while the second was done in 47 seconds. The males lay flat while the sprightly female shark left the scene. “Then the males lost all their energy and lay immobile on the bottom while the female swam away actively,” Lassauce said. The findings were published in a study in the Journal of Ethology. Also Read: Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world See video of the shark threesome

Leopard sharks have been seen engaging in sexual activity for the first time ever. Not only this, three of these marine creatures were caught on camera entangled in a threesome, with two males and one female shark.

110-second deep sea threesome: Three leopard sharks caught mating on camera | Video

In the vacuum of space, where Earth’s breathable atmosphere is absent, providing astronauts with a continuous supply of oxygen is essential. This necessity has led to the development of sophisticated systems aboard spacecraft to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for crew members.&nbsp;Each astronaut consumes approximately 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg) of oxygen per day. Maintaining a cabin atmosphere similar to Earth's, at about 14.7 psi pressure and 21 per cent oxygen concentration, is crucial for comfort and health. Given the extended durations of missions, especially aboard the International Space Station (ISS), relying solely on stored oxygen is impractical. Onboard oxygen generation systems are therefore essential.&nbsp;<h2>Onboard Oxygen Generation Systems</h2> 1. Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA): The OGA aboard the ISS uses electrolysis to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. This process provides breathable oxygen and contributes to water recovery, as the hydrogen produced is used in other chemical processes aboard the station.&nbsp;2. Elektron System: Operated by the Russian segment of the ISS, the Elektron system performs a similar function, generating oxygen through electrolysis. It is a critical component in maintaining the station's atmosphere and supports the OGA in oxygen production.&nbsp;3. Advanced Closed Loop System (ACLS): Developed by the European Space Agency, the ACLS improves oxygen production efficiency by integrating carbon dioxide removal and water recycling. This system reduces the need for resupply missions by recovering oxygen from waste products.&nbsp;oxygen in space, astronauts oxygen, spacecraft oxygen, ISS life support, oxygen generation, spacewalk oxygen, EMU suit, oxygen storage, electrolysis in space, OGA system, ACLS system, Elektron system, SFOG canisters, pressurized oxygen tanks, space exploration, NASA oxygen, ESA oxygen systems, long-duration missions, Mars mission prep, oxygen recycling, carbon dioxide removal, water electrolysis, breathable atmosphere, space safety, life support systems, EVA oxygen, astronaut survival, space technology, oxygen supply spacecraft, zero gravity oxygen&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Backup Oxygen Systems</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Even with reliable onboard systems, contingency options exist:<ol><li>Solid Fuel Oxygen Generation (SFOG) Canisters: These chemical generators produce oxygen by decomposing lithium perchlorate into oxygen gas.</li></ol>2. Pressurized Oxygen Tanks: Stored oxygen is available for immediate use during emergencies or spacewalks.&nbsp;<h2>Oxygen During Spacewalks</h2>&nbsp;During extravehicular activities, astronauts rely on the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), which includes a Primary Life Support System. The PLSS provides a portable supply of oxygen, temperature regulation, and carbon dioxide removal, ensuring astronaut safety in the vacuum of space.&nbsp;Advancements in oxygen production continue to evolve. Technologies are being developed to recover oxygen from carbon dioxide, significantly reducing dependence on Earth resupply. Such innovations are crucial for long-duration missions, including potential human expeditions to Mars. &nbsp;

Each astronaut consumes approximately 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg) of oxygen per day. Maintaining a cabin atmosphere similar to Earth's, at about 14.7 psi pressure and 21 per cent oxygen concentration, is crucial for comfort and health.

In the vacuum of space, where Earth’s breathable atmosphere is absent, providing astronauts with a continuous supply of oxygen is essential. This necessity has led to the development of sophisticated systems aboard spacecraft to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for crew members. Each astronaut consumes approximately 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg) of oxygen per day. Maintaining a cabin atmosphere similar to Earth's, at about 14.7 psi pressure and 21 per cent oxygen concentration, is crucial for comfort and health. Given the extended durations of missions, especially aboard the International Space Station (ISS), relying solely on stored oxygen is impractical. Onboard oxygen generation systems are therefore essential. Onboard Oxygen Generation Systems 1. Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA): The OGA aboard the ISS uses electrolysis to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. This process provides breathable oxygen and contributes to water recovery, as the hydrogen produced is used in other chemical processes aboard the station. 2. Elektron System: Operated by the Russian segment of the ISS, the Elektron system performs a similar function, generating oxygen through electrolysis. It is a critical component in maintaining the station's atmosphere and supports the OGA in oxygen production. 3. Advanced Closed Loop System (ACLS): Developed by the European Space Agency, the ACLS improves oxygen production efficiency by integrating carbon dioxide removal and water recycling. This system reduces the need for resupply missions by recovering oxygen from waste products. oxygen in space, astronauts oxygen, spacecraft oxygen, ISS life support, oxygen generation, spacewalk oxygen, EMU suit, oxygen storage, electrolysis in space, OGA system, ACLS system, Elektron system, SFOG canisters, pressurized oxygen tanks, space exploration, NASA oxygen, ESA oxygen systems, long-duration missions, Mars mission prep, oxygen recycling, carbon dioxide removal, water electrolysis, breathable atmosphere, space safety, life support systems, EVA oxygen, astronaut survival, space technology, oxygen supply spacecraft, zero gravity oxygen Backup Oxygen Systems Even with reliable onboard systems, contingency options exist: Solid Fuel Oxygen Generation (SFOG) Canisters: These chemical generators produce oxygen by decomposing lithium perchlorate into oxygen gas. 2. Pressurized Oxygen Tanks: Stored oxygen is available for immediate use during emergencies or spacewalks. Oxygen During Spacewalks During extravehicular activities, astronauts rely on the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), which includes a Primary Life Support System. The PLSS provides a portable supply of oxygen, temperature regulation, and carbon dioxide removal, ensuring astronaut safety in the vacuum of space. Advancements in oxygen production continue to evolve. Technologies are being developed to recover oxygen from carbon dioxide, significantly reducing dependence on Earth resupply. Such innovations are crucial for long-duration missions, including potential human expeditions to Mars.

Each astronaut consumes approximately 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg) of oxygen per day. Maintaining a cabin atmosphere similar to Earth's, at about 14.7 psi pressure and 21 per cent oxygen concentration, is crucial for comfort and health.

Oxygen in zero gravity: How spacecraft produce life-saving air for astronauts

Astronomers have, for the first time, directly observed the formation of a planet. An international team, co-led by researchers at the University of Galway, detected WISPIT 2b, a young gas giant forming around the star WISPIT 2, approximately 430 light-years away in the constellation Aquila. Until now, gaps in protoplanetary disks were only theorised as signs of planet formation. WISPIT 2b was captured within one such gap, confirming the long-suspected process. The results were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.&nbsp;<h2>Advanced Technology Reveals Planetary Formation</h2>&nbsp;The discovery was made possible by MagAO-X, an advanced adaptive optics system on the 6.5-meter Magellan Telescope in Chile. The instrument detects hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light, emitted as the young planet accretes hydrogen gas, producing a faint red glow. Lead researcher Laird Close of the University of Arizona explained that “once we activated the adaptive optics system, the planet jumped right out at us.” The team also identified a second candidate, CC1, closer to the star and potentially nine times the mass of Jupiter. Observations were confirmed using infrared data from the Large Binocular Telescope and the SPHERE system on the Very Large Telescope in Chile.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Insights into Planetary Formation and Evolution</h2>&nbsp;WISPIT 2b orbits at about 56 astronomical units (AU) from its star, roughly 3.5 billion miles, placing it far beyond Neptune’s orbit in our solar system. CC1 orbits closer, at around 14–15 AU. Graduate student Gabriel Weible compared the discovery to 'baby pictures' of Jupiter and Saturn, though WISPIT 2b and CC1 are around ten times more massive than our gas giants. The fleeting glow of young planets makes such observations rare, requiring precise timing and advanced instrumentation. This glimpse provides a unique opportunity to study the early stages of planetary development and the processes that shape solar systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;The capture of WISPIT 2b represents a milestone in astronomy, offering a direct look at planet formation. As adaptive optics and imaging technology continue to improve, astronomers hope to observe more newborn planets, deepening our understanding of how planetary systems, including our own, come into existence.

The discovery was made possible by MagAO-X, an advanced adaptive optics system on the 6.5-meter Magellan Telescope in Chile. The instrument detects hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light, emitted as the young planet accretes hydrogen gas, producing a faint red glow. 

Astronomers have, for the first time, directly observed the formation of a planet. An international team, co-led by researchers at the University of Galway, detected WISPIT 2b, a young gas giant forming around the star WISPIT 2, approximately 430 light-years away in the constellation Aquila. Until now, gaps in protoplanetary disks were only theorised as signs of planet formation. WISPIT 2b was captured within one such gap, confirming the long-suspected process. The results were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Advanced Technology Reveals Planetary Formation The discovery was made possible by MagAO-X, an advanced adaptive optics system on the 6.5-meter Magellan Telescope in Chile. The instrument detects hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light, emitted as the young planet accretes hydrogen gas, producing a faint red glow. Lead researcher Laird Close of the University of Arizona explained that “once we activated the adaptive optics system, the planet jumped right out at us.” The team also identified a second candidate, CC1, closer to the star and potentially nine times the mass of Jupiter. Observations were confirmed using infrared data from the Large Binocular Telescope and the SPHERE system on the Very Large Telescope in Chile. Insights into Planetary Formation and Evolution WISPIT 2b orbits at about 56 astronomical units (AU) from its star, roughly 3.5 billion miles, placing it far beyond Neptune’s orbit in our solar system. CC1 orbits closer, at around 14–15 AU. Graduate student Gabriel Weible compared the discovery to 'baby pictures' of Jupiter and Saturn, though WISPIT 2b and CC1 are around ten times more massive than our gas giants. The fleeting glow of young planets makes such observations rare, requiring precise timing and advanced instrumentation. This glimpse provides a unique opportunity to study the early stages of planetary development and the processes that shape solar systems. The capture of WISPIT 2b represents a milestone in astronomy, offering a direct look at planet formation. As adaptive optics and imaging technology continue to improve, astronomers hope to observe more newborn planets, deepening our understanding of how planetary systems, including our own, come into existence.

The discovery was made possible by MagAO-X, an advanced adaptive optics system on the 6.5-meter Magellan Telescope in Chile. The instrument detects hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light, emitted as the young planet accretes hydrogen gas, producing a faint red glow.&nbsp;

Scientists capture a newborn planet forming on camera for the first time

Israeli-American physicist Avi Loeb says that if humans encounter technologically superior aliens and manage to befriend them, we can live as a species in the cosmos longer than the stars in the universe. Loeb is known for his strong views on extraterrestrial life. He believes that there is life outside the solar system. In a big push forward, Loeb started the Galileo Project, whose main principle is that "humans can no longer ignore the possible existence of Extraterrestrial Technological Civilisations (ETCs), and that science should not dogmatically reject potential extraterrestrial explanations because of social stigma or cultural preferences." Loeb recently wrote in his blog post that finding alien life can help humans outlive the stars, whose maximum lifespan is a few trillion years. The Harvard professor believes the cosmos holds several experiences that humans have yet to have on Earth. This is one way humans can benefit from befriending an alien civilisation. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/latest-update-on-3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-is-getting-brighter-1758273179867">Latest update on 3I/ATLAS: Interstellar comet is getting brighter</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-3i-atlas-not-alone-scientist-says-invisible-probe-may-be-racing-ahead-and-could-strike-mars-1756785567924">Is 3I/ATLAS not alone? Scientist says an invisible ‘probe’ racing ahead of it could strike Mars</a><h2>Why should humans search for aliens?</h2>"Finding extraterrestrial siblings would inspire us to reach out beyond the limited experiences we have had so far on our home planet. There are richer opportunities in our cosmic street than available at home," Loeb wrote. He added that an advanced alien race might have even managed to create their own artificial star, and it could help them survive the "cosmic winter", a time in space when all the stars will fizzle out. He said that humans could "join a camping site of intelligent beings around an artificial source of heat", which would "allow humanity to survive the future cosmic winter for potentially more than ten trillion years, the longest lifespan of stars." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/wake-up-call-for-humanity-scientist-wants-3i-atlas-to-be-alien-spaceship-here-s-why-1756095787834">'Wake-up call for humanity’: Scientist wants 3I/ATLAS to be alien spaceship — Here’s why</a><h2>Could interstellar comet 3I/Atlas be alien craft?</h2>Loeb is hopeful of the existence of alien life that has outpaced humans in the field of technology, so much so that they can even undertake interstellar trips. In this context, Loeb has also claimed that 3I/Atlas, the interstellar object racing towards the inner solar system, could be a spaceship sent by an advanced alien civilisation to examine Earth and other planets. He points out several anomalies in 3I/Atlas, which hint that it is not a natural cosmic object. Its trajectory, the light it generates, the speed at which it is travelling, the unexpected brightness and the absence of a cometary tail in earlier pictures, presented a different picture. All of the traits exhibited by 3I/Atlas in these areas went against those of a regular comet. Loeb even thinks that this "mothership" could be coming to seed the planets with probes.&nbsp;Meanwhile, scientists are planning on taking a better look at 3I/Atlas when it comes near Mars on October 3. The CaSSIS camera on ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and the Mars Express’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) will be used to study the interstellar object. The HiRISE camera onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and China's Tianwen-1 mission to Mars can also capture images of 3I/Atlas.&nbsp;<h2>When will alien comet 3I/Atlas come near Earth&nbsp;</h2>Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS won't come near Earth and will remain at a distance of 269 million km from our planet. Its closest approach to Earth will happen on December 19, 2025. The object travelling at a staggering speed of 60,000 km/second will do a flyby of Mars on October 3 and reach perihelion, that is, come closest to the Sun, on 29 October 2025. It is expected to fly away and out of the solar system without ever returning.&nbsp;

A scientist says contacting aliens could prove to be a boon for humans, as encountering an intelligent and advanced civilisation might help us live for trillions of years, longer than even the stars in the universe. 

Israeli-American physicist Avi Loeb says that if humans encounter technologically superior aliens and manage to befriend them, we can live as a species in the cosmos longer than the stars in the universe. Loeb is known for his strong views on extraterrestrial life. He believes that there is life outside the solar system. In a big push forward, Loeb started the Galileo Project, whose main principle is that "humans can no longer ignore the possible existence of Extraterrestrial Technological Civilisations (ETCs), and that science should not dogmatically reject potential extraterrestrial explanations because of social stigma or cultural preferences." Loeb recently wrote in his blog post that finding alien life can help humans outlive the stars, whose maximum lifespan is a few trillion years. The Harvard professor believes the cosmos holds several experiences that humans have yet to have on Earth. This is one way humans can benefit from befriending an alien civilisation. Also Read: Latest update on 3I/ATLAS: Interstellar comet is getting brighter Also Read: Is 3I/ATLAS not alone? Scientist says an invisible ‘probe’ racing ahead of it could strike Mars Why should humans search for aliens? "Finding extraterrestrial siblings would inspire us to reach out beyond the limited experiences we have had so far on our home planet. There are richer opportunities in our cosmic street than available at home," Loeb wrote. He added that an advanced alien race might have even managed to create their own artificial star, and it could help them survive the "cosmic winter", a time in space when all the stars will fizzle out. He said that humans could "join a camping site of intelligent beings around an artificial source of heat", which would "allow humanity to survive the future cosmic winter for potentially more than ten trillion years, the longest lifespan of stars." Also Read: 'Wake-up call for humanity’: Scientist wants 3I/ATLAS to be alien spaceship — Here’s why Could interstellar comet 3I/Atlas be alien craft? Loeb is hopeful of the existence of alien life that has outpaced humans in the field of technology, so much so that they can even undertake interstellar trips. In this context, Loeb has also claimed that 3I/Atlas, the interstellar object racing towards the inner solar system, could be a spaceship sent by an advanced alien civilisation to examine Earth and other planets. He points out several anomalies in 3I/Atlas, which hint that it is not a natural cosmic object. Its trajectory, the light it generates, the speed at which it is travelling, the unexpected brightness and the absence of a cometary tail in earlier pictures, presented a different picture. All of the traits exhibited by 3I/Atlas in these areas went against those of a regular comet. Loeb even thinks that this "mothership" could be coming to seed the planets with probes. Meanwhile, scientists are planning on taking a better look at 3I/Atlas when it comes near Mars on October 3. The CaSSIS camera on ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and the Mars Express’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) will be used to study the interstellar object. The HiRISE camera onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and China's Tianwen-1 mission to Mars can also capture images of 3I/Atlas. When will alien comet 3I/Atlas come near Earth Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS won't come near Earth and will remain at a distance of 269 million km from our planet. Its closest approach to Earth will happen on December 19, 2025. The object travelling at a staggering speed of 60,000 km/second will do a flyby of Mars on October 3 and reach perihelion, that is, come closest to the Sun, on 29 October 2025. It is expected to fly away and out of the solar system without ever returning.

A scientist says contacting aliens could prove to be a boon for humans, as encountering an intelligent and advanced civilisation might help us live for trillions of years, longer than even the stars in the universe.&nbsp;

Humans can survive cosmic winter by befriending super intelligent aliens, scientist says

Nearly 46 years ago, scientists noticed strange pinging sounds coming from an area in the central Pacific Ocean. Their source remained a mystery for decades. It has now been found to be a remnant of a human activity, showcasing how interfering with nature can have repercussions. In 1979, a deep-sea mining experiment was carried out in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). This region is rich in nickel, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt deposits that are present in rocks known as polymetallic nodules. These materials are used in electric vehicle batteries, and for this reason, the CCZ has been on the radar of the mining industry. Years ago, an experiment tried to understand whether these materials can be mined, and how this might affect the marine system. Later, after the mining experiment was over, the region started emitting strange sounds. Scientists remained confused about their origin. A study has found that the pinging sound is the result of human activity. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dark-oxygen-13-000ft-inside-the-ocean-offers-clues-on-life-in-the-solar-system-1758277151383">13,000ft-deep secret: Scientists discover oxygen in the darkest region where it shouldn't exist</a>&nbsp;The mining experiment left visible marks on the ocean floor. A study led by the National Oceanography Centre and the Natural History Museum in London, published in the journal Nature, states that the mining machinery affected the region and is the reason for the sound. The ocean floor caught the sound of the machines, and this is what researchers have been hearing all these years. The machines are no longer there, yet the sound remains, which is shocking. Dr Adrian Glover, the study’s author, said that the machinery left a sonic imprint, and "the scars made by the mining machine 44 years ago look almost as if they were made yesterday." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/thousands-of-barrels-with-mysterious-chemical-dumped-off-the-coast-of-california-are-making-halo-rings-1757582289880">Thousands of barrels with mysterious chemical found in the ocean in California cause major scare</a>&nbsp;<h2>Should oceans be mined?</h2>The mining also affected the marine ecosystem, as sea creatures that inhabited the region vanished. The study showed that mobile organisms, such as xenophyophores, are now making a comeback here, although the original animals remain missing. The biological recovery is good news, but the ecosystem remains affected, considering the original species are yet to colonise the area again. The mining experiment shows that mining the seabed might not be a good idea, as it can affect the ecosystem for hundreds of years. Disturbing the marine ecosystem can spell doom for the entire world. This is also the place where scientists found "dark oxygen", that is, oxygen found in the darkest part of the ocean where sunlight does not reach. It was an astonishing discovery since oxygen was being created without photosynthesis.&nbsp;

A strange sound from the Pacific had been baffling scientists for years. They have now uncovered the origins of the pinging. It is not a natural sound but is the result of human activity. It shows that there is a need to safeguard our oceans from human impact.  

Nearly 46 years ago, scientists noticed strange pinging sounds coming from an area in the central Pacific Ocean. Their source remained a mystery for decades. It has now been found to be a remnant of a human activity, showcasing how interfering with nature can have repercussions. In 1979, a deep-sea mining experiment was carried out in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). This region is rich in nickel, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt deposits that are present in rocks known as polymetallic nodules. These materials are used in electric vehicle batteries, and for this reason, the CCZ has been on the radar of the mining industry. Years ago, an experiment tried to understand whether these materials can be mined, and how this might affect the marine system. Later, after the mining experiment was over, the region started emitting strange sounds. Scientists remained confused about their origin. A study has found that the pinging sound is the result of human activity. Also Read: 13,000ft-deep secret: Scientists discover oxygen in the darkest region where it shouldn't exist The mining experiment left visible marks on the ocean floor. A study led by the National Oceanography Centre and the Natural History Museum in London, published in the journal Nature, states that the mining machinery affected the region and is the reason for the sound. The ocean floor caught the sound of the machines, and this is what researchers have been hearing all these years. The machines are no longer there, yet the sound remains, which is shocking. Dr Adrian Glover, the study’s author, said that the machinery left a sonic imprint, and "the scars made by the mining machine 44 years ago look almost as if they were made yesterday." Also Read: Thousands of barrels with mysterious chemical found in the ocean in California cause major scare Should oceans be mined? The mining also affected the marine ecosystem, as sea creatures that inhabited the region vanished. The study showed that mobile organisms, such as xenophyophores, are now making a comeback here, although the original animals remain missing. The biological recovery is good news, but the ecosystem remains affected, considering the original species are yet to colonise the area again. The mining experiment shows that mining the seabed might not be a good idea, as it can affect the ecosystem for hundreds of years. Disturbing the marine ecosystem can spell doom for the entire world. This is also the place where scientists found "dark oxygen", that is, oxygen found in the darkest part of the ocean where sunlight does not reach. It was an astonishing discovery since oxygen was being created without photosynthesis.

A strange sound from the Pacific had been baffling scientists for years. They have now uncovered the origins of the pinging. It is not a natural sound but is the result of human activity. It shows that there is a need to safeguard our oceans from human impact. &nbsp;

Baffling sound coming from Pacific born from something humans did 46 years ago

This week, the night sky offers a rare and captivating display as two of our solar system's most distant planets, Saturn and Neptune, reach opposition according to IFLScience. This celestial event positions Earth directly between these planets and the Sun, allowing them to be fully illuminated and visible throughout the night. For skywatchers, this is an exceptional opportunity to observe these distant worlds with the naked eye and through telescopes.&nbsp;<h2>Saturn at Opposition: A Glimpse of the Ringed Giant</h2>&nbsp;On September 21, 2025, Saturn reaches opposition, bringing it to its closest approach to Earth at approximately 1.28 billion kilometers. This alignment makes Saturn appear at its largest and brightest, fully illuminated by the Sun. The planet will rise in the east at sunset and set in the west at sunrise, remaining visible all night. In India, Saturn will be visible in the eastern sky after sunset, shining steadily as a pale yellow object in the constellation Pisces. The Seeliger effect, a phenomenon where the planet's rings appear brighter due to sunlight reflecting off the ring particles, will enhance the visibility of Saturn's iconic rings during this event.&nbsp;<h2>Neptune's Opposition: A Distant Blue World</h2>&nbsp;Two days later, on September 23, Neptune reaches opposition. At this time, Earth aligns directly between the Sun and Neptune, bringing the planet to its closest approach for the year. However, due to Neptune's vast distance of approximately 4.3 billion kilometers from Earth, it will appear as a faint blue dot through telescopes. Observers should look for Neptune in the eastern sky after sunset, where it will rise at sunset and set at sunrise, remaining visible throughout the night. In India, the best viewing times will be after sunset and before twilight begins, with Neptune reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight local time.&nbsp;Viewing Tips for StargazersFor optimal viewing of Saturn and Neptune, consider the following tips:Location: Choose a dark-sky location away from city lights to minimize light pollution.Timing: Both planets will be visible throughout the night, but the best viewing times are after sunset and before twilight begins.Equipment: While Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope will provide a clearer view of its rings. Neptune, being farther away, requires a telescope to observe.Weather: Check local weather conditions for clear skies.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>A Rare Celestial Alignment</h2>The simultaneous opposition of Saturn and Neptune offers a unique opportunity for both amateur and professional astronomers to observe these distant planets. The increased brightness and proximity during opposition allow for more detailed observations, contributing to our understanding of the outer solar system. This rare alignment serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our cosmic neighborhood.

This celestial event positions Earth directly between these planets and the Sun, allowing them to be fully illuminated and visible throughout the night. 

This week, the night sky offers a rare and captivating display as two of our solar system's most distant planets, Saturn and Neptune, reach opposition according to IFLScience. This celestial event positions Earth directly between these planets and the Sun, allowing them to be fully illuminated and visible throughout the night. For skywatchers, this is an exceptional opportunity to observe these distant worlds with the naked eye and through telescopes. Saturn at Opposition: A Glimpse of the Ringed Giant On September 21, 2025, Saturn reaches opposition, bringing it to its closest approach to Earth at approximately 1.28 billion kilometers. This alignment makes Saturn appear at its largest and brightest, fully illuminated by the Sun. The planet will rise in the east at sunset and set in the west at sunrise, remaining visible all night. In India, Saturn will be visible in the eastern sky after sunset, shining steadily as a pale yellow object in the constellation Pisces. The Seeliger effect, a phenomenon where the planet's rings appear brighter due to sunlight reflecting off the ring particles, will enhance the visibility of Saturn's iconic rings during this event. Neptune's Opposition: A Distant Blue World Two days later, on September 23, Neptune reaches opposition. At this time, Earth aligns directly between the Sun and Neptune, bringing the planet to its closest approach for the year. However, due to Neptune's vast distance of approximately 4.3 billion kilometers from Earth, it will appear as a faint blue dot through telescopes. Observers should look for Neptune in the eastern sky after sunset, where it will rise at sunset and set at sunrise, remaining visible throughout the night. In India, the best viewing times will be after sunset and before twilight begins, with Neptune reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight local time. Viewing Tips for Stargazers For optimal viewing of Saturn and Neptune, consider the following tips: Location: Choose a dark-sky location away from city lights to minimize light pollution. Timing: Both planets will be visible throughout the night, but the best viewing times are after sunset and before twilight begins. Equipment: While Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope will provide a clearer view of its rings. Neptune, being farther away, requires a telescope to observe. Weather: Check local weather conditions for clear skies. A Rare Celestial Alignment The simultaneous opposition of Saturn and Neptune offers a unique opportunity for both amateur and professional astronomers to observe these distant planets. The increased brightness and proximity during opposition allow for more detailed observations, contributing to our understanding of the outer solar system. This rare alignment serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our cosmic neighborhood.

This celestial event positions Earth directly between these planets and the Sun, allowing them to be fully illuminated and visible throughout the night.&nbsp;

Saturn and Neptune at their brightest: How to see the stunning planetary show this week...

A diver off the coast near Arzachena town in Sardinia, Italy, has uncovered a remarkable cache of fourth-century bronze coins, with initial assessments based on weight pointing to 30,000 to 50,000 pieces. The coins were found scattered across a sandy area between the beach and underwater seagrass. The team also suggested that fragments of amphorae likely came from workshops in Africa and parts of Asia, indicating trade movement through this route in late Roman times, according to a report in Earth.com.&nbsp;“The treasure found in the waters off Arzachena represents one of the most important coin discoveries,” in recent years, said Luigi La Rocca, general director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape at Italy’s Ministry of Culture.&nbsp;The heritage of the government led archaeology to set the tone for the discovery, finding it an exact moment in the economy and politics of the Roman world, a time when new rulers and reforms reshaped daily transactions.<h3>Where were the coins found?</h3>These coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.&nbsp;Researchers identified two primary scatter zones within sandy patches framed by thick seagrass. This natural boundary is significant, as the roots of the plants stabilise the sand while still leaving coins and pottery fragments partly exposed at the surface.&nbsp;Among the findings are broken amphorae, suggesting the site was linked to active trade routes across the Mediterranean. With some vessels originating from North Africa and others from the eastern provinces, the evidence indicates that merchants were combining goods from multiple regions on a single journey.<h3>What coins tell us about money?</h3>Most of the coins are follis, a sizeable bronze piece introduced during Diocletian’s monetary reform. The earliest examples weighed close to ten grams and were coated with a thin layer of silver, an attempt to make base metal appear more valuable.&nbsp;As time passes, a signal of the pressures any empire faces while trying to fund armies, bureaucracy, and public works, the silvering and weight slipped. However, the face value of the coins kept everyday trade moving even as the metal content declined.&nbsp;By the early fourth century, folles served as a common currency across the Roman Empire. A sailor settling his bill used the same denomination a farmer used inland, making hoards like this valuable for historians in tracing the circulation and reach of currency.&nbsp;Though small in size, coins provide rich historical insights. Their images, inscriptions, and mint marks reveal rulers, political messages, and minting locations. Studying collections highlights broader patterns, such as links between coin surges and military or political events, or trade routes across seas.&nbsp;Metal composition and corrosion layers preserve environmental traces, while striking marks shed light on ancient minting techniques and workshop practices, making coins vital tools for historical research.

The coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.

A diver off the coast near Arzachena town in Sardinia, Italy, has uncovered a remarkable cache of fourth-century bronze coins, with initial assessments based on weight pointing to 30,000 to 50,000 pieces. The coins were found scattered across a sandy area between the beach and underwater seagrass. The team also suggested that fragments of amphorae likely came from workshops in Africa and parts of Asia, indicating trade movement through this route in late Roman times, according to a report in Earth.com. “The treasure found in the waters off Arzachena represents one of the most important coin discoveries,” in recent years, said Luigi La Rocca, general director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape at Italy’s Ministry of Culture. The heritage of the government led archaeology to set the tone for the discovery, finding it an exact moment in the economy and politics of the Roman world, a time when new rulers and reforms reshaped daily transactions. Where were the coins found? These coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment. Researchers identified two primary scatter zones within sandy patches framed by thick seagrass. This natural boundary is significant, as the roots of the plants stabilise the sand while still leaving coins and pottery fragments partly exposed at the surface. Among the findings are broken amphorae, suggesting the site was linked to active trade routes across the Mediterranean. With some vessels originating from North Africa and others from the eastern provinces, the evidence indicates that merchants were combining goods from multiple regions on a single journey. What coins tell us about money? Most of the coins are follis, a sizeable bronze piece introduced during Diocletian’s monetary reform. The earliest examples weighed close to ten grams and were coated with a thin layer of silver, an attempt to make base metal appear more valuable. As time passes, a signal of the pressures any empire faces while trying to fund armies, bureaucracy, and public works, the silvering and weight slipped. However, the face value of the coins kept everyday trade moving even as the metal content declined. By the early fourth century, folles served as a common currency across the Roman Empire. A sailor settling his bill used the same denomination a farmer used inland, making hoards like this valuable for historians in tracing the circulation and reach of currency. Though small in size, coins provide rich historical insights. Their images, inscriptions, and mint marks reveal rulers, political messages, and minting locations. Studying collections highlights broader patterns, such as links between coin surges and military or political events, or trade routes across seas. Metal composition and corrosion layers preserve environmental traces, while striking marks shed light on ancient minting techniques and workshop practices, making coins vital tools for historical research.

The coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.

Amateur diver unearths 50,000 ancient 4th-century Roman coins beneath sea sand in Italy

Saturn's small icy moons, Enceladus, measuring only about 300 miles (500 kilometers) across, have become a focal point for scientists to hunt for life beyond Earth. Despite its small size, it releases huge plumes of water vapour, ice particles and organic compounds from cracks near its south pole, which have been viewed as hints of a hidden ocean that could host life.&nbsp;Surprisingly, new research unveiled at a planetary science gathering in Finland presents another possibility where researchers argued that several organic compounds previously detected in the plums could actually originate on the frozen surface of the moon, driven by relentless radiation from the magnetic field of Saturn, according to a report in Space.com.&nbsp;The results raise doubts about whether these wings truly signal alien life or are merely the echoes of lifeless chemicals on a frozen shell. "Although this doesn't rule out the possibility that Enceladus' ocean may be habitable, it does mean we need to be cautious in making that assumption just because of the composition of the plumes," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics said in a statement.<h3>How did scientists find the possibility of life on Saturn's moon?</h3>Richards and her colleagues regenerated the environment on Enceladus in miniature inside a specialised laboratory in Hungary for their experiment. Using an ice chamber, the team froze a mixture of water, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia to a bone-chilling temperature of -420 degrees Fahrenheit (-253 degrees Celsius), similar to the cold conditions near the moon's surface. Then, the ices were bombarded with high-energy "water-group ions," similar charged particles which are found on Saturn that constantly irradiate Enceladus.&nbsp;To study the chemical transformations caused by radiation, scientists employed infrared spectroscopy to track the unique molecular "fingerprints," or spectra, of the icy samples. As radiation interacted with the material, shifts in the spectra indicated the creation of new compounds. Across all five experiments, the irradiated ices generated carbon monoxide, cyanate, and ammonium, the same molecules identified in the plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus by NASA’s Cassini mission in 2005.&nbsp;When the samples were gradually warmed, more complex organic molecules emerged. These include carbamic acid, ammonium carbamate and potential amino acid precursors such as methanol and ethanol, as well as molecules like acetylene, acetaldehyde and formamide, known as fundamental ingredients for prebiotic chemistry, also formed, highlighting their potential role in supporting the chemical basis of life.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doctors-in-china-successfully-implant-pig-s-lung-into-a-human-in-historic-first-1758439298137">Doctors in China successfully implant Pig’s lung into a human in historic first</a>&nbsp;"Although many of these products have not previously been detected on Enceladus' surface, some have been detected in Enceladus' plumes," Richards and her colleagues wrote in the paper. This leads to "questions about whether plume material is formed within the radiation-rich space environment or whether it originates in the subsurface ocean," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics also said in a statement.&nbsp;NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers for humankind. The instruments onboard the spacecraft, however, were not equipped to differentiate between molecules that may have originated in the moon’s deep ocean and those that could have formed within its icy crust.&nbsp;In parallel, China is developing a multi-phase mission plan featuring an orbiter, a lander, and a drilling robot capable of penetrating the surface to access the subsurface ocean. The aim is to directly investigate for possible biosignatures.

NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers to researchers.

Saturn's small icy moons, Enceladus, measuring only about 300 miles (500 kilometers) across, have become a focal point for scientists to hunt for life beyond Earth. Despite its small size, it releases huge plumes of water vapour, ice particles and organic compounds from cracks near its south pole, which have been viewed as hints of a hidden ocean that could host life. Surprisingly, new research unveiled at a planetary science gathering in Finland presents another possibility where researchers argued that several organic compounds previously detected in the plums could actually originate on the frozen surface of the moon, driven by relentless radiation from the magnetic field of Saturn, according to a report in Space.com. The results raise doubts about whether these wings truly signal alien life or are merely the echoes of lifeless chemicals on a frozen shell. "Although this doesn't rule out the possibility that Enceladus' ocean may be habitable, it does mean we need to be cautious in making that assumption just because of the composition of the plumes," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics said in a statement. How did scientists find the possibility of life on Saturn's moon? Richards and her colleagues regenerated the environment on Enceladus in miniature inside a specialised laboratory in Hungary for their experiment. Using an ice chamber, the team froze a mixture of water, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia to a bone-chilling temperature of -420 degrees Fahrenheit (-253 degrees Celsius), similar to the cold conditions near the moon's surface. Then, the ices were bombarded with high-energy "water-group ions," similar charged particles which are found on Saturn that constantly irradiate Enceladus. To study the chemical transformations caused by radiation, scientists employed infrared spectroscopy to track the unique molecular "fingerprints," or spectra, of the icy samples. As radiation interacted with the material, shifts in the spectra indicated the creation of new compounds. Across all five experiments, the irradiated ices generated carbon monoxide, cyanate, and ammonium, the same molecules identified in the plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus by NASA’s Cassini mission in 2005. When the samples were gradually warmed, more complex organic molecules emerged. These include carbamic acid, ammonium carbamate and potential amino acid precursors such as methanol and ethanol, as well as molecules like acetylene, acetaldehyde and formamide, known as fundamental ingredients for prebiotic chemistry, also formed, highlighting their potential role in supporting the chemical basis of life. Also read: Doctors in China successfully implant Pig’s lung into a human in historic first "Although many of these products have not previously been detected on Enceladus' surface, some have been detected in Enceladus' plumes," Richards and her colleagues wrote in the paper. This leads to "questions about whether plume material is formed within the radiation-rich space environment or whether it originates in the subsurface ocean," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics also said in a statement. NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers for humankind. The instruments onboard the spacecraft, however, were not equipped to differentiate between molecules that may have originated in the moon’s deep ocean and those that could have formed within its icy crust. In parallel, China is developing a multi-phase mission plan featuring an orbiter, a lander, and a drilling robot capable of penetrating the surface to access the subsurface ocean. The aim is to directly investigate for possible biosignatures.

NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers to researchers.

Is there life on 'Enceladus'? New study questions 'Alien' hints on Saturn’s moon

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a phenomenon where individuals experience a tingling sensation, often described as a 'brain massage,' typically on the scalp, neck, and spine. This response is triggered by specific auditory, visual, or tactile stimuli, such as whispering, tapping, or personal attention scenarios. While ASMR has gained popularity online, particularly through YouTube videos, its potential therapeutic effects, especially concerning anxiety, remain a topic of scientific inquiry.&nbsp;<h2>The Science Behind ASMR's Calming Effects</h2>&nbsp;Research indicates that ASMR can induce a state of relaxation, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and stress. A study by researchers at The University of Sheffield, published in Psychology Today found that individuals who experience ASMR report lower heart rates and blood pressure during ASMR sessions, suggesting a physiological response that promotes calmness. Additionally, ASMR has been associated with the release of dopamine and oxytocin, neurotransmitters linked to pleasure and social bonding, which may contribute to its calming effects.&nbsp;While ASMR is not a substitute for professional mental health treatments, it may serve as a complementary tool for managing anxiety. According to a report from ReachLink, ASMR's ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality can support overall mental wellness. The immersive nature of ASMR content, which often includes soothing sounds and personal attention role-plays, can provide a comforting experience for individuals seeking relief from anxiety symptoms.It's important to note that ASMR does not affect everyone in the same way. Only a subset of the population experiences the characteristic tingling sensation and associated calming effects. Factors such as personality traits, openness to new experiences, and susceptibility to sensory stimuli may influence an individual's response to ASMR content.&nbsp;<h2>Potential Applications Beyond Anxiety Relief</h2>&nbsp;Beyond anxiety, ASMR has been explored for its potential benefits in other areas of mental health. Studies suggest that ASMR may aid in improving sleep quality, reducing symptoms of depression, and enhancing cognitive functions like attention and memory. However, these findings are preliminary, and further research is needed to establish ASMR's efficacy across diverse populations and conditions.&nbsp;In conclusion, while ASMR shows promise as a tool for alleviating anxiety and promoting relaxation, its effects are highly individual. For those who experience the tingling sensation and find comfort in ASMR content, it may offer a valuable addition to their self-care practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While ASMR has gained popularity online, particularly through YouTube videos, its potential therapeutic effects, especially concerning anxiety, remain a topic of scientific inquiry.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a phenomenon where individuals experience a tingling sensation, often described as a 'brain massage,' typically on the scalp, neck, and spine. This response is triggered by specific auditory, visual, or tactile stimuli, such as whispering, tapping, or personal attention scenarios. While ASMR has gained popularity online, particularly through YouTube videos, its potential therapeutic effects, especially concerning anxiety, remain a topic of scientific inquiry. The Science Behind ASMR's Calming Effects Research indicates that ASMR can induce a state of relaxation, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and stress. A study by researchers at The University of Sheffield, published in Psychology Today found that individuals who experience ASMR report lower heart rates and blood pressure during ASMR sessions, suggesting a physiological response that promotes calmness. Additionally, ASMR has been associated with the release of dopamine and oxytocin, neurotransmitters linked to pleasure and social bonding, which may contribute to its calming effects. While ASMR is not a substitute for professional mental health treatments, it may serve as a complementary tool for managing anxiety. According to a report from ReachLink, ASMR's ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality can support overall mental wellness. The immersive nature of ASMR content, which often includes soothing sounds and personal attention role-plays, can provide a comforting experience for individuals seeking relief from anxiety symptoms. It's important to note that ASMR does not affect everyone in the same way. Only a subset of the population experiences the characteristic tingling sensation and associated calming effects. Factors such as personality traits, openness to new experiences, and susceptibility to sensory stimuli may influence an individual's response to ASMR content. Potential Applications Beyond Anxiety Relief Beyond anxiety, ASMR has been explored for its potential benefits in other areas of mental health. Studies suggest that ASMR may aid in improving sleep quality, reducing symptoms of depression, and enhancing cognitive functions like attention and memory. However, these findings are preliminary, and further research is needed to establish ASMR's efficacy across diverse populations and conditions. In conclusion, while ASMR shows promise as a tool for alleviating anxiety and promoting relaxation, its effects are highly individual. For those who experience the tingling sensation and find comfort in ASMR content, it may offer a valuable addition to their self-care practices.

While ASMR has gained popularity online, particularly through YouTube videos, its potential therapeutic effects, especially concerning anxiety, remain a topic of scientific inquiry.

Does ASMR really reduce anxiety? Experts reveal how whispering videos affects your brain

On September 6, 2025, astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy captured an unprecedented image of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transiting the Sun’s chromosphere. Taken from a Florida wildlife refuge eight miles west of Cape Canaveral, the photograph shows the rocket’s silhouette cutting through the Sun’s turbulent plasma in hydrogen-alpha light. This is believed to be the first image of its kind, revealing intricate details of the chromosphere, the dynamic, superheated layer just above the Sun’s surface, never before seen in such a context. Described the shot, McCarthy told PetaPixel, ‘a different perspective on space,’ blending science and art to inspire curiosity about the universe.<h2>Technical Mastery and Precise Timing</h2>Unlike traditional white-light solar images, which show a relatively flat solar disk, McCarthy’s hydrogen-alpha photograph captures fiery shockwaves in the Sun’s plasma, enhanced by light scattered and diffused through the rocket’s plume. To achieve this, McCarthy used a specially designed solar telescope and an astronomy camera, while also recording a secondary image in white light with a Canon R5 camera and solar filter. The launch in question was part of the Starlink 10-57 mission, marking the 27th flight of Booster 1069 carrying 28 satellites to low Earth orbit. McCarthy relied on careful coordination with fellow rocket photographers to calculate the precise position, timing, and angle needed to capture the rocket’s transit across the Sun.<h2>Science Meets Art in a Unique Perspective</h2>The resulting image is more than just a photograph; it is a rare intersection of science and artistry. The Falcon 9 appears as a crisp, black silhouette cutting across a vibrant, restless Sun, with the chromosphere’s molten plasma providing a dramatic, almost surreal backdrop. The hydrogen-alpha wavelength highlights the Sun’s turbulent features in a way white light cannot, making this capture a historic achievement in astrophotography and space observation. McCarthy’s photograph not only illustrates the technical prowess required for such a shot but also underscores the poetic convergence of human technology and the fiery grandeur of our nearest star, creating a visual record that may never be replicated.&nbsp;

This is believed to be the first image of its kind, revealing intricate details of the chromosphere, the dynamic, superheated layer just above the Sun’s surface, never before seen in such a context. 

On September 6, 2025, astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy captured an unprecedented image of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transiting the Sun’s chromosphere. Taken from a Florida wildlife refuge eight miles west of Cape Canaveral, the photograph shows the rocket’s silhouette cutting through the Sun’s turbulent plasma in hydrogen-alpha light. This is believed to be the first image of its kind, revealing intricate details of the chromosphere, the dynamic, superheated layer just above the Sun’s surface, never before seen in such a context. Described the shot, McCarthy told PetaPixel, ‘a different perspective on space,’ blending science and art to inspire curiosity about the universe. Technical Mastery and Precise Timing Unlike traditional white-light solar images, which show a relatively flat solar disk, McCarthy’s hydrogen-alpha photograph captures fiery shockwaves in the Sun’s plasma, enhanced by light scattered and diffused through the rocket’s plume. To achieve this, McCarthy used a specially designed solar telescope and an astronomy camera, while also recording a secondary image in white light with a Canon R5 camera and solar filter. The launch in question was part of the Starlink 10-57 mission, marking the 27th flight of Booster 1069 carrying 28 satellites to low Earth orbit. McCarthy relied on careful coordination with fellow rocket photographers to calculate the precise position, timing, and angle needed to capture the rocket’s transit across the Sun. Science Meets Art in a Unique Perspective The resulting image is more than just a photograph; it is a rare intersection of science and artistry. The Falcon 9 appears as a crisp, black silhouette cutting across a vibrant, restless Sun, with the chromosphere’s molten plasma providing a dramatic, almost surreal backdrop. The hydrogen-alpha wavelength highlights the Sun’s turbulent features in a way white light cannot, making this capture a historic achievement in astrophotography and space observation. McCarthy’s photograph not only illustrates the technical prowess required for such a shot but also underscores the poetic convergence of human technology and the fiery grandeur of our nearest star, creating a visual record that may never be replicated.

This is believed to be the first image of its kind, revealing intricate details of the chromosphere, the dynamic, superheated layer just above the Sun’s surface, never before seen in such a context.&nbsp;

Historic! Astrophotographer captures SpaceX Falcon 9 cutting through solar chromosphere

On July 22, 2009, India experienced one of the most extraordinary astronomical spectacles of modern times: the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century. During this rare alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Moon’s shadow swept across the subcontinent, plunging many cities into complete darkness for several minutes. At its peak, the eclipse lasted an exceptional six minutes and thirty-nine seconds, a duration unmatched by any other solar eclipse in this century. The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night.&nbsp;There are three main types of solar eclipses, each defined by how much of the Sun is obscured:Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun’s corona and turning day into darkness.Partial Solar Eclipse: The Moon only covers part of the Sun, creating a shadow that looks like a visible crescent.Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon appears smaller than the Sun and leaves a glowing “ring of fire” around its edge.&nbsp;<h2>Where &amp; How It Was Seen in India</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The eclipse’s path of totality began in western India near the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat and travelled across cities including Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Patna before moving eastward through Nepal, Bangladesh and China. While much of northern and eastern India experienced the rare sight of totality, large parts of the country observed it as a partial eclipse. In cities along the Ganges such as Varanasi, vast crowds assembled before dawn to observe traditional rituals by the river, while scientists set up camps to study the atmospheric changes, the sudden drop in temperature, and even the behaviour of animals during the brief darkness. For many, the event was both a spiritual occurrence and a remarkable natural spectacle, reminding people of the deep cultural and religious associations solar eclipses have held in India for centuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Why the Duration Was Exceptional</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>What made the 2009 eclipse especially long was a combination of astronomical factors. The Moon was close to its perigee, its nearest point to Earth, which made it appear slightly larger in the sky. At the same time, Earth was near aphelion, the farthest point in its orbit from the Sun, making the Sun appear fractionally smaller. This unique coincidence allowed the Moon to cover the Sun more fully and for longer than usual.&nbsp;The geometry of the eclipse path further extended the duration of totality, ensuring that observers in India and across Asia experienced a spectacle not seen in generations. Though later eclipses, such as the one expected on August 2, 2027, are predicted to last impressively long in other parts of the world, within India none surpass the grandeur of July 22, 2009. That morning’s darkness at dawn remains etched in the collective memory as the country’s longest and most remarkable solar eclipse of the century, blending science, culture and spirituality into a moment of rare cosmic significance.

The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night.

On July 22, 2009, India experienced one of the most extraordinary astronomical spectacles of modern times: the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century. During this rare alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Moon’s shadow swept across the subcontinent, plunging many cities into complete darkness for several minutes. At its peak, the eclipse lasted an exceptional six minutes and thirty-nine seconds, a duration unmatched by any other solar eclipse in this century. The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night. There are three main types of solar eclipses, each defined by how much of the Sun is obscured: Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun’s corona and turning day into darkness. Partial Solar Eclipse: The Moon only covers part of the Sun, creating a shadow that looks like a visible crescent. Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon appears smaller than the Sun and leaves a glowing “ring of fire” around its edge. Where & How It Was Seen in India The eclipse’s path of totality began in western India near the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat and travelled across cities including Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Patna before moving eastward through Nepal, Bangladesh and China. While much of northern and eastern India experienced the rare sight of totality, large parts of the country observed it as a partial eclipse. In cities along the Ganges such as Varanasi, vast crowds assembled before dawn to observe traditional rituals by the river, while scientists set up camps to study the atmospheric changes, the sudden drop in temperature, and even the behaviour of animals during the brief darkness. For many, the event was both a spiritual occurrence and a remarkable natural spectacle, reminding people of the deep cultural and religious associations solar eclipses have held in India for centuries. Why the Duration Was Exceptional What made the 2009 eclipse especially long was a combination of astronomical factors. The Moon was close to its perigee, its nearest point to Earth, which made it appear slightly larger in the sky. At the same time, Earth was near aphelion, the farthest point in its orbit from the Sun, making the Sun appear fractionally smaller. This unique coincidence allowed the Moon to cover the Sun more fully and for longer than usual. The geometry of the eclipse path further extended the duration of totality, ensuring that observers in India and across Asia experienced a spectacle not seen in generations. Though later eclipses, such as the one expected on August 2, 2027, are predicted to last impressively long in other parts of the world, within India none surpass the grandeur of July 22, 2009. That morning’s darkness at dawn remains etched in the collective memory as the country’s longest and most remarkable solar eclipse of the century, blending science, culture and spirituality into a moment of rare cosmic significance.

The event drew scientists, astronomers, and millions of ordinary people who gathered in streets, riverbanks and open spaces to witness a phenomenon that transformed daylight into an eerie night.

The day India went dark for 6 minutes 39 seconds: The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century

A team of doctors in China successfully implanted a pig's lung into a human for the first time. They connected a gene-edited pig lung to a man who had been pronounced brain dead. The implanted lung functioned for 9 days and transported oxygen into the blood till the immune system destroyed it.&nbsp;The transplantation was part of xenotransplantation, a process in which the use of animal organs took place to help people who required transplants. This method plays a significant role for humankind, as several patients die waiting for an organ if their lungs fail.&nbsp;Researchers documented the case in a peer-reviewed paper, tracking the transplanted pig lung for 216 hours, or nine days. The development allowed doctors to observe how the human immune system responds to a pig organ over an extended period, according to a report in Earth.com.&nbsp;The operation and analysis were directed by the lead surgeon, Jianxing He of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, whose group works in lung surgery and transplant research in Guangzhou, China. According to a report in OPTN, the United States performed 3,340 lung transplants in 2024. Despite the increase, the demand remains high, and waiting lists are long.<h3>How a pig’s lung was implanted into a man</h3>In this experimental surgery, doctors removed the left lung of a genetically modified Bama Xiang pig, a small native Chinese breed commonly used in xenotransplantation because its organs closely match human sizes. Then they attached the pig's organ to a 39-year-old brain-dead man after the lung was edited multiple times with the help of CRISPR technology, a tool that changes DNA in precise ways.&nbsp;Scientists modified the pig lung by deleting three genes that typically trigger strong immune reactions and inserting three human genes that regulate blood clotting and the complement system. The lung was surgically attached to the patient’s airway and blood vessels using standard transplant methods, while the other natural lung was left intact to maintain stability and allow safe data collection.&nbsp;Once blood flow resumed, the lung began exchanging gases and readings from its vein confirmed normal oxygen levels, indicating that the organ was functioning at a basic level. The most serious issue emerged within the first 24 hours—fluid build-up in the tissue, resembling primary graft dysfunction, a complication often seen after lung transplants.&nbsp;By the third and sixth days, tests revealed antibody activity and complement system attacks that were damaging the tissue. Although some improvements were noted by day nine, the researchers chose to end the experiment and remove the lung for further study.<h3>How will the implantation help patients?</h3>Recent developments with pig kidney transplants in humans have shown remarkable results. One patient has successfully lived for more than six months with a transplanted pig kidney.&nbsp;However, lungs pose a greater risk due to different biological complexities, so kidney progress does not transfer directly. Still, the kidney breakthrough shows that carefully designed genetic modifications and tailored drug therapies can extend the acceptance of animal organs.&nbsp;If researchers succeed in identifying the right balance of gene edits and medicines for lung transplants, it could be transformative. Patients suffering from conditions such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or severe emphysema could get options that are currently unavailable.&nbsp;

Doctors documented the case in a peer-reviewed paper, tracking the transplanted pig lung for 216 hours, or nine days. The development allowed doctors to observe how the human immune system responds to a pig organ over an extended period.

A team of doctors in China successfully implanted a pig's lung into a human for the first time. They connected a gene-edited pig lung to a man who had been pronounced brain dead. The implanted lung functioned for 9 days and transported oxygen into the blood till the immune system destroyed it. The transplantation was part of xenotransplantation, a process in which the use of animal organs took place to help people who required transplants. This method plays a significant role for humankind, as several patients die waiting for an organ if their lungs fail. Researchers documented the case in a peer-reviewed paper, tracking the transplanted pig lung for 216 hours, or nine days. The development allowed doctors to observe how the human immune system responds to a pig organ over an extended period, according to a report in Earth.com. The operation and analysis were directed by the lead surgeon, Jianxing He of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, whose group works in lung surgery and transplant research in Guangzhou, China. According to a report in OPTN, the United States performed 3,340 lung transplants in 2024. Despite the increase, the demand remains high, and waiting lists are long. How a pig’s lung was implanted into a man In this experimental surgery, doctors removed the left lung of a genetically modified Bama Xiang pig, a small native Chinese breed commonly used in xenotransplantation because its organs closely match human sizes. Then they attached the pig's organ to a 39-year-old brain-dead man after the lung was edited multiple times with the help of CRISPR technology, a tool that changes DNA in precise ways. Scientists modified the pig lung by deleting three genes that typically trigger strong immune reactions and inserting three human genes that regulate blood clotting and the complement system. The lung was surgically attached to the patient’s airway and blood vessels using standard transplant methods, while the other natural lung was left intact to maintain stability and allow safe data collection. Once blood flow resumed, the lung began exchanging gases and readings from its vein confirmed normal oxygen levels, indicating that the organ was functioning at a basic level. The most serious issue emerged within the first 24 hours—fluid build-up in the tissue, resembling primary graft dysfunction, a complication often seen after lung transplants. By the third and sixth days, tests revealed antibody activity and complement system attacks that were damaging the tissue. Although some improvements were noted by day nine, the researchers chose to end the experiment and remove the lung for further study. How will the implantation help patients? Recent developments with pig kidney transplants in humans have shown remarkable results. One patient has successfully lived for more than six months with a transplanted pig kidney. However, lungs pose a greater risk due to different biological complexities, so kidney progress does not transfer directly. Still, the kidney breakthrough shows that carefully designed genetic modifications and tailored drug therapies can extend the acceptance of animal organs. If researchers succeed in identifying the right balance of gene edits and medicines for lung transplants, it could be transformative. Patients suffering from conditions such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or severe emphysema could get options that are currently unavailable.

Doctors documented the case in a peer-reviewed paper, tracking the transplanted pig lung for 216 hours, or nine days. The development allowed doctors to observe how the human immune system responds to a pig organ over an extended period.

Doctors in China successfully implant Pig’s lung into a human in historic first

Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft, already renowned for its successful sample return from asteroid Ryugu in 2020, faces an unprecedented challenge in its extended mission. New astronomical observations have revealed that asteroid 1998 KY26, the target for Hayabusa2’s 2031 rendezvous, is far smaller and faster than previously believed. Initially thought to be about 30 metres wide and rotating once every 10 minutes, KY26 has now been found to measure just 11 metres across and spins once every five minutes. The findings were published on Thursday, following observations by the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile.&nbsp;“We found that the reality of the object is completely different from what it was previously described as,” said Toni Santana-Ros, astronomer at the University of Alicante and the University of Barcelona, who led the study using the VLT.<h2>Challenges for Hayabusa2’s extended mission</h2>Hayabusa2’s mission extension was approved after its return from Ryugu, allowing the spacecraft to continue towards KY26. While it has enough fuel to make the journey, the new revelations raise serious complications. The asteroid’s size is comparable to the spacecraft itself, complicating efforts to orbit and potentially land on its surface. Its rapid spin further intensifies the challenge, as completing one rotation in just five minutes makes maintaining proximity and stability extremely difficult.Olivier Hainaut, astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, emphasised the complexity: “The smaller size and faster rotation now measured will make Hayabusa2's visit even more interesting, but also even more challenging.”&nbsp;This marks the first mission ever to attempt exploration of an asteroid this small, and the encounter will demand precision unlike any previous planetary mission. Astronomers had to wait until KY26’s close pass to Earth to refine their calculations, highlighting just how elusive such small space rocks are.<h2>Scientific value and broader implications</h2>Despite the technical hurdles, studying KY26 carries enormous scientific value. Its bright surface suggests it could be a solid monolithic rock, though it might also be a loosely bound rubble pile. Understanding such objects is crucial, not just for planetary science but also for planetary defence. Asteroids of similar size have struck Earth before, such as the Chelyabinsk event in 2013, which caused widespread damage and injuries.&nbsp;As Santana-Ros explained, “We have never seen a 10-metre-size asteroid in situ, so we don't really know what to expect and how it will look.” This mission could therefore provide vital insights into how small asteroids are structured and how they behave in space. Hayabusa2’s work at KY26 will also inform future missions involving asteroid mining and strategies to mitigate potential threats to Earth.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Hayabusa2 mission is now poised to make history once again, this time by attempting to characterise the smallest asteroid ever targeted by a spacecraft. While the new findings make the mission more complex, they also promise to expand humanity’s understanding of small near-Earth objects.&nbsp;

Initially thought to be about 30 metres wide and rotating once every 10 minutes, KY26 has now been found to measure just 11 metres across and spins once every five minutes. 

Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft, already renowned for its successful sample return from asteroid Ryugu in 2020, faces an unprecedented challenge in its extended mission. New astronomical observations have revealed that asteroid 1998 KY26, the target for Hayabusa2’s 2031 rendezvous, is far smaller and faster than previously believed. Initially thought to be about 30 metres wide and rotating once every 10 minutes, KY26 has now been found to measure just 11 metres across and spins once every five minutes. The findings were published on Thursday, following observations by the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. “We found that the reality of the object is completely different from what it was previously described as,” said Toni Santana-Ros, astronomer at the University of Alicante and the University of Barcelona, who led the study using the VLT. Challenges for Hayabusa2’s extended mission Hayabusa2’s mission extension was approved after its return from Ryugu, allowing the spacecraft to continue towards KY26. While it has enough fuel to make the journey, the new revelations raise serious complications. The asteroid’s size is comparable to the spacecraft itself, complicating efforts to orbit and potentially land on its surface. Its rapid spin further intensifies the challenge, as completing one rotation in just five minutes makes maintaining proximity and stability extremely difficult. Olivier Hainaut, astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, emphasised the complexity: “The smaller size and faster rotation now measured will make Hayabusa2's visit even more interesting, but also even more challenging.” This marks the first mission ever to attempt exploration of an asteroid this small, and the encounter will demand precision unlike any previous planetary mission. Astronomers had to wait until KY26’s close pass to Earth to refine their calculations, highlighting just how elusive such small space rocks are. Scientific value and broader implications Despite the technical hurdles, studying KY26 carries enormous scientific value. Its bright surface suggests it could be a solid monolithic rock, though it might also be a loosely bound rubble pile. Understanding such objects is crucial, not just for planetary science but also for planetary defence. Asteroids of similar size have struck Earth before, such as the Chelyabinsk event in 2013, which caused widespread damage and injuries. As Santana-Ros explained, “We have never seen a 10-metre-size asteroid in situ, so we don't really know what to expect and how it will look.” This mission could therefore provide vital insights into how small asteroids are structured and how they behave in space. Hayabusa2’s work at KY26 will also inform future missions involving asteroid mining and strategies to mitigate potential threats to Earth. The Hayabusa2 mission is now poised to make history once again, this time by attempting to characterise the smallest asteroid ever targeted by a spacecraft. While the new findings make the mission more complex, they also promise to expand humanity’s understanding of small near-Earth objects.

Initially thought to be about 30 metres wide and rotating once every 10 minutes, KY26 has now been found to measure just 11 metres across and spins once every five minutes.&nbsp;

Asteroid KY26 smaller and faster than expected, new challenge for Japan’s Hayabusa2

The interstellar comet-like object 3I/ATLAS, which is approaching the solar system at 210,000 km/h, will pass close to four planets (but not Earth) and the Sun in its cosmic journey. The pop culture's fascination with interstellar visitors makes the leap from ‘I don’t know what it is' to 'alien spaceship' relatively smooth. Harvard‑trained astrophysicist and the popular host of the show ‘Cosmos’ has weighed in on the conversation. He said that cosmic mystery should be a call to weigh in more data.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/latest-update-on-3i-atlas-interstellar-comet-is-getting-brighter-1758273179867">Latest update on 3I/ATLAS: Interstellar comet is getting brighter</a><h2>Alien spaceship theory for 3I/Atlas</h2>Harvard Professor Avi Loeb made headlines when he came up with some intriguing properties of the interstellar object that didn't match the usual known model of a comet or asteroid. 3I/ATLAS, just like the Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019), is coming from outside the solar system. Its unusual high speed suggests that it is not rotating in the solar system bound by the sun's gravity. &nbsp;Like Oumuamua, 3I/ATLAS has non-gravitational acceleration and has an unusual shape and brightness.&nbsp;“If it doesn’t behave like a comet or asteroid, we should at least consider an artificial explanation instead of ruling it out”, said Loeb. Some speculation suggests that it just has enough time to observe the solar system while staying hidden from the Earth due to its flight path.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/everything-we-know-about-interstellar-object-3i-atlas-size-speed-origin-arrival-and-alien-speculations-explained-1757413577593">All you should know about interstellar object 3I/Atlas: Size, origin, arrival, and why has it turned green</a><h2>Neil deGrasse Tyson weighs in on the debate</h2>Tyson says that we have recently discovered technology to observe fast-moving objects like the Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019), and 3I/ATLAS. He says, “They have some weird properties. The brightness, the rotation rate, and so they don’t match some of our models for what comets and asteroids should do.” But he also warns that the explanation of All-powerful aliens should not be a substitute for the ‘I don’t know what it is.’&nbsp;He evoked that 'the God of the Gaps' has been replaced by the ‘alien of the gaps.’&nbsp;In early times, when people didn't understand something, for example, “What causes the weather? The ancient Greeks said it was the rage of Poseidon. Why do orbits deviate over time? Newton said it was the power of God.” Historians called it ‘the God of the Gaps’. Now, when people do not understand something like the Egyptian Pyramid or 3I/ATLAS. It's related to Aliens. Tyson said that “There’s a lot we still don’t know about the ancient Egyptians, and archaeologists should continue to study them.”Similarly, for 3I/ATLAS, “The moment you say, ‘I don’t know what I’m looking at, therefore I know what I’m looking at. I’m looking at aliens.’ That is a leap.” Instead, scientists should try to collect more data. Something Loeb also echoed in his statement, which could be possible from the satellite orbiting the Red planet.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/origin-of-3i-atlas-scientists-claim-the-interstellar-visitor-is-travelling-from-this-point-in-space-1757338521926">Origin of 3I/ATLAS: Scientists claim the interstellar visitor is travelling from THIS point in space</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harvard’s Avi Loeb and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson weigh in on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS and the rising alien spaceship theories.

The interstellar comet-like object 3I/ATLAS, which is approaching the solar system at 210,000 km/h, will pass close to four planets (but not Earth) and the Sun in its cosmic journey. The pop culture's fascination with interstellar visitors makes the leap from ‘I don’t know what it is' to 'alien spaceship' relatively smooth. Harvard‑trained astrophysicist and the popular host of the show ‘Cosmos’ has weighed in on the conversation. He said that cosmic mystery should be a call to weigh in more data. Also Read: Latest update on 3I/ATLAS: Interstellar comet is getting brighter Alien spaceship theory for 3I/Atlas Harvard Professor Avi Loeb made headlines when he came up with some intriguing properties of the interstellar object that didn't match the usual known model of a comet or asteroid. 3I/ATLAS, just like the Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019), is coming from outside the solar system. Its unusual high speed suggests that it is not rotating in the solar system bound by the sun's gravity. Like Oumuamua, 3I/ATLAS has non-gravitational acceleration and has an unusual shape and brightness. “If it doesn’t behave like a comet or asteroid, we should at least consider an artificial explanation instead of ruling it out”, said Loeb. Some speculation suggests that it just has enough time to observe the solar system while staying hidden from the Earth due to its flight path. Also Read: All you should know about interstellar object 3I/Atlas: Size, origin, arrival, and why has it turned green Neil deGrasse Tyson weighs in on the debate Tyson says that we have recently discovered technology to observe fast-moving objects like the Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019), and 3I/ATLAS. He says, “They have some weird properties. The brightness, the rotation rate, and so they don’t match some of our models for what comets and asteroids should do.” But he also warns that the explanation of All-powerful aliens should not be a substitute for the ‘I don’t know what it is.’ He evoked that 'the God of the Gaps' has been replaced by the ‘alien of the gaps.’ In early times, when people didn't understand something, for example, “What causes the weather? The ancient Greeks said it was the rage of Poseidon. Why do orbits deviate over time? Newton said it was the power of God.” Historians called it ‘the God of the Gaps’. Now, when people do not understand something like the Egyptian Pyramid or 3I/ATLAS. It's related to Aliens. Tyson said that “There’s a lot we still don’t know about the ancient Egyptians, and archaeologists should continue to study them.”Similarly, for 3I/ATLAS, “The moment you say, ‘I don’t know what I’m looking at, therefore I know what I’m looking at. I’m looking at aliens.’ That is a leap.” Instead, scientists should try to collect more data. Something Loeb also echoed in his statement, which could be possible from the satellite orbiting the Red planet. Also Read: Origin of 3I/ATLAS: Scientists claim the interstellar visitor is travelling from THIS point in space

Harvard’s Avi Loeb and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson weigh in on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS and the rising alien spaceship theories.

Neil deGrasse Tyson on 3I/ATLAS: ‘Alien of the Gaps’ theory isn’t science

In a global space launch ecosystem that is defined and dominated by Elon Musk's SpaceX and their vertical landing Falcon-series and Starship rockets, which perform over 100 launches annually, many entities are trying to join the club. China, Japan, Europe are the major contenders in this effort, with their respective private entities or government-backed entities making efforts towards developing re-usable rockets, which would eventually help them save on precious hardware, reduce launch-to-launch turnaround time, increase launch frequency, and reduce launch costs significantly.&nbsp;&nbsp;China is rapidly developing its capacity to build and launch re-usable vertical landing rockets via its Government entities and private ones. Several Chinese vertical landing rockets have been tested over the last three years. There are high hopes on entities such as Space Pioneer with its Tianlong-3 rocket, LandSpace with its Zhuque-3 rocket, and the Chinese government's Long March 12-A. All three rockets share a similar design, and capability-wise are quite similar to SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another Chinese firm SpaceEpoch has been testing their Hiker-1 vertical landing rocket and conducted a successful initial trial at sea. With multiple competing players in the fray, China has the overall edge among the nations that are trying to master this new-age technological capability.&nbsp;&nbsp;In June 2025, Japan's Honda R&amp;D, a research and development subsidiary of Honda Motor Co, conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket. The test vehicle stood 6.3 meters tall, measured 85 cm in diameter, and had a 1,312 kg mass including fuel. Developed independently by Honda, the test was completed successfully, and marked the first time Honda landed a rocket after reaching an altitude of nearly 300 meters.&nbsp;According to the firm, Honda started rocket research based on the belief that it has the potential to contribute more to people’s daily lives by launching satellites with its own rockets, that could lead to various services that are also compatible with other Honda businesses. Honda has chosen to take on the technological challenge of developing reusable rockets by utilizing Honda technologies amassed in the development of various products and automated driving systems, based on a belief that reusable rockets will contribute to achieving sustainable transportation.&nbsp;Although Honda's rocket research is still in the fundamental research phase, and no decisions have been made regarding commercialization of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue making progress in the fundamental research with a technology development goal of having technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029, the firm says.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest entrant is Europe's ArianeGroup, which announced on Friday, 19th September, that the first Themis reusable rocket demonstrator has been fully integrated and is standing on its own four legs on a launch pad in Sweden. The demonstrator will now be put through a combined test campaign before an initial low-altitude hop test is performed. Hop tests are the baby steps in the long and technologically sophisticated journey to building a vertical landing rocket.&nbsp;European Space Agency(ESA )Member States adopted the Themis programme in November 2019 with the aim of developing and maturing key technologies for future reusable rockets. The reusable rocket first stage demonstrator stands 30 metres tall and is powered by a Prometheus rocket engine, which is being developed by ArianeGroup as part of a separate ESA-funded project and is capable of producing approximately 100 tonnes of thrust.&nbsp;In addition to funding from the European Space Agency, the project is also being funded through a European Union initiative called SALTO. According to ArianeGroup, the €39 million project aims to facilitate the first flight tests of the Themis reusable stage demonstrator at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden.

Europes Themis reusable rocket demonstrator has been fully integrated and is standing on its own four legs on a launch pad in Sweden.

In a global space launch ecosystem that is defined and dominated by Elon Musk's SpaceX and their vertical landing Falcon-series and Starship rockets, which perform over 100 launches annually, many entities are trying to join the club. China, Japan, Europe are the major contenders in this effort, with their respective private entities or government-backed entities making efforts towards developing re-usable rockets, which would eventually help them save on precious hardware, reduce launch-to-launch turnaround time, increase launch frequency, and reduce launch costs significantly. China is rapidly developing its capacity to build and launch re-usable vertical landing rockets via its Government entities and private ones. Several Chinese vertical landing rockets have been tested over the last three years. There are high hopes on entities such as Space Pioneer with its Tianlong-3 rocket, LandSpace with its Zhuque-3 rocket, and the Chinese government's Long March 12-A. All three rockets share a similar design, and capability-wise are quite similar to SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket. Another Chinese firm SpaceEpoch has been testing their Hiker-1 vertical landing rocket and conducted a successful initial trial at sea. With multiple competing players in the fray, China has the overall edge among the nations that are trying to master this new-age technological capability. In June 2025, Japan's Honda R&D, a research and development subsidiary of Honda Motor Co, conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket. The test vehicle stood 6.3 meters tall, measured 85 cm in diameter, and had a 1,312 kg mass including fuel. Developed independently by Honda, the test was completed successfully, and marked the first time Honda landed a rocket after reaching an altitude of nearly 300 meters. According to the firm, Honda started rocket research based on the belief that it has the potential to contribute more to people’s daily lives by launching satellites with its own rockets, that could lead to various services that are also compatible with other Honda businesses. Honda has chosen to take on the technological challenge of developing reusable rockets by utilizing Honda technologies amassed in the development of various products and automated driving systems, based on a belief that reusable rockets will contribute to achieving sustainable transportation. Although Honda's rocket research is still in the fundamental research phase, and no decisions have been made regarding commercialization of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue making progress in the fundamental research with a technology development goal of having technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029, the firm says. The latest entrant is Europe's ArianeGroup, which announced on Friday, 19th September, that the first Themis reusable rocket demonstrator has been fully integrated and is standing on its own four legs on a launch pad in Sweden. The demonstrator will now be put through a combined test campaign before an initial low-altitude hop test is performed. Hop tests are the baby steps in the long and technologically sophisticated journey to building a vertical landing rocket. European Space Agency(ESA )Member States adopted the Themis programme in November 2019 with the aim of developing and maturing key technologies for future reusable rockets. The reusable rocket first stage demonstrator stands 30 metres tall and is powered by a Prometheus rocket engine, which is being developed by ArianeGroup as part of a separate ESA-funded project and is capable of producing approximately 100 tonnes of thrust. In addition to funding from the European Space Agency, the project is also being funded through a European Union initiative called SALTO. According to ArianeGroup, the €39 million project aims to facilitate the first flight tests of the Themis reusable stage demonstrator at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden.

Europe's Themis reusable rocket demonstrator has been fully integrated and is standing on its own four legs on a launch pad in Sweden.

Like China and Japan, Europe working on vertical landing rockets

Scientists have discovered rich deposits of nickel, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt 13,123 feet below the surface of the ocean between Hawaii and the western coast of Mexico. This zone is known as the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), and stretches in a 4.5 million-kilometre-square area. Besides the vibrant ecosystem, this region also contains rocks known as polymetallic nodules. These rocks are filled with these precious metals that can help power green energy. However, a study has found that these metals are also capable of producing oxygen in the darkest regions of the oceans. Researchers call it dark oxygen, as it is born in a region where sunlight doesn't reach. They say that this discovery can change the belief about how life began on Earth, and also how it might be born on other bodies in the Solar System, such as &nbsp;Enceladus or Europa, Saturn and Jupiter's icy moons, respectively. The research was published in the journal Nature Geoscience. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/thousands-of-barrels-with-mysterious-chemical-dumped-off-the-coast-of-california-are-making-halo-rings-1757582289880">Thousands of barrels with mysterious chemical found in the ocean in California cause major scare</a>&nbsp;The study authors said that past research has shown that Earth’s oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms. “For aerobic life to begin on the planet, there had to be oxygen," Andrew Sweetman, deep-sea ecologist with the Scottish Association for Marine Science and lead author of the study, said in a statement. But now that they know that oxygen can also be produced in the deep sea, where there is no sunlight, scientists say they need to reconsider where aerobic life could have begun. Nearly 10 years ago, Sweetman noted that oxygen levels decreased as they went deeper into the ocean. But then, in 2013, scientists noticed higher levels of oxygen in the CCZ. At the time, there was a glitch in the data or a fault with the systems. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-surprised-to-see-organism-alive-and-moving-inside-arctic-ocean-that-they-thought-was-dead-1757656476816">Scientists surprised to see organism 'alive and moving' inside Arctic Ocean that they thought was dead</a><h2>“Battery in a rock” located deep inside the ocean?</h2>However, later analysis and further research showed that the region was producing oxygen. Mining companies refer to these rocks with metals as a “battery in a rock.” This kicked off a new idea in Sweetman's mind. He proposed that these nodules were, for some reason, acting as a kind of “geobattery”. This was supposedly being done by separating hydrogen and oxygen via seawater electrolysis. Then in 2023, he recreated the condition in a lab after a study found that various bacteria and archaea can create “dark oxygen." He killed any microorganisms with mercury chloride, and was surprised to see that oxygen levels were rising. Sweetman also found a voltage of roughly 0.95 volts on the surface of these nodules.&nbsp;This has further added fuel to the debate that these nodules can solve the world's energy problems. Mining companies want to extract these metals, but experts from 25 countries have asked the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council to press pause on any operations until the consequences of such an extraction are clear.

The discovery of dark oxygen deep inside the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) between Hawaii and the western coast of Mexico has stumped scientists. It could offer clues about life in other parts of the solar system.

Scientists have discovered rich deposits of nickel, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt 13,123 feet below the surface of the ocean between Hawaii and the western coast of Mexico. This zone is known as the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), and stretches in a 4.5 million-kilometre-square area. Besides the vibrant ecosystem, this region also contains rocks known as polymetallic nodules. These rocks are filled with these precious metals that can help power green energy. However, a study has found that these metals are also capable of producing oxygen in the darkest regions of the oceans. Researchers call it dark oxygen, as it is born in a region where sunlight doesn't reach. They say that this discovery can change the belief about how life began on Earth, and also how it might be born on other bodies in the Solar System, such as Enceladus or Europa, Saturn and Jupiter's icy moons, respectively. The research was published in the journal Nature Geoscience. Also Read: Thousands of barrels with mysterious chemical found in the ocean in California cause major scare The study authors said that past research has shown that Earth’s oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms. “For aerobic life to begin on the planet, there had to be oxygen," Andrew Sweetman, deep-sea ecologist with the Scottish Association for Marine Science and lead author of the study, said in a statement. But now that they know that oxygen can also be produced in the deep sea, where there is no sunlight, scientists say they need to reconsider where aerobic life could have begun. Nearly 10 years ago, Sweetman noted that oxygen levels decreased as they went deeper into the ocean. But then, in 2013, scientists noticed higher levels of oxygen in the CCZ. At the time, there was a glitch in the data or a fault with the systems. Also Read: Scientists surprised to see organism 'alive and moving' inside Arctic Ocean that they thought was dead “Battery in a rock” located deep inside the ocean? However, later analysis and further research showed that the region was producing oxygen. Mining companies refer to these rocks with metals as a “battery in a rock.” This kicked off a new idea in Sweetman's mind. He proposed that these nodules were, for some reason, acting as a kind of “geobattery”. This was supposedly being done by separating hydrogen and oxygen via seawater electrolysis. Then in 2023, he recreated the condition in a lab after a study found that various bacteria and archaea can create “dark oxygen." He killed any microorganisms with mercury chloride, and was surprised to see that oxygen levels were rising. Sweetman also found a voltage of roughly 0.95 volts on the surface of these nodules. This has further added fuel to the debate that these nodules can solve the world's energy problems. Mining companies want to extract these metals, but experts from 25 countries have asked the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council to press pause on any operations until the consequences of such an extraction are clear.

The discovery of dark oxygen deep inside the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) between Hawaii and the western coast of Mexico has stumped scientists. It could offer clues about life in other parts of the solar system.

13,000ft-deep secret: Scientists discover oxygen in the darkest region where it shouldn't exist

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is brightening unexpectedly, new observations have shown. The object has been creating a lot of buzz for its strange appearance and the absence of a tail in initial images. However, it now has a cometary tail and is also becoming more active. As comets start coming closer to the Sun, they begin to get brighter. But, mid-September observations show that 3I/Atlas is rising above the upward-sloping line of brightening. However, the brightness might lower or go even more upwards in the coming weeks. Comets are known to behave unpredictably, so there is no way to know how 3I/Atlas will behave. As the comet gets closer to the sun, the water ice on its surface will sublimate, a process during which dust particles are ejected. This gas and dust is the bright, fuzzy coma at the centre of the comet, and elongates to form the tail of the comet. Earlier, the interstellar object caused quite a storm in the astronomy community after it was first spotted in July. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/origin-of-3i-atlas-scientists-claim-the-interstellar-visitor-is-travelling-from-this-point-in-space-1757338521926">Origin of 3I/ATLAS: Scientists claim the interstellar visitor is travelling from THIS point in space</a><h2>NASA's TESS also caught 3I/Atlas in May, precovery data show</h2>3I/Atlas had a strange trajectory, which led scientists to conclude that it was not a resident of our solar system and had come from interstellar space. Harvard scientists Avi Loeb cited several things about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/everything-we-know-about-interstellar-object-3i-atlas-size-speed-origin-arrival-and-alien-speculations-explained-1757413577593">3I/Atlas</a> to claim it could be an alien spaceship coming to probe Earth and the other planets in the solar system. However, the rest of the community is sure that it is a comet. However, all of them agree that 3I/Atlas has been behaving strangely. After it was officially spotted by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) station at Río Hurtado, Chile, scientists went back through more data on other telescopes. They found &nbsp;NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) had captured it in May, and between May 7 and June 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/has-a-telescope-in-chile-captured-evidence-that-3i-atlas-is-a-comet-1757052461880">3I/ATLAS</a> suddenly became five times brighter.&nbsp;3I/ATLAS will fly by Mars on October 3, and this would be a good chance to get a peek at the comet. The HiRISE camera onboard the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/loeb-says-mars-reconnaissance-orbiter-hirise-could-spy-on-3i-atlas-to-reveal-if-it-is-an-alien-probe-or-just-a-comet-1756814643185">Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter</a> can capture images of the comet during this period. The comet will be at a distance of 29 million kilometres from Mars, and get as close as 2.7 million kilometres in a couple of days. China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-the-ways-humans-can-intercept-3i-atlas-before-it-slips-away-alien-spaceship-or-comet-1756878424334">Tianwen-1 mission to Mars</a> also has a high-resolution camera that can be used to monitor the comet. The CaSSIS camera on ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and the Mars Express’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) are slated to check in on 3I/Atlas on October 3.<h2>3I/ATLAS arrival near Earth</h2>Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is moving through the solar system at a staggering speed of 210,000 km/hour. It will do a flyby of Mars on October 3 and reach perihelion, that is, come closest to the Sun, on 29 October 2025. It will come nearest to Earth on December 19, 2025, when it will be 269 million km from our planet. It is expected to leave our solar system after wowing Earthlings.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is fast racing towards the inner solar system. It now has a cometary tail and a bright coma. Fresh observations show that the comet is getting brighter, meaning it is becoming more active. 

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is brightening unexpectedly, new observations have shown. The object has been creating a lot of buzz for its strange appearance and the absence of a tail in initial images. However, it now has a cometary tail and is also becoming more active. As comets start coming closer to the Sun, they begin to get brighter. But, mid-September observations show that 3I/Atlas is rising above the upward-sloping line of brightening. However, the brightness might lower or go even more upwards in the coming weeks. Comets are known to behave unpredictably, so there is no way to know how 3I/Atlas will behave. As the comet gets closer to the sun, the water ice on its surface will sublimate, a process during which dust particles are ejected. This gas and dust is the bright, fuzzy coma at the centre of the comet, and elongates to form the tail of the comet. Earlier, the interstellar object caused quite a storm in the astronomy community after it was first spotted in July. Also Read: Origin of 3I/ATLAS: Scientists claim the interstellar visitor is travelling from THIS point in space NASA's TESS also caught 3I/Atlas in May, precovery data show 3I/Atlas had a strange trajectory, which led scientists to conclude that it was not a resident of our solar system and had come from interstellar space. Harvard scientists Avi Loeb cited several things about 3I/Atlas to claim it could be an alien spaceship coming to probe Earth and the other planets in the solar system. However, the rest of the community is sure that it is a comet. However, all of them agree that 3I/Atlas has been behaving strangely. After it was officially spotted by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) station at Río Hurtado, Chile, scientists went back through more data on other telescopes. They found NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) had captured it in May, and between May 7 and June 3, 3I/ATLAS suddenly became five times brighter. 3I/ATLAS will fly by Mars on October 3, and this would be a good chance to get a peek at the comet. The HiRISE camera onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter can capture images of the comet during this period. The comet will be at a distance of 29 million kilometres from Mars, and get as close as 2.7 million kilometres in a couple of days. China's Tianwen-1 mission to Mars also has a high-resolution camera that can be used to monitor the comet. The CaSSIS camera on ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and the Mars Express’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) are slated to check in on 3I/Atlas on October 3. 3I/ATLAS arrival near Earth Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is moving through the solar system at a staggering speed of 210,000 km/hour. It will do a flyby of Mars on October 3 and reach perihelion, that is, come closest to the Sun, on 29 October 2025. It will come nearest to Earth on December 19, 2025, when it will be 269 million km from our planet. It is expected to leave our solar system after wowing Earthlings.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is fast racing towards the inner solar system. It now has a cometary tail and a bright coma. Fresh observations show that the comet is getting brighter, meaning it is becoming more active.&nbsp;

Latest update on 3I/ATLAS: Interstellar comet is getting brighter

A key US vaccine advisory panel has recommended against giving a combined vaccine that protects against preventable diseases like measles and chickenpox to children aged four or under. This recommendation comes just days after reports emerged that the Trump administration plans to link 25 child deaths to Covid vaccines. The move aligns with the anti-vaccine stance of current Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, even as medical experts warn that such actions could cause confusion, reduce vaccine uptake, and lead to a resurgence of preventable childhood diseases across America.<h2>What did the vaccine panel say about the MMRV vaccine?</h2>The MMRV vaccine is a combination shot that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). On Thursday (Sep 18), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — an expert panel under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — voted 8-3 to recommend that children aged four and under not receive the combined MMRV vaccine. Instead, they recommended giving separate MMR and varicella (chickenpox) shots. The panel cited a slightly increased risk of febrile seizures in children aged 12 to 23 months when given the combined MMRV shot, compared to receiving the MMR and varicella vaccines separately. While these seizures are rare and typically not dangerous, the panel used this data to support their recommendation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-planning-to-link-covid-vaccine-shots-to-child-deaths-in-controversial-anti-vax-push-1757746954672">Trump administration planning to link COVID vaccine shots to child deaths in controversial anti-vax push</a>They also proposed reconsidering the timing of other childhood vaccinations, including the hepatitis B vaccine, which is usually given at birth, and delaying its administration where possible.The seizure risk associated with MMRV has been acknowledged in prior CDC guidance, though the risk is rare—about one additional seizure per 2,300 to 2,600 vaccinated children.<h2>US plans to link Covid-19 vaccines to child deaths</h2>These changes came just days after multiple US media outlets reported that the Trump administration plans to present data allegedly linking 25 child deaths to Covid-19 vaccines at an upcoming ACIP meeting. The claims are said to be based on the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a national vaccine safety surveillance programme in the US. However, public health experts have repeatedly cautioned that VAERS reports do not prove causality. Anyone can submit a VAERS report, and these reports are not verified. The existence of a report does not mean the vaccine caused the death or adverse event.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cancer-immunotherapy-breakthrough-russian-vaccine-enteromix-demonstrates-100-per-cent-efficacy-in-trials-ready-for-rollout-1757226810346">Cancer immunotherapy breakthrough: Russian vaccine Enteromix demonstrates 100 per cent efficacy in trials, ready for rollout</a><h2>Public health experts warn of eroding trust in vaccines</h2>Experts warn that these anti-vaccine shifts risk undermining decades of public health progress. Altering long-standing vaccine schedules—particularly under political influence—could fuel vaccine hesitancy. If uptake drops due to confusion or fear, diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox—which mainly affect children—could resurge. Measles is particularly contagious and had been nearly eradicated in parts of the world due to widespread immunisation.While the CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) programme will still cover MMRV in many cases, there is concern that insurance coverage, Medicaid, and logistics (more clinic visits, more injections) may complicate vaccine uptake.Meanwhile, amid allegations of politicising the CDC, critics have noted that the composition of the ACIP panel has recently changed, with several vaccine-sceptic members added—raising concerns about the scientific rigour of decisions being made.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-to-lose-covid-vaccine-trump-rfk-jr-planning-to-pull-covid-vaccine-from-us-market-within-months-report-1756121006138">America to lose COVID vaccine? Trump, RFK Jr. planning to pull COVID vaccine from US market 'within months': Report</a><h2>How risky is replacing MMRV with separate shots?</h2>The medical risk of switching from MMRV to separate MMR and varicella vaccines is small. The cited seizure risk, while slightly elevated with MMRV, is rare (roughly 1 in 2,500) and almost all children recover fully.However, logistical challenges arise with more appointments and injections, increasing the likelihood that children miss or delay one of the shots. These delays can reduce immunity and increase vulnerability to outbreaks.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-scientists-express-concern-over-russias-new-cancer-vaccine-785420/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-scientists-express-concern-over-russias-new-cancer-vaccine-785420/embed</a><h2>Policy confusion could reduce protection for American children</h2>Restricting or de-prioritising combined vaccines like MMRV could result in fewer children receiving timely and complete immunisation. This increases the likelihood of outbreaks of serious, preventable illnesses. Similarly, misleading the public by citing unverified VAERS reports to link vaccines to child deaths—without scientific evidence—could influence parents to delay or skip vaccinations.There is no established causal link between Covid vaccines and child deaths as claimed. Official reviews from the CDC, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and independent panels have not validated such a link.Historical data shows that when vaccine uptake drops or schedules are disrupted, outbreaks of diseases like measles or whooping cough follow—often with serious consequences for children.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/cancer-treatment-with-just-one-vaccine-nhs-rolls-out-5-minute-super-jab-that-will-truly-transform-livescancer-treatment-with-just-one-vaccine-nhs-rolls-out-5-minute-super-jab-that-will-truly-transform-lives-9021485">Cancer treatment with just one vaccine: NHS rolls out 5-minute ‘super-jab’ that will ‘truly transform lives’</a><h2>Politics is the biggest disease affecting Americans</h2>There is growing concern that recent actions by the Trump administration—particularly through the restructured CDC advisory panel and its vaccine recommendations—may be prioritising political ideology over medical science.While individual risk factors should always be carefully considered, public health experts stress that these policy changes may lead to lower immunisation rates, greater public confusion, and preventable disease outbreaks—effectively putting American children at greater risk.&nbsp;

A CDC panel under Trump administration has advised against MMRV vaccine for kids aged under four. This is sparking fears of lower vaccine uptake and disease outbreaks. The move came amid reports that CDS is going to link Covid vaccines to children's deaths.



A key US vaccine advisory panel has recommended against giving a combined vaccine that protects against preventable diseases like measles and chickenpox to children aged four or under. This recommendation comes just days after reports emerged that the Trump administration plans to link 25 child deaths to Covid vaccines. The move aligns with the anti-vaccine stance of current Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, even as medical experts warn that such actions could cause confusion, reduce vaccine uptake, and lead to a resurgence of preventable childhood diseases across America. What did the vaccine panel say about the MMRV vaccine? The MMRV vaccine is a combination shot that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). On Thursday (Sep 18), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — an expert panel under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — voted 8-3 to recommend that children aged four and under not receive the combined MMRV vaccine. Instead, they recommended giving separate MMR and varicella (chickenpox) shots. The panel cited a slightly increased risk of febrile seizures in children aged 12 to 23 months when given the combined MMRV shot, compared to receiving the MMR and varicella vaccines separately. While these seizures are rare and typically not dangerous, the panel used this data to support their recommendation. Also read: Trump administration planning to link COVID vaccine shots to child deaths in controversial anti-vax push They also proposed reconsidering the timing of other childhood vaccinations, including the hepatitis B vaccine, which is usually given at birth, and delaying its administration where possible. The seizure risk associated with MMRV has been acknowledged in prior CDC guidance, though the risk is rare—about one additional seizure per 2,300 to 2,600 vaccinated children. US plans to link Covid-19 vaccines to child deaths These changes came just days after multiple US media outlets reported that the Trump administration plans to present data allegedly linking 25 child deaths to Covid-19 vaccines at an upcoming ACIP meeting. The claims are said to be based on the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a national vaccine safety surveillance programme in the US. However, public health experts have repeatedly cautioned that VAERS reports do not prove causality. Anyone can submit a VAERS report, and these reports are not verified. The existence of a report does not mean the vaccine caused the death or adverse event. Also read: Cancer immunotherapy breakthrough: Russian vaccine Enteromix demonstrates 100 per cent efficacy in trials, ready for rollout Public health experts warn of eroding trust in vaccines Experts warn that these anti-vaccine shifts risk undermining decades of public health progress. Altering long-standing vaccine schedules—particularly under political influence—could fuel vaccine hesitancy. If uptake drops due to confusion or fear, diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox—which mainly affect children—could resurge. Measles is particularly contagious and had been nearly eradicated in parts of the world due to widespread immunisation. While the CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) programme will still cover MMRV in many cases, there is concern that insurance coverage, Medicaid, and logistics (more clinic visits, more injections) may complicate vaccine uptake. Meanwhile, amid allegations of politicising the CDC, critics have noted that the composition of the ACIP panel has recently changed, with several vaccine-sceptic members added—raising concerns about the scientific rigour of decisions being made. Also read: America to lose COVID vaccine? Trump, RFK Jr. planning to pull COVID vaccine from US market 'within months': Report How risky is replacing MMRV with separate shots? The medical risk of switching from MMRV to separate MMR and varicella vaccines is small. The cited seizure risk, while slightly elevated with MMRV, is rare (roughly 1 in 2,500) and almost all children recover fully. However, logistical challenges arise with more appointments and injections, increasing the likelihood that children miss or delay one of the shots. These delays can reduce immunity and increase vulnerability to outbreaks. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-scientists-express-concern-over-russias-new-cancer-vaccine-785420/embed Policy confusion could reduce protection for American children Restricting or de-prioritising combined vaccines like MMRV could result in fewer children receiving timely and complete immunisation. This increases the likelihood of outbreaks of serious, preventable illnesses. Similarly, misleading the public by citing unverified VAERS reports to link vaccines to child deaths—without scientific evidence—could influence parents to delay or skip vaccinations. There is no established causal link between Covid vaccines and child deaths as claimed. Official reviews from the CDC, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and independent panels have not validated such a link. Historical data shows that when vaccine uptake drops or schedules are disrupted, outbreaks of diseases like measles or whooping cough follow—often with serious consequences for children. Also read: Cancer treatment with just one vaccine: NHS rolls out 5-minute ‘super-jab’ that will ‘truly transform lives’ Politics is the biggest disease affecting Americans There is growing concern that recent actions by the Trump administration—particularly through the restructured CDC advisory panel and its vaccine recommendations—may be prioritising political ideology over medical science. While individual risk factors should always be carefully considered, public health experts stress that these policy changes may lead to lower immunisation rates, greater public confusion, and preventable disease outbreaks—effectively putting American children at greater risk.

A CDC panel under Trump administration has advised against MMRV vaccine for kids aged under four. This is sparking fears of lower vaccine uptake and disease outbreaks. The move came amid reports that CDS is going to link Covid vaccines to children's deaths.&nbsp;

Trump govt putting American kids in danger? CDC panel suggests curbs to vaccine that prevents measles and chickenpox, amid 'Covid shot deaths' probe

The biohacking revolution is transforming how we understand and optimise health. From experimenting with CRISPR gene editing to everyday consumers monitoring their biomarkers through wearable devices, do-it-yourself (DIY) biology represents a democratisation of biological research&nbsp;This emerging movement encompasses everything from simple dietary modifications and sleep optimisation to complex genetic engineering techniques. According to market research by Grand View Research, the global biohacking market was valued at £15.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 19.42 per cent from 2024 to 2030.But as biohackers push the boundaries of what's possible with human enhancement, regulatory bodies worldwide are grappling with how to balance innovation with safety, which is most important. The implications extend far beyond individual health choices, raising fundamental questions about human enhancement, genetic equity, and the future of healthcare itself.&nbsp;<h2>Popular Biohacking Trends</h2>The biohacking landscape encompasses a diverse range of practices, from relatively simple lifestyle modifications to sophisticated biotechnological interventions. That leads to the charge are nootropics cognitive enhancement supplements that have garnered widespread attention among Silicon Valley executives and students alike."Smart drugs" such as modafinil and racetams promise improved focus, memory, and mental clarity. Research published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement suggests that certain nootropics can indeed enhance cognitive performance, though long-term safety data remains limited. The global nootropics market is expected to reach £7.8 billion by 2025, according to Transparency Market Research.&nbsp;Wearable technology represents another major trend, with devices monitoring everything from heart rate variability to continuous glucose levels. Companies like Oura, Whoop, and Eight Sleep provide detailed biometric feedback, enabling users to optimise their sleep, exercise, and recovery patterns. The World Health Organisation acknowledges that such devices can promote health awareness, though they caution against over-reliance on unvalidated metrics.More controversial are the DIY genetic testing and modification efforts. Biohacker Josiah Zayner gained international attention for live-streaming himself injecting CRISPR DNA into his arm, attempting to enhance muscle growth. Whilst such extreme examples remain rare, home genetic testing kits have made basic genetic analysis accessible to millions of consumers.&nbsp;Cryotherapy, intermittent fasting, and red light therapy round out popular biohacking interventions. Each promises optimised health outcomes through precise biological manipulation, supported by varying degrees of scientific evidence.<h2>Ethics and Legal Dilemmas</h2>The democratisation of biological enhancement raises profound ethical questions that regulatory frameworks are struggling to address. The distinction between therapeutic intervention and human enhancement sits at the heart of these debates.&nbsp;Germline editing - modifications that can be passed to future generations - represents perhaps the most contentious frontier. Whilst somatic cell editing affects only the individual, germline modifications could fundamentally alter human evolution. The infamous case of Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who created the world's first gene-edited babies in 2018, highlighted the urgent need for international oversight.&nbsp;The European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration have taken increasingly strict positions on DIY genetic modification. The FDA issued warning letters to companies selling DIY CRISPR kits, citing safety concerns and lack of regulatory approval.&nbsp;Privacy concerns also loom large. Genetic testing companies have faced scrutiny over data sharing with law enforcement and insurance companies. The National Center for Biotechnology Information warns that genetic discrimination could become a significant issue as biohacking becomes more mainstream.&nbsp;"The line between treatment and enhancement is becoming increasingly blurred," notes Dr Sarah Chen, a bioethicist at King's College London. "We need robust ethical frameworks that can keep pace with technological advancement whilst protecting individual autonomy."&nbsp;Cultural and religious perspectives further complicate the landscape. Some view human enhancement as playing God, whilst others see it as fulfilling humanity's potential. These diverse viewpoints must be considered in developing comprehensive regulatory approaches.<h2>Health and Regulatory Risks</h2>While biohacking offers promising avenues for health optimisation, it also presents significant risks that regulatory bodies are working to address. The lack of clinical oversight in many biohacking practices creates potential for harm, particularly when individuals attempt complex interventions without medical supervision.The FDA has documented numerous cases of adverse effects from unregulated nootropics and enhancement supplements. Heavy metal contamination, undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, and dangerous drug interactions have all been reported. The agency's 2024 consumer advisory highlighted 47 supplement-related hospitalisations linked to unregulated cognitive enhancers.&nbsp;DIY genetic modification poses even greater risks. Without proper sterile technique, quality control, or medical oversight, attempts at genetic enhancement can result in infection, immune reactions, or unintended genetic changes. The National Institutes of Health have called for increased education about these risks amongst the biohacking community.&nbsp;Regulatory responses vary significantly across jurisdictions. The European Union's Medical Device Regulation requires rigorous testing for health-monitoring devices, whilst the US takes a more permissive approach to wellness technologies. The World Health Organisation is developing international guidelines for human genetic enhancement, though enforcement remains challenging.The UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has taken a cautious but research-friendly stance, allowing limited research into genetic modification whilst maintaining strict therapeutic boundaries. In contrast, countries like Germany and France have banned most forms of genetic enhancement research.&nbsp;Industry self-regulation is emerging as a complementary approach. The Biohacker Safety Coalition, formed in 2023, promotes safety standards and ethical practices within the community. However, critics argue that voluntary guidelines are insufficient given the potential risks involved.Future regulation will likely focus on risk-based approaches, distinguishing between low-risk interventions like dietary supplements and high-risk practices like genetic modification. The challenge lies in creating frameworks that protect public safety without stifling beneficial innovation.&nbsp;As biohacking continues to evolve, the balance between innovation and regulation remains delicate. Success will require ongoing collaboration between researchers, regulators, and the biohacking community to ensure that the promise of enhanced human health can be realised safely and equitably.

From CRISPR gene editing to nootropic supplements, Biohacking is changing how people manage health. From smart wearables to DIY gene editing. But as this trend grows, so do the risks and ethical questions. Know how the biohacking is reshaping health, science, and regulation worldwide.

The biohacking revolution is transforming how we understand and optimise health. From experimenting with CRISPR gene editing to everyday consumers monitoring their biomarkers through wearable devices, do-it-yourself (DIY) biology represents a democratisation of biological research This emerging movement encompasses everything from simple dietary modifications and sleep optimisation to complex genetic engineering techniques. According to market research by Grand View Research, the global biohacking market was valued at £15.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 19.42 per cent from 2024 to 2030. But as biohackers push the boundaries of what's possible with human enhancement, regulatory bodies worldwide are grappling with how to balance innovation with safety, which is most important. The implications extend far beyond individual health choices, raising fundamental questions about human enhancement, genetic equity, and the future of healthcare itself. Popular Biohacking Trends The biohacking landscape encompasses a diverse range of practices, from relatively simple lifestyle modifications to sophisticated biotechnological interventions. That leads to the charge are nootropics cognitive enhancement supplements that have garnered widespread attention among Silicon Valley executives and students alike. "Smart drugs" such as modafinil and racetams promise improved focus, memory, and mental clarity. Research published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement suggests that certain nootropics can indeed enhance cognitive performance, though long-term safety data remains limited. The global nootropics market is expected to reach £7.8 billion by 2025, according to Transparency Market Research. Wearable technology represents another major trend, with devices monitoring everything from heart rate variability to continuous glucose levels. Companies like Oura, Whoop, and Eight Sleep provide detailed biometric feedback, enabling users to optimise their sleep, exercise, and recovery patterns. The World Health Organisation acknowledges that such devices can promote health awareness, though they caution against over-reliance on unvalidated metrics. More controversial are the DIY genetic testing and modification efforts. Biohacker Josiah Zayner gained international attention for live-streaming himself injecting CRISPR DNA into his arm, attempting to enhance muscle growth. Whilst such extreme examples remain rare, home genetic testing kits have made basic genetic analysis accessible to millions of consumers. Cryotherapy, intermittent fasting, and red light therapy round out popular biohacking interventions. Each promises optimised health outcomes through precise biological manipulation, supported by varying degrees of scientific evidence. Ethics and Legal Dilemmas The democratisation of biological enhancement raises profound ethical questions that regulatory frameworks are struggling to address. The distinction between therapeutic intervention and human enhancement sits at the heart of these debates. Germline editing - modifications that can be passed to future generations - represents perhaps the most contentious frontier. Whilst somatic cell editing affects only the individual, germline modifications could fundamentally alter human evolution. The infamous case of Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who created the world's first gene-edited babies in 2018, highlighted the urgent need for international oversight. The European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration have taken increasingly strict positions on DIY genetic modification. The FDA issued warning letters to companies selling DIY CRISPR kits, citing safety concerns and lack of regulatory approval. Privacy concerns also loom large. Genetic testing companies have faced scrutiny over data sharing with law enforcement and insurance companies. The National Center for Biotechnology Information warns that genetic discrimination could become a significant issue as biohacking becomes more mainstream. "The line between treatment and enhancement is becoming increasingly blurred," notes Dr Sarah Chen, a bioethicist at King's College London. "We need robust ethical frameworks that can keep pace with technological advancement whilst protecting individual autonomy." Cultural and religious perspectives further complicate the landscape. Some view human enhancement as playing God, whilst others see it as fulfilling humanity's potential. These diverse viewpoints must be considered in developing comprehensive regulatory approaches. Health and Regulatory Risks While biohacking offers promising avenues for health optimisation, it also presents significant risks that regulatory bodies are working to address. The lack of clinical oversight in many biohacking practices creates potential for harm, particularly when individuals attempt complex interventions without medical supervision. The FDA has documented numerous cases of adverse effects from unregulated nootropics and enhancement supplements. Heavy metal contamination, undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, and dangerous drug interactions have all been reported. The agency's 2024 consumer advisory highlighted 47 supplement-related hospitalisations linked to unregulated cognitive enhancers. DIY genetic modification poses even greater risks. Without proper sterile technique, quality control, or medical oversight, attempts at genetic enhancement can result in infection, immune reactions, or unintended genetic changes. The National Institutes of Health have called for increased education about these risks amongst the biohacking community. Regulatory responses vary significantly across jurisdictions. The European Union's Medical Device Regulation requires rigorous testing for health-monitoring devices, whilst the US takes a more permissive approach to wellness technologies. The World Health Organisation is developing international guidelines for human genetic enhancement, though enforcement remains challenging. The UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has taken a cautious but research-friendly stance, allowing limited research into genetic modification whilst maintaining strict therapeutic boundaries. In contrast, countries like Germany and France have banned most forms of genetic enhancement research. Industry self-regulation is emerging as a complementary approach. The Biohacker Safety Coalition, formed in 2023, promotes safety standards and ethical practices within the community. However, critics argue that voluntary guidelines are insufficient given the potential risks involved. Future regulation will likely focus on risk-based approaches, distinguishing between low-risk interventions like dietary supplements and high-risk practices like genetic modification. The challenge lies in creating frameworks that protect public safety without stifling beneficial innovation. As biohacking continues to evolve, the balance between innovation and regulation remains delicate. Success will require ongoing collaboration between researchers, regulators, and the biohacking community to ensure that the promise of enhanced human health can be realised safely and equitably.

From CRISPR gene editing to nootropic supplements, Biohacking is changing how people manage health. From smart wearables to DIY gene editing. But as this trend grows, so do the risks and ethical questions. Know how the biohacking is reshaping health, science, and regulation worldwide.

The rise of biohacking: How DIY biology could transform healthcare

What is the Dark Forest Hypothesis? This theory is linked to aliens and that other civilisations in the universe might be hiding and keeping their existence a secret to prevent another group of aliens from attacking them.

Dark Forest Hypothesis - Are aliens hiding because they are afraid? Cosmic silence explained

A new study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters talks about the discovery of mysterious gamma rays that scientists are struggling to explain. Typically, such bursts happen when a star dies. They unleash a huge amount of energy, more than anything ever released in the universe. This gamma ray burst is being repeated multiple times in a single day. It indicates a stellar death that happened not once, not twice, but several times. How is it possible for a star to come back to life after being annihilated? The study authors are confused about this event. Martin-Carrillo, an astronomer at University College Dublin, Ireland, and coauthor of the study, said, "This event is unlike any other seen in 50 years of GRB observations. "GRBs are catastrophic events, so they are expected to go off just once because the source that produced them does not survive the dramatic explosion." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-an-einstein-cross-fifth-image-in-rare-cosmic-formation-points-fingers-at-a-mysterious-hidden-force-1758179626678">Dark matter breakthrough? Einstein Cross with five images stuns scientists. What is it?</a>&nbsp;This is not the first time that astronomers have seen a star exploding multiple times. That happened in the case of a binary star system where a white dwarf and an ordinary star are locked to each other. When they get too close, the white dwarf starts drawing the energy of the star, ultimately triggering a thermonuclear explosion that kills them both. But before the main supernova, several smaller blasts occur. But that won't generate a double or triple GRB. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-trappist-1e-as-a-potential-earth-like-world-here-s-why-1757851563033">Scientists identify TRAPPIST-1e as a potential Earth-like world, here’s why</a><h2>Longer and periodic gamma-ray burst</h2>This is why GRB 250702B has stumped scientists ever since it was first spotted on July 2 by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. There were three distinct bursts. Surprisingly, Einstein Probe, an X-ray telescope, also detected the gamma ray a day before Fermi. "This is 100-1000 times longer than most GRBs," co-lead author and Radboud University astronomer Andrew Levan said in the statement. Another aspect, as pointed out by Martin-Carrillo, is that the gamma ray is periodic, something they have never seen happen before. To learn its origins, scientists used a wide-field infrared camera called the HAWK-I on the Very Large Telescope in Chile. It found that the gamma ray was coming from a distance of billions of light-years.&nbsp;A few possible theories floated by the experts include a massive star that seems could be imploding under its own weight as some material keeps it powered, Martin-Carrillo said. However, in this case, the GRB would only last a few seconds. It could also be a scenario where a black hole is eating a star. But going by the GRB, it would have to be an "unusual" star and an equally "unusual" black hole. But there are only speculations, and it might be a long time before the true origins of the gamma ray are revealed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A strange gamma ray burst has baffled scientists who do not know what it is. It is unlike anything they have ever recorded. The cosmic event likely occurred billions of light years away, and the rays managed to reach Earth, implying it was extremely powerful. 

A new study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters talks about the discovery of mysterious gamma rays that scientists are struggling to explain. Typically, such bursts happen when a star dies. They unleash a huge amount of energy, more than anything ever released in the universe. This gamma ray burst is being repeated multiple times in a single day. It indicates a stellar death that happened not once, not twice, but several times. How is it possible for a star to come back to life after being annihilated? The study authors are confused about this event. Martin-Carrillo, an astronomer at University College Dublin, Ireland, and coauthor of the study, said, "This event is unlike any other seen in 50 years of GRB observations. "GRBs are catastrophic events, so they are expected to go off just once because the source that produced them does not survive the dramatic explosion." Also Read: Dark matter breakthrough? Einstein Cross with five images stuns scientists. What is it? This is not the first time that astronomers have seen a star exploding multiple times. That happened in the case of a binary star system where a white dwarf and an ordinary star are locked to each other. When they get too close, the white dwarf starts drawing the energy of the star, ultimately triggering a thermonuclear explosion that kills them both. But before the main supernova, several smaller blasts occur. But that won't generate a double or triple GRB. Also Read: Scientists identify TRAPPIST-1e as a potential Earth-like world, here’s why Longer and periodic gamma-ray burst This is why GRB 250702B has stumped scientists ever since it was first spotted on July 2 by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. There were three distinct bursts. Surprisingly, Einstein Probe, an X-ray telescope, also detected the gamma ray a day before Fermi. "This is 100-1000 times longer than most GRBs," co-lead author and Radboud University astronomer Andrew Levan said in the statement. Another aspect, as pointed out by Martin-Carrillo, is that the gamma ray is periodic, something they have never seen happen before. To learn its origins, scientists used a wide-field infrared camera called the HAWK-I on the Very Large Telescope in Chile. It found that the gamma ray was coming from a distance of billions of light-years. A few possible theories floated by the experts include a massive star that seems could be imploding under its own weight as some material keeps it powered, Martin-Carrillo said. However, in this case, the GRB would only last a few seconds. It could also be a scenario where a black hole is eating a star. But going by the GRB, it would have to be an "unusual" star and an equally "unusual" black hole. But there are only speculations, and it might be a long time before the true origins of the gamma ray are revealed.

A strange gamma-ray burst has baffled scientists who don't know what it is. It is unlike anything they have ever recorded. The cosmic event likely occurred billions of light-years away, and the rays managed to reach Earth, implying it was extremely powerful.&nbsp;

One star, multiple deaths? Mysterious gamma-ray burst that keeps repeating stumps scientists

Crescent sunrise solar eclipse: A partial solar eclipse within the same 24-hour period as Septembers equinox will occur this weekend (September 21-22). Some parts of New Zealand, and major portions of Antarctica, will witness a crescent sunrise.

Get ready for a crescent sunrise solar eclipse this weekend: Path, timing and other details

Japanese Space agency JAXA officially announced conduct of the termination procedure of their Venus Climate Orbiter “Akatsuki” (PLANET-C)&nbsp; on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, thereby ending humanity's only active Venus-circling probe's operations. Akatsuki was launched from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center on May 21st, 2010, aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 17. After launch, the craft had to overcome a malfunction in its main engine, and it successfully began circling around Venus in December 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;Akatsuki had completed its regular two-year operation that started in April 2016, after which its operation was extended to another three-year period as there still remained fuel for controlling its attitude. During its lifetime, Akatsuki continuously observed Venusian atmosphere, weather systems, volcanic activity for more than eight years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Communication with “Akatsuki” was lost in the end ofApril 2024, at a time when the spacecraft was in an unstable orientation. Although JAXA attemped recovery operations to restore communication, there has been no luck so far. Considering the fact that the spacecraft has aged, well exceeding its designed lifetime, and was already in the late-stage operation phase, it has been decided to terminate operations, JAXA officially announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent years, Akatsuki has been the only active Venus orbiter. This means that humanity will have to wait for the next Venus-study mission to continue to learn about the planet.&nbsp; &nbsp;What's so special and mysterious about Venus ?Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is a terrestrial planet that has a rocky, volcanic surface like earth and is almost as vast as Earth. However, its similarities with our home planet end there. Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, and has an atmosphere densely packed with Carbon dioxide and corrosive clouds of suphuric acid. The pressure on the surface of Venus is 92 times as much as that on Earth's surface, which means anything that isn't built to withstand high pressure would be crushed on Venus. For perspective, the pressure on the surface of Venus is similar to the pressure experienced 1kilometer beneath Earth's oceans.&nbsp;&nbsp;Major discoveries by Akatsuki&nbsp;Akatsuki was equipped with five cameras to photograph the Venusian atmosphere using infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet rays, and also uses other instruments to measure how temperature on the planet varies with altitude. AKATSUK had provided the world’s first data on how temperature varies between altitudes of 40 and 85 kilometers for the entire planet of Venus. Another discovery was on the great mystery regarding how the super rotation of Venus’ atmosphere was being maintained. On Venus, the upper atmosphere spins 60-times faster than the planet's surface, a phenomenon known as super rotation. On Earth, the atmosphere spins at pretty much the planet's speed. JAXA scientists and Japanese academia helped better humanity's understanding of these mysteries.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the Soviets landed their probes on Venus… &nbsp;While the harsh environment of Venus is unthinkable for habitation, humanity has landed multiple robotic probes on Venus, all of them were carried out by the Soviet Union, during the 1980s. The Soviet Venera-series of Venus landers are the only ones to have ever landed on the planet. In fact, the Venera 7 was the first craft to land on another planet and transmit data back, while its successor missions sent bac surface photos from Venus, temperature data, audio of wind, chemical analysis of rocks, soil and more. SInce then, no lander has touched down on Venus, but there are future missions planned by NASA.&nbsp;

Akatsuki had completed its regular two-year operation that started in April 2016, after which its operation was extended to another three-year period as there still remained fuel for controlling its attitude.

Japanese Space agency JAXA officially announced conduct of the termination procedure of their Venus Climate Orbiter “Akatsuki” (PLANET-C) on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, thereby ending humanity's only active Venus-circling probe's operations. Akatsuki was launched from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center on May 21st, 2010, aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 17. After launch, the craft had to overcome a malfunction in its main engine, and it successfully began circling around Venus in December 2015. Akatsuki had completed its regular two-year operation that started in April 2016, after which its operation was extended to another three-year period as there still remained fuel for controlling its attitude. During its lifetime, Akatsuki continuously observed Venusian atmosphere, weather systems, volcanic activity for more than eight years. Communication with “Akatsuki” was lost in the end ofApril 2024, at a time when the spacecraft was in an unstable orientation. Although JAXA attemped recovery operations to restore communication, there has been no luck so far. Considering the fact that the spacecraft has aged, well exceeding its designed lifetime, and was already in the late-stage operation phase, it has been decided to terminate operations, JAXA officially announced. In recent years, Akatsuki has been the only active Venus orbiter. This means that humanity will have to wait for the next Venus-study mission to continue to learn about the planet. What's so special and mysterious about Venus ? Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is a terrestrial planet that has a rocky, volcanic surface like earth and is almost as vast as Earth. However, its similarities with our home planet end there. Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, and has an atmosphere densely packed with Carbon dioxide and corrosive clouds of suphuric acid. The pressure on the surface of Venus is 92 times as much as that on Earth's surface, which means anything that isn't built to withstand high pressure would be crushed on Venus. For perspective, the pressure on the surface of Venus is similar to the pressure experienced 1kilometer beneath Earth's oceans. Major discoveries by Akatsuki Akatsuki was equipped with five cameras to photograph the Venusian atmosphere using infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet rays, and also uses other instruments to measure how temperature on the planet varies with altitude. AKATSUK had provided the world’s first data on how temperature varies between altitudes of 40 and 85 kilometers for the entire planet of Venus. Another discovery was on the great mystery regarding how the super rotation of Venus’ atmosphere was being maintained. On Venus, the upper atmosphere spins 60-times faster than the planet's surface, a phenomenon known as super rotation. On Earth, the atmosphere spins at pretty much the planet's speed. JAXA scientists and Japanese academia helped better humanity's understanding of these mysteries. When the Soviets landed their probes on Venus… While the harsh environment of Venus is unthinkable for habitation, humanity has landed multiple robotic probes on Venus, all of them were carried out by the Soviet Union, during the 1980s. The Soviet Venera-series of Venus landers are the only ones to have ever landed on the planet. In fact, the Venera 7 was the first craft to land on another planet and transmit data back, while its successor missions sent bac surface photos from Venus, temperature data, audio of wind, chemical analysis of rocks, soil and more. SInce then, no lander has touched down on Venus, but there are future missions planned by NASA.

Akatsuki had completed its regular two-year operation that started in April 2016, after which its operation was extended to another three-year period as there still remained fuel for controlling its attitude.

Humanity's only active Venus orbiter, Japan's Akatsuki is no more...

Australia, one of the largest polluters per capita in the world, has announced plans to slash its carbon emissions by at least 62 per cent compared to 2005 levels within the next decade. The new goal marks a sharp increase from its earlier pledge of a 43 per cent cut by 2030, as the country faced mounting criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels&nbsp;Unveiling the new target on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, built on proven technology.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We’re taking action on climate change. <a href="https://t.co/RsBLopzWC5">pic.twitter.com/RsBLopzWC5</a>&mdash; Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1968514064142975107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As per the BBC report, a government-commissioned risk assessment released this week warned that man-made climate change is set to bring harsher and severe weather conditions in Australia. Meeting the new target to reduce emissions from 2005 levels forms part of its commitment for Australia under the obligation of the Paris Climate Agreement.&nbsp;Albanese also confirmed the new target in line with an emission reduction benchmark range between 62 per cent and 70 per cent. This benchmark was recommended by the Climate Change Authority, a government body which provides climate policy advice. By later of this month, the PM will confirm the commitment at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York.<h3>What is the commitment of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement?</h3>The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement committed world leaders to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold seen as vital to averting the worst effects of climate change. In recent years, like other nations, Australia has also faced an increasing number of climate-related weather extremes, including severe drought, historic bushfires and successive years of record-breaking floods.&nbsp;The rise of ocean temperature has also triggered mass coral bleaching at the iconic Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and at Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. In a landmark report, recently released on Monday discovered that Australia has already surpassed 1.5 °C of warming, with no community immune from "cascading, compounding and concurrent" climate risks.&nbsp;The study also warned that without stronger government action, the country faces escalating heatwave deaths, declining water quality from floods and fires, sea level rises threatening 1.5 million people, and a potential property value loss of A$611 billion ($406bn; £300bn).

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the new target in line with an emission reduction benchmark range between 62 per cent and 70 per cent. It was recommended by the Climate Change Authority, a government body which provides climate policy advice. 

Australia, one of the largest polluters per capita in the world, has announced plans to slash its carbon emissions by at least 62 per cent compared to 2005 levels within the next decade. The new goal marks a sharp increase from its earlier pledge of a 43 per cent cut by 2030, as the country faced mounting criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels Unveiling the new target on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, built on proven technology.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the new target in line with an emission reduction benchmark range between 62 per cent and 70 per cent. It was recommended by the Climate Change Authority, a government body which provides climate policy advice.&nbsp;

Australia raises 'climate ambition goal', pledges 62–70% emissions cut by 2035

A team of international scientists has discovered a rare cosmic formation which has never been seen before. Only about a dozen Einstein Crosses have been found in the universe to date. This makes them rare, yet the latest discovery makes them even more intriguing. An Einstein Cross only has four images. But this one has an extra image in the middle. Researchers at Rutgers University were shocked when a French astronomer sent them the photo. Pierre Cox, a French astronomer, Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the study's lead author, first spotted the anomaly. He thought it was a glitch or that something was wrong with the instrument.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-is-no-longer-a-space-agency-its-new-official-status-is-pretty-shocking-here-s-what-happened-1758101223444">NASA is no longer a space agency. Its new official status is pretty shocking. Here's what happened</a><h2>What is an Einstein Cross?</h2> Einstein Cross is a rare cosmic configuration. When the light from a distant galaxy is bent by the gravity of galaxies in front of it, four images are created that sit at about 90 degrees from each other. The gravity of the foreground body warps space-time, making it act like a lens.&nbsp;Andrew Baker, a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers, showed the photo of the Einstein Cross to his colleague, theoretical astrophysicist Charles Keeton, and asked, "Have you ever seen an Einstein Cross with an image in the middle?" Keeton was surprised. "You can't get a fifth image in the centre unless something unusual is going on with the mass that's bending the light," Keeton said. There had to be something at the centre that was making this fifth image.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-a-new-island-has-emerged-in-alaska-in-just-40-years-1758021271478">NASA says a new island has emerged in Alaska in just 40 years</a>&nbsp;A regular Einstein Cross has four objects, while the fifth image is present too close to the central lensing object, which makes it invisible. However, this time it showed up. Pierre Cox, a French astronomer, Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the study's lead author, first spotted the anomaly.&nbsp;Cox saw the Einstein Cross while studying a distant, dusty galaxy called HerS-3. He was using the Northern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) of radio telescopes in the French Alps and the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescopes in Chile when he saw the light from HerS-3 split into five images. He tried to make the fifth image go away, but it wouldn't.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/photos-new-comet-c-2025-r2-swan-that-will-next-visit-us-in-year-24-579-is-here-when-to-watch-1758023023771">Photos: New comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) that will next visit us in year 24,579 is here | When to watch</a>&nbsp;<h2>No explanation for fifth image</h2>The team at Rutgers carried out computer modelling of the gravitational lens to understand what was going on. The four visible foreground galaxies causing the gravitational bending failed to explain the details of the five-image pattern. "We tried every reasonable configuration using just the visible galaxies, and none of them worked," said Keeton.&nbsp;<h2>Dark matter created fifth image in Einstein Cross?</h2>However, it all came together when they added a dark matter halo. "That's the power of modelling. It helps reveal what you can't see," Keeton said. Dark matter is believed to make up most of the universe, but it has never been seen. "We only know it's there because of how it affects the things we can see, like the way it bends light from distant galaxies," said Baker, adding, "This discovery gives us a rare chance to study that invisible structure in detail."&nbsp;The discovery made by Cox, Keeton, Baker and a &nbsp;Rutgers graduate student, Lana Eid, will soon be published in The Astrophysical Journal.

What is an Einstein Cross? Foreground galaxies warp space-time and bend the light from a distant galaxy to create four distinct images. But scientists were shocked when they saw a fifth image while observing a new galaxy. What was it?

A team of international scientists has discovered a rare cosmic formation which has never been seen before. Only about a dozen Einstein Crosses have been found in the universe to date. This makes them rare, yet the latest discovery makes them even more intriguing. An Einstein Cross only has four images. But this one has an extra image in the middle. Researchers at Rutgers University were shocked when a French astronomer sent them the photo. Pierre Cox, a French astronomer, Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the study's lead author, first spotted the anomaly. He thought it was a glitch or that something was wrong with the instrument. Also Read: NASA is no longer a space agency. Its new official status is pretty shocking. Here's what happened What is an Einstein Cross? Einstein Cross is a rare cosmic configuration. When the light from a distant galaxy is bent by the gravity of galaxies in front of it, four images are created that sit at about 90 degrees from each other. The gravity of the foreground body warps space-time, making it act like a lens. Andrew Baker, a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers, showed the photo of the Einstein Cross to his colleague, theoretical astrophysicist Charles Keeton, and asked, "Have you ever seen an Einstein Cross with an image in the middle?" Keeton was surprised. "You can't get a fifth image in the centre unless something unusual is going on with the mass that's bending the light," Keeton said. There had to be something at the centre that was making this fifth image. Also Read: NASA says a new island has emerged in Alaska in just 40 years A regular Einstein Cross has four objects, while the fifth image is present too close to the central lensing object, which makes it invisible. However, this time it showed up. Pierre Cox, a French astronomer, Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the study's lead author, first spotted the anomaly. Cox saw the Einstein Cross while studying a distant, dusty galaxy called HerS-3. He was using the Northern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) of radio telescopes in the French Alps and the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescopes in Chile when he saw the light from HerS-3 split into five images. He tried to make the fifth image go away, but it wouldn't. Also Read: Photos: New comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) that will next visit us in year 24,579 is here | When to watch No explanation for fifth image The team at Rutgers carried out computer modelling of the gravitational lens to understand what was going on. The four visible foreground galaxies causing the gravitational bending failed to explain the details of the five-image pattern. "We tried every reasonable configuration using just the visible galaxies, and none of them worked," said Keeton. Dark matter created fifth image in Einstein Cross? However, it all came together when they added a dark matter halo. "That's the power of modelling. It helps reveal what you can't see," Keeton said. Dark matter is believed to make up most of the universe, but it has never been seen. "We only know it's there because of how it affects the things we can see, like the way it bends light from distant galaxies," said Baker, adding, "This discovery gives us a rare chance to study that invisible structure in detail." The discovery made by Cox, Keeton, Baker and a Rutgers graduate student, Lana Eid, will soon be published in The Astrophysical Journal.

What is an Einstein Cross? Foreground galaxies warp space-time and bend the light from a distant galaxy to create four distinct images. But scientists were shocked when they saw a fifth image while observing a new galaxy. What was it?

Dark matter breakthrough? Einstein Cross with five images stuns scientists. What is it?

science

Science, News on Science, stories on Science, articles on Science, Science stories at Wion, Science news, Science latest news

science

Scientists think we have received a signal from a parallel universe via a WORMHOLE

Threesome done in 110 seconds: 3 leopard sharks seen mating for the first time

Oxygen in zero gravity: How spacecraft produce life-saving air for astronauts

Scientists capture a newborn planet forming on camera for the first time

Humans can survive cosmic winter by befriending super intelligent aliens

Baffling sound coming from Pacific born from something humans did 46 years ago

Saturn and Neptune to shine brightest and closest to Earth in 2025: How to see..

Amateur diver unearths 50,000 ancient Roman coins beneath sea sand in Italy

Is there life on 'Enceladus'? New study questions 'Alien' hints on Saturn’s moon

Does ASMR really reduce anxiety? Experts reveal how they affect your brain

Astrophotographer captures SpaceX Falcon 9 cutting through solar chromosphere

The day India went dark for 6 mins: Longest solar eclipse of the 21st century

Doctors in China successfully implant Pig’s lung into a human in historic first

Asteroid KY26 smaller and faster than expected, new challenge for Japan’s Hayabusa2

Neil deGrasse Tyson on 3I/ATLAS: ‘Alien of the Gaps’ theory isn’t science

Like China and Japan, Europe working on vertical landing rockets

13,000ft-deep secret: Scientists discover oxygen in the darkest region

Latest update on 3I/ATLAS: Interstellar comet is getting brighter

War on vaccines: US panel seeks curbs on crucial vaccine amid 'Covid shot probe'

The rise of biohacking: How DIY biology could transform healthcare

Do aliens hide because they are afraid? Understanding the Dark Forest Hypothesis

Repeating gamma-ray burst 1,000 times longer — One star, multiple deaths?

Rare crescent sunrise solar eclipse this weekend: Path, timing and other details

Humanity's only active Venus orbiter, Japan's Akatsuki is no more...

Australia raises 'climate ambition goal', pledges 62–70% emissions cut by 2035

Dark matter breakthrough? Einstein Cross with five images stuns scientists