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A hidden exoplanet named Kepler-139f was discovered by the NASA scientists in the Kepler-139 star system. The uncovered exoplanet is a massive “super-Earth,” roughly twice the mass of Neptune and significantly larger than Earth. These exoplanets existed for millions of years but were discovered by the NASA scientists in 2025 despite being enormous and having a strong gravitational pull.&nbsp;Kepler-139f is roughly twice as heavy as Neptune and is estimated to be 36 times the mass of Earth. This exoplanet takes around 355 Earth days to complete one orbit around a ‘G-type star,’ which is a parent star similar to our Sun, according to a report by Space.comAlso read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/isro-and-nasa-s-nisar-mission-will-lift-off-on-july-30-from-this-launchpad-1753543141381">ISRO and NASA’s NISAR mission will lift-off on July 30 from this launchpad!</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kepler-139 f, also known as ‘Super-Earth,’ remained unnoticed for so long despite having a strong gravitational pull because of its orbital alignment. It was discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope using the transit method, which detects tiny dips in a star’s brightness as planets pass in front of it.&nbsp;However, the view of the Kepler was limited to a narrow field of vision, as planets revolving outside this “line of sight” are not visible until they are affected by nearby bodies in measurable ways.<h3>How are exoplanets discovered?</h3>The primary identification of a world by Kepler was frequently witnessed by observations from the ground. Using radial velocity (RV), astronomers could measure how much a planet tugged on its star, which allows them to determine the mass of the planet. Surprisingly, these measurements could also reveal new worlds, as they helped in the discovery of the outermost gas giant known as Kepler-139e.&nbsp;Meanwhile, every planet in the universe is attracted to other planets in the system, along with the star, regardless of whether it can be seen from Earth. These pulls might affect a planet's transits, which creates "transit timing variations" (TTVs), which can reveal worlds that don't cross the star.&nbsp;"When you observe TTVs that cannot be attributed to the known planets, you can be fairly confident that there is an unseen body in the system," Caleb Lammers, a researcher from Princeton University and co-author of the study, explained.&nbsp;Lammers and his colleague Joshua Winn, a participating scientist on the Kepler team and co-author of the study, looked for gaps in known systems. Later, the Kepler team used both RV and TTV measurements to search for a missing world and revisited existing TTVs based on the 2023 discovery of Kepler-139e.

Kepler-139 f is a Neptune-like exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass of this planet is 36 times that of Earth, which takes 355 days to complete one orbit of its star. It was discovered by NASA scientists in 2025.

A hidden exoplanet named Kepler-139f was discovered by the NASA scientists in the Kepler-139 star system. The uncovered exoplanet is a massive “super-Earth,” roughly twice the mass of Neptune and significantly larger than Earth. These exoplanets existed for millions of years but were discovered by the NASA scientists in 2025 despite being enormous and having a strong gravitational pull. Kepler-139f is roughly twice as heavy as Neptune and is estimated to be 36 times the mass of Earth. This exoplanet takes around 355 Earth days to complete one orbit around a ‘G-type star,’ which is a parent star similar to our Sun, according to a report by Space.com Also read: ISRO and NASA’s NISAR mission will lift-off on July 30 from this launchpad! Meanwhile, Kepler-139 f, also known as ‘Super-Earth,’ remained unnoticed for so long despite having a strong gravitational pull because of its orbital alignment. It was discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope using the transit method, which detects tiny dips in a star’s brightness as planets pass in front of it. However, the view of the Kepler was limited to a narrow field of vision, as planets revolving outside this “line of sight” are not visible until they are affected by nearby bodies in measurable ways. How are exoplanets discovered? The primary identification of a world by Kepler was frequently witnessed by observations from the ground. Using radial velocity (RV), astronomers could measure how much a planet tugged on its star, which allows them to determine the mass of the planet. Surprisingly, these measurements could also reveal new worlds, as they helped in the discovery of the outermost gas giant known as Kepler-139e. Meanwhile, every planet in the universe is attracted to other planets in the system, along with the star, regardless of whether it can be seen from Earth. These pulls might affect a planet's transits, which creates "transit timing variations" (TTVs), which can reveal worlds that don't cross the star. "When you observe TTVs that cannot be attributed to the known planets, you can be fairly confident that there is an unseen body in the system," Caleb Lammers, a researcher from Princeton University and co-author of the study, explained. Lammers and his colleague Joshua Winn, a participating scientist on the Kepler team and co-author of the study, looked for gaps in known systems. Later, the Kepler team used both RV and TTV measurements to search for a missing world and revisited existing TTVs based on the 2023 discovery of Kepler-139e.

Kepler-139 f is a Neptune-like exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass of this planet is 36 times that of Earth, which takes 355 days to complete one orbit of its star. It was discovered by NASA scientists in 2025.

Alien world found? Massive 'Super-Earth', 36 times earth's size discovered beyond our solar system—All you need to know

In the deepest and most toxic corners of the Earth, where nothing dares to survive, a bizarre microbe lives which poops gold. Cupriavidus metallidurans- a microscopic metal-loving survivor found in soils enriched with heavy metals. This strange little organism eats them up and excretes tiny nuggets of 24-karat gold.&nbsp;The team behind the discovery from Australia and Germany uncovered how the bacteria uses its natural defence system to deal with toxic heavy metals like gold and copper, and in the process, it triggers a chemical that results in solid gold forming on its surface. Thus, turning what should kill it into pure, shining metal. Like the gem of an alchemist of nature, a gold factory in its physiological form.

Cupriavidus metallidurans

<h2>The metabolism of the gold pooping bacteria</h2>Cupriavidus metallidurans has a highly specified metabolism, that allows it to survive in a toxic environment. It has evolved complex metal-resistance pathways and detoxification mechanisms embedded in its genetic makeup. When exposed to soluble gold ions which are usually lethal it excretes enzymes like CopA and CupA which are part of its metal efflux system. This enzymes help pump neutralise the toxic compound by reducing them in their inert form. In the case of gold the ions are reduced and precipitated as nanoparticulates which are excreted outside the cell.<h2>What are the real life implications?</h2>The gold conjuring ability of the Cupriavidus metallidurans could inspire a revolutionary leap in biomimetic mining, offering a sustainable innovative method compared to the gold extraction, that are often toxic and energy intensive. By mimicking the the bacteria's physiology scientists and engineers could develop bio-reactors or engineered microbes capable of extracting gold from e-waste, mine tailings, or low-grade ores. Thus not only reducing the environmental damage capacity, could also kickstart a bio-extracting industry, where microscopic organism literally convert waste into wealth in sustainable manner.

Cupriavidus metallidurans is a bacterium that lives in the soil enriched with heavy metal waste and converts them into pure gold under its physiological process. This tiny microbe could be the key to creating wealth in a sustainable way.

In the deepest and most toxic corners of the Earth, where nothing dares to survive, a bizarre microbe lives which poops gold. Cupriavidus metallidurans- a microscopic metal-loving survivor found in soils enriched with heavy metals. This strange little organism eats them up and excretes tiny nuggets of 24-karat gold. The team behind the discovery from Australia and Germany uncovered how the bacteria uses its natural defence system to deal with toxic heavy metals like gold and copper, and in the process, it triggers a chemical that results in solid gold forming on its surface. Thus, turning what should kill it into pure, shining metal. Like the gem of an alchemist of nature, a gold factory in its physiological form.

Cupriavidus metallidurans is a bacterium that lives in the soil enriched with heavy metal waste and converts them into pure gold under its physiological process. This tiny microbe could be the key to creating wealth in a sustainable way.

Nature's weirdest ALCHEMIST! This tiny microbe eats poison poops pure gold

Archaeologists in Spain have found proof that ancient humans ate small children 850,000 years ago. The gruesome discovery was made at the Gran Dolina cave site in Atapuerca, northern Spain, where they found a human neck bone, Mail Online reported. It was small, and so would have been a child who was probably between the ages of two and four at the time of his death. Researchers found butchery marks on it, which they say are clear signs that the child was brutalised and cannibalised. A team of researchers from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES) has been working on the site for more than 30 years. Besides the neck bone, they also discovered some other bones and teeth. The child was a Homo antecessor, a species that was the last link between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. Several of the other bones found over the years have cut marks. The archaeologists are certain that our ancestors were cannibals and ate children. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/china-dinosaur-hotspot-yanliao-biota-reveals-a-tweeting-beast-in-only-second-such-discovery-1753340395709">China's dinosaur hotspot reveals a tweeting beast in only second such discovery</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/starfish-use-mind-control-1753186092062">No brain, no problem: Starfish use chemical ‘Mind Control’ to launch underwater raids</a><h2>Adult bones with marks of human teeth found</h2>Dr Palmira Saladié, co-director of the Gran Dolina excavation, said, "This case is particularly striking, not only because of the child's age, but also due to the precision of the cut mark. The vertebra presents clear incisions at key anatomical points for disarticulating the head. It is direct evidence that the child was processed like any other prey." Several adult bones were also unearthed at the site, which have defleshing marks on them, just like on animal bones eaten and discarded by humans. The child whose neck bone was studied showed that he had been decapitated. Dr Saladié told Live Science, "The cut marks on the bones do not appear in isolation. Human bite marks have been identified on the bones — this is the most reliable evidence that the bodies found at the site were indeed consumed." Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-detect-signs-that-mammoth-rivers-flowed-in-antarctica-80-million-years-ago-1752831341102"> Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-stumbled-upon-four-jet-black-eggs-20-000-feet-below-ocean-they-turned-out-to-be-1752050826299">Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be...</a><h2>Shocking cannibalism discovery might be oldest</h2>Experts are shocked to find evidence of a child being eaten by humans. Homo antecessor lived between 1.2 million and 800,000 years ago. Their physical build was shorter and stockier than modern humans. The size of their brains was also much smaller than today's man. Archaeologists believe that this species was right-handed and likely used a symbolic language. Cannibalism among human relatives was earlier discovered in Kenya, dating back to 1.45 million years ago. Some experts believe that before different species discovered burial, they ate the dead. Cannibalism has also been discovered in the UK, where the discovery of skulls at Cheddar Gorge, in Somerset, revealed that they drank out of skulls used as cups.&nbsp;

Ancient humans ate little children thousands of years ago, according to archaeologists in Spain who have found proof at a site they have been studying for 30 years. The brutal practice shows Homo antecessor was brutal and exploited others for food.

Archaeologists in Spain have found proof that ancient humans ate small children 850,000 years ago. The gruesome discovery was made at the Gran Dolina cave site in Atapuerca, northern Spain, where they found a human neck bone, Mail Online reported. It was small, and so would have been a child who was probably between the ages of two and four at the time of his death. Researchers found butchery marks on it, which they say are clear signs that the child was brutalised and cannibalised. A team of researchers from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES) has been working on the site for more than 30 years. Besides the neck bone, they also discovered some other bones and teeth. The child was a Homo antecessor, a species that was the last link between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. Several of the other bones found over the years have cut marks. The archaeologists are certain that our ancestors were cannibals and ate children. Also Read: China's dinosaur hotspot reveals a tweeting beast in only second such discovery Also Read: No brain, no problem: Starfish use chemical ‘Mind Control’ to launch underwater raids Adult bones with marks of human teeth found Dr Palmira Saladié, co-director of the Gran Dolina excavation, said, "This case is particularly striking, not only because of the child's age, but also due to the precision of the cut mark. The vertebra presents clear incisions at key anatomical points for disarticulating the head. It is direct evidence that the child was processed like any other prey." Several adult bones were also unearthed at the site, which have defleshing marks on them, just like on animal bones eaten and discarded by humans. The child whose neck bone was studied showed that he had been decapitated. Dr Saladié told Live Science, "The cut marks on the bones do not appear in isolation. Human bite marks have been identified on the bones — this is the most reliable evidence that the bodies found at the site were indeed consumed." Also Read: Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago Also Read: Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be... Shocking cannibalism discovery might be oldest Experts are shocked to find evidence of a child being eaten by humans. Homo antecessor lived between 1.2 million and 800,000 years ago. Their physical build was shorter and stockier than modern humans. The size of their brains was also much smaller than today's man. Archaeologists believe that this species was right-handed and likely used a symbolic language. Cannibalism among human relatives was earlier discovered in Kenya, dating back to 1.45 million years ago. Some experts believe that before different species discovered burial, they ate the dead. Cannibalism has also been discovered in the UK, where the discovery of skulls at Cheddar Gorge, in Somerset, revealed that they drank out of skulls used as cups.

Ancient humans ate little children thousands of years ago, according to archaeologists in Spain who have found proof at a site they have been studying for 30 years. The brutal practice shows Homo antecessor was brutal and exploited others for food.

Scientists find gruesome evidence that proves ancient humans ate children 850,000 years ago

Human landing on Mars might become a reality in the coming years. In preparation for that day, NASA and other space agencies have sent several missions to the Red Planet. One of them was the Perseverance rover that carried the Ingenuity helicopter with it in 2021. It became the first chopper to land and take off from the Martian surface. Now, a defence contractor has released a new design concept to succeed the iconic Mars chopper. The plan is to have multiple choppers land on different spots on Mars at the same time. Virginia-based AeroVironment (AV) has partnered with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on the Mars chopper plan. Called the Skyfall mission concept, the helicopters will help further plans of landing humans on Mars one day. The Mars helicopters will scout the landscape for the best places for people. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unexplainable-radio-signal-defying-laws-of-universe-beams-every-14-minutes-and-70-minutes-1753413568947">Unexplainable radio signal defying laws of universe has no clear source. 'It is a unicorn'</a>&nbsp;<h2>Six choppers will be released from one capsule on Mars</h2>As part of the mission, one capsule will be used to release six helicopters. Once out, each helicopter will land independently on the Martian surface. According to AV, the aim is to launch these choppers in 2028. The Skyfall mission will have six choppers being dropped by the landing carrier without actually having to land anywhere. So there would be no need to have a landing platform on the surface. Once released, each helicopter will choose its own location to land independently. Upon touchdown, they will get to work immediately, exploring different parts of the Martian surface. One of their jobs would be to look for the best locations that are most suited for future human missions. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/avi-loeb-says-interstellar-object-3i-atlas-is-alien-spacecraft-3-reasons-why-he-thinks-so-1753349149598">Expert says interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is alien spacecraft: 3 reasons why he thinks so</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-can-t-figure-out-why-glaciers-in-world-s-most-dangerous-region-karakoram-range-are-growing-1753261712617">Scientists can't figure out why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing</a>

<h2>Choppers will click photos and scan under Martian surface</h2>Each chopper will collect high-resolution images of the surface. They would also deploy radar to look under the surface, to search for potential resources on Mars. "With six helicopters, Skyfall offers a low-cost solution that multiplies the range we would cover, the data we would collect, and the scientific research we would conduct–making humanity’s first footprints on Mars meaningfully closer,” William Pomerantz, head of Space Ventures at AV, said in a statement. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-want-to-use-paper-plane-spacecraft-to-deal-with-trash-in-space-1753175251897">NO KIDDING! Scientists want to use PAPER PLANE spacecraft for space missions because...</a>&nbsp;Ingenuity chopper undertook several trips on Mars after being released in 2021. The 19-inch-tall &nbsp;and 1.8-kilogram helicopter also lifted off independently later, becoming the first powered aircraft to lift off from the surface of another planet. It was originally meant to take five test flights, but it stopped only after a whopping 72 flights. Fourteen of those trips had it travel farther than planned for a total flight time of two hours. Last year, Ingenuity took its last flight when it broke its blades while landing.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Skyfall mission by NASA and Virginia-based AeroVironment plans to send six helicopters to Mars in one go, having all of them landing independently in different places. They will scout for spots best suited for human landings on Mars.

Human landing on Mars might become a reality in the coming years. In preparation for that day, NASA and other space agencies have sent several missions to the Red Planet. One of them was the Perseverance rover that carried the Ingenuity helicopter with it in 2021. It became the first chopper to land and take off from the Martian surface. Now, a defence contractor has released a new design concept to succeed the iconic Mars chopper. The plan is to have multiple choppers land on different spots on Mars at the same time. Virginia-based AeroVironment (AV) has partnered with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on the Mars chopper plan. Called the Skyfall mission concept, the helicopters will help further plans of landing humans on Mars one day. The Mars helicopters will scout the landscape for the best places for people. Also Read: Unexplainable radio signal defying laws of universe has no clear source. 'It is a unicorn' Six choppers will be released from one capsule on Mars As part of the mission, one capsule will be used to release six helicopters. Once out, each helicopter will land independently on the Martian surface. According to AV, the aim is to launch these choppers in 2028. The Skyfall mission will have six choppers being dropped by the landing carrier without actually having to land anywhere. So there would be no need to have a landing platform on the surface. Once released, each helicopter will choose its own location to land independently. Upon touchdown, they will get to work immediately, exploring different parts of the Martian surface. One of their jobs would be to look for the best locations that are most suited for future human missions. Also Read: Expert says interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is alien spacecraft: 3 reasons why he thinks so Also Read: Scientists can't figure out why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing

The Skyfall mission by NASA and Virginia-based AeroVironment plans to send six helicopters to Mars in one go, having all of them landing independently in different places. They will scout for spots best suited for human landings on Mars.

INSANE simulation shows fleet of NASA choppers dropping down on Mars

Scientists are baffled by a strange radio signal picked up by the most advanced radio telescopes that defies the laws of Physics. The bizarre cosmic object named CHIME J1634+44 is called a long-period radio transient in astronomy as it repeats signals at long intervals. As the star fizzles out, the period between the emissions should ideally increase. But with this object, the time interval is becoming shorter, and the signals are being sent more quickly. This phenomenon is completely against the known principles of the universe, which is what has left them wondering about it. The long-period radio transient had more strange characteristics. CHIME J1634+44 is also one of the most polarised long-period radio transients ever discovered, meaning the radio waves released by it twist in a perfect spiral while travelling. In these two ways, the object not only breaks the known laws of the universe, but also pushes the case for something new and unknown. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/avi-loeb-says-interstellar-object-3i-atlas-is-alien-spacecraft-3-reasons-why-he-thinks-so-1753349149598">Expert says interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is alien spacecraft: 3 reasons why he thinks so</a><h2>Radio signal with two different intervals&nbsp;</h2>These peculiar characteristics make this transient a "unicorn" in the universe, the lead author of the study, Fengqiu Adam Dong, said. He says that multiple observations of the signals being released by this object have been made, but it is unclear what is going on there. Dong believes there could be two objects instead of one, with something orbiting a neutron star. "The bursts seem to repeat either every 14 minutes or 841 seconds. But there is a distinct secondary period of 4206 seconds, or 70 minutes, which is exactly five times longer. We think both are real," he said. Such radio signals are released by neutron stars or white dwarfs whose rotations slow down as they reach the end of their lives. The time between the signals, thus, increases. However, with CHIME J1634+44, they are becoming faster. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/moon-babies-from-asteroid-collisions-mean-earth-has-6-mini-moons-at-all-times-1753331873984">Moon babies from asteroid collisions mean Earth has 7 moons at all times</a><h2>Identity of the object releasing radio signals is a mystery</h2>So, is it speeding up? Scientists don't think that is possible for a lone star. That is why they think there could be two stars orbiting each other very closely. Suppose the orbit of this binary system is shrinking because of factors like the emission of gravitational waves or interactions with each other. In that case, the spin period might appear to be getting shorter. However, the confusion over their identity persists because they are not acting like a white dwarf or a neutron star. Radio bursts from CHIME J1634+44 are 100 per cent circularly polarised, and none of them have ever been seen to have a perfect spiral for every burst. Such radio waves have never been seen in any object known to scientists. Dong said, "The discovery of CHIME J1634+44 expands the known population of long-period radio transients and challenges existing models of neutron stars and white dwarfs, suggesting there may be many more such objects awaiting discovery."

The radio signal being emitted by a cosmic object has confused scientists, who cannot seem to figure out its source. It moves in a strange pattern, the timing is odd, and it just does not fit into any bracket defined by Physics. What is going on out there?

Scientists are baffled by a strange radio signal picked up by the most advanced radio telescopes that defies the laws of Physics. The bizarre cosmic object named CHIME J1634+44 is called a long-period radio transient in astronomy as it repeats signals at long intervals. As the star fizzles out, the period between the emissions should ideally increase. But with this object, the time interval is becoming shorter, and the signals are being sent more quickly. This phenomenon is completely against the known principles of the universe, which is what has left them wondering about it. The long-period radio transient had more strange characteristics. CHIME J1634+44 is also one of the most polarised long-period radio transients ever discovered, meaning the radio waves released by it twist in a perfect spiral while travelling. In these two ways, the object not only breaks the known laws of the universe, but also pushes the case for something new and unknown. Also Read: Expert says interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is alien spacecraft: 3 reasons why he thinks so Radio signal with two different intervals These peculiar characteristics make this transient a "unicorn" in the universe, the lead author of the study, Fengqiu Adam Dong, said. He says that multiple observations of the signals being released by this object have been made, but it is unclear what is going on there. Dong believes there could be two objects instead of one, with something orbiting a neutron star. "The bursts seem to repeat either every 14 minutes or 841 seconds. But there is a distinct secondary period of 4206 seconds, or 70 minutes, which is exactly five times longer. We think both are real," he said. Such radio signals are released by neutron stars or white dwarfs whose rotations slow down as they reach the end of their lives. The time between the signals, thus, increases. However, with CHIME J1634+44, they are becoming faster. Also Read: Moon babies from asteroid collisions mean Earth has 7 moons at all times Identity of the object releasing radio signals is a mystery So, is it speeding up? Scientists don't think that is possible for a lone star. That is why they think there could be two stars orbiting each other very closely. Suppose the orbit of this binary system is shrinking because of factors like the emission of gravitational waves or interactions with each other. In that case, the spin period might appear to be getting shorter. However, the confusion over their identity persists because they are not acting like a white dwarf or a neutron star. Radio bursts from CHIME J1634+44 are 100 per cent circularly polarised, and none of them have ever been seen to have a perfect spiral for every burst. Such radio waves have never been seen in any object known to scientists. Dong said, "The discovery of CHIME J1634+44 expands the known population of long-period radio transients and challenges existing models of neutron stars and white dwarfs, suggesting there may be many more such objects awaiting discovery."

The radio signal being emitted by a cosmic object has confused scientists, who cannot seem to figure out its source. It moves in a strange pattern, the timing is odd, and it just doesn't fit into any bracket defined by Physics. What is going on out there?

Unexplainable radio signal defying laws of universe has no clear source. 'It is a unicorn'

Scientists have officially begun human trials for a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill called YCT-529, and the results are astonishing. Scientists say it demonstrated positive results in animal trials with 99 per cent effectiveness when tested on mice. It is a contraceptive and contains no hormone, with no side effects. According to the preclinical trials, the pill will not change mood or sex drive, and fertility is restored upon discontinuation of the pill. But further trials are needed to confirm its efficacy on humans.&nbsp;<h2>How does YCT-529 work?</h2>Developed by YourChoice Therapeutics, YCT-529 works by blocking the vitamin A within the testes, thus blocking the development of sperm. Notably, it doesn't interact with testosterone levels or the functions of libido. Currently, the only two available options are vasectomy or condoms. According to the Daily Mail Report, it is likely to be available by the end of this decade. The most recent trial recruited 16 men who had undergone vasectomies and were subjected to the trial to check the side effects.The researcher said that there was no fatigue, no hormonal crashes, and zero impact on their “performance”. Similarly no effect on heart rates, and there was no clear food effect. The results are published in the journal Communications Medicine.The next phase is a longer trial with more participants.“This could be revolutionary,” said researchers. “For the first time, men may have a safe, reversible, daily contraceptive—without needles, cuts, or awkward latex.”However survey in India shows that more than two-thirds of males are less likely to consider a male contraceptive pill due to stigma, fear or ego.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A male birth control pill is being developed without the use of needles, cuts, or awkward latex. Pill YCT-529 by YourChoice Therapeutics has shown 99 per cent effectiveness in pre-clinical trial.

Scientists have officially begun human trials for a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill called YCT-529, and the results are astonishing. Scientists say it demonstrated positive results in animal trials with 99 per cent effectiveness when tested on mice. It is a contraceptive and contains no hormone, with no side effects. According to the preclinical trials, the pill will not change mood or sex drive, and fertility is restored upon discontinuation of the pill. But further trials are needed to confirm its efficacy on humans. How does YCT-529 work? Developed by YourChoice Therapeutics, YCT-529 works by blocking the vitamin A within the testes, thus blocking the development of sperm. Notably, it doesn't interact with testosterone levels or the functions of libido. Currently, the only two available options are vasectomy or condoms. According to the Daily Mail Report, it is likely to be available by the end of this decade. The most recent trial recruited 16 men who had undergone vasectomies and were subjected to the trial to check the side effects. The researcher said that there was no fatigue, no hormonal crashes, and zero impact on their “performance”. Similarly no effect on heart rates, and there was no clear food effect. The results are published in the journal Communications Medicine. The next phase is a longer trial with more participants.“This could be revolutionary,” said researchers. “For the first time, men may have a safe, reversible, daily contraceptive—without needles, cuts, or awkward latex.” However survey in India shows that more than two-thirds of males are less likely to consider a male contraceptive pill due to stigma, fear or ego.

A male birth control pill is being developed without the use of needles, cuts, or awkward latex. Pill YCT-529 by YourChoice Therapeutics has shown 99 per cent effectiveness in a pre-clinical trial.

Pill YCT-529! A male birth control pill that actually works? Scientists say yes

Women often complain about how terrible the dating scene is on apps. This is because it really is. Scientists have analysed online dating sites and revealed that most men swipe right for women who are more attractive than they are. This tends to lower the chances of having a successful match that could turn out to be something more in future. According to the researchers, this is more likely to happen between people with similar levels of desirability. The opposite was true for women, who mostly chose men who were lower on the desirability scale. This means that the matches that turn out to be successful often mean that men are settling for less attractive mates. "Women nominate on average slightly less desirable mates, and men send ties (swipes) to women who are on average considerably more desirable than themselves," the researchers wrote. Most matches end up happening because of rejections instead of first preferences. The study was carried out by a team from the Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, in Germany, and the University of Manchester. It was published in the journal Plos One. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/google-searches-reveal-american-states-with-best-and-worst-sex-lives-1753352554780">Online searches reveal American states with best and worst sex lives</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ashley-madison-india-data-extramarital-affair-cheating-delhi-mumbai-kanchipuram-1753248635305">Ashley Madison reveals EXTRA-MARITAL AFFAIR capital of India; Delhi covers most bases, and Mumbai...</a><h2>Men want more attractive women, while women are settling for ones less good-looking than themselves</h2>"Our research…shows that while men often aim high when choosing whom to contact, successful matches tend to happen between people with similar levels of desirability. This pattern is largely the result of rejection, rather than an initial preference for similarity," the authors wrote. "Punching" is a term used for relationships where men often go for women who are more attractive than they are. Several male celebrities have been called out for "punching" with more attractive partners. The researchers used data from a Czech dating app, combing through the activity of nearly 3,000 heterosexual users, including swipes and desirability. The user who received the most swipes was rated the most desirable for the study.&nbsp;Women came out to be more desirable on the app, probably because it had more male users than female ones. The science behind the study showed that men swiped for women who ranked higher on the desirability scale than they did. "Men tend to send ties (swipes) to women who are on average considerably more desirable than themselves," the authors wrote in the study. They concluded that men have more of an aspirational pursuit as compared to women. They also noted that some people received almost three times more swipes than others.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dating apps are proving to be a bust in building a true relationship. People are finding it harder to find a real match. Scientists have now analysed why this is happening and have revealed that men are aiming way too high and failing.

Women often complain about how terrible the dating scene is on apps. This is because it really is. Scientists have analysed online dating sites and revealed that most men swipe right for women who are more attractive than they are. This tends to lower the chances of having a successful match that could turn out to be something more in future. According to the researchers, this is more likely to happen between people with similar levels of desirability. The opposite was true for women, who mostly chose men who were lower on the desirability scale. This means that the matches that turn out to be successful often mean that men are settling for less attractive mates. "Women nominate on average slightly less desirable mates, and men send ties (swipes) to women who are on average considerably more desirable than themselves," the researchers wrote. Most matches end up happening because of rejections instead of first preferences. The study was carried out by a team from the Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, in Germany, and the University of Manchester. It was published in the journal Plos One. Also Read: Online searches reveal American states with best and worst sex lives Also Read: Ashley Madison reveals EXTRA-MARITAL AFFAIR capital of India; Delhi covers most bases, and Mumbai... Men want more attractive women, while women are settling for ones less good-looking than themselves "Our research…shows that while men often aim high when choosing whom to contact, successful matches tend to happen between people with similar levels of desirability. This pattern is largely the result of rejection, rather than an initial preference for similarity," the authors wrote. "Punching" is a term used for relationships where men often go for women who are more attractive than they are. Several male celebrities have been called out for "punching" with more attractive partners. The researchers used data from a Czech dating app, combing through the activity of nearly 3,000 heterosexual users, including swipes and desirability. The user who received the most swipes was rated the most desirable for the study. Women came out to be more desirable on the app, probably because it had more male users than female ones. The science behind the study showed that men swiped for women who ranked higher on the desirability scale than they did. "Men tend to send ties (swipes) to women who are on average considerably more desirable than themselves," the authors wrote in the study. They concluded that men have more of an aspirational pursuit as compared to women. They also noted that some people received almost three times more swipes than others.

Dating apps are proving to be a bust in building a true relationship. People are finding it harder to find a real match. Scientists have now analysed why this is happening and have revealed that men are aiming way too high and failing.

Scientists reveal why dating apps have become a total bust. Hint: It's got to do with men

Avi Loeb, an Israeli-American theoretical physicist known for talking about aliens, now thinks that the interstellar comet spotted in the solar system is an artificial object sent by an advanced alien civilisation. The Harvard professor points out the cosmic object's trajectory, size and behaviour to suggest that it doesn't appear to be a natural space rock, and is likely a spacecraft. 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object ever recorded in our solar system. It was detected on July 1 by NASA's ATLAS telescope in Chile and has been classified as a comet. Loeb told Newsweek, "The retrograde orbital plane of 3I/ATLAS around the Sun lies within 5 degrees of that of Earth... The likelihood of that coincidence out of all random orientations is 0.2 per cent." However, other experts have quashed his claims, saying there is nothing that points to it being an alien probe. The comet has travelled from another star system. Scientists have said that it is probably even older than our solar system. It could have taken it billions of years to get here. But Loeb thinks that 3I/ATLAS is so large that it is extremely unlikely it could have naturally taken this journey to reach us. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/interstellar-visitor-solar-system-is-only-the-third-other-two-objects-oumuamua-and-comet-with-huge-tail-1751518381560">Interstellar visitor spotted is only the third: One of the other two appeared to be an 'alien vessel'</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/voyager-spacecraft-crossed-wall-of-fire-to-reach-interstellar-space-what-is-it-1749714537835">Voyager spacecraft crossed 'wall of fire' to reach interstellar space. What is it?</a><h2>Nothing natural about the interstellar object: Avi Loeb</h2>The comet is travelling at 60 kilometres per second, and Loeb claims that there is no natural cosmic process that would let it travel in this manner towards the inner solar system. He told MailOnline, "An alternative is that the object targets the inner solar system by some technological design." After the object was spotted for the first time, scientists noted its extremely elliptical orbit and high speed, and both of them pointed to its origins lying outside the solar system. 3I/ATLAS has come from the constellation Sagittarius and is heading towards the inner solar system. Its closest approach to the Sun is expected on &nbsp;October 30, when it will be 210 million km from our star, that is somewhere around the orbit of Mars. It is not expected to reach Earth.<h2>How did such a mammoth object travel all this way to the solar system?</h2>The sheer size of the interstellar visitor also hints that it is not a natural object, Loeb says. Right now, it is 490 million km from Earth. Its size has been measured based on the amount of light it reflects. This calculation states that it is around 20-24km in diameter. It is 200 times larger than 'Oumuamua, the thin and 100-metre-long interstellar visitor that took a trip to the solar system in 2017. Loeb doesn't think an object of this size can travel all the way here without dying out. He told MailOnline that there are about a million objects on the scale of 'Oumuamua for each object that is 24 kilometres in size. "But we haven't seen a million 'Oumuamua-sized interstellar objects before seeing this one; it's very strange," he pointed out. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/moon-babies-from-asteroid-collisions-mean-earth-has-6-mini-moons-at-all-times-1753331873984">Moon babies from asteroid collisions mean Earth has 7 moons at all times</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-comet-discovered-2-billion-kilometres-from-sun-is-acting-in-a-bizarre-way-1750143967728">Only 1 of 5: Comet discovered 2 billion kilometres from Sun is acting in a bizarre way</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3i-atlas-fastest-interstellar-object-found-1752942534606">https://www.wionews.com/videos/3i-atlas-fastest-interstellar-object-found-1752942534606</a>/embed&nbsp;<h2>How many such objects could exist in Milky Way?</h2>Loeb has even written a paper that will be published by the Research Notes of the AAS, detailing the scenarios that can facilitate such a mammoth object to reach our solar system. He used previous data to calculate how many objects of this size could exist in the Milky Way. He multiplied this number by the mass of 3I/ATLAS, and the results made "zero sense". He says there is not enough mass to make ample rocks of this size. This means that 3I/ATLAS is a lot rarer than its appearance in our Solar System suggests. Since there aren't a lot of similar objects floating around, it seems strange that one that does is aiming for our inner solar system, Loeb said. The Harvard physicist also dismissed the comet theory, saying there is no direct evidence of dust or gas being released by the object. The &nbsp;'reddening' caused by dust is how it was concluded to be a comet. Loeb says this could be simply because the object is red.

Avi Loeb, known for his theories on aliens, thinks that the interstellar object in our solar system is a spacecraft sent by aliens. He points to its trajectory, size and speed to state that it is almost impossible that such a natural cosmic object could have travelled so far.

Avi Loeb, an Israeli-American theoretical physicist known for talking about aliens, now thinks that the interstellar comet spotted in the solar system is an artificial object sent by an advanced alien civilisation. The Harvard professor points out the cosmic object's trajectory, size and behaviour to suggest that it doesn't appear to be a natural space rock, and is likely a spacecraft. 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object ever recorded in our solar system. It was detected on July 1 by NASA's ATLAS telescope in Chile and has been classified as a comet. Loeb told Newsweek, "The retrograde orbital plane of 3I/ATLAS around the Sun lies within 5 degrees of that of Earth... The likelihood of that coincidence out of all random orientations is 0.2 per cent." However, other experts have quashed his claims, saying there is nothing that points to it being an alien probe. The comet has travelled from another star system. Scientists have said that it is probably even older than our solar system. It could have taken it billions of years to get here. But Loeb thinks that 3I/ATLAS is so large that it is extremely unlikely it could have naturally taken this journey to reach us. Also Read: Interstellar visitor spotted is only the third: One of the other two appeared to be an 'alien vessel' Also Read: Voyager spacecraft crossed 'wall of fire' to reach interstellar space. What is it? Nothing natural about the interstellar object: Avi Loeb The comet is travelling at 60 kilometres per second, and Loeb claims that there is no natural cosmic process that would let it travel in this manner towards the inner solar system. He told MailOnline, "An alternative is that the object targets the inner solar system by some technological design." After the object was spotted for the first time, scientists noted its extremely elliptical orbit and high speed, and both of them pointed to its origins lying outside the solar system. 3I/ATLAS has come from the constellation Sagittarius and is heading towards the inner solar system. Its closest approach to the Sun is expected on October 30, when it will be 210 million km from our star, that is somewhere around the orbit of Mars. It is not expected to reach Earth. How did such a mammoth object travel all this way to the solar system? The sheer size of the interstellar visitor also hints that it is not a natural object, Loeb says. Right now, it is 490 million km from Earth. Its size has been measured based on the amount of light it reflects. This calculation states that it is around 20-24km in diameter. It is 200 times larger than 'Oumuamua, the thin and 100-metre-long interstellar visitor that took a trip to the solar system in 2017. Loeb doesn't think an object of this size can travel all the way here without dying out. He told MailOnline that there are about a million objects on the scale of 'Oumuamua for each object that is 24 kilometres in size. "But we haven't seen a million 'Oumuamua-sized interstellar objects before seeing this one; it's very strange," he pointed out. Also Read: Moon babies from asteroid collisions mean Earth has 7 moons at all times Also Read: Only 1 of 5: Comet discovered 2 billion kilometres from Sun is acting in a bizarre way https://www.wionews.com/videos/3i-atlas-fastest-interstellar-object-found-1752942534606/embed How many such objects could exist in Milky Way? Loeb has even written a paper that will be published by the Research Notes of the AAS, detailing the scenarios that can facilitate such a mammoth object to reach our solar system. He used previous data to calculate how many objects of this size could exist in the Milky Way. He multiplied this number by the mass of 3I/ATLAS, and the results made "zero sense". He says there is not enough mass to make ample rocks of this size. This means that 3I/ATLAS is a lot rarer than its appearance in our Solar System suggests. Since there aren't a lot of similar objects floating around, it seems strange that one that does is aiming for our inner solar system, Loeb said. The Harvard physicist also dismissed the comet theory, saying there is no direct evidence of dust or gas being released by the object. The 'reddening' caused by dust is how it was concluded to be a comet. Loeb says this could be simply because the object is red.

Avi Loeb, known for his theories on aliens, thinks that the interstellar object in our solar system is a spacecraft sent by aliens. He points to its trajectory, size and speed to state that it is almost impossible that such a natural cosmic object could have travelled so far.

Expert says interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is alien spacecraft: 3 reasons why he thinks so

Humans have never seen dinosaurs in flesh and blood and have built on the fossils collected over the years. We have imagined them roaring and standing several feet taller than us. But a new study has suggested that not all dinosaurs were beasts. Scientists have discovered a group of herbivorous dinosaurs that looked like birds with feathers all over their bodies and tweeted like them, too. This is based on the research carried out on new fossilised dinosaur bones, which included parts of the voice box. Published in PeerJ by Chinese scientists, the study states the discovery of fossils belonging to a 2-foot-long new dinosaur species, Pulaosaurus qinglong. The species has been named after "Pulao," a mythical Chinese dragon known for a loud voice. The species belongs to Neornithischia, a subgroup of Ornithischia, a herbivorous dinosaurs whose pelvic region resembled birds. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/starfish-use-mind-control-1753186092062">No brain, no problem: Starfish use chemical ‘Mind Control’ to launch underwater raids</a><h2>Yanliao Biota, dinosaur fossil hotspot in China</h2>The dinosaur bones were discovered in Yanliao Biota, a region in northeastern China that has yielded several dinosaur fossils over the years, all approximately 165–150 million years old. The fossil belongs to an immature Pulaosaurus qinglong and was found extremely well preserved in the Upper Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation in Hebei Province. There is an almost full skeleton, comprising vertebrae, limbs, pelvis, bones of the larynx or voice box, and even some rare soft tissue structures. This is the first time neornithischian dinosaur specimens were found in this hotspot. Till now, only small theropods and early birds were studied from the region. There had been a lack of a robust fossil record of ornithischians, so researchers couldn't trace back early diversification within the group. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-who-de-extincted-dire-wolf-now-want-to-bring-back-from-dead-this-12ft-tall-bird-1752485299961">Scientists who 'de-extincted' dire wolf now want to bring back from dead THIS 12ft tall bird</a> &nbsp;<h2>Dinosaurs that tweeted like birds</h2>Scientists were surprised to see fossilised larynx bones, since it is only the second dinosaur discovered with it. This helped them piece together the sound of the dinosaur. The cartilage structures in Pulaosaurus's larynx are elongated and shaped like a leaf, resembling those in modern birds. This suggests that its voice was possibly like birds. An analysis of other parts of its body showed that the dinosaur preferred chewing on soft food. The gut cavity had small, round pebbles and tiny impressions in it, which could be plant seeds or other plant material. Researchers say that the discovery of this dinosaur fills a major gap in the study of neornithischian dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs are known for their mighty roar. But scientists think not all dinosaurs were this loud. Some of them not only looked like birds, but also had a similar voice. Scientists analysed a fossilised voice box found in Chinas dinosaur hotspot, only the second such fossil.

Humans have never seen dinosaurs in flesh and blood and have built on the fossils collected over the years. We have imagined them roaring and standing several feet taller than us. But a new study has suggested that not all dinosaurs were beasts. Scientists have discovered a group of herbivorous dinosaurs that looked like birds with feathers all over their bodies and tweeted like them, too. This is based on the research carried out on new fossilised dinosaur bones, which included parts of the voice box. Published in PeerJ by Chinese scientists, the study states the discovery of fossils belonging to a 2-foot-long new dinosaur species, Pulaosaurus qinglong. The species has been named after "Pulao," a mythical Chinese dragon known for a loud voice. The species belongs to Neornithischia, a subgroup of Ornithischia, a herbivorous dinosaurs whose pelvic region resembled birds. Also Read: No brain, no problem: Starfish use chemical ‘Mind Control’ to launch underwater raids Yanliao Biota, dinosaur fossil hotspot in China The dinosaur bones were discovered in Yanliao Biota, a region in northeastern China that has yielded several dinosaur fossils over the years, all approximately 165–150 million years old. The fossil belongs to an immature Pulaosaurus qinglong and was found extremely well preserved in the Upper Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation in Hebei Province. There is an almost full skeleton, comprising vertebrae, limbs, pelvis, bones of the larynx or voice box, and even some rare soft tissue structures. This is the first time neornithischian dinosaur specimens were found in this hotspot. Till now, only small theropods and early birds were studied from the region. There had been a lack of a robust fossil record of ornithischians, so researchers couldn't trace back early diversification within the group. Also Read: Scientists who 'de-extincted' dire wolf now want to bring back from dead THIS 12ft tall bird Dinosaurs that tweeted like birds Scientists were surprised to see fossilised larynx bones, since it is only the second dinosaur discovered with it. This helped them piece together the sound of the dinosaur. The cartilage structures in Pulaosaurus's larynx are elongated and shaped like a leaf, resembling those in modern birds. This suggests that its voice was possibly like birds. An analysis of other parts of its body showed that the dinosaur preferred chewing on soft food. The gut cavity had small, round pebbles and tiny impressions in it, which could be plant seeds or other plant material. Researchers say that the discovery of this dinosaur fills a major gap in the study of neornithischian dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs are known for their mighty roar. But scientists think not all dinosaurs were this loud. Some of them not only looked like birds, but also had a similar voice. Scientists analysed a fossilised voice box found in China's dinosaur hotspot, only the second such fossil.

China's dinosaur hotspot reveals a tweeting beast in only second such discovery

Last year, Earth had a mini moon for a few weeks, and astronomers were all excited about it. Now a study has established that our planet has at least six such mini moons at any given time. A team os scientists from the US, Italy, Germany, Finland, and Sweden says that these cosmic objects are pieces of our actual moon which came apart following asteroid collisions. They are only around six feet in diameter and caught in the Earth's gravitational field. The authors noted that when the debris from the Moon was released from asteroid impacts, the larger chunks floated away. However, the smaller ones were pulled in and are in a somewhat stable orbit around Earth. These broken moon pieces, known as "lunar ejecta," orbit our planet for years before escaping. These temporarily bound objects (TBOs) then get caught in the Sun's gravity and start revolving around it. Some of them also crash into Earth or the Moon. More debris is released from the Moon and then undergoes the same process, as some of it ends up being Earth's new moons. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-can-t-figure-out-why-glaciers-in-world-s-most-dangerous-region-karakoram-range-are-growing-1753261712617">Scientists can't figure out why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/total-solar-eclipse-2027-six-minutes-darkness-which-countries-cities-india-1752728414715">6-minute total solar eclipse will plunge major parts of world into darkness. Is your city on the list?</a><h2>Earth's mini moons</h2>Robert Jedicke, a researcher at the University of Hawaii, described it like a "square dance, where partners change regularly and sometimes leave the dance floor for a while." The study published in Icarus also cancels out scientific belief that every new mini moon that comes near Earth travels from the solar system's asteroid belt. "Given that 18 per cent of TBOs can also be classified as minimoons, our nominal results suggest that there should be about 6.5 minimoons larger than 1 m diameter in the [Earth-Moon system] at any time," the researchers wrote in their new report. To understand more about mini moons, scientists studied two such objects named Kamo'oalewa and 2024 PT5. Both the mini moons made headlines last year when they were spotted orbiting Earth. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sorry-space-buffs-but-planet-nine-might-be-an-illusion-a-new-world-has-revealed-that-1752635476153">New world Sedna discovered in solar system. What this means for Planet Nine</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sun-400000-kilometre-long-scar-solar-filament-plasma-explosion-1752727510857">Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened</a><h2>Mini moons discovered orbiting Earth</h2>These cosmic creatures were found to have the same properties as the Moon. Kamo'oalewa, discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, was large, measuring between 131 to 328 feet in diameter. It reflected light in the same way as the moon's surface composition. It also had the same composition of lunar rocks, which are rich in silicates. Mini moon 2024 PT5 also exhibited the same characteristics, Jedicke told Space.com. Asteroid 2024 PT5 was discovered on Aug 7, 2024. It was spotted by Sutherland, the South Africa telescope of the University of Hawaii’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). As it came near Earth, it got caught in its gravity at a distance of about nine times the Moon is from Earth. The asteroid remained Earth's mini-moon from Sep 29 to Nov 25 in 2024. It revisited us this year and was at its closest point to our planet in January 2025, at which time scientists really dug into it to know about its history.

Earth has not one but seven moons at any given point in time. Scientists say that when asteroids collide with the Moon, the pieces released become mini moons for a few years. The mini moon Earth had last year is also believed to be a part of the Moon.

Last year, Earth had a mini moon for a few weeks, and astronomers were all excited about it. Now a study has established that our planet has at least six such mini moons at any given time. A team os scientists from the US, Italy, Germany, Finland, and Sweden says that these cosmic objects are pieces of our actual moon which came apart following asteroid collisions. They are only around six feet in diameter and caught in the Earth's gravitational field. The authors noted that when the debris from the Moon was released from asteroid impacts, the larger chunks floated away. However, the smaller ones were pulled in and are in a somewhat stable orbit around Earth. These broken moon pieces, known as "lunar ejecta," orbit our planet for years before escaping. These temporarily bound objects (TBOs) then get caught in the Sun's gravity and start revolving around it. Some of them also crash into Earth or the Moon. More debris is released from the Moon and then undergoes the same process, as some of it ends up being Earth's new moons. Also Read: Scientists can't figure out why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing Also Read: 6-minute total solar eclipse will plunge major parts of world into darkness. Is your city on the list? Earth's mini moons Robert Jedicke, a researcher at the University of Hawaii, described it like a "square dance, where partners change regularly and sometimes leave the dance floor for a while." The study published in Icarus also cancels out scientific belief that every new mini moon that comes near Earth travels from the solar system's asteroid belt. "Given that 18 per cent of TBOs can also be classified as minimoons, our nominal results suggest that there should be about 6.5 minimoons larger than 1 m diameter in the [Earth-Moon system] at any time," the researchers wrote in their new report. To understand more about mini moons, scientists studied two such objects named Kamo'oalewa and 2024 PT5. Both the mini moons made headlines last year when they were spotted orbiting Earth. Also Read: New world Sedna discovered in solar system. What this means for Planet Nine Also Read: Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened Mini moons discovered orbiting Earth These cosmic creatures were found to have the same properties as the Moon. Kamo'oalewa, discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, was large, measuring between 131 to 328 feet in diameter. It reflected light in the same way as the moon's surface composition. It also had the same composition of lunar rocks, which are rich in silicates. Mini moon 2024 PT5 also exhibited the same characteristics, Jedicke told Space.com. Asteroid 2024 PT5 was discovered on Aug 7, 2024. It was spotted by Sutherland, the South Africa telescope of the University of Hawaii’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). As it came near Earth, it got caught in its gravity at a distance of about nine times the Moon is from Earth. The asteroid remained Earth's mini-moon from Sep 29 to Nov 25 in 2024. It revisited us this year and was at its closest point to our planet in January 2025, at which time scientists really dug into it to know about its history.

Earth has not one but seven moons at any given point in time. Scientists say that when asteroids collide with the Moon, the pieces released become mini moons for a few years. The mini moon that Earth got last year is also believed to be a part of the Moon.

Moon babies from asteroid collisions mean Earth has 7 moons at all times

While global warming is shrinking the world's ice, three glaciers in one of the remotest regions of the world are gaining ice. An astronaut captured them from the International Space Station (ISS), merging into one massive ice mass in the Karakoram mountain range. The Lolofond glacier, the Teram Shehr glacier, and the Siachen glacier are the three glaciers seen merging in the photo and together create the Karakoram anomaly. These glaciers are growing bigger, even though the rising temperatures in the world are threatening glaciers in Antarctica and the Arctic. Scientists have been baffled by the phenomenon for years and have racked their brains, trying to figure out what's going on with them. The Siachen Glacier in the eastern Karakoram is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It is located 18,875 ft above sea level and is 76 kilometres long and 3.5 kilometres wide at its broadest point. It has undergone some rapid changes which scientists have failed to explain. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/organism-growing-on-walls-of-chernobyl-reactor-number-4-loves-radiation-scientists-space-travel-nuclear-disaster-1753160712875">Chernobyl disaster site has nothing growing, except this organism that is thriving on radiation</a><h2>What is leading to the Karakoram glaciers growing?</h2>The Karakoram range stands on the borders of India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. Scientists have tried to explain the unusual growth in these glaciers with various theories; however, none of them have been confirmed. Some experts believe the local weather is making them grow. Others think the dust and dirt embedded in the glaciers’ moraines protect the ice from the global high temperatures. The photo captured from space shows these moraines, the parallel layers formed from rock and dust trapped between glaciers as they merge. The point where the Teram Shehr and a smaller unnamed tributary glacier meet the Siachen glacier shows the moraines most clearly. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-are-freezing-human-poop-to-prevent-major-disaster-switzerland-vault-1752922224244">Scientists are freezing human poop to prevent major disaster 100 years from now</a><h2>Siachen Glacier, a point of conflict and natural wonder</h2>The Siachen glacier is a natural wonder. It is extremely cold and replete with harsh weather. It is Earth’s highest battleground as India and Pakistan have troops stationed near the glacier despite the harsh weather. The extreme living conditions at the glacier have also led to several people losing their lives. The region witnesses very low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. In winters, blizzards can continue for weeks here, with temperatures plummeting to -50°C. It is a source of freshwater for several people living near the region. Climate change is causing the glacier to melt. However, the Karakoram anomaly shows that some glaciers are becoming stable and even seeing growth. This could be because of the Western Disturbances that bring snowfall in winter, according to a study. However, a sureshot answer remains elusive.

A photo of three glaciers in the Karakoram range taken from space shows them merging. These glaciers are growing even when others are melting because of climate change. Scientists have proposed various theories, but nothing conclusive.

While global warming is shrinking the world's ice, three glaciers in one of the remotest regions of the world are gaining ice. An astronaut captured them from the International Space Station (ISS), merging into one massive ice mass in the Karakoram mountain range. The Lolofond glacier, the Teram Shehr glacier, and the Siachen glacier are the three glaciers seen merging in the photo and together create the Karakoram anomaly. These glaciers are growing bigger, even though the rising temperatures in the world are threatening glaciers in Antarctica and the Arctic. Scientists have been baffled by the phenomenon for years and have racked their brains, trying to figure out what's going on with them. The Siachen Glacier in the eastern Karakoram is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It is located 18,875 ft above sea level and is 76 kilometres long and 3.5 kilometres wide at its broadest point. It has undergone some rapid changes which scientists have failed to explain. Also Read: Chernobyl disaster site has nothing growing, except this organism that is thriving on radiation What is leading to the Karakoram glaciers growing? The Karakoram range stands on the borders of India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. Scientists have tried to explain the unusual growth in these glaciers with various theories; however, none of them have been confirmed. Some experts believe the local weather is making them grow. Others think the dust and dirt embedded in the glaciers’ moraines protect the ice from the global high temperatures. The photo captured from space shows these moraines, the parallel layers formed from rock and dust trapped between glaciers as they merge. The point where the Teram Shehr and a smaller unnamed tributary glacier meet the Siachen glacier shows the moraines most clearly. Also Read: Scientists are freezing human poop to prevent major disaster 100 years from now Siachen Glacier, a point of conflict and natural wonder The Siachen glacier is a natural wonder. It is extremely cold and replete with harsh weather. It is Earth’s highest battleground as India and Pakistan have troops stationed near the glacier despite the harsh weather. The extreme living conditions at the glacier have also led to several people losing their lives. The region witnesses very low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. In winters, blizzards can continue for weeks here, with temperatures plummeting to -50°C. It is a source of freshwater for several people living near the region. Climate change is causing the glacier to melt. However, the Karakoram anomaly shows that some glaciers are becoming stable and even seeing growth. This could be because of the Western Disturbances that bring snowfall in winter, according to a study. However, a sureshot answer remains elusive.

A photo of three glaciers in the Karakoram range taken from space shows them merging. These glaciers are growing even when others are melting because of climate change. Scientists have proposed various theories, but nothing conclusive.

Scientists don't know why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 released high amounts of radioactive material into the environment, affecting people in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. Thirty plant workers died within weeks, and many more sustained radiation injuries. Everything within a 30-kilometre radius of the plant was evacuated. High radiation levels have led it to become a ghost town. No one can live there, and nothing can thrive in the radioactive environment. However, there is one thing that is thriving in Chernobyl - a black fungus. The disaster saw a runaway nuclear reaction, explosion, and fire in Reactor Number Four. Today, scientists are shocked to see something alive inside one of the most radioactive environments on Earth. Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a black fungus, has been discovered growing on the walls of reactor number 4 in Chernobyl. Called radiotrophic fungi, this was the first time it was ever seen anywhere in the world.<h2>Organism thrives in radiation-filled environment</h2>The radiation is not killing this fungus; instead, it is helping it thrive. This organism has adapted to its radioactive surroundings. The black fungus is absorbing deadly gamma radiation and converting it into energy in a process similar to photosynthesis. This fungus undergoes radiosynthesis, a process in which it uses radiation to grow. The fungus contains melanin, a pigment that absorbs and utilises ionising radiation to produce energy. This was first revealed in an article published in the National Library of Medicine in 2008. This has led scientists to ponder over its use to clean up radioactive sites. If found effective, it could become an integral tool in nuclear disaster recovery in future. A researcher studying the black fungus said, "It’s like nature engineered a biological radiation shield." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/man-sucked-into-mri-machine-after-entering-room-wearing-chain-dies-of-injuries-1753086456963">Man sucked into MRI machine after entering room wearing chain, dies of injuries</a>&nbsp;<h2>Chernobyl fungus can help with space travel</h2>This discovery has led scientists to use this fungus in situations where living organisms can be used to remove pollutants from the environment. So deploying them in high-radiation regions is one possibility where they can contain and potentially reduce radiation levels. However, another area where this black fungus can prove useful is space travel. Humans have been vying to travel in the void of space. Mars and Moon are on the list, with missions planned as early as the 2030s. However, the biggest challenge is the danger of radiation that can prove extremely harmful to the human body. C. sphaerospermum was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to understand its potential to safeguard astronauts. Initial results show that the black fungus can prove to be a useful tool to further human space ambitions.&nbsp;Scientists think it can be used to develop habitats that shield astronauts from the harsh radiation. It can even protect spaces where food can be grown for space travellers. C. sphaerospermum not only adapts and thrives in an adverse radioactive environment, but it can also withstand low temperatures, high salt concentrations and extreme acidity. This makes it a promising ingredient to whip up the perfect recipe for space travel.

Chernobyl reactor number four has been conquered by an organism that thrives in a radioactive environment. It is like a biological radiation shield made by nature to fight radiation in the event of a nuclear disaster. In fact, it is probably cleaning Chernobyl.

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 released high amounts of radioactive material into the environment, affecting people in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. Thirty plant workers died within weeks, and many more sustained radiation injuries. Everything within a 30-kilometre radius of the plant was evacuated. High radiation levels have led it to become a ghost town. No one can live there, and nothing can thrive in the radioactive environment. However, there is one thing that is thriving in Chernobyl - a black fungus. The disaster saw a runaway nuclear reaction, explosion, and fire in Reactor Number Four. Today, scientists are shocked to see something alive inside one of the most radioactive environments on Earth. Cladosporium sphaerospermum, a black fungus, has been discovered growing on the walls of reactor number 4 in Chernobyl. Called radiotrophic fungi, this was the first time it was ever seen anywhere in the world. Organism thrives in radiation-filled environment The radiation is not killing this fungus; instead, it is helping it thrive. This organism has adapted to its radioactive surroundings. The black fungus is absorbing deadly gamma radiation and converting it into energy in a process similar to photosynthesis. This fungus undergoes radiosynthesis, a process in which it uses radiation to grow. The fungus contains melanin, a pigment that absorbs and utilises ionising radiation to produce energy. This was first revealed in an article published in the National Library of Medicine in 2008. This has led scientists to ponder over its use to clean up radioactive sites. If found effective, it could become an integral tool in nuclear disaster recovery in future. A researcher studying the black fungus said, "It’s like nature engineered a biological radiation shield." Also Read: Man sucked into MRI machine after entering room wearing chain, dies of injuries Chernobyl fungus can help with space travel This discovery has led scientists to use this fungus in situations where living organisms can be used to remove pollutants from the environment. So deploying them in high-radiation regions is one possibility where they can contain and potentially reduce radiation levels. However, another area where this black fungus can prove useful is space travel. Humans have been vying to travel in the void of space. Mars and Moon are on the list, with missions planned as early as the 2030s. However, the biggest challenge is the danger of radiation that can prove extremely harmful to the human body. C. sphaerospermum was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to understand its potential to safeguard astronauts. Initial results show that the black fungus can prove to be a useful tool to further human space ambitions. Scientists think it can be used to develop habitats that shield astronauts from the harsh radiation. It can even protect spaces where food can be grown for space travellers. C. sphaerospermum not only adapts and thrives in an adverse radioactive environment, but it can also withstand low temperatures, high salt concentrations and extreme acidity. This makes it a promising ingredient to whip up the perfect recipe for space travel.

Chernobyl reactor number four has been conquered by an organism that thrives in a radioactive environment. It is like a biological radiation shield made by nature to fight radiation in the event of a nuclear disaster. In fact, it is probably cleaning Chernobyl.

Chernobyl disaster site has nothing growing, except this organism that is thriving on radiation

In a mind-breaking breakthrough, researchers have discovered that the sea star – the infamous crown of thorns starfish, the notorious brainless coral predator is not a mindless creature as once perceived in marine biology. These starfish coordinate their behaviour using signals to form a collective consciousness that helps them move and act together. This means the creature with no brain and blood uses chemical mind control to move and hunt in sync.The study reveals that starfish use their spines as both sensors and secretors. These spines release unique proteins known as COTSPs (Crown-of-Thorns Starfish-Secreted Proteins) which disperse in the water and influence the behaviour of nearby starfish.These starfish might come across as harmless creatures, but they are incredibly destructive predator which organises and devours acres of coral reefs in just months. The protein is not a result of any immune or stress response, nor is it a result of any other physical action like skin shedding. It is a communication tool. However, it remains a mystery what messages they carry. The result, though, is a coordinated, almost military-style march toward coral colonies.Scientists put them in lab tanks and watched them as starfish suddenly oriented themselves, moved together, and swarmed the signal source like zombie soldiers under one command.Starfish operate without a brain; they have a ring-like mouth and radial nerves in their arms. This discovery is a big deal as it gives scientists better scope to counter the swarm as a whole instead of tackling each one individually. Researchers have already synthesised the chemical signals and used them to lure starfish into traps. These "attractins" could help curb the reef-killing outbreaks of these predators, offering a non-toxic, scalable way to protect coral ecosystems.&nbsp;

Researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science University, of the Sunshine Coast (Australia), and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have made this incredible discovery about starfish that is going to change common perception about animal communication. 

In a mind-breaking breakthrough, researchers have discovered that the sea star – the infamous crown of thorns starfish, the notorious brainless coral predator is not a mindless creature as once perceived in marine biology. These starfish coordinate their behaviour using signals to form a collective consciousness that helps them move and act together. This means the creature with no brain and blood uses chemical mind control to move and hunt in sync. The study reveals that starfish use their spines as both sensors and secretors. These spines release unique proteins known as COTSPs (Crown-of-Thorns Starfish-Secreted Proteins) which disperse in the water and influence the behaviour of nearby starfish. These starfish might come across as harmless creatures, but they are incredibly destructive predator which organises and devours acres of coral reefs in just months. The protein is not a result of any immune or stress response, nor is it a result of any other physical action like skin shedding. It is a communication tool. However, it remains a mystery what messages they carry. The result, though, is a coordinated, almost military-style march toward coral colonies. Scientists put them in lab tanks and watched them as starfish suddenly oriented themselves, moved together, and swarmed the signal source like zombie soldiers under one command. Starfish operate without a brain; they have a ring-like mouth and radial nerves in their arms. This discovery is a big deal as it gives scientists better scope to counter the swarm as a whole instead of tackling each one individually. Researchers have already synthesised the chemical signals and used them to lure starfish into traps. These "attractins" could help curb the reef-killing outbreaks of these predators, offering a non-toxic, scalable way to protect coral ecosystems.

Researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science University of the Sunshine Coast, and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have made this incredible discovery about starfish that is going to change common perception about animal communication.&nbsp;

No brain, no problem: Starfish use chemical ‘Mind Control’ to launch underwater raids

Scientists in Japan have come up with a simple solution to the growing debris in low Earth orbit: a paper plane. No joke! A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo made a paper plane out of an A4 sheet and had it fly out of the International Space Station (ISS) in a simulation. Did it survive atmospheric reentry? The idea was put forward by the scientists in a paper published in Acta Astronautica. They showed how origami paper can solve the trash problem in space. The study argues that metals need not be solely relied upon to build spacecraft. A standard sheet of paper is also perfect for the job as it will burn up in the atmosphere during reentry. Typically, when a spacecraft reenters Earth's atmosphere, it leaves behind metallic particles and chemicals that damage the ozone layer. The research aims to show how a more sustainable orbital environment can be created by using paper. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/wildlife-exodus-at-yellowstone-national-park-have-animals-sensed-volcanic-eruption-1753171288116">Wildlife exodus at Yellowstone National Park: Have animals sensed a disaster?</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-are-freezing-human-poop-to-prevent-major-disaster-switzerland-vault-1752922224244">Scientists are freezing human poop to prevent major disaster 100 years from now</a><h2>A4 paper sheet plane in space?</h2>The experiment comprised a paper plane made of an uncoated A4 sheet, with an aluminium tail and placed in a wind tunnel to see what would happen to it in space. The layers at the nose were folded to shift its centre of mass upstream and ensure aerodynamic stability. The researchers clarified in the paper, "Such spacecraft have not yet flown in space. It is unclear whether their flight dynamics in the highly rarefied atmosphere in [low Earth orbit] would be similar to those of a usual ground-based origami plane, and whether the plane would survive or burn up during atmospheric entry." However, they agreed that the entire plane cannot be made out of paper, and only specific parts can be built using the sustainable solution. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-detect-signs-that-mammoth-rivers-flowed-in-antarctica-80-million-years-ago-1752831341102">Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago</a><h2>What will happen to paper plane if it flies out of ISS?</h2>The simulation had the paper plane being launched from the ISS at an altitude of 400 kilometres and a speed of 17,448 miles per hour. It remained stable and glided swiftly through the space-like environment. Then at a lower altitude of 120 kilometres above Earth’s surface, it started tumbling out of control. The paper states that this is expected at this position. Also, the severe aerodynamic heating would burn up the paper plane in the atmosphere at an altitude of around 90 to 110 kilometres. After this, a physical model of the plane was placed in the Kashiwa Hypersonic and High Enthalpy Wind Tunnel at the University of Tokyo. It was subjected to Mach 7 speeds for about seven seconds to see if it would disintegrate. The plane’s nose bent and the wings started charring, although it did not break apart. The researchers said it likely would have had they kept going. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sun-400000-kilometre-long-scar-solar-filament-plasma-explosion-1752727510857">Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened</a><h2>Shortcomings of paper plane in space</h2>However, an origami paper spacecraft has its challenges. It cannot be used for all kinds of missions. Researchers suggest a version could be used as a passive probe to measure atmospheric density. It could also be a platform for low-cost and short-lived missions in low Earth orbit. Besides, it would be really small and won't reflect radar as strongly compared to a traditional spacecraft. A miniaturised position, navigation, and timing transceiver could be added to it, they stated. It would also be extremely sensitive to aerodynamic drag, and won't be able to stay in orbit for long durations. So it can only be used for short-duration missions.

Scientists in Japan have come up with an innovative solution to deal with the problem of trash in space. They have suggested using paper planes to reduce metals and chemicals spacecraft leave behind when reentering Earth atmosphere. Can it work?  

Scientists in Japan have come up with a simple solution to the growing debris in low Earth orbit: a paper plane. No joke! A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo made a paper plane out of an A4 sheet and had it fly out of the International Space Station (ISS) in a simulation. Did it survive atmospheric reentry? The idea was put forward by the scientists in a paper published in Acta Astronautica. They showed how origami paper can solve the trash problem in space. The study argues that metals need not be solely relied upon to build spacecraft. A standard sheet of paper is also perfect for the job as it will burn up in the atmosphere during reentry. Typically, when a spacecraft reenters Earth's atmosphere, it leaves behind metallic particles and chemicals that damage the ozone layer. The research aims to show how a more sustainable orbital environment can be created by using paper. Also Read: Wildlife exodus at Yellowstone National Park: Have animals sensed a disaster? Also Read: Scientists are freezing human poop to prevent major disaster 100 years from now A4 paper sheet plane in space? The experiment comprised a paper plane made of an uncoated A4 sheet, with an aluminium tail and placed in a wind tunnel to see what would happen to it in space. The layers at the nose were folded to shift its centre of mass upstream and ensure aerodynamic stability. The researchers clarified in the paper, "Such spacecraft have not yet flown in space. It is unclear whether their flight dynamics in the highly rarefied atmosphere in [low Earth orbit] would be similar to those of a usual ground-based origami plane, and whether the plane would survive or burn up during atmospheric entry." However, they agreed that the entire plane cannot be made out of paper, and only specific parts can be built using the sustainable solution. Also Read: Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago What will happen to paper plane if it flies out of ISS? The simulation had the paper plane being launched from the ISS at an altitude of 400 kilometres and a speed of 17,448 miles per hour. It remained stable and glided swiftly through the space-like environment. Then at a lower altitude of 120 kilometres above Earth’s surface, it started tumbling out of control. The paper states that this is expected at this position. Also, the severe aerodynamic heating would burn up the paper plane in the atmosphere at an altitude of around 90 to 110 kilometres. After this, a physical model of the plane was placed in the Kashiwa Hypersonic and High Enthalpy Wind Tunnel at the University of Tokyo. It was subjected to Mach 7 speeds for about seven seconds to see if it would disintegrate. The plane’s nose bent and the wings started charring, although it did not break apart. The researchers said it likely would have had they kept going. Also Read: Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened Shortcomings of paper plane in space However, an origami paper spacecraft has its challenges. It cannot be used for all kinds of missions. Researchers suggest a version could be used as a passive probe to measure atmospheric density. It could also be a platform for low-cost and short-lived missions in low Earth orbit. Besides, it would be really small and won't reflect radar as strongly compared to a traditional spacecraft. A miniaturised position, navigation, and timing transceiver could be added to it, they stated. It would also be extremely sensitive to aerodynamic drag, and won't be able to stay in orbit for long durations. So it can only be used for short-duration missions.

Scientists in Japan have come up with an innovative solution to deal with the problem of trash in space. They have suggested using paper planes to reduce metals and chemicals spacecraft leave behind when reentering Earth's atmosphere. Can it work? &nbsp;

NO KIDDING! Scientists want to use PAPER PLANE spacecraft for space missions because...

The Earth will spin a little faster than its usual rotation on July 22 (Tuesday), making it slightly shorter than the normal day. The difference will be just 1.34 milliseconds, which is slightly less than the standard 24 hours timing. The gap will be so small that people won't notice it but scientists are paying close attention to it because of a strange pattern that has started happening recently. According to scientists, if this trend continues, then we might have to remove a second from atomic clocks by the year 2029. The speed of the Earth’s rotation is not constant and a study in 2023 states that, billions of years ago, Earth’s days lasted only about 19 hours and this happened due to the effects of the Sun and the Moon pulling on the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="What is NISAR satellite and it's mission? India, US join hands for first time for Earth-observation project | Details inside">What is NISAR satellite and it's mission? India, US join hands for first time for Earth-observation project | Details inside</a><h2>So why is Earth now spinning faster?</h2>Scientists still don't have an accurate answer for why Earth is moving so faster but some studies suggest that the Moon has been slowing down and it is deeply effecting the Earth's rotation for billion of years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other things like movements in Earth’s core, the oceans and the atmosphere also play a role in these long-term changes. It also changes the planet’s spinning speed over the time.&nbsp;For 2025, scientists have mentioned that July 9, July 22 and August 5 might be the shortest days in the year. But the new data shows that July 10 was actually the shortest day so far at a gap of 1.36 milliseconds under 24 hours.&nbsp;Now, July 22 is expected to come close at 1.34 milliseconds and it will make this date as the second-shortest day this year.&nbsp;

For 2025, scientists have mentioned that July 9, July 22 and August 5 might be the shortest days in the year. But the new data shows that July 10 was actually the shortest day so far.

The Earth will spin a little faster than its usual rotation on July 22 (Tuesday), making it slightly shorter than the normal day. The difference will be just 1.34 milliseconds, which is slightly less than the standard 24 hours timing. The gap will be so small that people won't notice it but scientists are paying close attention to it because of a strange pattern that has started happening recently. According to scientists, if this trend continues, then we might have to remove a second from atomic clocks by the year 2029. The speed of the Earth’s rotation is not constant and a study in 2023 states that, billions of years ago, Earth’s days lasted only about 19 hours and this happened due to the effects of the Sun and the Moon pulling on the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. Also Check - What is NISAR satellite and it's mission? India, US join hands for first time for Earth-observation project | Details inside So why is Earth now spinning faster? Scientists still don't have an accurate answer for why Earth is moving so faster but some studies suggest that the Moon has been slowing down and it is deeply effecting the Earth's rotation for billion of years. Other things like movements in Earth’s core, the oceans and the atmosphere also play a role in these long-term changes. It also changes the planet’s spinning speed over the time. For 2025, scientists have mentioned that July 9, July 22 and August 5 might be the shortest days in the year. But the new data shows that July 10 was actually the shortest day so far at a gap of 1.36 milliseconds under 24 hours. Now, July 22 is expected to come close at 1.34 milliseconds and it will make this date as the second-shortest day this year.

For 2025, scientists have mentioned that July 9, July 22 and August 5 might be the shortest days in the year. But the new data shows that July 10 was actually the shortest day so far.

Earth will spin faster on July 22 to create 2nd-shortest day in history, the gap between rotations will be...

India’s space agency ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and America’s NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) are joining hands together for a major satellite mission called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). This is the first Earth-observation satellite project in which two countries have agreed to work together. The ISRO confirmed the launch of the satellite for July 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:40 pm IST.<h2>What is NISAR Satellite and its mission?</h2>NISAR Satellite stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It is a powerful Earth-monitoring satellite that will provide detailed 3D images of our planet.&nbsp;It is one of the most expensive space missions between India and the United States. The total cost of this mission is around $1.5 billion. What makes it special, is that it uses advanced radar technology to create detailed 3D maps of the Earths land and its ice surfaces. It is the first satellite in orbit with dual-frequency radar, combining NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radars.<h2>Who will lead the launch?</h2>India through ISRO will handle the launch of this satellite using its GSLV rocket. Engineers from both countries worked together to build key parts of the satellite, including a 12-meter-wide antenna and complex radar systems.<h2>Specifications of NISAR satellite:</h2><ul><li>The satellite will orbit the Earth every 12 days</li><li>Tells us about the changes in forests and ecosystems</li><li>Provide information regarding earth movements like earthquakes, landslides and volcanic activity</li><li>Provides details about glacier melting and ice sheet movement</li><li>Updates about the soil moisture and groundwater shifts</li><li>Information about rising sea levels and urban growth</li><li>Reliable in all weather conditions (can collect data through clouds and thick vegetation)</li></ul><h2>A symbol of partnership between India and United States</h2>NISAR mission will not only aim to improve how we understand and protect our Earth, but it also stands as a strong example of how international collaboration between important organisations can advance science and technology and how it can provide benefits for the humanity.&nbsp;

NISAR mission will not only aim to improve how we understand and protect our Earth but it also stands as a strong example of how international collaboration between important organisations can advance science and technology.

India’s space agency ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and America’s NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) are joining hands together for a major satellite mission called NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). This is the first Earth-observation satellite project in which two countries have agreed to work together. The ISRO confirmed the launch of the satellite for July 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:40 pm IST. What is NISAR Satellite and its mission? NISAR Satellite stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It is a powerful Earth-monitoring satellite that will provide detailed 3D images of our planet. It is one of the most expensive space missions between India and the United States. The total cost of this mission is around $1.5 billion. What makes it special, is that it uses advanced radar technology to create detailed 3D maps of the Earths land and its ice surfaces. It is the first satellite in orbit with dual-frequency radar, combining NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radars. Who will lead the launch? India through ISRO will handle the launch of this satellite using its GSLV rocket. Engineers from both countries worked together to build key parts of the satellite, including a 12-meter-wide antenna and complex radar systems. Specifications of NISAR satellite: The satellite will orbit the Earth every 12 days Tells us about the changes in forests and ecosystems Provide information regarding earth movements like earthquakes, landslides and volcanic activity Provides details about glacier melting and ice sheet movement Updates about the soil moisture and groundwater shifts Information about rising sea levels and urban growth Reliable in all weather conditions (can collect data through clouds and thick vegetation) A symbol of partnership between India and United States NISAR mission will not only aim to improve how we understand and protect our Earth, but it also stands as a strong example of how international collaboration between important organisations can advance science and technology and how it can provide benefits for the humanity.

NISAR mission will not only aim to improve how we understand and protect our Earth but it also stands as a strong example of how international collaboration between important organisations can advance science and technology.

What is NISAR satellite and it's mission? India, US join hands for first time for Earth-observation project | Details inside

Have children of same sex and you are now planning for another child of opposite sex? What are the likely chances, probably not that high, according to a study that investigated the maternal and genetic factors that influence the sex of offspring.&nbsp;A study published Friday in the journal Science Advances challenged assumptions that birth sex is random. In its finding the study reveals that families with three boys have a 61% chance of having a male child as the next sibling. While for families with three girls the chances of having a girl child next is as high as 58%.&nbsp;This finding busts the believe that for each pregnancy, there is an equal chance of having either a boy or a girl. Over 58,000 women with two or more singleton births from 1956 to 2015 were analysed in the research that came to this conclusion.&nbsp;Researchers also pointed to the mother’s age and genetics on giving birth. Women who started having kids after the age of 28 had higher chances of giving birth to children of same sex.&nbsp;“We don’t know why these genes would be associated with sex at birth, but they are, and that opens up new questions," said Jorge Chavarro, the senior author of the study and a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to The Washington Post.&nbsp;Two genes associated with giving birth to only boys or only girls were also identified during the study. However, one limitation that the study had is it did not have any data on fathers.&nbsp;Researchers concluded that more research was needed in this direction and said, “Until then, families desiring offspring of more than one sex who have already had two or three children of the same sex should be aware that when trying for their next one, they are probably doing a coin toss with a two-headed coin." &nbsp;

This finding published in the journal Science Advances busts the believe that for each pregnancy, there is an equal chance of having either a boy or a girl. 

Have children of same sex and you are now planning for another child of opposite sex? What are the likely chances, probably not that high, according to a study that investigated the maternal and genetic factors that influence the sex of offspring. A study published Friday in the journal Science Advances challenged assumptions that birth sex is random. In its finding the study reveals that families with three boys have a 61% chance of having a male child as the next sibling. While for families with three girls the chances of having a girl child next is as high as 58%. This finding busts the believe that for each pregnancy, there is an equal chance of having either a boy or a girl. Over 58,000 women with two or more singleton births from 1956 to 2015 were analysed in the research that came to this conclusion. Researchers also pointed to the mother’s age and genetics on giving birth. Women who started having kids after the age of 28 had higher chances of giving birth to children of same sex. “We don’t know why these genes would be associated with sex at birth, but they are, and that opens up new questions," said Jorge Chavarro, the senior author of the study and a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to The Washington Post. Two genes associated with giving birth to only boys or only girls were also identified during the study. However, one limitation that the study had is it did not have any data on fathers. Researchers concluded that more research was needed in this direction and said, “Until then, families desiring offspring of more than one sex who have already had two or three children of the same sex should be aware that when trying for their next one, they are probably doing a coin toss with a two-headed coin."

This finding published in the journal Science Advances busts the believe that for each pregnancy, there is an equal chance of having either a boy or a girl.&nbsp;

Baby boy or girl? It's not just random, says new study revealing secrets of children's' gender at birth

A recently flagged and yet-to-be peer-reviewed paper highlights that the planet Uranus is in a stable orbital resonance with a minor planet, a Centaur named 2015 OU₁₉₄. They have a 3:4 orbital resonance, for every 4 orbits that Uranus completes around the Sun, 2015 OU₁₉₄ completes 3. This locks the two in a coordinated, celestial orbital dance, keeping them from drifting apart or colliding. Scientists suggest that it has lasted for 100o years or even a million years and is likely to continue for another half a million years.<h2>Why does it matter?</h2>In the vast space between Uranus and Neptune, 2015 OU₁₉₄ follows a nearly circular orbit. Centaurs are rocky and icy objects that are found between Jupiter and Neptune. They usually exhibit chaotic, shifting orbits. A stable, long-term dance like this is extraordinary. This also hints at hidden gravitational relationships between the bodies in the outer solar system. &nbsp;Researchers led by Daniel Bamberger from the Northolt Branch Observatories in Germany scanned through the archival data of 2017 and 2018 from the observation of &nbsp;2015 OU₁₉₄. and extended the data points from 1 to 3.5 years, this longer observation provided them true nature of the orbital resonance. They published a research paper titled ‘A minor planet in an outer resonance with Uranus’, uncovering the extraordinary findings.Moreover, other centaurs like 2013 RG₉₈ have also been revealed, which had been engaged in an orbital dance of 3:4 resonance with Uranus. Other candidates like 2014 NX₆₅ also show a strong gravitational influence from Neptune.&nbsp;These also imply that a similar relationship may also be valid for more objects in the outer Solar System, and these partnerships might be fundamental to the understanding of that region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Scientists claim that Uranus has found something they call ‘Girlfriend’, a mysterious celestial dance partner with an orbital resonance, and they have been together for more than thousands or millions of years and could continue for another half a million years.

A recently flagged and yet-to-be peer-reviewed paper highlights that the planet Uranus is in a stable orbital resonance with a minor planet, a Centaur named 2015 OU₁₉₄. They have a 3:4 orbital resonance, for every 4 orbits that Uranus completes around the Sun, 2015 OU₁₉₄ completes 3. This locks the two in a coordinated, celestial orbital dance, keeping them from drifting apart or colliding. Scientists suggest that it has lasted for 100o years or even a million years and is likely to continue for another half a million years. Why does it matter? In the vast space between Uranus and Neptune, 2015 OU₁₉₄ follows a nearly circular orbit. Centaurs are rocky and icy objects that are found between Jupiter and Neptune. They usually exhibit chaotic, shifting orbits. A stable, long-term dance like this is extraordinary. This also hints at hidden gravitational relationships between the bodies in the outer solar system. Researchers led by Daniel Bamberger from the Northolt Branch Observatories in Germany scanned through the archival data of 2017 and 2018 from the observation of 2015 OU₁₉₄. and extended the data points from 1 to 3.5 years, this longer observation provided them true nature of the orbital resonance. They published a research paper titled ‘A minor planet in an outer resonance with Uranus’, uncovering the extraordinary findings. Moreover, other centaurs like 2013 RG₉₈ have also been revealed, which had been engaged in an orbital dance of 3:4 resonance with Uranus. Other candidates like 2014 NX₆₅ also show a strong gravitational influence from Neptune. These also imply that a similar relationship may also be valid for more objects in the outer Solar System, and these partnerships might be fundamental to the understanding of that region.

Scientists claim that Uranus has found something they call ‘Girlfriend’, a mysterious celestial dance partner with an orbital resonance, and they have been together for more than thousands or millions of years and could continue for another half a million years.

They are doing a cosmic dance: A new study reveals that Uranus has a 'Girlfriend'

Scientists are freezing human poop to avert a disaster in the future. The Microbiota Vault project aims to collect 10,000 poop samples by 2029 in order to preserve microbes that can one day help humanity. The doomsday vault is currently at the University of Zurich, but the founders are looking for a more permanent place, ideally an extremely cold region like Canada or Switzerland. It is not a new project, and was launched in 2018. However, it was only in its test phase, where scientists were trying to understand the feasibility of collecting and exporting poop and fermented foods from across the world. Now it is ready to go big and preserve thousands more samples to preserve microbes. The details of the expansion of the project were published in the journal Nature Communications. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-detect-signs-that-mammoth-rivers-flowed-in-antarctica-80-million-years-ago-1752831341102">Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sun-400000-kilometre-long-scar-solar-filament-plasma-explosion-1752727510857">Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened</a><h2>Preserving microbes from poop</h2>Preserving microbes is the main deal of the project. Besides human poop, the storage facility also has 200 types of fermented food, as they are filled with "gut-friendly" microbes. The team also plans on adding environmental microbes to the collection. The long-term plan is to have backup copies of microbes found in humans, animals, plants and the environment so they can be someday used to treat diseases, for medical research and restoring ecosystems. The researchers stated in the journal that microbial loss is becoming an issue not only in humans, but also in the environment. Human health and agricultural systems are taking the hit, triggering allergies, autoimmune disorders and affecting environmental resilience. The commentary blames human activities for the disruption of the microbiomes. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eight-babies-born-in-uk-with-dna-of-three-free-from-genetic-disease-1752772365089">Eight babies born in UK with DNA of three to prevent genetic disease</a>&nbsp;"Conventional agriculture, the thawing of permafrost due to human-caused climate change, and the overuse of antibiotics are eroding microbiomes so much that they might need to be rescued in the future," the team wrote. Dr. Martin Blaser, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University in New Jersey and co-author of the new commentary, said in a statement, "Human activities are depleting our microbiome, and there's lots of evidence of that." However, they admit that they can't be sure whether reintroducing microbes into the human gut or the environment can help restore it. Blaser is hopeful that science will advance to a level where &nbsp;"really good restorative techniques" can help achieve it. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-woman-smelled-her-husband-s-parkinson-s-12-years-before-symptoms-arrived-she-has-now-helped-develop-a-new-test-1752737444305">A woman smelled her husband's Parkinson's 12 years before symptoms arrived. She has now helped develop a new test</a><h2>Learning from "doomsday" seed vault in Norway</h2>The Microbiota Vault started as the founders were impressed with the "doomsday" Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. This vault holds around 1.3 million plant samples to preserve the genetic diversity of crops from around the world. Meanwhile, the Swiss vault currently has 1,204 faecal samples and 190 food samples from Benin, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Laos, Thailand and Switzerland. They are stored at minus 80 degrees Celsius. Blaser believes the vault is an "obligation to the future generations" and may be, these microbes "could prevent a major disaster 100 years from now." &nbsp;

Human poop is being frozen in Switzerland to preserve microbes that scientists say can save humanity from disaster hundreds of years later. Over 1,000 samples are already placed in the vault, while the founders are now trying to get 10,000 more.

Scientists are freezing human poop to avert a disaster in the future. The Microbiota Vault project aims to collect 10,000 poop samples by 2029 in order to preserve microbes that can one day help humanity. The doomsday vault is currently at the University of Zurich, but the founders are looking for a more permanent place, ideally an extremely cold region like Canada or Switzerland. It is not a new project, and was launched in 2018. However, it was only in its test phase, where scientists were trying to understand the feasibility of collecting and exporting poop and fermented foods from across the world. Now it is ready to go big and preserve thousands more samples to preserve microbes. The details of the expansion of the project were published in the journal Nature Communications. Also Read: Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago Also Read: Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened Preserving microbes from poop Preserving microbes is the main deal of the project. Besides human poop, the storage facility also has 200 types of fermented food, as they are filled with "gut-friendly" microbes. The team also plans on adding environmental microbes to the collection. The long-term plan is to have backup copies of microbes found in humans, animals, plants and the environment so they can be someday used to treat diseases, for medical research and restoring ecosystems. The researchers stated in the journal that microbial loss is becoming an issue not only in humans, but also in the environment. Human health and agricultural systems are taking the hit, triggering allergies, autoimmune disorders and affecting environmental resilience. The commentary blames human activities for the disruption of the microbiomes. Also Read: Eight babies born in UK with DNA of three to prevent genetic disease "Conventional agriculture, the thawing of permafrost due to human-caused climate change, and the overuse of antibiotics are eroding microbiomes so much that they might need to be rescued in the future," the team wrote. Dr. Martin Blaser, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University in New Jersey and co-author of the new commentary, said in a statement, "Human activities are depleting our microbiome, and there's lots of evidence of that." However, they admit that they can't be sure whether reintroducing microbes into the human gut or the environment can help restore it. Blaser is hopeful that science will advance to a level where "really good restorative techniques" can help achieve it. Also Read: A woman smelled her husband's Parkinson's 12 years before symptoms arrived. She has now helped develop a new test Learning from "doomsday" seed vault in Norway The Microbiota Vault started as the founders were impressed with the "doomsday" Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. This vault holds around 1.3 million plant samples to preserve the genetic diversity of crops from around the world. Meanwhile, the Swiss vault currently has 1,204 faecal samples and 190 food samples from Benin, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Laos, Thailand and Switzerland. They are stored at minus 80 degrees Celsius. Blaser believes the vault is an "obligation to the future generations" and may be, these microbes "could prevent a major disaster 100 years from now."

Human poop is being frozen in Switzerland to preserve microbes that scientists say can save humanity from disaster hundreds of years later. Over 1,000 samples are already placed in the vault, while the founders are now trying to get 10,000 more.

Scientists are freezing human poop to prevent major disaster 100 years from now

In 2023, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US detected something strange happening in space - the collision of two massive black holes. One black hole was around 103 times and the other 137 times the mass of our Sun, collided on November 23, 2023 - around 10 billion light-years away. The collision formed a colossal black hole 265 times our Sun’s mass. It was the largest black hole merger ever recorded and was named GW231123, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;What is a black hole?&nbsp;It is a region in space where gravity has an intense presence. Nothing - and it means not even light - can escape the black hole. A black hole forms when a gigantic star - around 10-20 times the Sun’s mass - collapses before exhausting its nuclear fuel. As per a report by USA Today, the collision forms a boundary beyond which escape is impossible. The collision of black holes is a cataclysmic event that reshapes our understanding of the universe. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-settlers-accused-of-killing-117-sheep-in-west-bank-attack-1752899347586/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-settlers-accused-of-killing-117-sheep-in-west-bank-attack-1752899347586/embed</a>&nbsp;What do astrophysicists say?&nbsp;The phenomenon is a key to galaxy formation. When galaxies collide, their central supermassive black holes often merge, forming larger ones, as seen in the Milky Way’s future collision with Andromeda in 4 billion years.&nbsp;However, the collision of black holes is not a frequent incident. The process unfolds over millions to billions of years, driven by complex astrophysical mechanisms. For astrophysicists, GW231123 challenges black hole formation models, supports the concept of intermediate-mass black holes, and opens new pathways in multi-messenger astronomy, News 18 reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



The phenomenon is a key to galaxy formation. When galaxies collide, their central supermassive black holes often merge, forming larger ones, as seen in the Milky Way future collision with Andromeda in 4 billion years.

In 2023, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US detected something strange happening in space - the collision of two massive black holes. One black hole was around 103 times and the other 137 times the mass of our Sun, collided on November 23, 2023 - around 10 billion light-years away. The collision formed a colossal black hole 265 times our Sun’s mass. It was the largest black hole merger ever recorded and was named GW231123, The Guardian reported. What is a black hole? It is a region in space where gravity has an intense presence. Nothing - and it means not even light - can escape the black hole. A black hole forms when a gigantic star - around 10-20 times the Sun’s mass - collapses before exhausting its nuclear fuel. As per a report by USA Today, the collision forms a boundary beyond which escape is impossible. The collision of black holes is a cataclysmic event that reshapes our understanding of the universe. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-settlers-accused-of-killing-117-sheep-in-west-bank-attack-1752899347586/embed What do astrophysicists say? The phenomenon is a key to galaxy formation. When galaxies collide, their central supermassive black holes often merge, forming larger ones, as seen in the Milky Way’s future collision with Andromeda in 4 billion years. However, the collision of black holes is not a frequent incident. The process unfolds over millions to billions of years, driven by complex astrophysical mechanisms. For astrophysicists, GW231123 challenges black hole formation models, supports the concept of intermediate-mass black holes, and opens new pathways in multi-messenger astronomy, News 18 reported.

The phenomenon is a key to galaxy formation. When galaxies collide, their central supermassive black holes often merge, forming larger ones, as seen in the Milky Way’s future collision with Andromeda in 4 billion years.

This is what happens when 2 black holes collide - and it’s terrifying

Scientists have discovered carvings left by ancient rivers millions of years ago under the Antarctic Ice Sheet. As these rivers eroded, large, flat surfaces were formed beneath the ice in East Antarctica between 80 million and 34 million years ago. The research was published on July 11 in the journal Nature Geoscience. Experts are now trying to understand what led to the creation of these features under the ice, as this could help make more accurate predictions about future ice loss. Neil Ross, a geophysicist at Newcastle University in the UK, said in a statement, "We've long been intrigued and puzzled about fragments of evidence for 'flat' landscapes beneath the Antarctic ice sheets." The researchers added that this reveals "how these ancient surfaces formed, their role in determining the present-day flow of the ice, and their possible influence on how the East Antarctic Ice Sheet will evolve in a warming world."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/radio-signals-tear-through-earth-and-out-of-antarctic-ice-they-could-be-coming-from-edge-of-universe-1749887206535">Mysterious radio signals just tore through Antarctic ice. They could be coming from edge of universe</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/34-million-year-old-world-discovered-buried-deep-inside-antarctic-ice-1749703933178">34-million-year-old world discovered buried deep inside Antarctic ice</a><h2>East Antarctic Ice Sheet at risk of collapse</h2>Climate change risks that global sea levels to rise by several feet in the coming decades. The East Antarctic Ice Sheet could also melt, triggering sea levels to rise by 160 feet. Scientists say that accurately predicting how much the ice sheet might melt in the coming years requires an understanding of past behaviour and the conditions at its base. Radar data from four previous surveys were used in the study to map the shape of the bedrock beneath the ice. "When we were examining the radar images of the sub-ice topography in this region, these remarkably flat surfaces started to pop out almost everywhere we looked," study co-author Guy Paxman, a polar geophysicist at Durham University in the UK, said in the statement. "The flat surfaces we have found have managed to survive relatively intact for over 30 million years, indicating that parts of the ice sheet have preserved rather than eroded the landscape." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-survived-a-freezing-dark-land-in-australia-antarctica-120-million-years-ago-1749279100852">Dinosaurs survived a freezing dark land in Australia-Antarctica 120 million years ago</a><h2>Rivers under Antarctic ice</h2>The discovery includes a 3,500 kilometre section of the East Antarctic coastline, comprising flat expanses and deep troughs in some places. The troughs supposedly formed when meltwater dipped as the East Antarctic Ice Sheet expanded. Talking about the timing of the formation of the carvings, they are believed to have formed before the East Antarctic coastline existed, but some time after the supercontinent of Gondwana broke apart. This puts the timeline somewhere between 80 million and 34 million years ago. Ice also moves at different speeds in the two regions. Over the flat surfaces, it moves more slowly, while in the troughs between them, the ice flows much faster. Scientists say that retrieving rock samples from under the ice and analysing them will help with predictions about how much ice loss could occur in the future, triggering a rise in sea level.

Scientists have discovered evidence of ancient rivers in Antarctica that slowly eroded, leaving carvings and troughs that still exist. This could help understand how a mammoth ice sheet can one day collapse because of climate change. 

Scientists have discovered carvings left by ancient rivers millions of years ago under the Antarctic Ice Sheet. As these rivers eroded, large, flat surfaces were formed beneath the ice in East Antarctica between 80 million and 34 million years ago. The research was published on July 11 in the journal Nature Geoscience. Experts are now trying to understand what led to the creation of these features under the ice, as this could help make more accurate predictions about future ice loss. Neil Ross, a geophysicist at Newcastle University in the UK, said in a statement, "We've long been intrigued and puzzled about fragments of evidence for 'flat' landscapes beneath the Antarctic ice sheets." The researchers added that this reveals "how these ancient surfaces formed, their role in determining the present-day flow of the ice, and their possible influence on how the East Antarctic Ice Sheet will evolve in a warming world." Also Read: Mysterious radio signals just tore through Antarctic ice. They could be coming from edge of universe Also Read: 34-million-year-old world discovered buried deep inside Antarctic ice East Antarctic Ice Sheet at risk of collapse Climate change risks that global sea levels to rise by several feet in the coming decades. The East Antarctic Ice Sheet could also melt, triggering sea levels to rise by 160 feet. Scientists say that accurately predicting how much the ice sheet might melt in the coming years requires an understanding of past behaviour and the conditions at its base. Radar data from four previous surveys were used in the study to map the shape of the bedrock beneath the ice. "When we were examining the radar images of the sub-ice topography in this region, these remarkably flat surfaces started to pop out almost everywhere we looked," study co-author Guy Paxman, a polar geophysicist at Durham University in the UK, said in the statement. "The flat surfaces we have found have managed to survive relatively intact for over 30 million years, indicating that parts of the ice sheet have preserved rather than eroded the landscape." Also Read: Dinosaurs survived a freezing dark land in Australia-Antarctica 120 million years ago Rivers under Antarctic ice The discovery includes a 3,500 kilometre section of the East Antarctic coastline, comprising flat expanses and deep troughs in some places. The troughs supposedly formed when meltwater dipped as the East Antarctic Ice Sheet expanded. Talking about the timing of the formation of the carvings, they are believed to have formed before the East Antarctic coastline existed, but some time after the supercontinent of Gondwana broke apart. This puts the timeline somewhere between 80 million and 34 million years ago. Ice also moves at different speeds in the two regions. Over the flat surfaces, it moves more slowly, while in the troughs between them, the ice flows much faster. Scientists say that retrieving rock samples from under the ice and analysing them will help with predictions about how much ice loss could occur in the future, triggering a rise in sea level.

Scientists have discovered evidence of ancient rivers in Antarctica that slowly eroded, leaving carvings and troughs that still exist. This could help understand how a mammoth ice sheet can one day collapse because of climate change.&nbsp;

Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago

The best time to view the Perseids is the midnight until pre-dawn hours. Here are the 7 stunning stargazing locations for the Perseid Meteor Shower during mid-August. 

Where to see Perseid Meteor Shower 2025: 7 stunning stargazing spots

NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab is having a "going out of business sale" for its satellites, according to NASA Watch, a blog run by former NASA astrobiologist Keith Cowing. This comes amid the Trump administration's plans to cut funding to the space agency, thus hitting several projects related not only to other cosmic bodies, but also Earth. On sale are several Earth-monitoring satellites that studied the effects of climate change, the environment and predicted hurricanes. There are also some that are yet to be launched, such as the Geostationary Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer (GLIMR) instrument, The Byte reported. The sale, according to NASA Watch, is a way to raise funds for other projects. Cowing wrote that the Trump administration's 2026 budget request had asked for the satellites to be "shut down". Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/apollo-11-anniversary-conspiracy-theories-about-moon-landing-being-faked-swirl-once-again-1752748307052">Apollo 11 anniversary: Conspiracy theories about moon landing being faked swirl once again</a>&nbsp;<h2>NASA budget cuts</h2>NASA budget cuts angered several experts, who called it "an extinction-level event for space science and exploration". The Trump administration is planning to cut down NASA's science directorate budget by more than half. However, Cowing said that NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab isn't really hopeful of things changing and is going ahead with the shutdown of the satellites. He wrote that the lab is looking to offload the satellites to "government and private sector buyers", which would help it raise funds. The Byte asked Cowing for more details, to which he responded that he "posts what he knows", and things are still evolving. Meanwhile, his story drew unhappy reactions from the scientific community.&nbsp;Meanwhile, there were some who found humour in the post, especially Cowing's words - "going out of business sale". JPL senior engineer Luis Amaro wrote in a LinkedIn post, "We got to keep a sense of humor these days at JPL." Yusef Johnson, mission integration lead of NASA's Artemis IV mission, one of the major projects to take a hit from budget cuts, called out the people who voted for Trump, adding, "Snake oil still sells." Notably, these satellites provide crucial data about the environment and weather patterns, alerting about major changes and the corresponding events like hurricanes. Trump has often denied that climate change is real, and experts say that this non-serious attitude is responsible for shutting down several operations at NASA. &nbsp;

NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab is selling off some satellites as part of the ‘going out of business sale’, NASA Watch reported. The space agency's budget for the year 2026 is reportedly going to be cut down massively. This sale is apparently to raise funds.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab is having a "going out of business sale" for its satellites, according to NASA Watch, a blog run by former NASA astrobiologist Keith Cowing. This comes amid the Trump administration's plans to cut funding to the space agency, thus hitting several projects related not only to other cosmic bodies, but also Earth. On sale are several Earth-monitoring satellites that studied the effects of climate change, the environment and predicted hurricanes. There are also some that are yet to be launched, such as the Geostationary Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer (GLIMR) instrument, The Byte reported. The sale, according to NASA Watch, is a way to raise funds for other projects. Cowing wrote that the Trump administration's 2026 budget request had asked for the satellites to be "shut down". Also Read: Apollo 11 anniversary: Conspiracy theories about moon landing being faked swirl once again NASA budget cuts NASA budget cuts angered several experts, who called it "an extinction-level event for space science and exploration". The Trump administration is planning to cut down NASA's science directorate budget by more than half. However, Cowing said that NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab isn't really hopeful of things changing and is going ahead with the shutdown of the satellites. He wrote that the lab is looking to offload the satellites to "government and private sector buyers", which would help it raise funds. The Byte asked Cowing for more details, to which he responded that he "posts what he knows", and things are still evolving. Meanwhile, his story drew unhappy reactions from the scientific community. Meanwhile, there were some who found humour in the post, especially Cowing's words - "going out of business sale". JPL senior engineer Luis Amaro wrote in a LinkedIn post, "We got to keep a sense of humor these days at JPL." Yusef Johnson, mission integration lead of NASA's Artemis IV mission, one of the major projects to take a hit from budget cuts, called out the people who voted for Trump, adding, "Snake oil still sells." Notably, these satellites provide crucial data about the environment and weather patterns, alerting about major changes and the corresponding events like hurricanes. Trump has often denied that climate change is real, and experts say that this non-serious attitude is responsible for shutting down several operations at NASA.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab is selling off some satellites as part of the ‘going out of business sale’, NASA Watch reported. The space agency's budget for the year 2026 is reportedly going to be cut down massively. This sale is apprently to raise funds.

Satellites for sale: NASA JPL is looking to get rid of some satellites already in space

Eight healthy babies were born in the UK using an experimental technique that combines the DNA from three people to prevent passing on devastating rare diseases from mothers to children, researchers said on Wednesday (Jul 16). The milestone method combines the egg and sperm from parents with a second egg from a donor woman. While the technique has been legal in the country for over a decade, its first proof has now surfaced, showing children born free of incurable mitochondrial disease, which is usually passed on from mothers.&nbsp;The mitochondrial disease can result in severe disabilities and can also lead to death in some babies within days of being born. Couples who have a family history of such cases are at risk of the disease.&nbsp;Children born through the new technique inherit most of their DNA, the genetic blueprint, from their parents, but also get about 0.1 per cent of it from the second woman. This brings a difference in what is passed down. This method is also allowed in Australia but not in many other nations like the US.&nbsp;The latest research “marks an important milestone,” said Dr. Zev Williams, the director of the Columbia University Fertility Centre, who was not involved in the work. “Expanding the range of reproductive options... will empower more couples to pursue safe and healthy pregnancies.”Scientists at Britain’s Newcastle University and Monash University in Australia reported in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday that they performed the new technique in fertilised embryos from 22 patients. Following this, eight babies were born free of mitochondrial diseases. One woman is still pregnant.&nbsp;While one of the right babies had slightly higher levels of abnormal mitochondria, it was not considered high enough to result in disease, said Robin Lovell-Badge, a stem cell and developmental genetics scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, who was not involved in the research. However, the baby should be monitored.&nbsp;Lovell-Badge said the resulting baby would have no traits from the woman who donated the mitochondria as it makes up less than one per cent of the DNA of the baby. “If you had a bone marrow transplant from a donor... you will have much more DNA from another person,” he said.Critics have earlier raised concerns that we can’t know the possible impacts of these techniques on future generations. However, advocates believe it could provide a promising alternative for some families.&nbsp;In the UK, couples who seek babies born through the donated mitochondria technique need to get approval from the country’s fertility regulator. As of now, 35 patients have been authorised to undergo the new method.

The mitochondrial disease can result in severe disabilities and can also lead to death in some babies within days of being born. Couples who have a family history of such cases are at risk of the disease.

Eight healthy babies were born in the UK using an experimental technique that combines the DNA from three people to prevent passing on devastating rare diseases from mothers to children, researchers said on Wednesday (Jul 16). The milestone method combines the egg and sperm from parents with a second egg from a donor woman. While the technique has been legal in the country for over a decade, its first proof has now surfaced, showing children born free of incurable mitochondrial disease, which is usually passed on from mothers. The mitochondrial disease can result in severe disabilities and can also lead to death in some babies within days of being born. Couples who have a family history of such cases are at risk of the disease. Children born through the new technique inherit most of their DNA, the genetic blueprint, from their parents, but also get about 0.1 per cent of it from the second woman. This brings a difference in what is passed down. This method is also allowed in Australia but not in many other nations like the US. The latest research “marks an important milestone,” said Dr. Zev Williams, the director of the Columbia University Fertility Centre, who was not involved in the work. “Expanding the range of reproductive options... will empower more couples to pursue safe and healthy pregnancies.” Scientists at Britain’s Newcastle University and Monash University in Australia reported in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday that they performed the new technique in fertilised embryos from 22 patients. Following this, eight babies were born free of mitochondrial diseases. One woman is still pregnant. While one of the right babies had slightly higher levels of abnormal mitochondria, it was not considered high enough to result in disease, said Robin Lovell-Badge, a stem cell and developmental genetics scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, who was not involved in the research. However, the baby should be monitored. Lovell-Badge said the resulting baby would have no traits from the woman who donated the mitochondria as it makes up less than one per cent of the DNA of the baby. “If you had a bone marrow transplant from a donor... you will have much more DNA from another person,” he said. Critics have earlier raised concerns that we can’t know the possible impacts of these techniques on future generations. However, advocates believe it could provide a promising alternative for some families. In the UK, couples who seek babies born through the donated mitochondria technique need to get approval from the country’s fertility regulator. As of now, 35 patients have been authorised to undergo the new method.

The mitochondrial disease can result in severe disabilities and can also lead to death in some babies within days of being born. Couples who have a family history of such cases are at risk of the disease.

Eight babies born in UK with DNA of three to prevent genetic disease

Carrier-based jets play multi-role missions for navies of the respective countries around the world. Have a look at these six strike fighters, which are considered top-notch in their class, with some unique abilities that set them apart from each other

Meet the top 6 aircraft carrier-based fighter jets in the world

A prehistoric lizard that roamed North America during the age of dinosaurs has been formally identified, more than fifteen years after its fossilised remains were first collected. Named Bolg amondol, this ancient reptile was an armoured, meat-eating member of the Monstersauria clade, the same lineage that today includes the Gila monster and beaded lizards. What makes the discovery remarkable is not only the creature itself, but the story behind how it came to light. The bones, excavated from the Kaiparowits Formation in southern Utah in 2005, sat unrecognised in a museum drawer until palaeontologist Hank Woolley re-examined them. The specimen had been labelled simply as 'lizard', but detailed study revealed distinctive features that set it apart as a new species.&nbsp;<h2>A lizard fit for Middle-earth</h2>&nbsp;The name Bolg amondol draws from J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, with Bolg referring to the goblin prince in The Hobbit, and amondol meaning 'mound-headed' in Tolkien’s Elvish language. The reference is fitting: fossil evidence shows Bolg had a robust, bony skull with ridged armour plates, lending it a distinctive mound-like appearance.&nbsp;Living around 76 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous, Bolg amondol was roughly the size of a modern raccoon, measuring three to four feet in length. Its sharp teeth and protective osteoderms suggest it was a faunivorous predator, feeding on small animals, insects and possibly even dinosaur eggs. This places Bolg among the ranks of mid-sized reptilian hunters that shared the landscape with larger dinosaurs such as tyrannosaurs and ceratopsians.&nbsp;<h2>An unexpected transcontinental connection</h2>&nbsp;One of the most intriguing aspects of Bolg amondol is its evolutionary relationship. Though discovered in North America, its closest known relative is a prehistoric monstersaur from the Gobi Desert in Asia. This points to an ancient biogeographic link, suggesting that these armoured lizards once traversed land bridges connecting continents.The fossils’ discovery in the Kaiparowits Formation, a rich fossil site within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, helps fill gaps in our knowledge of Late Cretaceous ecosystems. While dinosaurs often dominate public imagination, finds like Bolg highlight the diversity of other reptiles that coexisted in these ancient environments.Bolg amondol lived approximately 76 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. It shared its world with some of the most famous dinosaurs, quietly thriving in the shadow of giants.&nbsp;<h2>Hiding in plain sight</h2>&nbsp;Despite being collected nearly two decades ago, Bolg amondol’s identity remained hidden until museum collections were revisited. This underscores how much untapped scientific value can lie in existing fossil collections, waiting to be recognised through careful study.&nbsp;The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, adds an important piece to the puzzle of Monstersauria evolution and expands our understanding of ancient reptilian life beyond the iconic dinosaurs. Bolg amondol stands as a reminder that even small fossils can tell stories as compelling as any mythical creature.&nbsp;

Named Bolg amondol, this ancient reptile was an armoured, meat-eating member of the Monstersauria clade, the same lineage that today includes the Gila monster and beaded lizards. 

A prehistoric lizard that roamed North America during the age of dinosaurs has been formally identified, more than fifteen years after its fossilised remains were first collected. Named Bolg amondol, this ancient reptile was an armoured, meat-eating member of the Monstersauria clade, the same lineage that today includes the Gila monster and beaded lizards. What makes the discovery remarkable is not only the creature itself, but the story behind how it came to light. The bones, excavated from the Kaiparowits Formation in southern Utah in 2005, sat unrecognised in a museum drawer until palaeontologist Hank Woolley re-examined them. The specimen had been labelled simply as 'lizard', but detailed study revealed distinctive features that set it apart as a new species. A lizard fit for Middle-earth The name Bolg amondol draws from J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings, with Bolg referring to the goblin prince in The Hobbit, and amondol meaning 'mound-headed' in Tolkien’s Elvish language. The reference is fitting: fossil evidence shows Bolg had a robust, bony skull with ridged armour plates, lending it a distinctive mound-like appearance. Living around 76 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous, Bolg amondol was roughly the size of a modern raccoon, measuring three to four feet in length. Its sharp teeth and protective osteoderms suggest it was a faunivorous predator, feeding on small animals, insects and possibly even dinosaur eggs. This places Bolg among the ranks of mid-sized reptilian hunters that shared the landscape with larger dinosaurs such as tyrannosaurs and ceratopsians. An unexpected transcontinental connection One of the most intriguing aspects of Bolg amondol is its evolutionary relationship. Though discovered in North America, its closest known relative is a prehistoric monstersaur from the Gobi Desert in Asia. This points to an ancient biogeographic link, suggesting that these armoured lizards once traversed land bridges connecting continents. The fossils’ discovery in the Kaiparowits Formation, a rich fossil site within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, helps fill gaps in our knowledge of Late Cretaceous ecosystems. While dinosaurs often dominate public imagination, finds like Bolg highlight the diversity of other reptiles that coexisted in these ancient environments. Bolg amondol lived approximately 76 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. It shared its world with some of the most famous dinosaurs, quietly thriving in the shadow of giants. Hiding in plain sight Despite being collected nearly two decades ago, Bolg amondol’s identity remained hidden until museum collections were revisited. This underscores how much untapped scientific value can lie in existing fossil collections, waiting to be recognised through careful study. The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, adds an important piece to the puzzle of Monstersauria evolution and expands our understanding of ancient reptilian life beyond the iconic dinosaurs. Bolg amondol stands as a reminder that even small fossils can tell stories as compelling as any mythical creature.

Named Bolg amondol, this ancient reptile was an armoured, meat-eating member of the Monstersauria clade, the same lineage that today includes the Gila monster and beaded lizards.&nbsp;

Scientists discover an armoured ‘goblin prince’ lizard that crawled beneath dinosaurs!

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Scientists discover ‘goblin prince’ lizard that crawled beneath dinosaurs!