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Pittsburgh-based company Astrobotic has unveiled its Griffin-1 lunar lander, a part of NASA's Moon Base II mission. It is the initial phase of establishing a permanent human outpost on the Moon. The lander is currently scheduled to lift off towards the end of 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. "This is the first infrastructure-class lander going to the surface of the moon," Astrobotic CEO John Thornton said. Griffin will carry several payloads and research and technology demonstrations to the Moon as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, including the FLIP (Flex Lunar Innovation Platform) rover. Thornton said the lander will be "part of the cornerstone of building the moon base".&nbsp;Astrobotic is currently finishing integrating the payloads with the lander, and work is expected to finish by June 20. Astrobotic's own BEACON CubeRover, which it has developed in coordination with Mission Control Space Services, is part of the mission. The European Space Agency's LandCam-X, will also be carried to the Moon by Griffin and has been designed to help improve lunar landing precision and reliability.&nbsp;Gryphon-1 will be transported to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California next week, where environmental tests will be carried out. Later, it will be delivered to Florida, where the FLIP rover will be integrated into the lander prior to launch.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-theory-suggests-billions-of-mini-universes-could-be-scattered-in-our-own-cosmos-1781512244963">New theory suggests billions of 'mini universes' could be scattered in our own cosmos</a><h2>Astrobotic's second moon mission after the failed Peregrine&nbsp;</h2>This is the second lunar mission by Astrobotic. The smaller Peregrine lunar lander was launched in January 2024, but a propellant leak cut short its time in space, and it failed to reach its destination. Peregrine Mission One was the first-ever NASA CLPS flight. Griffin is 6 feet tall and twice as wide as Peregrine. NASA has joined hands with commercial companies for lunar landers, which will deliver technology demonstrations and other payloads to the surface of the moon. It is part of the larger Artemis program, which aims to land humans on the moon, build a base and eventually establish a permanent habitation.<h2>What is Griffin carrying to the Moon?</h2>According to Astrobotic, Griffin's payload capacity to the lunar surface stands at 625 kilograms, costing $1.2 million per kilogram. It will carry 10 payloads from six separate nations in total, with four additional NASA payloads aboard FLIP. Some other items are also being shipped to the Moon. This includes messages from children in Japan on a plaque from the Nippon Travel Agency; a payload from the Galactic Library to Preserve Humanity from Nanofiche carrying a super miniaturised collection of literature and art; and a MoonBox capsule filled with items from around the world sent to the Tokyo-based company Astrobotic on micro SD cards.&nbsp;

Astrobotic's Griffin-1 lunar lander will be launched in late 2026, carrying 10 payloads from different countries and four others from NASA. It also includes messages from Japanese children and a moon capsule. 

Pittsburgh-based company Astrobotic has unveiled its Griffin-1 lunar lander, a part of NASA's Moon Base II mission. It is the initial phase of establishing a permanent human outpost on the Moon. The lander is currently scheduled to lift off towards the end of 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. "This is the first infrastructure-class lander going to the surface of the moon," Astrobotic CEO John Thornton said. Griffin will carry several payloads and research and technology demonstrations to the Moon as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, including the FLIP (Flex Lunar Innovation Platform) rover. Thornton said the lander will be "part of the cornerstone of building the moon base". Astrobotic is currently finishing integrating the payloads with the lander, and work is expected to finish by June 20. Astrobotic's own BEACON CubeRover, which it has developed in coordination with Mission Control Space Services, is part of the mission. The European Space Agency's LandCam-X, will also be carried to the Moon by Griffin and has been designed to help improve lunar landing precision and reliability. Gryphon-1 will be transported to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California next week, where environmental tests will be carried out. Later, it will be delivered to Florida, where the FLIP rover will be integrated into the lander prior to launch. Also Read: New theory suggests billions of 'mini universes' could be scattered in our own cosmos Astrobotic's second moon mission after the failed Peregrine This is the second lunar mission by Astrobotic. The smaller Peregrine lunar lander was launched in January 2024, but a propellant leak cut short its time in space, and it failed to reach its destination. Peregrine Mission One was the first-ever NASA CLPS flight. Griffin is 6 feet tall and twice as wide as Peregrine. NASA has joined hands with commercial companies for lunar landers, which will deliver technology demonstrations and other payloads to the surface of the moon. It is part of the larger Artemis program, which aims to land humans on the moon, build a base and eventually establish a permanent habitation. What is Griffin carrying to the Moon? According to Astrobotic, Griffin's payload capacity to the lunar surface stands at 625 kilograms, costing $1.2 million per kilogram. It will carry 10 payloads from six separate nations in total, with four additional NASA payloads aboard FLIP. Some other items are also being shipped to the Moon. This includes messages from children in Japan on a plaque from the Nippon Travel Agency; a payload from the Galactic Library to Preserve Humanity from Nanofiche carrying a super miniaturised collection of literature and art; and a MoonBox capsule filled with items from around the world sent to the Tokyo-based company Astrobotic on micro SD cards.

Astrobotic's Griffin-1 lunar lander will be launched in late 2026, carrying 10 payloads from different countries and four others from NASA. It also includes messages from Japanese children and a moon capsule.&nbsp;

Griffin-1 lander will carry time capsule and messages from Japanese children to the Moon

The Great Pyramid of Giza has been around for more than 4500 years. It had survived many earthquakes, including the 5.8 high-magnitude earthquake of 1992, which had shaken some of the outer casing of the pyramid, but the core remained intact. For years, it has been a baffling question for researchers how these architectural monuments stood the test of time. A study published in the Scientific Reports, by Egyptian geophysicist Asem Salama and his colleagues, provides insights into its performance during earthquakes and identifies some interesting features.<h2>Seismic frequency mismatch</h2>Researchers found a seismic frequency mismatch. Researchers measured ambient vibrations at 37 internal and external locations. They found that its natural frequencies, the frequency at which it likes to vibrate, range between &nbsp;2.0 and 2.6 hertz. At the same time, the surrounding soil has a dominant frequency of around 0.6 hertz. The study used a method called horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio analysis, or HVSR, which records tiny background motion from wind, traffic, human activity and natural ground vibrations.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-added-psychologists-assess-donald-trump-behaviour-us-iran-talks-1781588098876">Trump seen as ‘mentally deficient’? Iran reportedly added psychologists for negotiations</a><h2>Internal shock absorbers</h2>The study showed that the Pyramid's internal structures actively manage vibration to dampen the energy before it can compromise the internal structure. Just above the King's chamber in the pyramid, there are relieving chambers which reported reduced vibrations and act as major shock absorbers. Beyond Seismic activity, the granite formation of the structure reflects waves instead of absorbing them. Because of the dense nature of the granites due to high concentration of quartz crystal and their dense molecular structure, they also create acoustic effects.<h2>What does it imply?</h2>Every structure has its natural frequency. If the surrounding frequency during the earthquake matches the frequency, then it could amplify the motion, and this is called resonance, which would be catastrophic. Because the frequencies of the ground and the monument are completely mismatched, earthquake energy cannot efficiently transfer into or be amplified within the structure, thereby protecting it from collapse. But it's also to be noted that modern earthquake design relies on much more than just frequency comparison. Like the intensity of the shaking, the weight and flexibility of the structure, and the centre of mass of the structure. The Pyramid does have a favourable structure, like a broad base, a low centre of mass, a tapering form and a symmetrical plan. It is fair to conclude that the makers of the pyramid made some efficient design and engineering choices.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A new study reveals how the Great Pyramid of Giza's unique design, frequency mismatch, and internal chambers help it withstand earthquakes.

The Great Pyramid of Giza has been around for more than 4500 years. It had survived many earthquakes, including the 5.8 high-magnitude earthquake of 1992, which had shaken some of the outer casing of the pyramid, but the core remained intact. For years, it has been a baffling question for researchers how these architectural monuments stood the test of time. A study published in the Scientific Reports, by Egyptian geophysicist Asem Salama and his colleagues, provides insights into its performance during earthquakes and identifies some interesting features. Seismic frequency mismatch Researchers found a seismic frequency mismatch. Researchers measured ambient vibrations at 37 internal and external locations. They found that its natural frequencies, the frequency at which it likes to vibrate, range between 2.0 and 2.6 hertz. At the same time, the surrounding soil has a dominant frequency of around 0.6 hertz. The study used a method called horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio analysis, or HVSR, which records tiny background motion from wind, traffic, human activity and natural ground vibrations. Also Read: Trump seen as ‘mentally deficient’? Iran reportedly added psychologists for negotiations Internal shock absorbers The study showed that the Pyramid's internal structures actively manage vibration to dampen the energy before it can compromise the internal structure. Just above the King's chamber in the pyramid, there are relieving chambers which reported reduced vibrations and act as major shock absorbers. Beyond Seismic activity, the granite formation of the structure reflects waves instead of absorbing them. Because of the dense nature of the granites due to high concentration of quartz crystal and their dense molecular structure, they also create acoustic effects. What does it imply? Every structure has its natural frequency. If the surrounding frequency during the earthquake matches the frequency, then it could amplify the motion, and this is called resonance, which would be catastrophic. Because the frequencies of the ground and the monument are completely mismatched, earthquake energy cannot efficiently transfer into or be amplified within the structure, thereby protecting it from collapse. But it's also to be noted that modern earthquake design relies on much more than just frequency comparison. Like the intensity of the shaking, the weight and flexibility of the structure, and the centre of mass of the structure. The Pyramid does have a favourable structure, like a broad base, a low centre of mass, a tapering form and a symmetrical plan. It is fair to conclude that the makers of the pyramid made some efficient design and engineering choices.

A new study reveals how the Great Pyramid of Giza's unique design, frequency mismatch, and internal chambers help it withstand earthquakes.

How the Great Pyramids of Giza survived 4,500 years of earthquakes, study reveals

The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, can be seen as a sunset eclipse by people in the Mediterranean. It will be the first total solar eclipse to be visible from Europe in over 27 years. It will happen right before the Perseid meteor shower peaks. 

Total Solar Eclipse 2026: What is a 'sunset eclipse' that will be visible in August?

A discovery in South Africa suggests that humans may have learned to control fire many years before previously estimated. Scientists have found burned mammal bones dating up to 1.79 million years in the Wonderwerk Cave, a site where many prehistoric discoveries have been made in the past. These new bones have been found inside several owl remains, such as fossilised pellets, clumps of fur, and animal remains the owls spit out.&nbsp;&nbsp;The researchers believe that the new discovery points to the possibility that Homo erectus carried fire into the cave regularly and used the dry pellets as fuel to fan the flames. The study has been described as a "momentous shift in the relations between hominins and their natural and cultural environments" because learning to control fire marked an important chapter of human history. The groundbreaking archaeological study was published in PLOS One.&nbsp;The international team of scientists analysed 161 fossilised small mammal bones, mostly obtained from pellets. They found clear signs that the tiny bones were exposed to high heat. The discovery was made nearly 100 feet deep inside the cave, which means that natural wildfires were not responsible for this occurrence, as the flames cannot spread that far into a cave's interior. Hence, humans were exposing the bones to fire themselves, the team concluded.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ancient-humans-had-a-mining-factory-in-the-mountains-7-000-years-ago-for-5-000-years-1780474673699">Ancient humans had a mining factory in the mountains 7,000 years ago, for 5,000 years</a><h2>Homo erectus did not know how to make fire</h2>&nbsp;However, this is different from making the fire themselves and research has shown that Homo erectus were likely "harvesting" natural fires caused by lightning strikes or bushfires and then carried them into the cave, where they used different ways to keep it alive. Piles of dried owl pellets would have acted like a thick wool rug. Homo erectus dropped an ember onto the bones and fur to keep the fire smouldering in a specific, controlled spot while preventing it from spreading to other areas.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/peru-conehead-mummies-another-dna-analysis-bites-the-dust-as-scientists-fail-to-dismiss-extraterrestrial-claims-1780038189654">Another DNA analysis bites the dust as scientists fail to rule out 'extraterrestrial' origins</a>&nbsp;Scientists also dismissed the possibility that the bones could have been stained black by minerals. They used a new, non-destructive luminescence technique. for this, in which they shone a specialised blue light through optical filters onto the bones, which emitted a distinct reddish glow that unburnt bones didn't.

Way before early Humans knew how to make fire, they learned to control it. Previous research showed that this happened about a million years ago. But a South African cave could push this timeline back by several thousand years.

A discovery in South Africa suggests that humans may have learned to control fire many years before previously estimated. Scientists have found burned mammal bones dating up to 1.79 million years in the Wonderwerk Cave, a site where many prehistoric discoveries have been made in the past. These new bones have been found inside several owl remains, such as fossilised pellets, clumps of fur, and animal remains the owls spit out. The researchers believe that the new discovery points to the possibility that Homo erectus carried fire into the cave regularly and used the dry pellets as fuel to fan the flames. The study has been described as a "momentous shift in the relations between hominins and their natural and cultural environments" because learning to control fire marked an important chapter of human history. The groundbreaking archaeological study was published in PLOS One. The international team of scientists analysed 161 fossilised small mammal bones, mostly obtained from pellets. They found clear signs that the tiny bones were exposed to high heat. The discovery was made nearly 100 feet deep inside the cave, which means that natural wildfires were not responsible for this occurrence, as the flames cannot spread that far into a cave's interior. Hence, humans were exposing the bones to fire themselves, the team concluded. Also Read: Ancient humans had a mining factory in the mountains 7,000 years ago, for 5,000 years Homo erectus did not know how to make fire However, this is different from making the fire themselves and research has shown that Homo erectus were likely "harvesting" natural fires caused by lightning strikes or bushfires and then carried them into the cave, where they used different ways to keep it alive. Piles of dried owl pellets would have acted like a thick wool rug. Homo erectus dropped an ember onto the bones and fur to keep the fire smouldering in a specific, controlled spot while preventing it from spreading to other areas. Also Read: Another DNA analysis bites the dust as scientists fail to rule out 'extraterrestrial' origins Scientists also dismissed the possibility that the bones could have been stained black by minerals. They used a new, non-destructive luminescence technique. for this, in which they shone a specialised blue light through optical filters onto the bones, which emitted a distinct reddish glow that unburnt bones didn't.

Way before early Humans knew how to make fire, they learned to control it. Previous research showed that this happened about a million years ago. But a South African cave could push this timeline back by several thousand years.

1.8 million-year-old 'fiery' discovery in South African cave could change timeline of human history

A new study has revealed that getting older does not mean losing mental sharpness, but the brain health and cognitive abilities can continue to improve throughout life. The findings were discovered by researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas' Centre for BrainHealth (CBH) after three years of study. The research article, published in Scientific Reports, a Nature journal, drew on data from The BrainHealth Project (BHP), an initiative started by CBH in 2020 to understand the ability of people to strengthen and optimise brain health across the lifespan. Researchers found 3,966 adults aged between 19 and 94, representing roughly one-fifth of all BrainHealth Project participants. Over the course of three years, participants finished a small training that required only five to 15 minutes per day. During the activity, the team used the BrainHealth Index (BHI), a patent-pending assessment developed by CBH researchers, which was first introduced in a 2021 pilot study. The BHI is formulated to find both improvements and declines in brain health, measuring three primary areas: clarity, emotional balance, and connectedness to people and purpose. "The BrainHealth Index brings together about 20 metrics, including validated gold-standard measures like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, as well as tasks designed at the Centre for BrainHealth to focus on more complex thinking skills," said Lori Cook MS'02, PhD'09, CBH director of clinical research and corresponding author of the Scientific Reports study. "This battery of assessments produces insights into individual brain health and change over time. Progress is measured by comparing results with participants' own earlier scores." Cook, who is also employed as an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Behavioural and Brain Sciences, stated that the discovery challenges common assumptions about ageing and cognition. "Every brain is as unique as a fingerprint and has growth potential," Cook said. "This study challenges the prevailing narrative of inevitable cognitive decline, suggesting instead that brain health can be proactively cultivated at any age."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989">The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</a><h3>Brain is defined by possibility, says study</h3>According to the researchers, positive changes were observed even among participants in their 80s, showing that efforts to improve brain health can be beneficial long before symptoms or disease appear and can remain effective later in life. "For too long, we've operated under the outdated notion that we need to wait until something bad happens to our brains before we do anything for them," said Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD'86, senior author of the study, CBH chief director and Dee Wyly Distinguished University Chair for BrainHealth. "This study reminds us that our brain is not defined by age -- it is defined by possibility." One of the key findings of the study was that participants who began with the lowest BrainHealth Index scores showed the greatest gains over the course of the research. "Those who are starting at the lowest level appear to have the most opportunity for growth and may be coming in with more preexisting concerns," Cook said. "As such, they may be more motivated to invest the time needed to see more growth potential. But it is noteworthy that we saw measurable growth even in those entering as high performers." Researchers identified engagement as the most significant factor driving improvement. Variables such as age, gender, and educational background did not influence whether participants benefited. However, Cook pointed out that the study sample was not fully reflective of the general population, as most participants were white, female, and had a college education. "We have room to grow when it comes to representation for different demographic groups," she said. "We're working hard to increase representation, so we can be even more confident in how this generalises to the population at large, especially communities typically underrepresented in research." Cook, who has collaborated with Chapman for over 25 years since starting as a research assistant, said she appreciates CBH's integrated approach that combines clinical research, practical care, and community engagement. She also stressed the need to present scientific discoveries in ways that are understandable and relevant to the public. "One piece that is so near and dear to my heart is helping people link neuroplasticity with self-agency," she said. "Brain health isn't just something we strive to maintain; we can actively shape it over time. Research like ours, which provides an objective measure of brain health that people can track over time, can only further boost public awareness." The BrainHealth Project continues to gather long-term insight through additional studies and follow-up research. As part of these efforts, around 400 participants from the Dallas region have undergone more than 1,200 brain scans at the Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Centre. Cook further added that the dataset provides an opportunity to look at neural metrics linked with the BHI, giving the capacity to use periodic brain imaging to figure out future brain mechanisms linked with changes in brain health over time.

Researchers identified engagement as the most significant factor driving improvement. Variables such as age, gender, and educational background did not influence whether participants benefited. 

A new study has revealed that getting older does not mean losing mental sharpness, but the brain health and cognitive abilities can continue to improve throughout life. The findings were discovered by researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas' Centre for BrainHealth (CBH) after three years of study. The research article, published in Scientific Reports, a Nature journal, drew on data from The BrainHealth Project (BHP), an initiative started by CBH in 2020 to understand the ability of people to strengthen and optimise brain health across the lifespan. Researchers found 3,966 adults aged between 19 and 94, representing roughly one-fifth of all BrainHealth Project participants. Over the course of three years, participants finished a small training that required only five to 15 minutes per day. During the activity, the team used the BrainHealth Index (BHI), a patent-pending assessment developed by CBH researchers, which was first introduced in a 2021 pilot study. The BHI is formulated to find both improvements and declines in brain health, measuring three primary areas: clarity, emotional balance, and connectedness to people and purpose. "The BrainHealth Index brings together about 20 metrics, including validated gold-standard measures like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, as well as tasks designed at the Centre for BrainHealth to focus on more complex thinking skills," said Lori Cook MS'02, PhD'09, CBH director of clinical research and corresponding author of the Scientific Reports study. "This battery of assessments produces insights into individual brain health and change over time. Progress is measured by comparing results with participants' own earlier scores." Cook, who is also employed as an adjunct assistant professor in the School of Behavioural and Brain Sciences, stated that the discovery challenges common assumptions about ageing and cognition. "Every brain is as unique as a fingerprint and has growth potential," Cook said. "This study challenges the prevailing narrative of inevitable cognitive decline, suggesting instead that brain health can be proactively cultivated at any age." Also read: The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain Brain is defined by possibility, says study According to the researchers, positive changes were observed even among participants in their 80s, showing that efforts to improve brain health can be beneficial long before symptoms or disease appear and can remain effective later in life. "For too long, we've operated under the outdated notion that we need to wait until something bad happens to our brains before we do anything for them," said Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD'86, senior author of the study, CBH chief director and Dee Wyly Distinguished University Chair for BrainHealth. "This study reminds us that our brain is not defined by age -- it is defined by possibility." One of the key findings of the study was that participants who began with the lowest BrainHealth Index scores showed the greatest gains over the course of the research. "Those who are starting at the lowest level appear to have the most opportunity for growth and may be coming in with more preexisting concerns," Cook said. "As such, they may be more motivated to invest the time needed to see more growth potential. But it is noteworthy that we saw measurable growth even in those entering as high performers." Researchers identified engagement as the most significant factor driving improvement. Variables such as age, gender, and educational background did not influence whether participants benefited. However, Cook pointed out that the study sample was not fully reflective of the general population, as most participants were white, female, and had a college education. "We have room to grow when it comes to representation for different demographic groups," she said. "We're working hard to increase representation, so we can be even more confident in how this generalises to the population at large, especially communities typically underrepresented in research." Cook, who has collaborated with Chapman for over 25 years since starting as a research assistant, said she appreciates CBH's integrated approach that combines clinical research, practical care, and community engagement. She also stressed the need to present scientific discoveries in ways that are understandable and relevant to the public. "One piece that is so near and dear to my heart is helping people link neuroplasticity with self-agency," she said. "Brain health isn't just something we strive to maintain; we can actively shape it over time. Research like ours, which provides an objective measure of brain health that people can track over time, can only further boost public awareness." The BrainHealth Project continues to gather long-term insight through additional studies and follow-up research. As part of these efforts, around 400 participants from the Dallas region have undergone more than 1,200 brain scans at the Sammons BrainHealth Imaging Centre. Cook further added that the dataset provides an opportunity to look at neural metrics linked with the BHI, giving the capacity to use periodic brain imaging to figure out future brain mechanisms linked with changes in brain health over time.

Researchers identified engagement as the most significant factor driving improvement. Variables such as age, gender, and educational background did not influence whether participants benefited.&nbsp;

Brain health can keep improving into your 80s and beyond, new study reveals

A research paper by Daniel Jampolski and Professor Luciano Rezzolla from Goethe University Frankfurt suggests that it is highly possible that not every black hole we encounter is what it seems, and instead could be a gravastar. Their mathematical model, a first in this regard, shows how a collapsing star could stop right before becoming a black hole and trigger a Big Bang to birth a miniature universe inside itself. This theory also lends credence to the belief that our own universe could be sitting inside a body similar to a black hole. Their findings also solve some of the problems associated with black holes, like how something that was the size of billions of Suns can squeeze into an infinitely small point. Besides, there is the added mystery of what lies beyond the event horizon since everything that falls inside cannot be observed.<h2>Gravastar - A point right before the black hole</h2>The authors propose an ultra compact object known as a gravastar - a radically new mathematical solution to Einstein's equations of General Relativity. The paper states that in some cases, when a dead star collapses, it does not convert into a black hole. There is no singularity or an event horizon, and at the very end of its last stages, the matter is compressed to such extremes that it triggers the birth of a miniature universe inside the dying star. This newly formed universe would be almost the same as the Big Bang that gave rise to our own universe, the authors wrote in the paper. Dark energy would drive its expansion, just like our cosmos. As this mini universe pushes outwards against the inward pull of gravity, the opposing forces would stop it from becoming a black hole. When this stable balance is achieved, a gravastar would be born.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-tempest-record-breaking-black-hole-winds-clocked-at-30-the-speed-of-light-1781113650998">Record-breaking black hole winds clocked at 30% the speed of light</a><h2>When black hole is something else entirely&nbsp;</h2>The researchers say their model presents for the first time in 25 years a solution to the question going around for decades - &nbsp;how gravastars could emerge from the collapse of ordinary matter. Jampolski says, "The Big Bang of the emerging universe can unfold once the star has already collapsed almost to the point of becoming a black hole." How matter would behave when compressed to extremes hasn't been well understood till now, leaving room for possibilities.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-special-scientists-just-discovered-cannibal-stars-our-sun-also-once-ate-earth-like-planets-1780484470363">Scientists just discovered cannibal stars. Our Sun also once ate Earth-like planets</a>&nbsp;The study shows that some of the objects we currently classify as black holes might actually be shells hiding entirely separate, expanding universes inside them. &nbsp;Scientists have often debated the possibility that our universe might be sitting inside a black hole. Could our world be one of them?

Scientists have proposed that not all black holes are black holes, and some of them could be gravastars. These are stars that have already died and collapsed, but only to a point where compression of matter triggers the birth of a new universe inside them.

A research paper by Daniel Jampolski and Professor Luciano Rezzolla from Goethe University Frankfurt suggests that it is highly possible that not every black hole we encounter is what it seems, and instead could be a gravastar. Their mathematical model, a first in this regard, shows how a collapsing star could stop right before becoming a black hole and trigger a Big Bang to birth a miniature universe inside itself. This theory also lends credence to the belief that our own universe could be sitting inside a body similar to a black hole. Their findings also solve some of the problems associated with black holes, like how something that was the size of billions of Suns can squeeze into an infinitely small point. Besides, there is the added mystery of what lies beyond the event horizon since everything that falls inside cannot be observed. Gravastar - A point right before the black hole The authors propose an ultra compact object known as a gravastar - a radically new mathematical solution to Einstein's equations of General Relativity. The paper states that in some cases, when a dead star collapses, it does not convert into a black hole. There is no singularity or an event horizon, and at the very end of its last stages, the matter is compressed to such extremes that it triggers the birth of a miniature universe inside the dying star. This newly formed universe would be almost the same as the Big Bang that gave rise to our own universe, the authors wrote in the paper. Dark energy would drive its expansion, just like our cosmos. As this mini universe pushes outwards against the inward pull of gravity, the opposing forces would stop it from becoming a black hole. When this stable balance is achieved, a gravastar would be born. Also Read: Record-breaking black hole winds clocked at 30% the speed of light When black hole is something else entirely The researchers say their model presents for the first time in 25 years a solution to the question going around for decades - how gravastars could emerge from the collapse of ordinary matter. Jampolski says, "The Big Bang of the emerging universe can unfold once the star has already collapsed almost to the point of becoming a black hole." How matter would behave when compressed to extremes hasn't been well understood till now, leaving room for possibilities. Also Read: Scientists just discovered cannibal stars. Our Sun also once ate Earth-like planets The study shows that some of the objects we currently classify as black holes might actually be shells hiding entirely separate, expanding universes inside them. Scientists have often debated the possibility that our universe might be sitting inside a black hole. Could our world be one of them?

Scientists have proposed that not all black holes are black holes, and some of them could be gravastars. These are stars that have already died and collapsed, but only to a point where compression of matter triggers the birth of a new universe inside them.

New theory suggests billions of 'mini universes' could be scattered in our own cosmos

It happens to many of us. Ten minutes turns to 30, then 30 turns to an hour, and suddenly it is two hours since you have been doomscrolling on social media. Whether it is cute cat videos, funny memes, or news content, scrolling social media for hours has become a part of the daily routine for many people, with some even becoming addicted to social media. Amid rising concerns over social media, governments have also started taking action, banning it for teenagers across several nations.Scientists are increasingly studying what makes people hooked on social media and how it affects attention, mood and behaviour. While experts caution against claims that smartphones are “destroying” the brain, evidence suggests that digital platforms can reinforce habits that shape how we consume information.<h2>Why your brain loves endless scrolling</h2>Our social media feeds are endless, which makes it difficult to stop scrolling. While a book has a final page, or a TV show has an ending, our Instagram or Facebook feeds just don’t end. This creates a curiosity: What will be the next post? Our brain, which gets addicted to the dopamine it gets every time your favourite content pops up on the feed, seeks more rewards. As a result, many people continue scrolling for way longer than they intended to get their next rewarding experience.<h2>The dopamine myth and the power of variable rewards</h2>Dopamine is not simply a “feel-good” chemical. It also plays a key role in motivation and reward-seeking behaviour. Psychologists often compare social media feeds to slot machines because both rely on unpredictable rewards. A user might find a funny video, an exciting update or a message from a friend after several swipes. The timing is never certain.Experts call this a variable reward schedule. Because rewards arrive unpredictably, users remain motivated to continue searching. In many cases, the anticipation of a reward becomes just as powerful as the reward itself. This may explain why some people continue to scroll even when they are no longer enjoying the content.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137"> WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says</a><h2>A need for novelty</h2>Our brain pays attention to novelty. New information could give us an opportunity, a resource, or a threat. Humans are naturally attracted to unknown experiences – and social media never fails to provide us with fresh content. With every new post, users encounter a new image, video, opinion or headline. This feeds our brains the constant stimulation it desires.Over time, this pattern can encourage rapid switching between different pieces of information. Researchers suggest that constant exposure to highly stimulating content may make slower activities such as reading, studying or deep work feel less engaging by comparison.<h2>Mental health feedback loop</h2>Scrolling becomes even more compelling when content triggers strong emotions. According to researchers, anxiety and information consumption often reinforce one another. People who feel worried may seek more information to reduce uncertainty. But the repeated exposure to content may also increase stress rather than helping them feel better.This creates a feedback loop in which anxiety fuels more scrolling, and more scrolling fuels anxiety. Studies have linked excessive doomscrolling to higher levels of stress, pessimism and emotional exhaustion.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-decodes-what-is-godzilla-el-ni-o-and-how-can-it-impact-the-indian-monsoon-1780917581717">WION Decodes | What is 'Godzilla' El Niño and how can it impact the Indian monsoon?</a><h2>Is scrolling really rewiring the brain?</h2>While scientists refrain from making dramatic claims such as social media is damaging the brain, neuroplasticity may explain how your digital habits can impact behaviour.Scientists generally avoid dramatic claims that social media is damaging the brain. However, the concept of neuroplasticity helps explain how digital habits can shape behaviour.Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt through repeated experiences. The neural pathways that are used frequently become stronger over time. Habits based on novelty, rapid rewards and constant task-switching can become increasingly automatic over time.Social media itself is not harmful and can help educate, entertain and content people. However, it becomes a problem when the endless feeds start replacing focused work, meaningful interactions and time away from screens. Understanding the science behind scrolling reveals that the struggle to stop is not simply about willpower. It is also about these platforms designed to keep attention engaged for as long as possible. WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed</a> &nbsp;

What turns a quick social media check into an hour-long scroll? Here’s what neuroscience and psychology say about the habit and its impact on the brain.

It happens to many of us. Ten minutes turns to 30, then 30 turns to an hour, and suddenly it is two hours since you have been doomscrolling on social media. Whether it is cute cat videos, funny memes, or news content, scrolling social media for hours has become a part of the daily routine for many people, with some even becoming addicted to social media. Amid rising concerns over social media, governments have also started taking action, banning it for teenagers across several nations. Scientists are increasingly studying what makes people hooked on social media and how it affects attention, mood and behaviour. While experts caution against claims that smartphones are “destroying” the brain, evidence suggests that digital platforms can reinforce habits that shape how we consume information. Why your brain loves endless scrolling Our social media feeds are endless, which makes it difficult to stop scrolling. While a book has a final page, or a TV show has an ending, our Instagram or Facebook feeds just don’t end. This creates a curiosity: What will be the next post? Our brain, which gets addicted to the dopamine it gets every time your favourite content pops up on the feed, seeks more rewards. As a result, many people continue scrolling for way longer than they intended to get their next rewarding experience. The dopamine myth and the power of variable rewards Dopamine is not simply a “feel-good” chemical. It also plays a key role in motivation and reward-seeking behaviour. Psychologists often compare social media feeds to slot machines because both rely on unpredictable rewards. A user might find a funny video, an exciting update or a message from a friend after several swipes. The timing is never certain. Experts call this a variable reward schedule. Because rewards arrive unpredictably, users remain motivated to continue searching. In many cases, the anticipation of a reward becomes just as powerful as the reward itself. This may explain why some people continue to scroll even when they are no longer enjoying the content. Also read | WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says A need for novelty Our brain pays attention to novelty. New information could give us an opportunity, a resource, or a threat. Humans are naturally attracted to unknown experiences – and social media never fails to provide us with fresh content. With every new post, users encounter a new image, video, opinion or headline. This feeds our brains the constant stimulation it desires. Over time, this pattern can encourage rapid switching between different pieces of information. Researchers suggest that constant exposure to highly stimulating content may make slower activities such as reading, studying or deep work feel less engaging by comparison. Mental health feedback loop Scrolling becomes even more compelling when content triggers strong emotions. According to researchers, anxiety and information consumption often reinforce one another. People who feel worried may seek more information to reduce uncertainty. But the repeated exposure to content may also increase stress rather than helping them feel better. This creates a feedback loop in which anxiety fuels more scrolling, and more scrolling fuels anxiety. Studies have linked excessive doomscrolling to higher levels of stress, pessimism and emotional exhaustion. Also read | WION Decodes | What is 'Godzilla' El Niño and how can it impact the Indian monsoon? Is scrolling really rewiring the brain? While scientists refrain from making dramatic claims such as social media is damaging the brain, neuroplasticity may explain how your digital habits can impact behaviour. Scientists generally avoid dramatic claims that social media is damaging the brain. However, the concept of neuroplasticity helps explain how digital habits can shape behaviour. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt through repeated experiences. The neural pathways that are used frequently become stronger over time. Habits based on novelty, rapid rewards and constant task-switching can become increasingly automatic over time. Social media itself is not harmful and can help educate, entertain and content people. However, it becomes a problem when the endless feeds start replacing focused work, meaningful interactions and time away from screens. Understanding the science behind scrolling reveals that the struggle to stop is not simply about willpower. It is also about these platforms designed to keep attention engaged for as long as possible. WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed

From dopamine-driven rewards to doomscrolling, here's what science says about why people keep scrolling and how the habit can shape the brain.

The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain

Today, SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies, while Elon Musk ranks among the richest people on the planet. The company's public listing in 2026 pushed its valuation into the trillion-dollar range and further boosted Musk's fortune.&nbsp;But two decades ago, SpaceX was a small start-up attempting something few thought possible. Its first rocket, Falcon 1, represented years of work, millions of dollars in investment and a major gamble by Musk, who had largely funded the company himself.<h2>How much did Falcon 1 actually cost?</h2>According to SpaceX, the Falcon 1 rocket was designed to be significantly cheaper than competing launch vehicles. The advertised launch price for Falcon 1 was around $6.7 million for early missions. Later versions were priced at roughly $7.9 million. However, the actual cost to develop Falcon 1 was much higher. Industry estimates and comments from Musk suggest SpaceX spent well over $100 million developing the company and its early launch capabilities. Musk invested much of the money he earned from the sale of PayPal into SpaceX, with around $100 million going into the venture during its early years. In simple terms, while a single Falcon 1 launch carried a price tag of several million dollars, the broader effort behind the rocket cost far more.<h2>The first launch ended in failure</h2>The first Falcon 1 mission lifted off from Omelek Island in the Marshall Islands on March 24, 2006. The rocket flew for less than a minute before a fuel leak caused a fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle lost control and the mission ended in failure. For a young company with limited resources, the setback was significant. Yet SpaceX engineers used the data from the mission to identify problems and improve the rocket.Three failures before successThe first launch was not the only setback.A second Falcon 1 launch in 2007 also failed to reach orbit. A third mission in August 2008 came close but ultimately failed because of a stage separation issue. By that point, SpaceX was under intense financial pressure. Many observers believed the company might not survive another failure.<h2>The launch that changed everything</h2>The breakthrough came on September 28, 2008. Falcon 1 successfully reached orbit on its fourth attempt, becoming the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to do so. The success transformed SpaceX's future. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and Starlink satellite network. It became a key partner for NASA and grew into a global space industry leader.&nbsp;<h2>Why Falcon 1 still matters today</h2>Compared with modern space programmes costing billions of dollars, Falcon 1 was relatively inexpensive. Yet its impact was enormous. The rocket proved that a private company could build and launch orbital rockets at a lower cost than many traditional competitors. What began as a project costing millions eventually helped create a company now valued in the trillions. The first Falcon 1 launch may have failed, but it marked the beginning of SpaceX's rise from start-up to space powerhouse.

Falcon 1's early launch price was about $6.7 million, but the broader effort behind SpaceX's first rocket cost far more. The first mission failed in 2006, yet the lessons learned helped pave the way for a company now valued in the trillions.


Today, SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies, while Elon Musk ranks among the richest people on the planet. The company's public listing in 2026 pushed its valuation into the trillion-dollar range and further boosted Musk's fortune. But two decades ago, SpaceX was a small start-up attempting something few thought possible. Its first rocket, Falcon 1, represented years of work, millions of dollars in investment and a major gamble by Musk, who had largely funded the company himself. How much did Falcon 1 actually cost? According to SpaceX, the Falcon 1 rocket was designed to be significantly cheaper than competing launch vehicles. The advertised launch price for Falcon 1 was around $6.7 million for early missions. Later versions were priced at roughly $7.9 million. However, the actual cost to develop Falcon 1 was much higher. Industry estimates and comments from Musk suggest SpaceX spent well over $100 million developing the company and its early launch capabilities. Musk invested much of the money he earned from the sale of PayPal into SpaceX, with around $100 million going into the venture during its early years. In simple terms, while a single Falcon 1 launch carried a price tag of several million dollars, the broader effort behind the rocket cost far more. The first launch ended in failure The first Falcon 1 mission lifted off from Omelek Island in the Marshall Islands on March 24, 2006. The rocket flew for less than a minute before a fuel leak caused a fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle lost control and the mission ended in failure. For a young company with limited resources, the setback was significant. Yet SpaceX engineers used the data from the mission to identify problems and improve the rocket. Three failures before success The first launch was not the only setback. A second Falcon 1 launch in 2007 also failed to reach orbit. A third mission in August 2008 came close but ultimately failed because of a stage separation issue. By that point, SpaceX was under intense financial pressure. Many observers believed the company might not survive another failure. The launch that changed everything The breakthrough came on September 28, 2008. Falcon 1 successfully reached orbit on its fourth attempt, becoming the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to do so. The success transformed SpaceX's future. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and Starlink satellite network. It became a key partner for NASA and grew into a global space industry leader. Why Falcon 1 still matters today Compared with modern space programmes costing billions of dollars, Falcon 1 was relatively inexpensive. Yet its impact was enormous. The rocket proved that a private company could build and launch orbital rockets at a lower cost than many traditional competitors. What began as a project costing millions eventually helped create a company now valued in the trillions. The first Falcon 1 launch may have failed, but it marked the beginning of SpaceX's rise from start-up to space powerhouse.

Falcon 1's early launch price was about $6.7 million, but the broader effort behind SpaceX's first rocket cost far more. The first mission failed in 2006, yet the lessons learned helped pave the way for a company now valued in the trillions.

How much did SpaceX's first Falcon 1 rocket launch actually cost?

SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt.<h2>SpaceX's first three launches all failed</h2>Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal.<h2>The fourth launch changed the company's future</h2>After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited.<h2>From survival mode to a space industry leader</h2>The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA.Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person.<h2>Why those early failures still matter</h2>SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt. SpaceX's first three launches all failed Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal. The fourth launch changed the company's future After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited. From survival mode to a space industry leader The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA. Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person. Why those early failures still matter SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks. The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

How many times did SpaceX's rockets fail before their first successful launch?

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.&nbsp;Following SpaceX's historic public listing in June 2026, Musk's fortune surged past the trillion-dollar mark, making him the world's first trillionaire. SpaceX itself is valued at well over $1 trillion after its record-breaking market debut.<h2>Yet less than two decades ago, the picture looked very different.</h2>In 2008, Musk was facing what he later described as one of the toughest periods of his life. SpaceX had suffered three consecutive rocket failures, Tesla was struggling financially, and Musk's personal fortune was rapidly shrinking. The entrepreneur who would later dominate the space industry was close to running out of options.&nbsp;Three failed launches and a rapidly shrinking bank accountMusk founded SpaceX in 2002 with about $100 million from the money he earned after PayPal was sold. His goal was ambitious: build cheaper rockets and eventually help humanity become a multi-planetary species.However, the company's early years were marked by repeated setbacks. The first Falcon 1 rocket launch failed in 2006. A second attempt also failed. Then came a third unsuccessful launch in August 2008. Each failure consumed precious money and raised doubts about whether the company could survive. By then, Musk was funding both SpaceX and Tesla. Cash was running low and investors were becoming nervous.<h2>The launch that changed everything</h2>SpaceX's fourth Falcon 1 mission took place on September 28, 2008. Unlike the previous attempts, this launch successfully reached orbit. It marked the first time a privately developed liquid-fuel rocket reached orbit, a milestone that changed how the aerospace industry viewed private space companies. The success arrived at exactly the right moment. According to accounts of SpaceX's early years, the company was under immense financial pressure. Had the fourth launch failed, the future of the company would have been highly uncertain.<h2>How SpaceX went from survival mode to a trillion-dollar giant</h2>The successful Falcon 1 mission helped build confidence in SpaceX and opened the door for future contracts and growth. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite network. Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, delivers cargo to space and operates thousands of internet satellites through Starlink. It has become one of the most influential companies in the global space sector. Its 2026 public listing became the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at around $1.8 trillion and pushing Musk's wealth above $1 trillion.<h2>How quickly fortunes can change</h2>The story of SpaceX's early years remains one of the most dramatic chapters in modern business history. A company that was struggling to keep its rockets flying in 2008 is now among the world's most valuable firms. For Musk, the difference between failure and success may have come down to a single launch. Had Falcon 1's fourth flight failed, the history of SpaceX and perhaps the modern commercial space industry could have looked very different.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure. Following SpaceX's historic public listing in June 2026, Musk's fortune surged past the trillion-dollar mark, making him the world's first trillionaire. SpaceX itself is valued at well over $1 trillion after its record-breaking market debut. Yet less than two decades ago, the picture looked very different. In 2008, Musk was facing what he later described as one of the toughest periods of his life. SpaceX had suffered three consecutive rocket failures, Tesla was struggling financially, and Musk's personal fortune was rapidly shrinking. The entrepreneur who would later dominate the space industry was close to running out of options. Three failed launches and a rapidly shrinking bank account Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with about $100 million from the money he earned after PayPal was sold. His goal was ambitious: build cheaper rockets and eventually help humanity become a multi-planetary species. However, the company's early years were marked by repeated setbacks. The first Falcon 1 rocket launch failed in 2006. A second attempt also failed. Then came a third unsuccessful launch in August 2008. Each failure consumed precious money and raised doubts about whether the company could survive. By then, Musk was funding both SpaceX and Tesla. Cash was running low and investors were becoming nervous. The launch that changed everything SpaceX's fourth Falcon 1 mission took place on September 28, 2008. Unlike the previous attempts, this launch successfully reached orbit. It marked the first time a privately developed liquid-fuel rocket reached orbit, a milestone that changed how the aerospace industry viewed private space companies. The success arrived at exactly the right moment. According to accounts of SpaceX's early years, the company was under immense financial pressure. Had the fourth launch failed, the future of the company would have been highly uncertain. How SpaceX went from survival mode to a trillion-dollar giant The successful Falcon 1 mission helped build confidence in SpaceX and opened the door for future contracts and growth. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite network. Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, delivers cargo to space and operates thousands of internet satellites through Starlink. It has become one of the most influential companies in the global space sector. Its 2026 public listing became the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at around $1.8 trillion and pushing Musk's wealth above $1 trillion. How quickly fortunes can change The story of SpaceX's early years remains one of the most dramatic chapters in modern business history. A company that was struggling to keep its rockets flying in 2008 is now among the world's most valuable firms. For Musk, the difference between failure and success may have come down to a single launch. Had Falcon 1's fourth flight failed, the history of SpaceX and perhaps the modern commercial space industry could have looked very different.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.

Three failed rockets, shrinking cash: How close was Elon Musk to losing everything before SpaceX finally succeeded?

Ministers in the UK have been warned that doctors and the NHS could be sued for medical negligence over errors made by artificial intelligence tools used in diagnosing patients and recommending treatment. Under current laws, medics and the health service may still be held liable for patients suffering harm or dying as a result of mistakes made by AI tools. In a report, the Medical Protection Society (MPS), which supports doctors facing professional complaints and legal claims, warned that clinicians risk becoming a “liability sink” for AI-related errors unless legal frameworks are updated. The warning comes as the NHS increasingly adopts AI technologies for tasks such as interpreting scans and X-rays, producing summaries of doctor-patient consultations, and drafting correspondence for patients. “The law has always struggled to keep up with technological change. But with AI, the pace of change is so rapid that this gap feels less like a step and more like a widening gulf,” said Dr Sarah Townley, the MPS’s deputy medical director. Citing an example of a possible error made by AI tools, the MPS stated that this technology could miss a tumour in a patient’s lung while reading an X-ray of their chest. As a result, this mistake could lead to the death of the patient, as the false reassurance from the AI would mean no treatment would be given, resulting in the spread of cancer.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/can-ai-be-your-best-friend-chatgpt-claude-gemini-and-real-humans-respond-1780904234395"> National Best Friends Day: Can AI be your best friend? ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini — and real humans respond</a><h3>Serious consequences of AI</h3>MPS also highlighted that patients could face serious consequences if AI systems make incorrect treatment recommendations. For example, a patient might require surgery and intensive care for severe bleeding if an AI tool mistakenly advised increasing the dosage of warfarin, a blood-thinning medication commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation. According to the MPS, such cases present a genuine risk of legal action being taken against doctors who rely on AI-assisted tools in clinical decision-making. “Under the current product liability framework in the UK, there is a risk that clinical negligence claims could be brought against the clinicians in these cases and that they would be held wholly liable,” it warns. To address these concerns, the organisation has urged the government to classify AI systems as products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. It argues that such a move would shift responsibility for AI-related errors towards developers and manufacturers, reducing the legal burden on doctors and the NHS. The MPS also warned that growing concerns among healthcare professionals about being held accountable for AI mistakes could undermine public confidence in the medical profession unless clearer liability rules are introduced. “Innovation and patient safety should move forward together. If AI is advancing at Formula One speed, then legislation, regulation and governance cannot be left sitting in the pit lane,” said Dr Ragit Varia, the president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine. “Clinicians should not find themselves holding a liability hot potato when decisions have been influenced by AI systems developed, supplied and implemented by others without the appropriate structure. We must avoid creating an accountability vacuum where responsibility for harm is unclear.” Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Social Care said that NHS Resolution, the body responsible for handling negligence claims against NHS trusts in England, is drafting guidelines related to AI liability. “We welcome the MPS’s report and will review its recommendations to ensure patients continue receiving the benefits of AI in healthcare safely and quickly,” a DHSC spokesperson said. &nbsp;

The MPS stated that this technology could miss a tumour in a patient’s lung while reading an X-ray of their chest. As a result, this mistake could lead to the death of the patient, as the false reassurance from the AI would mean no treatment would be given, resulting in the spread of cancer.

Ministers in the UK have been warned that doctors and the NHS could be sued for medical negligence over errors made by artificial intelligence tools used in diagnosing patients and recommending treatment. Under current laws, medics and the health service may still be held liable for patients suffering harm or dying as a result of mistakes made by AI tools. In a report, the Medical Protection Society (MPS), which supports doctors facing professional complaints and legal claims, warned that clinicians risk becoming a “liability sink” for AI-related errors unless legal frameworks are updated. The warning comes as the NHS increasingly adopts AI technologies for tasks such as interpreting scans and X-rays, producing summaries of doctor-patient consultations, and drafting correspondence for patients. “The law has always struggled to keep up with technological change. But with AI, the pace of change is so rapid that this gap feels less like a step and more like a widening gulf,” said Dr Sarah Townley, the MPS’s deputy medical director. Citing an example of a possible error made by AI tools, the MPS stated that this technology could miss a tumour in a patient’s lung while reading an X-ray of their chest. As a result, this mistake could lead to the death of the patient, as the false reassurance from the AI would mean no treatment would be given, resulting in the spread of cancer. Also read: National Best Friends Day: Can AI be your best friend? ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini — and real humans respond Serious consequences of AI MPS also highlighted that patients could face serious consequences if AI systems make incorrect treatment recommendations. For example, a patient might require surgery and intensive care for severe bleeding if an AI tool mistakenly advised increasing the dosage of warfarin, a blood-thinning medication commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation. According to the MPS, such cases present a genuine risk of legal action being taken against doctors who rely on AI-assisted tools in clinical decision-making. “Under the current product liability framework in the UK, there is a risk that clinical negligence claims could be brought against the clinicians in these cases and that they would be held wholly liable,” it warns. To address these concerns, the organisation has urged the government to classify AI systems as products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. It argues that such a move would shift responsibility for AI-related errors towards developers and manufacturers, reducing the legal burden on doctors and the NHS. The MPS also warned that growing concerns among healthcare professionals about being held accountable for AI mistakes could undermine public confidence in the medical profession unless clearer liability rules are introduced. “Innovation and patient safety should move forward together. If AI is advancing at Formula One speed, then legislation, regulation and governance cannot be left sitting in the pit lane,” said Dr Ragit Varia, the president-elect of the Society for Acute Medicine. “Clinicians should not find themselves holding a liability hot potato when decisions have been influenced by AI systems developed, supplied and implemented by others without the appropriate structure. We must avoid creating an accountability vacuum where responsibility for harm is unclear.” Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Social Care said that NHS Resolution, the body responsible for handling negligence claims against NHS trusts in England, is drafting guidelines related to AI liability. “We welcome the MPS’s report and will review its recommendations to ensure patients continue receiving the benefits of AI in healthcare safely and quickly,” a DHSC spokesperson said.

The MPS stated that this technology could miss a tumour in a patient’s lung while reading an X-ray of their chest. As a result, this mistake could lead to the death of the patient, as the false reassurance from the AI would mean no treatment would be given, resulting in the spread of cancer.

Doctors and NHS could be sued for AI-driven diagnosis errors in UK? Here's what report warns

Scientists have discovered a strange anomaly in the North Atlantic, situated south of Greenland, where a 'cold blob' of ocean and air is cooling down while the rest of the world is experiencing a rise in temperature. Researchers used satellite data, multiple reanalysis records, and ocean heat content data extending back to 1955, in order to figure out the driving forces behind the blob. Up to this point, scientists have long debated two possible causes behind the Atlantic Ocean's "cold blob": either reduced heat transport into the region by ocean currents or increased heat loss from the ocean surface. The latest findings support the former theory, suggesting results support the first explanation, and they conclude that we're now very close to a dangerous tipping point. The study links the cold patch to a weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a major ocean current system that appears to be edging closer to a potential collapse. Researchers warn that such a shutdown could have far-reaching global consequences beyond the cooling observed in the North Atlantic. "Given the well-established existence of a tipping point of the AMOC, as well as recent studies finding a range of different 'early warning signals' of the ocean circulation approaching such a tipping point, the strong evidence for a weakening AMOC is a serious concern for society and policy," the researchers wrote in a published paper.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/straight-out-of-science-fiction-scientists-want-to-spray-a-giant-shield-to-protect-earth-from-solar-storms-bizarre-science-news-1781081111671">Could chemicals sprayed around Earth stop dangerous solar storms? New study suggests it might</a><h3>Deep ocean currents drive surface heat loss</h3>Their analysis found that the cooling is driven by changes in deep ocean currents rather than heat escaping from the surface. In fact, surface heat loss in the region has declined, indicating that the main issue is a reduced inflow of warm water. Because the cold blob lies at the northern end of the AMOC's vast ocean conveyor belt, a slowdown in the system would naturally result in lower temperatures there, as less warm water is transported northward from tropical and equatorial regions. The new findings give us a few of the best pieces of evidence yet that the cold blob and this vast ocean current are directly interconnected. "The observed cooling trend cannot be explained by surface heat flux changes," write the authors of this new study. "Multidecadal heat content variations are generally larger and more tightly correlated with ocean heat transport than with surface heat flux variability." Most scientists agree that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is gradually approaching closer to a critical point and could eventually cease functioning altogether. Rising ocean water temperatures, coupled with melting glaciers (which release freshwater into the oceans), are disrupting the balance that drives the current system. A complete collapse of the AMOC could trigger far-reaching impacts, including much colder, harsher winters, with significant changes in global weather patterns, ecosystems, and food security across Europe. "While large uncertainty remains over how close the Earth is to this tipping point, standard CMIP6 simulations of future global warming scenarios suggest it is crossed in a substantial subset of these model simulations around the middle of this century," write the researchers. Since 2004, the current system has been directly monitored, leaving scientists with a very small record to clearly find out the long-term trajectory of its recent weakening.

Scientists found a "cold blob" in the North Atlantic cooling despite global warming, driven by a weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) current system. Data since 1955 shows reduced warm water inflow, warning of a potential weather-altering tipping point by mid-century.

Scientists have discovered a strange anomaly in the North Atlantic, situated south of Greenland, where a 'cold blob' of ocean and air is cooling down while the rest of the world is experiencing a rise in temperature. Researchers used satellite data, multiple reanalysis records, and ocean heat content data extending back to 1955, in order to figure out the driving forces behind the blob. Up to this point, scientists have long debated two possible causes behind the Atlantic Ocean's "cold blob": either reduced heat transport into the region by ocean currents or increased heat loss from the ocean surface. The latest findings support the former theory, suggesting results support the first explanation, and they conclude that we're now very close to a dangerous tipping point. The study links the cold patch to a weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a major ocean current system that appears to be edging closer to a potential collapse. Researchers warn that such a shutdown could have far-reaching global consequences beyond the cooling observed in the North Atlantic. "Given the well-established existence of a tipping point of the AMOC, as well as recent studies finding a range of different 'early warning signals' of the ocean circulation approaching such a tipping point, the strong evidence for a weakening AMOC is a serious concern for society and policy," the researchers wrote in a published paper. Also read: Could chemicals sprayed around Earth stop dangerous solar storms? New study suggests it might Deep ocean currents drive surface heat loss Their analysis found that the cooling is driven by changes in deep ocean currents rather than heat escaping from the surface. In fact, surface heat loss in the region has declined, indicating that the main issue is a reduced inflow of warm water. Because the cold blob lies at the northern end of the AMOC's vast ocean conveyor belt, a slowdown in the system would naturally result in lower temperatures there, as less warm water is transported northward from tropical and equatorial regions. The new findings give us a few of the best pieces of evidence yet that the cold blob and this vast ocean current are directly interconnected. "The observed cooling trend cannot be explained by surface heat flux changes," write the authors of this new study. "Multidecadal heat content variations are generally larger and more tightly correlated with ocean heat transport than with surface heat flux variability." Most scientists agree that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is gradually approaching closer to a critical point and could eventually cease functioning altogether. Rising ocean water temperatures, coupled with melting glaciers (which release freshwater into the oceans), are disrupting the balance that drives the current system. A complete collapse of the AMOC could trigger far-reaching impacts, including much colder, harsher winters, with significant changes in global weather patterns, ecosystems, and food security across Europe. "While large uncertainty remains over how close the Earth is to this tipping point, standard CMIP6 simulations of future global warming scenarios suggest it is crossed in a substantial subset of these model simulations around the middle of this century," write the researchers. Since 2004, the current system has been directly monitored, leaving scientists with a very small record to clearly find out the long-term trajectory of its recent weakening.

Scientists found a "cold blob" in the North Atlantic cooling despite global warming, driven by a weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) current system. Data since 1955 shows reduced warm water inflow, warning of a potential weather-altering tipping point by mid-century.

Mysterious North Atlantic 'cold blob' signals growing risk of major ocean current collapse: What's happening?

Scientists have uncovered what may be the largest, deepest and oldest whale graveyard ever discovered. The graveyard, as per newly published research, lies hidden more than seven kilometres beneath the surface of the south-eastern Indian Ocean. What's more remarkable about the find is that it includes hundreds of whale fossils dating back over five million years. Scientists also found modern whale carcasses that they said continue to support thriving deep-sea ecosystems in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/straight-out-of-science-fiction-scientists-want-to-spray-a-giant-shield-to-protect-earth-from-solar-storms-bizarre-science-news-1781081111671">Straight out of science fiction: Scientists want to 'spray' a giant shield to protect Earth from solar storms</a><h2>Where is the whale graveyard?</h2>The discovery was made in the Diamantina Fracture Zone, a vast network of trenches and ridges formed tens of millions of years ago as Australia and Antarctica drifted apart. Using a deep-sea submersible, an international team of researchers from China, Italy and New Zealand explored the region and documented an astonishing concentration of whale remains scattered across the ocean floor.Whale falls, the remains of whales that sink to the seabed after death, are known to create temporary ecosystems that sustain a wide range of marine life. Most previously documented whale falls have been found at depths shallower than 4,000 metres. The newly discovered site extends to depths of more than 7,000 metres, making it the deepest whale-fall ecosystem ever recorded.Researchers identified 485 fossil whale sites and five modern whale falls in advanced stages of decomposition. The remains were spread across a 1,200-kilometre corridor, leading scientists to describe the area as a previously unrecognised "whale-fall community supercorridor."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-israeli-troops-shoot-a-7-month-old-baby-shocking-new-video-challenges-idf-account-watch-1781161317025">Fact Check: Did Israeli troops shoot a 7-month-old baby? Shocking new video challenges IDF account</a><h2>Extinct whales found</h2>Among the discoveries were fossils from extinct whale species, including a 5.3-million-year-old skull belonging to the beaked whale species Pterocetus benguelae. The team also identified a previously unknown species, which they named Pterocetus diamantinae.The modern whale carcasses were far from lifeless, suggests the research published in Nature. Researchers found them supporting dense communities of organisms including crustaceans, molluscs, brittle stars and bone-eating worms. Many of these species may be entirely new to science.<h2>Why it matters</h2>Scientists say the discovery highlights how little is known about life in the deep ocean. The extreme conditions of the site, where sunlight never penetrates, and water pressure reaches crushing levels, were once thought to limit biodiversity. Instead, the findings suggest these remote habitats may host complex ecosystems that have remained hidden for millions of years.

An international team of scientists has discovered what may be the largest, deepest and oldest whale graveyard ever found. Hidden beneath the south-eastern Indian Ocean, the site contains hundreds of whale fossils dating back more than five million years.

Scientists have uncovered what may be the largest, deepest and oldest whale graveyard ever discovered. The graveyard, as per newly published research, lies hidden more than seven kilometres beneath the surface of the south-eastern Indian Ocean. What's more remarkable about the find is that it includes hundreds of whale fossils dating back over five million years. Scientists also found modern whale carcasses that they said continue to support thriving deep-sea ecosystems in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Also read | Straight out of science fiction: Scientists want to 'spray' a giant shield to protect Earth from solar storms Where is the whale graveyard? The discovery was made in the Diamantina Fracture Zone, a vast network of trenches and ridges formed tens of millions of years ago as Australia and Antarctica drifted apart. Using a deep-sea submersible, an international team of researchers from China, Italy and New Zealand explored the region and documented an astonishing concentration of whale remains scattered across the ocean floor. Whale falls, the remains of whales that sink to the seabed after death, are known to create temporary ecosystems that sustain a wide range of marine life. Most previously documented whale falls have been found at depths shallower than 4,000 metres. The newly discovered site extends to depths of more than 7,000 metres, making it the deepest whale-fall ecosystem ever recorded. Researchers identified 485 fossil whale sites and five modern whale falls in advanced stages of decomposition. The remains were spread across a 1,200-kilometre corridor, leading scientists to describe the area as a previously unrecognised "whale-fall community supercorridor." Also read | Fact Check: Did Israeli troops shoot a 7-month-old baby? Shocking new video challenges IDF account Extinct whales found Among the discoveries were fossils from extinct whale species, including a 5.3-million-year-old skull belonging to the beaked whale species Pterocetus benguelae. The team also identified a previously unknown species, which they named Pterocetus diamantinae. The modern whale carcasses were far from lifeless, suggests the research published in Nature. Researchers found them supporting dense communities of organisms including crustaceans, molluscs, brittle stars and bone-eating worms. Many of these species may be entirely new to science. Why it matters Scientists say the discovery highlights how little is known about life in the deep ocean. The extreme conditions of the site, where sunlight never penetrates, and water pressure reaches crushing levels, were once thought to limit biodiversity. Instead, the findings suggest these remote habitats may host complex ecosystems that have remained hidden for millions of years.

An international team of scientists has discovered what may be the largest, deepest and oldest whale graveyard ever found. Hidden beneath the south-eastern Indian Ocean, the site contains hundreds of whale fossils dating back more than five million years.

Scientists discover world's largest 'whale graveyard' hidden 7km beneath the Indian Ocean

Astronomers have detected an unprecedented cosmic tempest in the deep universe. A distant quasar, powered by a feeding supermassive black hole, is blasting out galactic winds at a staggering 30% of the speed of light. Clocking in at approximately 201 million miles per hour (323 million kilometres per hour), this outbound torrent stands as the fastest black hole wind ever observed, specifically within ultraviolet wavelengths.&nbsp;To put these extreme speeds into a terrestrial context, researchers have looked to the Saffir-Simpson scale used to measure tropical cyclones on Earth. While a standard Category 5 hurricane features devastating sustained winds of 157 mph or higher, the sheer velocity of this deep-space outflow operates on an entirely different scale, says a study published in The Astrophysical Journal.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/straight-out-of-science-fiction-scientists-want-to-spray-a-giant-shield-to-protect-earth-from-solar-storms-bizarre-science-news-1781081111671">Giant shield around Earth? Scientists propose bizarre plan to stop solar storms</a>&nbsp;"In terms of its speed, this quasar's wind could be called a category 79 hurricane," said Lucas Seaton, the team leader and a researcher from York University, in a statement published by York U. The colossal engine driving this record-breaking phenomenon is a quasar known as J2318. Located roughly 3 billion light-years away from Earth, J2318 is an active galactic nucleus, a hyper-luminous region at the centre of a galaxy where a supermassive black hole aggressively devours surrounding matter.<h2>Why Black Hole winds matter</h2>&nbsp;Supermassive black holes do not just consume matter; their powerful feedback mechanisms actively reshape their host environments. Active galactic nuclei (AGN) routinely expel massive amounts of energy back into their host galaxies.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/next-weight-loss-breakthrough-astrazeneca-tests-a-daily-pill-1780986473092">Next weight-loss breakthrough? AstraZeneca tests a daily pill</a>&nbsp;When black hole winds reach extreme speeds like those clocked in J2318, they can clear vast reservoirs of cold gas out of the host galaxy's central regions. Because this cold gas is the foundational ingredient needed to form new stars, these high-velocity winds effectively "quench" star formation, steering the structural evolution of the entire galaxy.By studying outliers like J2318, astrophysicists gain a clearer understanding of the boundary limits of black hole accretion and the profound, tempestuous relationship between a galaxy and its central behemoth.

Astronomers detect the fastest black hole winds ever recorded, tearing through space at an astonishing 30% of the speed of light.

Astronomers have detected an unprecedented cosmic tempest in the deep universe. A distant quasar, powered by a feeding supermassive black hole, is blasting out galactic winds at a staggering 30% of the speed of light. Clocking in at approximately 201 million miles per hour (323 million kilometres per hour), this outbound torrent stands as the fastest black hole wind ever observed, specifically within ultraviolet wavelengths. To put these extreme speeds into a terrestrial context, researchers have looked to the Saffir-Simpson scale used to measure tropical cyclones on Earth. While a standard Category 5 hurricane features devastating sustained winds of 157 mph or higher, the sheer velocity of this deep-space outflow operates on an entirely different scale, says a study published in The Astrophysical Journal. Also read: Giant shield around Earth? Scientists propose bizarre plan to stop solar storms "In terms of its speed, this quasar's wind could be called a category 79 hurricane," said Lucas Seaton, the team leader and a researcher from York University, in a statement published by York U. The colossal engine driving this record-breaking phenomenon is a quasar known as J2318. Located roughly 3 billion light-years away from Earth, J2318 is an active galactic nucleus, a hyper-luminous region at the centre of a galaxy where a supermassive black hole aggressively devours surrounding matter. Why Black Hole winds matter Supermassive black holes do not just consume matter; their powerful feedback mechanisms actively reshape their host environments. Active galactic nuclei (AGN) routinely expel massive amounts of energy back into their host galaxies. Also read: Next weight-loss breakthrough? AstraZeneca tests a daily pill When black hole winds reach extreme speeds like those clocked in J2318, they can clear vast reservoirs of cold gas out of the host galaxy's central regions. Because this cold gas is the foundational ingredient needed to form new stars, these high-velocity winds effectively "quench" star formation, steering the structural evolution of the entire galaxy. By studying outliers like J2318, astrophysicists gain a clearer understanding of the boundary limits of black hole accretion and the profound, tempestuous relationship between a galaxy and its central behemoth.

Astronomers detect the fastest black hole winds ever recorded, tearing through space at an astonishing 30% of the speed of light.

Cosmic Tempest: Record-breaking black hole winds clocked at 30% the speed of light

Scientists have come up with an ingenious plan to protect our planet Earth from dangerous solar storms. They want to spray chemicals around the rock we call home. This, they suggest, could help deflect the brunt of the Sun's dangerous charged particles. The ambitious plan was developed by a team of researchers from Boston University and the University of Michigan, and the research was published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2025SW004846">Space Weather</a>.<h2>Solar storms and Earth</h2>For decades, humanity's strategy for dealing with dangerous solar storms has been simple: predict them and prepare for the fallout. But the new scientific proposal suggests that future generations may be able to do something far more ambitious: actively strengthen Earth's natural defences before space weather strikes. But how would it happen? All we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-trump-s-america-more-babies-behind-bars-than-ever-before-report-reveals-horrifying-10-fold-rise-in-ice-detentions-of-infants-1781070307893">More babies behind bars than ever before? Report reveals 10-fold surge in ICE detentions under Trump</a><h2>Enter StormWall</h2>A team led by Brian Walsh of Boston University and consisting of D. T. Welling and Z. Huang of the University of Michigan has unveiled a concept called StormWall, a planetary-scale defence system designed to reinforce Earth's magnetosphere, the invisible magnetic shield that protects the planet from charged particles emitted by the Sun.The idea, detailed through computer simulations, aims to reduce the impact of severe geomagnetic storms that can disrupt satellites, GPS navigation, communications networks and power grids. According to the researchers, the system could cut the intensity of a major solar storm by more than half.The threat stems from a process known as magnetic reconnection. During powerful solar eruptions, magnetic fields carried by the solar wind can temporarily link with Earth's magnetic field, creating a pathway through which vast amounts of solar energy enter near-Earth space. The resulting geomagnetic storms have the potential to cause widespread technological disruptions. StormWall seeks to interfere with that process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-tower-of-babel-and-why-did-pope-leo-warn-about-it-while-talking-about-ai-wion-decodes-1779790151646">Pope Leo warns humanity risks repeating ancient mistake: What is the Tower of Babel and what does it have to do with AI?</a><h2>But how will StormWall do that?</h2>According to research published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2025SW004846">Space Weather</a>, scientists have proposed sending a fleet of six spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. This fleet would make up the StormWall.When a dangerous solar storm is detected, the satellites would release specially selected materials such as barium, lithium, sodium or calcium. Once exposed to sunlight, the material would become ionised, creating a cloud of plasma.That artificial plasma would drift toward the sun-facing edge of the magnetosphere, effectively thickening the boundary that separates Earth from the incoming solar wind. By adding mass to this region, researchers believe the efficiency of magnetic reconnection could be significantly reduced.<h2>Have they tested it?</h2>To test the concept, the team simulated the powerful Mother's Day geomagnetic storm of May 2024. Their results suggested that while StormWall would not eliminate a storm entirely, it could reduce its strength by more than 50 per cent.The proposal remains theoretical and would require substantial investment. The spacecraft would collectively have to carry material equivalent to roughly a dozen oil trucks, and each deployment would be a one-time use. "If you built it, if it was deployed, it would help all people on the planet," said lead researcher Walsh in a statement. "You couldn't make it in a way that helped only one country, one group of satellites."

Researchers from Boston University have proposed StormWall, a spacecraft-based system that would release ionised materials into space to strengthen Earth's magnetosphere and reduce the impact of solar storms.

Scientists have come up with an ingenious plan to protect our planet Earth from dangerous solar storms. They want to spray chemicals around the rock we call home. This, they suggest, could help deflect the brunt of the Sun's dangerous charged particles. The ambitious plan was developed by a team of researchers from Boston University and the University of Michigan, and the research was published in Space Weather. Solar storms and Earth For decades, humanity's strategy for dealing with dangerous solar storms has been simple: predict them and prepare for the fallout. But the new scientific proposal suggests that future generations may be able to do something far more ambitious: actively strengthen Earth's natural defences before space weather strikes. But how would it happen? All we know. Also read | More babies behind bars than ever before? Report reveals 10-fold surge in ICE detentions under Trump Enter StormWall A team led by Brian Walsh of Boston University and consisting of D. T. Welling and Z. Huang of the University of Michigan has unveiled a concept called StormWall, a planetary-scale defence system designed to reinforce Earth's magnetosphere, the invisible magnetic shield that protects the planet from charged particles emitted by the Sun. The idea, detailed through computer simulations, aims to reduce the impact of severe geomagnetic storms that can disrupt satellites, GPS navigation, communications networks and power grids. According to the researchers, the system could cut the intensity of a major solar storm by more than half. The threat stems from a process known as magnetic reconnection. During powerful solar eruptions, magnetic fields carried by the solar wind can temporarily link with Earth's magnetic field, creating a pathway through which vast amounts of solar energy enter near-Earth space. The resulting geomagnetic storms have the potential to cause widespread technological disruptions. StormWall seeks to interfere with that process. Also read | Pope Leo warns humanity risks repeating ancient mistake: What is the Tower of Babel and what does it have to do with AI? But how will StormWall do that? According to research published in Space Weather, scientists have proposed sending a fleet of six spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. This fleet would make up the StormWall. When a dangerous solar storm is detected, the satellites would release specially selected materials such as barium, lithium, sodium or calcium. Once exposed to sunlight, the material would become ionised, creating a cloud of plasma. That artificial plasma would drift toward the sun-facing edge of the magnetosphere, effectively thickening the boundary that separates Earth from the incoming solar wind. By adding mass to this region, researchers believe the efficiency of magnetic reconnection could be significantly reduced. Have they tested it? To test the concept, the team simulated the powerful Mother's Day geomagnetic storm of May 2024. Their results suggested that while StormWall would not eliminate a storm entirely, it could reduce its strength by more than 50 per cent. The proposal remains theoretical and would require substantial investment. The spacecraft would collectively have to carry material equivalent to roughly a dozen oil trucks, and each deployment would be a one-time use. "If you built it, if it was deployed, it would help all people on the planet," said lead researcher Walsh in a statement. "You couldn't make it in a way that helped only one country, one group of satellites."

What if humanity could weaken a solar storm before it strikes Earth? Scientists have unveiled StormWall, a radical proposal involving six spacecraft that would ‘spray’ chemicals around Earth to reduce the impact of dangerous space weather. Here's how it would work.

Could chemicals sprayed around Earth stop dangerous solar storms? New study suggests it might

Does coffee make you feel calm or sleepy? You are not alone. While many people feel a burst of energy after drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks, it is not the case with everyone. Coffee may have a completely opposite reaction for some people, who may feel calm, relaxed, or even sleepy. While this may sound absurd to many, science reveals that it is actually quite possible. In fact, there are several biological explanations for how caffeinated drinks affect individuals differently.<h2>The biggest myth about coffee</h2>One of the biggest myths about coffee is that it gives a person energy. In reality, caffeine works by blocking a brain chemical, adenosine, which builds up in the brain during the day and produces an effect of tiredness. Caffeine affects the body and brain in such a way that it blocks the receptors for adenosine and prevents sending signals of fatigue to the brain. This provides an effect of increased energy by covering the feelings of tiredness.<h2>Caffeine rebound effect</h2>The next question arises about what happens to the adenosine when it is blocked by caffeine. Even when caffeine is blocking the adenosine receptors, the body continues producing it. Soon, when the effect wears off, the accumulated adenosine gets attached to its receptors. This phenomenon, often referred to as an adenosine rebound, can cause fatigue and sluggishness. For some people, especially those who are already sleep-deprived, the rebound effect may happen relatively quickly, making it seem as though coffee itself caused drowsiness.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenwashing-are-we-being-fooled-into-buying-eco-friendly-products-that-aren-t-wion-decodes-1780663414074"> Greenwashing: Are we being fooled into buying eco-friendly products that aren’t? WION Decodes</a><h2>Can genes determine how coffee affects you?</h2>Absolutely, yes. Your genes can have an impact on the caffeine sensitivity of your body as they can determine the metabolic rate of caffeine in your body and its response from the brain.One such important gene is CYP1A2, which impacts the metabolism of caffeine in the liver. For individuals who metabolise caffeine faster, the effects would last for a much shorter period of time, and they would feel drowsy very soon. On the other hand, for individuals who metabolise it slowly, the effect may remain for much longer.Another gene, ADORA2A, affects adenosine receptors that determine the sensitivity of an individual to caffeine. The differences in these genes could have a major influence on how one feels after consuming coffee.<h2>Why coffee can feel calming</h2>Coffee can also indirectly influence dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates attention, motivation, and reward behaviours. In some individuals, especially those who have issues with being distracted or mentally overstimulated, caffeine intake can boost concentration and help declutter the brain. In this case, caffeine can help individuals feel more focused and calm rather than making them excited or jittery. Coffee does not make people sleepier, but it can increase the brain efficiency levels.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989">The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</a><h2>Caffeine and ADHD</h2>The scientific community has already observed how individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) react differently to caffeine. Even though caffeine is not used in medical treatments for ADHD, it can influence the pathways regulated by dopamine.Caffeine can having a calming effect for majority of people with ADHD and also improve their concentration. Some may also feel drowsy after caffeine consumption. Despite the unclear reasons why stimulants have a relaxing effect on individuals with ADHD, such a phenomenon was also observed among prescribed stimulant drugs.<h2>Caffeine tolerance</h2>Your response to coffee may also depend on your caffeine tolerance levels. People who consume coffee on a regular basis experience less stimulating effects compared to infrequent consumers. This is because over time, the brain adapts to repeated caffeine exposure by adjusting its adenosine system. Consequently, a morning cup of coffee won’t have the ability to energise and stimulate you anymore, but will simply return your body to the average level of alertness.<h2>The bottom line</h2>One of the largest myths associated with caffeine is the notion that everyone should be able to stay awake after consuming coffee. Coffee is known to help people to become more alert; however, there is no predictability in its effects. While some people are energised after drinking coffee, others are calmer and more concentrated, yet there are those who want to fall asleep instead.Thus, feeling unusually relaxed or sleepy after drinking coffee does not mean that caffeine doesn’t have the desired effects. It might actually indicate something about how your body and mind react to caffeine.WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed</a>&nbsp;

Coffee is often linked to energy and alertness, but not everyone experiences it the same way. Scientists say there are several reasons why caffeine can have surprisingly different effects on people.

Does coffee make you feel calm or sleepy? You are not alone. While many people feel a burst of energy after drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks, it is not the case with everyone. Coffee may have a completely opposite reaction for some people, who may feel calm, relaxed, or even sleepy. While this may sound absurd to many, science reveals that it is actually quite possible. In fact, there are several biological explanations for how caffeinated drinks affect individuals differently. The biggest myth about coffee One of the biggest myths about coffee is that it gives a person energy. In reality, caffeine works by blocking a brain chemical, adenosine, which builds up in the brain during the day and produces an effect of tiredness. Caffeine affects the body and brain in such a way that it blocks the receptors for adenosine and prevents sending signals of fatigue to the brain. This provides an effect of increased energy by covering the feelings of tiredness. Caffeine rebound effect The next question arises about what happens to the adenosine when it is blocked by caffeine. Even when caffeine is blocking the adenosine receptors, the body continues producing it. Soon, when the effect wears off, the accumulated adenosine gets attached to its receptors. This phenomenon, often referred to as an adenosine rebound, can cause fatigue and sluggishness. For some people, especially those who are already sleep-deprived, the rebound effect may happen relatively quickly, making it seem as though coffee itself caused drowsiness. Also read | Greenwashing: Are we being fooled into buying eco-friendly products that aren’t? WION Decodes Can genes determine how coffee affects you? Absolutely, yes. Your genes can have an impact on the caffeine sensitivity of your body as they can determine the metabolic rate of caffeine in your body and its response from the brain. One such important gene is CYP1A2, which impacts the metabolism of caffeine in the liver. For individuals who metabolise caffeine faster, the effects would last for a much shorter period of time, and they would feel drowsy very soon. On the other hand, for individuals who metabolise it slowly, the effect may remain for much longer. Another gene, ADORA2A, affects adenosine receptors that determine the sensitivity of an individual to caffeine. The differences in these genes could have a major influence on how one feels after consuming coffee. Why coffee can feel calming Coffee can also indirectly influence dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates attention, motivation, and reward behaviours. In some individuals, especially those who have issues with being distracted or mentally overstimulated, caffeine intake can boost concentration and help declutter the brain. In this case, caffeine can help individuals feel more focused and calm rather than making them excited or jittery. Coffee does not make people sleepier, but it can increase the brain efficiency levels. Also read | The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain Caffeine and ADHD The scientific community has already observed how individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) react differently to caffeine. Even though caffeine is not used in medical treatments for ADHD, it can influence the pathways regulated by dopamine. Caffeine can having a calming effect for majority of people with ADHD and also improve their concentration. Some may also feel drowsy after caffeine consumption. Despite the unclear reasons why stimulants have a relaxing effect on individuals with ADHD, such a phenomenon was also observed among prescribed stimulant drugs. Caffeine tolerance Your response to coffee may also depend on your caffeine tolerance levels. People who consume coffee on a regular basis experience less stimulating effects compared to infrequent consumers. This is because over time, the brain adapts to repeated caffeine exposure by adjusting its adenosine system. Consequently, a morning cup of coffee won’t have the ability to energise and stimulate you anymore, but will simply return your body to the average level of alertness. The bottom line One of the largest myths associated with caffeine is the notion that everyone should be able to stay awake after consuming coffee. Coffee is known to help people to become more alert; however, there is no predictability in its effects. While some people are energised after drinking coffee, others are calmer and more concentrated, yet there are those who want to fall asleep instead. Thus, feeling unusually relaxed or sleepy after drinking coffee does not mean that caffeine doesn’t have the desired effects. It might actually indicate something about how your body and mind react to caffeine. WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed

Coffee is often linked to energy and alertness, but not everyone experiences it the same way. Scientists say there are several reasons why caffeine can have surprisingly different effects on people.

WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says

A new oral drug developed by British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca could mark the firm's entry into the highly lucrative weight-loss market. According to Phase 2 trial results published in medical journal The Lancet, the pill called 'elepeglitron', helps patients lose weight comparable to other oral GLP-1 drugs. The surging popularity of injectable GLP-1 agonists, which work by suppressing appetite, has triggered an industry-wide race to develop more convenient tablet alternatives. Currently, the multi-billion-dollar market is dominated by Denmark’s Novo Nordisk and America’s Eli Lilly.&nbsp;The randomised trial for elecoglipron involved 310 participants. For overweight or obese adults without diabetes, the highest-dose group achieved average weight reductions of up to 10.5% at 26 weeks and 11.8% at 36 weeks. The side effects recorded during the trial were similar to those of competing GLP-1 pills, with nausea reported as the most common issue.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-a-lifestyle-drug-govt-issues-stern-advisory-as-generic-weight-loss-jabs-flood-indian-market-glp-1-receptor-agonist-1774418204024">Not a lifestyle drug: Govt issues stern advisory as generic weight loss jabs flood Indian market</a>&nbsp;Marie Spreckley, a weight management researcher from the University of Cambridge who was not involved in the study, noted that the Phase 2 trial was not primarily designed to compare elecoglipron directly against other anti-obesity medications. She emphasised and was quoted in news agency AFP, “Larger and longer phase 3 trials will therefore be needed to confirm the durability of these effects, establish longer-term safety and tolerability, and determine its place within the growing range of obesity and diabetes treatments.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/game-changer-daily-pancreatic-cancer-pill-could-nearly-doubles-survival-time-study-finds-1780316717783">'Game-changer': Daily pancreatic cancer pill could nearly doubles survival time, study finds</a>&nbsp;AstraZeneca faces intense competition, as rivals have already advanced their own tablet options. Eli Lilly’s oral version of its popular drug Mounjaro was approved in the United States in April under the brand name Foundayo. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk's oral version of its blockbuster drug Wegovy is already available to consumers in the US and recently received regulatory approval from European Union health authorities last month.

AstraZeneca’s daily weight-loss pill elecoglipron delivers 11.8% body weight reduction in a Phase 2 trial, setting up a clash with Novo and Eli Lilly. 

A new oral drug developed by British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca could mark the firm's entry into the highly lucrative weight-loss market. According to Phase 2 trial results published in medical journal The Lancet, the pill called 'elepeglitron', helps patients lose weight comparable to other oral GLP-1 drugs. The surging popularity of injectable GLP-1 agonists, which work by suppressing appetite, has triggered an industry-wide race to develop more convenient tablet alternatives. Currently, the multi-billion-dollar market is dominated by Denmark’s Novo Nordisk and America’s Eli Lilly. The randomised trial for elecoglipron involved 310 participants. For overweight or obese adults without diabetes, the highest-dose group achieved average weight reductions of up to 10.5% at 26 weeks and 11.8% at 36 weeks. The side effects recorded during the trial were similar to those of competing GLP-1 pills, with nausea reported as the most common issue. Also read: Not a lifestyle drug: Govt issues stern advisory as generic weight loss jabs flood Indian market Marie Spreckley, a weight management researcher from the University of Cambridge who was not involved in the study, noted that the Phase 2 trial was not primarily designed to compare elecoglipron directly against other anti-obesity medications. She emphasised and was quoted in news agency AFP, “Larger and longer phase 3 trials will therefore be needed to confirm the durability of these effects, establish longer-term safety and tolerability, and determine its place within the growing range of obesity and diabetes treatments.” Also read: 'Game-changer': Daily pancreatic cancer pill could nearly doubles survival time, study finds AstraZeneca faces intense competition, as rivals have already advanced their own tablet options. Eli Lilly’s oral version of its popular drug Mounjaro was approved in the United States in April under the brand name Foundayo. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk's oral version of its blockbuster drug Wegovy is already available to consumers in the US and recently received regulatory approval from European Union health authorities last month.

AstraZeneca’s daily weight-loss pill elecoglipron delivers 11.8% body weight reduction in a Phase 2 trial, setting up a clash with Novo and Eli Lilly.

Next weight-loss breakthrough? AstraZeneca tests a daily pill - Elecoglipron

Astronomers are tracking two near-Earth asteroids that will make relatively close approaches to our planet on June 9. The two asteroids, 2026 LD and 2026 KM3, are roughly the size of an airplane. While the term “close approach” may sound alarming, scientists have assured that neither object poses any threat to Earth. Both objects will safely pass the Earth millions of kilometres away.<h2>Asteroid 2026 LD to make closest pass</h2>Estimated to be about 52 metres (170 feet) big, asteroid 2026 LD is expected to pass the Earth at a distance of approximately 1.14 million kilometres (710,000 miles). Although the encounter is considered close in astronomical terms, the asteroid will still remain more than three times farther away than the Moon and poses no risk of collision with our planet.<h2>2026 KM3 to pass at a greater distance</h2>The second asteroid, 2026 KM3, is relatively smaller than the first one, measuring around 34 metres (110 feet) in diameter. It will pass Earth at an even greater distance of roughly 2.35 million kilometres (1.46 million miles). After calculating its trajectory, scientists have said there is zero chance of an impact during this flyby.<h2>Why scientists monitor near-Earth objects</h2>Space agencies continuously track near-Earth objects to better understand their orbits and identify any potential future threats. Even when asteroids are not dangerous, each observation helps in improving prediction models and strengthens planetary defence strategies. Objects that are 30 to 60 metres in size are of particular interest because they could cause significant regional damage if they entered Earth’s atmosphere and struck the surface.<h2>Does the June 9 asteroid pose any threat?</h2>Both asteroids that are set to pass the Earth on June 9 are considered harmless as they are passing at a safe distance and have no risk of collision. These asteroids will offer astronomers an opportunity to study these ancient remnants of the solar system.

Two airplane-sized asteroids, 2026 LD and 2026 KM3, will make close approaches to Earth on June 9, drawing the attention of astronomers worldwide. Do they pose a threat to our planet?

Astronomers are tracking two near-Earth asteroids that will make relatively close approaches to our planet on June 9. The two asteroids, 2026 LD and 2026 KM3, are roughly the size of an airplane. While the term “close approach” may sound alarming, scientists have assured that neither object poses any threat to Earth. Both objects will safely pass the Earth millions of kilometres away. Asteroid 2026 LD to make closest pass Estimated to be about 52 metres (170 feet) big, asteroid 2026 LD is expected to pass the Earth at a distance of approximately 1.14 million kilometres (710,000 miles). Although the encounter is considered close in astronomical terms, the asteroid will still remain more than three times farther away than the Moon and poses no risk of collision with our planet. 2026 KM3 to pass at a greater distance The second asteroid, 2026 KM3, is relatively smaller than the first one, measuring around 34 metres (110 feet) in diameter. It will pass Earth at an even greater distance of roughly 2.35 million kilometres (1.46 million miles). After calculating its trajectory, scientists have said there is zero chance of an impact during this flyby. Why scientists monitor near-Earth objects Space agencies continuously track near-Earth objects to better understand their orbits and identify any potential future threats. Even when asteroids are not dangerous, each observation helps in improving prediction models and strengthens planetary defence strategies. Objects that are 30 to 60 metres in size are of particular interest because they could cause significant regional damage if they entered Earth’s atmosphere and struck the surface. Does the June 9 asteroid pose any threat? Both asteroids that are set to pass the Earth on June 9 are considered harmless as they are passing at a safe distance and have no risk of collision. These asteroids will offer astronomers an opportunity to study these ancient remnants of the solar system.

Two airplane-sized asteroids, 2026 LD and 2026 KM3, will make close approaches to Earth on June 9, drawing the attention of astronomers worldwide. Do they pose a threat to our planet?

Two airplane-sized asteroids are closely approaching Earth on June 9 – Do they pose a threat?

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who incorporate strength in their weekly fitness regimen might survive longer than others. The study suggests that 90-120 minutes of resistance training may be the “sweet spot” required for a lower risk of heart disease, neurological disease, or any cause. Researchers studied 147,374 adults from three long-running US health studies, and subjects were 54 years or older; they reported every two years on strength training and aerobic exercise habits. They defined strength training as things like pushups, squats, lunges, and traditional weightlifting. Over the study period, researchers recorded about 36,000 deaths and examined the relation between strength training habits, both alone and in combination with aerobic activity.&nbsp;The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.<h2>The Weekly Spot</h2>According to the study, adults who averaged 90 to 119 minutes of strength training per week had a 13 per cent lower risk of death, 27 per cent lower risk of death from neurological diseases, primarily dementia and 19 per cent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.&nbsp;“For people who are less active, the key message is that small amounts can still matter. Building a routine gradually may be more important than trying to do a lot at once,” said the authors of the study. Researchers found that the greatest benefit occurs when they combine strength training with aerobic exercise. Adults who combine both have a 45 per cent lower risk of death.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gandhi-family-asset-or-liability-ramachandra-guha-rahul-gandhi-congress-debate-1780912288610">Is the Gandhi family holding Congress together or holding it back?</a><h2>How does muscle mass protect the brain?</h2>Resistance training triggers the release of Insulin-Like Growth Factor -1, a hormone that directly supports the structural function and processing speed of the brain's white matter. &nbsp;Thus halting cognitive and physical decline. The study finds observable correlation, not causation. It can’t prove that strength training directly caused the lower mortality risk.&nbsp;Participants were mostly white, middle-aged, and older healthcare professionals, which means the findings may not apply to other groups.

A Harvard-led study of more than 147,000 adults found that 90-120 minutes of weekly strength training was linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who incorporate strength in their weekly fitness regimen might survive longer than others. The study suggests that 90-120 minutes of resistance training may be the “sweet spot” required for a lower risk of heart disease, neurological disease, or any cause. Researchers studied 147,374 adults from three long-running US health studies, and subjects were 54 years or older; they reported every two years on strength training and aerobic exercise habits. They defined strength training as things like pushups, squats, lunges, and traditional weightlifting. Over the study period, researchers recorded about 36,000 deaths and examined the relation between strength training habits, both alone and in combination with aerobic activity. The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The Weekly Spot According to the study, adults who averaged 90 to 119 minutes of strength training per week had a 13 per cent lower risk of death, 27 per cent lower risk of death from neurological diseases, primarily dementia and 19 per cent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. “For people who are less active, the key message is that small amounts can still matter. Building a routine gradually may be more important than trying to do a lot at once,” said the authors of the study. Researchers found that the greatest benefit occurs when they combine strength training with aerobic exercise. Adults who combine both have a 45 per cent lower risk of death. Also Read: Is the Gandhi family holding Congress together or holding it back? How does muscle mass protect the brain? Resistance training triggers the release of Insulin-Like Growth Factor -1, a hormone that directly supports the structural function and processing speed of the brain's white matter. Thus halting cognitive and physical decline. The study finds observable correlation, not causation. It can’t prove that strength training directly caused the lower mortality risk. Participants were mostly white, middle-aged, and older healthcare professionals, which means the findings may not apply to other groups.

A Harvard-led study of more than 147,000 adults found that 90-120 minutes of weekly strength training was linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

Just 90 minutes of strength training a week may help you live longer, Harvard study finds

The world is bracing for a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño this year. El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific become unusually warm, disrupting atmospheric circulation and altering rainfall patterns across the globe. The phenomenon can influence everything from droughts to wildfires and floods in different parts of the world. Although El Niño develops far from India's shores, its effects are often felt across the subcontinent, making it a major concern for meteorologists, farmers and policymakers.<h2>What is ‘Godzilla’ El Niño?</h2>Despite the popularity of the term, ‘Godzilla El Niño’ is not an official scientific classification. The term was first widely used to describe the extraordinarily powerful 1997-98 El Niño event, which caused widespread droughts, floods, crop losses and economic damage across multiple continents. The weather pattern resurfaced during the 2015-16 El Niño, another exceptionally strong episode that contributed to record global temperatures and severe weather disruptions.El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become significantly warmer than normal, weakening trade winds and altering global atmospheric circulation. This changes rainfall and temperature patterns thousands of kilometres away. When the warming becomes particularly intense, the event is often informally labelled a “Super El Niño” or “Godzilla El Niño”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenwashing-are-we-being-fooled-into-buying-eco-friendly-products-that-aren-t-wion-decodes-1780663414074">Greenwashing: Are we being fooled into buying eco-friendly products that aren’t? WION Decodes</a><h2>How does El Niño impact India?</h2>An intense El Niño may weaken monsoons in India. The southwest monsoon accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall and is significant for the country’s agricultural sector. A weaker monsoon can affect crop production, and in turn, food prices. It can also impact the availability of water and the economic growth of the country. In the past, El Niño conditions have resulted in major droughts in India, including in 1982, 1987, 2002, 2009 and 2015.According to meteorologists, El Niño weakens the large-scale atmospheric circulation that helps pull moisture-laden winds towards the Indian subcontinent. This results in below-normal rainfall across large parts of the country.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-iss-has-been-leaking-for-nearly-7-years-why-haven-t-we-fixed-it-1780836821307">WION Decodes | ISS has been leaking for nearly 7 years – Why haven’t we fixed it?</a><h2>How an intense El Niño result in a chain of reactions</h2>Although El Niño significantly impact the rain, it is not the only thing it can drive. The phenomenon can also make the weather more unpredictable. While seasonal rainfall may decline overall, some regions can still witness intense downpours, flash floods and extreme weather events. El Niño may increase the frequency of short-duration heavy rainfall events in some parts of the country, despite resulting in below-average rainfall. This means that India may face drought in some regions and flooding in others.Reduced rainfall can adversely affect key kharif crops such as rice, pulses and sugarcane, potentially driving up food prices and inflation. Moreover, lower reservoir levels due to less rainfall may increase water stress in drought-prone regions, while hydropower generation could decline even as electricity demand rises during heatwaves.&nbsp;WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed</a>

A potential “Godzilla” El Niño could disrupt weather patterns worldwide and impact India’s monsoon. Here’s everything you need to know about the intense climate pattern.

The world is bracing for a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño this year. El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific become unusually warm, disrupting atmospheric circulation and altering rainfall patterns across the globe. The phenomenon can influence everything from droughts to wildfires and floods in different parts of the world. Although El Niño develops far from India's shores, its effects are often felt across the subcontinent, making it a major concern for meteorologists, farmers and policymakers. What is ‘Godzilla’ El Niño? Despite the popularity of the term, ‘Godzilla El Niño’ is not an official scientific classification. The term was first widely used to describe the extraordinarily powerful 1997-98 El Niño event, which caused widespread droughts, floods, crop losses and economic damage across multiple continents. The weather pattern resurfaced during the 2015-16 El Niño, another exceptionally strong episode that contributed to record global temperatures and severe weather disruptions. El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become significantly warmer than normal, weakening trade winds and altering global atmospheric circulation. This changes rainfall and temperature patterns thousands of kilometres away. When the warming becomes particularly intense, the event is often informally labelled a “Super El Niño” or “Godzilla El Niño”. Also read | Greenwashing: Are we being fooled into buying eco-friendly products that aren’t? WION Decodes How does El Niño impact India? An intense El Niño may weaken monsoons in India. The southwest monsoon accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall and is significant for the country’s agricultural sector. A weaker monsoon can affect crop production, and in turn, food prices. It can also impact the availability of water and the economic growth of the country. In the past, El Niño conditions have resulted in major droughts in India, including in 1982, 1987, 2002, 2009 and 2015. According to meteorologists, El Niño weakens the large-scale atmospheric circulation that helps pull moisture-laden winds towards the Indian subcontinent. This results in below-normal rainfall across large parts of the country. Also read | WION Decodes | ISS has been leaking for nearly 7 years – Why haven’t we fixed it? How an intense El Niño result in a chain of reactions Although El Niño significantly impact the rain, it is not the only thing it can drive. The phenomenon can also make the weather more unpredictable. While seasonal rainfall may decline overall, some regions can still witness intense downpours, flash floods and extreme weather events. El Niño may increase the frequency of short-duration heavy rainfall events in some parts of the country, despite resulting in below-average rainfall. This means that India may face drought in some regions and flooding in others. Reduced rainfall can adversely affect key kharif crops such as rice, pulses and sugarcane, potentially driving up food prices and inflation. Moreover, lower reservoir levels due to less rainfall may increase water stress in drought-prone regions, while hydropower generation could decline even as electricity demand rises during heatwaves. WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed

A potential “Godzilla” El Niño could disrupt weather patterns worldwide and impact India’s monsoon. Here’s everything you need to know about the intense climate pattern.

WION Decodes | What is 'Godzilla' El Niño and how can it impact the Indian monsoon?

Artificial intelligence is reshaping biology at both ends of the moral spectrum, by accelerating cures for diseases while lowering the barrier to potential global devastation. With deep machine learning in areas like gene editing, AI is rewriting the code of life. But it can also be misused as a tool for crafting biological weapons. In a rare consensus, many AI bosses are joining the concerns and debate among researchers. Here is a situation report:<h2>AI is already a working tool in genome editing</h2>OpenCRISPR-1 is possibly the first gene editor designed entirely by AI. Its large language models (LLMs) were trained on around 239,000 Cas9 proteins, producing an editor hundreds of mutations from any natural one. Deep-learning tools such as ABEdeepoff and CBEdeepoff can now predict gene editing outcomes with mindboggling accuracy. Critics are pushing back, with UC Berkeley's Fyodor Urnov dismissing embryo editing as “a solution in search of a problem.”.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-tells-scientists-how-to-make-biological-weapons-1779736553469/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-tells-scientists-how-to-make-biological-weapons-1779736553469/embed</a><h2>AI the Destroyer: The bioweapons alarm</h2>The same AI tools that design medicines can also design pathogens. On June 3, an open letter organised by the Institute for Progress and the Foundation for American Innovation had a curious mix of signatories in that it included many top players in AI. They were: Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind, Mustafa Suleyman of Microsoft AI, and Alexandr Wang of Meta. Also among the signatories were national security officials, scientists and DNA-synthesis firms including Twist Bioscience and Ansa Biotechnologies.Their shared concern? AI is fast dissolving the expertise that once kept bioweapons out of reach. The letter warned that those knowledge barriers "will meaningfully erode."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-30-biological-labs-in-ukraine-possibly-for-bioweapons-claim-russian-forces-460189">Found 30 biological labs in Ukraine, possibly for bioweapons, claim Russian forces</a><h2>Are we talking about chatbots or AI agents building viruses?&nbsp;</h2>It is quite possible, as LLMs can help design new toxins and pathogens, though some lab skill is still required to build a functional one. Stanford biosecurity expert David Relman recently warned that AI can point users to suppliers that won't screen orders and coach them on altering an order to slip through. In the worst-case senatio, an AI-designed pathogen can spark a global pandemic, intentionally or by accident.&nbsp;<h2>What the open letter on the possible bioweapons risk of AI seeks</h2>The signatories wanted the US Congress to mandate the screening of all synthetic DNA/RNA orders, which is currently a voluntary process. They require record-keeping of orders and specifications to aid biosecurity investigations. Still there is danger that such screening can miss brand-new sequences and short DNA fragments.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-based-chatbots-could-help-plan-bioweapon-attacks-report-648082">AI-based chatbots could help plan bioweapon attacks: Report</a><h2>The promise and peril of AI that runs on the same engine</h2>The AI labs are lobbying for guardrails against the destroyer side of the technlogy, even as they keep racing to build on the creator side of AI. The way out could be regulator scruity of all types gene editing and pathogen modifications, whether to create medicines or babies.

Artificial intelligence is transforming biomedicine, including areas like gene editing and medicine. Now, fears are being expressed about possible AI-designed pathogens and bioweapons. AI leaders, scientists, and policymakers are urging stronger safeguards.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping biology at both ends of the moral spectrum, by accelerating cures for diseases while lowering the barrier to potential global devastation. With deep machine learning in areas like gene editing, AI is rewriting the code of life. But it can also be misused as a tool for crafting biological weapons. In a rare consensus, many AI bosses are joining the concerns and debate among researchers. Here is a situation report: AI is already a working tool in genome editing OpenCRISPR-1 is possibly the first gene editor designed entirely by AI. Its large language models (LLMs) were trained on around 239,000 Cas9 proteins, producing an editor hundreds of mutations from any natural one. Deep-learning tools such as ABEdeepoff and CBEdeepoff can now predict gene editing outcomes with mindboggling accuracy. Critics are pushing back, with UC Berkeley's Fyodor Urnov dismissing embryo editing as “a solution in search of a problem.”. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ai-tells-scientists-how-to-make-biological-weapons-1779736553469/embed AI the Destroyer: The bioweapons alarm The same AI tools that design medicines can also design pathogens. On June 3, an open letter organised by the Institute for Progress and the Foundation for American Innovation had a curious mix of signatories in that it included many top players in AI. They were: Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind, Mustafa Suleyman of Microsoft AI, and Alexandr Wang of Meta. Also among the signatories were national security officials, scientists and DNA-synthesis firms including Twist Bioscience and Ansa Biotechnologies. Their shared concern? AI is fast dissolving the expertise that once kept bioweapons out of reach. The letter warned that those knowledge barriers "will meaningfully erode." Also read: Found 30 biological labs in Ukraine, possibly for bioweapons, claim Russian forces Are we talking about chatbots or AI agents building viruses? It is quite possible, as LLMs can help design new toxins and pathogens, though some lab skill is still required to build a functional one. Stanford biosecurity expert David Relman recently warned that AI can point users to suppliers that won't screen orders and coach them on altering an order to slip through. In the worst-case senatio, an AI-designed pathogen can spark a global pandemic, intentionally or by accident. What the open letter on the possible bioweapons risk of AI seeks The signatories wanted the US Congress to mandate the screening of all synthetic DNA/RNA orders, which is currently a voluntary process. They require record-keeping of orders and specifications to aid biosecurity investigations. Still there is danger that such screening can miss brand-new sequences and short DNA fragments. Also read: AI-based chatbots could help plan bioweapon attacks: Report The promise and peril of AI that runs on the same engine The AI labs are lobbying for guardrails against the destroyer side of the technlogy, even as they keep racing to build on the creator side of AI. The way out could be regulator scruity of all types gene editing and pathogen modifications, whether to create medicines or babies.

Artificial intelligence is transforming biomedicine, including areas like gene editing and medicine. Now, fears are being expressed about possible AI-designed pathogens and bioweapons. AI leaders, scientists, and policymakers are urging stronger safeguards.

AI gene editing, bioweapons concerns spook AI bosses, researchers: Creator or destroyer?

Researchers have found the presence of a vast geological formation hidden nearly two miles beneath the frigid ice of Antarctica. According to a study published in the journal Nature, the structure incorporates several well-known glacial landforms, including the Wilkes and Aurora subglacial basins in East Antarctica and Lake Vostok, the largest known subglacial lake buried beneath ice on Earth. While these features have long been studied individually, researchers have now linked them as parts of a much larger system. Named the East Antarctic Fan-shaped Basin Province, the newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Although further research is needed to confirm the findings, scientists believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/japanese-researchers-turn-discarded-udon-noodles-into-biodegradable-paper-how-it-works-1780821154114">Japanese researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper: How it works</a> To map the formation, researchers have compiled datasets from a buffet of sources that include geological observations, gravity measurements, magnetic data, and models of the Earth’s crust, among others. Those datasets led researchers to conclude that the geological feature was likely made through a process known as “distributed rotational extension,” where continental crust gradually extended outward from a central point over millions of years. “Because these basins underlie about half of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, they are likely to heavily influence both ice-flow and landscape evolution, making them essential to Antarctic glacial and hydrological processes,” the study’s authors write.

 The newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Scientists also believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change.

Researchers have found the presence of a vast geological formation hidden nearly two miles beneath the frigid ice of Antarctica. According to a study published in the journal Nature, the structure incorporates several well-known glacial landforms, including the Wilkes and Aurora subglacial basins in East Antarctica and Lake Vostok, the largest known subglacial lake buried beneath ice on Earth. While these features have long been studied individually, researchers have now linked them as parts of a much larger system. Named the East Antarctic Fan-shaped Basin Province, the newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Although further research is needed to confirm the findings, scientists believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change. Also read: Japanese researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper: How it works To map the formation, researchers have compiled datasets from a buffet of sources that include geological observations, gravity measurements, magnetic data, and models of the Earth’s crust, among others. Those datasets led researchers to conclude that the geological feature was likely made through a process known as “distributed rotational extension,” where continental crust gradually extended outward from a central point over millions of years. “Because these basins underlie about half of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, they are likely to heavily influence both ice-flow and landscape evolution, making them essential to Antarctic glacial and hydrological processes,” the study’s authors write.

&nbsp;The newly identified formation could rank among the largest geological structures of its kind on the planet. Scientists also believe the discovery may provide important insights into Antarctica's geological evolution and how its major ice sheets could respond to future climate change.

Scientists discover vast geological structure hidden beneath Antarctica's ice

The International Space Station has been quietly leaking air into space for nearly seven years. What started as a minor issue in 2019 has now turned into a significantly concerning issue on the orbiting lab. Despite multiple repair attempts, patches, and continuous monitoring, the leak has never been permanently fixed. The problem has gained renewed focus when new leaks were detected in the same region. But the question remains, why is the leak still not fixed despite causing trouble for nearly a decade now?On Friday (Jun 5), astronauts were briefly placed on alert and instructed to follow “safe haven” procedures, moving into the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to prepare for a potential emergency evacuation if conditions worsened. While the situation was stabilised and no evacuation was ultimately required, the incident underscored a troubling reality: this is not a resolved issue, but an ongoing one.The leak originates from the Russian Zvezda module, specifically in a transfer tunnel used for docking spacecraft. Over time, engineers have identified not one but multiple microscopic cracks in the station’s structure that expand and shift under stress. The ISS is not dealing with a single failure, but an evolving one.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989">The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</a><h2>Why is ISS experiencing leaks?</h2>In the unforgiving space environment for materials, the lab experiences extreme temperature changes, from roughly -150 degrees Celcius in shadow to over 120 degrees Celsius in sunlight. Constant pressurisation cycle and decades of use also result in metal fatigue. In addition, small imperfections in welds or structure can slowly grow into cracks, and those cracks can turn into leaks. Being more than 25 years in orbit, way beyond its intended design life, the ISS is showing its age.<h2>Why is repairing leaks on ISS so complex?</h2>Repairing damage on a space lab is far more complex than repairing any other structure when on land. On Earth, engineers could disassemble parts, replace components, or apply precise fixes under controlled conditions. In orbit, none of that is possible. Astronauts must work in microgravity, where liquids like sealants behave unpredictably. Repairs are often carried out from inside the station using epoxy-like materials, which can temporarily plug leaks but cannot restore structural integrity. External repairs require spacewalks, which are risky, expensive, and limited in scope.Complicating matters further is the uncertainty around the exact cause. Even after years of investigation, engineers have not reached a definitive conclusion. It is not known whether it is a manufacturing defect, stress from repeated docking, or simply long-term degradation. Without a clear root cause, any fix becomes a form of trial and error rather than a permanent solution.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137">WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says</a><h2>Not just a technical issue</h2>The issue is not merely a technical issue, but also a political one. The leak is located in the Russian segment of the ISS, which would require coordination between NASA and Roscosmos. Differences in assessment and approach can slow decision-making. Meanwhile, the station is expected to be retired around 2030, which raises a question of whether it is even worth investing in a complex and high-risk permanent fix.As a result, space agencies have resorted to adopting a strategy of risk management. The leaking section can be isolated by closing hatches, and astronauts are trained to respond quickly in case of worsening conditions. The station continues to function safely, even with a small, controlled loss of air.WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed</a>

The International Space Station is facing renewed concern over a persistent air leak first detected in 2019. Why haven’t the space agencies fixed it for nearly seven years? Here’s everything you need to know.

The International Space Station has been quietly leaking air into space for nearly seven years. What started as a minor issue in 2019 has now turned into a significantly concerning issue on the orbiting lab. Despite multiple repair attempts, patches, and continuous monitoring, the leak has never been permanently fixed. The problem has gained renewed focus when new leaks were detected in the same region. But the question remains, why is the leak still not fixed despite causing trouble for nearly a decade now? On Friday (Jun 5), astronauts were briefly placed on alert and instructed to follow “safe haven” procedures, moving into the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to prepare for a potential emergency evacuation if conditions worsened. While the situation was stabilised and no evacuation was ultimately required, the incident underscored a troubling reality: this is not a resolved issue, but an ongoing one. The leak originates from the Russian Zvezda module, specifically in a transfer tunnel used for docking spacecraft. Over time, engineers have identified not one but multiple microscopic cracks in the station’s structure that expand and shift under stress. The ISS is not dealing with a single failure, but an evolving one. Also read | The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain Why is ISS experiencing leaks? In the unforgiving space environment for materials, the lab experiences extreme temperature changes, from roughly -150 degrees Celcius in shadow to over 120 degrees Celsius in sunlight. Constant pressurisation cycle and decades of use also result in metal fatigue. In addition, small imperfections in welds or structure can slowly grow into cracks, and those cracks can turn into leaks. Being more than 25 years in orbit, way beyond its intended design life, the ISS is showing its age. Why is repairing leaks on ISS so complex? Repairing damage on a space lab is far more complex than repairing any other structure when on land. On Earth, engineers could disassemble parts, replace components, or apply precise fixes under controlled conditions. In orbit, none of that is possible. Astronauts must work in microgravity, where liquids like sealants behave unpredictably. Repairs are often carried out from inside the station using epoxy-like materials, which can temporarily plug leaks but cannot restore structural integrity. External repairs require spacewalks, which are risky, expensive, and limited in scope. Complicating matters further is the uncertainty around the exact cause. Even after years of investigation, engineers have not reached a definitive conclusion. It is not known whether it is a manufacturing defect, stress from repeated docking, or simply long-term degradation. Without a clear root cause, any fix becomes a form of trial and error rather than a permanent solution. Also read | WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says Not just a technical issue The issue is not merely a technical issue, but also a political one. The leak is located in the Russian segment of the ISS, which would require coordination between NASA and Roscosmos. Differences in assessment and approach can slow decision-making. Meanwhile, the station is expected to be retired around 2030, which raises a question of whether it is even worth investing in a complex and high-risk permanent fix. As a result, space agencies have resorted to adopting a strategy of risk management. The leaking section can be isolated by closing hatches, and astronauts are trained to respond quickly in case of worsening conditions. The station continues to function safely, even with a small, controlled loss of air. WATCH | G7 Summit 2026: World Leaders Gather For The High Stakes Summit In Evian-Les-Bains https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-summit-2026-world-leaders-gather-for-the-high-stakes-summit-in-evian-les-bains-1781592997144/embed/embed

The International Space Station is facing renewed concern over a persistent air leak first detected in 2019. Why haven’t the space agencies fixed it for nearly seven years? Here’s everything you need to know.

WION Decodes | ISS has been leaking for nearly 7 years – Why haven’t we fixed it?

Scientists involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence have released updated guidelines on how researchers should handle potential signals from intelligent life beyond Earth, aiming to prevent panic, misinformation and confusion if such a discovery is ever made. The new protocols, published by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), update guidance first issued in 2010 and set out procedures for verifying, announcing and communicating any possible evidence of intelligent extraterrestrial civilisations.According to the guidance, researchers should make every effort to authenticate and substantiate any detected signals before making public claims. Verification reports should undergo peer review, while supporting data should be made publicly available to ensure transparency.Prof Michael Garrett, director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and chair of the IAA committee for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), said the aim was to strike a balance between openness and scientific rigour. "I think we hope to avoid researchers 'crying alien' prematurely, and yet to let the public know we want to be as transparent and open as we can be," Garrett said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-scientists-just-discover-the-missing-piece-of-a-black-hole-mystery-this-is-what-we-know-1780763064299">Did scientists just discover the missing piece of a black hole mystery? This is what we know</a>The guidance comes amid growing concerns about how rapidly rumours and speculation can spread online. Garrett noted that social media has transformed the information landscape since the previous protocols were introduced 15 years ago."In 2010 it seemed to be a great thing, and now we realise that you actually have to be quite careful with social media. And you have to try and control the narrative of whatever your discovery might be so that it doesn't get distorted in some way," he said.The updated protocols also encourage institutions and organisations to engage actively with news outlets, social media platforms and other communication channels, stressing that public responses should be prompt, accurate and honest.At the same time, the guidelines recognise the personal safety concerns faced by researchers. While institutions are encouraged to communicate openly, individual scientists retain the right to decline media interactions, and organisations are advised to take steps to protect staff."I don't think anyone really thought about the personal safety of scientists back in 2010, but I suspect that's more of an issue now because it's pretty easy to pinpoint the location of people, where people work, where they live," Garrett said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-would-happen-if-carrington-scale-solar-storm-slams-earth-1780650585546">What would happen if Carrington-scale solar storm slams Earth?</a>Despite decades of searching, no confirmed signal from intelligent extraterrestrial life has been detected. However, Garrett suggested that the vast amount of astronomical data now being examined by scientists around the world makes a future discovery increasingly plausible."I don't know if it's this year, next year, or the next decade, or the next century, or whatever," he said. "But eventually, someone's going to find something."

The International Academy of Astronautics issued updated SETI protocols for managing potential alien signal discoveries, emphasising rigorous peer-reviewed verification, control of social media narratives, and scientists' safety to prevent public misinformation.

Scientists involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence have released updated guidelines on how researchers should handle potential signals from intelligent life beyond Earth, aiming to prevent panic, misinformation and confusion if such a discovery is ever made. The new protocols, published by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), update guidance first issued in 2010 and set out procedures for verifying, announcing and communicating any possible evidence of intelligent extraterrestrial civilisations. According to the guidance, researchers should make every effort to authenticate and substantiate any detected signals before making public claims. Verification reports should undergo peer review, while supporting data should be made publicly available to ensure transparency. Prof Michael Garrett, director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics and chair of the IAA committee for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), said the aim was to strike a balance between openness and scientific rigour. "I think we hope to avoid researchers 'crying alien' prematurely, and yet to let the public know we want to be as transparent and open as we can be," Garrett said. Also read: Did scientists just discover the missing piece of a black hole mystery? This is what we know The guidance comes amid growing concerns about how rapidly rumours and speculation can spread online. Garrett noted that social media has transformed the information landscape since the previous protocols were introduced 15 years ago. "In 2010 it seemed to be a great thing, and now we realise that you actually have to be quite careful with social media. And you have to try and control the narrative of whatever your discovery might be so that it doesn't get distorted in some way," he said. The updated protocols also encourage institutions and organisations to engage actively with news outlets, social media platforms and other communication channels, stressing that public responses should be prompt, accurate and honest. At the same time, the guidelines recognise the personal safety concerns faced by researchers. While institutions are encouraged to communicate openly, individual scientists retain the right to decline media interactions, and organisations are advised to take steps to protect staff. "I don't think anyone really thought about the personal safety of scientists back in 2010, but I suspect that's more of an issue now because it's pretty easy to pinpoint the location of people, where people work, where they live," Garrett said. Also read: What would happen if Carrington-scale solar storm slams Earth? Despite decades of searching, no confirmed signal from intelligent extraterrestrial life has been detected. However, Garrett suggested that the vast amount of astronomical data now being examined by scientists around the world makes a future discovery increasingly plausible. "I don't know if it's this year, next year, or the next decade, or the next century, or whatever," he said. "But eventually, someone's going to find something."

The International Academy of Astronautics issued updated SETI protocols for managing potential alien signal discoveries, emphasising rigorous peer-reviewed verification, control of social media narratives, and scientists' safety to prevent public misinformation.

Alien hunters issue new rules for sharing possible signs of intelligent life beyond Earth

Astronomers have, for the first time, found evidence of a powerful wind blowing from the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, a discovery that could help answer one of the biggest mysteries in modern space science. The black hole, known as Sagittarius A, sits at the heart of our galaxy. Researchers behind the new study say they have obtained the most detailed view yet of how the black hole interacts with and reshapes its surrounding environment.&nbsp;Black holes are often described as cosmic vacuum cleaners because of their ability to pull in nearby matter. However, scientists have long known that they can also eject material in the form of powerful jets and winds. Until now, no such wind had been directly detected coming from Sagittarius A.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/could-parents-one-day-choose-their-baby-s-traits-scientists-achieve-major-human-embryo-gene-editing-milestone-1780744874462">Could parents one day choose their baby’s traits? Scientists achieve major human embryo gene-editing milestone</a>&nbsp;"Unless a black hole exists in a perfect vacuum, it must blow a wind somehow," said Mark Gorski of Northwestern University in Illinois, who co-led the study. "And there is no perfect vacuum in the Universe. With new observations, this is the first time we've had a clean enough view to see the wind's imprint," Gorski said. "We looked at the data and said, 'There it is. There is the thing that everybody's been looking for for 50 years'."&nbsp;The breakthrough came after researchers analysed five years of observations from the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) observatory in Chile. Using the data, they created what they describe as the sharpest image ever produced of the cold molecular gas surrounding the black hole.&nbsp;The observations captured gas within roughly three light-years of Sagittarius A, an extremely close distance in cosmic terms. Scientists then used advanced image-processing techniques to remove the bright radio emissions from the black hole, revealing previously hidden structures.According to the research team, the resulting image is 100 times deeper and 80 times sharper than previous maps of the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-environment-day-sheep-are-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines-fixing-a-major-solar-panel-problem-1780637430293">Sheep are 'making hay while the sun shines', fixing a major solar panel problem</a>&nbsp;One of the most striking features uncovered was a giant cone-shaped cavity almost completely devoid of cold molecular gas. The researchers believe the structure points directly towards the black hole and was carved out by a stream of hot, energetic material flowing outward from Sagittarius A.&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you blow hot material from the black hole, it's not going to want to exit with the cold material," Gorski explained. "It's either going to push the cold material out or heat it up. And, if it's too hot, you will no longer see the cold gas."&nbsp;Co-lead researcher Elena Murchikova said the findings also provide insight into how the black hole is fed by surrounding material. "We were the first to show that molecular gas very, very close to the black hole is feeding it," Murchikova said. "The wind is not powerful, and its direction probably wanders with time. It shows that our black hole is not unique, and our place in the universe is not unique."&nbsp;Scientists say the discovery offers fresh evidence that even relatively quiet supermassive black holes can influence their surroundings, helping researchers better understand how galaxies evolve and how matter behaves in some of the most extreme environments in the universe. &nbsp;

Astronomers have detected the first direct evidence of a powerful wind from Sagittarius A, the Milky Way’s central supermassive black hole, revealing how it interacts with and reshapes its galaxy.

Astronomers have, for the first time, found evidence of a powerful wind blowing from the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, a discovery that could help answer one of the biggest mysteries in modern space science. The black hole, known as Sagittarius A, sits at the heart of our galaxy. Researchers behind the new study say they have obtained the most detailed view yet of how the black hole interacts with and reshapes its surrounding environment. Black holes are often described as cosmic vacuum cleaners because of their ability to pull in nearby matter. However, scientists have long known that they can also eject material in the form of powerful jets and winds. Until now, no such wind had been directly detected coming from Sagittarius A. Also read: Could parents one day choose their baby’s traits? Scientists achieve major human embryo gene-editing milestone "Unless a black hole exists in a perfect vacuum, it must blow a wind somehow," said Mark Gorski of Northwestern University in Illinois, who co-led the study. "And there is no perfect vacuum in the Universe. With new observations, this is the first time we've had a clean enough view to see the wind's imprint," Gorski said. "We looked at the data and said, 'There it is. There is the thing that everybody's been looking for for 50 years'." The breakthrough came after researchers analysed five years of observations from the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) observatory in Chile. Using the data, they created what they describe as the sharpest image ever produced of the cold molecular gas surrounding the black hole. The observations captured gas within roughly three light-years of Sagittarius A, an extremely close distance in cosmic terms. Scientists then used advanced image-processing techniques to remove the bright radio emissions from the black hole, revealing previously hidden structures. According to the research team, the resulting image is 100 times deeper and 80 times sharper than previous maps of the region. Also read: Sheep are 'making hay while the sun shines', fixing a major solar panel problem One of the most striking features uncovered was a giant cone-shaped cavity almost completely devoid of cold molecular gas. The researchers believe the structure points directly towards the black hole and was carved out by a stream of hot, energetic material flowing outward from Sagittarius A. "If you blow hot material from the black hole, it's not going to want to exit with the cold material," Gorski explained. "It's either going to push the cold material out or heat it up. And, if it's too hot, you will no longer see the cold gas." Co-lead researcher Elena Murchikova said the findings also provide insight into how the black hole is fed by surrounding material. "We were the first to show that molecular gas very, very close to the black hole is feeding it," Murchikova said. "The wind is not powerful, and its direction probably wanders with time. It shows that our black hole is not unique, and our place in the universe is not unique." Scientists say the discovery offers fresh evidence that even relatively quiet supermassive black holes can influence their surroundings, helping researchers better understand how galaxies evolve and how matter behaves in some of the most extreme environments in the universe.

Astronomers have detected the first direct evidence of a powerful wind from Sagittarius A, the Milky Way’s central supermassive black hole, revealing how it interacts with and reshapes its galaxy.

Did scientists just discover the missing piece of a black hole mystery? This is what we know

Scientists at Columbia University have successfully edited the DNA of early human embryos with unprecedented precision, marking a significant breakthrough in genetic engineering that could one day allow doctors to correct inherited diseases before birth. The research, led by geneticist Dieter Egli, used a newer gene-editing technique known as base editing to make highly targeted changes to DNA without causing the extensive genetic damage often associated with traditional CRISPR technology.&nbsp;The findings, which have been posted online and are currently under peer review, are already reigniting ethical concerns over the possibility of creating genetically enhanced or so-called "designer" babies. According to the researchers, base editing allows scientists to alter individual DNA letters rather than cutting out entire sections of genetic material. This approach significantly reduced the risk of major chromosomal damage that had plagued earlier embryo-editing experiments.&nbsp;"We're not saying this is going to be used tomorrow in the clinics," Egli cautioned, stressing that important questions about safety and unintended consequences remain unanswered. The debate over editing human embryos has intensified since the development of CRISPR technology in 2012. While the technique opened the door to treating inherited diseases, it also raised fears that genetic engineering could eventually be used to select desirable traits, a prospect some ethicists have likened to modern-day eugenics.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-rescue-seeds-from-this-last-remaining-tree-in-wild-before-it-goes-extinct-1780742850347">Scientists rescue seeds from THIS last remaining tree in wild before it goes extinct</a>&nbsp;The controversy reached a peak in 2018 when Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced that he had edited the genomes of human embryos to create babies resistant to HIV infection. His work was widely condemned by the scientific community, and he was later imprisoned by Chinese authorities.<h2>'Absolutely catastrophic consequences’</h2>Egli's team previously investigated the use of CRISPR in human embryos in 2020. In those experiments, researchers attempted to repair a mutation in the EYS gene linked to hereditary blindness. While some embryos were successfully corrected, many suffered severe genetic damage, including the loss of entire chromosomes.&nbsp;"It had absolutely catastrophic consequences," Egli said of the earlier findings, according to the New York Times. The new study sought to avoid those problems by using base editing. Researchers targeted two genes, PCSK9, which is linked to cholesterol levels and heart disease risk, and HBG, a gene involved in foetal haemoglobin production.&nbsp;The team introduced base-editing molecules into fertilised eggs and two-cell embryos donated by prospective parents. Unlike earlier CRISPR-based experiments, the researchers found no evidence of large-scale DNA damage and successfully altered both genes. In some cases, they edited both genes within the same embryo.&nbsp;However, the technique was not flawless. Some embryos developed "mosaicism", a condition in which different cells carry different genetic versions because the edits did not occur uniformly throughout the embryo. Scientists warn that such genetic inconsistencies could potentially lead to health complications if edited embryos were carried to term.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-environment-day-sheep-are-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines-fixing-a-major-solar-panel-problem-1780637430293">Sheep are 'making hay while the sun shines', fixing a major solar panel problem</a>&nbsp;Paula Amato, a fertility specialist at Oregon Health &amp; Science University who was not involved in the study, described the approach as "promising" but said the scientific community would need to carefully examine the full data once the research undergoes peer review.&nbsp;Bioethicist Ana Iltis of Wake Forest University also urged caution, warning that some harmful effects may not become apparent until after birth. Supporters argue that the technology could eventually benefit families undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Nathan Treff, chief clinical officer at Nucleus Genomics and a co-author of the study, said gene correction could allow parents to use embryos that might otherwise be discarded because of disease-causing mutations.&nbsp;"There's still work to do before getting to that point, but this research gets us closer," Treff said.

Columbia University scientists successfully used precise “base editing” on human embryos to alter disease-linked genes without major chromosomal damage, though minor issues like mosaicism still require further safety research.

Scientists at Columbia University have successfully edited the DNA of early human embryos with unprecedented precision, marking a significant breakthrough in genetic engineering that could one day allow doctors to correct inherited diseases before birth. The research, led by geneticist Dieter Egli, used a newer gene-editing technique known as base editing to make highly targeted changes to DNA without causing the extensive genetic damage often associated with traditional CRISPR technology. The findings, which have been posted online and are currently under peer review, are already reigniting ethical concerns over the possibility of creating genetically enhanced or so-called "designer" babies. According to the researchers, base editing allows scientists to alter individual DNA letters rather than cutting out entire sections of genetic material. This approach significantly reduced the risk of major chromosomal damage that had plagued earlier embryo-editing experiments. "We're not saying this is going to be used tomorrow in the clinics," Egli cautioned, stressing that important questions about safety and unintended consequences remain unanswered. The debate over editing human embryos has intensified since the development of CRISPR technology in 2012. While the technique opened the door to treating inherited diseases, it also raised fears that genetic engineering could eventually be used to select desirable traits, a prospect some ethicists have likened to modern-day eugenics. Also read: Scientists rescue seeds from THIS last remaining tree in wild before it goes extinct The controversy reached a peak in 2018 when Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced that he had edited the genomes of human embryos to create babies resistant to HIV infection. His work was widely condemned by the scientific community, and he was later imprisoned by Chinese authorities. 'Absolutely catastrophic consequences’ Egli's team previously investigated the use of CRISPR in human embryos in 2020. In those experiments, researchers attempted to repair a mutation in the EYS gene linked to hereditary blindness. While some embryos were successfully corrected, many suffered severe genetic damage, including the loss of entire chromosomes. "It had absolutely catastrophic consequences," Egli said of the earlier findings, according to the New York Times. The new study sought to avoid those problems by using base editing. Researchers targeted two genes, PCSK9, which is linked to cholesterol levels and heart disease risk, and HBG, a gene involved in foetal haemoglobin production. The team introduced base-editing molecules into fertilised eggs and two-cell embryos donated by prospective parents. Unlike earlier CRISPR-based experiments, the researchers found no evidence of large-scale DNA damage and successfully altered both genes. In some cases, they edited both genes within the same embryo. However, the technique was not flawless. Some embryos developed "mosaicism", a condition in which different cells carry different genetic versions because the edits did not occur uniformly throughout the embryo. Scientists warn that such genetic inconsistencies could potentially lead to health complications if edited embryos were carried to term. Also read: Sheep are 'making hay while the sun shines', fixing a major solar panel problem Paula Amato, a fertility specialist at Oregon Health & Science University who was not involved in the study, described the approach as "promising" but said the scientific community would need to carefully examine the full data once the research undergoes peer review. Bioethicist Ana Iltis of Wake Forest University also urged caution, warning that some harmful effects may not become apparent until after birth. Supporters argue that the technology could eventually benefit families undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Nathan Treff, chief clinical officer at Nucleus Genomics and a co-author of the study, said gene correction could allow parents to use embryos that might otherwise be discarded because of disease-causing mutations. "There's still work to do before getting to that point, but this research gets us closer," Treff said.

Columbia University scientists successfully used precise “base editing” on human embryos to alter disease-linked genes without major chromosomal damage, though minor issues like mosaicism still require further safety research.

Could parents one day choose their baby’s traits? Scientists achieve major human embryo gene-editing milestone

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