How does a GPU actually work? The technology behind modern graphics and AI

Macron’s awkward embrace with Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir goes viral – What happened?

Aliens near US military base? Woman captures bizarre jellyfish-like UFO in Alaska | WATCH

'Miracle on the Mississippi': Cruise boat capsizes after colliding with tanker in New Orleans, all 180 passengers aboard safe

Why are modern GPUs so expensive? 7 things that drive graphics card prices

Why do graphics cards have thousands of small processing cores?

'Don’t f–k around!' Travis Barker opens up on quitting smoking after precancer diagnosis

CPU vs GPU vs NPU: Which processor does your computer actually need?

'Forbidden' light proposed 40 years ago detected for first time in the universe

Avril Lavigne welcomes first child, keeps baby's name and partner's identity private

Why did the FAA suddenly ground flights across the US? Officials reveal what went wrong

Reply 1988 star Ko Kyung Pyo under police investigation after drunk-driving collision in Seoul

Shape-shifting UFO sighting in Oregon leaves mother-daughter sick: 'Fell like a dead bird'

Vaaste singer Dhvani Bhanushali announces engagement to esports entrepreneur Yash Bhanushali; see pics

From chipmakers to cloud giants: How is Nvidia's stock crash shaking the AI industry?

Crystal-clear Ganga water in Haridwar? Viral video creates buzz online | WATCH

India backs death penalty at UN, says can't equate it with torture

Move over Ram and Ravan, Kunal Kapoor's Lord Indra in Ramayana is stealing hearts in Thailand

Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh: India seeks two assurances from Dhaka, says report

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky's Australian home targeted by burglars;  3 cars stolen

Ukraine's NATO membership in exchange for ceding territory to Russia: Zelensky reveals US proposal

'Don't hike rates': US Treasury Secretary Bessent warns Fed against rate increase amid Iran war

Trump, Putin and Xi to hold historic trilateral meeting at APEC Summit in China

Jensen Huang seen with wife Lori in Paris in photos shared by daughter Madison

A$AP Rocky's New York event disrupted by on-camera brawl, NYPD steps in

24 hours and counting: Microsoft says 'sorry' for global outage

CM Suvendhu Adhikari turns Bengal's Chhath ghats into launchpad for UP campaign

Mohamed Salah becomes Egypt’s all-time top scorer with brace against Malawi

Video captures horrifying moment Brooklyn apartment building collapses, killing eight people

Colombia 'false positives' scandal: 5 retired army men sentenced over killing of 35 civilians

'It exploded in his mouth': Man dies after friend gives him bomb disguised as rasgulla on Diwali in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori

Telugu actor Giribabu dies at 83; Chiranjeevi, Chandrababu Naidu pay tribute

Why do powerful graphics cards need so much electricity?

Indian student sentenced to 30 years in UK for online grooming of over 70 children

Human activity has been found to be the reason why a host of large animals have gone extinct in the last 50,000 years. Climate change has often been blamed for these animals vanishing from the face of Earth. Nearly 161 species of large animals, including mammals, reptiles and birds, have vanished over this period of time. Known as megafauna, this group of animals consists of those that weigh at least 45 kilogrammes. Among these were megaherbivores, a species that once numbered 57 but today only 11 of them remain.

So how did human activity lead to the extinction of these animals? A recent study suggests that humans hunted these animals which ultimately acted as the reason for their decline and later the end. A research group from the Danish National Research Foundation's Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) at Aarhus University undertook the study, taking into consideration various factors.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/evidence-found-in-australian-cave-shows-sorcery-is-the-worlds-continuously-practiced-oldest-ritual-737027">Evidence found in Australian cave shows sorcery is the world’s continuously practiced oldest ritual</a>

<h2>What did the study find?</h2>

What they found was unexpected. During the last interglacial and glacial periods, from 130,000 to 11,000 years ago, several species bore the brunt of the changing climate, however, something seemed to have had a bigger impact on the larger animals.&nbsp;

Professor Jens-Christian Svenning, the lead author of the article, says that selective extinction of megafauna was not observed in previous ice ages. This observation ruled out climate change as being the main culprit for their extinction. "The large and very selective loss of megafauna over the last 50,000 years is unique over the past 66 million years," he says.

"Another significant pattern that argues against a role for climate is that the recent megafauna extinctions hit just as hard in climatically stable areas as in unstable areas," he added.

<h2>Why did large animals go extinct?</h2>

Scientists point to the evidence that supports that these animals were hunted. The discovery of large traps, analyses of ancient human bones and the presence of protein residues on spear points hint at the fact that humans ate mammoths, mastodons, and giant sloths.

Besides, larger animals have longer gestation periods and take years to reach sexual maturity. This means that while they were being hunted down more and more, their population didn't increase at much in the same time period.&nbsp;

Also, while species extinction happened at different times in different places, it consistently happened only after the arrival of modern humans at these places. However, Antarctica remained an exception.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Human activity has been found to be the reason why a host of large animals have gone extinct in the last 50,000 years. Climate change has often been blamed for these animals vanishing from the face of Earth.

Human activity has been found to be the reason why a host of large animals have gone extinct in the last 50,000 years. Climate change has often been blamed for these animals vanishing from the face of Earth. Nearly 161 species of large animals, including mammals, reptiles and birds, have vanished over this period of time. Known as megafauna, this group of animals consists of those that weigh at least 45 kilogrammes. Among these were megaherbivores, a species that once numbered 57 but today only 11 of them remain. So how did human activity lead to the extinction of these animals? A recent study suggests that humans hunted these animals which ultimately acted as the reason for their decline and later the end. A research group from the Danish National Research Foundation's Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) at Aarhus University undertook the study, taking into consideration various factors. Also Read: Evidence found in Australian cave shows sorcery is the world’s continuously practiced oldest ritual What did the study find? What they found was unexpected. During the last interglacial and glacial periods, from 130,000 to 11,000 years ago, several species bore the brunt of the changing climate, however, something seemed to have had a bigger impact on the larger animals. Professor Jens-Christian Svenning, the lead author of the article, says that selective extinction of megafauna was not observed in previous ice ages. This observation ruled out climate change as being the main culprit for their extinction. "The large and very selective loss of megafauna over the last 50,000 years is unique over the past 66 million years," he says. "Another significant pattern that argues against a role for climate is that the recent megafauna extinctions hit just as hard in climatically stable areas as in unstable areas," he added. Why did large animals go extinct? Scientists point to the evidence that supports that these animals were hunted. The discovery of large traps, analyses of ancient human bones and the presence of protein residues on spear points hint at the fact that humans ate mammoths, mastodons, and giant sloths. Besides, larger animals have longer gestation periods and take years to reach sexual maturity. This means that while they were being hunted down more and more, their population didn't increase at much in the same time period. Also, while species extinction happened at different times in different places, it consistently happened only after the arrival of modern humans at these places. However, Antarctica remained an exception.

Several species have gone extinct in the last 50,000 years due to this one human activity

Scrolling through your phone at night is known to disrupt your sleep as the blue light interferes with the circadian rhythm. The unhealthy habit has now been found to have another side-effect on our health. A study suggests that exposing ourselves to artificial light, including blue light emitted from our devices after midnight, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Around 85,000 people, between the ages of 40 and 69, participated in the study in which their health was tracked for nine years. All of them wore devices that could track their exposure to different types of lights for a week.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/evidence-found-in-australian-cave-shows-sorcery-is-the-worlds-continuously-practiced-oldest-ritual-737027">Evidence found in Australian cave shows sorcery is the world’s continuously practiced oldest ritual</a>

The UK Biobank experiment found that the participants who went on to develop type 2 diabetes were more likely to have been exposed to light between 12:30 am and 6 am. The 10 per cent of those exposed to artificial light at night had a 67 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes as compared to those in the bottom 50th percentile.

<h2>Avoid all lights at night</h2>

While the results don't fully establish anything, they do show how exposure to bright light at night can result in metabolic disorders. Several other factors were also taken into account to better understand what was happening. Researchers accounted for sleep patterns, sex of the person, genetics, diet, physical activities, etc. to see if anything changed. However, nothing seemed to have any impact on the results.&nbsp;

Diabetes has become a common lifestyle disease and study authors say that avoiding artificial light at night can somewhat help ease the problem.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/latest-underwater-discovery-can-help-understand-how-life-on-other-worlds-might-emerge-736731">Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds</a>

"Advising people to avoid night light is a simple and cost-effective recommendation that may ease the global health burden of type 2 diabetes," the authors of the study, led by researchers at Monash University in Australia, wrote.

<h2>Are bad sleeping habits linked to type 2 diabetes?</h2>

Yes. As per several studies, a disrupted circadian rhythm causes several health issues in the human body. Glucose tolerance is reduced and insulin secretion is affected. This in turn leads to weight gain which can trigger metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.

Scrolling through your phone at night is known to disrupt your sleep as the blue light interferes with the circadian rhythm. The unhealthy habit has now been found to have another side-effect on our health.

Scrolling through your phone at night is known to disrupt your sleep as the blue light interferes with the circadian rhythm. The unhealthy habit has now been found to have another side-effect on our health. A study suggests that exposing ourselves to artificial light, including blue light emitted from our devices after midnight, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Around 85,000 people, between the ages of 40 and 69, participated in the study in which their health was tracked for nine years. All of them wore devices that could track their exposure to different types of lights for a week. Also Read: Evidence found in Australian cave shows sorcery is the world’s continuously practiced oldest ritual The UK Biobank experiment found that the participants who went on to develop type 2 diabetes were more likely to have been exposed to light between 12:30 am and 6 am. The 10 per cent of those exposed to artificial light at night had a 67 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes as compared to those in the bottom 50th percentile. Avoid all lights at night While the results don't fully establish anything, they do show how exposure to bright light at night can result in metabolic disorders. Several other factors were also taken into account to better understand what was happening. Researchers accounted for sleep patterns, sex of the person, genetics, diet, physical activities, etc. to see if anything changed. However, nothing seemed to have any impact on the results. Diabetes has become a common lifestyle disease and study authors say that avoiding artificial light at night can somewhat help ease the problem. Also Read: Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds "Advising people to avoid night light is a simple and cost-effective recommendation that may ease the global health burden of type 2 diabetes," the authors of the study, led by researchers at Monash University in Australia, wrote. Are bad sleeping habits linked to type 2 diabetes? Yes. As per several studies, a disrupted circadian rhythm causes several health issues in the human body. Glucose tolerance is reduced and insulin secretion is affected. This in turn leads to weight gain which can trigger metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.

Bright light of any kind at night puts you at risk of developing a major lifestyle disease

A rocket belonging to a private Chinese firm crashed into a hilly area in central China after malfunctioning and launching by itself on Sunday (June 30).

Beijing Tianbing Technology Co, also known as Space Pioneer, in a statement on Sunday said that the first stage of its Tianlong-3 rocket experienced a structural failure during a test. This, the company said, caused it to detach from its launch pad and crash in a hilly area in Gongyi, central China.

Space Pioneer explained that the first stage of the Tianlong-3 ignited as expected during a hot test, but then detached from the test bench because of structural failure, landing about 1.5 km (0.93 miles) away in hilly terrain.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-backs-plan-to-make-homes-with-fungi-on-moon-and-mars-736407">NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars</a>

<h2>Were there any casualties?</h2>

As per Reuters, initial investigations revealed no casualties. However, the crash did cause a fire.

In a statement on its official WeChat account, Space Pioneer detailed that parts of the rocket stage were scattered within a designated "safe area," but caused a local fire.&nbsp;

The fire was extinguished, reported Gongyi emergency management bureau. It also confirmed that there were no injuries.

While falling rocket debris in China is not uncommon, it is rare for a rocket under development to make an unintended flight and crash outside its test site.

These sites are typically located along China's coast for safety reasons. However, some, like the Space Pioneer's facility, are situated inland. Their test centre is in Gongyi, a city of 800,000 people in the central province of Henan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-suggest-our-solar-system-was-shaped-like-donut-in-the-beginning-736475">Scientists suggest our Solar System was shaped like donut in the beginning</a>

<h2>Tianlong-3</h2>

Tianlong-3, which means "Sky Dragon 3," is a partly reusable two-stage rocket that is being developed by Space Pioneer. The company claims that the Tianlong-3 is comparable to SpaceX's Falcon 9, a two-stage rocket. Previously, in April 2023, Space Pioneer achieved a milestone by launching the Tianlong-2, a kerosene-oxygen rocket, making it the first private Chinese firm to send a liquid-propellant rocket into space.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rocket belonging to a private Chinese firm crashed into a hilly area in central China after malfunctioning and launching by itself on Sunday (June 30). Beijing Tianbing Technology Co, also known as Space Pioneer, in a statement on Sunday said that the first stage of its Tianlong-3 rocket experienced a structural failure during a test.

A rocket belonging to a private Chinese firm crashed into a hilly area in central China after malfunctioning and launching by itself on Sunday (June 30). Beijing Tianbing Technology Co, also known as Space Pioneer, in a statement on Sunday said that the first stage of its Tianlong-3 rocket experienced a structural failure during a test. This, the company said, caused it to detach from its launch pad and crash in a hilly area in Gongyi, central China. Space Pioneer explained that the first stage of the Tianlong-3 ignited as expected during a hot test, but then detached from the test bench because of structural failure, landing about 1.5 km (0.93 miles) away in hilly terrain. Also read | NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars Were there any casualties? As per Reuters, initial investigations revealed no casualties. However, the crash did cause a fire. In a statement on its official WeChat account, Space Pioneer detailed that parts of the rocket stage were scattered within a designated "safe area," but caused a local fire. The fire was extinguished, reported Gongyi emergency management bureau. It also confirmed that there were no injuries. While falling rocket debris in China is not uncommon, it is rare for a rocket under development to make an unintended flight and crash outside its test site. These sites are typically located along China's coast for safety reasons. However, some, like the Space Pioneer's facility, are situated inland. Their test centre is in Gongyi, a city of 800,000 people in the central province of Henan. Also read | Scientists suggest our Solar System was shaped like donut in the beginning Tianlong-3 Tianlong-3, which means "Sky Dragon 3," is a partly reusable two-stage rocket that is being developed by Space Pioneer. The company claims that the Tianlong-3 is comparable to SpaceX's Falcon 9, a two-stage rocket. Previously, in April 2023, Space Pioneer achieved a milestone by launching the Tianlong-2, a kerosene-oxygen rocket, making it the first private Chinese firm to send a liquid-propellant rocket into space. (With inputs from agencies)

Malfunctioning Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 launches itself, crashes in Gongyi hills

At a time when space agencies and private firms are looking to rake in billions of dollars by offering space tourism options, an American firm claims to offer a "free ride to space" for willing civilian candidates.

India is among the partner nations chosen by Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), which has tied up with Jeff Bezos' firm Blue Origin to offer an 11-minute ride past the Karman Line (100 km above the earth's surface). The Karman line is widely regarded as the entry point to space.&nbsp;

"We want to make space exploration open to all. We have raised funds to sponsor this mission, through which we will fly a six-membered crew, including an Indian," Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder, SERA, told WION.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
According to SERA, Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket would be used to ferry the candidates past the Karman line and then bring them back to earth for a controlled landing.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Want a free ride to space? 
 
SERA, an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/American?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#American</a> firm is offering a ticket to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> for an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> citizen, on a Blue-Origin New Shepard 🚀 that'll fly to 100kms altitude and land back 
 
Regn fee: $2.5 
Final candidate'll be chosen based on public voting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/qEHd8Oor8q">pic.twitter.com/qEHd8Oor8q</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1807656732300358009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“We’re excited to have India as part of our human spaceflight programme. We want to make space accessible for everyone and are happy to offer this unique opportunity to an Indian citizen (above the age of 18) who wants to experience the wonders of space travel," said Joshua Skurla, CO-Founder, SERA.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-and-spacex-collaborate-to-address-dragon-spacecraft-debris-concerns-736748">NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns</a>

According to the firm, the lone Indian candidate would be selected based on public voting, and each willing Indian citizen could register for the programme by paying a fee of $2.50 (approx. Rs. 200), which would cover the costs of verification that would ensure fair voting.

Each potential candidate can garner votes by telling their story to the public using their mission profile pages, social media, and other resources. Voting will progress through candidate elimination across three phases. The public will vote only for candidates from their nation or region, the firm said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-backs-plan-to-make-homes-with-fungi-on-moon-and-mars-736407">NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars</a>

According to Sam Hutchison, Co-Founder, SERA, the minimal physical requirements and training for New Shepard’s flight lowers the barrier to entry by allowing more diverse and inclusive participation in space. The final crew members selected for the flight would train for three days in the run up to the flight.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas | Defunct Russian satellite generated space debris, threatening astronauts, space station

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-defunct-russian-satellite-generated-space-debris-threatening-astronauts-space-station-736125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Queried on the purpose of this flight and if it would be similar to space tourism, Sam Hutchison, Co-Founder, SERA, told WION that this would be a science experiment flight, where they would be partnering with a leading institute to develop the experiments that would focus on human physiology. "When we sent an astronaut from Brazil in 2022 to space through Blue Origin, we saw the social impact it created. Now we want to do the same through this mission for other nations," he added.

At a time when space agencies and private firms are looking to rake in billions of dollars by offering space tourism options, an American firm claims to offer a "free ride to space" for willing civilian candidates.

At a time when space agencies and private firms are looking to rake in billions of dollars by offering space tourism options, an American firm claims to offer a "free ride to space" for willing civilian candidates. India is among the partner nations chosen by Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), which has tied up with Jeff Bezos' firm Blue Origin to offer an 11-minute ride past the Karman Line (100 km above the earth's surface). The Karman line is widely regarded as the entry point to space. "We want to make space exploration open to all. We have raised funds to sponsor this mission, through which we will fly a six-membered crew, including an Indian," Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder, SERA, told WION. According to SERA, Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket would be used to ferry the candidates past the Karman line and then bring them back to earth for a controlled landing. Want a free ride to space? SERA, an #American firm is offering a ticket to #space for an #Indian citizen, on a Blue-Origin New Shepard 🚀 that'll fly to 100kms altitude and land back Regn fee: $2.5 Final candidate'll be chosen based on public voting #science #tech #india pic.twitter.com/qEHd8Oor8q — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 1, 2024 × “We’re excited to have India as part of our human spaceflight programme. We want to make space accessible for everyone and are happy to offer this unique opportunity to an Indian citizen (above the age of 18) who wants to experience the wonders of space travel," said Joshua Skurla, CO-Founder, SERA. Also Read | NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns According to the firm, the lone Indian candidate would be selected based on public voting, and each willing Indian citizen could register for the programme by paying a fee of $2.50 (approx. Rs. 200), which would cover the costs of verification that would ensure fair voting. Each potential candidate can garner votes by telling their story to the public using their mission profile pages, social media, and other resources. Voting will progress through candidate elimination across three phases. The public will vote only for candidates from their nation or region, the firm said. Also Read | NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars According to Sam Hutchison, Co-Founder, SERA, the minimal physical requirements and training for New Shepard’s flight lowers the barrier to entry by allowing more diverse and inclusive participation in space. The final crew members selected for the flight would train for three days in the run up to the flight. Watch | Gravitas | Defunct Russian satellite generated space debris, threatening astronauts, space station × Queried on the purpose of this flight and if it would be similar to space tourism, Sam Hutchison, Co-Founder, SERA, told WION that this would be a science experiment flight, where they would be partnering with a leading institute to develop the experiments that would focus on human physiology. "When we sent an astronaut from Brazil in 2022 to space through Blue Origin, we saw the social impact it created. Now we want to do the same through this mission for other nations," he added.

An Indian will get a free ride to space on Jeff Bezos' rocket

Scientists have discovered one of the oldest known grapes in a fossilised form which shows they spread far and wide after the extinction of dinosaurs. So, if you are a fan of snacking on raisins or sipping your pain or happiness through a glass of wine, thank the extinction of dinosaurs for it.&nbsp;

The researchers found fossil grape seeds that range from 60 to 19 million years ago in Colombia, Panama and Peru. The earliest known grapes are said&nbsp;to be from India and are&nbsp;about 66 million years ago on the evolutionary scale.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/palaeontologists-discover-rare-pre-dinosaur-era-crocodile-like-species-733659">Palaeontologists discover rare pre-dinosaur era crocodile-like species</a>

"These are the oldest grapes ever found in this part of the world, and they are a few million years younger than the oldest ones ever found on the other side of the planet," says Fabiany Herrera, an assistant curator of paleobotany at the Field Museum in Chicago's Negaunee Integrative Research Center and the lead author of the paper.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Dinosaurs may have influenced human aging: Know How

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dinosaurs-may-have-influenced-human-aging-know-how-665403/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"This discovery is important because it shows that after the extinction of the dinosaurs, grapes really started to spread across the world."

Scientists point out that it is not a coincidence that grapes appeared in the fossil record 66 million years ago around the same time a huge asteroid hit the Earth which triggered a massive extinction that altered the course of life on our planet.

"We always think about the animals, the dinosaurs, because they were the biggest things to be affected, but the extinction event had a huge impact on plants too," says Herrera. "The forest reset itself, in a way that changed the composition of the plants."

Herrera and his colleagues say that the disappearance of the dinosaurs might have helped alter the forests. 
 
"Large animals, such as dinosaurs, are known to alter their surrounding ecosystems. We think that if there were large dinosaurs roaming through the forest, they were likely knocking down trees, effectively maintaining forests more open than they are today," Mónica Carvalho, a co-author of the paper and assistant curator at the University of Michigan's Museum of Paleontology.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered one of the oldest known grapes in a fossilised form which shows they spread far and wide after the extinction of dinosaurs. So, if you are a fan of snacking on raisins or sipping your pain or happiness through a glass of wine, thank the extinction of dinosaurs for it.

Scientists have discovered one of the oldest known grapes in a fossilised form which shows they spread far and wide after the extinction of dinosaurs. So, if you are a fan of snacking on raisins or sipping your pain or happiness through a glass of wine, thank the extinction of dinosaurs for it. The researchers found fossil grape seeds that range from 60 to 19 million years ago in Colombia, Panama and Peru. The earliest known grapes are said to be from India and are about 66 million years ago on the evolutionary scale. Also read | Palaeontologists discover rare pre-dinosaur era crocodile-like species "These are the oldest grapes ever found in this part of the world, and they are a few million years younger than the oldest ones ever found on the other side of the planet," says Fabiany Herrera, an assistant curator of paleobotany at the Field Museum in Chicago's Negaunee Integrative Research Center and the lead author of the paper. Also watch | Dinosaurs may have influenced human aging: Know How × "This discovery is important because it shows that after the extinction of the dinosaurs, grapes really started to spread across the world." Scientists point out that it is not a coincidence that grapes appeared in the fossil record 66 million years ago around the same time a huge asteroid hit the Earth which triggered a massive extinction that altered the course of life on our planet. "We always think about the animals, the dinosaurs, because they were the biggest things to be affected, but the extinction event had a huge impact on plants too," says Herrera. "The forest reset itself, in a way that changed the composition of the plants." Herrera and his colleagues say that the disappearance of the dinosaurs might have helped alter the forests. "Large animals, such as dinosaurs, are known to alter their surrounding ecosystems. We think that if there were large dinosaurs roaming through the forest, they were likely knocking down trees, effectively maintaining forests more open than they are today," Mónica Carvalho, a co-author of the paper and assistant curator at the University of Michigan's Museum of Paleontology. (With inputs from agencies)

Love grapes or wine? Thank extinction of dinosaurs for it

Scientists have identified a species of desert moss called 'Syntrichia caninervis' that could be a game-changer for future space exploration and colonisation efforts.

This resilient moss has demonstrated an exceptional ability to survive in conditions comparable to those found on Mars, raising hopes for its potential use in establishing sustainable habitats beyond Earth.

The moss is renowned for its tolerance to drought conditions, but recent studies have revealed its remarkable capacity to withstand temperatures as low as −196°C, high levels of gamma radiation, and simulated Martian environments. Interestingly, prior dehydration appears to enhance the moss'&nbsp;ability to cope with these extreme stressors.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-and-spacex-collaborate-to-address-dragon-spacecraft-debris-concerns-736748">NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns</a>

Researchers asserted that 'S. caninervis'&nbsp;surpasses even highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades in its environmental resilience.

"Our study shows that the environmental resilience of *S. caninervis* is superior to that of some of highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades," they added.

They believe this moss is a promising candidate for pioneering plant colonisation beyond Earth, potentially paving the way for sustainable human habitats in extraterrestrial environments.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/latest-underwater-discovery-can-help-understand-how-life-on-other-worlds-might-emerge-736731">Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds</a>

Unlike previous studies that focused on microorganisms, algae, lichens and plant spores, this research uniquely examined the resilience of whole plants to extreme conditions akin to those on Mars.

<h2>S. caninervis has&nbsp;widespread global distribution</h2>

'S. caninervis' is a globally distributed moss species that thrive in severe desert environments like Tibet, Antarctica and circumpolar regions, forming part of the resilient biological soil crust.

Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cancer-rate-in-younger-people-rising-sharply-as-per-new-research-728412/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The researchers conducted rigorous tests in controlled laboratory settings to assess the moss'&nbsp;tolerance to extreme cold, gamma radiation and simulated Martian conditions.

The results were astounding, with the moss demonstrating a remarkable ability to regenerate after being subjected to these harsh environments.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have identified a species of desert moss called 'Syntrichia caninervis' that could be a game-changer for future space exploration and colonisation efforts.

Scientists have identified a species of desert moss called 'Syntrichia caninervis' that could be a game-changer for future space exploration and colonisation efforts. This resilient moss has demonstrated an exceptional ability to survive in conditions comparable to those found on Mars, raising hopes for its potential use in establishing sustainable habitats beyond Earth. The moss is renowned for its tolerance to drought conditions, but recent studies have revealed its remarkable capacity to withstand temperatures as low as −196°C, high levels of gamma radiation, and simulated Martian environments. Interestingly, prior dehydration appears to enhance the moss' ability to cope with these extreme stressors. Also Read | NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns Researchers asserted that 'S. caninervis' surpasses even highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades in its environmental resilience. "Our study shows that the environmental resilience of *S. caninervis* is superior to that of some of highly stress-tolerant microorganisms and tardigrades," they added. They believe this moss is a promising candidate for pioneering plant colonisation beyond Earth, potentially paving the way for sustainable human habitats in extraterrestrial environments. Also Read | Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds Unlike previous studies that focused on microorganisms, algae, lichens and plant spores, this research uniquely examined the resilience of whole plants to extreme conditions akin to those on Mars. S. caninervis has widespread global distribution 'S. caninervis' is a globally distributed moss species that thrive in severe desert environments like Tibet, Antarctica and circumpolar regions, forming part of the resilient biological soil crust. Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research × The researchers conducted rigorous tests in controlled laboratory settings to assess the moss' tolerance to extreme cold, gamma radiation and simulated Martian conditions. The results were astounding, with the moss demonstrating a remarkable ability to regenerate after being subjected to these harsh environments. (With inputs from agencies)

Desert moss found with potential to thrive on Mars

NASA and SpaceX are working together to find solutions to the issue of debris from the Dragon spacecraft's trunk section surviving re-entry and reaching the ground. This comes after several incidents where debris has been reportedly found in various locations, including Australia, Canada and North Carolina. Initially, the Dragon trunk was expected to fully burn up upon reentry, but recent discoveries have shown that this is not always the case.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/latest-underwater-discovery-can-help-understand-how-life-on-other-worlds-might-emerge-736731">Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds</a>

NASA has acknowledged that the models used to predict reentry breakup did not accurately account for the composite materials in the trunk structure, which behave more like a thermal protection system.

To address this problem, NASA and SpaceX are exploring changes to the deorbiting procedures. Currently, the trunk is released before the capsule performs its deorbit burn, allowing the trunk to remain in orbit for months before an uncontrolled reentry.

The agencies are examining the possibility of doing the deorbit burn with the trunk still attached, and then separating it in a way that would ensure any surviving debris lands in unpopulated areas.

This alternative approach presents challenges, such as the need for additional propellant and the precise timing of the trunk separation. However, the teams are confident they can find a solution that will improve the safety and sustainability of SpaceX's space operations.

The issue of falling space debris has gained attention after a piece of an ISS battery rack crashed through the roof of a house in Florida, causing an estimated $80,000 damage.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/malfunctioning-chinese-rocket-tianlong-3-launches-itself-crashes-in-gongyi-hills-736600">Malfunctioning Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 launches itself, crashes in Gongyi hills</a>

While no injuries have been reported from the Dragon trunk debris incidents, the potential risks to property and aviation remain a concern.

<h2>Sustainable space operations</h2>

This has prompted calls for NASA to set a precedent of responsible and sustainable space operations by compensating victims, even in cases where no fault is determined.

Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/having-multivitamin-supplements-do-not-help-us-live-longer-study-735969/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

NASA advised anyone who comes across space debris to avoid handling it and to contact local authorities immediately.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA and SpaceX are working together to find solutions to the issue of debris from the Dragon spacecraft's trunk section surviving re-entry and reaching the ground.

NASA and SpaceX are working together to find solutions to the issue of debris from the Dragon spacecraft's trunk section surviving re-entry and reaching the ground. This comes after several incidents where debris has been reportedly found in various locations, including Australia, Canada and North Carolina. Initially, the Dragon trunk was expected to fully burn up upon reentry, but recent discoveries have shown that this is not always the case. Also Read | Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds NASA has acknowledged that the models used to predict reentry breakup did not accurately account for the composite materials in the trunk structure, which behave more like a thermal protection system. To address this problem, NASA and SpaceX are exploring changes to the deorbiting procedures. Currently, the trunk is released before the capsule performs its deorbit burn, allowing the trunk to remain in orbit for months before an uncontrolled reentry. The agencies are examining the possibility of doing the deorbit burn with the trunk still attached, and then separating it in a way that would ensure any surviving debris lands in unpopulated areas. This alternative approach presents challenges, such as the need for additional propellant and the precise timing of the trunk separation. However, the teams are confident they can find a solution that will improve the safety and sustainability of SpaceX's space operations. The issue of falling space debris has gained attention after a piece of an ISS battery rack crashed through the roof of a house in Florida, causing an estimated $80,000 damage. Also Read | Malfunctioning Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 launches itself, crashes in Gongyi hills While no injuries have been reported from the Dragon trunk debris incidents, the potential risks to property and aviation remain a concern. Sustainable space operations This has prompted calls for NASA to set a precedent of responsible and sustainable space operations by compensating victims, even in cases where no fault is determined. Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study × NASA advised anyone who comes across space debris to avoid handling it and to contact local authorities immediately. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns

The increased usage and prevalence of e-cigarettes (popularly known as vapes) has increased in the last 15-20 years to an extent where it has become a point of concern.

The increased usage and prevalence of e-cigarettes (popularly known as vapes) has increased in the last 15-20 years to an extent where it has become a point of concern. They are considered unsafe and addictive by governments of multiple countries. The Australian government has decided to put a ban on retail sale of the item. Vapes are disposable products containing a high number of valuable resources and the scientists haven't yet figured out how to recycle waste. There is no way to recycle E-waste (vapes come under this category) as of now. The single use vapes are more popular and they consist of a battery, a pressure sensor, a heating element and a reservoir with e-liquid (known as juice). If you try to breakdown and dissemble the vapes, you'll be left with a few parts which help us to understand how they work. Here are the different parts of the vape and their use: Housing: It's made of aluminium which is closed at ends using plastics. The main body consists of some graphics and paint finish. Battery: The vapes contain a very small Lithium battery which has a high power density. It's done so that sudden bursts of energy can be released to ensure that the supply of e-liquid lasts. Pressure Sensor: This is used as a switching device. When the person takes a drag, it turns on and completes the circuit. The E Liquid reservoir: The e-liquid filled inside a tube and is saturated by a foam like material. The liquid contains a lot of ingredients like propylene glycol, nicotine and other flavours. The health impacts of these ingredients are unknown. Also read: Gene therapy gives life to child with rare genetic disorder in major medical breakthrough In the last few years, the market for vapes has been increasing constantly which is leading to more consumption. Now, this poses an even worse problem because vapes are one of the major contributors in the category of e-waste. On top of this, they pose a risk of being burnt when tossed in the bin because of the dense Lithium batteries inside. The usage results in a big loss of resources which are hard to find and are useful too, namely Lithium and Aluminium. (With inputs from agencies)

What’s inside vapes and why they’re harmful to the environment?

Doctors and researchers at a children's hospital in Canada have struck a rare success after gene therapy halted the progression of rare genetic condition in a young boy.&nbsp;

The boy, identified as Michael, reportedly received an individualised gene therapy at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in March 2022. Michael has spastic paraplegia type 50 (SPG50).

It is an "ultra-rare" progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes developmental delays, speech impairment, seizures, a progressive paralysis of all four limbs, and is typically fatal by adulthood.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India's homegrown, low-cost Car-T cell therapy | The race to cure Cancer

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-homegrown-low-cost-car-t-cell-therapy-the-race-to-cure-cancer-708066/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the findings of Michael's gene therapy published in the Nature journal, approximately 80 children around the world are affected by this genetic condition.

<h2>SPG 50 gene therapy treatment: What did scientists do?</h2>

In a bid to slow the progression of the condition, a clinical research team at SickKids administered a first single-patient gene therapy to Michael less than three years after his initial diagnosis, according to a report in the Medical Express.&nbsp;

<h2>What is gene therapy?</h2>

Gene therapy is a way of delivering a healthy copy of a gene into the cells of a person who has a faulty gene(s). In Michael's case, SPG50 is caused by two pathogenic variants in a gene called AP4M1.

"While these ultra-rare diseases are unique, our workflow provides a road map for gene therapies that could help many of the thousands of children in Canada with rare genetic conditions," Dr Jim Dowling, Staff Physician in the Division of Neurology and Senior Scientist in the Genetics &amp; Genome Biology program at SickKids, was quoted as saying by the Medical Express.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gene-therapy-breakthrough-restores-hearing-ability-in-deaf-children-654167">Gene therapy breakthrough restores hearing ability in deaf children</a>

During the gene therapy, Michael was able to stand with his heels on the ground. He also experienced improvements in some aspects of his neurodevelopment.

"When we heard that Michael had been diagnosed with this terrible disease, our world fell apart. We were lost and broken as a family," Michael's parents, Terry and Georgia told Medical Express.&nbsp;

"Thankfully, we had an amazing team at SickKids and a supportive community that lifted us up and gave us the confidence to raise millions of dollars and create a therapy, not only for Michael, but for other children affected by this disease for generations to come." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Doctors and researchers at a children's hospital in Canada have struck a rare success after gene therapy halted the progression of rare genetic condition in a young boy.

Doctors and researchers at a children's hospital in Canada have struck a rare success after gene therapy halted the progression of rare genetic condition in a young boy. The boy, identified as Michael, reportedly received an individualised gene therapy at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in March 2022. Michael has spastic paraplegia type 50 (SPG50). It is an "ultra-rare" progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes developmental delays, speech impairment, seizures, a progressive paralysis of all four limbs, and is typically fatal by adulthood. Also watch | India's homegrown, low-cost Car-T cell therapy | The race to cure Cancer × According to the findings of Michael's gene therapy published in the Nature journal, approximately 80 children around the world are affected by this genetic condition. SPG 50 gene therapy treatment: What did scientists do? In a bid to slow the progression of the condition, a clinical research team at SickKids administered a first single-patient gene therapy to Michael less than three years after his initial diagnosis, according to a report in the Medical Express. What is gene therapy? Gene therapy is a way of delivering a healthy copy of a gene into the cells of a person who has a faulty gene(s). In Michael's case, SPG50 is caused by two pathogenic variants in a gene called AP4M1. "While these ultra-rare diseases are unique, our workflow provides a road map for gene therapies that could help many of the thousands of children in Canada with rare genetic conditions," Dr Jim Dowling, Staff Physician in the Division of Neurology and Senior Scientist in the Genetics & Genome Biology program at SickKids, was quoted as saying by the Medical Express. Also read | Gene therapy breakthrough restores hearing ability in deaf children During the gene therapy, Michael was able to stand with his heels on the ground. He also experienced improvements in some aspects of his neurodevelopment. "When we heard that Michael had been diagnosed with this terrible disease, our world fell apart. We were lost and broken as a family," Michael's parents, Terry and Georgia told Medical Express. "Thankfully, we had an amazing team at SickKids and a supportive community that lifted us up and gave us the confidence to raise millions of dollars and create a therapy, not only for Michael, but for other children affected by this disease for generations to come." (With inputs from agencies)

Gene therapy gives life to child with rare genetic disorder in major medical breakthrough

Recent research has pointed out that the early shape of our Solar System was more like a doughnut than the flat disk we recognise at present. The discovery comes from an in-depth study of iron meteorites originating from the outer reaches of the Solar System.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The implications of this finding are significant for understanding the formation of other emerging planetary systems and the sequence in which they develop.

<h2>Development of planetary system</h2>

Planetary system formation begins in a molecular cloud of gas and dust drifting through space. When a portion of this cloud becomes sufficiently dense, it collapses under its own gravity and starts spinning, forming the seed of a nascent star. The surrounding material pulls into a rotating disk which feeds into the growing protostar.

Within this disk, smaller clumps form, evolving into protoplanetary seeds. These seeds either grow into full-fledged planets or remain as smaller objects, such as asteroids, if their development is arrested.

Observations of other stars reveal these disks are often with gaps carved by planets consuming dust as they orbit.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Discovery of six-planet solar system amazes astronomers | WION

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/discovery-of-six-planet-solar-system-amazes-astronomers-wion-664631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A team led by planetary scientist Bidong Zhang of the University of California, Los Angeles, found that the composition of asteroids in the outer Solar System suggests a toroidal cloud of material rather than a series of concentric rings in a flat disk during the early stages of the Solar System's formation.

The iron meteorites in question, which have travelled to Earth from the outer Solar System, are richer in refractory metals like platinum and iridium. These metals can only form in very hot environments, close to a forming star. Notably, these meteorites originated not from the inner Solar System but the outer regions. They must have formed close to the Sun and moved outward as the protoplanetary disk expanded.

The scientific models indicate that these iron objects could not have crossed gaps in a protoplanetary disk. Instead, the latest calculations suggest that migration would have been more feasible if the protoplanetary structure was toroidal. This shape would have directed metal-rich objects toward the outer edges of the forming Solar System.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/planet-nine-how-challenging-is-the-journey-to-edge-of-solar-system-735045">Planet Nine: How challenging is the journey to edge of Solar System?</a>

As the disk cooled and planets began to form, gaps in the disk would have prevented rocks from migrating back towards the Sun, acting as an effective barrier.

"Once Jupiter formed, it very likely opened a physical gap that trapped the iridium and platinum metals in the outer disk and prevented them from falling into the Sun," Zhang said in a statement and added,&nbsp;"These metals were later incorporated into asteroids that formed in the outer disk, explaining why meteorites from this region have higher iridium and platinum contents than their inner-disk counterparts."

The research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

(With inputs from agencies)

Recent research has pointed out that the early shape of our Solar System was more like a doughnut than the flat disk we recognise at present. The discovery comes from an in-depth study of iron meteorites originating from the outer reaches of the Solar System.

Recent research has pointed out that the early shape of our Solar System was more like a doughnut than the flat disk we recognise at present. The discovery comes from an in-depth study of iron meteorites originating from the outer reaches of the Solar System. What does it mean? The implications of this finding are significant for understanding the formation of other emerging planetary systems and the sequence in which they develop. Development of planetary system Planetary system formation begins in a molecular cloud of gas and dust drifting through space. When a portion of this cloud becomes sufficiently dense, it collapses under its own gravity and starts spinning, forming the seed of a nascent star. The surrounding material pulls into a rotating disk which feeds into the growing protostar. Within this disk, smaller clumps form, evolving into protoplanetary seeds. These seeds either grow into full-fledged planets or remain as smaller objects, such as asteroids, if their development is arrested. Observations of other stars reveal these disks are often with gaps carved by planets consuming dust as they orbit. Also watch | Discovery of six-planet solar system amazes astronomers | WION × A team led by planetary scientist Bidong Zhang of the University of California, Los Angeles, found that the composition of asteroids in the outer Solar System suggests a toroidal cloud of material rather than a series of concentric rings in a flat disk during the early stages of the Solar System's formation. The iron meteorites in question, which have travelled to Earth from the outer Solar System, are richer in refractory metals like platinum and iridium. These metals can only form in very hot environments, close to a forming star. Notably, these meteorites originated not from the inner Solar System but the outer regions. They must have formed close to the Sun and moved outward as the protoplanetary disk expanded. The scientific models indicate that these iron objects could not have crossed gaps in a protoplanetary disk. Instead, the latest calculations suggest that migration would have been more feasible if the protoplanetary structure was toroidal. This shape would have directed metal-rich objects toward the outer edges of the forming Solar System. Also read | Planet Nine: How challenging is the journey to edge of Solar System? As the disk cooled and planets began to form, gaps in the disk would have prevented rocks from migrating back towards the Sun, acting as an effective barrier. "Once Jupiter formed, it very likely opened a physical gap that trapped the iridium and platinum metals in the outer disk and prevented them from falling into the Sun," Zhang said in a statement and added, "These metals were later incorporated into asteroids that formed in the outer disk, explaining why meteorites from this region have higher iridium and platinum contents than their inner-disk counterparts." The research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists suggest our Solar System was shaped like donut in the beginning

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi.

The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.

The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat.

This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/device-inspired-by-python-teeth-revolutionises-rotator-cuff-repairs-736373">Device inspired by Python teeth revolutionises rotator cuff repair surgery</a>

"As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible."

The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antikythera-mechanism-an-ancient-greek-computer-tracked-lunar-calendar-736318">Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar</a>

These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat.

Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lancet-study-claims-half-of-indian-adults-are-physically-unfit-736041/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.

The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts.

"Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life."

This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers. The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat. This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth. Also Read | Device inspired by Python teeth revolutionises rotator cuff repair surgery "As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible." The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips. Also Read | Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat. Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit × Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts. "Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life." This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a stunning image of Olympus Mons, which is the tallest volcano in the solar system, on March 11, 2024. The image was posted Friday (Jun 28) on the social media account of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which manages NASA's many robotic missions aimed at exploring Earth, the solar system and the universe.&nbsp;

The Mars robot was launched 23 years ago and is about to mark a new milestone on June 30, that is 100,000 trips around the Red Planet. While doing its job, the Odyssey orbiter has been mapping minerals and ice across the Martian surface. It relays data to Earth from NASA's rovers and landers and helps scientists to identify landing sites for future missions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA&nbsp;says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth</a>&nbsp;

The image is part of a result of the Odyssey team's ongoing efforts to offer high-altitude views of the planet's horizon. Notably, the first of these views was released towards the end of 2023.&nbsp;

The picture aids in the study of various layers of dust and cloud matter in the Martian atmosphere in addition to offering a never-before-seen perspective of the volcano.&nbsp;

The image was taken in March and shows a base sprawling across 600 kilometres and the shield volcano rising to a height of 27 kilometres.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/giant-leap-for-ind-aus-ties-isro-to-launch-biggest-australian-satellite-735945">Giant leap for Ind-Aus ties: ISRO to launch biggest Australian satellite</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by jpl.nasa.gov, Odyssey's project scientist, Jeffrey Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the mission, said: "Normally we see Olympus Mons in narrow strips from above, but by turning the spacecraft toward the horizon we can see in a single image how large it looms over the landscape. Not only is the image spectacular, it also provides us with unique science data."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A unique view of a massive Martian volcano 🌋 
 
The Mars Odyssey orbiter captured the largest volcano in the solar system – Olympus Mons. With a base that sprawls 373 miles (600 km) across, it is wider than the distance from L.A. to San Francisco. <a href="https://t.co/1wCdeme8Kv">https://t.co/1wCdeme8Kv</a> <a href="https://t.co/6k2IDb1405">pic.twitter.com/6k2IDb1405</a>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1806397363600396674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

NASA said in its report that the recent horizon photography was designed as an experiment between NASA's 2008 Phoenix mission and 2012 Curiosity rover landings several years ago.&nbsp;

Odyssey was crucial in transmitting information as the spacecraft raced towards the surface, just like it was in previous Mars landings both before and after those missions touched down.&nbsp;

The US-based space agency further added in its report that Odyssey's antenna had to be pointed towards the freshly arriving spacecraft and their landing ellipses in order to transmit their critical engineering data to Earth.&nbsp;

Scientists became curious when they realised that Odyssey's antenna would be pointing THEMIS towards the planet's horizon for this mission. THEMIS is a heat-sensitive camera called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, built and operated by Arizona State University.&nbsp;

Odyssey's mission operations spacecraft engineer, Steve Sanders of Lockheed Martin Space in Denver, said: "We just decided to turn the camera on and see how it looked." Odyssey was built by Lockheed Martin, which also supports the mission leads at JPL in their daily work.&nbsp;

"Based on those experiments, we designed a sequence that keeps THEMIS' field-of-view centered on the horizon as we go around the planet," Sanders added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a stunning image of Olympus Mons, which is the tallest volcano in the solar system, on March 11, 2024. The image was posted Friday (Jun 28) on the social media account of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which manages NASA's many robotic missions aimed at exploring Earth, the solar system and the universe.

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter captured a stunning image of Olympus Mons, which is the tallest volcano in the solar system, on March 11, 2024. The image was posted Friday (Jun 28) on the social media account of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which manages NASA's many robotic missions aimed at exploring Earth, the solar system and the universe. The Mars robot was launched 23 years ago and is about to mark a new milestone on June 30, that is 100,000 trips around the Red Planet. While doing its job, the Odyssey orbiter has been mapping minerals and ice across the Martian surface. It relays data to Earth from NASA's rovers and landers and helps scientists to identify landing sites for future missions. Also read: NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth The image is part of a result of the Odyssey team's ongoing efforts to offer high-altitude views of the planet's horizon. Notably, the first of these views was released towards the end of 2023. The picture aids in the study of various layers of dust and cloud matter in the Martian atmosphere in addition to offering a never-before-seen perspective of the volcano. The image was taken in March and shows a base sprawling across 600 kilometres and the shield volcano rising to a height of 27 kilometres. Also read: Giant leap for Ind-Aus ties: ISRO to launch biggest Australian satellite As quoted by jpl.nasa.gov, Odyssey's project scientist, Jeffrey Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the mission, said: "Normally we see Olympus Mons in narrow strips from above, but by turning the spacecraft toward the horizon we can see in a single image how large it looms over the landscape. Not only is the image spectacular, it also provides us with unique science data." A unique view of a massive Martian volcano 🌋 The Mars Odyssey orbiter captured the largest volcano in the solar system – Olympus Mons. With a base that sprawls 373 miles (600 km) across, it is wider than the distance from L.A. to San Francisco. https://t.co/1wCdeme8Kv pic.twitter.com/6k2IDb1405 — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) June 27, 2024 × NASA said in its report that the recent horizon photography was designed as an experiment between NASA's 2008 Phoenix mission and 2012 Curiosity rover landings several years ago. Odyssey was crucial in transmitting information as the spacecraft raced towards the surface, just like it was in previous Mars landings both before and after those missions touched down. The US-based space agency further added in its report that Odyssey's antenna had to be pointed towards the freshly arriving spacecraft and their landing ellipses in order to transmit their critical engineering data to Earth. Scientists became curious when they realised that Odyssey's antenna would be pointing THEMIS towards the planet's horizon for this mission. THEMIS is a heat-sensitive camera called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, built and operated by Arizona State University. Odyssey's mission operations spacecraft engineer, Steve Sanders of Lockheed Martin Space in Denver, said: "We just decided to turn the camera on and see how it looked." Odyssey was built by Lockheed Martin, which also supports the mission leads at JPL in their daily work. "Based on those experiments, we designed a sequence that keeps THEMIS' field-of-view centered on the horizon as we go around the planet," Sanders added. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's a stunning image of tallest volcano in solar system that is NOT on Earth

Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28).

However, the space agency has said that Starliner commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and his co-pilot Sunita Williams are not "stranded" in space.

"We don't have a targeted (landing) date today," said Steve Stich, who is &nbsp;NASA's Commercial Crew Programme manager, while speaking to the reporters during a teleconference.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeings-starliner-capsule-extends-iss-stay-again-to-assess-helium-system-leaks-thruster-performance-734121">Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks &amp; thruster performance</a>

"We're not going to target a specific date until we get that testing completed. So essentially, it's complete the testing, complete the fault tree, bring that analysis into (the mission management team), and then have an agency-level review. And then we'll lay out the rest of the plan from undocking to landing. I think we're on a good path," he said.

<h2>What is the issue with spacecraft?</h2>

NASA and Boeing have been troubled by the Starliner's service module, which has the helium lines, thrusters and other critical systems. It&nbsp;gets discarded before its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and ends getting burnt.

Because of this, engineers will not be able to study the hardware and hence, wish to collect as much data as possible before the two astronauts go back to the Earth.

However, the extended stay of the astronauts at the space station has made it appear to many that they are stranded in orbit.

Boeing's Starliner programme manager Stich and Mark Nappi stated that this is a mischaracterisation.

<h2>Astronauts 'not in any rush to come home': NASA&nbsp;</h2>

"It's pretty painful to read the things that are out there. We've got a really good test flight...and it's being viewed rather negatively. We're not stuck on ISS. The crew is not in any danger, and there's no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth," Nappi said.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA further delays return date of Boeing's Starliner on Earth

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-further-delays-return-date-of-boeings-starliner-on-earth-734879/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Stich further said that he wants "to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space. Our plan is to continue to return them on Starliner and return them home at the right time. We'll have a little bit more work to do to get there for the final return, but they're safe on the space station. Their spacecraft is working well, and they're enjoying their time on the space station."

“We're not in any rush to come home,” he added.

On June 5, the Starliner was launched on the first piloted test flight of the programme with a known helium leak. The other four leaks happened when the ship was headed to the space station.

(With inputs from agencies)

Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28).

Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28). However, the space agency has said that Starliner commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and his co-pilot Sunita Williams are not "stranded" in space. "We don't have a targeted (landing) date today," said Steve Stich, who is NASA's Commercial Crew Programme manager, while speaking to the reporters during a teleconference. Also Read: Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks & thruster performance "We're not going to target a specific date until we get that testing completed. So essentially, it's complete the testing, complete the fault tree, bring that analysis into (the mission management team), and then have an agency-level review. And then we'll lay out the rest of the plan from undocking to landing. I think we're on a good path," he said. What is the issue with spacecraft? NASA and Boeing have been troubled by the Starliner's service module, which has the helium lines, thrusters and other critical systems. It gets discarded before its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and ends getting burnt. Because of this, engineers will not be able to study the hardware and hence, wish to collect as much data as possible before the two astronauts go back to the Earth. However, the extended stay of the astronauts at the space station has made it appear to many that they are stranded in orbit. Boeing's Starliner programme manager Stich and Mark Nappi stated that this is a mischaracterisation. Astronauts 'not in any rush to come home': NASA "It's pretty painful to read the things that are out there. We've got a really good test flight...and it's being viewed rather negatively. We're not stuck on ISS. The crew is not in any danger, and there's no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth," Nappi said. Watch: NASA further delays return date of Boeing's Starliner on Earth Stich further said that he wants "to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space. Our plan is to continue to return them on Starliner and return them home at the right time. We'll have a little bit more work to do to get there for the final return, but they're safe on the space station. Their spacecraft is working well, and they're enjoying their time on the space station." “We're not in any rush to come home,” he added. On June 5, the Starliner was launched on the first piloted test flight of the programme with a known helium leak. The other four leaks happened when the ship was headed to the space station. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new device that is inspired by the unique teeth structure of pythons. In a paper published in Science Advances, the research team led by Stavros Thomopoulos reported that they have developed a python-tooth-inspired device as an alternative to rotator cuff suture repair.&nbsp;

This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionise the field of rotator cuff repair, offering patients a significantly stronger and more durable solution.

The key to this breakthrough lies in the remarkable design of python teeth.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antikythera-mechanism-an-ancient-greek-computer-tracked-lunar-calendar-736318">Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar</a>

These serpents possess a unique set of teeth that are angled backward, allowing them to grip and hold onto prey with incredible strength. Inspired by this natural adaptation, the research team set out to replicate the same principles in a medical device.

The new device, which is designed to be used during rotator cuff repair surgery, featured&nbsp;a series of small, angled hooks that mimic the structure of python teeth.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-species-was-also-wiped-out-along-with-dinosaurs-in-meteor-strike-736285">This species was also wiped out along with dinosaurs in meteor strike</a>

These hooks are strategically placed along the device, allowing it to grip the tendon and bone with twice the strength of traditional repair methods.

This breakthrough has implications for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.

<h2>Reduces risk of re-tears&nbsp;</h2>

By providing a stronger and more secure attachment, the new device is expected to reduce the risk of re-tears and improve the overall success rate of the surgery.

Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://wionews.com/videos/having-multivitamin-supplements-do-not-help-us-live-longer-study-735969/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Additionally, the enhanced stability offered by the device may lead to faster recovery time&nbsp;and better long-term outcomes for patients.

The development of this innovative device is the result of a collaborative effort between orthopedic surgeons, biomedical engineers, and materials scientists.

The research team is now working on further refining the design and exploring a bioabsorbable version of the device.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new device that is inspired by the unique teeth structure of pythons. In a paper published in Science Advances, the research team led by Stavros Thomopoulos reported that they have developed a python-tooth-inspired device as an alternative to rotator cuff suture repair.

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new device that is inspired by the unique teeth structure of pythons. In a paper published in Science Advances, the research team led by Stavros Thomopoulos reported that they have developed a python-tooth-inspired device as an alternative to rotator cuff suture repair. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionise the field of rotator cuff repair, offering patients a significantly stronger and more durable solution. The key to this breakthrough lies in the remarkable design of python teeth. Also Read | Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar These serpents possess a unique set of teeth that are angled backward, allowing them to grip and hold onto prey with incredible strength. Inspired by this natural adaptation, the research team set out to replicate the same principles in a medical device. The new device, which is designed to be used during rotator cuff repair surgery, featured a series of small, angled hooks that mimic the structure of python teeth. Also Read | This species was also wiped out along with dinosaurs in meteor strike These hooks are strategically placed along the device, allowing it to grip the tendon and bone with twice the strength of traditional repair methods. This breakthrough has implications for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. Reduces risk of re-tears By providing a stronger and more secure attachment, the new device is expected to reduce the risk of re-tears and improve the overall success rate of the surgery. Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study × Additionally, the enhanced stability offered by the device may lead to faster recovery time and better long-term outcomes for patients. The development of this innovative device is the result of a collaborative effort between orthopedic surgeons, biomedical engineers, and materials scientists. The research team is now working on further refining the design and exploring a bioabsorbable version of the device. (With inputs from agencies)

Device inspired by Python teeth revolutionises rotator cuff repair surgery

The Antikythera mechanism, an ancient device discovered over a century ago, has long been considered the world's oldest known computer.

New research has now revealed that this remarkable artifact was used to track the Greek lunar calendar, rather than the solar calendar used by the ancient Egyptians, contrary to previous beliefs.

The Antikythera mechanism, created around 2,200 years ago, is a shoebox-sized device containing intricate bronze gears that were used to model the motions of the sun, moon and planets.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-species-was-also-wiped-out-along-with-dinosaurs-in-meteor-strike-736285">This species was also wiped out along with dinosaurs in meteor strike</a>

One key component, the "calendar ring", was used to track the days of the year, with each hole representing a single day.

Recent analysis by researchers at the University of Glasgow has determined that the mechanism likely had 354 or 355 holes, corresponding to the 354-day lunar calendar used in ancient Greece, rather than the 365-day solar calendar.

This finding contradicted the previous belief that the device followed the more accurate Egyptian solar calendar.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroids-thrashing-mars-more-than-ever-thought-leaving-craters-on-red-planet-736281">Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet</a>

"Glasgow team's results provide fresh evidence that one of the components of the Antikythera mechanism was most likely used to track the Greek lunar year," the researchers stated.

Study co-author Graham Woan, an astrophysics professor at the University of Glasgow, said, "The precision of the holes' positioning would have required highly accurate measurement techniques and an incredibly steady hand to punch them."&nbsp;

Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lancet-study-claims-half-of-indian-adults-are-physically-unfit-736041/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It's a neat symmetry that we've adapted techniques we use to study the universe today to understand more about a mechanism that helped people keep track of the heavens nearly two millennia ago."&nbsp;

<h2>2020 study&nbsp;</h2>

The new research builds on a 2020 study that also concluded the Antikythera mechanism tracked the lunar calendar.&nbsp;Andrew Thoeni, a co-author of that earlier paper, expressed satisfaction that "more scholars are now accepting and validating our findings."

Diomidis Spinellis, a professor who has studied the Antikythera mechanism, praised the latest work, stating, "The Antikythera mechanism is a gift that keeps on giving... Despite its severe corrosion and many missing elements, the application of increasingly sophisticated technologies and innovative cross-disciplinary analysis continues to provide impressive insights into this remarkable artifact."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Antikythera mechanism, an ancient device discovered over a century ago, has long been considered the world's oldest known computer. New research has now revealed that this remarkable artifact was used to track the Greek lunar calendar, rather than the solar calendar used by the ancient Egyptians, contrary to previous beliefs.

The Antikythera mechanism, an ancient device discovered over a century ago, has long been considered the world's oldest known computer. New research has now revealed that this remarkable artifact was used to track the Greek lunar calendar, rather than the solar calendar used by the ancient Egyptians, contrary to previous beliefs. The Antikythera mechanism, created around 2,200 years ago, is a shoebox-sized device containing intricate bronze gears that were used to model the motions of the sun, moon and planets. Also Read | This species was also wiped out along with dinosaurs in meteor strike One key component, the "calendar ring", was used to track the days of the year, with each hole representing a single day. Recent analysis by researchers at the University of Glasgow has determined that the mechanism likely had 354 or 355 holes, corresponding to the 354-day lunar calendar used in ancient Greece, rather than the 365-day solar calendar. This finding contradicted the previous belief that the device followed the more accurate Egyptian solar calendar. Also Read | Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet "Glasgow team's results provide fresh evidence that one of the components of the Antikythera mechanism was most likely used to track the Greek lunar year," the researchers stated. Study co-author Graham Woan, an astrophysics professor at the University of Glasgow, said, "The precision of the holes' positioning would have required highly accurate measurement techniques and an incredibly steady hand to punch them." Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit × "It's a neat symmetry that we've adapted techniques we use to study the universe today to understand more about a mechanism that helped people keep track of the heavens nearly two millennia ago." 2020 study The new research builds on a 2020 study that also concluded the Antikythera mechanism tracked the lunar calendar. Andrew Thoeni, a co-author of that earlier paper, expressed satisfaction that "more scholars are now accepting and validating our findings." Diomidis Spinellis, a professor who has studied the Antikythera mechanism, praised the latest work, stating, "The Antikythera mechanism is a gift that keeps on giving... Despite its severe corrosion and many missing elements, the application of increasingly sophisticated technologies and innovative cross-disciplinary analysis continues to provide impressive insights into this remarkable artifact." (With inputs from agencies)

Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar

In a new study, the scientists said that ammonites were not declining in numbers when they went extinct.

The marine molluscs with coiled shells, which are one of the great icons of palaeontology, flourished in the oceans of Earth for more than 350 million years till they died out during the same meteorite strike in which the dinosaurs were wiped out nearly 66 million years ago.

Few of the palaeontologists have stated that their extinction was inevitable and that ammonite diversity had decreased before they went extinct till the end of the Cretaceous.

The new research, which was published in&nbsp;Nature Communications&nbsp;and headed by&nbsp;palaeontologists&nbsp;at the University of Bristol, stated that their fate was not set in stone.&nbsp;

The final chapter in the ammonite evolutionary history is more complex.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jurassic-king-with-a-crown-scientists-discover-fancy-headgear-on-78-million-year-old-dinosaur-733808">Jurassic king with a crown? Scientists discover fancy headgear on 78-million-year-old dinosaur</a>

Lead author Dr Joseph Flannery-Sutherland said, "Understanding how and why biodiversity has changed through time is very challenging."&nbsp;

"The&nbsp;fossil record&nbsp;tells us some of the story, but it is often an unreliable narrator. Patterns of diversity can just reflect patterns of sampling, essentially where and when we have found new fossil species, rather than actual biological history," he added.

"Analysing the existing Late Cretaceous ammonite fossil record as though it were the complete, global story is probably why previous researchers have thought they were in long-term ecological decline," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>How did the team analyse Late Cretaceous ammonite fossils?</h2>

A new database of Late Cretaceous ammonite fossils was assembled by the team to fill the sampling gaps in their record.

"We drew on&nbsp;museum collections&nbsp;to provide new sources of specimens rather than just relying on what had already been published," said co-author Cameron Crossan.

&nbsp;Crossan is the University of Bristol's Palaeobiology MSc programme's 2023 graduate.

"This way we could be sure that we were getting a more accurate picture of their biodiversity prior to their total extinction," he added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Japanese scientists create living robot skin with human cells

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japanese-scientists-create-living-robot-skin-with-human-cells-735378/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The team, while using their database, analysed how extinction rates and ammonite speciation varied in different parts of the world.&nbsp;

Throughout the Late Cretaceous, if ammonites were in decline then their extinction rates were generally higher than their speciation rates wherever they checked.&nbsp;

Instead, the team found that the balance of speciation and extinction changed between different geographic regions and through geological time.&nbsp;

Senior author Dr James Witts of the Natural History Museum, London said, "These differences in ammonoid diversification around the world are a crucial part of why their Late Cretaceous story has been misunderstood."

"Their fossil record in parts of North America is very well sampled, but if you looked at this alone, then you might think that they were struggling, while they were actually flourishing in other regions. Their extinction really was a chance event and not an inevitable outcome," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, the scientists said that ammonites were not declining in numbers when they went extinct. The marine molluscs with coiled shells, which are one of the great icons of palaeontology, flourished in the oceans of Earth for more than 350 million years till they died out during the same meteorite strike in which the dinosaurs were wiped out nearly 66 million years ago.

In a new study, the scientists said that ammonites were not declining in numbers when they went extinct. The marine molluscs with coiled shells, which are one of the great icons of palaeontology, flourished in the oceans of Earth for more than 350 million years till they died out during the same meteorite strike in which the dinosaurs were wiped out nearly 66 million years ago. Few of the palaeontologists have stated that their extinction was inevitable and that ammonite diversity had decreased before they went extinct till the end of the Cretaceous. The new research, which was published in Nature Communications and headed by palaeontologists at the University of Bristol, stated that their fate was not set in stone. The final chapter in the ammonite evolutionary history is more complex. Also Read: Jurassic king with a crown? Scientists discover fancy headgear on 78-million-year-old dinosaur Lead author Dr Joseph Flannery-Sutherland said, "Understanding how and why biodiversity has changed through time is very challenging." "The fossil record tells us some of the story, but it is often an unreliable narrator. Patterns of diversity can just reflect patterns of sampling, essentially where and when we have found new fossil species, rather than actual biological history," he added. "Analysing the existing Late Cretaceous ammonite fossil record as though it were the complete, global story is probably why previous researchers have thought they were in long-term ecological decline," he said. How did the team analyse Late Cretaceous ammonite fossils? A new database of Late Cretaceous ammonite fossils was assembled by the team to fill the sampling gaps in their record. "We drew on museum collections to provide new sources of specimens rather than just relying on what had already been published," said co-author Cameron Crossan. Crossan is the University of Bristol's Palaeobiology MSc programme's 2023 graduate. "This way we could be sure that we were getting a more accurate picture of their biodiversity prior to their total extinction," he added. Watch: Japanese scientists create living robot skin with human cells The team, while using their database, analysed how extinction rates and ammonite speciation varied in different parts of the world. Throughout the Late Cretaceous, if ammonites were in decline then their extinction rates were generally higher than their speciation rates wherever they checked. Instead, the team found that the balance of speciation and extinction changed between different geographic regions and through geological time. Senior author Dr James Witts of the Natural History Museum, London said, "These differences in ammonoid diversification around the world are a crucial part of why their Late Cretaceous story has been misunderstood." "Their fossil record in parts of North America is very well sampled, but if you looked at this alone, then you might think that they were struggling, while they were actually flourishing in other regions. Their extinction really was a chance event and not an inevitable outcome," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

This species was also wiped out along with dinosaurs in meteor strike

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data.&nbsp;

According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across.

Study's co-lead Geraldine Zenhaeusern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone. Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates."

This new analysis of the data collected by a seismometer on&nbsp;Mars&nbsp;has emphasised that space rocks have been hitting Mars more frequently than ever thought.

Based on the number of nearby impact-related tremors found by the Mars InSight lander, the scientists estimated that the planet must be facing smashing by rocks which are the size of a basketball almost every day.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-suggests-quakes-on-mars-hiding-water-secrets-of-red-planet-hints-at-possibility-of-life-735586">Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life</a>

Co-lead author Geraldine Zenhausern&nbsp;of ETH Zurich and planetary scientist in Switzerland Geraldine Zenhausern&nbsp;said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone."&nbsp;

"Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates," he added.

<h2>Here's what craters tell about Mars' asteroid thrashing session</h2>

The speed at which a crater is formed on a planetary surface helps in understanding how old has the surface been.

Surfaces which have more craters are believed to be older in comparison to those with fewer craters. "By using seismic data to better understand how often meteorites hit Mars and how these impacts change its surface, we can start piecing together a timeline of the red planet's geological history and evolution,"&nbsp;said planetary scientist and co-lead author Natalia Wojcicka&nbsp;of Imperial College London.

"You could think of it as a sort of 'cosmic clock' to help us date Martian surfaces, and maybe, further down the line, other planets in the Solar System," she added.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth's days may be getting little longer: Unveiling the planet's mysteries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earths-days-may-be-getting-little-longer-unveiling-the-planets-mysteries-731789/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Mars is located close to the&nbsp;asteroid&nbsp;belt which lies between its orbit and the orbit of&nbsp;Jupiter and hence, has a lot of rocks in the vicinity which may have led to a high impact rate.

"While new craters can best be seen on flat and dusty terrain where they really stand out, this type of terrain covers less than half of the surface of Mars,"&nbsp;said Zenhausern. "The sensitive InSight seismometer, however, could hear every single impact within the landers' range," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data. According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across.

A team of scientists, headed by ETH Zurich and Imperial College London, has found a never-known global meteorite impact on Mars with the help of seismic data. According to their new findings, nearly 280 to 360 meteorites have been hitting the planet every year and creating craters greater than 8 metres (about 26 feet) across. Study's co-lead Geraldine Zenhaeusern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone. Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates." This new analysis of the data collected by a seismometer on Mars has emphasised that space rocks have been hitting Mars more frequently than ever thought. Based on the number of nearby impact-related tremors found by the Mars InSight lander, the scientists estimated that the planet must be facing smashing by rocks which are the size of a basketball almost every day. Also Read: Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life Co-lead author Geraldine Zenhausern of ETH Zurich and planetary scientist in Switzerland Geraldine Zenhausern said, "This rate was about five times higher than the number estimated from orbital imagery alone." "Aligned with orbital imagery, our findings demonstrate that seismology is an excellent tool for measuring impact rates," he added. Here's what craters tell about Mars' asteroid thrashing session The speed at which a crater is formed on a planetary surface helps in understanding how old has the surface been. Surfaces which have more craters are believed to be older in comparison to those with fewer craters. "By using seismic data to better understand how often meteorites hit Mars and how these impacts change its surface, we can start piecing together a timeline of the red planet's geological history and evolution," said planetary scientist and co-lead author Natalia Wojcicka of Imperial College London. "You could think of it as a sort of 'cosmic clock' to help us date Martian surfaces, and maybe, further down the line, other planets in the Solar System," she added. Watch: Earth's days may be getting little longer: Unveiling the planet's mysteries Meanwhile, Mars is located close to the asteroid belt which lies between its orbit and the orbit of Jupiter and hence, has a lot of rocks in the vicinity which may have led to a high impact rate. "While new craters can best be seen on flat and dusty terrain where they really stand out, this type of terrain covers less than half of the surface of Mars," said Zenhausern. "The sensitive InSight seismometer, however, could hear every single impact within the landers' range," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet

NASA researchers at the Armstrong Flight Research Centre in California have built a custom virtual reality (VR) flight simulator to study passenger comfort and experience in future air taxi services.&nbsp;

The simulator features a movable platform that can realistically simulate the motion of an air taxi, combined with VR visuals and spatialized audio to create an immersive experience.

NASA test pilot Wayne Ringelberg recently completed test rides in the simulator, providing feedback to the research team on the realism of the visual, motion and audio cues.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/discovery-of-ancient-stars-and-massive-black-holes-in-a-young-galaxy-challenges-cosmic-theories-736265">Discovery of ancient stars and massive black holes in young galaxies challenges cosmic theories</a>

This simulator is the centerpiece of NASA Armstrong's VR passenger ride quality laboratory, which aims to gather data on how passengers respond to the motions, vibrations, noise and visual stimuli they may encounter during air taxi flights.

<h2>Human subject studies</h2>

Over the next four years, NASA will conduct a series of human subject studies using the simulator. Participants will wear VR headsets and be secured in the moving platform, then asked to indicate any discomfort they experience as they virtually fly through a simulated urban environment.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA&nbsp;says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth</a>

The data collected from these experiments will help design future air taxis, including elements like seat placement, window size and flight paths. This information will be shared with industry and government partners to ensure a positive experience for air taxi passengers.&nbsp;

Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/having-multivitamin-supplements-do-not-help-us-live-longer-study-735969/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"This project is leveraging our research and test pilot aircrew with vertical lift experience to validate the safety and accuracy of the lab in preparation for test subject evaluations," said Ringelberg.

"The experiments in the ride quality lab will inform the advanced air mobility community about the acceptability of the motions these aircraft could make, so the general public is more likely to adopt the new technology."&nbsp;

This work is part of NASA's Advanced Air Mobility mission, which aims to support the development of electric air taxis and drones by providing data and guidance to&nbsp;the&nbsp;industry.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA researchers at the Armstrong Flight Research Centre in California have built a custom virtual reality (VR) flight simulator to study passenger comfort and experience in future air taxi services.

NASA researchers at the Armstrong Flight Research Centre in California have built a custom virtual reality (VR) flight simulator to study passenger comfort and experience in future air taxi services. The simulator features a movable platform that can realistically simulate the motion of an air taxi, combined with VR visuals and spatialized audio to create an immersive experience. NASA test pilot Wayne Ringelberg recently completed test rides in the simulator, providing feedback to the research team on the realism of the visual, motion and audio cues. Also Read | Discovery of ancient stars and massive black holes in young galaxies challenges cosmic theories This simulator is the centerpiece of NASA Armstrong's VR passenger ride quality laboratory, which aims to gather data on how passengers respond to the motions, vibrations, noise and visual stimuli they may encounter during air taxi flights. Human subject studies Over the next four years, NASA will conduct a series of human subject studies using the simulator. Participants will wear VR headsets and be secured in the moving platform, then asked to indicate any discomfort they experience as they virtually fly through a simulated urban environment. Also Read | NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth The data collected from these experiments will help design future air taxis, including elements like seat placement, window size and flight paths. This information will be shared with industry and government partners to ensure a positive experience for air taxi passengers. Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study × "This project is leveraging our research and test pilot aircrew with vertical lift experience to validate the safety and accuracy of the lab in preparation for test subject evaluations," said Ringelberg. "The experiments in the ride quality lab will inform the advanced air mobility community about the acceptability of the motions these aircraft could make, so the general public is more likely to adopt the new technology." This work is part of NASA's Advanced Air Mobility mission, which aims to support the development of electric air taxis and drones by providing data and guidance to the industry. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA develops immersive simulator to optimise air taxi passenger experience

NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends.

The football field-sized space station will crash into the ocean after travelling at a speed of over 17,000 mph (27,500 km/h) in Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;

ISS was first launched in 1998 and has been operated by space agencies in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia, all of which are responsible for its safe deorbiting.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA&nbsp;says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth</a>

"This decision also supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth," Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, said in a statement.

The space station has achieved more than 3,300 experiments while orbiting around our planet across various disciplines that could not be conducted on Earth. It has been a milestone in space exploration and a "blueprint for science" and "partnerships" that have proven to be advantageous for all, according to Bowersox.

However, ISS is nearing its end of life by 2030 as some technical faults and leaks have been causing problems for the crew and agencies working on it. After the end of the Cold War, ISS laid the path for a global collaboration in space.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-gets-another-moon-this-quasi-satellite-to-lurk-around-for-thousands-of-years-736029">Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years</a>

The ISS is also facing some dangers from the space junk, the debris orbiting around the Earth at high speeds from other defunct satellites. The nine crew members on board were forced to take cover in the docked Boeing Starliner crew capsule for about an hour when hundreds of pieces of a wrecked Russian satellite risked their safety at the space station on June 27.

The exact date when ISS will be brought back to Earth is not confirmed by NASA yet. However, the operation is to continue till 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends.

NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends. The football field-sized space station will crash into the ocean after travelling at a speed of over 17,000 mph (27,500 km/h) in Earth's atmosphere. ISS was first launched in 1998 and has been operated by space agencies in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia, all of which are responsible for its safe deorbiting. Also Read | NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth "This decision also supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth," Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, said in a statement. The space station has achieved more than 3,300 experiments while orbiting around our planet across various disciplines that could not be conducted on Earth. It has been a milestone in space exploration and a "blueprint for science" and "partnerships" that have proven to be advantageous for all, according to Bowersox. However, ISS is nearing its end of life by 2030 as some technical faults and leaks have been causing problems for the crew and agencies working on it. After the end of the Cold War, ISS laid the path for a global collaboration in space. Also Read | Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years The ISS is also facing some dangers from the space junk, the debris orbiting around the Earth at high speeds from other defunct satellites. The nine crew members on board were forced to take cover in the docked Boeing Starliner crew capsule for about an hour when hundreds of pieces of a wrecked Russian satellite risked their safety at the space station on June 27. The exact date when ISS will be brought back to Earth is not confirmed by NASA yet. However, the operation is to continue till 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX to receive $843 million contract from NASA to destroy the International Space Station

On June 27, an international team led by Penn State researchers announced their unprecedented&nbsp;discovery&nbsp;after they found three mysterious objects in the universe, which date back to about 600-800 million years after the Big Bang.&nbsp;

The discovery was made using the NIRSpec instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as part of the RUBIES survey. The results after studying the intensity of light emitted from these objects surprised the researchers&nbsp;and made them question the theories related to the origin of galaxies and black holes.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-gets-another-moon-this-quasi-satellite-to-lurk-around-for-thousands-of-years-736029">Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years</a>

"It was totally unexpected to find old stars in a very young universe. The standard models of cosmology and galaxy formation have been incredibly successful, yet, these luminous objects do not quite fit comfortably into those theories," Bingjie Wang, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State and lead author on the paper told ScienceDaily.&nbsp;

<h2>What was discovered using the JWST?&nbsp;</h2>

The researchers found signs of 'old' stars by analysing the intensity of wavelengths emitted by the objects. The stars were hundreds of millions of years old compared to a relatively young universe.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia to resume ICBM manufacturing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-to-resume-icbm-manufacturing-736243/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Furthermore, traces of supermassive black holes were discovered that were 100 to 1,000 times more massive than the black holes in the Milky Way galaxy. According to current cosmic theories, black holes and their galaxies are supposed to grow together. However, finding such massive holes in young galaxies is highly unexpected and contradicts the theory.&nbsp;

<h2>More about the discovery of these objects&nbsp;</h2>

These massive objects were first spotted in July 2022. At the time of the discovery, researchers believed the mysterious objects were galaxies.&nbsp;

After the study and interpretation of the new data, the researchers confirmed that the objects discovered using the JWST were indeed galaxies near the beginning of time while surprisingly the team also detected the evidence of old stars and massive black holes.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-proof-found-that-asteroid-bennu-came-from-a-wet-world-736032">&nbsp;More proof found that asteroid Bennu came from a wet world</a>

"It's very confusing. You can make this uncomfortably fit in our current model of the universe, but only if we evoke some exotic, insanely rapid formation at the beginning of time. This is, without a doubt, the most peculiar and interesting set of objects I've seen in my career," Joel Leja, a co-author on both papers and assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State told the DailyScience.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On June 27, an international team led by Penn State researchers announced their unprecedented discovery after they found three mysterious objects in the universe, which date back to about 600-800 million years after the Big Bang.

On June 27, an international team led by Penn State researchers announced their unprecedented discovery after they found three mysterious objects in the universe, which date back to about 600-800 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery was made using the NIRSpec instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as part of the RUBIES survey. The results after studying the intensity of light emitted from these objects surprised the researchers and made them question the theories related to the origin of galaxies and black holes. Also read | Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years "It was totally unexpected to find old stars in a very young universe. The standard models of cosmology and galaxy formation have been incredibly successful, yet, these luminous objects do not quite fit comfortably into those theories," Bingjie Wang, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State and lead author on the paper told ScienceDaily. What was discovered using the JWST? The researchers found signs of 'old' stars by analysing the intensity of wavelengths emitted by the objects. The stars were hundreds of millions of years old compared to a relatively young universe. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia to resume ICBM manufacturing Furthermore, traces of supermassive black holes were discovered that were 100 to 1,000 times more massive than the black holes in the Milky Way galaxy. According to current cosmic theories, black holes and their galaxies are supposed to grow together. However, finding such massive holes in young galaxies is highly unexpected and contradicts the theory. More about the discovery of these objects These massive objects were first spotted in July 2022. At the time of the discovery, researchers believed the mysterious objects were galaxies. After the study and interpretation of the new data, the researchers confirmed that the objects discovered using the JWST were indeed galaxies near the beginning of time while surprisingly the team also detected the evidence of old stars and massive black holes. Also read | More proof found that asteroid Bennu came from a wet world "It's very confusing. You can make this uncomfortably fit in our current model of the universe, but only if we evoke some exotic, insanely rapid formation at the beginning of time. This is, without a doubt, the most peculiar and interesting set of objects I've seen in my career," Joel Leja, a co-author on both papers and assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State told the DailyScience. (With inputs from agencies)

Discovery of ancient stars and massive black holes in young galaxies challenges cosmic theories

NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week.

The ionosphere, or layer of the atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation and thunderstorms are separated by this lightning discharge, which NASA says was only recorded in the 21st century.

"Pictured here are gigantic jets shooting up from a thunderstorm last week toward the Himalayan Mountains in China and Bhutan. The composite image captured four long jets that occurred only minutes apart. Gigantic jets, documented only in this century, are a type of lightning discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth's ionosphere high above them," NASA said in the image description.&nbsp;

NASA clarified that, in contrast to typical cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, these enormous jets are an uncommon form of lightning. "The bottoms of gigantic jets appear similar to a cloud-to-above strike called blue jets, while the tops appear similar to upper-atmosphere red sprites," claimed the space agency.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eerie-glowing-spot-on-jupiter-holding-secrets-of-dark-matter-scientists-suggest-735614">Eerie glowing spot on Jupiter holding secrets of dark matter, scientists suggest</a>

Furthermore, massive jets may reach up to 80 kilometres above Earth's surface and possess 50 times the strength of a typical lightning strike, according to weather.com.&nbsp;

Despite continued investigation, the specific mechanics and triggers for these beautiful jets remain unknown. However, the space agency clarified that their significance in balancing the electrical charge across different layers of the atmosphere is well known.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-coffee-save-you-from-the-risks-of-a-sedentary-lifestyle-735451">Gravitas | Can coffee save you from the risks of a sedentary lifestyle?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-coffee-save-you-from-the-risks-of-a-sedentary-lifestyle-735451/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the NASA, the best opportunity to see this event is to see a severe but distant rainstorm from a clear vantage point. Under the correct conditions, these jets may be seen hundreds of kilometers distant as they often fly upwards from storm tops into the ionosphere, according to the report.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a similar occurrence in 2019, a flying passenger captured a photo of a massive jet lightning visible beyond the plane's wing. NASA said that the jet lightning was taken in a single 3.2-second exposure above Bhadrak, India.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week.

NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week. The ionosphere, or layer of the atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation and thunderstorms are separated by this lightning discharge, which NASA says was only recorded in the 21st century. "Pictured here are gigantic jets shooting up from a thunderstorm last week toward the Himalayan Mountains in China and Bhutan. The composite image captured four long jets that occurred only minutes apart. Gigantic jets, documented only in this century, are a type of lightning discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth's ionosphere high above them," NASA said in the image description. NASA clarified that, in contrast to typical cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, these enormous jets are an uncommon form of lightning. "The bottoms of gigantic jets appear similar to a cloud-to-above strike called blue jets, while the tops appear similar to upper-atmosphere red sprites," claimed the space agency. Also read: Eerie glowing spot on Jupiter holding secrets of dark matter, scientists suggest Furthermore, massive jets may reach up to 80 kilometres above Earth's surface and possess 50 times the strength of a typical lightning strike, according to weather.com. Despite continued investigation, the specific mechanics and triggers for these beautiful jets remain unknown. However, the space agency clarified that their significance in balancing the electrical charge across different layers of the atmosphere is well known. Watch | Gravitas | Can coffee save you from the risks of a sedentary lifestyle? × According to the NASA, the best opportunity to see this event is to see a severe but distant rainstorm from a clear vantage point. Under the correct conditions, these jets may be seen hundreds of kilometers distant as they often fly upwards from storm tops into the ionosphere, according to the report. Meanwhile, in a similar occurrence in 2019, a flying passenger captured a photo of a massive jet lightning visible beyond the plane's wing. NASA said that the jet lightning was taken in a single 3.2-second exposure above Bhadrak, India. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA unveils breathtaking images of gigantic jets over Himalayan peaks

In a thrilling close shave, being described as a “potentially hazardous” celestial event, a mountain-sized “planet killer” asteroid will whiz past the Earth on Thursday (June 27).&nbsp;

Named as 2011 UL21, the stellar rock, having a whopping width of 1.1 to 2.4 miles (1.7 to 3.8 km), will speed past our planet at approximately 58,000 mph (93,000 km/h).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eerie-glowing-spot-on-jupiter-holding-secrets-of-dark-matter-scientists-suggest-735614">Eerie glowing spot on Jupiter holding secrets of dark matter, scientists suggest</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Should we worry? Scientists say the asteroid poses no threat</h2>

Despite its size and proximity, the asteroid will zip by at a distance of approximately 4.1 million miles (6.6 million km) from Earth, 17 times farther away than the moon- a safe vicinity that offers no threat to our planet, either now or in the foreseeable future, as per observations by the European Space Agency (ESA).

However, NASA classified it as a potentially hazardous object, highlighting the asteroid’s potential to cause continental-scale damage if it were to hit Earth, and the least likely prospects of it releasing debris into the atmosphere while passing by that could trigger climate changes.

Due to this capacity, the asteroid, which orbits the Sun once every three years, has earned the moniker of “planet killer”.

Larger than 99% of known near-Earth asteroids, this rock is smaller than the largest space rock (Vredefort asteroid) that hit the Earth's surface in past by 10 times, according to the ESA.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-unveils-breathtaking-images-of-gigantic-jets-over-himalayan-peaks-735769">NASA unveils breathtaking images of gigantic jets over Himalayan peaks</a>

<h2>How to catch the rare spectacle live&nbsp;</h2>

You can observe the closest approach of the 2011 UL21 asteroid through a free livestream by the Virtual Telescope Project (VTP), featuring views from the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory in Ceccano, Italy.

The livestream begins at 4 PM ET (1:30 AM IST) on June 27, with the near skim expected approximately 15 minutes later. 
Aiming to catch a glimpse of the enormous asteroid turned a speck of light zipping across the starry night, astronomers and space enthusiasts are gearing up across the world.

Through using suitable equipment such as strong telescopes, observers present in the Northern Hemisphere can also see the speeding space rock under optimal conditions.

However, the significance of the event extends beyond just a night-sky spectacle.&nbsp;

Offering insights into asteroid behaviour and enhancing planetary defense strategies, this encounter underscores the need for continued vigilance of asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a thrilling close shave, being described as a “potentially hazardous” celestial event, a mountain-sized “planet killer” asteroid will whiz past the Earth on Thursday (June 27).

In a thrilling close shave, being described as a “potentially hazardous” celestial event, a mountain-sized “planet killer” asteroid will whiz past the Earth on Thursday (June 27). Named as 2011 UL21, the stellar rock, having a whopping width of 1.1 to 2.4 miles (1.7 to 3.8 km), will speed past our planet at approximately 58,000 mph (93,000 km/h). Also read: Eerie glowing spot on Jupiter holding secrets of dark matter, scientists suggest Should we worry? Scientists say the asteroid poses no threat Despite its size and proximity, the asteroid will zip by at a distance of approximately 4.1 million miles (6.6 million km) from Earth, 17 times farther away than the moon- a safe vicinity that offers no threat to our planet, either now or in the foreseeable future, as per observations by the European Space Agency (ESA). However, NASA classified it as a potentially hazardous object, highlighting the asteroid’s potential to cause continental-scale damage if it were to hit Earth, and the least likely prospects of it releasing debris into the atmosphere while passing by that could trigger climate changes. Due to this capacity, the asteroid, which orbits the Sun once every three years, has earned the moniker of “planet killer”. Larger than 99% of known near-Earth asteroids, this rock is smaller than the largest space rock (Vredefort asteroid) that hit the Earth's surface in past by 10 times, according to the ESA. Also read: NASA unveils breathtaking images of gigantic jets over Himalayan peaks How to catch the rare spectacle live You can observe the closest approach of the 2011 UL21 asteroid through a free livestream by the Virtual Telescope Project (VTP), featuring views from the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory in Ceccano, Italy. The livestream begins at 4 PM ET (1:30 AM IST) on June 27, with the near skim expected approximately 15 minutes later. Aiming to catch a glimpse of the enormous asteroid turned a speck of light zipping across the starry night, astronomers and space enthusiasts are gearing up across the world. Through using suitable equipment such as strong telescopes, observers present in the Northern Hemisphere can also see the speeding space rock under optimal conditions. However, the significance of the event extends beyond just a night-sky spectacle. Offering insights into asteroid behaviour and enhancing planetary defense strategies, this encounter underscores the need for continued vigilance of asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live

The tiny space rock, known as asteroid Bennu continues to unravel unique insights into the history of the early Solar System. The samples of asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex revealed its past adds to the already-known information about the space rock.

Researchers have reported the detection of magnesium-sodium phosphate. This came as a sheer shock, as it was not detected earlier by the spacecraft from orbit. This bolsters the theory of Bennu being a splintered-off chunk of a much larger primitive ocean world.

Some phosphate minerals were found on the asteroid sample from Ryugu as well, as collected by the Japanese Space Agency’s Hayabusa-2. They have also been found in meteorites. But Bennu’s case is different because of its minuscule size.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-near-miss-mountain-size-asteroid-to-fly-by-at-close-range-heres-how-to-watch-it-live-735789">Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live</a>

“The presence and state of phosphates, along with other elements and compounds on Bennu, suggest a watery past for the asteroid,” Dante Lauretta, co-lead author of the paper and principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona, Tucson said in a statement. “Bennu potentially could have once been part of a wetter world. However, this hypothesis requires further investigation.”

“OSIRIS-REx gave us exactly what we hoped: a large pristine asteroid sample rich in nitrogen and carbon from a formerly wet world,” added Jason Dworkin, a co-author on the paper and the OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

<h2>Asteroid Bennu might actually be a piece of ocean world</h2>

There are many reasons for the team to consider Bennu a piece of an ocean world.&nbsp;

One is the presence of serpentinite, a type of rock that forms when molten rocks combine with water, just like in the mid-ocean ridges on Earth. There are also a lot of soluble substances, which appear to have been shifted by fluids; and we can add to that the confirmation of phosphates.

“We're still coming up with ideas on how to test [the wet parent body hypothesis]. But to me, it's the leading candidate for the geologic environment that these rocks formed in,” Professor Lauretta told IFLScience in an exclusive interview back in March.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronauts-hide-in-space-station-after-defunct-russian-satellite-break-into-more-than-100-pieces-735892">Astronauts hide in space station after defunct Russian satellite breaks into more than 100 pieces</a>

The sample of Bennu continues to be distributed to labs in the US and around the world. In March the team presented 58 findings from the initial analysis of the asteroid, and new insights come out almost every week.&nbsp;

“The Bennu samples are tantalizingly beautiful extraterrestrial rocks,” said Harold Connolly, co-lead author on the paper and OSIRIS-REx mission sample scientist at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.

“Each week, analysis by the OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team provides new and sometimes surprising findings that are helping place important constraints on the origin and evolution of Earth-like planets," he further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The tiny space rock, known as asteroid Bennu continues to unravel unique insights into the history of the early Solar System. The samples of asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex revealed its past adds to the already-known information about the space rock.

The tiny space rock, known as asteroid Bennu continues to unravel unique insights into the history of the early Solar System. The samples of asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex revealed its past adds to the already-known information about the space rock. Researchers have reported the detection of magnesium-sodium phosphate. This came as a sheer shock, as it was not detected earlier by the spacecraft from orbit. This bolsters the theory of Bennu being a splintered-off chunk of a much larger primitive ocean world. Some phosphate minerals were found on the asteroid sample from Ryugu as well, as collected by the Japanese Space Agency’s Hayabusa-2. They have also been found in meteorites. But Bennu’s case is different because of its minuscule size. Also Read | Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live “The presence and state of phosphates, along with other elements and compounds on Bennu, suggest a watery past for the asteroid,” Dante Lauretta, co-lead author of the paper and principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona, Tucson said in a statement. “Bennu potentially could have once been part of a wetter world. However, this hypothesis requires further investigation.” “OSIRIS-REx gave us exactly what we hoped: a large pristine asteroid sample rich in nitrogen and carbon from a formerly wet world,” added Jason Dworkin, a co-author on the paper and the OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Asteroid Bennu might actually be a piece of ocean world There are many reasons for the team to consider Bennu a piece of an ocean world. One is the presence of serpentinite, a type of rock that forms when molten rocks combine with water, just like in the mid-ocean ridges on Earth. There are also a lot of soluble substances, which appear to have been shifted by fluids; and we can add to that the confirmation of phosphates. “We're still coming up with ideas on how to test [the wet parent body hypothesis]. But to me, it's the leading candidate for the geologic environment that these rocks formed in,” Professor Lauretta told IFLScience in an exclusive interview back in March. Also Read | Astronauts hide in space station after defunct Russian satellite breaks into more than 100 pieces The sample of Bennu continues to be distributed to labs in the US and around the world. In March the team presented 58 findings from the initial analysis of the asteroid, and new insights come out almost every week. “The Bennu samples are tantalizingly beautiful extraterrestrial rocks,” said Harold Connolly, co-lead author on the paper and OSIRIS-REx mission sample scientist at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. “Each week, analysis by the OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team provides new and sometimes surprising findings that are helping place important constraints on the origin and evolution of Earth-like planets," he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

More proof found that asteroid Bennu came from a wet world

In a stunning discovery, scientists&nbsp;have spotted an asteroid which is tagging along with Earth in its annual revolution around the Sun.&nbsp;

The asteroid, which has been dubbed as 2023 FW13, has been termed a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite" by the experts.

The asteroid has been classified as a "quasi-moon" because it has been orbiting the sun in a similar time frame as the Earth. However, the asteroid was also impacted by Earth's gravitational pull.

Asteroid 2023 FW13&nbsp;measures nearly 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter and is located at a distance of nearly nine million miles (14 million kilometres) from the Earth.

The scientists used the&nbsp;Pan-STARRS&nbsp;survey telescope for spotting the 2023 FW13 on March 28, 2023.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-near-miss-mountain-size-asteroid-to-fly-by-at-close-range-heres-how-to-watch-it-live-735789">Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live</a>

The telescope was kept on the top of Haleakala, which is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Canada-France-Hawaii telescope as well as two observatories in Arizona (which are the&nbsp;Kitt Peak National Observatory&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter) confirmed the asteroid's presence in the Earth’s vicinity.

The asteroid was officially listed by the&nbsp;Minor Planet Center&nbsp;at the International Astronomical Union on April 1. The organisation is responsible for designating new moons, planets as well as other astronomical objects in our solar system.

<h2>How asteroid 2023 FW13 was classified as a 'quasi-moon'?</h2>

The listing of the asteroid came to the attention of journalist and astronomer Adrien Coffinet. He used an orbit simulator to map the path of the asteroid. The orbit simulator was developed by amateur astronomer Tony Dunn.&nbsp;

In the model, 2023 FW13 was seen revolving around the sun at the same time as the Earth does. Since the asteroid circles around our planet hence, Coffinet classified it as a “quasi-moon".

Senior research scientist at the&nbsp;Space Science Institute&nbsp;in Boulder, Colorado Alan Harris emphasised that since the Earth plays an important role in the motion of the asteroid, its classification as a “quasi-satellite” is a little far-fetched.

According to the scientists, 2023 FW13 appears to be the cosmic companion of our planet since at least 100 BCE.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russian satellite breaks up in space, forces ISS astronauts to shelter

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-satellite-breaks-up-in-space-forces-iss-astronauts-to-shelter-735851/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The asteroid is most likely to follow our planet in its orbit around the sun till around 3,700 CE. “It seems to be the longest quasi-satellite of Earth known to date,” said Coffinet.

The asteroid, even though hovers relatively close to our planet, is unlikely to collide with the Earth.

“The good news is, such an orbit doesn’t result in an impacting trajectory ‘out of the blue,’” said Harris.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a stunning discovery, scientists have spotted an asteroid which is tagging along with Earth in its annual revolution around the Sun. The asteroid, which has been dubbed as 2023 FW13, has been termed a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite" by the experts.

In a stunning discovery, scientists have spotted an asteroid which is tagging along with Earth in its annual revolution around the Sun. The asteroid, which has been dubbed as 2023 FW13, has been termed a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite" by the experts. The asteroid has been classified as a "quasi-moon" because it has been orbiting the sun in a similar time frame as the Earth. However, the asteroid was also impacted by Earth's gravitational pull. Asteroid 2023 FW13 measures nearly 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter and is located at a distance of nearly nine million miles (14 million kilometres) from the Earth. The scientists used the Pan-STARRS survey telescope for spotting the 2023 FW13 on March 28, 2023. Also Read: Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live The telescope was kept on the top of Haleakala, which is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The Canada-France-Hawaii telescope as well as two observatories in Arizona (which are the Kitt Peak National Observatory and Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter) confirmed the asteroid's presence in the Earth’s vicinity. The asteroid was officially listed by the Minor Planet Center at the International Astronomical Union on April 1. The organisation is responsible for designating new moons, planets as well as other astronomical objects in our solar system. How asteroid 2023 FW13 was classified as a 'quasi-moon'? The listing of the asteroid came to the attention of journalist and astronomer Adrien Coffinet. He used an orbit simulator to map the path of the asteroid. The orbit simulator was developed by amateur astronomer Tony Dunn. In the model, 2023 FW13 was seen revolving around the sun at the same time as the Earth does. Since the asteroid circles around our planet hence, Coffinet classified it as a “quasi-moon". Senior research scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado Alan Harris emphasised that since the Earth plays an important role in the motion of the asteroid, its classification as a “quasi-satellite” is a little far-fetched. According to the scientists, 2023 FW13 appears to be the cosmic companion of our planet since at least 100 BCE. Watch: Russian satellite breaks up in space, forces ISS astronauts to shelter The asteroid is most likely to follow our planet in its orbit around the sun till around 3,700 CE. “It seems to be the longest quasi-satellite of Earth known to date,” said Coffinet. The asteroid, even though hovers relatively close to our planet, is unlikely to collide with the Earth. “The good news is, such an orbit doesn’t result in an impacting trajectory ‘out of the blue,’” said Harris. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years

A space scare occurred when a defunct Russian satellite broke up into more than 100 pieces of debris within its orbit which led to the astronauts taking shelter on the&nbsp;International Space Station for about an hour, stated the US space agencies.

They added that the mass of space junk is already present in orbit. No information was provided on what led to the breaking of the Resurs-P1 Russian Earth observation satellite. This satellite was declared dead by Russia in 2022.

While tracking the swarming debris, US Space Command said that other satellites did not face any other immediate threat.

The satellite blasted at 10 am mountain time (1600 GMT) on Wednesday (June 26), stated Space Command.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-ignored-helium-leak-before-starliner-launch-leaving-astronauts-now-stuck-in-space-734496">NASA ignored helium leak before Starliner launch, leaving astronauts now stuck in space</a>

NASA’s Space Station office said that it happened in an orbit which was close to the space station after US astronauts onboard hid themselves in their spacecraft for nearly an hour, said NASA's Space Station office.&nbsp;

<h2>Is Russia behind the satellite blast?</h2>

The satellite broke at an altitude of nearly 355 km in low-Earth orbit, which is a popular region where thousands of satellites - ranging from small to large - operate.&nbsp;

"Due to the low orbit of this debris cloud, we estimate it’ll be weeks to months before the hazard has passed," said LeoLabs, in a statement to Reuters.

Nearly, 25,000 pieces of debris are bigger by four inches in comparison to others in the space. The formation of debris due to satellite explosions or collisions raised concerns regarding the chances of the Kessler effect.

Kessler effect is a phenomenon in which satellite collisions with debris lead to the formation of a field of more hazardous junk and also increase crash risks.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian satellite breaks up in space, forces ISS astronauts to shelter

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-satellite-breaks-up-in-space-forces-iss-astronauts-to-shelter-735851/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the nearly 88-minute time frame of RESURS-P1's initial break-up, the Plesetsk site emerged among those locations over which it passed on Earth.&nbsp;However, a lack of maritime alerts or indication from airspace suggested that no missile had been launched by Russia to strike the satellite, said space-tracker and Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell.

"I find it hard to believe they would use such a big satellite as an ASAT target. But, with the Russians these days, who knows," said McDowell.

He, along with other analysts, said that the break-up more likely happened because the satellite encountered a problem, like the leftover fuel onboard leading to an explosion.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A space scare occurred when a defunct Russian satellite broke up into more than 100 pieces of debris within its orbit which led to the astronauts taking shelter on the International Space Station for about an hour, stated the US space agencies.

A space scare occurred when a defunct Russian satellite broke up into more than 100 pieces of debris within its orbit which led to the astronauts taking shelter on the International Space Station for about an hour, stated the US space agencies. They added that the mass of space junk is already present in orbit. No information was provided on what led to the breaking of the Resurs-P1 Russian Earth observation satellite. This satellite was declared dead by Russia in 2022. While tracking the swarming debris, US Space Command said that other satellites did not face any other immediate threat. The satellite blasted at 10 am mountain time (1600 GMT) on Wednesday (June 26), stated Space Command. Also Read: NASA ignored helium leak before Starliner launch, leaving astronauts now stuck in space NASA’s Space Station office said that it happened in an orbit which was close to the space station after US astronauts onboard hid themselves in their spacecraft for nearly an hour, said NASA's Space Station office. Is Russia behind the satellite blast? The satellite broke at an altitude of nearly 355 km in low-Earth orbit, which is a popular region where thousands of satellites - ranging from small to large - operate. "Due to the low orbit of this debris cloud, we estimate it’ll be weeks to months before the hazard has passed," said LeoLabs, in a statement to Reuters. Nearly, 25,000 pieces of debris are bigger by four inches in comparison to others in the space. The formation of debris due to satellite explosions or collisions raised concerns regarding the chances of the Kessler effect. Kessler effect is a phenomenon in which satellite collisions with debris lead to the formation of a field of more hazardous junk and also increase crash risks. Watch: Russian satellite breaks up in space, forces ISS astronauts to shelter In the nearly 88-minute time frame of RESURS-P1's initial break-up, the Plesetsk site emerged among those locations over which it passed on Earth. However, a lack of maritime alerts or indication from airspace suggested that no missile had been launched by Russia to strike the satellite, said space-tracker and Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell. "I find it hard to believe they would use such a big satellite as an ASAT target. But, with the Russians these days, who knows," said McDowell. He, along with other analysts, said that the break-up more likely happened because the satellite encountered a problem, like the leftover fuel onboard leading to an explosion. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronauts hide in space station after defunct Russian satellite breaks into more than 100 pieces

According to a new study, the last woolly mammoth population vanished due to a sudden, random event 4,000 years ago. The genome analysis suggests that the mammoths did not go extinct for genetic reasons, as earlier believed.

Woolly mammoths lived across the frozen land of Europe, North America, and Asia. However, as the ice started to melt, the food they lived on became scarce which caused their population to shrink considerably.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gray-whales-shrinking-in-size-along-the-pacific-northwest-coast-734650">Gray whales shrinking in size along the Pacific Northwest coast</a>

The last population of mammoths that traveled across the ice to Wrangel Island located in Russia, were cut off from the mainland about 10,000 years ago. According to the researchers, the small group on the island consisted of at least eight mammoths which grew to about 200-300. This population is known to survive 6,000 years more than the rest.

When compared with the mainland population, the island population shows evidence that suggests inbreeding and low genetic diversity. However, the mammoths only accumulated mildly harmful mutations, that were not adverse enough to lead to their extinction. The more harmful mutations were not viable and were discarded by the population over time.

“We can now confidently reject the idea that the population was simply too small and that they were doomed to go extinct for genetic reasons,” said senior author Love Dalén, an evolutionary geneticist at the Centre for Palaeogenetics, a collaboration between the Swedish Museum of Natural History and Stockholm University. “This means it was probably just some random event that killed them off, and if that random event hadn't happened, then we would still have mammoths today.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jurassic-king-with-a-crown-scientists-discover-fancy-headgear-on-78-million-year-old-dinosaur-733808">Jurassic king with a crown? Scientists discover fancy headgear on 78-million-year-old dinosaur</a>

The mammoth genomes examined in this research did not include the last 300 years of their time on Earth. New fossils have been discovered by researchers and will be studied in future.

“What happened at the end is a bit of a mystery still—we don't know why they went extinct after having been more or less fine for 6,000 years, but we think it was something sudden,” said Dalén. “I would say there is still hope to figure out why they went extinct, but no promises.”

This study not only analyses how the woolly mammoths were killed but may also provide us insights into current endangered species and make informed strategies for their conservation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a new study, the last woolly mammoth population vanished due to a sudden, random event 4,000 years ago. The genome analysis suggests that the mammoths did not go extinct for genetic reasons, as earlier believed.

According to a new study, the last woolly mammoth population vanished due to a sudden, random event 4,000 years ago. The genome analysis suggests that the mammoths did not go extinct for genetic reasons, as earlier believed. Woolly mammoths lived across the frozen land of Europe, North America, and Asia. However, as the ice started to melt, the food they lived on became scarce which caused their population to shrink considerably. Also Read | Gray whales shrinking in size along the Pacific Northwest coast The last population of mammoths that traveled across the ice to Wrangel Island located in Russia, were cut off from the mainland about 10,000 years ago. According to the researchers, the small group on the island consisted of at least eight mammoths which grew to about 200-300. This population is known to survive 6,000 years more than the rest. When compared with the mainland population, the island population shows evidence that suggests inbreeding and low genetic diversity. However, the mammoths only accumulated mildly harmful mutations, that were not adverse enough to lead to their extinction. The more harmful mutations were not viable and were discarded by the population over time. “We can now confidently reject the idea that the population was simply too small and that they were doomed to go extinct for genetic reasons,” said senior author Love Dalén, an evolutionary geneticist at the Centre for Palaeogenetics, a collaboration between the Swedish Museum of Natural History and Stockholm University. “This means it was probably just some random event that killed them off, and if that random event hadn't happened, then we would still have mammoths today.” Also Read | Jurassic king with a crown? Scientists discover fancy headgear on 78-million-year-old dinosaur The mammoth genomes examined in this research did not include the last 300 years of their time on Earth. New fossils have been discovered by researchers and will be studied in future. “What happened at the end is a bit of a mystery still—we don't know why they went extinct after having been more or less fine for 6,000 years, but we think it was something sudden,” said Dalén. “I would say there is still hope to figure out why they went extinct, but no promises.” This study not only analyses how the woolly mammoths were killed but may also provide us insights into current endangered species and make informed strategies for their conservation. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysterious event led to the woolly mammoths perishing from Earth: Study

science

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