Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house.

Not cats!

They move past you without a single look, can be finicky about literally anything and will demand food like it's your duty to treat them royally.

Well now it has come to light that the coronavirus pandemic may have made cats more affectionate. If you have a cat and all you can think right now is 'No way', you may be forgiven. But a survey carried out by researchers from universities of York and Lincoln in the UK have found that cats may finally have decided to treat humans just a bit better than mere mortals.

The researchers surveyed 5323 people with a companion animal. These people had pets ranging from horses, reptiles, birds, fish and ofcourse cats and dogs.

Over 65 per cent of the respondents noticed change in their pets' behaviour in the first half of 2020. 
Many of them who owned cats and dogs said that their pets tended to follow them more during the lockdowns.

Imagine a cat affectionately following its owner!

Many of the respondents said that behaviour of dogs showed a negative trait. Dogs of such respondents became needier even clingy while the pet owners spent more time indoors during lockdowns. These dogs howled when the owners stepped out for just a couple minutes. As per the respondents, such a behaviour was not shown by them before the pandemic.

But the most amusing thing to come out of this survey is change in behaviour of cats.

There is hope still, it seems

Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house.

Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house. Not cats! They move past you without a single look, can be finicky about literally anything and will demand food like it's your duty to treat them royally. Well now it has come to light that the coronavirus pandemic may have made cats more affectionate. If you have a cat and all you can think right now is 'No way', you may be forgiven. But a survey carried out by researchers from universities of York and Lincoln in the UK have found that cats may finally have decided to treat humans just a bit better than mere mortals. The researchers surveyed 5323 people with a companion animal. These people had pets ranging from horses, reptiles, birds, fish and ofcourse cats and dogs. Over 65 per cent of the respondents noticed change in their pets' behaviour in the first half of 2020. Many of them who owned cats and dogs said that their pets tended to follow them more during the lockdowns. Imagine a cat affectionately following its owner! Many of the respondents said that behaviour of dogs showed a negative trait. Dogs of such respondents became needier even clingy while the pet owners spent more time indoors during lockdowns. These dogs howled when the owners stepped out for just a couple minutes. As per the respondents, such a behaviour was not shown by them before the pandemic. But the most amusing thing to come out of this survey is change in behaviour of cats. There is hope still, it seems

Cats may have become more affectionate during pandemic: Survey

Despite the prevalent risk of COVID-19, two critically ill patients at a Chennai hospital are currently stable after they received a new lease of life, thanks to a timely organ transplant.&nbsp;

An accident victim, a 27-year old male, was admitted to a private hospital in Salem, Tamil Nadu after he suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-sterlite-claims-to-have-produced-over-542mt-of-liquid-medical-oxygen-for-tamil-nadu-390109" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Sterlite claims to have produced over 542MT of liquid medical oxygen for Tamil Nadu</a>

Despite the best efforts of the medical experts, he was declared brain dead during the course of his treatment. After an approved brain death certificate and thorough counseling, the family agreed to donate his organs.&nbsp;

His heart and lungs were retrieved by a team of experts in Salem and a green corridor was created between Salem and Chennai to transport both the vital organs. These organs were airlifted from Salem and transported to Chennai in two hours (a distance of over 350kms), using a chopper.

Experts at MGM Healthcare, Chennai performed life-saving surgeries to give a new lease of life to critically ill patients. Both the patients are stable and the surgeries were performed while following COVID-19 protocols. The remaining organs were dispatched to other hospitals.

Despite the prevalent risk of COVID-19, two critically ill patients at a Chennai hospital are currently stable after they received a new lease of life, thanks to a timely organ transplant.

Despite the prevalent risk of COVID-19, two critically ill patients at a Chennai hospital are currently stable after they received a new lease of life, thanks to a timely organ transplant. An accident victim, a 27-year old male, was admitted to a private hospital in Salem, Tamil Nadu after he suffered a traumatic brain injury. Also read | COVID-19: Sterlite claims to have produced over 542MT of liquid medical oxygen for Tamil Nadu Despite the best efforts of the medical experts, he was declared brain dead during the course of his treatment. After an approved brain death certificate and thorough counseling, the family agreed to donate his organs. His heart and lungs were retrieved by a team of experts in Salem and a green corridor was created between Salem and Chennai to transport both the vital organs. These organs were airlifted from Salem and transported to Chennai in two hours (a distance of over 350kms), using a chopper. Experts at MGM Healthcare, Chennai performed life-saving surgeries to give a new lease of life to critically ill patients. Both the patients are stable and the surgeries were performed while following COVID-19 protocols. The remaining organs were dispatched to other hospitals.

Chennai: Organs of 27-yr old accident victim flown by chopper, to give life to two patients

Humans have been on Earth for just a fraction of its existence. The planet has a life, mind and nature or its own, so to speak. A lot keeps on happening without human even being aware of it, let alone having power to control it.&nbsp;

Now scientists have found that Earth has a 'heartbeat' and a even a 'pulse' of 27.5 million years. And we don't know what causes it. Michael Rampino, a Geologist of New York University led the team that carried out the study.&nbsp;

The 'heartbeat' is of clustered geological events. Scientists have found that major events such mass extinction, where major chunk of life on Earth died out, happened at the time of this 'pulse'. It is not the only catastrophic event that occurred around the pulse but others such as volcanic eruptions, sea-level fluctuations, intraplate magmatism, changes in seafloor and others.

The scientists found that most of these calamitous incidents happened over geologically small period of time every 27.5 million years. However, there is no firm reason for existence of this cycle

So does this mean that we are doomed? End of humanity is just around the corner?

Well we can take heart in knowing that scientists who did this study predict that the next such pulse is 20 million years away.

The study has been published in the scientific journal Geoscience Frontiers.

Humans have been on Earth for just a fraction of its existence. The planet has a life, mind and nature or its own, so to speak. A lot keeps on happening without human even being aware of it, let alone having power to control it.

Humans have been on Earth for just a fraction of its existence. The planet has a life, mind and nature or its own, so to speak. A lot keeps on happening without human even being aware of it, let alone having power to control it. Now scientists have found that Earth has a 'heartbeat' and a even a 'pulse' of 27.5 million years. And we don't know what causes it. Michael Rampino, a Geologist of New York University led the team that carried out the study. The 'heartbeat' is of clustered geological events. Scientists have found that major events such mass extinction, where major chunk of life on Earth died out, happened at the time of this 'pulse'. It is not the only catastrophic event that occurred around the pulse but others such as volcanic eruptions, sea-level fluctuations, intraplate magmatism, changes in seafloor and others. The scientists found that most of these calamitous incidents happened over geologically small period of time every 27.5 million years. However, there is no firm reason for existence of this cycle So does this mean that we are doomed? End of humanity is just around the corner? Well we can take heart in knowing that scientists who did this study predict that the next such pulse is 20 million years away. The study has been published in the scientific journal Geoscience Frontiers.

Earth has a 'heartbeat' and nobody knows what causes it

Rhinos are battletanks of nature. Perfected armoured body, a mighty weapon in the front and a bulky body that packs enough punch to eliminate anyone. Rhinos are not to be messed with. Definitely not in the wild but also in captivity. There are records of many people getting seriously injured or worse in zoos around the world.

A normal-sized Rhino can cause this much of damage.

Now imagine a rhino taller than a giraffe charging at you! Yep, taller than a giraffe.

Researchers have concluded that fossils found in a Chinese village point towards an entirely new species of rhinos. These rhinos weighed 21 tonnes! This is the equivalent of four large African elephants.

The name of this rhino species is Paraceratherium linxiaense and the giant beasts lived some 26.5 million years ago. These rhinos did not have horns but were as tall as 23 feet (7 metres). This makes them taller than a giraffe.

The fossils of the rhino was found in Gansu province in China in the year 2015. The study of this rhino took place in Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. During the study, it was found that these rhinos did not have horn on the nose like the one modern rhinos have.

These rhinos were herbivores, which means they ate tree leaves like the giraffes do. But their massive size sure must have deterred any predator from hunting them.

The research has been published in Communications Biology journal on Thursday.

Rhinos are battletanks of nature. Perfected armoured body, a mighty weapon in the front and a bulky body that packs enough punch to eliminate anyone. Rhinos are not to be messed with.

Rhinos are battletanks of nature. Perfected armoured body, a mighty weapon in the front and a bulky body that packs enough punch to eliminate anyone. Rhinos are not to be messed with. Definitely not in the wild but also in captivity. There are records of many people getting seriously injured or worse in zoos around the world. A normal-sized Rhino can cause this much of damage. Now imagine a rhino taller than a giraffe charging at you! Yep, taller than a giraffe. Researchers have concluded that fossils found in a Chinese village point towards an entirely new species of rhinos. These rhinos weighed 21 tonnes! This is the equivalent of four large African elephants. The name of this rhino species is Paraceratherium linxiaense and the giant beasts lived some 26.5 million years ago. These rhinos did not have horns but were as tall as 23 feet (7 metres). This makes them taller than a giraffe. The fossils of the rhino was found in Gansu province in China in the year 2015. The study of this rhino took place in Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. During the study, it was found that these rhinos did not have horn on the nose like the one modern rhinos have. These rhinos were herbivores, which means they ate tree leaves like the giraffes do. But their massive size sure must have deterred any predator from hunting them. The research has been published in Communications Biology journal on Thursday.

Do rhinos scare you? Well, this one was taller than a giraffe

Finding alien life has long been a preoccupation of the human mind. Scientists and artists have both cast their imagination and vision in this direction. Till today though, we haven't heard from our counterparts from space. Bt research in this direction goes on. Hunt for the alien life continues.

Now scientists from the University of Concepción in Chile have concluded that 'rogue planets' in space may have moons with conditions conducive to life. The scientists made a mathematical model and based on this, have concluded that some of the 'exomoons' may have conditions for liquid water as well as atmosphere.

What are rogue planets?

Rogue planets are planets without a star. These planets roam the skies without being bound to a star. Rogue planets may have natural satellites and these are generally referred to as exomoons. Since rogue planets do not have a star, it has no heat source.

But as per the mathematical model drawn up by the scientists, cosmic radiation and gravitational effect of the rogue planet create just enough heat for liquid water and atmosphere to exits. Though the amount of water would be much much less than what it would be on Earth, it may well be the first step towards forming alien life.

Not all life needs light to survive, although Earth derives all its energy from the Sun, there are lifeforms deep, deep within the oceans who survive on heat emitted by Earth. Sunlight does not reach those depths.

It is hence quite possible for life to thrive in the waters of exomoons. We haven't found a conclusive proof of this yet. But imagine if one fine day, we woke up to a proven fact that we are indeed not alone in the universe!

The research by the scientists has been published in scientific journal International Journal of Astrobiology.

Finding alien life has long been a preoccupation of the human mind. Scientists and artists have both cast their imagination and vision in this direction. Till today though, we haven't heard from our counterparts from space.

Finding alien life has long been a preoccupation of the human mind. Scientists and artists have both cast their imagination and vision in this direction. Till today though, we haven't heard from our counterparts from space. Bt research in this direction goes on. Hunt for the alien life continues. Now scientists from the University of Concepción in Chile have concluded that 'rogue planets' in space may have moons with conditions conducive to life. The scientists made a mathematical model and based on this, have concluded that some of the 'exomoons' may have conditions for liquid water as well as atmosphere. What are rogue planets? Rogue planets are planets without a star. These planets roam the skies without being bound to a star. Rogue planets may have natural satellites and these are generally referred to as exomoons. Since rogue planets do not have a star, it has no heat source. But as per the mathematical model drawn up by the scientists, cosmic radiation and gravitational effect of the rogue planet create just enough heat for liquid water and atmosphere to exits. Though the amount of water would be much much less than what it would be on Earth, it may well be the first step towards forming alien life. Not all life needs light to survive, although Earth derives all its energy from the Sun, there are lifeforms deep, deep within the oceans who survive on heat emitted by Earth. Sunlight does not reach those depths. It is hence quite possible for life to thrive in the waters of exomoons. We haven't found a conclusive proof of this yet. But imagine if one fine day, we woke up to a proven fact that we are indeed not alone in the universe! The research by the scientists has been published in scientific journal International Journal of Astrobiology.

Rogue planets with habitable exomoons may have alien life

Are we alone in this universe? Are extraterrestrial beings visiting us in UFOs? NASA is investigating. Pentagon is set to release a report. How close are we to finding an answer?

Gravitas Plus: UFOs, Aliens & Science

We know what is at the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy, a Supermassive Black Hole. The unimaginably huge gravity associated with this Supermassive Black Hole is the reason billions of stars in our galaxy are held 'together'. It is this gravity that keeps the galaxy from splitting apart. Scientists have fascination about the galactic centre.

But now another object near our galactic centre has made scientists curious. A star named VVV-WIT-08 'blinked'. This is to say that it appeared to go out of existence before appearing again. The light coming out from the star dimmed by about 97 per cent before becoming bright again.

The 'WIT' in the star's name above literally stands for 'What Is This'.

Scientists think that the culprit behind this dimming effect is another star or planet surrounded by a thick opaque disk of dust. The researchers feel that the object is gravitationally bound to the star that appears to have 'blinked'. However, they are not sure what is exactly coming between the star and our telescopes here on Earth.

"It's amazing that we just observed a dark, large and elongated object pass between us and the distant star and we can only speculate what its origin is," astronomer Sergey Koposov from the University of Edinburgh has been quoted as saying by EurekaAlert.

The research has been published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

We know what is at the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy, a Supermassive Black Hole. The unimaginably huge gravity associated with this Supermassive Black Hole is the reason billions of stars in our galaxy are held 'together'.

We know what is at the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy, a Supermassive Black Hole. The unimaginably huge gravity associated with this Supermassive Black Hole is the reason billions of stars in our galaxy are held 'together'. It is this gravity that keeps the galaxy from splitting apart. Scientists have fascination about the galactic centre. But now another object near our galactic centre has made scientists curious. A star named VVV-WIT-08 'blinked'. This is to say that it appeared to go out of existence before appearing again. The light coming out from the star dimmed by about 97 per cent before becoming bright again. The 'WIT' in the star's name above literally stands for 'What Is This'. Scientists think that the culprit behind this dimming effect is another star or planet surrounded by a thick opaque disk of dust. The researchers feel that the object is gravitationally bound to the star that appears to have 'blinked'. However, they are not sure what is exactly coming between the star and our telescopes here on Earth. "It's amazing that we just observed a dark, large and elongated object pass between us and the distant star and we can only speculate what its origin is," astronomer Sergey Koposov from the University of Edinburgh has been quoted as saying by EurekaAlert. The research has been published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

A mysterious star near galactic centre appears to have 'blinked'

These days, we don't order food because we are hungry, we do it because we are bored. Nothing to spice up a lazy afternoon like a fresh, piping hot pizza eh? Fast food is bad for your health but it feels SO good for your mood.

But while we chomp on those slices, our immune system may just be thinking whether to treat the stuff as food or dangerous infection. This may sound wierd but a latest study suggests that what seems like solution to all our sadness (junk food) may just be putting our immune system in a spot.

This study was carried out in 2018. Mice were given a diet of saturated fats, sugar, and salt for a month. Their 'diet' did not have fresh fruits.

A spike in the the number of immune cells was observed. Body generates such a response when it is under attack by a microbial infection.

There's more to this, the international team of researchers found that the immune system may 'remember' the alarming response it gave. The study further says that as body begins to react to fast food diet, coming back to healthy eating habits may become harder than it was previously.

This study was published in scientific journal Cell.

These days, we don't order food because we are hungry, we do it because we are bored. Nothing to spice up a lazy afternoon like a fresh, piping hot pizza eh? Fast food is bad for your health but it feels SO good for your mood.

These days, we don't order food because we are hungry, we do it because we are bored. Nothing to spice up a lazy afternoon like a fresh, piping hot pizza eh? Fast food is bad for your health but it feels SO good for your mood. But while we chomp on those slices, our immune system may just be thinking whether to treat the stuff as food or dangerous infection. This may sound wierd but a latest study suggests that what seems like solution to all our sadness (junk food) may just be putting our immune system in a spot. This study was carried out in 2018. Mice were given a diet of saturated fats, sugar, and salt for a month. Their 'diet' did not have fresh fruits. A spike in the the number of immune cells was observed. Body generates such a response when it is under attack by a microbial infection. There's more to this, the international team of researchers found that the immune system may 'remember' the alarming response it gave. The study further says that as body begins to react to fast food diet, coming back to healthy eating habits may become harder than it was previously. This study was published in scientific journal Cell.

Body may treat fast food like an infection: Study

The universe is made up of fascinating structures. Stars, planets galaxies and so on. These mesmerising structures have captivated our imagination for millennia. But nebulas, the places where stars are actually born have their own fanbase among the Astro-fanatics.

One of the latest images posted by NASA has again drawn everyone's attention to these stellar factories.&nbsp;

NASA has posted image of Serpens (the serpent) on its Instagram page and it's sight to behold. NASA's Chandra X-Ray observatory has captured an image that shows thousands of spots of light, each representing an illuminated celestial body. In the middle of it all is 'the Serpent'.

The structure gets the name because its middle resembles coils of a snake and on closer observation, we can even see 'head' and 'tail' of the snake.

What's more, we can also see stars that are actually forming inside the Serpens!.

"#Today Chandra is gazing at a galaxy in Serpens, the Serpent. Nearby in the sky the Serpens Cloud Core sparkles with the light of a multitude of stellar hatchlings in the early stages of star development. Located just 750 light years from Earth, this is one of the youngest collections of stars seen in our #galaxy," says NASA in the post

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Trust NASA to post pics that go viral. At the time of publishing this story, the photo had been liked by more than 16,000 users.

The universe is made up of fascinating structures. Stars, planets galaxies and so on. These mesmerising structures have captivated our imagination for millennia.

The universe is made up of fascinating structures. Stars, planets galaxies and so on. These mesmerising structures have captivated our imagination for millennia. But nebulas, the places where stars are actually born have their own fanbase among the Astro-fanatics. One of the latest images posted by NASA has again drawn everyone's attention to these stellar factories. NASA has posted image of Serpens (the serpent) on its Instagram page and it's sight to behold. NASA's Chandra X-Ray observatory has captured an image that shows thousands of spots of light, each representing an illuminated celestial body. In the middle of it all is 'the Serpent'. The structure gets the name because its middle resembles coils of a snake and on closer observation, we can even see 'head' and 'tail' of the snake. What's more, we can also see stars that are actually forming inside the Serpens!. "#Today Chandra is gazing at a galaxy in Serpens, the Serpent. Nearby in the sky the Serpens Cloud Core sparkles with the light of a multitude of stellar hatchlings in the early stages of star development. Located just 750 light years from Earth, this is one of the youngest collections of stars seen in our #galaxy," says NASA in the post View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory (@nasachandraxray) × Trust NASA to post pics that go viral. At the time of publishing this story, the photo had been liked by more than 16,000 users.

NASA posts photo of serpent-shaped cloud that forms stars

Clouds are an everyday matter here on Earth. There are times we glance at the sky and imagine all sorts of shapes in those ever-changing patterns of vapour. But most of the time we are too busy in our daily lives to even take a second to look up and marvel the beauty of the sky.

We don't realise how lucky we are because our planet has clouds.&nbsp;

But now NASA's Curiosity rover has captured some brilliant images and videos of clouds in the Martian sky!

Mars has an atmosphere yes. But it is too thin and dry to enable cloud formation on regular basis. And that's why formation of clouds in Martian atmosphere is a rare thing itself.

"Sometimes you just need to stop and watch the clouds roll by... on Mars. Cloudy days are rare here because the atmosphere is so thin and dry, but I've been keeping my cameras peeled and wanted to share some recent pictures with you," tweeted the rover's official Twitter handle, thus starting an incredible thread. Check this out

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Sometimes you just need to stop and watch the clouds roll by... on Mars. 
 
Cloudy days are rare here because the atmosphere is so thin and dry, but I've been keeping my cameras peeled and wanted to share some recent pictures with you. <a href="https://t.co/Gtgz9Iu822">https://t.co/Gtgz9Iu822</a> (1/4) <a href="https://t.co/iJOLmnXMVo">pic.twitter.com/iJOLmnXMVo</a>
— Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity/status/1398336271106281472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of likes on the post is enough to say that people have found the images and videos in the thread above absolutely mesmerising!

There are many many comments and Curiosity Rover's handle took time to answer some of the questions and reply to some of the comments.

"Sometimes I forget there's a little robot rolling around alone on Mars," tweeted a user.

The rover said, "I'm alone here in Gale Crater, but I'm not lonely. I get to talk to all my friends and teammates back on Earth through the Deep Space Network..."

Mars has long captivated human imagination. Across millennia, the red planet has gone from being a mythical God of War to a probable place to find life.

And from what Curiosity rover has captured, the planet still has some secrets up its sleeve.

Clouds are an everyday matter here on Earth. There are times we glance at the sky and imagine all sorts of shapes in those ever-changing patterns of vapour. But most of the time we are too busy in our daily lives to even take a second to look up and marvel the beauty of the sky.

Clouds are an everyday matter here on Earth. There are times we glance at the sky and imagine all sorts of shapes in those ever-changing patterns of vapour. But most of the time we are too busy in our daily lives to even take a second to look up and marvel the beauty of the sky. We don't realise how lucky we are because our planet has clouds. But now NASA's Curiosity rover has captured some brilliant images and videos of clouds in the Martian sky! Mars has an atmosphere yes. But it is too thin and dry to enable cloud formation on regular basis. And that's why formation of clouds in Martian atmosphere is a rare thing itself. "Sometimes you just need to stop and watch the clouds roll by... on Mars. Cloudy days are rare here because the atmosphere is so thin and dry, but I've been keeping my cameras peeled and wanted to share some recent pictures with you," tweeted the rover's official Twitter handle, thus starting an incredible thread. Check this out Sometimes you just need to stop and watch the clouds roll by... on Mars. Cloudy days are rare here because the atmosphere is so thin and dry, but I've been keeping my cameras peeled and wanted to share some recent pictures with you. https://t.co/Gtgz9Iu822 (1/4) pic.twitter.com/iJOLmnXMVo — Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) May 28, 2021 × Thousands of likes on the post is enough to say that people have found the images and videos in the thread above absolutely mesmerising! There are many many comments and Curiosity Rover's handle took time to answer some of the questions and reply to some of the comments. "Sometimes I forget there's a little robot rolling around alone on Mars," tweeted a user. The rover said, "I'm alone here in Gale Crater, but I'm not lonely. I get to talk to all my friends and teammates back on Earth through the Deep Space Network..." Mars has long captivated human imagination. Across millennia, the red planet has gone from being a mythical God of War to a probable place to find life. And from what Curiosity rover has captured, the planet still has some secrets up its sleeve.

NASA's Curiosity Rover clicks rare shiny clouds on Mars

The Senate has confirmed geneticist Eric Lander to be President Joe Biden's chief science adviser, one of the last unfilled Cabinet posts in the Biden administration.&nbsp;

Lander, founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, was approved by a voice vote on Friday to serve as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, a position Biden has elevated to Cabinet rank. Lander, who also is a mathematician and molecular biologist, was lead author of the first paper announcing the details of the human genome, the so-called 'book of life’.&nbsp;

His nomination was delayed for months as senators sought more information about meetings he had with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier, who was charged with sex trafficking before his apparent suicide. Lander also was criticised for downplaying the contributions of two Nobel Prize-winning female scientists.&nbsp;

At his confirmation hearing last month, Lander apologised for a 2016 article he wrote that downplayed the work of the female scientists. At the hearing, he also called Epstein 'an abhorrent individual’.&nbsp;

Lander said he "understated the importance of those key advances'' by biochemists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna. The two were later awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.&nbsp;

"I felt terrible about it, I made a mistake. And when I make a mistake, I own it and try to do better,'' Lander said.&nbsp;

"I should have written those paragraphs differently to make my intention crystal clear. I have enormous respect for Doctors Doudna and Charpentier and the important work they've done throughout their careers.''&nbsp;

He only met with Epstein twice, in 2012, Lander said, and never requested or received funds from Epstein or his foundation.&nbsp;

Sen Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said at a May 20 committee meeting that she wished Biden had named a woman as science adviser, but that Lander had pledged to work to elevate women and minorities in science.&nbsp;

Lander said in a statement on Friday that Biden's elevation of the science post made clear that science and technology will be central to solving the nation's most urgent challenges, including health, environmental quality and justice for all Americans.&nbsp;

Lander's confirmation leaves Biden's Cabinet nearly complete. The only remaining unfilled Cabinet post is that of Office of Management and Budget director. Shalanda Young has been serving as acting OMB director after her confirmation as deputy director. Neera Tanden withdrew her nomination for OMB head after several senators said they would not vote for her. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The Senate has confirmed geneticist Eric Lander to be President Joe Biden's chief science adviser, one of the last unfilled Cabinet posts in the Biden administration.

The Senate has confirmed geneticist Eric Lander to be President Joe Biden's chief science adviser, one of the last unfilled Cabinet posts in the Biden administration. Lander, founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, was approved by a voice vote on Friday to serve as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, a position Biden has elevated to Cabinet rank. Lander, who also is a mathematician and molecular biologist, was lead author of the first paper announcing the details of the human genome, the so-called 'book of life’. His nomination was delayed for months as senators sought more information about meetings he had with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier, who was charged with sex trafficking before his apparent suicide. Lander also was criticised for downplaying the contributions of two Nobel Prize-winning female scientists. At his confirmation hearing last month, Lander apologised for a 2016 article he wrote that downplayed the work of the female scientists. At the hearing, he also called Epstein 'an abhorrent individual’. Lander said he "understated the importance of those key advances'' by biochemists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna. The two were later awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. "I felt terrible about it, I made a mistake. And when I make a mistake, I own it and try to do better,'' Lander said. "I should have written those paragraphs differently to make my intention crystal clear. I have enormous respect for Doctors Doudna and Charpentier and the important work they've done throughout their careers.'' He only met with Epstein twice, in 2012, Lander said, and never requested or received funds from Epstein or his foundation. Sen Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said at a May 20 committee meeting that she wished Biden had named a woman as science adviser, but that Lander had pledged to work to elevate women and minorities in science. Lander said in a statement on Friday that Biden's elevation of the science post made clear that science and technology will be central to solving the nation's most urgent challenges, including health, environmental quality and justice for all Americans. Lander's confirmation leaves Biden's Cabinet nearly complete. The only remaining unfilled Cabinet post is that of Office of Management and Budget director. Shalanda Young has been serving as acting OMB director after her confirmation as deputy director. Neera Tanden withdrew her nomination for OMB head after several senators said they would not vote for her. (With inputs from agencies)

Senate confirms geneticist Lander as Biden science adviser  

Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday that the launch of Soyuz rocket was postponed. Now, the lift-off would take place on Friday. The rocket is due to carry 36 UK &nbsp;telecommunication and internet satellites into space.

OneWeb, a London-headquartered company, is working to complete the construction of a constellation of low earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world.

The rocket launch operated by European company Arianespace was scheduled for 1743 GMT on Thursday. It was to take place from the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russian Far East.

"For technical reasons, the launch...has been postponed to the reserve date," Roscosmos said in a statement on Thursday.

The launch will now take place on Friday (May 28) at 1738 GMT.

So far two batches of 36 OneWeb satellites have been placed into orbit from Russia this year.

The UK company is planning to make its global commercial internet service operational by next year. It is to be supported by about 650 satellites.

The Vostochny launch site is one of Russia's most important space projects, designed to reduce reliance on the Baikonur space centre Moscow currently rents from Kazakhstan.

The project has been consistently behind schedule, with its construction marred for years by multiple controversies including corruption.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday that the launch of Soyuz rocket was postponed. Now, the lift-off would take place on Friday. The rocket is due to carry 36 UK telecommunication and internet satellites into space.

Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday that the launch of Soyuz rocket was postponed. Now, the lift-off would take place on Friday. The rocket is due to carry 36 UK telecommunication and internet satellites into space. OneWeb, a London-headquartered company, is working to complete the construction of a constellation of low earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world. The rocket launch operated by European company Arianespace was scheduled for 1743 GMT on Thursday. It was to take place from the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russian Far East. "For technical reasons, the launch...has been postponed to the reserve date," Roscosmos said in a statement on Thursday. The launch will now take place on Friday (May 28) at 1738 GMT. So far two batches of 36 OneWeb satellites have been placed into orbit from Russia this year. The UK company is planning to make its global commercial internet service operational by next year. It is to be supported by about 650 satellites. The Vostochny launch site is one of Russia's most important space projects, designed to reduce reliance on the Baikonur space centre Moscow currently rents from Kazakhstan. The project has been consistently behind schedule, with its construction marred for years by multiple controversies including corruption. (With inputs from agencies)

Soyuz rocket launch postponed, to take place on Friday

Ever wondered what’s the maximum attainable age for human beings in current conditions? Worry not, scientists have finally revealed the maximum cut-off age for humans.

A new study conducted by researchers at a biotech company based in Singapore called Gero has revealed that the maximum lifespan for human beings is 150-years-old.

In collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre in New York, researchers from Gero studied medical data from participants in the United Kingdom and the United States.

What drives lifespan?

The researchers ascertained the number by collecting health and fitness information about participants along with blood samples. Based on such samples, they decided that one’s lifespan depends on two factors - biological age and resilience.

Biological age is calculated based on lifestyle, illnesses, stress as opposed to one’s actual age and resilience refers to one’s ability to return&nbsp;healthy levels after witnessing some sort of illness or physical trauma.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday and showed that between the ages of 120-150 humans completely lose their ability to be resilient or in other words, to recover.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science-technology/mystery-of-lifespan-gap-between-sexes-solved-scientists-284154" hreflang="en">Mystery of lifespan gap between sexes solved: Scientists</a>

According to Andrei Gudkov, the Vice-President of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the study marks a “conceptual breakthrough”. “It explains why even the most effective prevention and treatment of age-related diseases could only improve the average, but not the maximal, lifespan, unless true anti-aging therapies have been developed,” The Independent cited him as saying.

The oldest person to live on Earth is&nbsp;a French woman named Jeanne Calment who passed away at the age of 122 in 1997. Coming in&nbsp;close&nbsp;is Jiroemon Kimura from Japan who lived for 116 years before his demise in 2013.

Even with the calculations, there is no recorded proof of humans crossing the 130-year threshold of existence. Do you think you could live for 150 years?

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/human-lifespan-has-already-peaked-climate-change-a-factor-report-26278" hreflang="en">Human lifespan has already peaked, climate change a factor: Report</a>

Ever wondered what’s the maximum attainable age for human beings in current conditions? Worry not, scientists have finally revealed the maximum cut-off age for humans.

Ever wondered what’s the maximum attainable age for human beings in current conditions? Worry not, scientists have finally revealed the maximum cut-off age for humans. A new study conducted by researchers at a biotech company based in Singapore called Gero has revealed that the maximum lifespan for human beings is 150-years-old. In collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre in New York, researchers from Gero studied medical data from participants in the United Kingdom and the United States. What drives lifespan? The researchers ascertained the number by collecting health and fitness information about participants along with blood samples. Based on such samples, they decided that one’s lifespan depends on two factors - biological age and resilience. Biological age is calculated based on lifestyle, illnesses, stress as opposed to one’s actual age and resilience refers to one’s ability to return healthy levels after witnessing some sort of illness or physical trauma. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday and showed that between the ages of 120-150 humans completely lose their ability to be resilient or in other words, to recover. Also read: Mystery of lifespan gap between sexes solved: Scientists According to Andrei Gudkov, the Vice-President of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the study marks a “conceptual breakthrough”. “It explains why even the most effective prevention and treatment of age-related diseases could only improve the average, but not the maximal, lifespan, unless true anti-aging therapies have been developed,” The Independent cited him as saying. The oldest person to live on Earth is a French woman named Jeanne Calment who passed away at the age of 122 in 1997. Coming in close is Jiroemon Kimura from Japan who lived for 116 years before his demise in 2013. Even with the calculations, there is no recorded proof of humans crossing the 130-year threshold of existence. Do you think you could live for 150 years? Also read: Human lifespan has already peaked, climate change a factor: Report

We finally know the maximum lifespan of a human being!

Temperature control and lighting are regarded the predominant energy-consuming resources in large buildings and office complexes that use conventional glass windows.

Now, researchers from IIT Guwahati claim to have developed smart window materials that can control the amount of light and heat permeating through, when a voltage is passed thought it. They say this can help develop efficient automatic climate control systems in buildings.&nbsp;

Smart window materials developed by the researchers make use of 'noble metals' and their comparatively inexpensive alternatives.

According to Ashish Kumar Chowdhary, a research scholar at IIT Guwahati, their design involved an electro-optical polymer which&nbsp;was sandwiched between ultra-thin metal layers.

The filtering of light would thus be enabled by applying a voltage and changing the refractive index (how light moves through a material) of the electro-optical polymer.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/iit-madras-alumnis-startup-3d-prints-600sqft-concrete-home-comprising-hall-kitchen-bedroom-381123" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom</a>

While performing simulations, researchers considered using gold and silver as the outer metal layers, but conducted the tests with copper and indium tin oxide.

Researchers claim that under certain conditions, the smart glass was able to selectively filter solar radiation that spans the visible, infrared and shortwave infrared wavelengths, including heat and light reflected from neighbouring buildings and structures.

The results of this study have recently been published in the journal Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.

The team believes that such smart materials can be applied to obtain efficient automatic climate control in vehicles, locomotives, airplanes and greenhouses of the future.

They claim that the material proposed by their team can easily be fabricated using existing state-of-the-art nanoscale fabrication methods such as e-beam evaporation and graphoepitaxy techniques.

According to the researchers, the working of these materials is dependent on the surface smoothness and other physical properties of the layers. The team plans to conduct further studies on the same.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/iit-madras-incubated-start-up-pi-beam-launches-made-in-india-e-bike-362688" hreflang="en">IIT Madras incubated start-up ‘Pi-beam’ launches 'Made in India' e-bike&nbsp;</a>

“We believe that our smart windows can provide an alternative solution for maintaining ambient indoor temperature and lighting inside a building or a vehicle by integrating those with usual glass windows or walls, thereby reducing the need of air-conditioning systems", said Dr. Debabrata Sikdar, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

Temperature control and lighting are regarded the predominant energy-consuming resources in large buildings and office complexes that use conventional glass windows.

Temperature control and lighting are regarded the predominant energy-consuming resources in large buildings and office complexes that use conventional glass windows. Now, researchers from IIT Guwahati claim to have developed smart window materials that can control the amount of light and heat permeating through, when a voltage is passed thought it. They say this can help develop efficient automatic climate control systems in buildings. Smart window materials developed by the researchers make use of 'noble metals' and their comparatively inexpensive alternatives. According to Ashish Kumar Chowdhary, a research scholar at IIT Guwahati, their design involved an electro-optical polymer which was sandwiched between ultra-thin metal layers. The filtering of light would thus be enabled by applying a voltage and changing the refractive index (how light moves through a material) of the electro-optical polymer. Also read: IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom While performing simulations, researchers considered using gold and silver as the outer metal layers, but conducted the tests with copper and indium tin oxide. Researchers claim that under certain conditions, the smart glass was able to selectively filter solar radiation that spans the visible, infrared and shortwave infrared wavelengths, including heat and light reflected from neighbouring buildings and structures. The results of this study have recently been published in the journal Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. The team believes that such smart materials can be applied to obtain efficient automatic climate control in vehicles, locomotives, airplanes and greenhouses of the future. They claim that the material proposed by their team can easily be fabricated using existing state-of-the-art nanoscale fabrication methods such as e-beam evaporation and graphoepitaxy techniques. According to the researchers, the working of these materials is dependent on the surface smoothness and other physical properties of the layers. The team plans to conduct further studies on the same. Also read: IIT Madras incubated start-up ‘Pi-beam’ launches 'Made in India' e-bike “We believe that our smart windows can provide an alternative solution for maintaining ambient indoor temperature and lighting inside a building or a vehicle by integrating those with usual glass windows or walls, thereby reducing the need of air-conditioning systems", said Dr. Debabrata Sikdar, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

India's IIT researchers develop smart windows that regulate light, heat to conserve power in buildings

Human brain is the processor of all information we throw its way. It is also single-handedly responsible for keeping the body and mind in sync. A wireless machine, it never stops crunching data and is always processing information. All our thoughts pass through this celestial organ which is central to our nervous system.&nbsp;

Scientists were able to follow a thought as it moved through the brain, revealing the mechanisms of how our mind thinks and the processes involved therein. The study from 2018 assessed epilepsy patients who were undergoing surgery. Neuroscientists were able to track the trajectory of a thought through patients’ brains.

It was long asserted that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for linking interactions within the brain. This study reinforced those claims, for the region facilities complex interactions between different parts of the brain, which is how thoughts are processed.

To understand the movement of information from one part of the brain to another, scientists heavily rely on electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technologies. These provide a compelling insight into the workings of the mind, but its better understandings still require invasive procedures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/indian-us-scientists-grow-human-brain-tissues-in-a-3d-printed-apparatus-385687" hreflang="en">Indian, US scientists grow human brain tissues in a 3D printed apparatus</a>

In the study, researchers from the University of California, Berkley recorded neurons’ electrical activity using a technique considered more precise. It is known as electrocorticograhy&nbsp;(ECoG). The technique poses many risks, but is necessary for patients undergoing surgery for epilepsy. This is why it served as a perfect opportunity for scientists to study the brain.

16 test subjects involved in the study were asked to perform varying tasks while their neural activity was being tracked. They were asked to listen to a stimulus and react, while many were shown images of certain objects and then asked to perform actions.

Even though the study mostly reaffirms what scientists already know about the brain, it shed light on how important prefrontal cortex is in helping humans act on different stimuli. The scientists observed the electrical activity from one part of the brain to another. They found that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for linking all human thoughts and actions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/meet-indian-jumping-ants-who-can-shrink-and-re-grow-their-brains-377559" hreflang="en">Meet Indian jumping ants, who can shrink and re-grow their brains</a>

Human brain is the processor of all information we throw its way. It is also single-handedly responsible for keeping the body and mind in sync. A wireless machine, it never stops crunching data and is always processing information.

Human brain is the processor of all information we throw its way. It is also single-handedly responsible for keeping the body and mind in sync. A wireless machine, it never stops crunching data and is always processing information. All our thoughts pass through this celestial organ which is central to our nervous system. Scientists were able to follow a thought as it moved through the brain, revealing the mechanisms of how our mind thinks and the processes involved therein. The study from 2018 assessed epilepsy patients who were undergoing surgery. Neuroscientists were able to track the trajectory of a thought through patients’ brains. It was long asserted that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for linking interactions within the brain. This study reinforced those claims, for the region facilities complex interactions between different parts of the brain, which is how thoughts are processed. To understand the movement of information from one part of the brain to another, scientists heavily rely on electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technologies. These provide a compelling insight into the workings of the mind, but its better understandings still require invasive procedures. Also read: Indian, US scientists grow human brain tissues in a 3D printed apparatus In the study, researchers from the University of California, Berkley recorded neurons’ electrical activity using a technique considered more precise. It is known as electrocorticograhy (ECoG). The technique poses many risks, but is necessary for patients undergoing surgery for epilepsy. This is why it served as a perfect opportunity for scientists to study the brain. 16 test subjects involved in the study were asked to perform varying tasks while their neural activity was being tracked. They were asked to listen to a stimulus and react, while many were shown images of certain objects and then asked to perform actions. Even though the study mostly reaffirms what scientists already know about the brain, it shed light on how important prefrontal cortex is in helping humans act on different stimuli. The scientists observed the electrical activity from one part of the brain to another. They found that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for linking all human thoughts and actions. Also read: Meet Indian jumping ants, who can shrink and re-grow their brains

Scientists tracked a thought as it moved through the brain. What did they find?

Paleontologists have identified a new species of dinosaur after a specimen from about 72 million years ago was found in northern Mexico.

New dinosaur species found in Mexico

Universe is a wonderful place. It generates life, but also has a place for gigantic, unimaginable explosions that dwarf even our most dangerous nuclear weapons. The result is a constant flux of celestial activity.

Many of these cosmic events have effect on us on Earth. From solar flares to cosmic rays, we are just one planet in the cosmos that goes through everything it throws at us.

But an 'alien' isotope found in Earth's crust has scientists interested. This isotope is radioactive Iron.

Building atoms is serious business. Making simple atoms like Helium and Hydrogen takes massive power of a star. But building radioactive atoms takes massive firepower of a literal explosion of a star, a Supernova.

Scientists at Australian National University have found such a radioactive isotope of Iron (Iron 60) 1500 metres below Pacific Ocean. This is a 'blink-and-you-miss-it' sort of an isotope which has a very short half-life on cosmic scale.

Presence of Iron-60 isotope indicates that Earth was subjected to energy released by supernovas in our immediate neighbourhood. The isotope has been formed due to an 'alien' cosmic activity.

The rock sample containing Iron-60 is being analysed more. The scientists have published their findings in the scientific journal Science

Universe is a wonderful place. It generates life, but also has a place for gigantic, unimaginable explosions that dwarf even our most dangerous nuclear weapons. The result is a constant flux of celestial activity.

Universe is a wonderful place. It generates life, but also has a place for gigantic, unimaginable explosions that dwarf even our most dangerous nuclear weapons. The result is a constant flux of celestial activity. Many of these cosmic events have effect on us on Earth. From solar flares to cosmic rays, we are just one planet in the cosmos that goes through everything it throws at us. But an 'alien' isotope found in Earth's crust has scientists interested. This isotope is radioactive Iron. Building atoms is serious business. Making simple atoms like Helium and Hydrogen takes massive power of a star. But building radioactive atoms takes massive firepower of a literal explosion of a star, a Supernova. Scientists at Australian National University have found such a radioactive isotope of Iron (Iron 60) 1500 metres below Pacific Ocean. This is a 'blink-and-you-miss-it' sort of an isotope which has a very short half-life on cosmic scale. Presence of Iron-60 isotope indicates that Earth was subjected to energy released by supernovas in our immediate neighbourhood. The isotope has been formed due to an 'alien' cosmic activity. The rock sample containing Iron-60 is being analysed more. The scientists have published their findings in the scientific journal Science

'Alien' isotope found in Earth's crust

We all know about the saber-toothed tiger. It's perhaps old news that the animal had the iconic big teeth which came out menacingly from his jaws even when its mouoth was shut. It's easy to imagine that this now-extinct tiger hunted down prey aggressively.

But a cat actually hunting a rhino? Well, that's an interesting deal.

But it appears that such a cat existed millions of years ago. And just like the saber-toothed tiger, it had fangs that protruded from its mouth.

Scientists have now able to identify this giant new cat species using detailed fossil comparison technique. This is one of the biggest cats discovered.

The scientific name of this cat is Machairodus lahayishupup. It had a body mass of 274 kilograms (604 pounds).

This cat was a pretty mean predator. In carnivorous land mammals, strength of upper arm often proves decisive as they use it not only for chasing prey, but also to hold it and finish the job

Scientists involved in the study found fossil of this cat. Bone of the upper arm of this animal was found to be 1.4 times the size of the modern day lion!

These cats may have prowled the lands of North America 5 to 9 million years ago. It's easy to imagine that with their strength, they hunted even rhinos which were abundant in North America around that time. This cat may have even been on top of her food chain, easily tearing off its prey and even other meat-eating animals that crossed its path

Still think cat videos on social media are JUST cute?

We all know about the saber-toothed tiger. It's perhaps old news that the animal had the iconic big teeth which came out menacingly from his jaws even when its mouoth was shut.

We all know about the saber-toothed tiger. It's perhaps old news that the animal had the iconic big teeth which came out menacingly from his jaws even when its mouoth was shut. It's easy to imagine that this now-extinct tiger hunted down prey aggressively. But a cat actually hunting a rhino? Well, that's an interesting deal. But it appears that such a cat existed millions of years ago. And just like the saber-toothed tiger, it had fangs that protruded from its mouth. Scientists have now able to identify this giant new cat species using detailed fossil comparison technique. This is one of the biggest cats discovered. The scientific name of this cat is Machairodus lahayishupup. It had a body mass of 274 kilograms (604 pounds). This cat was a pretty mean predator. In carnivorous land mammals, strength of upper arm often proves decisive as they use it not only for chasing prey, but also to hold it and finish the job Scientists involved in the study found fossil of this cat. Bone of the upper arm of this animal was found to be 1.4 times the size of the modern day lion! These cats may have prowled the lands of North America 5 to 9 million years ago. It's easy to imagine that with their strength, they hunted even rhinos which were abundant in North America around that time. This cat may have even been on top of her food chain, easily tearing off its prey and even other meat-eating animals that crossed its path Still think cat videos on social media are JUST cute?

This cat actually hunted rhinos millions of years ago

Four&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;just returned from the International Space Station described&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday their reentry into&nbsp;Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space.

A&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;Crew Dragon&nbsp;capsule&nbsp;carrying the crew back to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station">NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station</a>

"There was a point where I was just saying to myself, breathe. Inhale, because I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;really&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;-- I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like those cartoons when they experience G and your face is just sagging down," said American Victor Glover, one of the&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;in the group called Crew-1.&nbsp;

It was the first regular mission to be taken and then returned from the ISS aboard a spacecraft built by billionaire Elon Musk's company.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket">Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket</a>

"I expected it to be so dynamic -- and so challenging -- that the actual event I think, was a little less than what I was expecting, and so it was enjoyable all around," Glover said.

The weight of acceleration was concentrated in the chest, making it difficult to breathe.

But then, "launch and entry are such unique experiences," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;

NASA has contracted&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;to launch&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;into space from US soil, something that has not been possible since 2011 with the end of space shuttle program.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars">'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars</a>

Since that time until now NASA was forced to pay for rides to the ISS aboard Russian Soyuz vessels, which land&nbsp;on&nbsp;dry land.

"Landing in the water was interesting because none of us&nbsp;really&nbsp;knew what to expect, but I would say from my standpoint, it&nbsp;felt&nbsp;a little bit softer than landing&nbsp;on&nbsp;land," said US astronaut Shannon Walker.

"You spend less time under a parachute&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Dragon than you do under the Soyuz," he said.

Soon, space "tourists" -- civilians who are not professional&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;-- will take their places&nbsp;on&nbsp;Dragon.

US astronaut Mike Hopkins believes that space tourists will be able to handle the rough reentry rides.

After the civilians go through some centrifuge training "it's not going to be completely unique to them," he said.

Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi said the landing was pretty smooth.

"Impact was very, very minimal, and right after splashdown. We feel the waves, we come back to the water planet.

"That's a great feeling."

Four astronauts just returned from the International Space Station described on Thursday their reentry into Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space.

Four astronauts just returned from the International Space Station described on Thursday their reentry into Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the crew back to Earth splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years. Also read | NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station "There was a point where I was just saying to myself, breathe. Inhale, because I felt really heavy -- I felt like those cartoons when they experience G and your face is just sagging down," said American Victor Glover, one of the astronauts in the group called Crew-1. It was the first regular mission to be taken and then returned from the ISS aboard a spacecraft built by billionaire Elon Musk's company. Also read | Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket "I expected it to be so dynamic -- and so challenging -- that the actual event I think, was a little less than what I was expecting, and so it was enjoyable all around," Glover said. The weight of acceleration was concentrated in the chest, making it difficult to breathe. But then, "launch and entry are such unique experiences," he said. NASA has contracted SpaceX to launch astronauts into space from US soil, something that has not been possible since 2011 with the end of space shuttle program. Also read | 'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars Since that time until now NASA was forced to pay for rides to the ISS aboard Russian Soyuz vessels, which land on dry land. "Landing in the water was interesting because none of us really knew what to expect, but I would say from my standpoint, it felt a little bit softer than landing on land," said US astronaut Shannon Walker. "You spend less time under a parachute on the Dragon than you do under the Soyuz," he said. Soon, space "tourists" -- civilians who are not professional astronauts -- will take their places on Dragon. US astronaut Mike Hopkins believes that space tourists will be able to handle the rough reentry rides. After the civilians go through some centrifuge training "it's not going to be completely unique to them," he said. Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi said the landing was pretty smooth. "Impact was very, very minimal, and right after splashdown. We feel the waves, we come back to the water planet. "That's a great feeling."

'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule

Corals are essential for the health of Oceans and our planet. Widespread pollution and climate change has caused great damage to corals in oceans around the world. This is especially true in case of the Great Barrier Reef. The huge wall of corals is in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The reef faces "precipitous declines" in coral cover over the next five decades due to "intense pressure" from climate change, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Royal Society Open Science said.

But a new, experimental "cloud brightening" technology and introduction of heat-tolerant corals can help slow down the damage to the reef

Climate change is causing marine heatwaves, more intense cyclones and flooding -- all of which are damaging the health of the reef.

"Coral reefs are some of the most climate-vulnerable ecosystems on Earth," lead author Scott Condie told AFP.

"The model projections suggest that coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef could fall below 10 per cent within 20 years."

Condie and his co-authors modelled the potential impact of interventions such as "cloud brightening", which was first trialled by scientists on the reef last year.

The technology sends salt crystals into the air, making clouds reflect more sunlight to cool waters around the reef.

They also modelled expanded measures to control the predatory crown-of-thorns starfish, which consume the corals and proliferate when bleaching forces bigger fish to leave an area.

"The results suggest that combinations of interventions may delay decline of the Great Barrier Reef by two decades or more," Condie said.

He said there was "clear urgency" to act but acknowledged that the scale of the work required was "much larger than anything that has previously been deployed on coral reefs".

"Any large-scale interventions would require a major financial investment and need to be acceptable to local communities," he added.

The modelling assumes global temperatures will not rise beyond 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2100, which would require governments to follow through on their Paris climate agreement pledges.

(With inouts from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Corals are essential for the health of Oceans and our planet. Widespread pollution and climate change has caused great damage to corals in oceans around the world.

Corals are essential for the health of Oceans and our planet. Widespread pollution and climate change has caused great damage to corals in oceans around the world. This is especially true in case of the Great Barrier Reef. The huge wall of corals is in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. The reef faces "precipitous declines" in coral cover over the next five decades due to "intense pressure" from climate change, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Royal Society Open Science said. But a new, experimental "cloud brightening" technology and introduction of heat-tolerant corals can help slow down the damage to the reef Climate change is causing marine heatwaves, more intense cyclones and flooding -- all of which are damaging the health of the reef. "Coral reefs are some of the most climate-vulnerable ecosystems on Earth," lead author Scott Condie told AFP. "The model projections suggest that coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef could fall below 10 per cent within 20 years." Condie and his co-authors modelled the potential impact of interventions such as "cloud brightening", which was first trialled by scientists on the reef last year. The technology sends salt crystals into the air, making clouds reflect more sunlight to cool waters around the reef. They also modelled expanded measures to control the predatory crown-of-thorns starfish, which consume the corals and proliferate when bleaching forces bigger fish to leave an area. "The results suggest that combinations of interventions may delay decline of the Great Barrier Reef by two decades or more," Condie said. He said there was "clear urgency" to act but acknowledged that the scale of the work required was "much larger than anything that has previously been deployed on coral reefs". "Any large-scale interventions would require a major financial investment and need to be acceptable to local communities," he added. The modelling assumes global temperatures will not rise beyond 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2100, which would require governments to follow through on their Paris climate agreement pledges. (With inouts from agencies)

'Cloud brightening' technology can save Great Barrier Reef

Humans have a huge footprint on this planet and this doesn't always mean a good thing. The footprint may be in form of carbon emissions or&nbsp;climate change. Human activities have often harmed nature. But human activities have adverse impact on humans as well.

A radioactive element has been found in honey samples collected in the US. The study has been carried out by researchers from William and Mary University in the US.

But why is there a radioactive element in honey?

The nuclear tests carried out in the US in 1950s and 60s are to blame. Nuclear bombs contain Uranium and when the bomb explodes, it produces radioactive Cesium.

Cesium atom is similar to Potassium atom and Potassium is a very important nutrient for plants. When Potassium is available in the soil, plants absorb it. But if soil is deficient in Potassium, there is a likelihood that the radioactive Cesium atoms may be absorbed by the plants, explain the researchers.

Cesium then passes into the nectar of the plant's flowers which in turn is converted to honey by the honeybees.

As per the researchers, the Cesium levels in the honey were not found to be high enough to cause extreme danger to human life. But this study is yet another reminder of the need to take care of our only home in the universe. Our Planet Earth.

The study has been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

Humans have a huge footprint on this planet and this doesn't always mean a good thing. The footprint may be in form of carbon emissions or climate change. Human activities have often harmed nature.

Humans have a huge footprint on this planet and this doesn't always mean a good thing. The footprint may be in form of carbon emissions or climate change. Human activities have often harmed nature. But human activities have adverse impact on humans as well. A radioactive element has been found in honey samples collected in the US. The study has been carried out by researchers from William and Mary University in the US. But why is there a radioactive element in honey? The nuclear tests carried out in the US in 1950s and 60s are to blame. Nuclear bombs contain Uranium and when the bomb explodes, it produces radioactive Cesium. Cesium atom is similar to Potassium atom and Potassium is a very important nutrient for plants. When Potassium is available in the soil, plants absorb it. But if soil is deficient in Potassium, there is a likelihood that the radioactive Cesium atoms may be absorbed by the plants, explain the researchers. Cesium then passes into the nectar of the plant's flowers which in turn is converted to honey by the honeybees. As per the researchers, the Cesium levels in the honey were not found to be high enough to cause extreme danger to human life. But this study is yet another reminder of the need to take care of our only home in the universe. Our Planet Earth. The study has been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

American honey samples found to contain radioactive element: Study

Russian space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday said that it hoped to launch its own space station in 2025. Moscow is considering withdrawing from the International Space Station programme. Dmitry Rogozin, chief of Roscosmos said work had already begun on the first module of the new space station.&nbsp;

"The first core module of the new Russian orbital station is in the works," Rogozin said in a statement on messaging app Telegram.&nbsp;

He said Russia's Energia space corporation was aiming to have the module "ready for launch" in 2025 and released a video of Energia staff at work.

The announcement came with tensions soaring over espionage claims, a Russian troop build-up along Ukraine's borders and the deteriorating health of President Vladimir Putin's imprisoned critic Alexei Navalny.

International Space Station (ISS) which is currently in orbit is one of the most ambitious international collaborations in human history.

The ISS was launched in 1998 with co-operation between Russia, the US, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said in recent days that Moscow was considering whether to leave the ISS programme from 2025 because of the station's age.

However, Roscosmos said on Monday that a decision on quitting the ISS had not yet been made.

"When we make a decision we will start negotiations with our partners on forms and conditions of cooperation beyond 2024," the space agency told AFP in a statement.

Russia lost its monopoly for manned flights to the ISS last year after the first successful mission of US company Space X.

Despite its much-lauded history -- Russia this month marked the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first person in orbit -- the country's space programme has struggled in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday said that it hoped to launch its own space station in 2025. Moscow is considering withdrawing from the International Space Station programme.

Russian space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday said that it hoped to launch its own space station in 2025. Moscow is considering withdrawing from the International Space Station programme. Dmitry Rogozin, chief of Roscosmos said work had already begun on the first module of the new space station. "The first core module of the new Russian orbital station is in the works," Rogozin said in a statement on messaging app Telegram. He said Russia's Energia space corporation was aiming to have the module "ready for launch" in 2025 and released a video of Energia staff at work. The announcement came with tensions soaring over espionage claims, a Russian troop build-up along Ukraine's borders and the deteriorating health of President Vladimir Putin's imprisoned critic Alexei Navalny. International Space Station (ISS) which is currently in orbit is one of the most ambitious international collaborations in human history. The ISS was launched in 1998 with co-operation between Russia, the US, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said in recent days that Moscow was considering whether to leave the ISS programme from 2025 because of the station's age. However, Roscosmos said on Monday that a decision on quitting the ISS had not yet been made. "When we make a decision we will start negotiations with our partners on forms and conditions of cooperation beyond 2024," the space agency told AFP in a statement. Russia lost its monopoly for manned flights to the ISS last year after the first successful mission of US company Space X. Despite its much-lauded history -- Russia this month marked the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first person in orbit -- the country's space programme has struggled in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to launch its own space station in 2025

NASA was successful in flying Ingenuity helicopter on the surface of Mars on Monday, as per images sent back to Earth. It is a historic moment as this is a first powered flight on the Martian surface.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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"Wow!" 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAJPL</a> team is all cheers as they receive video data from the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> rover of the Ingenuity <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarsHelicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarsHelicopter</a> flight: <a href="https://t.co/8eH4H6jGKs">pic.twitter.com/8eH4H6jGKs</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1384099167832735748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Altimeter data confirms that Ingenuity has performed its first flight -- the first flight of a powered aircraft on another planet," announced an engineer in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as the control room cheered.&nbsp;

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A short clip sent back by Perseverance rover showed the helicopter grounded at first, howering three meters above the surface and then touching back down.

Ingenuity itself sent back a still black-and-white image from its downward pointing camera, showing its own shadow cast on the surface.

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It happened. Today our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarsHelicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarsHelicopter</a> proved that powered, controlled flight from the surface of another planet is possible. It takes a little ingenuity, perseverance, and spirit to make that opportunity a reality: <a href="https://t.co/oT3rrBm6wj">https://t.co/oT3rrBm6wj</a> <a href="https://t.co/u63GKshp0G">pic.twitter.com/u63GKshp0G</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1384108519390027779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"We can now say that human beings have flown a rotorcraft on another planet!" said lead engineer MiMi Aung to her team.

"We've been talking so long about our Wright brothers' moment on Mars, and here it is," she added. 
The first powered flight on Earth was achieved by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.&nbsp;

A piece of fabric from that plane has been tucked inside Ingenuity in honor of that feat.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA was successful in flying Ingenuity helicopter on the surface of Mars on Monday, as per images sent back to Earth. It is a historic moment as this is a first powered flight on the Martian surface.

NASA was successful in flying Ingenuity helicopter on the surface of Mars on Monday, as per images sent back to Earth. It is a historic moment as this is a first powered flight on the Martian surface. "Wow!" The @NASAJPL team is all cheers as they receive video data from the @NASAPersevere rover of the Ingenuity #MarsHelicopter flight: pic.twitter.com/8eH4H6jGKs — NASA (@NASA) April 19, 2021 × "Altimeter data confirms that Ingenuity has performed its first flight -- the first flight of a powered aircraft on another planet," announced an engineer in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as the control room cheered. A short clip sent back by Perseverance rover showed the helicopter grounded at first, howering three meters above the surface and then touching back down. Ingenuity itself sent back a still black-and-white image from its downward pointing camera, showing its own shadow cast on the surface. It happened. Today our #MarsHelicopter proved that powered, controlled flight from the surface of another planet is possible. It takes a little ingenuity, perseverance, and spirit to make that opportunity a reality: https://t.co/oT3rrBm6wj pic.twitter.com/u63GKshp0G — NASA (@NASA) April 19, 2021 × "We can now say that human beings have flown a rotorcraft on another planet!" said lead engineer MiMi Aung to her team. "We've been talking so long about our Wright brothers' moment on Mars, and here it is," she added. The first powered flight on Earth was achieved by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. A piece of fabric from that plane has been tucked inside Ingenuity in honor of that feat. (With inputs from agencies)

Giant flight for mankind: NASA's Ingenuity helicopter flies successfully over Mars

A NASA spacecraft left a mess at an asteroid when it grabbed a load of rubble last year for return to Earth, new pictures revealed Thursday.

The Osiris-Rex spacecraft made one final flyby of asteroid Bennu on April 7 to take photos of the disturbance left by October's sample collection.

A depression is visible where Osiris-Rex penetrated the asteroid's surface. Boulders were hurled by the pressurised nitrogen gas that was fired at the ground to churn up material for vacuuming, and by the spacecraft's getaway thruster.

One 1-ton boulder was flung an estimated 40 feet (12 meters).

The Osiris-Rex team meticulously plotted the final flyover to ensure the best shots.

The pictures were taken around noontime to avoid shadows and better see the changes on Bennu's rocky surface.

''These observations were not in the original mission plan, so we were excited to go back and document what we did,''&nbsp;the University of Arizona's Dathon Golish said in a statement.

Osiris-Rex will depart Bennu's vicinity next month and head back toward Earth with its precious 2-pound (1-kig) sample load. It's due to arrive in 2023.

The solar-orbiting, carbon-rich asteroid is 182 million miles (293 million kilometers) from Earth.

By studying pieces of it, scientists hope to better understand how our solar system's planets formed and how people should react if an asteroid endangers Earth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A NASA spacecraft left a mess at an asteroid when it grabbed a load of rubble last year for return to Earth, new pictures revealed Thursday. The Osiris-Rex spacecraft made one final flyby of asteroid Bennu on April 7 to take photos of the disturbance left by October's sample collection.

A NASA spacecraft left a mess at an asteroid when it grabbed a load of rubble last year for return to Earth, new pictures revealed Thursday. The Osiris-Rex spacecraft made one final flyby of asteroid Bennu on April 7 to take photos of the disturbance left by October's sample collection. A depression is visible where Osiris-Rex penetrated the asteroid's surface. Boulders were hurled by the pressurised nitrogen gas that was fired at the ground to churn up material for vacuuming, and by the spacecraft's getaway thruster. One 1-ton boulder was flung an estimated 40 feet (12 meters). The Osiris-Rex team meticulously plotted the final flyover to ensure the best shots. The pictures were taken around noontime to avoid shadows and better see the changes on Bennu's rocky surface. ''These observations were not in the original mission plan, so we were excited to go back and document what we did,'' the University of Arizona's Dathon Golish said in a statement. Osiris-Rex will depart Bennu's vicinity next month and head back toward Earth with its precious 2-pound (1-kig) sample load. It's due to arrive in 2023. The solar-orbiting, carbon-rich asteroid is 182 million miles (293 million kilometers) from Earth. By studying pieces of it, scientists hope to better understand how our solar system's planets formed and how people should react if an asteroid endangers Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA spacecraft leaves a mess after grabbing asteroid samples

Black holes are a thing of wonder for an astrophysicist as they are for common people. A celestial body with gravity capable of trapping even light is certain to cause amazement. NASA has posted a video that shows what happens when two black holes pass each other. It sure is a terrifying idea to imagine such a clash considering a single black hole is capable of tearing apart a star that passes by it in space

Black holes cannot be 'seen' as light is unable to escape from them. We have to detect their presence through the effects they cause.

When a black hole tears a nearby star apart, there are ways to detect this celestial event. But what happens when two black holes (two celestial bodies that can't be seen) cross paths?

The idea is mind-boggling but NASA has come to our help

"What happens when two black holes pass by each other? For #BlackHoleWeek, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view," NASA has tweeted with a video. The video has got thousands of likes in just a few hours.

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What happens when two black holes pass by each other? 
 
For <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackHoleWeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackHoleWeek</a>, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view: <a href="https://t.co/Vj9xDIQSer">https://t.co/Vj9xDIQSer</a> <a href="https://t.co/PPhFUBFalI">pic.twitter.com/PPhFUBFalI</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1382806746650005506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Watching the dance of the two massively powerful astronomical bodies is both, interesting and humbling. 
&nbsp;

Black holes are a thing of wonder for an astrophysicist as they are for common people. A celestial body with gravity capable of trapping even light is certain to cause amazement.

Black holes are a thing of wonder for an astrophysicist as they are for common people. A celestial body with gravity capable of trapping even light is certain to cause amazement. NASA has posted a video that shows what happens when two black holes pass each other. It sure is a terrifying idea to imagine such a clash considering a single black hole is capable of tearing apart a star that passes by it in space Black holes cannot be 'seen' as light is unable to escape from them. We have to detect their presence through the effects they cause. When a black hole tears a nearby star apart, there are ways to detect this celestial event. But what happens when two black holes (two celestial bodies that can't be seen) cross paths? The idea is mind-boggling but NASA has come to our help "What happens when two black holes pass by each other? For #BlackHoleWeek, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view," NASA has tweeted with a video. The video has got thousands of likes in just a few hours. What happens when two black holes pass by each other? For #BlackHoleWeek, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view: https://t.co/Vj9xDIQSer pic.twitter.com/PPhFUBFalI — NASA (@NASA) April 15, 2021 × Watching the dance of the two massively powerful astronomical bodies is both, interesting and humbling.

NASA posts video on what happens when two black holes cross paths in space

Death is a thing that can't be defeated. It comes for us and also for astronomical bodies. An image of a galaxy captured by NASA's Hubble space telescope looks so solemn that it is sure to make anyone looking at it just a little contemplative.

The galaxy is dying!

One look at the image and it seems as if the life force is dissipating away from this celestial structure. The galaxy, named NGC 1947 is 45.7 million light-years away from us. The galaxy is slowly on the decline. The contrast between the dying galaxy and other specs of lively lights is very clear in the picture. While the universe around the galaxy is still rife with activity, the galaxy appears distant from it.

It is a rare type of galaxy called lenticular galaxy. Such galaxies are similar in structure to the Milky Way galaxy but they lack spiral arms.&nbsp;

The 'star-stuff' in this galaxy is spent and hence, no new stars are being formed. The present stellar material is fading.

As they travel through space, galaxies usually absorb new material. However, in the case of NGC 1947 such infusion of new material looks difficult at least for now.

And in the absence of new star-stuff, the galaxy is destined to slowly fade away in our universe teeming with stellar activity and life.

 
&nbsp;

Death is a thing that can't be defeated. It comes for us and also for astronomical bodies. An image of a galaxy captured by NASA's Hubble space telescope looks so solemn that it is sure to make anyone looking at it just a little contemplative.

Death is a thing that can't be defeated. It comes for us and also for astronomical bodies. An image of a galaxy captured by NASA's Hubble space telescope looks so solemn that it is sure to make anyone looking at it just a little contemplative. The galaxy is dying! One look at the image and it seems as if the life force is dissipating away from this celestial structure. The galaxy, named NGC 1947 is 45.7 million light-years away from us. The galaxy is slowly on the decline. The contrast between the dying galaxy and other specs of lively lights is very clear in the picture. While the universe around the galaxy is still rife with activity, the galaxy appears distant from it. It is a rare type of galaxy called lenticular galaxy. Such galaxies are similar in structure to the Milky Way galaxy but they lack spiral arms. The 'star-stuff' in this galaxy is spent and hence, no new stars are being formed. The present stellar material is fading. As they travel through space, galaxies usually absorb new material. However, in the case of NGC 1947 such infusion of new material looks difficult at least for now. And in the absence of new star-stuff, the galaxy is destined to slowly fade away in our universe teeming with stellar activity and life.

NASA's Hubble telescope clicks haunting image of a dying galaxy

Global warming needs no explanation. The threat of sea levels rising due to melting polar ice caps is well known. The rising sea levels are expected to cause much trouble for shoreline cities in coming decades.

But even when some of largest cities in the world face getting submerged. International efforts to stall global warming need more push.

Now it has been said that the 'Doomsday glacier' in Antarctica may be melting at faster rate than previously anticipated. The Thwaites Glacier has been given this scary nickname. Doomsday glacier&nbsp;currently accounts for 10 per cent of global sea-level rise. The glacier is 192,000 square kilometres (74,000 square miles) wide. Imagine the trouble caused when and if it melts completely.

Now, readings taken by researchers from University of Gothenburg in Sweden have revealed that warm water is seeping under the Doomsday glacier and threatening to melt the very pillars that keep the glacier afloat.

These 'pinning points' are being whittled down from all sides due to heat inflow caused by warm water.

Warm, salty water is entering the cavity under the Doomsday glacier and threatening the entire structure, researchers have found.

They have published their findings in the journal Science Advances.&nbsp;

Global warming needs no explanation. The threat of sea levels rising due to melting polar ice caps is well known. The rising sea levels are expected to cause much trouble for shoreline cities in coming decades.

Global warming needs no explanation. The threat of sea levels rising due to melting polar ice caps is well known. The rising sea levels are expected to cause much trouble for shoreline cities in coming decades. But even when some of largest cities in the world face getting submerged. International efforts to stall global warming need more push. Now it has been said that the 'Doomsday glacier' in Antarctica may be melting at faster rate than previously anticipated. The Thwaites Glacier has been given this scary nickname. Doomsday glacier currently accounts for 10 per cent of global sea-level rise. The glacier is 192,000 square kilometres (74,000 square miles) wide. Imagine the trouble caused when and if it melts completely. Now, readings taken by researchers from University of Gothenburg in Sweden have revealed that warm water is seeping under the Doomsday glacier and threatening to melt the very pillars that keep the glacier afloat. These 'pinning points' are being whittled down from all sides due to heat inflow caused by warm water. Warm, salty water is entering the cavity under the Doomsday glacier and threatening the entire structure, researchers have found. They have published their findings in the journal Science Advances.

Scary: Doomsday glacier may be melting faster than expected

Russia`s Soyuz MS-18 Yu spacecraft carrying one NASA astronaut and two cosmonauts of the Russian space agency Roscosmos docked to the International Space Station (ISS) at 7:05 am Eastern Time Zone (EDT) while both spacecraft were flying about 262 miles above northern China, NASA said.

The spacecraft launched ahead of the 60th anniversary of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, took Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov, and US astronaut Mark Vande Hei to the ISS, Sputnik reported. Gagarin`s name and portrait are painted on the rocket hull.

NASA informed that the hatches between the International Space Station and the newly arrived Soyuz spacecraft officially opened at 9:20 am EDT as they flew 270 miles above the South Pacific.

The arrival of three new crew members to the existing seven people already aboard for Expedition 64 temporarily increases the station`s population to 10, NASA said.NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts arrived on the Soyuz MS-18 after a two-orbit, three-hour flight following their launch from Kazakhstan at 3:42 am EDT.

Russia`s Soyuz MS-18 Yu spacecraft carrying one NASA astronaut and two cosmonauts of the Russian space agency Roscosmos docked to the International Space Station (ISS) at 7:05 am Eastern Time Zone (EDT) while both spacecraft were flying about 262 miles above northern China, NASA said.

Russia`s Soyuz MS-18 Yu spacecraft carrying one NASA astronaut and two cosmonauts of the Russian space agency Roscosmos docked to the International Space Station (ISS) at 7:05 am Eastern Time Zone (EDT) while both spacecraft were flying about 262 miles above northern China, NASA said. The spacecraft launched ahead of the 60th anniversary of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, took Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov, and US astronaut Mark Vande Hei to the ISS, Sputnik reported. Gagarin`s name and portrait are painted on the rocket hull. NASA informed that the hatches between the International Space Station and the newly arrived Soyuz spacecraft officially opened at 9:20 am EDT as they flew 270 miles above the South Pacific. The arrival of three new crew members to the existing seven people already aboard for Expedition 64 temporarily increases the station`s population to 10, NASA said.NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts arrived on the Soyuz MS-18 after a two-orbit, three-hour flight following their launch from Kazakhstan at 3:42 am EDT.

Russia's Soyuz rocket placed into orbit with 3 astronauts on board

In the age of the Dinosaurs, they ruled supreme. Almost every food chain or food web on land, water and even in air had at least one dinosaur or its 'distant cousin' as the apex prdator. There were mammals yes, but they were not as dominant as they are now.

Now, a group of researchers from Chile have found a new mammal from the era of dinosaurs. This mammal could date back as far back as 74 million years.

This fox-like mammal is called the Orretherium tzen. It inhabited southetrn Chile's Magellan's region during the Mesozoic era of the dinosaurs.

Palaeontologist Sergio Soto told Reuters on Thursday (April 8) that the discovery of this fox-like species helps to fill in evolutionary gaps over different eras.

Melting ice in southern Chile as a result of global warming is giving researchers new insights into this part of the world. What sets this finding apart from others is the discovery of a well preserved jaw belonging to the Orretherium tzen.

It has allowed researchers to conclude that this mammal was likely an omnivore, living alongside dinosaurs.

In the age of the Dinosaurs, they ruled supreme. Almost every food chain or food web on land, water and even in air had at least one dinosaur or its 'distant cousin' as the apex prdator.

In the age of the Dinosaurs, they ruled supreme. Almost every food chain or food web on land, water and even in air had at least one dinosaur or its 'distant cousin' as the apex prdator. There were mammals yes, but they were not as dominant as they are now. Now, a group of researchers from Chile have found a new mammal from the era of dinosaurs. This mammal could date back as far back as 74 million years. This fox-like mammal is called the Orretherium tzen. It inhabited southetrn Chile's Magellan's region during the Mesozoic era of the dinosaurs. Palaeontologist Sergio Soto told Reuters on Thursday (April 8) that the discovery of this fox-like species helps to fill in evolutionary gaps over different eras. Melting ice in southern Chile as a result of global warming is giving researchers new insights into this part of the world. What sets this finding apart from others is the discovery of a well preserved jaw belonging to the Orretherium tzen. It has allowed researchers to conclude that this mammal was likely an omnivore, living alongside dinosaurs.

Researchers find 74-million-year-old mammal which lived alongside dinosaurs

Scientific boundaries and their frontiers have always expanded. From times when it had to fight a life-and-death war with religion to the days when it has been at the forefront of human progress, things have changed drastically.&nbsp;

But scientific frontiers are never frozen at one place, and discovery has the potential of upending our knowledge of Physics.

This observation has to do with muons. These are particles even smaller than an atom. Muons are like electrons but about 200 times heavier. Muons have a very short lifespan of 2.2 microseconds

Scientists at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in USA have found that muons wobbled more than they should when passed through intense magnetic field.

In plain words, this means that the muons are defying laws of Physics. This may point to there being a fifth fundamental force present. Unknown matter or energy is making the muons wobble in unexpected ways.

There are four fundamental forces in nature as per our current understanding. They are gravity, electromagnetism, weak force and the strong force.

The strange behaviour of muons points to there being a fifth fundamental force. If true, this has the potential of fundamentally changing our understanding of things both, in our surroundings and in the universe.

Scientific boundaries and their frontiers have always expanded. From times when it had to fight a life-and-death war with religion to the days when it has been at the forefront of human progress, things have changed drastically.

Scientific boundaries and their frontiers have always expanded. From times when it had to fight a life-and-death war with religion to the days when it has been at the forefront of human progress, things have changed drastically. But scientific frontiers are never frozen at one place, and discovery has the potential of upending our knowledge of Physics. This observation has to do with muons. These are particles even smaller than an atom. Muons are like electrons but about 200 times heavier. Muons have a very short lifespan of 2.2 microseconds Scientists at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in USA have found that muons wobbled more than they should when passed through intense magnetic field. In plain words, this means that the muons are defying laws of Physics. This may point to there being a fifth fundamental force present. Unknown matter or energy is making the muons wobble in unexpected ways. There are four fundamental forces in nature as per our current understanding. They are gravity, electromagnetism, weak force and the strong force. The strange behaviour of muons points to there being a fifth fundamental force. If true, this has the potential of fundamentally changing our understanding of things both, in our surroundings and in the universe.

Wobbly subatomic particles 'muons' may drastically change our understanding of Physics

If there is any planet that first catches our fancy when we are young, it is Saturn. The distinct rings is what makes Saturn a mesmerising thing. Who wants spherical planets when you can throw a funky ring around one of them eh? These rings can be witnessed using just an amateur stargazer's telescope.

We will be forgiven to think that it's just one ring surrounding Saturn. But the 'single' ring is made of seven major rings. All these rings are made of ice and chunks of rock.

Saturn and its rings behave just like our Solar System. As planets in our Solar System revolve around the Sun, material in Saturn's rings revolves around the planet.

A former NASA astronomer has made an interesting video that depicts how the rings revolve around Saturn.

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Countless shards of frozen water ice form Saturn's rings, which range in size from microscopic icy dust to bus-sized ice bergs. Each piece has its own orbit: close to Saturn they orbit fast, far away they orbit slow. Major ring segments are A-to-F (labelled in order of discovery) <a href="https://t.co/h4QjIz3eY8">pic.twitter.com/h4QjIz3eY8</a>
— Dr. James O'Donoghue (@physicsJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/physicsJ/status/1272121370109865985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Material closer to Saturn orbits faster otherwise it would fall in. Ring material farther from Saturn has the liberty to revolve at a slower speed.

The logic is just the same as that of the Solar System.

The slowest, outmost ring travels at about 37,000 mph (16.4 kilometers per second). While the innermost and fastest ring spins at a mindboggling speed of 52,000 mph (23.2 kilometers per second).

If there is any planet that first catches our fancy when we are young, it is Saturn. The distinct rings is what makes Saturn a mesmerising thing. Who wants spherical planets when you can throw a funky ring around one of them eh?

If there is any planet that first catches our fancy when we are young, it is Saturn. The distinct rings is what makes Saturn a mesmerising thing. Who wants spherical planets when you can throw a funky ring around one of them eh? These rings can be witnessed using just an amateur stargazer's telescope. We will be forgiven to think that it's just one ring surrounding Saturn. But the 'single' ring is made of seven major rings. All these rings are made of ice and chunks of rock. Saturn and its rings behave just like our Solar System. As planets in our Solar System revolve around the Sun, material in Saturn's rings revolves around the planet. A former NASA astronomer has made an interesting video that depicts how the rings revolve around Saturn. Countless shards of frozen water ice form Saturn's rings, which range in size from microscopic icy dust to bus-sized ice bergs. Each piece has its own orbit: close to Saturn they orbit fast, far away they orbit slow. Major ring segments are A-to-F (labelled in order of discovery) pic.twitter.com/h4QjIz3eY8 — Dr. James O'Donoghue (@physicsJ) June 14, 2020 × Material closer to Saturn orbits faster otherwise it would fall in. Ring material farther from Saturn has the liberty to revolve at a slower speed. The logic is just the same as that of the Solar System. The slowest, outmost ring travels at about 37,000 mph (16.4 kilometers per second). While the innermost and fastest ring spins at a mindboggling speed of 52,000 mph (23.2 kilometers per second).

An astronomer has created video on Saturn's spinning rings

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