Archeologists have discovered the ''most important'' piece of pre-historic art in the past century.

The ancient drum found in children's grave is 5,000-year-old will go on public display for the first time next week in the ''World of Stonehenge'' exhibition.

The piece of sculptural art was discovered by independent company Allen Archaeology during a routine excavation at the village of Burton Agnes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-we-the-modern-humans-kill-off-neanderthals-a-new-finding-may-have-answers-452031" hreflang="en">Did we, the modern humans, kill off Neanderthals? A new finding may have answers</a>

According to Jennifer Wexler, the curator of the British Museum's exhibition, "This drum is particularly intriguing, because it basically encompasses a sort of artistic language that we see throughout the British Isles at this time, and we're talking 5,000 years ago."&nbsp;

"Because of this new discovery, we're actually able to date the skeletons with carbon-14 dating (also known as radiocarbon dating)," Wexler said.

"So what we have found out is that these style drums are 500 years older than we thought, which is amazing."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/30000-meteorites-are-hiding-across-antarctica-as-per-this-treasure-map-created-by-artificial-intelligence-451559" hreflang="en">30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence</a>

"It has hastily added holes, perhaps marking the presence of the three bodies in the grave," she added.

"Analysis of its carvings will help to decipher the symbolism and beliefs of the era in which Stonehenge was constructed," said Neil Wilkin.

"We've been waiting for over 100 years for another one of these amazing objects to come up, and for it to come up with children — again — is astonishing," he added.

The grave is a rare find because ancient people in neolithic Britain would usually leave bodies for cremation or to be eaten by crows.

(With inputs from agencies)

Archeologists have discovered the ''most important'' piece of pre-historic art in the past century. The ancient drum found in children's grave is 5,000-year-old will go on public display for the first time next week in the ''World of Stonehenge'' exhibition.

Archeologists have discovered the ''most important'' piece of pre-historic art in the past century. The ancient drum found in children's grave is 5,000-year-old will go on public display for the first time next week in the ''World of Stonehenge'' exhibition. The piece of sculptural art was discovered by independent company Allen Archaeology during a routine excavation at the village of Burton Agnes. Also read | Did we, the modern humans, kill off Neanderthals? A new finding may have answers According to Jennifer Wexler, the curator of the British Museum's exhibition, "This drum is particularly intriguing, because it basically encompasses a sort of artistic language that we see throughout the British Isles at this time, and we're talking 5,000 years ago." "Because of this new discovery, we're actually able to date the skeletons with carbon-14 dating (also known as radiocarbon dating)," Wexler said. "So what we have found out is that these style drums are 500 years older than we thought, which is amazing." Also read | 30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence "It has hastily added holes, perhaps marking the presence of the three bodies in the grave," she added. "Analysis of its carvings will help to decipher the symbolism and beliefs of the era in which Stonehenge was constructed," said Neil Wilkin. "We've been waiting for over 100 years for another one of these amazing objects to come up, and for it to come up with children — again — is astonishing," he added. The grave is a rare find because ancient people in neolithic Britain would usually leave bodies for cremation or to be eaten by crows. (With inputs from agencies)

Archeologists discover 'most important' piece of prehistoric art in 100 years

Researchers in the US developed an inexpensive, nontoxic coating for fabrics that decreases the infectivity of COVID-19 by up to 90 per cent.

Researchers may develop an antiviral spray for fabrics using the coating described in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.1c14178">ACS Applied Materials &amp; Interfaces.</a>

"When you are walking into a hospital, you want to know that pillow you are putting your head onto is clean," said study lead author Taylor Wright, a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada.

"This coating could take a little bit of the worry off frontline workers to have personal protection equipment (PPE) with antimicrobial properties," Wright said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-outbreak-caused-due-to-covid-transmission-from-hamsters-says-study-451521" hreflang="en">Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study</a>

During the research, scientists soaked a piece of fabric in a solution containing a bacteria-killing polymer containing a molecule that releases sterilising forms of oxygen when exposed to light.

An ultraviolet (UV) light was then used to turn the solution into a solid, which fixed the coating to the fabric.

"This coating has both passive and active antimicrobial properties, killing microbes immediately upon contact, which is then amped up when sunlight hits the cloth," said senior study author Michael Wolf, a professor at UBC.

According to researchers, both components are safe for human use, and the entire process takes about an hour at room temperature. Additionally, the fabric becomes hydrophobic, meaning microbes are less likely to stick to it. The treatment does not appear to affect the strength of the fabric, the researchers said.

As well as cotton, polyester, denim, and silk, the coating can be applied to almost any fabric, such as hospital fabrics, masks, and activewear, according to the researchers.

The new method does not require chemical waste, high energy consumption, or expensive equipment, unlike other similar technologies, it is relatively easy and affordable, they claim.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-have-a-new-neighbour-scientists-discover-a-new-planet-near-our-solar-system-452345" hreflang="en">We have a new neighbour! Scientists discover a new planet near our solar system</a>

"All we need is a beaker and a light bulb. I am fairly certain I could do the whole process on a stove," Wright said.

The researchers tested the coating's bug-killing capabilities by immersing the treated fabric in bacterial soups containing Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), both major causes of hospital-acquired infections.

After 30 minutes, 85 per cent of E Coli bacteria remained viable, but that dropped to 3 per cent when the cloth was exposed to green light for the same period of time.&nbsp;The number of viable MRSA bacteria remained at 95 per cent, dropping to 35 per cent under green light. There were no bacteria left after four hours.

They also examined whether the coating reduced the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by immersing the treated fabrics in a solution of the virus particles and then adding them to living cells to see if they could infect them.

Watch |&nbsp;United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-reaches-a-grim-milestone-in-fight-against-covid-19-450650/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They found that passive properties were not effective against the virus, but that exposure to green light for two hours decreased the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by up to 90 per cent.

"In other words, only one tenth of the amount of virus signal was detected on cells infected with the UV-fabric and light treated virus," said study co-author Francois Jean, a professor at UBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in the US developed an inexpensive, nontoxic coating for fabrics that decreases the infectivity of COVID-19 by up to 90 per cent. Researchers may develop an antiviral spray for fabrics using the coating described in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Researchers in the US developed an inexpensive, nontoxic coating for fabrics that decreases the infectivity of COVID-19 by up to 90 per cent. Researchers may develop an antiviral spray for fabrics using the coating described in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. "When you are walking into a hospital, you want to know that pillow you are putting your head onto is clean," said study lead author Taylor Wright, a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. "This coating could take a little bit of the worry off frontline workers to have personal protection equipment (PPE) with antimicrobial properties," Wright said. Also read | Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study During the research, scientists soaked a piece of fabric in a solution containing a bacteria-killing polymer containing a molecule that releases sterilising forms of oxygen when exposed to light. An ultraviolet (UV) light was then used to turn the solution into a solid, which fixed the coating to the fabric. "This coating has both passive and active antimicrobial properties, killing microbes immediately upon contact, which is then amped up when sunlight hits the cloth," said senior study author Michael Wolf, a professor at UBC. According to researchers, both components are safe for human use, and the entire process takes about an hour at room temperature. Additionally, the fabric becomes hydrophobic, meaning microbes are less likely to stick to it. The treatment does not appear to affect the strength of the fabric, the researchers said. As well as cotton, polyester, denim, and silk, the coating can be applied to almost any fabric, such as hospital fabrics, masks, and activewear, according to the researchers. The new method does not require chemical waste, high energy consumption, or expensive equipment, unlike other similar technologies, it is relatively easy and affordable, they claim. Also read | We have a new neighbour! Scientists discover a new planet near our solar system "All we need is a beaker and a light bulb. I am fairly certain I could do the whole process on a stove," Wright said. The researchers tested the coating's bug-killing capabilities by immersing the treated fabric in bacterial soups containing Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), both major causes of hospital-acquired infections. After 30 minutes, 85 per cent of E Coli bacteria remained viable, but that dropped to 3 per cent when the cloth was exposed to green light for the same period of time. The number of viable MRSA bacteria remained at 95 per cent, dropping to 35 per cent under green light. There were no bacteria left after four hours. They also examined whether the coating reduced the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by immersing the treated fabrics in a solution of the virus particles and then adding them to living cells to see if they could infect them. Watch | United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19 They found that passive properties were not effective against the virus, but that exposure to green light for two hours decreased the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by up to 90 per cent. "In other words, only one tenth of the amount of virus signal was detected on cells infected with the UV-fabric and light treated virus," said study co-author Francois Jean, a professor at UBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Science fiction or reality?: A coating for clothes, that can decrease Covid infectibility by 90%

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth. BBC reported that UK-based JET laboratory has broken its own record in achieving practical nuclear fusion.

As per the report, the laboratory was able to produce energy of 59 megajoules (11 megawatts) over five seconds. This may not sound much but it is more than double the energy that was formed in a test held in the year 1997. And the breakthrough takes us one step closer towards obtaining energy from practical nuclear fusion.

If humans are able to master nuclear fusion, there will be no need to use fossil fuel-based energy sources and even nuclear power. Nuclear fusion energy would become an ideal source of low-carbon, low-radiation energy.

"The JET experiments put us a step closer to fusion power," said Dr Joe Milnes, the head of operations at the reactor lab. "We've demonstrated that we can create a mini star inside of our machine and hold it there for five seconds and get high performance, which really takes us into a new realm." Dr Milnes was quoted by BBC.

Nuclear fusion is a process of fusion of hydrogen atoms that creates helium and energy. This is different than nuclear fission which involves splitting of atoms to release energy. Nuclear fission reaction is involved in atomic bomb explosions and Nuclear power plants. While nuclear fusion reaction takes place in the Sun.

Does the latest breakthrough mean that energy from nuclear fusion can immediately be used to power our factories and vehicles? No. Because large scale, stable production of such energy can reportedly be achieved in few decades.

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth.

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth. BBC reported that UK-based JET laboratory has broken its own record in achieving practical nuclear fusion. As per the report, the laboratory was able to produce energy of 59 megajoules (11 megawatts) over five seconds. This may not sound much but it is more than double the energy that was formed in a test held in the year 1997. And the breakthrough takes us one step closer towards obtaining energy from practical nuclear fusion. If humans are able to master nuclear fusion, there will be no need to use fossil fuel-based energy sources and even nuclear power. Nuclear fusion energy would become an ideal source of low-carbon, low-radiation energy. "The JET experiments put us a step closer to fusion power," said Dr Joe Milnes, the head of operations at the reactor lab. "We've demonstrated that we can create a mini star inside of our machine and hold it there for five seconds and get high performance, which really takes us into a new realm." Dr Milnes was quoted by BBC. Nuclear fusion is a process of fusion of hydrogen atoms that creates helium and energy. This is different than nuclear fission which involves splitting of atoms to release energy. Nuclear fission reaction is involved in atomic bomb explosions and Nuclear power plants. While nuclear fusion reaction takes place in the Sun. Does the latest breakthrough mean that energy from nuclear fusion can immediately be used to power our factories and vehicles? No. Because large scale, stable production of such energy can reportedly be achieved in few decades.

Scientists report major breakthrough creating nuclear fusion energy

Researchers have artificial intelligence to create a ''treasure map'' that detects 30,000 meteorites hiding across Antarctica.

Published ''Universe Today,'' the study has been conducted by scientists from the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

Meteorites provide a unique view into the origin and evolution of the Solar System.&nbsp;These extraterrestrial rocks fell on Earth after surviving the passage through the atmosphere. Being directly accessible at the Earth’s surface, meteorites provide important insight into nebular and planetary processes.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-mysterious-space-object-has-spooked-astronomers-448271/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Antarctica is the most productive region for recovering meteorites, where these extraterrestrial rocks concentrate at meteorite stranding zones.&nbsp;

"Through our analyses, we learned that satellite observations of temperature, ice flow rate, surface cover and geometry are good predictors of the location of meteorite-rich areas," said Veronica Tollenaar, who led the study.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/youngest-pair-of-asteroids-ever-discovered-in-solar-system-spotted-by-astronomers-451332" hreflang="en">Youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in solar system spotted by astronomers</a>

"Antarctica is very remote and many areas have never been visited. We expect the 'treasure map' to be 80 percent accurate."&nbsp;

The analyses of the study suggests that less than 15 per cent of all meteorites at the surface of the Antarctic ice sheet have been recovered to date.

"We found several never-visited meteorite-rich areas that are relatively close to research stations," said Stef Lhermitte, who was involved in the study along with assistant professor David Tax from TU Delft.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-there-life-on-mars-study-of-decades-old-meteorite-casts-doubt-on-presence-of-life-on-the-planet-444601">Also read |&nbsp;Is there life on Mars?: Study of decades-old meteorite casts doubt on presence of life on the planet</a>

"Moreover, the reports on the success of previous meteorite recovery missions are often ambiguous and not very detailed, which leads to a lack of good-quality labels. To circumvent this problem, we relied on 'positive and unlabeled learning', an emerging field in machine learning," Tollenaar said.

In 1996, NASA scientists presented research indicating a 4-billion-year-old meteorite found in Antarctica carried evidence of fossilized microbial life from Mars.

The initial discovery of the so-called Mars meteorite was greeted with acclaim and the rock unveiled at a standing room-only briefing at NASA headquarters in Washington.

Since then, however, criticism has surrounded that discovery, and the conclusive proof has been elusive.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have artificial intelligence to create a ''treasure map'' that detects 30,000 meteorites hiding across Antarctica. Published ''Universe Today,'' the study has been conducted by scientists from the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

Researchers have artificial intelligence to create a ''treasure map'' that detects 30,000 meteorites hiding across Antarctica. Published ''Universe Today,'' the study has been conducted by scientists from the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands. Meteorites provide a unique view into the origin and evolution of the Solar System. These extraterrestrial rocks fell on Earth after surviving the passage through the atmosphere. Being directly accessible at the Earth’s surface, meteorites provide important insight into nebular and planetary processes. Antarctica is the most productive region for recovering meteorites, where these extraterrestrial rocks concentrate at meteorite stranding zones. "Through our analyses, we learned that satellite observations of temperature, ice flow rate, surface cover and geometry are good predictors of the location of meteorite-rich areas," said Veronica Tollenaar, who led the study. Also read | Youngest pair of asteroids ever discovered in solar system spotted by astronomers "Antarctica is very remote and many areas have never been visited. We expect the 'treasure map' to be 80 percent accurate." The analyses of the study suggests that less than 15 per cent of all meteorites at the surface of the Antarctic ice sheet have been recovered to date. "We found several never-visited meteorite-rich areas that are relatively close to research stations," said Stef Lhermitte, who was involved in the study along with assistant professor David Tax from TU Delft. Also read | Is there life on Mars?: Study of decades-old meteorite casts doubt on presence of life on the planet "Moreover, the reports on the success of previous meteorite recovery missions are often ambiguous and not very detailed, which leads to a lack of good-quality labels. To circumvent this problem, we relied on 'positive and unlabeled learning', an emerging field in machine learning," Tollenaar said. In 1996, NASA scientists presented research indicating a 4-billion-year-old meteorite found in Antarctica carried evidence of fossilized microbial life from Mars. The initial discovery of the so-called Mars meteorite was greeted with acclaim and the rock unveiled at a standing room-only briefing at NASA headquarters in Washington. Since then, however, criticism has surrounded that discovery, and the conclusive proof has been elusive. (With inputs from agencies)

30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence

A new study has revealed that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets.

Known as "A population of transition disks around evolved stars: Fingerprints of planets," the study has been published in the journal Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics.

It claims that the second generation of planets can be formed by a disk of leftover material from dying stars that surround them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-first-ever-wandering-black-hole-in-milky-way-galaxy-450795" hreflang="en">Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy</a>

"In ten percent of the evolved binary stars with discs we studied, we see a large cavity in the disc," said first author Kluska in a press release.&nbsp;

"This is an indication that something is floating around there that has collected all matter in the area of the cavity."

This first generation of stars apparently lived hard and died quickly. While our sun may live 5 billion years, this first generation of stars likely lasted only a slim fraction of that -- about 1 million years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-interesting-similarity-between-this-exoplanet-and-earth-449674">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth</a>

Understanding what happens inside a star is important because the core normally acts as a powerful nuclear furnace producing heat and pressure that makes the star shine and remain stable for a long time, the researchers said.

When the cores of these big stars run out of fuel, they collapse and spark a shock wave that travels to the surface at 20 million miles per hour to create a fireball one billion times brighter than the sun.

Supernovae are hurtling fields of heavy material that spew nickel, gold and iron, so understanding more about them can also provide insight into the formation of Earth, they added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-evidence-of-an-extreme-solar-tsunami-deep-within-earths-ice-448784" hreflang="en">Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice</a>

The Earth’s sun is smaller so when it reaches the end of its life in about 4 billion years it will bloat and then shed its outer layers, leaving the remains to cool over a long period of time.

"In the evolved binary stars with a large cavity in the disc, we saw that heavy elements such as iron were very scarce on the surface of the dying star," said Kluska.&nbsp;

"This observation leads one to suspect that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by a planet."

"The confirmation or refutation of this extraordinary way of planet formation will be an unprecedented test for the current theories," according to Professor Hans Van Winckel, head of the KU Leuven Institute of Astronomy.

Until now, scientists have only been able to observe the afterglow of such bursts that light up galaxies without knowing which star actually exploded.

This study argues that protoplanetary disks are ideal for studying planet formation scenarios in unprecedented parameter space. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has revealed that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets. Known as "A population of transition disks around evolved stars: Fingerprints of planets," the study has been published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

A new study has revealed that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets. Known as "A population of transition disks around evolved stars: Fingerprints of planets," the study has been published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. It claims that the second generation of planets can be formed by a disk of leftover material from dying stars that surround them. Also read | Scientists identify first-ever wandering black hole in Milky Way galaxy "In ten percent of the evolved binary stars with discs we studied, we see a large cavity in the disc," said first author Kluska in a press release. "This is an indication that something is floating around there that has collected all matter in the area of the cavity." This first generation of stars apparently lived hard and died quickly. While our sun may live 5 billion years, this first generation of stars likely lasted only a slim fraction of that -- about 1 million years. Also read | Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth Understanding what happens inside a star is important because the core normally acts as a powerful nuclear furnace producing heat and pressure that makes the star shine and remain stable for a long time, the researchers said. When the cores of these big stars run out of fuel, they collapse and spark a shock wave that travels to the surface at 20 million miles per hour to create a fireball one billion times brighter than the sun. Supernovae are hurtling fields of heavy material that spew nickel, gold and iron, so understanding more about them can also provide insight into the formation of Earth, they added. Also read | Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice The Earth’s sun is smaller so when it reaches the end of its life in about 4 billion years it will bloat and then shed its outer layers, leaving the remains to cool over a long period of time. "In the evolved binary stars with a large cavity in the disc, we saw that heavy elements such as iron were very scarce on the surface of the dying star," said Kluska. "This observation leads one to suspect that dust particles rich in these elements were trapped by a planet." "The confirmation or refutation of this extraordinary way of planet formation will be an unprecedented test for the current theories," according to Professor Hans Van Winckel, head of the KU Leuven Institute of Astronomy. Until now, scientists have only been able to observe the afterglow of such bursts that light up galaxies without knowing which star actually exploded. This study argues that protoplanetary disks are ideal for studying planet formation scenarios in unprecedented parameter space. (With inputs from agencies)

Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets

Moon is not just a pretty thing in the night. It influences tides and has effects that help the perpetuation of life on Earth. Because it's a junior member in its partnership with Earth, it's often easy to overlook our only natural satellite when we gaze into space.

But now, a study says that ability of a planet to form a moon may be associated with the habitability of the planet.

Moon had formed due to a cataclysmic collision between nascent Earth and a Mars-sized planet called Theia. The unimaginably catastrophic collision resulted in ejection of large amount of material in space around Earth. Some of this material was vapourised while remaining started revolving around the Earth in form of several moonlets. In time, these moonlets joined together to form the Moon as it is today.

Scientists from the University of Rochester say that whether a moon would form after collision&nbsp;between two planets depends on their size. If planets a certain times larger than Earth collide, then probability of Moon formation is very less. This is because a collision between these planets vapourises almost all of the material ejected as a result of the collision. The vapour, though ejected in space around the planet experiences a drag and moonlets formed due to such material fall&nbsp;on the planet. Thus a moon is not formed.

Earth's Moon has a great effect on things on our planet. It controls tides. Due to the large size of the Moon, it controls size of day on Earth. It stabilises Earth's axis of rotation. It also stabilises Earth's mild climate.

Moon is not just a pretty thing in the night. It influences tides and has effects that help the perpetuation of life on Earth. Because it's a junior member in its partnership with Earth, it's often easy to overlook our only natural satellite when we gaze into space.

Moon is not just a pretty thing in the night. It influences tides and has effects that help the perpetuation of life on Earth. Because it's a junior member in its partnership with Earth, it's often easy to overlook our only natural satellite when we gaze into space. But now, a study says that ability of a planet to form a moon may be associated with the habitability of the planet. Moon had formed due to a cataclysmic collision between nascent Earth and a Mars-sized planet called Theia. The unimaginably catastrophic collision resulted in ejection of large amount of material in space around Earth. Some of this material was vapourised while remaining started revolving around the Earth in form of several moonlets. In time, these moonlets joined together to form the Moon as it is today. Scientists from the University of Rochester say that whether a moon would form after collision between two planets depends on their size. If planets a certain times larger than Earth collide, then probability of Moon formation is very less. This is because a collision between these planets vapourises almost all of the material ejected as a result of the collision. The vapour, though ejected in space around the planet experiences a drag and moonlets formed due to such material fall on the planet. Thus a moon is not formed. Earth's Moon has a great effect on things on our planet. It controls tides. Due to the large size of the Moon, it controls size of day on Earth. It stabilises Earth's axis of rotation. It also stabilises Earth's mild climate.

Ability of planet to form moon affects its habitability: Study

Scientists have identified an interesting similarity between the Earth and an exoplanet WASP-189b.

Astronomers have discovered more than 4,400&nbsp;exoplanets.&nbsp;Some have been large gas planets akin to Jupiter.

Others have been smaller, rocky Earth-like worlds, the kind considered candidates for harboring life, but currently available scientific instruments tell us little about their atmospheres.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-evidence-of-an-extreme-solar-tsunami-deep-within-earths-ice-448784" hreflang="en">Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice</a>

The atmosphere of Earth is not a uniform envelope but consists of distinct layers that each have characteristic properties.&nbsp;

The lowest layer spans from sea level beyond the highest mountain peaks, for example,&nbsp;the troposphere&nbsp;contains most of the water vapour and is thus the layer in which most weather phenomena occur. The layer above it,&nbsp;the stratosphere – is the one that contains the famous ozone layer that shields us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

The research shows for the first time that the atmosphere of one of the most extreme known planets may have similarly distinct layers as well – albeit with very different characteristics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-hundreds-of-complex-mysterious-strands-at-the-heart-of-the-milky-way-448248" hreflang="en">Scientists find hundreds of complex, mysterious strands at the heart of the Milky Way</a>

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Bern and the University of Geneva as well as the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), has been published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

WASP-189b is a planet outside our own solar system, located 322 light-years from Earth. The planet is 20 times closer to its host star than Earth is to the Sun and has a daytime temperature of 3200 degrees Celsius as per extensive observations with the CHEOPS space telescope.

“We measured the light coming from the planet’s host star and passing through the planet’s atmosphere. The gases in its atmosphere absorb some of the starlight, similar to Ozone absorbing some of the sunlight in Earth’s atmosphere, and thereby leave their characteristic ‘fingerprint’. With the help of HARPS, we were able to identify the corresponding substances”, the lead author of the study and doctoral student at Lund University, Bibiana Prinoth, explains.&nbsp;

One particularly interesting substance the team found is a gas containing titanium: titanium oxide. While titanium oxide is very scarce on Earth, it could play an important role in the atmosphere of WASP-189b – similar to that of ozone in Earth’s atmosphere.&nbsp;

“Titanium oxide absorbs short wave radiation, such as ultraviolet radiation. Its detection could therefore indicate a layer in the atmosphere of WASP-189b that interacts with the stellar irradiation similarly to how the Ozone layer does on Earth”, study co-author Kevin Heng, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Bern and a member of the NCCR PlanetS, explains.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Scientists have identified an interesting similarity between the Earth and an exoplanet WASP-189b. Astronomers have discovered more than 4,400 exoplanets. Some have been large gas planets akin to Jupiter.

Scientists have identified an interesting similarity between the Earth and an exoplanet WASP-189b. Astronomers have discovered more than 4,400 exoplanets. Some have been large gas planets akin to Jupiter. Others have been smaller, rocky Earth-like worlds, the kind considered candidates for harboring life, but currently available scientific instruments tell us little about their atmospheres. Also read | Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice The atmosphere of Earth is not a uniform envelope but consists of distinct layers that each have characteristic properties. The lowest layer spans from sea level beyond the highest mountain peaks, for example, the troposphere contains most of the water vapour and is thus the layer in which most weather phenomena occur. The layer above it, the stratosphere – is the one that contains the famous ozone layer that shields us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. The research shows for the first time that the atmosphere of one of the most extreme known planets may have similarly distinct layers as well – albeit with very different characteristics. Also read | Scientists find hundreds of complex, mysterious strands at the heart of the Milky Way The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Bern and the University of Geneva as well as the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), has been published in the journal Nature Astronomy. WASP-189b is a planet outside our own solar system, located 322 light-years from Earth. The planet is 20 times closer to its host star than Earth is to the Sun and has a daytime temperature of 3200 degrees Celsius as per extensive observations with the CHEOPS space telescope. “We measured the light coming from the planet’s host star and passing through the planet’s atmosphere. The gases in its atmosphere absorb some of the starlight, similar to Ozone absorbing some of the sunlight in Earth’s atmosphere, and thereby leave their characteristic ‘fingerprint’. With the help of HARPS, we were able to identify the corresponding substances”, the lead author of the study and doctoral student at Lund University, Bibiana Prinoth, explains. One particularly interesting substance the team found is a gas containing titanium: titanium oxide. While titanium oxide is very scarce on Earth, it could play an important role in the atmosphere of WASP-189b – similar to that of ozone in Earth’s atmosphere. “Titanium oxide absorbs short wave radiation, such as ultraviolet radiation. Its detection could therefore indicate a layer in the atmosphere of WASP-189b that interacts with the stellar irradiation similarly to how the Ozone layer does on Earth”, study co-author Kevin Heng, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Bern and a member of the NCCR PlanetS, explains. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth

Zoologist Philip Matthews has resolved the 100-year-old mystery of why Chaoborus midge can float in water.

The findings of Matthews, who is a professor at the University of British Columbia, have been published in Current Biology.

Chaoborus midge is also called the ‘phantom midge’ due to its near transparency. The transparency makes the larvae resemble tiny ghosts as they move through lakes, ponds, and puddles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-evidence-of-an-extreme-solar-tsunami-deep-within-earths-ice-448784" hreflang="en">Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice</a>

Some fish regulate their buoyancy by inflating a swim bladder with oxygen unloaded from the hemoglobin in their blood.&nbsp;

In 1911, Nobel laureate August Krogh discovered Chaoborus larvae use a completely different mechanism, regulating their buoyancy using two pairs of internal air-filled sacs.&nbsp;

“These bizarre insects were floating neutrally buoyant in the water, which is something you just don't see insects doing,” said Matthews.&nbsp;

“Some insects can become neutrally buoyant for a short time during a dive, but Chaoborus larvae are the only insects close to being neutrally buoyant.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-hundreds-of-complex-mysterious-strands-at-the-heart-of-the-milky-way-448248" hreflang="en">Scientists find hundreds of complex, mysterious strands at the heart of the Milky Way</a>

When Matthews mounted the air-sacs of the larvae from the cattle tank on a microscope, they started glowing blue due to ultraviolet light illuminating the microscope’s stage.

The blue fluorescence was due to resilin, an almost perfect rubber found in parts of insects where elasticity is key, as in the elastic energy that powers a flea’s incredible jump.

“The weird thing about resilin is that not only is it really elastic. It will swell if you make it alkaline and contract if you make it acidic.”

With Ph.D. student Evan McKenzie driving experimental investigations, the researchers discovered that the insect doesn’t secrete gas into their air-sacs to make them expand. Instead, they change the pH level of the air-sac wall, the bands of resilin within the air-sac wall swell or contract in response, and the volume of the sac adjusts.

“This is a really bizarre adaptation that we didn't go looking for,” said. Matthews. “We were just trying to figure out how they can float in water without sinking!”

(With inputs from agencies)

Zoologist Philip Matthews has resolved the 100-year-old mystery of why Chaoborus midge can float in water. The findings of Matthews, who is a professor at the University of British Columbia, have been published in Current Biology.

Zoologist Philip Matthews has resolved the 100-year-old mystery of why Chaoborus midge can float in water. The findings of Matthews, who is a professor at the University of British Columbia, have been published in Current Biology. Chaoborus midge is also called the ‘phantom midge’ due to its near transparency. The transparency makes the larvae resemble tiny ghosts as they move through lakes, ponds, and puddles. Also read | Scientists find evidence of an extreme solar 'tsunami' deep within Earth's ice Some fish regulate their buoyancy by inflating a swim bladder with oxygen unloaded from the hemoglobin in their blood. In 1911, Nobel laureate August Krogh discovered Chaoborus larvae use a completely different mechanism, regulating their buoyancy using two pairs of internal air-filled sacs. “These bizarre insects were floating neutrally buoyant in the water, which is something you just don't see insects doing,” said Matthews. “Some insects can become neutrally buoyant for a short time during a dive, but Chaoborus larvae are the only insects close to being neutrally buoyant.” Also read | Scientists find hundreds of complex, mysterious strands at the heart of the Milky Way When Matthews mounted the air-sacs of the larvae from the cattle tank on a microscope, they started glowing blue due to ultraviolet light illuminating the microscope’s stage. The blue fluorescence was due to resilin, an almost perfect rubber found in parts of insects where elasticity is key, as in the elastic energy that powers a flea’s incredible jump. “The weird thing about resilin is that not only is it really elastic. It will swell if you make it alkaline and contract if you make it acidic.” With Ph.D. student Evan McKenzie driving experimental investigations, the researchers discovered that the insect doesn’t secrete gas into their air-sacs to make them expand. Instead, they change the pH level of the air-sac wall, the bands of resilin within the air-sac wall swell or contract in response, and the volume of the sac adjusts. “This is a really bizarre adaptation that we didn't go looking for,” said. Matthews. “We were just trying to figure out how they can float in water without sinking!” (With inputs from agencies)

Zoologist resolves 100-year-old mystery of why this insect can float in water

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds!

But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago.

We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community.

In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth.&nbsp;

The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice.

The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018.

It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree.

Octopuses are surely strange to look at. A blob of jelly with two eyes and tentacles can scare the life out of you if you happen to cross their path in the sea. The slimy creature slips in and out of sight and is able to compress its soft body to an astonishing degree. But calling them aliens would be the last thing on our minds! But a study has said that octopuses may have fallen to Earth from space in icy bolides hundreds of millions of years ago. We know the accepted scientific view of origin of life on Earth. But Panspermia, the argument that life was 'brought' to Earth by celestial bodies like comets also has solid interest in the scientific community. In our search for life in space, we often look for presence of water. A comet contains ice. It is therefore, at least in theory, held to be acceptable to propose that life forms like microbes were carried through space in comets and brought to Earth. The study on the octupuses suggests that cryopreserved eggs of either squids or octopuses could have arrived on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago preserved in ice. The study was published in journal Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in the year 2018. It is important to note that scientific community has not found solid evidence about octopuses.

Octopuses came from space? This study says so

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral.

We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks.

Hand of God

<img alt="NASA Hand of God" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cfe876a2-ef26-459c-8f4f-8c1cd93ded19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA%20Hand%20of%20God.PNG" />

This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. &nbsp;The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth.

 
The 'Devil's eye'

<img alt="NASA The Devil's Eye" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ec8d364-7270-4f17-8eaa-11d4c467e150" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Devil%27s%20Eye.PNG" />

God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation&nbsp;

 
Visitor in our backyard

<img alt="NASA Comet Leonard" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa9fb670-2f95-41a5-baa8-d291719d604b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Comet%20Leonard.JPG" />

We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern.

The 'Running Man nebula'

<img alt="NASA Running man nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="692e2861-86d4-4e4c-a5f9-5379beb76154" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Running%20man%20nebula.JPG" />

The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves.

 
Prawn nebula

<img alt="Prawn Nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="545b4383-baaa-4d92-b021-766df30de26a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Prawn%20nebula.JPG" />

Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628.

Aurora from space

<img alt="NASA Aurora" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54b629dc-8255-4969-950c-95285ca85b8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aurora.JPG" />

We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space.

 
The 'eye in the sky'

<img alt="NASA eye in the sky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abcc1db4-fb70-441b-935c-79accecf6dfa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Eye%20in%20the%20sky.JPG" />

This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky'

 
Eerie glow on Earth

<img alt="Earth Blue glow Thomas Pequet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85791385-5372-47c4-9187-ceafdce9a18b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Blue%20glow.JPG" />

Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram.

Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!

The universe is full of wonders. We already know that. But every now and then the huge expanse of (nearly) nothingness springs up a surprise that makes even scientists go "wow!". For us mortals, the play of colours, the explosions, the formations and what not is always a thing of wonder. These images are shared widely, by space agencies like NASA and even by astronauts from around the world. The sheer beauty makes these images go viral. We bring you some of these space images that stopped people in their tracks. Hand of God This was undeniably the most recognisable image NASA posted. The beautuiful golden structure that appears to pop out of nowehere in space is shaped like a hand blessing everyone. NASA explained that the 'hand of God' is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar had been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is spins around itself 7 times per second! It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth. The 'Devil's eye' God has been represented. Now comes the turn of the Devil. This celestial structure looked like an eye that was definitely didn't appear friendly. The eyelashes were blue and the iris was blazing red. Was it the Devil himself? This is Helix Nebula which was clicked by Spitzer telescope. Helix Nebula is 700 light-years away from Earth and located in the Aquarius constellation Visitor in our backyard We have a visitor! And he is still in our backyard. Comet Leonard, the brightest comet of the year came into our field of vision in December 2021. Watching this celestial nomad was a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is due to come back near Earth 35,000 years from now, if Sun doesn't gobble it up this time that is. Comet Leonard had a close shave with NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter. Thankfully, there was no cause for concern. The 'Running Man nebula' The Running Man Nebula is 5000 light-years away from Earth. Its scientific designation is NGC 1977. This nebula was in news because NASA captured a pic of 'Herbig Haro object'. Herbig Haro nebula is a type of nebula that forms when gas from a young star collides with surrounding dust and produces shockwaves. Prawn nebula Nebulas are where new stars are formed. In November, NASA clicked an image of Prawn Nebula, a massive solar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628. Aurora from space We are so busy pointing our scopes at stars that we often forget how beautiful our own planet is. Not each of us is lucky enough to go to space and click picture of Earth but astronauts have been doing so for us. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who was stationed in International Space Station has been prolific in clicking such pictures. In September this year, he showed all of us how an Aurora looks from space. The 'eye in the sky' This one is not as scary as the 'Devil's eye' but is beautiful nonetheless. This image was clicked by NASA. This is Seyfert galaxy. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole in the centre but it emits a large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The active galactic nucleus with high luminosity gives it an appearance of an 'eye in the sky' Eerie glow on Earth Thomas Pesquet strikes again! The ESA astronaut captured this image when he was aboard International Space Station (ISS). On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. But remarkable thing in the photo was a strange blue glow. Pesquet was stumped as to what this would be, as were people on Instagram. Space and even our planet Earth have many wonders still hidden from us. 2022 will surely send such visual treats our way.

Hand of God, Devil's eye and more NASA pics that wowed people around the world

For a layperson, planets other than Earth are not dynamic worlds. Earth is full of natural activity but other planets are barren landscapes in popular perception.

But this is not always the case. Planets in space may not have life, but they surely have their own processes.

Take Mars for example. The Red Planet doesn't harbour any known life now but it has seismic activity. Quakes on Mars are called 'Marsquakes'.

Indian scientists have now spotted unique geological movements on the martian surface that bear testimony to instances of marsquakes. Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad have spotted tell-tale signs of bouncing boulders on martian surface.

The scientists studied photos of martian surface taken in NASA missions from 2006 and 2020. A curious pattern was seen in the soil of the Red Planet.

When a boulder tumbles on Mars, it creates a characteristic V-shaped pattern at the location of impact. And a bouncing boulder means that a series of these 'V's is sketched on the surface on points the bouncing boulder makes contact.

The broad portion of the V-shape points at the direction of the slope.

Scientists from PRL have observed more than 4500 such tracks made by bouncing boulders. The movement of these boulders has been associated with seismic activity of Mars. Such an association is strengthened by the fact that these tracks made of Vs have been observed in greater numbers in Cerberus Fossae region on Mars. This region is especially seismically active.

For a layperson, planets other than Earth are not dynamic worlds. Earth is full of natural activity but other planets are barren landscapes in popular perception.

For a layperson, planets other than Earth are not dynamic worlds. Earth is full of natural activity but other planets are barren landscapes in popular perception. But this is not always the case. Planets in space may not have life, but they surely have their own processes. Take Mars for example. The Red Planet doesn't harbour any known life now but it has seismic activity. Quakes on Mars are called 'Marsquakes'. Indian scientists have now spotted unique geological movements on the martian surface that bear testimony to instances of marsquakes. Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad have spotted tell-tale signs of bouncing boulders on martian surface. The scientists studied photos of martian surface taken in NASA missions from 2006 and 2020. A curious pattern was seen in the soil of the Red Planet. When a boulder tumbles on Mars, it creates a characteristic V-shaped pattern at the location of impact. And a bouncing boulder means that a series of these 'V's is sketched on the surface on points the bouncing boulder makes contact. The broad portion of the V-shape points at the direction of the slope. Scientists from PRL have observed more than 4500 such tracks made by bouncing boulders. The movement of these boulders has been associated with seismic activity of Mars. Such an association is strengthened by the fact that these tracks made of Vs have been observed in greater numbers in Cerberus Fossae region on Mars. This region is especially seismically active.

Bouncing boulders on Mars tell tale of marsquakes

Astronomers have identified mysterious X particles in a ''primordial soup'' as per a recent study.

The research, published in Physical Review Letters, could redefine the kinds of particles that were abundant in the early universe.

According to the Big Bang model, the universe expanded rapidly from a highly compressed primordial state, which resulted in a significant decrease in density and temperature.

Soon afterward, the dominance of matter over antimatter (as observed today) may have been established by processes that also predict proton decay. During this stage, many types of elementary particles may have been present. After a few seconds, the universe cooled enough to allow the formation of certain nuclei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-discover-black-hole-that-contains-200000-times-mass-of-the-sun-buried-in-gas-443984">Also read |&nbsp;Astronomers discover black hole that contains 200,000 times mass of the Sun buried in gas</a>

The theory predicts that definite amounts of hydrogen, helium and lithium were produced. Their abundances agree with what is observed today. About a million years later the universe was sufficiently cool for atoms to form.

“This is just the start of the story,” says lead author Yen-Jie Lee, the Class of 1958 Career Development Associate Professor of Physics at MIT.

“We’ve shown we can find a signal. In the next few years we want to use the quark-gluon plasma to probe the X particle’s internal structure, which could change our view of what kind of material the universe should produce.”

“For years we had thought that for some reason, nature had chosen to produce particles made only from two or three quarks,” Lee says.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-new-type-of-nebulae-around-binary-stars-443438" hreflang="en">Scientists discover new type of nebulae around binary stars</a>

“Theoretically speaking, there are so many quarks and gluons in the plasma that the production of X particles should be enhanced,” Lee says. “But people thought it would be too difficult to search for them because there are so many other particles produced in this quark soup.”

Although the theory of cosmic inflation received a great deal of experimental support, the failure to find the gravitational waves it predicted caused many cosmologists to hold off endorsing it.

Because cosmic inflation was powered by quantum effects, with the universe springing from a volume smaller than a subatomic particle, primordial gravitational waves were also created by quantum processes, cosmologists believe. If so, then by scrutinizing the gravitational waves that pervade today’s cosmos, scientists might finally show that all four forces of nature arise from a single uber-force, achieving Einstein’s dream.

MIT postdoc Jing Wang said, “We managed to lower the background by orders of magnitude to see the signal.”

“Currently our data is consistent with both because we don’t have a enough statistics yet. In next few years we’ll take much more data so we can separate these two scenarios,” Lee says. “That will broaden our view of the kinds of particles that were produced abundantly in the early universe.”

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have identified mysterious X particles in a ''primordial soup'' as per a recent study. The research, published in Physical Review Letters, could redefine the kinds of particles that were abundant in the early universe.

Astronomers have identified mysterious X particles in a ''primordial soup'' as per a recent study. The research, published in Physical Review Letters, could redefine the kinds of particles that were abundant in the early universe. According to the Big Bang model, the universe expanded rapidly from a highly compressed primordial state, which resulted in a significant decrease in density and temperature. Soon afterward, the dominance of matter over antimatter (as observed today) may have been established by processes that also predict proton decay. During this stage, many types of elementary particles may have been present. After a few seconds, the universe cooled enough to allow the formation of certain nuclei. Also read | Astronomers discover black hole that contains 200,000 times mass of the Sun buried in gas The theory predicts that definite amounts of hydrogen, helium and lithium were produced. Their abundances agree with what is observed today. About a million years later the universe was sufficiently cool for atoms to form. “This is just the start of the story,” says lead author Yen-Jie Lee, the Class of 1958 Career Development Associate Professor of Physics at MIT. “We’ve shown we can find a signal. In the next few years we want to use the quark-gluon plasma to probe the X particle’s internal structure, which could change our view of what kind of material the universe should produce.” “For years we had thought that for some reason, nature had chosen to produce particles made only from two or three quarks,” Lee says. Also read | Scientists discover new type of nebulae around binary stars “Theoretically speaking, there are so many quarks and gluons in the plasma that the production of X particles should be enhanced,” Lee says. “But people thought it would be too difficult to search for them because there are so many other particles produced in this quark soup.” Although the theory of cosmic inflation received a great deal of experimental support, the failure to find the gravitational waves it predicted caused many cosmologists to hold off endorsing it. Because cosmic inflation was powered by quantum effects, with the universe springing from a volume smaller than a subatomic particle, primordial gravitational waves were also created by quantum processes, cosmologists believe. If so, then by scrutinizing the gravitational waves that pervade today’s cosmos, scientists might finally show that all four forces of nature arise from a single uber-force, achieving Einstein’s dream. MIT postdoc Jing Wang said, “We managed to lower the background by orders of magnitude to see the signal.” “Currently our data is consistent with both because we don’t have a enough statistics yet. In next few years we’ll take much more data so we can separate these two scenarios,” Lee says. “That will broaden our view of the kinds of particles that were produced abundantly in the early universe.” (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, astronomers identify mysterious particles in 'primordial soup'

The 'pickled' fetus of an Egyptian mummy has baffled scientists who are researching the cause and process of its preservation.

The findings of study, under the Warsaw Mummy Project, have been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

It was initiated by a group of archaeologists bio-archaeologists from the University of Warsaw in 2015.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-egyptian-mummy-of-a-28-weeks-pregnant-woman-381622">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists discover Egyptian mummy of a 28-weeks pregnant woman</a>

The project aims to thoroughly examine human and animal mummies from ancient Egypt at the National Museum in Warsaw.

"The fetus remained in the untouched uterus and began to, let say, 'pickle'. It is not the most aesthetic comparison, but conveys the idea," the research team, led by bio-archaeologist Marzena Ożarek-Szilke of the University of Warsaw in Poland and archaeologist Wojciech Ejsmond of the Polish Academy of Sciences, explain in a blog post.

"Blood pH in corpses, including content of the uterus, falls significantly, becoming more acidic, concentrations of ammonia and formic acid increase with time. The placement and filling of the body with natron [a salt mixture collected from dry lake beds] significantly limited the access of air and oxygen. The end result is an almost hermetically sealed uterus containing the fetus."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archeologists-make-shocking-revelations-after-dna-analysis-of-mummies-in-china-424720">Also read |&nbsp;Archeologists make shocking revelations after DNA analysis of mummies in China</a>

As per researchers, "This process of bone demineralization in an acidic environment can be compared to an experiment with an egg."&nbsp;

"Picture putting an egg into a pot filled with an acid. The eggshell is dissolving, leaving only the inside of the egg (albumen and yolk) and the minerals from the eggshell dissolved in the acid."

"Maybe it had something to do with beliefs and rebirth in the afterlife," Ożarek-Szilke said.

"It is still difficult to draw any conclusions as we do not know if this is the only pregnant mummy. For now, it is definitely the only known pregnant Egyptian mummy."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The 'pickled' fetus of an Egyptian mummy has baffled scientists who are researching the cause and process of its preservation. The findings of study, under the Warsaw Mummy Project, have been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

The 'pickled' fetus of an Egyptian mummy has baffled scientists who are researching the cause and process of its preservation. The findings of study, under the Warsaw Mummy Project, have been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science. It was initiated by a group of archaeologists bio-archaeologists from the University of Warsaw in 2015. Also read | Scientists discover Egyptian mummy of a 28-weeks pregnant woman The project aims to thoroughly examine human and animal mummies from ancient Egypt at the National Museum in Warsaw. "The fetus remained in the untouched uterus and began to, let say, 'pickle'. It is not the most aesthetic comparison, but conveys the idea," the research team, led by bio-archaeologist Marzena Ożarek-Szilke of the University of Warsaw in Poland and archaeologist Wojciech Ejsmond of the Polish Academy of Sciences, explain in a blog post. "Blood pH in corpses, including content of the uterus, falls significantly, becoming more acidic, concentrations of ammonia and formic acid increase with time. The placement and filling of the body with natron [a salt mixture collected from dry lake beds] significantly limited the access of air and oxygen. The end result is an almost hermetically sealed uterus containing the fetus." Also read | Archeologists make shocking revelations after DNA analysis of mummies in China As per researchers, "This process of bone demineralization in an acidic environment can be compared to an experiment with an egg." "Picture putting an egg into a pot filled with an acid. The eggshell is dissolving, leaving only the inside of the egg (albumen and yolk) and the minerals from the eggshell dissolved in the acid." "Maybe it had something to do with beliefs and rebirth in the afterlife," Ożarek-Szilke said. "It is still difficult to draw any conclusions as we do not know if this is the only pregnant mummy. For now, it is definitely the only known pregnant Egyptian mummy." (With inputs from agencies)

This 'pickled' fetus of an Egyptian mummy is baffling scientists

Scientists have detected colour blindness in jumping spiders in a recent study.

The research, published in 'The Science of Nature,' examines Saitis barbipes, a common jumping spider found in Europe and North Africa.&nbsp;

It was conducted by University of Cincinnati associate professor Nathan Morehouse and an international team of researchers led by Cynthia Tedore at the University of Hamburg

The flamboyant dandies of the eight-legged set, have names inspired by peacocks, cardinals, and other colourful icons.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-first-human-bred-hybrid-animals-by-using-dna-sequencing-445092">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists identify first human-bred hybrid animals by using DNA sequencing</a>

“We assumed they were using color for communication. But we didn’t know if their visual system even allowed them to see those colors,” said David Outomuro, a UC postdoctoral researcher now at the University of Pittsburgh.

Outomuro was first co-author of the study with Mateusz Glenszczyk, a researcher from the University of Hamburg.

Biologists identified patches on the spider that strongly absorb ultraviolet wavelengths to appear as bright “spider green” to other jumping spiders.

The red colours that are so vivid to us likely appear no different than black markings to jumping spiders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/paleontologists-discover-massive-fossils-of-sea-dragon-in-united-kingdom-443707" hreflang="en">Paleontologists discover massive fossils of ‘sea dragon’ in United Kingdom</a>

“It’s a bit of a head-scratcher what’s going on here,” professor Morehouse said. “We haven’t solved the mystery of what the red is doing.”

Animals use color in all sorts of ways, including camouflage, warning potential predators of their toxicity, showing off to potential mates or intimidating rivals. But it’s not always apparent what bright colors might signify, Morehouse said.

“We spent a lot of time talking about it as a group. What else could it be? I feel there’s an interesting story behind the mystery,” he said.

The results were surprising, said senior study author Tedore, a research associate at the University of Hamburg.

“Males have bold red and black coloration on their forward-facing body surfaces which they display during their courtship dances; whereas, females lack red coloration altogether,” she said. “This initially suggested to us that the red color must play some role in mate attraction.

“Instead, we found that red and black are perceived equivalently, or nearly so, by these spiders and that if red is perceived as different from black, it is perceived as a dark ‘spider green’ rather than red,” Tedore said.

The spider’s red and black colors might improve defensive camouflage, the study suggested.

“For predators with red vision, at natural viewing distances, the spider's red and black color patches should blur together to become an intermediate orangish-brownish color, which would help the spider blend in with its leaf litter habitat better than all-black coloration would,” Tedore said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have detected colour blindness in jumping spiders in a recent study. The research, published in 'The Science of Nature,' examines Saitis barbipes, a common jumping spider found in Europe and North Africa.

Scientists have detected colour blindness in jumping spiders in a recent study. The research, published in 'The Science of Nature,' examines Saitis barbipes, a common jumping spider found in Europe and North Africa. It was conducted by University of Cincinnati associate professor Nathan Morehouse and an international team of researchers led by Cynthia Tedore at the University of Hamburg The flamboyant dandies of the eight-legged set, have names inspired by peacocks, cardinals, and other colourful icons. Also read | Scientists identify first human-bred hybrid animals by using DNA sequencing “We assumed they were using color for communication. But we didn’t know if their visual system even allowed them to see those colors,” said David Outomuro, a UC postdoctoral researcher now at the University of Pittsburgh. Outomuro was first co-author of the study with Mateusz Glenszczyk, a researcher from the University of Hamburg. Biologists identified patches on the spider that strongly absorb ultraviolet wavelengths to appear as bright “spider green” to other jumping spiders. The red colours that are so vivid to us likely appear no different than black markings to jumping spiders. Also read | Paleontologists discover massive fossils of ‘sea dragon’ in United Kingdom “It’s a bit of a head-scratcher what’s going on here,” professor Morehouse said. “We haven’t solved the mystery of what the red is doing.” Animals use color in all sorts of ways, including camouflage, warning potential predators of their toxicity, showing off to potential mates or intimidating rivals. But it’s not always apparent what bright colors might signify, Morehouse said. “We spent a lot of time talking about it as a group. What else could it be? I feel there’s an interesting story behind the mystery,” he said. The results were surprising, said senior study author Tedore, a research associate at the University of Hamburg. “Males have bold red and black coloration on their forward-facing body surfaces which they display during their courtship dances; whereas, females lack red coloration altogether,” she said. “This initially suggested to us that the red color must play some role in mate attraction. “Instead, we found that red and black are perceived equivalently, or nearly so, by these spiders and that if red is perceived as different from black, it is perceived as a dark ‘spider green’ rather than red,” Tedore said. The spider’s red and black colors might improve defensive camouflage, the study suggested. “For predators with red vision, at natural viewing distances, the spider's red and black color patches should blur together to become an intermediate orangish-brownish color, which would help the spider blend in with its leaf litter habitat better than all-black coloration would,” Tedore said. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists detect colour blindness in jumping spiders

Supernovas are explosions of big star which occur at the end of their life. The fuel that keeps the star glowing runs out and a massive explosion takes place. This is true for large stars, much bigger than the Sun. Scientists previously thought that not all large stars meet such a violent end and some quietly collapse to become a black hole.

But a new type of supernova has been detected and it is shaking previous assumptions. The star-type in question is Wolf-Rayet stars. These are one of the most massive known stars.

When these stars reach the end of their lifespan, they push out their outer layer forming extremely strong stellar winds. This affects the nebula in which they are located. It was previously thought that after shedding the outer layer, these stars quietly collapse and become black holes.

Supernovas have specific spectras, something like fingerprints. When these 'fingerprints' are found, scientists often point to the possibility of a supernova.

A spectrum obtained of supernova showed researchers that the nebula was expanding away from the star at the speed of 1500 km/s. They concluded that this was due to the strong stellar wind given off by a Wolf-Rayet star. The scientists thus associated the star type with the supernova upending the previous assumption that such stars do not erupt in gigantic celestial blasts.

The study has been published in Universe Today.

Supernovas are explosions of big star which occur at the end of their life. The fuel that keeps the star glowing runs out and a massive explosion takes place. This is true for large stars, much bigger than the Sun.

Supernovas are explosions of big star which occur at the end of their life. The fuel that keeps the star glowing runs out and a massive explosion takes place. This is true for large stars, much bigger than the Sun. Scientists previously thought that not all large stars meet such a violent end and some quietly collapse to become a black hole. But a new type of supernova has been detected and it is shaking previous assumptions. The star-type in question is Wolf-Rayet stars. These are one of the most massive known stars. When these stars reach the end of their lifespan, they push out their outer layer forming extremely strong stellar winds. This affects the nebula in which they are located. It was previously thought that after shedding the outer layer, these stars quietly collapse and become black holes. Supernovas have specific spectras, something like fingerprints. When these 'fingerprints' are found, scientists often point to the possibility of a supernova. A spectrum obtained of supernova showed researchers that the nebula was expanding away from the star at the speed of 1500 km/s. They concluded that this was due to the strong stellar wind given off by a Wolf-Rayet star. The scientists thus associated the star type with the supernova upending the previous assumption that such stars do not erupt in gigantic celestial blasts. The study has been published in Universe Today.

Scientists discover new type of supernova

Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter.

Researchers also believed that it contained 105 times the mass of Earth in elements heavier than helium and hydrogen. Details of the finding have been published in the 'Astronomical Journal' and were presented at the American Astronomical Society virtual press event on January 13.

"TOI-2180 b is such an exciting planet to have found," said UCR astronomer Paul Dalba, who helped confirm the planet`s existence.&nbsp;

"It hits the trifecta of 1) having a several-hundred-day orbit, 2) being relatively close to Earth (379 lightyears is considered close for an exoplanet), and 3) us being able to see it transit in front of its star. It is very rare for astronomers to discover a planet that checks all three of these boxes," he said.

Dalba also explained that the planet is special because it took 261 days to complete a journey around its star, a relatively long time compared to many known gas giants outside our solar system.&nbsp;

Its relative proximity to Earth and the brightness of the star it orbits also made it likely that astronomers will be able to learn more about it.

In order to locate exoplanets, which orbit stars other than our sun, NASA`s TESS satellite would look at one part of the sky for a month and then, move on. It searches for dips in brightness that would occur when a planet crosses in front of a star.

"The rule of thumb is that we need to see three `dips` or transits before we believe we`ve found a planet," Dalba said.&nbsp;

A single transit event could be caused by a telescope with a jitter, or a star masquerading as a planet. For these reasons, TESS isn`t focused on these single transit events. However, a small group of citizen scientists is.Looking over TESS data, Tom Jacobs, a group member and former US naval officer, saw light dim from the TOI-2180 star, just once. His group alerted Dalba, who specialized in studying planets that take a long time to orbit their stars.

Using the Lick Observatory`s Automated Planet Finder Telescope, Dalba and his colleagues observed the planet`s gravitational tug on the star, which allowed them to calculate the mass of TOI-2180 b and estimate a range of possibilities for its orbit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter.

Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter. Researchers also believed that it contained 105 times the mass of Earth in elements heavier than helium and hydrogen. Details of the finding have been published in the 'Astronomical Journal' and were presented at the American Astronomical Society virtual press event on January 13. "TOI-2180 b is such an exciting planet to have found," said UCR astronomer Paul Dalba, who helped confirm the planet`s existence. "It hits the trifecta of 1) having a several-hundred-day orbit, 2) being relatively close to Earth (379 lightyears is considered close for an exoplanet), and 3) us being able to see it transit in front of its star. It is very rare for astronomers to discover a planet that checks all three of these boxes," he said. Dalba also explained that the planet is special because it took 261 days to complete a journey around its star, a relatively long time compared to many known gas giants outside our solar system. Its relative proximity to Earth and the brightness of the star it orbits also made it likely that astronomers will be able to learn more about it. In order to locate exoplanets, which orbit stars other than our sun, NASA`s TESS satellite would look at one part of the sky for a month and then, move on. It searches for dips in brightness that would occur when a planet crosses in front of a star. "The rule of thumb is that we need to see three `dips` or transits before we believe we`ve found a planet," Dalba said. A single transit event could be caused by a telescope with a jitter, or a star masquerading as a planet. For these reasons, TESS isn`t focused on these single transit events. However, a small group of citizen scientists is.Looking over TESS data, Tom Jacobs, a group member and former US naval officer, saw light dim from the TOI-2180 star, just once. His group alerted Dalba, who specialized in studying planets that take a long time to orbit their stars. Using the Lick Observatory`s Automated Planet Finder Telescope, Dalba and his colleagues observed the planet`s gravitational tug on the star, which allowed them to calculate the mass of TOI-2180 b and estimate a range of possibilities for its orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Research finds exoplanet three times more massive than Jupiter

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line. Though claims of UFOs are aplenty, in recent times, all such people are probably seeing are Starlink satellites.

SpaceX is not planning to lose its momentum anytime soon and preparing to launch yet another batch of satellites. This time, 49 satellites will be launched into space on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is slated to take place on January 19 at 0004 hours GMT (5:34 am on January 19 as per Indian Standard Time). The launch will take place from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launch of any spacecraft/ satellite is an exciting thing to watch live. So if you want to catch this launch LIVE, ther are many options.

If you want to watch it on SpaceX website, <a href="https://www.spacex.com/launches/index.html">you can do that here</a>.

If you want to watch it on Youtube, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yov854ZT1lg">this is the link</a>

Starlink is an ambitious venture of Elon Musk's SpaceX that aims to create a constellation of satellites so that internet can be made available to almost anyonwe in the world.

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line.

Elon Musk's SpaceX continues to launch its Starlink satellites. More than a thousand Starlink satellites have already been launched. These low-orbiy satellites can already be seen in the night sky and casual observers are reporting strange lights moving across the night sky in a straight line. Though claims of UFOs are aplenty, in recent times, all such people are probably seeing are Starlink satellites. SpaceX is not planning to lose its momentum anytime soon and preparing to launch yet another batch of satellites. This time, 49 satellites will be launched into space on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is slated to take place on January 19 at 0004 hours GMT (5:34 am on January 19 as per Indian Standard Time). The launch will take place from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch of any spacecraft/ satellite is an exciting thing to watch live. So if you want to catch this launch LIVE, ther are many options. If you want to watch it on SpaceX website, you can do that here. If you want to watch it on Youtube, this is the link Starlink is an ambitious venture of Elon Musk's SpaceX that aims to create a constellation of satellites so that internet can be made available to almost anyonwe in the world.

Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch 49 Starlink satellites soon: How to watch Live

Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble.

For years, presence of this bubble has baffled scientists. A strong explanation behind existence of this bubble, known as Local Bubble, was not present. But now we may know why this bubble exists.

A team of astronomers led by the Harvard &amp; Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) has mapped the Local Bubble with highest precision till date. The team has found that a number of supernovas (explosion of stars) formed the bubble millions of years ago. Supernovas can carve a cavity in interstellar medium.&nbsp;

Astronomers found that the bubble's history started 14.4 million years ago. This started with formation of stars. Supernovas of these short-lived stars followed. The energy of the explosion pushed the interstellar material away and formed the bubble inside which temperature was higher than thant outside it. Density of the interstellar material inside the bubble is less than outside.

Astronomers found that there were 15 supernovas inside the bubble.

The Local Bubble is still growing at a rate of 6.7 kilometres per second. This is quite a slow speed when we consider events in space.

But why is Solar System right in the middle of the Local Bubble? Well that's purely due to chance. When the first supernova took place, Solar System was quite away from it. But Solar System's travel around the galaxy brought it (by chance) in the middle of the Local Bubble.

Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble.

Our Solar System is situated almost exactly in the middle of a giant, relatively empty bubble in space. This mysterious bubble is 1000 lightyears across. Inside the bubble, temperature of the interstellar medium is greater than that outside the bubble. For years, presence of this bubble has baffled scientists. A strong explanation behind existence of this bubble, known as Local Bubble, was not present. But now we may know why this bubble exists. A team of astronomers led by the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) has mapped the Local Bubble with highest precision till date. The team has found that a number of supernovas (explosion of stars) formed the bubble millions of years ago. Supernovas can carve a cavity in interstellar medium. Astronomers found that the bubble's history started 14.4 million years ago. This started with formation of stars. Supernovas of these short-lived stars followed. The energy of the explosion pushed the interstellar material away and formed the bubble inside which temperature was higher than thant outside it. Density of the interstellar material inside the bubble is less than outside. Astronomers found that there were 15 supernovas inside the bubble. The Local Bubble is still growing at a rate of 6.7 kilometres per second. This is quite a slow speed when we consider events in space. But why is Solar System right in the middle of the Local Bubble? Well that's purely due to chance. When the first supernova took place, Solar System was quite away from it. But Solar System's travel around the galaxy brought it (by chance) in the middle of the Local Bubble.

Solar system is at the center of giant space bubble, now we know why

We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument. Our observation of the universe will be deeper and we will get more insights into how the universe formed.

James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. Once the telescope was launched, it underwent the process of unfolding. This major phase was important as it involved hundreads of careful manoeuvres guided from Earth. Now that deployment process is fully complete, the space telescope is entering a 'period of cooldown'

What is a period of cooldown?

NASA said that updates from James Webb space telescope would be less frequent now.

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❄️ Now that our deployments are complete, just like our telescope, we’re entering a period of cooldown. Our updates will be less frequent, but that doesn’t mean things have stopped happening: <a href="https://t.co/32QJr7R8am">https://t.co/32QJr7R8am</a> 
 
Thread ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/3sEF9SVIS5">pic.twitter.com/3sEF9SVIS5</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1480631380451237891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Alexandra Lockwood, the project scientist for James Webb telescope's science communications, explained more in her blogpost

“Words can’t describe the pride and excitement the Webb team is feeling right now. From engineers to scientists to IT staff to graphic designers to administrative personnel (and more!), we are all overjoyed with the incredible successes of the observatory to date. While we still have a long way to go before getting the science, the engineering feats that have been accomplished, on Earth and now in space, are awe-inspiring. They are a testament to the hard work and expertise of the international Webb team," she says.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-ever-on-site-detection-of-water-on-moon-points-to-many-future-possibilities-443935">First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities</a>

Lockwood said that after telescope's mirrors are fully moved out of the launch positions. The process of commissioning will go on for five months

The process will include,

'1) Further cooling of the entire observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in particular. 
&nbsp;2) checking and then aligning the secondary and 18 mirror segments into a single coherent optical system, first with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel.

&nbsp;3) calibrating of each of the four instruments and their many scientific modes.'&nbsp;

James Webb telescope will replace the legendary but aging Hubble Space Telescope. 
&nbsp;

We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument.

We know that James Webb Space Telescope has been fully deployed. Humanity is on the verge of benefitting from a new generation space telescope equipped with latest technology and instrument. Our observation of the universe will be deeper and we will get more insights into how the universe formed. James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. Once the telescope was launched, it underwent the process of unfolding. This major phase was important as it involved hundreads of careful manoeuvres guided from Earth. Now that deployment process is fully complete, the space telescope is entering a 'period of cooldown' What is a period of cooldown? NASA said that updates from James Webb space telescope would be less frequent now. ❄️ Now that our deployments are complete, just like our telescope, we’re entering a period of cooldown. Our updates will be less frequent, but that doesn’t mean things have stopped happening: https://t.co/32QJr7R8am Thread ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3sEF9SVIS5 — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 10, 2022 × Alexandra Lockwood, the project scientist for James Webb telescope's science communications, explained more in her blogpost “Words can’t describe the pride and excitement the Webb team is feeling right now. From engineers to scientists to IT staff to graphic designers to administrative personnel (and more!), we are all overjoyed with the incredible successes of the observatory to date. While we still have a long way to go before getting the science, the engineering feats that have been accomplished, on Earth and now in space, are awe-inspiring. They are a testament to the hard work and expertise of the international Webb team," she says. Also Read | First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities Lockwood said that after telescope's mirrors are fully moved out of the launch positions. The process of commissioning will go on for five months The process will include, '1) Further cooling of the entire observatory, and of the Mid-Infrared Instrument in particular. 2) checking and then aligning the secondary and 18 mirror segments into a single coherent optical system, first with the NIRCam instrument and then with all instruments individually and in parallel. 3) calibrating of each of the four instruments and their many scientific modes.' James Webb telescope will replace the legendary but aging Hubble Space Telescope.

James Webb telescope is entering period of cooldown, here's what it means

We already have evidence of water on Moon. But it was collected mainly by lunar orbitters focussing their equipments at the Earth's only natural satellite as they revolved around. Now, information about the first on-site proof of presence of water has come to light.

The on-site observation was made by China's Chang'E-5 probe on Moon. When the probe visited the Moon in December 2020, it not only collected samples for analysis back on Earth but also made some in situ (on-site) analysis of its own.

Measurements made by Chang'E in its surroundings on Moon revealed that water was present in a boulder in a concentration of 180 ppm (parts per million).

This is drier by Earth standards but obviously it is easy to understand its significance as the water is on the Moon..

The particular boulder that was analyzed by the probe was light and had many cavities. This suggests that this rock was a result of underground volcanic activity. This in turn, suggests that more water may be present in Moon's interior.

This on-site detection has further boosted the idea of relative abundance of water on the lunar surface. It may be fused with the minerals in the regolith, the surface dust.

Does this mean that human settlements on Moon may have easy access to water? No, since it is very hard to extract water present in such concentrations. But the observation and analysis on the on-site findings may help us understand Moon and how water is retained on planets and satellites in space.

We already have evidence of water on Moon. But it was collected mainly by lunar orbitters focussing their equipments at the Earth's only natural satellite as they revolved around.

We already have evidence of water on Moon. But it was collected mainly by lunar orbitters focussing their equipments at the Earth's only natural satellite as they revolved around. Now, information about the first on-site proof of presence of water has come to light. The on-site observation was made by China's Chang'E-5 probe on Moon. When the probe visited the Moon in December 2020, it not only collected samples for analysis back on Earth but also made some in situ (on-site) analysis of its own. Measurements made by Chang'E in its surroundings on Moon revealed that water was present in a boulder in a concentration of 180 ppm (parts per million). This is drier by Earth standards but obviously it is easy to understand its significance as the water is on the Moon.. The particular boulder that was analyzed by the probe was light and had many cavities. This suggests that this rock was a result of underground volcanic activity. This in turn, suggests that more water may be present in Moon's interior. This on-site detection has further boosted the idea of relative abundance of water on the lunar surface. It may be fused with the minerals in the regolith, the surface dust. Does this mean that human settlements on Moon may have easy access to water? No, since it is very hard to extract water present in such concentrations. But the observation and analysis on the on-site findings may help us understand Moon and how water is retained on planets and satellites in space.

First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities

Having memory of a goldfish is not a good thing. At least according to&nbsp;established sense. Goldfish memory is a taunt often reserved for our friends who appear a little absent-minded if not more. But what Israeli scientists have found may change our perspective about goldfish.

The scientists found that the goldfish could actually drive a vehicle! That too on land!

To make goldfish drive a vehicle on land was obviously a big challenge. In technical terms, this is called 'domain transfer methodology'. This examines whether a particular species is able to perform tasks outside its own environment.

The experiment was carried out by researchers from Ben-Gurion University in Israel. The team was led by Professor Ronen Segev.

For their experiment, the team created a water tank on wheels. The wheels could move in accordance with how the goldfish swam.

The researchers then taught the goldfish how to navigate the vehicle. The goldfish soon learnt to determine connection between their own movement and movement of the vehicle.

Then, a target was given to the fish. They had to navigate the vehicle in order to touch a pink board.

After only a few days of training, the goldfish were able to navigate the vehicle to touch the board. They could do so even when they were given different starting points in the room.

The researchers concluded that the sense of navigation was something very innate to animals irrespective of the species.

The study has been published in journal Behavioural Brain Research

Fun fact: The six goldfish chosen for the experiment were named after characters from Pride and Prejudice. It was found that Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley could drive best

Having memory of a goldfish is not a good thing. At least according to established sense. Goldfish memory is a taunt often reserved for our friends who appear a little absent-minded if not more.

Having memory of a goldfish is not a good thing. At least according to established sense. Goldfish memory is a taunt often reserved for our friends who appear a little absent-minded if not more. But what Israeli scientists have found may change our perspective about goldfish. The scientists found that the goldfish could actually drive a vehicle! That too on land! To make goldfish drive a vehicle on land was obviously a big challenge. In technical terms, this is called 'domain transfer methodology'. This examines whether a particular species is able to perform tasks outside its own environment. The experiment was carried out by researchers from Ben-Gurion University in Israel. The team was led by Professor Ronen Segev. For their experiment, the team created a water tank on wheels. The wheels could move in accordance with how the goldfish swam. The researchers then taught the goldfish how to navigate the vehicle. The goldfish soon learnt to determine connection between their own movement and movement of the vehicle. Then, a target was given to the fish. They had to navigate the vehicle in order to touch a pink board. After only a few days of training, the goldfish were able to navigate the vehicle to touch the board. They could do so even when they were given different starting points in the room. The researchers concluded that the sense of navigation was something very innate to animals irrespective of the species. The study has been published in journal Behavioural Brain Research Fun fact: The six goldfish chosen for the experiment were named after characters from Pride and Prejudice. It was found that Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley could drive best

No kidding: Goldfish actually drove a vehicle on land

Astronomers have discovered a new type of nebulae around binary stars called galactic emission nebulae.

The research, published in Astrophysics and Astronomy, shows that binary star YY Hya has a strong UV excess. This suggests the existence of a hot and compact binary companion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-resolve-mystery-of-cube-spotted-on-moons-dark-side-443232" hreflang="en">Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side</a>

''Toward the end of their lives, normal stars inflate into red giant stars. Since a very large fraction of stars is in binary pairs, this affects the evolution at the end of their lives,'' said the study's lead author Stefan Kimeswenger from the Department of Astro and Particle Physics at Innsbruck University, Austria.

''In close binary systems, the inflating outer part of a star merges as a common envelope around both stars. However, inside this gas envelope, the cores of the two stars are practically undisturbed and follow their evolution like independent single stars,'' he added.

The space between stars is dotted with twisting towers studded with stars, unblinking eyes, ethereal ribbons, and floating bubbles.&nbsp;

These fantastical shapes, some of the universe’s most visually stunning constructions, are nebulae, clouds of gas and dust that can be the birthplace of stars, the scene of their demise, and sometimes both.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chemical-leftovers-from-earths-creation-still-lingering-deep-within-our-planet-study-442513" hreflang="en">Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study</a>

Nebulae are made up of gas, primarily hydrogen and helium, and fine cosmic dust. These clouds are part of the interstellar medium of extremely low-density gas and dust that exists between stars in the void of space.

''The diameter of the main cloud is 15.6 light-years across, almost 1 million times larger than the distance of the earth to the sun and much larger than the distance of our sun to its nearest neighboring star,'' Kimeswenger said.

''Moreover, fragments as large as 39 light-years apart have also been found. Since the object lies slightly above the Milky Way, the nebula was able to develop largely undisturbed by other clouds in the surrounding gas.''&nbsp;

"They are too large for the field of view of modern telescopes, and at the same time, they are very faint. Moreover, their lifetime is rather short, at least when considered in cosmic time scales. It is only a few hundred thousand years," he added.

Nebulae happen in places where the interstellar medium has become dense enough to form clouds. That could be because gravity has pulled the gas and dust together, or because stars have died and spewed their contents into the cosmos.&nbsp;

Several types of nebulae exist, and each individual nebula is a unique showcase of the phenomena and processes happening within. They often live side by side, with smaller nebulae populating larger clouds of gas and dust to form giant complexes of star birth and death.

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have discovered a new type of nebulae around binary stars called galactic emission nebulae. The research, published in Astrophysics and Astronomy, shows that binary star YY Hya has a strong UV excess.

Astronomers have discovered a new type of nebulae around binary stars called galactic emission nebulae. The research, published in Astrophysics and Astronomy, shows that binary star YY Hya has a strong UV excess. This suggests the existence of a hot and compact binary companion. Also read | Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side ''Toward the end of their lives, normal stars inflate into red giant stars. Since a very large fraction of stars is in binary pairs, this affects the evolution at the end of their lives,'' said the study's lead author Stefan Kimeswenger from the Department of Astro and Particle Physics at Innsbruck University, Austria. ''In close binary systems, the inflating outer part of a star merges as a common envelope around both stars. However, inside this gas envelope, the cores of the two stars are practically undisturbed and follow their evolution like independent single stars,'' he added. The space between stars is dotted with twisting towers studded with stars, unblinking eyes, ethereal ribbons, and floating bubbles. These fantastical shapes, some of the universe’s most visually stunning constructions, are nebulae, clouds of gas and dust that can be the birthplace of stars, the scene of their demise, and sometimes both. Also read | Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study Nebulae are made up of gas, primarily hydrogen and helium, and fine cosmic dust. These clouds are part of the interstellar medium of extremely low-density gas and dust that exists between stars in the void of space. ''The diameter of the main cloud is 15.6 light-years across, almost 1 million times larger than the distance of the earth to the sun and much larger than the distance of our sun to its nearest neighboring star,'' Kimeswenger said. ''Moreover, fragments as large as 39 light-years apart have also been found. Since the object lies slightly above the Milky Way, the nebula was able to develop largely undisturbed by other clouds in the surrounding gas.'' "They are too large for the field of view of modern telescopes, and at the same time, they are very faint. Moreover, their lifetime is rather short, at least when considered in cosmic time scales. It is only a few hundred thousand years," he added. Nebulae happen in places where the interstellar medium has become dense enough to form clouds. That could be because gravity has pulled the gas and dust together, or because stars have died and spewed their contents into the cosmos. Several types of nebulae exist, and each individual nebula is a unique showcase of the phenomena and processes happening within. They often live side by side, with smaller nebulae populating larger clouds of gas and dust to form giant complexes of star birth and death. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover new type of nebulae around binary stars

James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components. The major milestone was achieved on Saturday (January 8) as the tricky, two-week-long deployment process was completed. The final golden mirror panel was unfolded.

Teams in NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's control room cheered on confirmation that the space telescope's final wing was deployed and latched into place.

<img alt="James Webb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="871da599-9cfe-4159-9915-991a97268c7d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9VT8VZ.jpg" />

"I'm emotional about it -- what an amazing milestone," Thomas Zurbuchen, a senior NASA engineer, said during the live video feed as stargazers worldwide celebrated.

Because the telescope was too large to fit into a rocket's nose cone in its operational configuration, it was transported folded up.

Unfurling has been a complex and risky task -- "arguably the most challenging deployment program ever done by NASA," said NASA engineer Mike Menzel.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-resolve-mystery-of-cube-spotted-on-moons-dark-side-443232">Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side</a>

On Saturday morning, engineers sent a command from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for the final section of golden mirror to unfold.

According to NASA, after the mirror was latched into place at 1:17 PM (1817 GMT), "the team declared all major deployments successfully completed."

"I want to tell you just how excited and emotional I am right now," said Zurbuchen on the live video feed. "We have a deployed telescope on orbit."

Webb, the successor to Hubble, blasted off in an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana on December 25, and is heading to its orbital point, a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-astronomers-watch-a-dying-star-explode-in-real-time-442861">In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time</a>

Though Webb will reach its space destination, known as the second Lagrange point, in a matter of weeks, it still has around another five and a half months of setup to go.

"While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

Next steps include aligning the telescope's optics, and calibrating its scientific instruments.

Far reaches of the Universe

Its infrared technology will allow it to see the first stars and galaxies that formed 13.5 billion years ago, giving astronomers new insight into the earliest epoch of the Universe.

Earlier this week, the telescope deployed its five-layered sunshield -- a 70-foot (21 meter) long, kite-shaped apparatus that acts like a parasol, ensuring Webb's instruments are kept in the shade so they can detect faint infrared signals from the far reaches of the Universe.

The sunshield will be permanently positioned between the telescope and the Sun, Earth and Moon, with the Sun-facing side built to withstand 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius).

Visible and ultraviolet light emitted by the very first luminous objects has been stretched by the Universe's expansion, and arrives today in the form of infrared, which Webb is equipped to detect with unprecedented clarity.

Its mission also includes the study of distant planets to determine their origin, evolution, and habitability.

(With inputs from agencies)

James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components.

James Webb Space Telescope was to open a whole new vista for humanity in space. This much was definitely known. But deployment of the most powerful telescope ever built was a challenge as it needed careful unfolding of its components. The major milestone was achieved on Saturday (January 8) as the tricky, two-week-long deployment process was completed. The final golden mirror panel was unfolded. Teams in NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's control room cheered on confirmation that the space telescope's final wing was deployed and latched into place. "I'm emotional about it -- what an amazing milestone," Thomas Zurbuchen, a senior NASA engineer, said during the live video feed as stargazers worldwide celebrated. Because the telescope was too large to fit into a rocket's nose cone in its operational configuration, it was transported folded up. Unfurling has been a complex and risky task -- "arguably the most challenging deployment program ever done by NASA," said NASA engineer Mike Menzel. Also Read | Astronomers resolve mystery of 'cube' spotted on Moon's dark side On Saturday morning, engineers sent a command from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for the final section of golden mirror to unfold. According to NASA, after the mirror was latched into place at 1:17 PM (1817 GMT), "the team declared all major deployments successfully completed." "I want to tell you just how excited and emotional I am right now," said Zurbuchen on the live video feed. "We have a deployed telescope on orbit." Webb, the successor to Hubble, blasted off in an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana on December 25, and is heading to its orbital point, a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth. Also Read | In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time Though Webb will reach its space destination, known as the second Lagrange point, in a matter of weeks, it still has around another five and a half months of setup to go. "While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Next steps include aligning the telescope's optics, and calibrating its scientific instruments. Far reaches of the Universe Its infrared technology will allow it to see the first stars and galaxies that formed 13.5 billion years ago, giving astronomers new insight into the earliest epoch of the Universe. Earlier this week, the telescope deployed its five-layered sunshield -- a 70-foot (21 meter) long, kite-shaped apparatus that acts like a parasol, ensuring Webb's instruments are kept in the shade so they can detect faint infrared signals from the far reaches of the Universe. The sunshield will be permanently positioned between the telescope and the Sun, Earth and Moon, with the Sun-facing side built to withstand 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius). Visible and ultraviolet light emitted by the very first luminous objects has been stretched by the Universe's expansion, and arrives today in the form of infrared, which Webb is equipped to detect with unprecedented clarity. Its mission also includes the study of distant planets to determine their origin, evolution, and habitability. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA fully deploys James Webb telescope in space

A new study has revealed that possible chemical leftovers from the Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet.

The study, published in Nature Geoscience, has been conducted by the University of Utah.

Researchers used radar waves for a better understanding of the internal structure of the Earth and seismic waves for navigation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-publish-most-detailed-map-to-date-of-black-holes-442056" hreflang="en">Astronomers publish most detailed map to date of black holes</a>

Earth is about 4.5 billion years old. Scientists have debated whether plate tectonics was taking place early in Earth’s history or merely in the second half of its history.

Down near the core, there are zones where seismic waves slow to a crawl. New research from the University of Utah finds that these enigmatic and descriptively-named ultra-low velocity zones are surprisingly layered.&nbsp;

The study's model suggests that it’s possible some of these zones are leftovers from the processes that shaped the early Earth—remnants of incomplete mixing like clumps of flour in the bottom of a bowl of batter.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-a-blast-the-rush-of-amateur-astronauts-420637" hreflang="en">What a blast: The rush of amateur astronauts</a>

“Of all of the features we know about in the deep mantle, ultra-low velocity zones represent what are probably the most extreme,” says Michael S. Thorne, associate professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics.&nbsp;

“Indeed, these are some of the most extreme features found anywhere in the planet.”

Scientists initially thought that these zones were areas where the mantle was partially melted, and might be the source of magma for so-called “hot spot” volcanic regions like Iceland.

“But most of the things we call ultra-low velocity zones don’t appear to be located beneath hot spot volcanoes,” Thorne says, “so that cannot be the whole story.”

The study is based on the hypothesis that the ultra-low velocity zones may be regions made of different rocks than the rest of the mantle—and that their composition may hearken back to the early Earth.

The intense heat of the planet immediately after it formed means any initial water would have quickly evaporated and scientists believe the oceans emerged around 8 million years later.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has revealed that possible chemical leftovers from the Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, has been conducted by the University of Utah.

A new study has revealed that possible chemical leftovers from the Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, has been conducted by the University of Utah. Researchers used radar waves for a better understanding of the internal structure of the Earth and seismic waves for navigation. Also read | Astronomers publish most detailed map to date of black holes Earth is about 4.5 billion years old. Scientists have debated whether plate tectonics was taking place early in Earth’s history or merely in the second half of its history. Down near the core, there are zones where seismic waves slow to a crawl. New research from the University of Utah finds that these enigmatic and descriptively-named ultra-low velocity zones are surprisingly layered. The study's model suggests that it’s possible some of these zones are leftovers from the processes that shaped the early Earth—remnants of incomplete mixing like clumps of flour in the bottom of a bowl of batter. Also see | What a blast: The rush of amateur astronauts “Of all of the features we know about in the deep mantle, ultra-low velocity zones represent what are probably the most extreme,” says Michael S. Thorne, associate professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics. “Indeed, these are some of the most extreme features found anywhere in the planet.” Scientists initially thought that these zones were areas where the mantle was partially melted, and might be the source of magma for so-called “hot spot” volcanic regions like Iceland. “But most of the things we call ultra-low velocity zones don’t appear to be located beneath hot spot volcanoes,” Thorne says, “so that cannot be the whole story.” The study is based on the hypothesis that the ultra-low velocity zones may be regions made of different rocks than the rest of the mantle—and that their composition may hearken back to the early Earth. The intense heat of the planet immediately after it formed means any initial water would have quickly evaporated and scientists believe the oceans emerged around 8 million years later. (With inputs from agencies)

Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study

Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club.

But what if you become a 'quintilllionaire'? With 18 zeroes in your net worth, the Bezoses and Musks of the world wouldn't stand a chance against you.

All you have to do is go to space, travel to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and mine metals from an asteroid. It is estimated that the asteroid is made of metals worth 10 quintillions! The asteroid is literally biggest floating bank in our solar system!

If you think this is crazy, obtain info on an asteroid dubbed 16 Psyche. It is located in the main asteroid belt.

The asteroid, first discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852 is made up of exposed metallic iron, nickel and even gold. Scientists think that the asteroid is part of remains of the core of a shattered planetesimal, that is, a clump of space rocks that was on the verge of becoming a planet but didn't.&nbsp;

From Earth, asteroid 16 Psych appears hazy but by analysing the light reflected off the surface of the asteroid, scientists have been able to conclude that it is very rich in metals.

Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club.

Most of us are content with the idea of becoming a millionaire. The ambitious aim for the billionaire club and perhaps only tech companies can dream of being in T-club. But what if you become a 'quintilllionaire'? With 18 zeroes in your net worth, the Bezoses and Musks of the world wouldn't stand a chance against you. All you have to do is go to space, travel to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and mine metals from an asteroid. It is estimated that the asteroid is made of metals worth 10 quintillions! The asteroid is literally biggest floating bank in our solar system! If you think this is crazy, obtain info on an asteroid dubbed 16 Psyche. It is located in the main asteroid belt. The asteroid, first discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852 is made up of exposed metallic iron, nickel and even gold. Scientists think that the asteroid is part of remains of the core of a shattered planetesimal, that is, a clump of space rocks that was on the verge of becoming a planet but didn't. From Earth, asteroid 16 Psych appears hazy but by analysing the light reflected off the surface of the asteroid, scientists have been able to conclude that it is very rich in metals.

This asteroid can make you richer than a billionaire

A new study conducted by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell's Ithaca campus has revealed that the critical metabolic vulnerability of Lymphoma cells can be used to trick these cancers into starving themselves.

The study, published in Blood Cancer Discovery, shows that a protein called ATF4, a genetic master-switch that controls the activities of hundreds of genes, has a key role in supporting the fast growth of diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-not-resuscitate-scientists-detect-brain-tsunamis-in-human-beings-440783" hreflang="en">'Do not resuscitate': Scientists detect 'brain tsunamis' in human beings</a>

The syndrome, caused by a large, rapid release of immune substances called cytokines, may occur after treatment with some types of cancer therapies and can sometimes be severe or fatal.&nbsp;

It has different symptoms including fever, headache, and troubled breathing, according to the National Cancer Institute.

"ATF4 represents a crucial and exploitable vulnerability in DLBCLs and one that they appear to share regardless of the specific genetic mutations that trigger them," said study co-senior author Ari Melnick.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/implant-helps-paralysed-man-make-social-media-post-with-just-thought-in-australia-440296" hreflang="en">Implant helps paralysed man make social media post with just thought in Australia</a>

In the new study, the researchers explored further how SIRT3 promotes DLBCL growth, and found that one of the important ways it does this is by increasing the production of another metabolism-influencing protein, ATF4.

SIRT3 resides in mitochondria, the tiny, oxygen-burning fuel reactors in our cells that are essential for powering cellular activities.&nbsp;

"One of the really interesting things about this study is that it shows how nutrient conditions, in principle even from patients' diets, can profoundly affect cancer-cell activity," said study first author Dr. Meng Li, a member of the Melnick Laboratory who is also an instructor of cancer genomics in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.

"My lab has been working on the sirtuin family of enzymes for more than 10 years, yet this study revealed some very interesting connections among SIRT3, metabolism and nutrient or stress sensing," said Dr. Lin. "We are excited to consider the translational potential of this finding in treating lymphoma."

A new study conducted by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell's Ithaca campus has revealed that the critical metabolic vulnerability of Lymphoma cells can be used to trick these cancers into starving themselves.

A new study conducted by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell's Ithaca campus has revealed that the critical metabolic vulnerability of Lymphoma cells can be used to trick these cancers into starving themselves. The study, published in Blood Cancer Discovery, shows that a protein called ATF4, a genetic master-switch that controls the activities of hundreds of genes, has a key role in supporting the fast growth of diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). Also read | 'Do not resuscitate': Scientists detect 'brain tsunamis' in human beings The syndrome, caused by a large, rapid release of immune substances called cytokines, may occur after treatment with some types of cancer therapies and can sometimes be severe or fatal. It has different symptoms including fever, headache, and troubled breathing, according to the National Cancer Institute. "ATF4 represents a crucial and exploitable vulnerability in DLBCLs and one that they appear to share regardless of the specific genetic mutations that trigger them," said study co-senior author Ari Melnick. Also read | Implant helps paralysed man make social media post with just thought in Australia In the new study, the researchers explored further how SIRT3 promotes DLBCL growth, and found that one of the important ways it does this is by increasing the production of another metabolism-influencing protein, ATF4. SIRT3 resides in mitochondria, the tiny, oxygen-burning fuel reactors in our cells that are essential for powering cellular activities. "One of the really interesting things about this study is that it shows how nutrient conditions, in principle even from patients' diets, can profoundly affect cancer-cell activity," said study first author Dr. Meng Li, a member of the Melnick Laboratory who is also an instructor of cancer genomics in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. "My lab has been working on the sirtuin family of enzymes for more than 10 years, yet this study revealed some very interesting connections among SIRT3, metabolism and nutrient or stress sensing," said Dr. Lin. "We are excited to consider the translational potential of this finding in treating lymphoma."

Metabolic vulnerability of Lymphoma cells can be used to trick these cancers into starving themselves: Study

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago. So completer was their dominance that they were present in almost all food chains and food webs on the planet. There were herbivorous dinosaurs just like meat-eating ones. There were dinosaurs in seas and skies.&nbsp;

The scary vertebrates were everywhere.&nbsp;

A study has revealed that hatchlings of pterosaurs, cousins of dinosaurs, were perhaps able to fly shortly after they were hatched. So not only were members of the dino family ruling the Earth, they were also able to get to business quickly after birth.

The study involved analysis of embryonic, newly hatched and adult pterosaurs.&nbsp;

It was found by the researchers that the flight membranes on wings required to fly were present in embryonic pterosaurs. The researchers also focussed on humerus bone found in the wings. The bone was used by the pterosaur to launch itself in the air.

The scientists were surprised to find that the humerus bone was unusually strong even among hatchlings.

The study was published in July in journal Scientific Reports.

So does this mean that the baby pterosaurs would have been more than eager to nip at your flesh moments after hatching, had you been around? They certainly had the capability it appears. In addition to flying, some species of pterosaurs reportedly had opposable thumbs. That means your plans of hiding in a tree were a non-starter as your worst nightmare could climb trees in addition to flying!

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago. So completer was their dominance that they were present in almost all food chains and food webs on the planet. There were herbivorous dinosaurs just like meat-eating ones.

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago. So completer was their dominance that they were present in almost all food chains and food webs on the planet. There were herbivorous dinosaurs just like meat-eating ones. There were dinosaurs in seas and skies. The scary vertebrates were everywhere. A study has revealed that hatchlings of pterosaurs, cousins of dinosaurs, were perhaps able to fly shortly after they were hatched. So not only were members of the dino family ruling the Earth, they were also able to get to business quickly after birth. The study involved analysis of embryonic, newly hatched and adult pterosaurs. It was found by the researchers that the flight membranes on wings required to fly were present in embryonic pterosaurs. The researchers also focussed on humerus bone found in the wings. The bone was used by the pterosaur to launch itself in the air. The scientists were surprised to find that the humerus bone was unusually strong even among hatchlings. The study was published in July in journal Scientific Reports. So does this mean that the baby pterosaurs would have been more than eager to nip at your flesh moments after hatching, had you been around? They certainly had the capability it appears. In addition to flying, some species of pterosaurs reportedly had opposable thumbs. That means your plans of hiding in a tree were a non-starter as your worst nightmare could climb trees in addition to flying!

This dino-vertebrate was able to fly immediately after hatching

The year 2021, or Year Two of the pandemic as some of us would like to call it, was replete with space-related events that not only had scientific importance but which resonated with public as well. Some of these were once-in-decades developments while others marked advancement of human vision. NASA was at the forefront, as were other space agencies around the world. But what was different this year was even private players made successful forays into space missions. 2021 marked first-ever powered flight on the surface of any planet other than Earth.

Here are some events that made 2021 memorable in terms of space science

 
James Webb Space Telescope

<img alt="James Webb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcb8f193-6a02-4224-898f-b23d730dea11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-12-28T115736Z_2_LYNXMPEHBO027_RTROPTP_4_SPACE-EXPLORATION-TELESCOPE.JPG" />

Humanity is on the verge of using entirely new generation of technology to peer even deeped in space. The iconic Hubble Space Telescope has its gaze fixed at distant stars, but launch of James Webb Space Telescope marks a genrational shift. The space telescope has better technology and instruments than Hubble. James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 24, 2021 and at the time of publishing this story, was in the process of unfolding.

Using the new space telescope, we will be able to observe galaxies which were formed when the universe was in its infancy.

Perseverance on Ingenuity on Mars

<img alt="Perseverance" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2fa9d417-8485-4607-980e-15582d3f291f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/perseverance.JPG" />

 
NASA's Perseverance rover touched down on Mars on March 5, 2021. The rover continues to study conditions on Mars and is sending invaluable scientific data back to Earth.

Ingenuity, the helicopter which is aiding Perseverance study Mars created history on April 19, 2021 by marking first-ever powered flight of a man-made craft on an alien planet. Martian atmosphere is very thin as compared to Earth. Hence, flying a helicopter on Mars is an extremely difficult task. Ingenuity's flight was initially supposed to be just an achievement. But the success prompted NASA to extend its mission. Ingenuity carried out several flights after it firt took off from Martian surface.

Private spaceflight

<img alt="SpaceX" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b2e416bc-6383-46e6-b0a4-3560dbb13fd5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-12-29T184743Z_2_LYNXMPEHBS0N6_RTROPTP_4_SPACEX-FUNDING.JPG" />

An American millionaire became the world's first space tourist in 2001, but it took 20 more years for the promise of private space flight to finally materialize. 
In July, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson faced off against Blue Origin's Jeff Bezos to be the first non-professional astronaut to complete a suborbital spaceflight.&nbsp;

While the British tycoon won that battle by a few days, it was Blue Origin that raced ahead, launching three more flights with paying customers and celebrity guests. 
Elon Musk's SpaceX entered the fray in September with a three-day orbital mission around the Earth featuring an all-civilian crew on Inspiration 4.&nbsp;

"It's really exciting that finally, after so long this stuff is finally happening," said space industry analyst Laura Seward Forczyk, author of the forthcoming book "Becoming Off-Worldly," intended to prepare future space travelers.

But it was William Shatner, who played the swashbuckling Captain Kirk on the 1960s TV series "Star Trek," who stole the show with a moving account of his experience.

"What you're looking down on is Mother Earth, and it needs protecting," he told reporters.&nbsp;

A spacecraft 'touches' the Sun

It may be impossible for any human-made spacecraft to descend on the actual surface of the Sun, but this year marked a step in that direction. NASA's Parker solar probe 'touched' the Sun. This is to say that it entered 'Corona', the Sun's atmosphere. This is a great achievement. The probe entered the Corona in April 2021.

First film shot in space

A Russian crew shot the first feature film in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021, and Japanese tourists made their own visit there on a Russian rocket.&nbsp;

For a few minutes on December 11, there were a record 19 humans in space when Blue Origin carried out its third crewed mission, the Japanese team were on the ISS along with its normal crew, and Chinese taikonauts were in position on their station.

Discovery of Jupiter's new moon

Jupiter has 79 moons and scientists think there are many more that remain to be found. This year an amateur astronomer found one of those. Kai Ly, the astronomer, made the discovery by analysing data sets from 2003.

The moon has been named EJc0061. It belongs to the Carme group of Jovian moons.

(With inputs from agencies)

The year 2021, or Year Two of the pandemic as some of us would like to call it, was replete with space-related events that not only had scientific importance but which resonated with public as well.

The year 2021, or Year Two of the pandemic as some of us would like to call it, was replete with space-related events that not only had scientific importance but which resonated with public as well. Some of these were once-in-decades developments while others marked advancement of human vision. NASA was at the forefront, as were other space agencies around the world. But what was different this year was even private players made successful forays into space missions. 2021 marked first-ever powered flight on the surface of any planet other than Earth. Here are some events that made 2021 memorable in terms of space science James Webb Space Telescope Humanity is on the verge of using entirely new generation of technology to peer even deeped in space. The iconic Hubble Space Telescope has its gaze fixed at distant stars, but launch of James Webb Space Telescope marks a genrational shift. The space telescope has better technology and instruments than Hubble. James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 24, 2021 and at the time of publishing this story, was in the process of unfolding. Using the new space telescope, we will be able to observe galaxies which were formed when the universe was in its infancy. Perseverance on Ingenuity on Mars NASA's Perseverance rover touched down on Mars on March 5, 2021. The rover continues to study conditions on Mars and is sending invaluable scientific data back to Earth. Ingenuity, the helicopter which is aiding Perseverance study Mars created history on April 19, 2021 by marking first-ever powered flight of a man-made craft on an alien planet. Martian atmosphere is very thin as compared to Earth. Hence, flying a helicopter on Mars is an extremely difficult task. Ingenuity's flight was initially supposed to be just an achievement. But the success prompted NASA to extend its mission. Ingenuity carried out several flights after it firt took off from Martian surface. Private spaceflight An American millionaire became the world's first space tourist in 2001, but it took 20 more years for the promise of private space flight to finally materialize. In July, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson faced off against Blue Origin's Jeff Bezos to be the first non-professional astronaut to complete a suborbital spaceflight. While the British tycoon won that battle by a few days, it was Blue Origin that raced ahead, launching three more flights with paying customers and celebrity guests. Elon Musk's SpaceX entered the fray in September with a three-day orbital mission around the Earth featuring an all-civilian crew on Inspiration 4. "It's really exciting that finally, after so long this stuff is finally happening," said space industry analyst Laura Seward Forczyk, author of the forthcoming book "Becoming Off-Worldly," intended to prepare future space travelers. But it was William Shatner, who played the swashbuckling Captain Kirk on the 1960s TV series "Star Trek," who stole the show with a moving account of his experience. "What you're looking down on is Mother Earth, and it needs protecting," he told reporters. A spacecraft 'touches' the Sun It may be impossible for any human-made spacecraft to descend on the actual surface of the Sun, but this year marked a step in that direction. NASA's Parker solar probe 'touched' the Sun. This is to say that it entered 'Corona', the Sun's atmosphere. This is a great achievement. The probe entered the Corona in April 2021. First film shot in space A Russian crew shot the first feature film in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021, and Japanese tourists made their own visit there on a Russian rocket. For a few minutes on December 11, there were a record 19 humans in space when Blue Origin carried out its third crewed mission, the Japanese team were on the ISS along with its normal crew, and Chinese taikonauts were in position on their station. Discovery of Jupiter's new moon Jupiter has 79 moons and scientists think there are many more that remain to be found. This year an amateur astronomer found one of those. Kai Ly, the astronomer, made the discovery by analysing data sets from 2003. The moon has been named EJc0061. It belongs to the Carme group of Jovian moons. (With inputs from agencies)

Year ender: Space news that made 2021 special

James Web Space Telescope has reached a milestone in its unfolding and this marks start of a crucial phase. James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on December 24 and is now in the phase of unfolding before it can start its function as most powerful eye in the sky of humanity.

On December 28 (Eastern Time), the space telescope deployed its forward and aft pallets. The pallet structures contain Webb's sunshield. Five carefully folded sunshield membranes have been packed inside the afts. Needless to say that delecate components like cables, pulleys and release mechanisms need careful handling.

NASA said that deployment of forward pallet began on the morning of December 28 and concluded at 1:21 pm EST. The aft pallet deployment was complete by 7:27 pm.

Although actual deployment of the pallets from their folded position took less than half an hour, the entire process took hours as series of complicated steps was involved during the deployment.

"The unfolding of the pallets marks the beginning of Webb’s major structural deployments and also the beginning of the sunshield deployment phase – which will continue through at least this Sunday, Jan. 2," says NASA

The James Webb Space Telescope, some three decades and billions of dollars in the making, left Earth on December 24 enclosed in its Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana.

It is expected to take a month to reach its remote destination.

It is set to beam back new clues that will help scientists understand more about the origins of the Universe and Earth-like planets beyond our solar system.

Named after a former NASA director, Webb follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hubble -- but intends to show humans what the Universe looked like even closer to its birth nearly 14 billion years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

James Web Space Telescope has reached a milestone in its unfolding and this marks start of a crucial phase. James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on December 24 and is now in the phase of unfolding before it can start its function as most powerful eye in the sky of humanity.

James Web Space Telescope has reached a milestone in its unfolding and this marks start of a crucial phase. James Webb Space Telescope lifted off on December 24 and is now in the phase of unfolding before it can start its function as most powerful eye in the sky of humanity. On December 28 (Eastern Time), the space telescope deployed its forward and aft pallets. The pallet structures contain Webb's sunshield. Five carefully folded sunshield membranes have been packed inside the afts. Needless to say that delecate components like cables, pulleys and release mechanisms need careful handling. NASA said that deployment of forward pallet began on the morning of December 28 and concluded at 1:21 pm EST. The aft pallet deployment was complete by 7:27 pm. Although actual deployment of the pallets from their folded position took less than half an hour, the entire process took hours as series of complicated steps was involved during the deployment. "The unfolding of the pallets marks the beginning of Webb’s major structural deployments and also the beginning of the sunshield deployment phase – which will continue through at least this Sunday, Jan. 2," says NASA The James Webb Space Telescope, some three decades and billions of dollars in the making, left Earth on December 24 enclosed in its Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana. It is expected to take a month to reach its remote destination. It is set to beam back new clues that will help scientists understand more about the origins of the Universe and Earth-like planets beyond our solar system. Named after a former NASA director, Webb follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hubble -- but intends to show humans what the Universe looked like even closer to its birth nearly 14 billion years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb Space Telescope deploys pallets, crucial process begins

Scientists have detected 'brain tsunamis' in human beings that cause irreversible damage to the organ.

These neurological events occur several days after severe head trauma and may be responsible for inducing brain damage, according to a new study published in the 'Annals of Neurology.'

In the study, researchers provide insight into the neurobiology of dying. It sheds light on how these tsunamis or "killer waves" could help patients with severe head trauma avoid further brain damage and possibly retain most of their brain function.

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The "brain tsunamis" are actually a large population of brain cells that undergo massive depolarisations. Much like the weather-related tsunamis, these large waves of depolarisations spread slowly but persistently throughout the brain, causing widespread brain dysfunction.

These wave-like depolarisations have been studied in brain trauma patients for decades. But the new research showed for the first time that brain tsunamis are responsible for causing further brain damage in afflicted patients.

For the study, investigators performed continuous patient monitoring following 'Do Not Resuscitate-Comfort Care' orders in patients with devastating brain injury to investigate the mechanisms and timing of events in the brain and the circulation during the dying process.

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The findings may be helpful for developing treatment strategies of cardiac arrest and stroke that may complement efforts to re-establish circulation, and also inform the debate of organ donation after cardio-circulatory death, where death is declared between two and ten minutes following the cessation of circulatory function.

"After circulatory arrest, spreading depolarisation marks the loss of stored electrochemical energy in brain cells and the onset of toxic processes that eventually lead to death. Importantly, it is reversible,&nbsp;up to a point,&nbsp;when the circulation is restored," said lead author Dr. Jens Dreier, of Universitätsmedizin Berlin, in Germany.

"There are no direct implications for patient care today. Particular challenges include the slowness of this wave that hampers its visibility in normal EEG recordings; however, this discovery may lead to improved diagnostic and treatment procedures in the future, following Max Planck's motto that 'insight must precede application'."

The brain tsunamis drew the attention of the US military as head injuries became a very common injury among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have detected 'brain tsunamis' in human beings that cause irreversible damage to the organ. These neurological events occur several days after severe head trauma and may be responsible for inducing brain damage, according to a new study published in the 'Annals of Neurology.

Scientists have detected 'brain tsunamis' in human beings that cause irreversible damage to the organ. These neurological events occur several days after severe head trauma and may be responsible for inducing brain damage, according to a new study published in the 'Annals of Neurology.' In the study, researchers provide insight into the neurobiology of dying. It sheds light on how these tsunamis or "killer waves" could help patients with severe head trauma avoid further brain damage and possibly retain most of their brain function. Also read | Implant helps paralysed man make social media post with just thought in Australia The "brain tsunamis" are actually a large population of brain cells that undergo massive depolarisations. Much like the weather-related tsunamis, these large waves of depolarisations spread slowly but persistently throughout the brain, causing widespread brain dysfunction. These wave-like depolarisations have been studied in brain trauma patients for decades. But the new research showed for the first time that brain tsunamis are responsible for causing further brain damage in afflicted patients. For the study, investigators performed continuous patient monitoring following 'Do Not Resuscitate-Comfort Care' orders in patients with devastating brain injury to investigate the mechanisms and timing of events in the brain and the circulation during the dying process. Also read | Deadly brain-eating amoeba is spreading in US, scientists issue warning The findings may be helpful for developing treatment strategies of cardiac arrest and stroke that may complement efforts to re-establish circulation, and also inform the debate of organ donation after cardio-circulatory death, where death is declared between two and ten minutes following the cessation of circulatory function. "After circulatory arrest, spreading depolarisation marks the loss of stored electrochemical energy in brain cells and the onset of toxic processes that eventually lead to death. Importantly, it is reversible, up to a point, when the circulation is restored," said lead author Dr. Jens Dreier, of Universitätsmedizin Berlin, in Germany. "There are no direct implications for patient care today. Particular challenges include the slowness of this wave that hampers its visibility in normal EEG recordings; however, this discovery may lead to improved diagnostic and treatment procedures in the future, following Max Planck's motto that 'insight must precede application'." The brain tsunamis drew the attention of the US military as head injuries became a very common injury among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. (With inputs from agencies)

'Do not resuscitate': Scientists detect 'brain tsunamis' in human beings

Scientists have identified the first ''quantum entangled'' animal in history in a recent study.

Called frozen tardigrade, they are microscopic multicellular organisms known to tolerate extreme physiochemical conditions through a latent state of life known as cryptobiosis.

“Their proportions are a little bit similar to a bear’s, and they’re kind of cute,&nbsp;at least some of them are cute to some people," Roger Chang, a Harvard University molecular biologist who studies tardigrades, said.

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Quantum and biological systems are seldom discussed together as they seemingly demand opposing conditions. Life is complex, “hot and wet” whereas quantum objects are small, cold and well 
controlled.

In the study, researchers observed the coupling between the animal in cryptobiosis and a superconducting quantum bit and prepared a highly entangled state between this combined system and another qubit. The tardigrade itself is shown to be entangled with the remaining subsystems.&nbsp;

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According to Douglas Natelson, Department Chair of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Texas, "What the authors did here was put a tardigrade on top of the capacitive parts of one of two coupled qubits."

''The tardigrade is mostly (frozen) water, and here it acts like a dielectric, shifting the resonance frequency of the one qubit that it sat on,'' he added.

Meanwhile, former physicist Ben Brubaker said "The qubit is an electrical circuit, and putting the tardigrade next to it affects it through the laws of electromagnetism we've known about for more than 150 years."&nbsp;

The researchers have claimed that the investigation is perhaps the closest realisation combining biological matter and quantum matter available with present-day technology.

"While one might expect similar physical results from inanimate objects with similar composition to the tardigrade, we emphasize that entanglement is observed with [an] entire organism that retains its biological functionality post-experiment," the team concluded in their paper.

"At the same time, the tardigrade survived the most extreme and prolonged conditions it has ever been exposed to."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have identified the first ''quantum entangled'' animal in history in a recent study. Called frozen tardigrade, they are microscopic multicellular organisms known to tolerate extreme physiochemical conditions through a latent state of life known as cryptobiosis.

Scientists have identified the first ''quantum entangled'' animal in history in a recent study. Called frozen tardigrade, they are microscopic multicellular organisms known to tolerate extreme physiochemical conditions through a latent state of life known as cryptobiosis. “Their proportions are a little bit similar to a bear’s, and they’re kind of cute, at least some of them are cute to some people," Roger Chang, a Harvard University molecular biologist who studies tardigrades, said. Also read | Scientists discover hidden passageway beneath Panama through which wind from Earth's middle layer blows Quantum and biological systems are seldom discussed together as they seemingly demand opposing conditions. Life is complex, “hot and wet” whereas quantum objects are small, cold and well controlled. In the study, researchers observed the coupling between the animal in cryptobiosis and a superconducting quantum bit and prepared a highly entangled state between this combined system and another qubit. The tardigrade itself is shown to be entangled with the remaining subsystems. Also read | Scientists discover new muscle layer in human jaw that helps it in stabilisation According to Douglas Natelson, Department Chair of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Texas, "What the authors did here was put a tardigrade on top of the capacitive parts of one of two coupled qubits." ''The tardigrade is mostly (frozen) water, and here it acts like a dielectric, shifting the resonance frequency of the one qubit that it sat on,'' he added. Meanwhile, former physicist Ben Brubaker said "The qubit is an electrical circuit, and putting the tardigrade next to it affects it through the laws of electromagnetism we've known about for more than 150 years." The researchers have claimed that the investigation is perhaps the closest realisation combining biological matter and quantum matter available with present-day technology. "While one might expect similar physical results from inanimate objects with similar composition to the tardigrade, we emphasize that entanglement is observed with [an] entire organism that retains its biological functionality post-experiment," the team concluded in their paper. "At the same time, the tardigrade survived the most extreme and prolonged conditions it has ever been exposed to." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists identify first 'quantum entangled' animal in history

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