A recent European study involving over 349,000 participants reveals a strong link between urban environments and asthma development. High air pollution, limited green spaces, and concrete-dominated areas significantly elevate asthma risk, especially in children. The research highlights that almost 12% of asthma cases can be attributed to these urban environmental factors, emphasizing the need for healthier urban planning.
Related news
A vibrant blue poison dart frog, *Ranitomeya aetherea*, has been identified as a new species in the western Amazon. Discovered near the Juruá River, this frog boasts striking copper highlights on its limbs and distinctive pale blue stripes. Its unique call patterns and specific habitat preferences make it a significant find, highlighting the vulnerability of such species to environmental changes.
Recent intense solar flares, originating from sunspot AR4087, have triggered global concerns about potential space weather impacts. A FEMA-led drill simulating a solar superstorm exposed critical preparedness gaps across agencies. Recommendations from SWORM emphasize enhanced monitoring, interagency cooperation, and public education to bolster resilience against future solar events, safeguarding essential infrastructure and national security.
Scientists have engineered innovative contact lenses that grant humans the ability to see in the dark by converting infrared light into visible images. These nanoparticle-infused lenses offer potential applications in rescue operations, security, and medicine, eliminating the need for bulky, powered goggles.
For Narlikar, it was his way of saying that the universe couldn’t have appeared all at once. The Big Bang theory, he felt, was too sudden, too convenient—and too close to the idea of a divine creation. He also pointed out that the theory had strong support from the Church: after all, it was first proposed by a Catholic priest, Georges Lemaître, and even endorsed by the Pope.
NASA and SpaceX have rescheduled the undocking of the Dragon cargo capsule from the ISS to May 23 due to adverse weather. Part of the CRS-32 mission, the Dragon will return scientific experiments and supplies to Earth. The mission delivered 6,700 pounds of cargo to the ISS. NASA will livestream the undocking, but the splashdown will not be webcast.
Scientists are using satellite data to monitor tree health near volcanoes. Trees absorb volcanic carbon dioxide, which makes them greener. NASA's AVUELO project and other satellites track these changes. This helps detect early signs of volcanic activity. The goal is to improve volcano early warning systems, especially in remote areas. Ground observations are crucial for verifying satellite data.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is preparing for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, now launching no sooner than June 8, 2025. This joint ISRO, NASA, and ESA mission marks a significant step for India's space program. Shukla will conduct experiments, including space agriculture research, and engage with Indian students via live broadcast.
A major solar storm is approaching Earth. NASA and other agencies issued warnings. This storm may cause radio blackouts and GPS issues. Vivid auroras are expected. The Sun's activity is increasing. Scientists are monitoring sunspot regions. The storm might affect power grids and satellites. The UK and Ireland could see Northern Lights. People should prepare for communication disruptions.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire 23andMe for $256 million following its bankruptcy filing due to declining demand and a significant data breach in 2023. The acquisition excludes Lemonaid Health, which will be shut down. Regeneron pledges to uphold privacy commitments and legal safeguards for the genetic data of 15 million users, with a court-appointed overseer monitoring data use.
ISRO Chairman Dr. N. Narayanan declared 2025 as 'Gaganyaan Year,' highlighting India's ambitious human spaceflight program. The uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, featuring the Vyommitra robot, is set for December 2025, paving the way for a manned mission in early 2027. ISRO is also advancing lunar exploration with Chandrayaan-4, aiming to return lunar samples, and Chandrayaan-5, a collaborative mission with Japan.