Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, a key figure in India's nuclear energy program, passed away at 95. As former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, he spearheaded the development of India's nuclear capabilities. His work with Dr. Homi Bhabha on the Apsara reactor and his leadership in building Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors were crucial.
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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.
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.
The deep ocean, covering most of Earth, remains largely unexplored, with only 0.001% visually studied. It regulates climate, harbors unique ecosystems, and holds potential resources. However, human activities like climate change, pollution, and overfishing threaten this vital environment before its true value is understood, necessitating urgent conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
Scientists have made a surprising discovery: penguin droppings in Antarctica may contribute to cooling the continent. Ammonia released from penguin guano combines with compounds from phytoplankton, boosting the formation of cloud-seeding aerosols. These aerosols then create low-lying clouds that reflect sunlight, potentially offsetting some warming effects, highlighting the intricate link between ecosystems and climate.
Researchers in the United States and Japan have discovered the genetic basis for ginger cats' orange fur. The ARHGAP36 gene is responsible for this unique coloration. A missing DNA segment in this gene causes lighter pigments. This explains why most ginger cats are male due to X chromosome genetics. Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki led the research, funded by cat enthusiasts.
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.
Challenging conventional wisdom, modern science explores concepts that redefine life and death, suggesting death might be a mental illusion. Biocentrism posits that consciousness shapes the universe, supported by quantum physics' observation-dependent reality. The concept of time as a construct and parallel universes further implies consciousness continuity, potentially easing death anxiety and reshaping our understanding of existence.
Astronaut Nichole Ayers, aboard the International Space Station, captured a stunning display of the Northern Lights over North America. While photographing severe storms, Ayers unexpectedly witnessed the vibrant green and purple aurora, triggered by heightened geomagnetic activity. The NOAA reported a Kp index of 6, enhancing visibility from space and Earth.
SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded during a test. The issue was a fuel reaction in an engine. The company made fixes, including better insulation. The Federal Aviation Administration approved the changes. A new test flight is set for May 27. This flight will reuse a Super Heavy booster. SpaceX aims to use Starship for Moon and Mars missions.
Scientists have identified *Ikaria wariootia*, a tiny wormlike creature from 555 million years ago, as the earliest known bilaterian. This discovery from South Australia reveals the origin of bilateral body structure, a key feature in most animals today. The fossil's characteristics and burrowing behavior provide insights into early animal evolution and locomotion.