The Times of India

New research reveals ancient Roman wine was more complex and flavorful than previously thought. Studies of large clay jars, called dolia, show they acted as complete production units, influencing fermentation and aging. This suggests Roman wines possessed spicy, nutty notes and a range of colors, indicating a sophisticated winemaking industry.

Spanish archaeologists have revived the sound of 6,000-year-old Neolithic shell horns, capable of producing powerful notes exceeding 100 decibels. Discovered across various sites, these instruments suggest a sophisticated long-distance communication system for early farming communities, used in settlements, caves, and mines. The findings challenge previous assumptions about prehistoric wind instruments, highlighting their practical, rather than purely ceremonial, function.

The International Space Station saw a change of command as Crew 11 handed over duties to Roscosmos due to an astronaut's medical issue. NASA's Mike Fincke passed the station's symbolic key to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov. Crew 11, including Fincke, is scheduled to return to Earth on January 15th after a shortened mission.

Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 because it shares its orbital path with other objects. Despite its demotion, this distant world continues to fascinate with its icy surface, thin atmosphere, and unique orbit. NASA's New Horizons mission revealed a surprisingly active and dynamic Pluto, offering clues about the solar system's formation.

Scientists have discovered that plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean is now home to marine life. Coastal animals are unexpectedly surviving and even reproducing on floating debris. This new community, formed on plastic rafts, is altering ocean ecosystems. The findings reveal the high seas are not as empty as previously believed, being reshaped by human waste.

Indian-origin astrophysicist Shri Kulkarni has received the Royal Astronomical Society's Gold Medal, its highest honour, for revolutionizing time-domain astronomy. His groundbreaking work, from discovering millisecond pulsars to developing advanced sky-scanning instruments like ZTF, has transformed our understanding of the universe's dynamic nature. This prestigious award recognizes his immense contributions to astrophysics.