Health & Fitness / The Times of India
Scientists hunting for the hypothetical Planet Nine have discovered a potential new dwarf planet, 2017 OF201, in the outer solar system. This object, roughly 700km across, boasts an extremely elongated 25,000-year orbit that takes it far into the Oort cloud.
NASA sleep experts reveal social jet lag, a misalignment between internal body clocks and daily schedules, affects millions. Inconsistent sleep habits disrupt natural rhythms, leading to fatigue and health issues. Combat it with consistent sleep schedules, morning light exposure, and optimized sleep environments to improve overall well-being and reclaim lost energy.
SpaceX's Starlink is poised to launch in India, armed with a Letter of Intent from the Department of Telecommunications. The initial phase targets urban areas with 600-700 Gbps bandwidth, serving 30,000-50,000 customers. Plans may start at $10 per month, offering high-speed internet, especially benefiting underserved regions, with aims to expand to 3 Tbps by 2027.
A NASA study reveals that increased solar activity, particularly during solar maximum, accelerates satellite re-entry due to heightened atmospheric drag. This phenomenon, impacting constellations like Starlink, poses operational challenges and environmental concerns as more satellites burn up, releasing materials into the atmosphere. The situation necessitates improved space traffic management and consideration of space weather in planning.
A groundbreaking study reveals that a combination of rapamycin and trametinib extends the lifespan of mice by up to 30%, while also improving their health in old age. The drug cocktail reduced inflammation, delayed tumor growth, and enhanced physical function. This discovery offers hope for developing anti-ageing treatments for humans, potentially slowing or reversing ageing-related decline.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have safely returned to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station, their mission extended due to technical problems with Boeings Starliner capsule. Both astronauts are currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation to readjust to Earths gravity and rebuild muscle strength. They are also contributing to NASA and Boeings efforts to improve future space missions.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a recruitment drive for 320 scientists and engineers across various technical departments. Applications are being accepted online until June 16, 2025. The recruitment focuses on filling positions in electronics, mechanical engineering, and computer science, offering opportunities to contribute to India's space missions. The selection process involves a written exam and an interview.
Asteroid 2025 JR, about the size of a 25-story building, is set to pass Earth on May 28 at a distance of 4.6 million kilometers. Though not considered a hazardous asteroid, its size and speed highlight the potential devastation of an impact. Scientists worldwide are tracking NEOs like 2025 JR to improve planetary defense.
A recent Virginia Tech study reveals that the Pacific Northwest faces a heightened risk of catastrophic flooding and mega-tsunamis, potentially reaching 1,000 feet. The Cascadia Subduction Zone's inactivity since 1700, coupled with climate change, intensifies the threat. Coastal land subsidence and rising sea levels could overwhelm communities, impacting thousands and vital infrastructure.
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.
Chinese scientists have engineered a laser-based imaging system capable of reading millimetre-sized text from 1.4 kilometres away, overcoming atmospheric distortion through active intensity interferometry. This breakthrough, achieving a 14-fold resolution improvement, could revolutionise archaeology, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. Researchers are now focused on enhancing usability and integrating AI for real-time image rendering.
Rice University scientists discovered bacteria thriving without oxygen by releasing electricity. These microorganisms use extracellular respiration, transferring electrons to external surfaces via naphthoquinones. This groundbreaking finding, confirmed through computer models and lab experiments, holds immense potential for clean energy, bioelectronic sensors, and sustainable technologies, reshaping our understanding of life in extreme environments.
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.
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.
Ramdas Hemraj Marbade, hailing from a small village in Maharashtra, transitioned from selling golgappas to becoming an ISRO technician through sheer determination. Overcoming financial constraints, he pursued vocational training at ITI, acquiring crucial skills. His hard work culminated in securing a position at ISRO's Space Centre in Sriharikota, where he now contributes to India's space missions.