SpaceX and Starlink are developing technology to enable mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink satellites within two years, potentially revolutionizing global telecommunications. This innovation aims to provide high-bandwidth connectivity worldwide, bypassing traditional carriers. The move involves updating phone chipsets and leverages SpaceX's $17 billion spectrum acquisition to enhance direct-to-cell capabilities, disrupting regional telecom providers.

John Burford, an 85-year-old former NASA scientist, has been imprisoned for two years for defrauding over 100 investors of $1.2 million. He misused his credibility to attract investors to his unregulated scheme, Financial Trading Strategies. Burford diverted funds for personal use, including purchasing a house, leading to his conviction for fraud and Financial Services and Markets Act offences.

Telescopefish, residing in tropical and subtropical waters at depths of 500 to 2,000 metres, possess remarkable adaptations for survival. Their tubular eyes act like binoculars, aiding in spotting prey, while expandable jaws enable them to consume fish larger than themselves. A cast-iron stomach conceals glowing prey, showcasing their unique predatory strategies in the deep sea.

Beneath eastern Africa, scientists have discovered a dramatic geological process driven by rhythmic pulses of molten rock rising from the Earth's mantle. This geological heartbeat weakens the crust, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity. Over millions of years, this process is expected to split Africa into two parts, creating a new ocean basin and reshaping the continent.

New research from NASA's InSight lander, which recorded over 1,300 Marsquakes between 2018 and 2022, suggests Mars possesses a solid inner core, approximately 600 kilometers in radius, surrounded by a liquid outer core. This discovery challenges previous assumptions of a fully liquid core and could reshape our understanding of Mars' past magnetic field and planetary evolution.

NASA's Perseverance rover has captured an image of a turtle-shaped rock formation in Mars' Jezero Crater, sparking fascination and scientific inquiry. The unique formation, likely sculpted by erosion and mineral deposition, highlights Mars' dynamic geological history. Perseverance's ongoing exploration continues to reveal quirky, Earth-resembling features, deepening our understanding of the Red Planet's past and potential habitability.

A NASA-funded study reveals that space travel may accelerate aging by impacting blood-forming stem cells. Analysis of stem cells from International Space Station missions showed reduced regenerative capacity, DNA damage, and accelerated aging. These findings highlight potential risks to astronauts' long-term health, including compromised immunity and tissue repair, emphasizing the need for protective strategies.

In a significant marine discovery, researchers have identified a new deep-sea snailfish species, the bumpy snailfish (Careproctus colliculi), in Monterey Canyon. This pink-hued fish, with its distinctive textured skin, was found at a depth of over 3,268 meters. The discovery, aided by MBARI's advanced technology, highlights the importance of deep-sea biodiversity research.

Sunita Williams, globally recognized for her space missions, initially aspired to be a veterinarian. Inspired by her brother's Naval Academy experience and the movie 'Top Gun,' she joined the US Navy and became a helicopter pilot. Later, NASA selected her as an astronaut.

Research indicates a potential human lifespan limit between 120 and 150 years, regardless of lifestyle. A study in Nature Communications reveals that the body's resilience declines with age, impacting recovery from illnesses. Analyzing blood cell counts and physical activity, scientists found a point where the body can no longer fully recover, suggesting a biological ceiling on longevity.

NASA confirms that asteroid 2025 QV9 will fly by Earth on September 10. The asteroid is airplane-sized and travels at high speed. It will pass at a safe distance, about five times the Moon's distance. Scientists monitor such near-Earth objects. Agencies like NASA, ESA, JAXA and ISRO are tracking asteroids. ISRO plans to study asteroids like Apophis.

NASA's acting administrator, Sean Duffy, likened the burgeoning space economy to the early days of the iPhone, suggesting its transformative potential is still unfolding. Speaking on NASA's podcast, Duffy highlighted that investments in lunar missions and private space ventures could reshape society unpredictably.

The James Webb Space Telescope cannot observe Earth directly. It is too bright and could damage the telescope. However, studying Earth's potential appearance to Webb helps scientists. It refines methods for analyzing exoplanets. Earth's atmospheric fingerprint serves as a benchmark. Scientists compare it to other worlds. This identifies planets with habitable conditions.

A recent study reveals that human activities have pushed 60% of Earth's land outside the safe operating zone, threatening ecosystems. Deforestation, agriculture, and industrial expansion have disrupted carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Scientists urge immediate global action to protect natural systems and prevent irreversible damage to food security, water supplies, and the climate.

Skywatchers in North America are gearing up for a rare celestial event: the total lunar eclipse on March 2-3, 2026. This lood moon will transform the lunar surface into a fiery red spectacle, visible with the naked eye. The eclipse offers a breathtaking display, with optimal viewing in the western US and Canada.