The Times of India

Covid-19 lockdownshas unexpectedly caused a surge in methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This has happened because pollution reductions weakened the atmosphere's natural methane-clearing ability. Methane levels then rose at a record pace. This gas is a major contributor to climate change. Many nations have pledged to cut methane emissions by 2030.

Indian-origin scientist Meha Jain has won the ASUScience Prize for Transformational Impact for her work using satellite imagery and AI to study how smallholder farmers adapt to climate stress. Her research highlights their adaptive strategies and environmental risks like groundwater depletion, linking advanced science with practical solutions for vulnerable communities.

Four astronauts are set for a 10-day deep-space journey aboard the Artemis II mission, marking humanity's return beyond low-Earth orbit after five decades. This lunar flyby will test new spacecraft and partnerships, validating crucial systems for future lunar landings and Mars missions. The mission prioritizes crew health and scientific observation, paving the way for sustained lunar exploration.

Nasa released stunning timelapse footage from the International Space Station showcasing vibrant green auroras illuminating Earth from space. This celestial display coincides with increased solar activity, including a strong solar flare, which can intensify these geomagnetic events.

A promising pancreatic cancer therapy developed by Mariano Barbacid has shown striking results in mice, eradicating tumors without resistance. However, the project faces a significant funding gap for human trials, prompting an unusual crowdfunding campaign. This situation highlights the valley of death in biomedical research, where promising discoveries struggle to secure funding for clinical development.

Gisat-1A, designed to provide near real-time images of large areas of region of interest at frequent intervals just as Gisat-1, holds the potential of aiding the countrys armed forces to plan operations, although it is primarily a civilian satellite. The 2.2-tonne class satellite is expected to boost Indias abilities by providing observation of the sub-continent under cloud-free conditions.

An American professor has created a 'Tree of 40 Fruit' by grafting dozens of stone fruit varieties onto a single tree. This living sculpture, a blend of art and botany, showcases scientific tradition and conservation, preserving rare heirloom fruits. The project, taking years to mature, highlights how creativity can sustain biodiversity.

NASA's Curiosity rover has unveiled a rare nighttime view of Mars, utilizing its robotic arm's LED lights to illuminate a freshly drilled rock. This unusual after-dark image, captured on December 6, 2025, offers scientists a unique perspective on Martian geology, especially after a change in drilling techniques allowed for smoother, clearer observations of rock interiors.

Elon Musk has united his space venture SpaceX with his artificial intelligence company xAI. This strategic move aims to combine rocket and satellite technology with advanced AI systems. The integration is expected to accelerate innovation by removing barriers and sharing resources. This merger positions Musk to pursue ambitious goals in space exploration and AI development simultaneously.

A high-risk mission to Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica's doomsday glacier, faced setbacks as instruments became trapped deep within the ice. Despite drilling over 3,300 feet and collecting crucial data on warm ocean currents causing melting, the attempt to install long-term monitoring equipment failed. Researchers emphasize the mission's scientific value, confirming fears of the glacier's instability.