Space is a harsh environment, even for the most advanced spacecraft. The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Gaia telescope – on a mission to map a billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy – has recently encountered some significant operational hurdles. A micrometeor struck the space telescope in April, causing damage to Gaia’s protective shroud. This … Read more
When people are talking, they take turns talking and sometimes they interrupt. Now, researchers who have collected the largest ever dataset of chimpanzee “conversations” have found that they communicate back and forth using gestures following the same rapid-fire pattern. The findings are reported July 22 in the journal Current Biology. “While human languages are incredibly … Read more
An international team of researchers, including a Northwestern University chemist, has discovered that metallic minerals on the deep ocean floor produce oxygen – 13,000 meters below the surface. The surprising discovery challenges long-held assumptions that only photosynthetic organisms, such as plants and algae, generate Earth’s oxygen. But the new discovery suggests there may be another … Read more
The latest crew selected by NASA to undertake a simulated journey to Mars inside the agency’s Human Exploration Research Analogue. From left are Sergii Iakymov, Erin Anderson, Brandon Kent and Sarah Elizabeth McCandless. Credit: C7M3 Crew NASA selected a new team of four research volunteers to participate in a simulated mission to Mars inside HERA … Read more
The Juno spacecraft, on its mission to explore Jupiter, has recently shared a collection of stunning images showcasing the gas giant’s awe-inspiring beauty and complex atmospheric phenomena. Here’s a glimpse into the latest breathtaking visuals sent back to Earth: 1. Jupiter’s Majestic Storms The images capture Jupiter’s iconic Great Red Spot and other massive storms. … Read more
In a groundbreaking development, chemists are harnessing the power of electricity to convert waste molecules into valuable liquid fuels. This innovative process not only offers a sustainable solution to managing waste but also presents a promising approach to producing cleaner energy sources. Here’s a closer look at how this technology works and its potential implications. … Read more