technical updates

A crater-rich dwarf planet named Ceres located in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter was long thought to be composed of a materials mixture not dominated by water ice. Researchers at Purdue used data from NASA's Dawn mission to show that Ceres' crust could be over 90 percent ice. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/NpFzOJR

Here's what time the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse on Oct. 2, 2024 will occur as well as the annular eclipse times and durations for locations in the path of annularity. from Space https://ift.tt/MHLhwKU

More Mayan sites have been found in the last 10 years than in the preceding 150. Here's how space technology is helping archaeologists uncover ancient ruins. from Space https://ift.tt/lQSR3mk

China has kicked off of a second phase of construction to enhance the capabilities of FAST, which is already the world's largest single-dish radio telescope. from Space https://ift.tt/1KfBJZ5

The risk of being born with a major heart defect is 36% higher in babies who were conceived after assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to results of a very large study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/bgxstTv

Each year, about 2.2 million bone-grafting procedures are performed worldwide, the gold standard of care being autografting, which uses the patient's own bone for tooth implantation and to repair and reconstruct parts of the mouth, face and skull. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/J12XF93

SpaceX launched a NASA astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut toward the ISS today (Sept. 28), on a mission unlike any other the company has flown. from Space https://ift.tt/EcTWSoB

With the global population ageing rapidly, sarcopenia, a condition that affects millions of older adults and severely diminishes their quality of life, is emerging as an urgent public health issue. Scientists have now identified a protein that regulates cellular clean-up, could also hold the key to new treatments for age-related muscle loss and muscle wasting in cancer patients, enhancing quality of life. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/nbrBNym

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will have a close encounter with the sun today (Sept. 27) here's how to make the most of comet viewing opportunities this weekend and beyond. from Space https://ift.tt/1ZAD0Ex

Researchers say that parents and doctors should be mindful of how they talk to and treat children experiencing pain -- no matter how big or small the injury -- knowing that these foundational experiences can be carried forward into adulthood. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/NZ4emW5

A newly discovered Earth-size world orbiting a dead white dwarf star gives scientists a hint of what the solar system may look like in billions of years. from Space https://ift.tt/2pQbBoE

A new study reveals that artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may be almost as effective as consulting a doctor for advice on low back pain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/nyIOg90

Tropical Storm Helene reached hurricane status on Wednesday (Sept. 25), and scientists warn that its damage could be life-threatening. from Space https://ift.tt/nHCWwX2

New statistical models based on rigorous physiological data from more than 100 surgeries provide objective, accurate measures of 'nociception,' the body's subconscious perception of pain. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/xOmHqSp

SpaceX has stacked and tested its Starship megarocket ahead of the vehicle's fifth flight, which isn't expected to launch until late November. from Space https://ift.tt/exL1mOp

A new preclinical model using CRISPR, an advanced technology that allows scientists to cut and edit genes, has given researchers a deeper insight into how prostate cancer spreads or metastasizes. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/9MzLcQN

A single treatment session, which includes the video game Tetris, can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This has been shown in a new study carried out with healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/szM1cw9

Astronomers have cataloged over 500 gamma-ray bursts, which are some of the most violent explosions in the cosmos. from Space https://ift.tt/9R1rYXn

New observations from the MeerKAT radio survey suggest our estimates of the cosmic dipole effect are actually in line with the large scale structure of the universe. from Space https://ift.tt/KLTmUPA

Find out what's going on at the International Space Station. from Space https://ift.tt/Az1P70H

SpaceX's Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station on Sept. 26 will be a rescue mission of sorts, bringing up empty seats for two NASA astronauts currently in space without a ride home. from Space https://ift.tt/QVZu62R

Canada's Avro Arrow supersonic jet was suddenly canceled in 1959, a controversial decision that benefited NASA. How is Canada preserving the few pieces of the aircraft that remain? from Space https://ift.tt/K8pD9z3

A NASA astronaut and two record-setting Russian cosmonauts are set to head back to Earth on Monday (Sept. 23), and you can watch their homecoming live. from Space https://ift.tt/zFAGQEm

The autumnal equinox brings fall to the Northern Hemisphere today as the sun passes directly over the equator at noon. But are day and night actually equal length today? from Space https://ift.tt/eADYdf7

An examination of millions of patient visits to primary care physicians shows that mental health concerns are second only to musculoskeletal complaints in everyday care. One in nine patients was seeking care primarily because of a mental health concern. In mid-life, that number rises to one in five patients. Mental health concerns are as prevalent as respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, and are more common than infections, injuries, digestive, skin, urological or sensory issues. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/spGSH6g

The first results from JAXA's XRISM X-ray telescope are out, and they reveal new features of the superheated gas around a distant supermassive black hole and a closer supernova. from Space https://ift.tt/WrMPThJ

Modern integrated microelectronic devices are often poorly repairable and difficult to recycle. Debondable adhesives play a key role in the transition to a circular economy with sustainable resources, less waste, and intelligent repair/recycling strategies. A research team has now introduced a method for making adhesives that can be deactivated 'on command'. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/t0GTF9W

An exclusive interview with "Apollo 13: Survival" director Peter Middleton about his documentary full of archival footage and interviews. from Space https://ift.tt/DICYn2l

Can an immunoassay be created and selectively detect a virus in under 5 minutes? In a new study, researchers report that it can be done using a low-power laser like a laser pointer with a little liquid sample like a sesame seed. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/423zftr

A species of semi-aquatic lizard produces a special bubble over its nostrils to breathe underwater and avoid predators. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/VQvfFAe

Earth may have had a Saturn-like ring system long ago, created from the debris of a passing asteroid that our planet tore apart. from Space https://ift.tt/ESAu0p3

People's deep connection with the ocean -- their 'marine identity' -- can help us reset society's relationship with the seas, new research suggests. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/0q2VTjL

The FAA has proposed fining SpaceX more than $630,000 for allegedly failing to comply with regulations on two launches in 2023. from Space https://ift.tt/IhApKsS

New research has shown that immunotherapy can be effective in treating prostate cancer in men who are selected based on the genetic characteristics of their tumors. In a recent study, it was found that for some men with a particular genetic type of prostate cancer, the progression of the disease was slowed down by 33 months. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/Igu8NZ1

A galaxy is robbed of its gas and stars in a new image from the European Southern Observatory. from Space https://ift.tt/YCxSp2R

Avengers: Endgame's devastating ultimate battle makes for a captivating build in Lego Marvel Endgame Final Battle. from Space https://ift.tt/ezDs6KC

The common practice of building dams to prevent flooding can actually contribute to more intense coastal flood events, according to a new study. By analyzing data and measurements from Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, dating back more than a century, researchers determined that coastal dams don't necessarily mitigate flooding. Dams can either increase or decrease flood risks, depending on the duration of a surge event and friction from the flow of water. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/KeF7vTD

The movement of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surface of the ocean, where it is in active contact with the atmosphere, to the deep ocean, where it can be sequestered away for decades, centuries, or longer, depends on a number of seemingly small processes. A key microscale process in the ocean is the dietary preferences of bacteria that feed on organic molecules called lipids. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/TZsdRbz

Using a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, it might be possible to use the sun as a gigantic telescope to peer deep into space. from Space https://ift.tt/qG40rTW

The four Polaris Dawn astronauts splashed down safely off the coast of Florida today (Sept. 15), bringing an end to their historic commercial mission. from Space https://ift.tt/3csuhdY

After five days in space aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon, the crew of Polaris Dawn will return to Earth early TKday, and you can watch the landing live. from Space https://ift.tt/2u5AXH7

Sony Pictures released a final launch trailer for "Venom: The Last Dance," which premieres on Oct. 25, 2024. from Space https://ift.tt/JPQnMyE

In a new study, researchers have determined through both statistical analysis and in experiments that soil pH is a driver of microbial community composition -- but that the need to address toxicity released during nitrogen cycling ultimately shapes the final microbial community. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/X2FKtIj

A 1.2% scale model of SpaceX's Starship Super Heavy rocket underwent NASA wind tunnel testing, during which high-speed forced air simulated varying flight conditions. from Space https://ift.tt/XH5Q43l

Landmark new research shows Ice Age teens from 25,000 years ago went through similar puberty stages as modern-day adolescents. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/ILgxNnS

SpaceX's Starship likely won't be able to fly again until late November at the earliest, because the FAA and partner agencies need more time for licensing reviews. from Space https://ift.tt/Au5oRXl

A study analyzing long-term melanoma data reveals important insights into melanoma incidence trends in men and women. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/6QsnZUL

Water polluted with heavy metals can pose a threat when consumed by humans and aquatic life. Sugar-derived polymers from plants remove these metals but often require other substances to adjust their stability or solubility in water. Now, researchers report a sugar-like polymer that traps heavy metals within insoluble clumps for easy removal. In proof-of-concept tests, the polymer removed ionic cadmium and lead from river water spiked with these persistent contaminants. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/BwNXOf0

Three people launched toward the ISS today (Sept. 11) aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule, bringing the total number of people in Earth orbit to 19 — a new record. from Space https://ift.tt/qs4Vxlw

Analysis of air samples taken at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters above Japan has revealed the presence of a vast range of viable bacteria and fungi transported by air masses originating more than 2,000 kilometers away, in regions enriched with fertilizers and pesticides. The study reveals a new way in which human, animal and plant pathogens may travel to distant geographical regions. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/zUIagFS

Researchers report on a new defect passivation strategy for improved power conversion efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/M2Lr4nT

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is out now. If you don't know anything about the universe or haven't played the original, we've got you covered. from Space https://ift.tt/bu2rQmv

The moon could still be volcanically active today, according to samples brought to Earth by China's Chang'e 5 mission in December 2020. from Space https://ift.tt/fBvLJbF

Many prey species have defensive tactics to escape being eaten by their would-be predators. But a new study has taken it to another level by offering the first video evidence of juvenile Japanese eels escaping after being swallowed into the stomachs of their fish predators. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/26xYAWB

September could be a prime time to see vibrant auroras, thanks to a quirk of Earth's tilt that leads to more intense geomagnetic activity around the equinox. from Space https://ift.tt/EhyrHTA

From the original series to the modern day, we've ranked all the Transformers animated TV series from worst to best. from Space https://ift.tt/c80JIQh

Machine learning algorithms analyzed millions of galaxies to reveal where the biggest ones are. from Space https://ift.tt/UV0nWpu

Astrophotographer Mark Johnston got a front row seat to an epic fireworks show when he filmed a 100,000-mile-high tower of plasma erupting from the sun. from Space https://ift.tt/oKmjUnG

A new clip for the upcoming Disney+ miniseries, "Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy," which premieres on Disney+ on Sept. 13. from Space https://ift.tt/LAGrX6w

Get ready to rip and tear with our ranked list of all the Doom games. from Space https://ift.tt/L84qnGW

SpaceX plans to start launching uncrewed Mars missions with its Starship megarocket in 2026 and crewed flights to the Red Planet two years after that, Elon Musk said. from Space https://ift.tt/FZEaB08

An exclusive interview with Swedish director Mikael Håfström about his new space thriller, "Slingshot." from Space https://ift.tt/NkWMdxt

Thousands of skywatchers will gather for a view of the ringed sun from perhaps one of the most isolated and remote spots on the face of the Earth: the legendary and mystical Easter Island. from Space https://ift.tt/hiXtDa5

By repeatedly scanning the brains of a small group of patients for a year and a half, researchers have identified a distinct pattern of neuronal interactions that appears to predispose some people to developing depression. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/EkpItih

By demonstrating the ability for joint observations at the short radio wavelength of 0.87mm, the Event Horizon Telescope has improved its observational acuity by half. from Space https://ift.tt/TdSZWjc

NASA's Starliner astronauts will temporarily have an emergency spot available on a SpaceX Crew Dragon, but they can't wear spacesuits there. That will change in a few weeks. from Space https://ift.tt/iUHvNKJ

It turns out that a particular gene has a great influence on longevity, a new study concludes. This may pave the way for new treatment. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/EGKCotP

Nuclear clocks would measure time based on changes inside an atom's nucleus, which would make them less sensitive to external disturbances and potentially more accurate than atomic clocks. These clocks could lead to improved timekeeping and navigation, faster internet speeds, and advances in fundamental physics research. Scientists have demonstrated key components of a nuclear clock, such as precise frequency measurements of an energy jump in a thorium-229 nucleus. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/own7cIL

NASA's Europa Clipper mission is on track for an October launch following tests confirming the spacecraft can handle the harsh conditions around Jupiter's intriguing moon. from Space https://ift.tt/Ubnry73

By using protons to probe how a magnetic field responds to an expanding plasma, experimenters have replicated the particle jets spewed out by active black holes. from Space https://ift.tt/5F6guJl

A long-sought invisible electrical field wrapped around Earth has been detected more than half a century after it was first predicted to exist. from Space https://ift.tt/cYdLbfZ

NASA is considering pulling a pair of shelved spacecraft out of storage to spy on notorious asteroid Apophis ahead of its April 2029 Earth flyby. from Space https://ift.tt/8YzBqnW

"Now this is podracing!": The latest Lego Star Wars diorama might not be our favorite, but it's still got charm. from Space https://ift.tt/ZL06AGo

The newly found antiparticle, called antihyperhydrogen-4, could have a potential imbalance with its matter counterpart that may help scientists understand how our universe came to be. from Space https://ift.tt/swvMWfz

Astronomers combed through an ancient Hindu text and discovered that it referenced a total solar eclipse that occurred roughly 6,000 years ago, making it the oldest known mention of an eclipse. from Space https://ift.tt/yDnJ9qg

The eerie sound was likened to a pulsing sonar-like ping. from Space https://ift.tt/CKcG2sq

With just one month to go until the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 2, here is everything you need to know to prepare for the dazzling spectacle, either in person or online. from Space https://ift.tt/yvqndZ0

Wearable, long-term continuous heart monitors helped identify 52% more cases of atrial fibrillation compared to usual care, but that did not lead to a reduction in hospitalizations due to stroke, according to a new study. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/TgWUa93

The perfect organism is as menacing on the pages as it is on the big screen. These are the must-read Alien comic books you should look out for. from Space https://ift.tt/tWBPGk1

Structures that scatter seismic waves deep in Earth's mantle seem to be everywhere researchers look. from Space https://ift.tt/NzIFMfd

Astrophotographer Greg Meyer had just one hour to capture this iconic image of Comet 13P/Olbers and the Black Eye Galaxy (M64). from Space https://ift.tt/NCsPR61