SCIENCE - Page 3

A fossil discovered in Brazil could help shed light on the rise of dinosaurs. The ancient reptile resembles a cross between a crocodile and a dinosaur but was alive before the creatures grew to dominate Earth. Physician Pedro Lucas Porcela Aurelio first uncovered the fossil in 2014. He donated it to a local university, launching three years of research. Now, paleontologists have published their findings in the journal Gondwana Research. The new creature, named Gondwanax paraisensis, dates back some 237

In a rare and dramatic cosmic spectacle, astronomers have borne witness to a supermassive black hole partaking in a two-course meal, a feat that was previously unheard of. Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, scientists discovered a black hole that not only ripped apart one star but is now repeatedly using the resulting debris to punch and destroy another celestial object. This unprecedented event sheds light on two cosmic mysteries and offers a glimpse into the chaotic environment

The International Space Station (ISS), a marvel of human engineering orbiting Earth, has faced a significant challenge. NASA has confirmed that a slow leak has been detected in the station’s Russian segment, raising concerns about the astronauts’ safety onboard. The leak was first identified in September 2024 when a slight pressure drop was noticed within the station’s Russian module. After a thorough investigation, NASA and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, determined that the source of the leak was a small

A powerful geomagnetic storm is poised to strike Earth, a direct result of a massive solar eruption on October 1, 2024. The Sun unleashed a potent X7.1-class solar flare, the most intense type of solar radiation. This explosive event triggered a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), a colossal cloud of superheated plasma and magnetic field lines that is hurtling toward our planet at an alarming speed of approximately 500 kilometers per second. The CME is expected to land on Earth on

On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, skywatchers across the globe, particularly in Chile and Argentina, were treated to a breathtaking celestial phenomenon: the annular solar eclipse. This captivating event, often called a “ring of fire” eclipse, occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, but its distance from Earth is too great to obscure the Sun’s disk entirely. As a result, a striking ring of sunlight remains visible around the Moon, creating a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring spectacle.

The Great Barrier Reef, a vibrant underwater world teeming with diverse marine life, has faced unprecedented threats in recent years. Climate change-induced rising sea temperatures have led to mass coral bleaching events, causing significant damage to this iconic ecosystem. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged from unexpected sources: hidden heat-tolerant corals.   While most coral species are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, a small subset has evolved to withstand extreme heat conditions. These heat-tolerant corals, often found in isolated or

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has once again set its sights on the red planet Mars. The company has announced its ambitious plan to send five uncrewed Starships to Mars within two years. This bold endeavor marks a significant step forward in humanity’s cosmos exploration and could pave the way for future crewed missions.   The Starship, a fully reusable spacecraft designed by SpaceX, is a marvel of engineering and a crucial component of this ambitious mission. This massive rocket, capable of

NASA officials have sounded the cosmic alarm today, warning that a 120-foot asteroid—roughly the size of a small airplane—will make a close approach to Earth. But do not worry; despite its relative proximity to our planet, the asteroid 2022 SW3 poses no threat to humanity. The space rock is one of a group of near-Earth asteroids that will fly by our home in the next few months, and it’s essential to keep an eye on such objects. As a result,

Elon Musk’s Neuralink has secured regulatory approval for its innovative ‘Blindsight’ device in a groundbreaking development. This device, designed to restore vision to individuals with complete blindness, represents a significant leap forward in the field of neural technology. The Blindsight device operates by surgically implanting a tiny chip into the brain’s visual cortex. This chip is then connected to a wireless receiver behind the ear. The receiver, in turn, communicates with a pair of specially designed glasses equipped with a

In a surprising twist of celestial mechanics, a small asteroid is on a collision course with Earth’s gravitational pull, setting it on a path to become our planet’s newest mini-moon. This celestial visitor, officially named 2020 CD3, was discovered in February 2020 by astronomers using the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. While the asteroid is relatively small and estimated to be only a few meters in diameter, its unusual trajectory has captivated the scientific community. The asteroid is currently on