The back up man
BOOK>> MAGNIFICENT DESOLATION, THE LONG JOURNEY HOME FROM THE MOON • by Buzz Aldrin and Ken Abraham • Bloomsbury • Rs 750
New physics: Latest results from Cern further boost tantalising evidence
The standard model is the most successful scientific theory ever written down, and yet, we know it must be incomplete
Heavy metal out there: Researchers detect barium in atmospheres of 2 exoplanets
Discovery of barium is surprising because heavy elements like barium are expected to quickly fall into the lower layers of the atmosphere
Swedish geneticist Svante Pääbo gets Medicine Nobel for his contributions to paleogenomics
Pääbo sequenced of the entire genome of Neanderthals; he also discovered the previously unknown hominin, Denisova
‘Ocean thermal energy conversion plant coming up in Lakshadweep’
The plant will power the one lakh litre per day low temperature thermal desalination plant, which converts seawater into potable water
Scepticism to clarity: Dormant black hole found in Milky Way’s satellite galaxy
The discovery is also a vindication of the possibility of an abundance of black holes in our universe
‘Weather modifications by China need more discussions on its ethics’
Down To Earth speaks to Shiuh-Shen Chien, author of review paper on weather modification in the country, on need for social research on the topic
Analysis of tooth found in Laos proves that the Denisovans did exist beyond Siberia
Denisovans were first identified in a Siberian cave; but their genes existed in several Asian and Oceanic groups, thus intriguing scientists
How we captured first image of the supermassive black hole at centre of the Milky Way
The team observed Sagittarius A* on multiple nights, collecting data for many hours in a row
Number of antibiotics, investment not sufficient to minimise threat of wide-spread infection
Of the 12 antibiotics companies that have gone public in the past 10 years, only 5 are still active today
Dogs can be trained to sniff out COVID-19 — a team of forensic researchers explain the science
Scientists have found dogs can be trained to successfully recognise unique volatile organic compounds, or biomarkers
Scientists find supermassive black hole moving within host galaxy
It can be two black holes in the process of merging or one in a binary system of black holes
Most distant source of radio emission discovered, holds clues about ancient universe
Supermassive black holes that formed when the universe was young have raised more questions than they answered
Phylogenetic tools can help track COVID-19 variants faster. Here's how
Studying the evolutionary path of the virus can help countries assess their vaccine strategy
Look, Hubble is turning 31
The Hubble Space Telescope will celebrate 31 years in space observing the universe on April 24, 2021. A month before it’s birthday, presenting …
Artemis: How ever changing US space policy may push back the next Moon landing
A delay of any more than a year would move Artemis 3 beyond the end of President Biden’s first term in office
How will we know if AIs gain consciousness? A new checklist might help us assess
No current AI systems appears to be a strong candidate for consciousness, but developments likely in near future, says report
Solution for crop burning? Rice husk biochar found to efficiently remove groundwater fluoride
Ensuring sustainable & ethical sourcing of biomass for biochar production, community awareness vital for successful adoption
We cannot leave AI safety in hands of tech giants; governments should step in, say experts
Experts at the 1st UN council meeting on AI expressed concerns over malfunctioning AI systems and the interaction between AI and nuclear weapons
How has the moon transformed our evolution?
Moon has remained important to the geology of the Earth and important to the evolution of life itself.
China’s gallium and germanium controls: What they mean and what could happen next
Both elements are essential in everything from smartphones to space electronics; they are crucial to technological advancement over the next …
Chemistry Nobel 2023 goes to 3 scientists for discovery of quantum dots used in LED lamps, surgery
Quantum dots are nanoparticles of different colours depending on their size, primarily used to create coloured light
Detecting tropical cyclones in north Indian Ocean earlier than satellites: IIT-Kharagpur researchers find a way
The technique could help in early detection of development of tropical cyclones in atmospheric column over ocean surface in the North Indian …
D Srinivasa Reddy takes over as Director CSIR-IICT
Reddy will also hold the additional charge of the post of director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and director, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow
New graphene-based material developed for medical implants
Biometallic implants have become popular as a means to repair, restructure or replace damaged or diseased parts in orthopaedic and dental procedures