Category: SCIENCE

Scientists reveal that Earth’s earliest crust from 4.5 billion years ago had the same chemical composition as modern continental crust. This discovery, published in Nature, challenges previous methods for determining when plate tectonics began. Researchers found that distinctive chemical fingerprints were always present in Earth’s protocrust, explaining why previous studies yielded vastly different timeframes spanning 800 million to 4.5 billion years.READ FULL

Scientists predict Earth’s gravity could trigger “astroquakes” on asteroid Apophis during its close approach in 2029. The asteroid, nicknamed “God of Chaos” and roughly the size of the Empire State Building, will pass within 19,000 miles of Earth. Research led by Johns Hopkins University suggests these tremors could alter the asteroid’s surface and rotation. While impact risk is negligible, NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX mission will study any changes during the flyby.READ FULL

A new study challenges the WHO’s 2019 report claiming microplastics in drinking water are harmless. Researchers found microplastics in 54% of urine samples, 70% of kidney samples, and 68% of bladder cancer cases. The study concludes that these contaminants harm urinary tract cells, causing toxicity, inflammation, and reduced cell survival. This raises concerns about bladder cancer, chronic kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and incontinence. The findings emphasize the need for further research and policy development to address microplastic contamination in the human body.READ FULL

A small asteroid, 2024 PT5, will become Earth’s temporary ‘mini-moon’ from September 29 to November 25. Discovered by NASA in August 2024, this 10-meter object likely originated from the Arjuna asteroid belt. It’s classified as a “temporary captured flyby” and may even be lunar ejecta. While too small to see, 2024 PT5 highlights the dynamic nature of near-Earth objects and solar system interactions.READ FULL

Russia’s lunar program progresses as scientific equipment for Luna-26 and Luna-27 missions nears completion, according to Space Research Institute director Lev Zeleny. While Roscosmos supports building two orbiters, funding constraints have delayed final decisions. The Luna-27 mission, targeting either the Moon’s North Pole or far side, is slated for launch around 2028. Roscosmos is considering a proposal to create two Luna-27 vehicles to boost mission reliability and success, as stated by CEO Yuri Borisov in 2023.READ FULL

NASA’s DART mission images have revealed the complex history of two near-Earth asteroids, Didymos and Dimorphos. Scientists estimate Didymos formed about 12.5 million years ago, while Dimorphos formed around 300,000 years ago. Both are “rubble pile” asteroids covered in boulders. Researchers believe Dimorphos was created from material ejected from Didymos due to its rapid spin. The DART mission successfully altered Dimorphos’ path, demonstrating a potential method for planetary defense against asteroid threats. Reuters

NASA has released new images from the James Webb Space Telescope showing two merging galaxies, nicknamed the Penguin and the Egg, located 326 million light-years away in the Hydra constellation. The images mark two years since Webb began providing scientific data. The telescope has reshaped understanding of the early universe, observing galaxies formed shortly after the Big Bang. Webb’s infrared capabilities and sensitivity allow it to see through dust and gas, providing unprecedented views of star formation and exoplanet atmospheres. Scientists anticipate more exciting discoveries in the future. Reuters

Scientists have reconstructed the 3D genome of a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth from exceptionally well-preserved skin found in Siberia. The sample’s DNA was “freeze-dried” due to extreme cold, preserving its chromosomal structure. This breakthrough allows researchers to study extinct species’ genetics in unprecedented detail, revealing that mammoths had 28 chromosome pairs like modern elephants. The study also identified genes potentially responsible for mammoth-specific traits. This discovery could aid de-extinction efforts and open new possibilities in paleogenetics research. AFP

Chinese scientists have discovered a desert moss, Syntrichia caninervis, that could potentially survive on Mars. The plant can withstand extreme cold, radiation, and drought. In experiments simulating Martian conditions, the moss survived and recovered after exposure. Researchers believe it could be a pioneer species for terraforming efforts, contributing to oxygen production and soil fertility. This study is the first to examine whole plant survival in Mars-like environments, paving the way for potential extraterrestrial colonization. NDTV

French anthropologists discovered that the ancient Dogon tribe of Mali possessed advanced astronomical knowledge about the Sirius star system, including details about Sirius B, which was only confirmed by modern science decades later. The Dogons’ knowledge extended to other cosmic phenomena like Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons. This raises questions about how the tribe acquired such precise information, challenging our understanding of ancient civilizations’ scientific capabilities. Prothom Alo