Could a new telescope unearth cosmic recipes for life? Can a cell patch rescue fading eyesight? And what’s with bubbles “galloping” in a lab? This week’s research roundup probes the surprising frontiers of astronomy, medicine, archaeology, and more — raising as many questions as it answers. Read on for highlights that challenge familiar assumptions and…
NASA’s SPHEREx mission: A bold leap towards unveiling cosmic mysteries
NASA is poised to embark on an ambitious mission by launching the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer, better known as SPHEREx. This high-tech space telescope is designed to conduct an unprecedented sky survey, offering a comprehensive look into the universe’s evolution and the potential for life beyond…
NASA’s dazzling black hole visualization making waves online
A year ago, NASA quietly released one of the most captivating astrophysical simulations ever produced: a mind-bending visual journey into the swirling depths of a supermassive black hole. Although published in May 2024, the immersive 360° visualization has inexplicably resurfaced on social media sites ranging from Instagram to Reddit and is now racking hundreds of…
NASA’s nuclear-powered engine promises 3x efficiency boost in Mars missions
NASA and DARPA have unveiled plans to test a novel nuclear thermal rocket engine—a technology capable of tripling propulsion efficiency compared to conventional chemical rockets. The project, dubbed DRACO, hinges on recent advances in nuclear fuel, with General Atomics reporting significant progress in testing fuel elements capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of an Nuclear…