Shark records spanning 7,000 years challenge assumptions about overfishing

Fossil shark scales spanning 7,000 years show Panama's Pacific coast once held 20 times more sharks than the Caribbean. Researchers counted 3,497 scales from seafloor mud to track population history. Erin Dillon said, "The biggest surprise for me was the sheer number of shark dermal denticles in our Pacific samples."

Is the 'doomsday asteroid' Apophis going to hit Earth? NASA now has a definite answer (and the specific time)

NASA says asteroid Apophis will not hit Earth in 2029 or for at least the next hundred years. On April 13, 2029, the rock will whiz past 32,000 kilometers above our planet. Scientists used radar data to rule out any impact, so we can all breathe a sigh of relief.

Study: Availability of predictable food through garbage and intentional feeding linked to India's street-dog population

A new study says abundant food from garbage and intentional feeding drives India’s street-dog population. Researcher Nishant Kumar noted, "These food subsidies influence not just dog numbers, but where dogs congregate." Experts suggest that sterilisation alone has limited success, so cities must manage waste better to control these growing animal numbers.

Temperature-tunable micropillars enable programmable sorting of particles and cells

Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo developed a microfluidic device using temperature-responsive polymer micropillars to sort particles and cells. Published July 29, 2026, in Lab on a Chip, the system uses heat to change separation conditions. This allows scientists to isolate cancer and blood cells within one single channel.

Molecular trick opens the door to a new generation of glass

Researchers from TU Dortmund University and other institutions developed a new method to modify glass structure. By adding 1,10-phenanthroline during melting, they tuned magnetic and optical properties. Dr. Sebastian Henke said, "We have found a way to chemically modify the structure of glasses" during the manufacturing process itself.

Catching cow burps in real time: Methane sensor matches industry monitor in early field test

In June, Harvard researchers tested a new methane sensor on cattle at the University of California, Davis. The team used a device called a GRAZE-Tag to track cow burps. Early results showed the sensor matched the industry standard GreenFeed system, offering a cheaper way to monitor emissions on farms.

Supersized quantum sensors make faint photons easier to catch

NIST researchers developed supersized quantum sensors to catch faint photons more easily. These new superconducting wires are 100 times wider than typical designs, simplifying fabrication. "Typically, everyone has worked to make smaller and smaller wires, which makes fabrication increasingly challenging," said researcher Kristen Parzuchowski. This breakthrough improves future quantum technology.

How the sun's galactic journey and superflare-filled youth shaped Earth's climate

NASA scientists found that the sun’s journey through our galaxy shaped Earth’s climate. A paper published Aug. 21 showed the sun passed through cold clouds, shrinking its protective bubble. This left Earth exposed to space, which triggered major temperature swings. These ancient events helped create the unique climate we see today.

NASA starshade would enable astronomers to directly image rocky exoworlds

NASA plans to use a starshade to help astronomers directly image rocky exoworlds. The team hopes to get funding by 2027 for this hybrid observatory. Vladimir Airapetian said, "Our team proves that by deploying a starshade to cast a perfect shadow over Earth's largest telescopes, HOEE can suppress stellar glare."

Rs 5,933 crore, 1,600km undersea cable route can connect Antarctica to the world. There is one problem

A new study shows a 1,600km undersea cable could connect Antarctica to the world for Rs 5,933 crore. Currently, researchers use satellites and hard drives sent on ships. Juan Pablo said, "in suitcases full of hard drives." The project faces challenges like icebergs and a very short installation window.

ASI discovers earliest epigraphical references to Guntur's history

The Archaeological Survey of India found the earliest epigraphical references to Guntur. Dr. K. Munirathnam Reddy said the Pune copper plates from 669 C.E. first mentioned the city. These records showed how the name changed from Kumturu to Gunturu over many centuries, helping experts track the history of Andhra Pradesh today.

Nasa prepares for post-ISS era as commercial space stations reshape astronaut training

Nasa is preparing for the post-ISS era as commercial space stations reshape astronaut training. The ISS should operate until 2030, but Nasa now works with private firms to develop new orbital destinations. Flight director Diane Dailey said future mission control centres will require specialists responsible for propulsion, communications, and computers.