Why India should book a long stay on ISS before time runs out

On June 25 last year, Shubhanshu Shukla flew to the International Space Station on the Axiom-4 mission. While India waits for its own Gaganyaan launch, the ISS is nearing retirement. Experts say India should use its trained astronauts for long-duration missions now to gain vital experience before the station closes.

Your dog truly 'understands' your smile: Science proves they know exactly how you feel.

In a 2026 study, scientists scanned the brains of 12 awake dogs as they viewed human faces showing happiness, anger, fear and sadness, and found specialized neural activity for smiles while dogs could distinguish fear from anger and sadness. "Humans are really good at picking up small details," said Raúl Hernández-Pérez.

Earth Microbes May Survive On Moon's South Pole, NASA Study Finds

A NASA study found that Earth microbes could survive on the Moon’s South Pole by hiding in deep, freezing shadows. Scientists said, "Humans are natural explorers, and with them come their voices, their memories... and their microbes." These tiny hitchhikers might stay alive for a week in cold lunar pockets.

Consumer trust in generative AI falls below 40%

Consumer trust in generative AI fell below 40% as skepticism grows toward digital platforms. McKinsey’s Danielle Bozarth said, "While these consumers are bringing more sources of information into their consideration set, they trust those sources significantly less." Companies now use new strategies to help algorithms understand product details and build value.

Some signs of quantum gravity may be an illusion

Researchers from Kyushu University, the University of Waterloo, and Stockholm University published findings in npj Quantum Information about quantum gravity. They showed that some quantum gravity signs might be an illusion. Joshua Foo said, "Some of these scenarios can be viewed from two equally valid perspectives." Gravity remains a mystery.

Scientists melted a diamond and cracked a secret of ice giants

Physicists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory melted a diamond to solve a 20-year-old mystery about ice giants. Using the Omega Laser Facility, they showed how diamonds float on liquid carbon. This discovery matches quantum models and could help scientists triple fusion energy output, changing how we view planetary interiors.

From cello tape to bottles, Bengaluru students put physics in action at planetarium exhibition

Students at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium showcased over 20 working models during the three-day ‘Science in Action’ exhibition. Using simple items like cello tape and plastic bottles, they explained complex physics laws. The event, which ends on August 30, helped many visitors see how everyday objects reveal scientific truths.

Zehanpora excavation enters Phase II as archaeologists probe 2000-year-old site

The second phase of excavation at the Zehanpora archaeological site in Baramulla began on Saturday. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo inaugurated the work to uncover more about the 2000-year-old Buddhist settlement. Experts from the University of Kashmir and the local archaeology department use drone imagery to map the area for findings.

STS-8: Launching and landing at night, with an Indian connection

The STS-8 mission marked NASA’s first night launch and landing to support India’s INSAT-1B satellite. Originally planned for four, the crew grew to five members by August-September 1983 to include a physician for medical studies. Despite Hurricane Barry, technicians worked fast to ensure a record turnaround time for the Challenger.

How plastic welds retain a molecular 'memory' of their former surfaces to strengthen pipe joints

Researchers led by Michele Valsecchi at Columbia University used computer simulations to reveal why welded polyethylene pipes stay strong. They found that leftover surface traces help crystals grow at the joint. This makes the seam stiffer than the pipe, pushing stress away and ensuring that recycled plastic remains safe for use.

Gut microbiome lab launched at Hyderabad hospital to advance research into IBD

AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad launched a Gut Microbiome Therapeutics and Pill Lab on August 29 to study inflammatory bowel disease. The facility will develop oral capsules for research. Director Rupa Banerjee said, "Each stage, from donor screening to capsule formulation and patient monitoring, would be conducted under defined protocols."

Nano-sandwich photocathode improves solar conversion of CO₂ into ethanol

Czech researchers at Charles University developed a nano-sandwich photocathode to convert carbon dioxide into ethanol using sunlight. Pavla Eliášová said, "The copper base enables maximum utilization of light energy." This new technology solves material degradation issues and achieved a record 2.74% conversion efficiency, producing pure ethanol as its sole product.