NASA’s Lucy finds a wobbling peanut-shaped asteroid with signs of ancient water

NASA's Lucy spacecraft found a peanut-shaped asteroid, Donaldjohanson, with signs of ancient water. Formed 155 million years ago from a collision, it wobbles like a spinning top, not rotating simply. Lucy got close-up images and measurements on April 20, 2025, showing its unusual shape and surface features.

Why India may be better prepared this time to withstand a poor monsoon

India may be better prepared for a poor monsoon this year. Though June rainfall is over 40% deficient, the El Niño's impact is delayed. Other factors like weak low-pressure systems and MJO are blamed. IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, "El Niño emerged around the first week of June. We are now beginning to see its impact."

Venezuela's once-in-a-century quake: Why two earthquakes hit together

Two powerful earthquakes, 7.1 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela late Thursday, seconds apart. This rare "earthquake doublet" damaged buildings in Caracas and triggered tsunami warnings. Seismologists explained that the quakes hit connected faults, releasing independent energy. Venezuela is prone to such events due to its location on active tectonic plates.

Did gravitational tides cause Earth's extinctions?

Gravitational tides from passing dwarf planets may have caused Earth's extinctions, says Daniele Fargion. He suggests these flybys could create giant waves, volcanic episodes, and climatic changes. Many major extinctions over 600 million years might be linked to these events, not just impacts or volcanoes.

Small-molecule modulation of β-arrestins

Scientists used cell culture and antibodies to study small-molecule modulation of β-arrestins. They grew HEK-293 and U2OS cells, isolating leukocytes from mice for migration assays. E. coli and insect cells were also used for protein expression. Many reagents, including specific antibodies, were obtained for these experiments.

GW250114 reveals signatures of post-merger black-hole horizon

GW250114 has shown new signs of a black hole's horizon after merging. Scientists used gravitational waves to study this event. Many new details about black holes were found, helping us understand these mysterious objects better. This research uses advanced detectors like LIGO and Virgo.

'Fingerprints' of black hole's event horizon detected for first time

Scientists got the first "fingerprints" of a black hole's event horizon, the point of no return. They studied gravitational waves from two black holes smashing together in January 2025. This research, published Wednesday, used the strongest wave ever recorded to get closer to the horizon than before.

Australia teen social media ban has little impact: research

Australia's ban on social media for under 16s has had little impact, researchers said Thursday. Many teens got around the rules using older accounts or fake profiles. The study found insufficient evidence of substantial early effects on adolescent social media use, with some age groups showing little change or even increased use.

What is Starfall? Inside SpaceX’s secretive new return capsule

SpaceX unveiled Starfall, a new reusable return capsule. This smaller, propulsion-free vehicle aims to bring cargo and research back to Earth, making microgravity research more affordable. Its success could support commercial space manufacturing and future orbital industries.

KSEB signs deal with Tata to prepare DPR for Kakkayam project

KSEB signed a deal with Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd on Wednesday to prepare a detailed project report for the Kakkayam pumped storage project. This plan aims to generate 800-1000 MW by recycling water from Kakkayam and Kuttiady dams, using cheaper solar power for pumping.

Why house spiders cannot survive outdoors: Surprising science behind their indoor adaptation and survival

House spiders may not survive outdoors. Generations of adapting to stable indoor environments made them specialised. Buildings offer warmth, humidity, and shelter from temperature extremes and predators. Many spider species can complete their entire life cycle indoors, finding steady prey. Homes have become their natural habitat.

NASA races to save a falling space telescope in a first-of-its-kind rescue mission using robotic spacecraft

NASA races to save its Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in November 2004. Increased solar activity expanded Earth's atmosphere, causing the telescope's orbit to decay. NASA partnered with Katalyst Space in 2025 for a robotic rescue mission using the LINK spacecraft to extend its life.