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Recent research suggests animals evolved an internal compass independently. About three billion years ago, microorganisms formed iron crystals to survive. Richard J. Harrison said, “Organisms originally developed the ability to grow small magnetite crystals, but then over time, they learned that actually, these larger ones are much better suited to navigational magnetoreception.”
Researchers at ICAR-CTCRI and IARI identified a mycobiome-based strategy to fight cassava stem and root rot disease. This condition, which causes tubers to decay, emerged as a major concern in Kerala in 2020. Experts said, “The disease has been observed across Kerala, especially in wetlands under poorly drained conditions.”
Earth’s molten outer core reversed its flow beneath the Pacific Ocean in 2010. Scientists used satellite data from 1997 through 2025 to track this shift from westward to eastward. Frederik Dahl Madsen said, "The large-scale flow reversal beneath the Pacific raises new questions about the behavior of Earth's deep interior."
Astronomers found that an ultramassive white dwarf, SDSS J0608−0059, likely holds a rare oxygen-neon core. A team led by Stefan M. Arseneau of Boston University studied the star to understand its composition. This discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal, showed that such heavy stars evolve differently than typical carbon-oxygen white dwarfs.
NASA found evidence of recently flowing liquid nitrogen on Pluto’s surface. Analysis of 2015 New Horizons images showed liquid rising through cracks on the Sputnik Planitia glacier. Alan Stern said, "Pluto never stops surprising scientists." These findings suggest liquids reached the surface, creating dark patterns similar to wet glacial features.
Northwestern University scientists discovered humans and mice may use the same hidden brain system to recognise smells. Two studies published in Science Advances showed that despite different breathing speeds, both species share an ancient neural process. Researchers said, "Smell is not a passive sense; animals actively control how they inhale."
Scientists found a new way to detect hidden lunar water ice using seismic waves. Researchers from the University of Maryland say these vibrations travel faster through frozen soil. Nicholas Schmerr said, "Identifying any usable lunar materials is essential." This method helps NASA prepare for crewed landings targeted for 2028.
Six IIT Madras professors got the prestigious ANRF J.C. Bose Grant for their life-changing research. Their work spans clean water, prosthetics, and communication technology. IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said, "I congratulate all my distinguished colleagues." This recognition shows the high quality of research happening at the institute today.
The wild Bactrian camel is the only truly wild camel species left on Earth. Fewer than 1,000 individuals survive in the Gobi Desert. These animals drink water saltier than the ocean, a feat no other mammal can manage. Researchers said, "water researchers have described it as intolerable to any other mammal."
In 1831, an underwater volcano created a new island in the Mediterranean Sea. Britain, France and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies claimed the land as it appeared near Sicily. The island grew to 800 metres wide, but it soon crumbled and fell back beneath the waves after a few months.
Nasa’s Link spacecraft is now stable after engineers reduced its rapid spin to 1.47 degrees per second. The robotic craft, built by Katalyst Space Technologies, struggled with control issues after launch. Now, teams plan to upload new software to help Link move towards the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory for its rescue.
NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir completed a spacewalk on Friday to upgrade the International Space Station power system. The mission lasted six hours and 27 minutes. They installed hardware for new solar arrays. Menon said, "I can see a future moon base there," while working outside the station.
Bengaluru-based startup Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled Everest, India’s first full-flow rocket engine. The 80-tonne-class engine uses liquid oxygen and methane to produce 800 kilonewtons of thrust. Astrobase, founded in 2024, plans to use this advanced technology for reusable rockets. The company aims for its first orbital flight in the late 2020s.