China’s Reusable Spacecraft: Technological Marvel or Military Threat? China’s reusable spacecraft is stirring interest and concern globally. Launching atop a rocket booster and landing at a secretive military airfield, this spacecraft is likely testing advanced technology. However, experts believe it could also be used for manipulating or retrieving satellites. Testing Technology or Military Maneuver? On its third mission, the spacecraft demonstrated remarkable capabilities. In June, it was observed releasing an object, moving several kilometres away, and then manoeuvring back within a few hundred metres of it. Marco Langbroek, a lecturer in optical space situational awareness at Delft University of Technology…
Author: Team Interstellar
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Meet Gaiasia jennyae: The Prehistoric ‘Swamp Thing’ of Namibia About 280 million years ago, a formidable creature prowled the swamps and lakes of what is now Namibia. This creature, ‘swamp thing’ resembling a salamander but with fearsome fangs, was a top predator in a chilly ecosystem long before the age of dinosaurs. Discovery of Gaiasia jennyae Named Gaiasia jennyae, this ancient predator lived during the Permian Period and measured at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) long, potentially reaching up to 13 feet (4 meters). Its large, round, flat skull measured over 2 feet (60 cm) long and featured interlocking fangs…
Earliest Evidence of Down Syndrome Found in Neanderthal Child A fossil found in eastern Spain has revealed that a Neanderthal child, around 6 years old, had Down syndrome. This discovery provides remarkable insights into the lives of these ancient humans. Discovery and Significance The fossil was unearthed at the Cova Negra archaeological site near Xàtiva, Valencia. It represents the earliest known evidence of Down syndrome and hints at compassionate caregiving among Neanderthals. Scientists have nicknamed the child “Tina.” Excavated in 1989, the fossil’s significance was only recently recognized. It is a fragment of the right temporal bone, which helps form…
EU Charges Apple with Breaching Tech Rules Under Digital Markets Act European Union antitrust regulators charged Apple (AAPL.O) on Monday with breaching the bloc’s tech rules, potentially resulting in a substantial fine for the iPhone maker. This charge accompanies another ongoing investigation into new fees imposed on app developers. Preliminary Findings and Potential Fines The European Commission, the EU’s antitrust and technology regulator, communicated its preliminary findings to Apple following an investigation initiated in March. This charge marks the first under the landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to curb the power of Big Tech and promote fair competition…
Brazilian Scientist Discovers Fossils of Pre-Dinosaur Crocodile-Like Reptile A Brazilian scientist has identified fossils of a small crocodile-like reptile that lived during the Triassic Period, several million years before the first dinosaurs appeared. Named Parvosuchus aurelioi, this predator adds a significant piece to the puzzle of pre-dinosaur evolutionary history. Discovery and Characteristics The fossils of Parvosuchus aurelioi include a complete skull, 11 vertebrae, the pelvis, and some limb bones. Paleontologist Rodrigo Muller of the Federal University of Santa Maria in Rio Grande state led the research, which was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Parvosuchus lived about 237 million years…
Discovery of the Haliskia Pterosaur in Australia Ancient Skies Over the Eromanga Sea Long ago, a fearsome pterosaur soared above the shallow Eromanga Sea, which once covered what is now inland Australia. This formidable flying reptile, known for its bony crest on both jaws and spike-shaped teeth, was perfectly adapted to snare fish and other marine prey. Unearthing the Haliskia Fossils Scientists recently announced the discovery of this creature’s fossils in Queensland, Australia. Named Haliskia peterseni, it lived alongside dinosaurs and marine reptiles during the Cretaceous Period. The remains are the most complete of any pterosaur found in Australia. With…
“Antarctica Metaverse” Video Game Makes Antarctic Science Accessible Exploring Antarctic Ecosystems Through Virtual Reality Developed by the University of Chile’s video game laboratory, “Antarctica Metaverse” is an innovative video game that allows players to explore various ecosystems, conduct scientific diving, sample native species, complete scientific logs, and detect pollution. This engaging approach aims to safeguard the region’s biodiversity by raising awareness about environmental issues. Victor Fajnzylber, the director of Antarctica Metaverse, explained that the game leverages video game languages and virtual reality to make Antarctic science accessible to a broader audience. The game features futuristic elements that project what pollution…
G7 Leaders Pledge to Accelerate Transition Away from Fossil Fuels Commitment to a Sustainable Future Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) developed democracies are set to commit to an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels during this decade. This pledge is part of a draft statement to be issued at the end of their ongoing summit in Italy. The G7 nations—comprising the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy—aim to achieve a net-zero carbon emission target by 2050, aligning with the best available scientific recommendations. “We will transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a…
DNA Analysis Reveals Insights into Maya Child Sacrifice Discovery of the Chultun In 1967, archaeologists discovered an underground cistern, known as a chultun, near a sacred water body at Chichen Itza, a significant ancient Maya city on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Inside the chultun, they found skeletal remains of over 100 children. DNA Findings and Ritual Significance Recent DNA analysis of 64 of these children has shed light on the practice of child sacrifice at Chichen Itza before European contact. The remains revealed that all the children were boys, mostly aged 3 to 6, including brothers and two sets of identical…
Pentagon Chooses Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA for Security Space Missions The U.S. Department of Defense has selected Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to compete for national security space missions. These selections are part of a $5.6 billion award programme. Selection Details The Pentagon has not specified which rockets were chosen but mentioned that seven companies vied for a place in the programme. The selected rockets must be ready for their first missions by December. Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA are the first chosen under the Pentagon’s National Security Space Launch Phase 3 procurement programme. This competition…
