Scientists at the European Space Agency have made a surprising discovery about a dwarf planet in the outer reaches of the solar system: Quaoar has a dense ring around it, farther away from it than previously believed. This discovery was made using data from ground-based telescopes and the space-based telescope Cheops, when the planet blocked light from a distant star. Scientists and astronomers are now working to better understand the ring and its origin, as it could provide new insights into the formation of our solar system.
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This year, the Doomsday Clock has been moved to 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to the hour, due to the specter of nuclear weapon use, particularly in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Former Mongolian President Elbegdorj Tsakhia and former Ireland President Mary Robinson have urged people to take action against the gathering of several existential threats, with Russian leader Vladimir Putin's actions and words chief among them. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists was founded to remind people of the urgency of these topics and the need to take action.
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has announced that the Doomsday clock is now at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has been since its creation more than 75 years ago. This is a warning of the potential for global catastrophe due to threats from nuclear weapons, climate change and infectious diseases such as Covid-19. The organization has called for urgent action to reduce the risks of global catastrophe, urging world leaders to take immediate steps to address these threats.
Archaeologists have uncovered the secrets of a 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy known as the “golden boy”, revealing a wealth of protective amulets and a golden mask. Radiologists at Cairo University used CT scans to uncover signs of wealth and efforts to ensure safe passage to the afterlife, including a golden heart scarab and gold tongue amulet. The discovery has shed new light on ancient Egyptian mummification and belief in the afterlife, providing researchers with an unprecedented insight into the culture.
This new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that even 6-9 minutes of physical activity per day can have a positive effect on brain health. Using activity monitors to track the 24-hour movements of nearly 4,500 people in the UK, the study found that those who engaged in more vigorous activities for longer periods of time had better cognitive performance. The findings suggest that even small amounts of physical activity can have a positive effect on brain health and encourage people to be mindful of their physical activity levels.
Rangers in Queensland, Australia were shocked to discover a giant cane toad, dubbed "Toadzilla", weighing 2.7 kilograms in Conway National Park last week. If confirmed, this would be the largest toad on record and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science is currently caring for it before releasing it back into the wild. The discovery of Toadzilla has sparked excitement among the rangers and the public, reminding us of the importance of conservation and the need to protect the environment.
This study conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency has revealed that eating one freshwater fish caught in the US is equivalent to drinking a month's worth of water contaminated with toxic PFAS. The findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of PFAS on human health and for more stringent regulations on the use of PFAS in consumer products. People should also be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming fish caught in contaminated water.
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket successfully launched a U.S. Space Force mission on Sunday, carrying a military communications satellite and five classified technology demonstration packages. The rocket, which was recently dethroned as the world's most powerful operational launch vehicle, generated more than 5 million pounds of thrust from 27 Merlin engines. SpaceX is continuing to make strides in the space industry, with more launches expected in the near future.