German Scientist Awards

  What is Kessler Syndrome?      In recent months, incidents involving space debris have escalated, raising concerns for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A near-collision event in November prompted the ISS to alter its trajectory , denoting the increasing risks associated with space clutter. About Space Debris      Space debris consists of defunct satellites , spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or explosions. Experts estimate tens of thousands of pieces of debris orbit Earth, with many remaining untracked. This clutter threatens both human spaceflight and satellite operations. The Kessler Syndrome Risk      Dr. Vishnu Reddy warns of Kessler Syndrome , a scenario where collisions produce additional debris, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle of destruction. As more objects are launched into space, the likelihood of such an event increases.      Since the dawn of space exploration i...

  What is Hydroponic Farming?      Agartala , Tripura, is witnessing advancements in hydroponic farming, which is gaining traction across India. The state has transitioned from small, portable systems to larger, commercial setups, which aim to assist local farmers in overcoming challenges posed by climate change. Hydroponic System Size and Design      The new hydroponic systems in Tripura are designed to cover at least 500 square meters. A notable setup spans 560 square meters and cultivates high-demand crops. Farmers grow leafy vegetables such as lettuce and coriander, as well as strawberries and marigolds. This larger scale of production is essential for meeting local market demands.      Tripura faces increasing threats from heavy rains and floods. While these natural disasters cannot be prevented, hydroponics offers a solution. It mitigates the impact of adverse weather on traditional farming . By adopting hydroponic techniques, ...

  Bald Eagle Officially Recognized as America’s National Bird      The bald eagle, a powerful symbol of the United States, has received formal recognition as the national bird, conferred by President Joe Biden through legislation passed by Congress. The bald eagle is distinguished by its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, embodying the spirit of American strength. Historical Significance      The bald eagle has been associated with the United States since 1782. It was chosen for its majestic appearance and represents freedom and bravery . The eagle has appeared on the Great Seal of the United States since its design was finalized. The Great Seal of the United States      The Great Seal features the bald eagle prominently. It holds an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and military readiness , respectively. The shield on its chest resembles the American flag, representing unity and patriotism. The motto “E Plurib...

  Scientists have unlocked a big secret about the Moon      An international team of researchers has unveiled new insights into the Moon's tumultuous volcanic history, suggesting that its crust may have melted multiple times shortly after its formation.      The findings, published in Nature, indicate that the Moon formed between 4.43 and 4.51 billion years ago, but its crust appears to be at least 80 million years younger due to intense volcanic activity.      The study resolves longstanding contradictions regarding the Moon's age, which had previously varied by several hundred million years among scientists.      While most lunar rock samples suggest a younger age, a few rare zircon crystals indicate an older formation. The researchers propose that the Moon's crust was largely remelted following its formation, allowing only a few resilient zircons to survive extreme conditions.      The Moon's violent...

  Glowing lava fountains rise from stunning Kilauea eruption     ` Glowing red lava fountains are captivating visitors at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii as the eruption continues into Christmas Day .      The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory ( HVO ) reported that the eruption, which began early on December 23, has seen lava fountains reaching impressive heights of approximately 246 feet (75 meters) from the caldera rim.      This activity is primarily concentrated in the HalemaÊûumaÊûu crater, a central feature of the volcano located within HawaiÊûi Volcanoes National Park . `      After a brief pause in activity on December 23, the eruption reactivated on Christmas Eve, with scientists noting fluctuations in the intensity of the lava fountains. Observations from HVO indicated that the lava flows are advancing at a rate of tens of yards per hour, covering significant areas of the crater floor.      By midday on December ...

  Artificial hearts found to regenerate muscle tissue in heart failure patients      A new study co-led by a physician-scientist at the University of Arizona’s Sarver Heart Center has unveiled that a subset of patients with artificial hearts can regenerate heart muscle tissue.      This discovery, published in the journal Circulation , could pave the way for innovative treatments and potentially a cure for heart failure, a condition affecting nearly 7 million adults in the U.S. and responsible for 14% of annual deaths.      Heart failure currently has no cure, with treatment options primarily limited to medications that slow its progression or advanced interventions like heart transplants and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), which help pump blood.      Dr. Hesham Sadek, director of the Sarver Heart Center, noted that while skeletal muscles can regenerate after injury, heart muscle has long been thought incapabl...

  Isro to study how crops grow in space on PSLV-C60 mission      Demonstration of seed germination in outer space, a robotic arm to catch a tethered debris there, and testing of green propulsion systems are some of the experiments planned on the POEM-4 - the fourth stage of Isro's PSLV rocket that remains in orbit after launching a satellite .      The PSLV-C60 mission, slated for a year-end launch, is scheduled to place the twin satellites 'Chaser and Target' to demonstrate the space docking technologies that are crucial for building India's space station.      The PSLV Orbital Experimen t Module (POEM) will carry 24 experiments - 14 from various Isro labs and 10 from private universities and start-ups - to demonstrate various technologies in space.      Isro plans to grow eight cowpea seeds from seed germination and plant sustenance until the two-leaf stage in a closed-box environment with active thermal control as p...

  New Delhi to Host 2025 Para Athletics World Championship      New Delhi will be the venue for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, marking a milestone as it is the first time India will host this prestigious event. Scheduled from September 26 to October 5, the championships will showcase the talents of para-athletes from around the globe. Event Overview      The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will be the 12th edition of the event. It will also be the fourth time the championships are held in Asia. Previous Asian hosts include Doha in 2015, Dubai in 2019, and Kobe in 2024. Venue Details      The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will serve as the main venue. This stadium has a rich history of hosting major sporting events. It is equipped to accommodate a large number of spectators and provides facilities for athletes.      In addition to the championships, New Delhi will host a World Para Athleti...

  Before living on the moon, get ready to call a submarine your home Submarines are becoming an innovative research platform for studying human adaptation to extreme environments, including the depths of the ocean and the vastness of space. The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the Portuguese Space Agency and the Portuguese Navy, has launched the SubSea project, which aims to recreate the isolation and confinement challenges faced by astronauts during long-duration space missions. The first crew of the SubSea project returned to shore after completing a rigorous 60-day underwater expedition. This mission involved 25 volunteers living in cramped quarters, simulating conditions similar to those experienced by astronauts. A scientific team from universities in Germany , Italy, and Portugal is analyzing how stress, mood, and crew dynamics evolve in such confined environments.  Submarines provide an ideal setting for this research, as they replicate many oper...