SCIENCE

Sun has gone totally spotless and that's bad news for Earth

Sun
Climate experts have predicted that the Earth may be heading towards a mini Ice Age as the face of the sun has “gone blank.” Experts analysed the solar surface that is currently exhibiting a distinct lack of action. If this happens, it might be similar to the “Game of Thrones” catchphrase: “Winter is Coming.”
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Gravitational Waves

Gravitational waves in space may reveal how supermassive black holes formed

Scientists led by Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology captured gravitational waves via space-based detectors, and now they believe that these waves can help identify the origins of supermassive black holes. The scientist ran massive cosmological simulations that may be used to predict the rate at which gravitational waves caused by collisions between the monster black holes might be detected.
Shampoo

Bio-inspired surface ensures sticky liquids do not go to waste

Scientists from The Ohio State University have been able to squeeze the last drop of shampoo out of a bottle, thanks to a bio-inspired surface they created. The surface ensures that sticky liquids such as detergent and shampoo slide cleanly out of their bottles.
Mars

Dutch researchers raise peas, radishes, tomatoes and rye on simulated Martian soil

Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have revealed that cereals and vegetables they grew in “Martian” soil for two years are safe for human consumption. The Dutch researchers successfully raised peas, radishes, tomatoes and rye in soil that was made to match that of the red planet. This has provided researchers the hope of growing food on Mars. The food grown was found to contain “no dangerous levels” of heavy metals.
Heat Wave

Climate change puts New Yorkers at risk of extreme heat events; Deaths in thousands predicted by 2080

A new study has predicted that climate change will put New Yorkers at the risk of overheating. The study has predicted thousands of heat deaths by 2080. If no steps are taken to reduce emissions and adapt to warming, as many as 3,331 people may die every year in New York alone by 2080. By that time, the number of hot days is going to triple, and that would cause heat deaths due to respiratory conditions, heart problems, dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Supermassive Black Hole

Dormant black hole suddenly becomes active to devour passing star; X-rays from inner part of disk baffle scientists

Astronomers from the University of Michigan and University of Maryland have for the first time mapped the flow of gas near a supermassive black hole, Swift J1644+57, that woke from its dormant state to destroy and devour a star that drifted close to it. The astronomers are the first to document X-rays bouncing from deep within the walls of the black hole’s newly-formed accretion disk after a tidal disruption event.
Shark

Sharks get Perth peoples' support despite fatal attacks

In an outcome to a University of Sydney study on shark attacks, Perth people have stood beside the deadly sea creatures and have opted for non-lethal approaches to stop the attacks. They have spoken against culling of sharks even after two consecutive shark-related deaths rattled Australia earlier this month.
Lichen

World’s one of most-endangered lichens losing out to climate change

A new study has revealed that one of the most-endangered lichens in the world, Boreal felt lichen, may decline 50 percent in 25 years despite conservation efforts. Researchers have called for increased protection as Atlantic Canada’s federally protected Boreal felt lichen is losing out to human-induced climate change.
Asteroid

Asteroid that made dinosaurs extinct nearly wiped out mammals too

New research has revealed that a prehistoric asteroid nearly wiped out all mammals along with dinosaurs. New data received has also revealed that the extinction was far more catastrophic than previously believed, although the species recovered rapidly from the mass extinction.
Distant Galaxy

Oxygen found in distant galaxy, 13.1 billion light years away; Discovery may pinpoint the origin of life-giving molecules

Scientists have detected life-giving gas oxygen in a faraway galaxy, 13.1 billion light years away. This could well be the oldest oxygen ever detected in the universe. The galaxy in question, SXDF-NB1006-2, is causing a storm in the scientific kingdom. Scientists are seeing the galaxy as it was 700 million years after birth of the universe. It shows the oldest signs of oxygen and this has baffled scientists.

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