Gaia mission reveals causes of tumbling asteroids

Scientists using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission have explained why some asteroids tumble chaotically while others spin steadily, linking it to collision frequency. The findings, presented at the EPSC-DPS2025 Joint Meeting in Helsinki, show a gap in rotation speeds that divides asteroid populations and indicates most are loose rubble piles. This could improve strategies for deflecting hazardous asteroids.

Hubble telescope images spiral galaxy NGC 6000

October 09, 2025 An Ruwaito ta hanyar AI

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of NGC 6000, a spiral galaxy 102 million light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. The picture highlights stars of varying ages, from blue young clusters to a golden older core, while revealing faint remnants of past supernovae. An asteroid photobombed the shot, adding streaks to the cosmic scene.

2025 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for macroscopic quantum tunneling

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their discovery of macroscopic quantum tunneling and energy quantization in an electrical circuit. Their work, conducted in the 1980s at the University of California, Berkeley, demonstrated quantum effects on a macroscale using a Josephson junction. The laureates will share $1.1 million, with the ceremony set for December 10, 2025, in Stockholm.

Electrons in graphene reach supersonic speeds for first time

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough by pushing electrons in graphene to supersonic speeds, creating a hydraulic jump similar to a sonic boom. This experiment, conducted using a microscopic nozzle, marks the first observation of such electron behavior. The findings could help resolve debates on electrically charged shockwaves.

Researchers create 10-atom-thick memory chips for devices

October 09, 2025 An Ruwaito ta hanyar AI

Scientists have developed a working memory chip just 10 atoms thick, integrated with conventional chips to potentially boost storage in smartphones and other electronics. The prototype, made from 2D materials, addresses limits in current chip stacking. While promising, experts note it is far from commercial readiness.

Red Sea dried out and reflooded in catastrophic event 6.2 million years ago

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have confirmed that the Red Sea completely dried up about 6.2 million years ago, turning into a barren salt desert. A sudden flood from the Indian Ocean then refilled the basin in less than 100,000 years, carving deep channels and restoring marine life. This event, detailed through seismic imaging and other evidence, highlights the Red Sea's dramatic geological history.

Scientists prove moai statues walked using rocking motion

Researchers have confirmed that ancient Rapa Nui villagers moved massive moai statues upright using ropes and a rocking technique. Experiments with replicas and 3D models demonstrate the feasibility of this method, resolving a centuries-old mystery. The findings highlight the ingenuity of the island's people with limited resources.

Study suggests moon's largest crater formed from northern impact

A new analysis indicates that the moon's South Pole-Aitken basin, its oldest and largest crater, likely formed from an asteroid impact originating from the north rather than the south. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the moon's early history. The discovery could enhance the value of NASA's upcoming Artemis III mission to the basin's rim.

EeroQ traps single electrons on liquid helium for qubits

A startup called EeroQ has published research demonstrating how to trap individual electrons floating on liquid helium, proposing it as a foundation for scalable quantum computing qubits. The technique leverages old physics to create isolated electron spins with potentially excellent coherence. Experts suggest this could enable rapid scaling using standard manufacturing processes.

Evolution of human intelligence linked to mental illness vulnerability

Researchers have traced genetic variants in the human genome to reveal that advances in cognitive abilities around 500,000 years ago were soon followed by mutations increasing susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. This suggests a trade-off in brain evolution. The study, published in Cerebral Cortex, analyzed 33,000 genetic variants to build an evolutionary timeline of brain-related traits.

Study shows older fathers transmit more disease mutations through selfish sperm

A new study reveals that older men pass on significantly more disease-causing genetic mutations to their children due to the rapid proliferation of mutant sperm stem cells. Researchers found that the proportion of mutated sperm rises sharply with age, from 1 in 50 for men in their early thirties to nearly 1 in 20 by age 70. This phenomenon, driven by 'selfish' mutations, heightens risks for severe disorders in offspring.

New ichthyosaur species named Sword Dragon with lethal snout

A beautifully preserved skeleton of a new ichthyosaur species, dubbed the Sword Dragon, has been identified from a fossil found on the UK's Jurassic Coast. The marine reptile, about 3 meters long, featured enormous eyes and a sword-like snout for hunting in dim conditions. It lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 193 to 184 million years ago.