science

Saturn in Infrared from Cassini

Saturn looks slightly different in infrared light. Bands of clouds show great structure, including long stretching storms. Also quite striking in infrared is the unusual hexagonal cloud pattern surrounding Saturn's North Pole. Each side of the dark hexagon spans roughly the width of our Earth. The hexagon's existence was not predicted, and its origin and likely stability remain a topics of research. Saturn's famous rings circle the planet and cast shadows below the equator. The featured image was taken by the robotic Cassini spacecraft in 2014 in several infrared colors. In 2017 September, the Cassini mission was brought to a dramatic conclusion when the spacecraft was directed to dive into the ringed giant.

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Summary

Astronomers have discovered the Quipu superstructure, the largest known cosmic formation, spanning 1.4 billion light-years and containing 68 galaxy clusters.

Identified using X-ray data from the ROSAT satellite, Quipu surpasses the Sloan Great Wall and challenges assumptions about large-scale matter distribution.

The find raises questions about the cosmological principle, which suggests uniformity across vast distances.

Named after the Incan knotted recording system, Quipu highlights how massive structures shape cosmic evolution and may refine calculations of expansion rates and fundamental universe parameters.

Supernova Radiation's Impact on Viral Evolution

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/supernova-radiations-impact-on-viral-evolution

Study highlights supernova's role in virus evolution, suggesting cosmic radiation's impact on mutations and evolutionary biology.

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Summary

FDA scientists have been instructed to avoid using words like "woman," "disabled," and "elderly" in external communications, per a leaked list circulating within the agency.

The directive, reportedly linked to Trump’s executive order against "gender ideology," has caused confusion and concern.

The White House denies most words are banned but confirms restrictions on terms related to gender and diversity.

Scientists fear these limits will hinder medical research and public health efforts.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Incident Raises Safety Concerns

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/spacex-falcon-9-incident-raises-safety-concerns

SpaceX Falcon 9 mishap: A liquid oxygen leak caused an uncontrolled reentry, raising aerospace safety concerns.

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Elon Musk Pushes for ISS Deorbiting by 2025

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/elon-musk-pushes-for-iss-deorbiting-by-2025

Elon Musk proposes deorbiting the ISS, sparking debate on future space exploration and international cooperation challenges in orbit.

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TIGRE Mission: Exploring Enceladus' Ocean for Life

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/tigre-mission-exploring-enceladus-ocean-for-life

Explore Enceladus' subsurface ocean with the TIGRE mission. Discover potential signs of life on Saturn's icy moon.

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cross-posted from: https://ponder.cat/post/1729334

Reduced Earth Impact Risk for Asteroid 2024 YR4

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/reduced-earth-impact-risk-for-asteroid-2024-yr4

NASA updates: Asteroid 2024 YR4's Earth impact risk drops to 0.28%; 1% chance of lunar impact remains, enhancing monitoring efforts.

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Summary

Trump is withdrawing support for scientific research that references climate change, forcing researchers to alter project titles to retain funding.

Grants, including Fulbright scholarships and National Science Foundation (NSF) projects, are being frozen or revised to remove terms like "climate change" and "equity."

The administration has also cut NSF staff and scrubbed climate references from federal programs. Scientists warn this politicization threatens research, public safety, and national security.

Critics argue it prioritizes industry interests over scientific progress. Calls for greater scientific investment are growing.

Mapping the Milky Way with 21 cm Radiation

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/mapping-the-milky-way-with-21-cm-radiation

Explore Milky Way mapping via 21 cm radiation, revealing galaxy structure, dynamics, and star formation with advanced techniques.

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Hubble's Andromeda Galaxy Mosaic

The largest photomosaic ever assembled from Hubble Space Telescope image data is a panoramic view of our neighboring spiral Andromeda Galaxy. With 600 overlapping frames assembled from observations made from July 2010 to December 2022, the full Hubble Andromeda Galaxy mosaic spans almost six full moons across planet Earth's sky. A cropped version shown above is nearly two full moons across and partially covers Andromeda's core and inner spiral arms.

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25884741

A new study suggests that omega-3 and vitamin D supplements, when combined with regular exercise, may help slow biological aging by several months over a 3-year period.

Researchers analysed data from the DO-HEALTH trial, which tracked over 700 older adults and found that those who followed this regimen experienced measurable benefits at the molecular level.

The researchers said that even though the effects might seem small, they could still make a big difference for public health — helping to lower the risk of age-related health issues and improving the well-being of older adults.

ChinaSat-10R Launch Advances Satellite Communications

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/chinasat-10r-launch-advances-satellite-communications

ChinaSat-10R launch strengthens China's satellite communication, vital for Belt and Road services and 2025's ambitious space goals.

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Summary

Archaeologist Dr. Piers Litherland discovered the tomb of Thutmose II in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, the first pharaoh’s tomb found in over a century.

Initially thought to belong to a royal wife, its ceiling decorations confirmed it was a king’s burial site.

The tomb was deliberately emptied, likely due to flooding. Small alabaster fragments identified Thutmose II.

The discovery sheds light on early 18th dynasty burials, and experts speculate a second, possibly intact, tomb may exist elsewhere.

Summary

Trump’s proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) threaten U.S. biomedical research, forcing many scientists to consider leaving the country.

A 7 February policy would slash NIH funding by two-thirds, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked it.

Researchers relying on these grants fear for their jobs, with some already exploring options abroad.

The cuts particularly impact neuroscience, diabetes, and bird flu research, while also dismantling DEI initiatives.

Many scientists warn of long-term consequences for innovation and global health collaboration.

Exploring the Atmosphere of Exoplanet WASP-121 b

https://blog.joshuniverse.com/exploring-the-atmosphere-of-exoplanet-wasp-121-b

Explore the extreme atmospheric dynamics of exoplanet WASP-121b, highlighting its unique chemical compositions and powerful winds.

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