Technology

Swiss researchers have put forward a novel idea for the construction of a blast shield to protect a lunar launch pad using an autonomous, robotic hydraulic excavator. This robot would utilize materials from the moon itself, specifically gathering rocks to build a protective stone wall with a radius of 50 to 100 meters around the pad. The team, led by …

A ransomware attack on Wednesday, July 31, disrupted services at nearly 300 small Indian local banks. The attack targeted C-Edge Technologies, a company providing tech support to small banks across India. C-Edge Technologies is a joint venture between the State Bank of India (SBI) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The attack caused significant service outages, preventing bank customers from withdrawing …

In the realm of science fiction, flying cars have often been a staple, leading many to wonder when they would become a reality. Now, with the successful invention and testing of flying taxis, this vision appears closer to becoming a part of our everyday lives. A hydrogen-powered flying taxi recently set a record by covering 561 miles (902 km) in …

Researchers from Montana State University have uncovered two previously unknown groups of microbes in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. This significant discovery was detailed in the journal Nature on July 24, in a study titled “Cultivation and visualization of a methanogen of the phylum Thermoproteota.” The new microbial groups are named Methanomethylicia and Methanodesulfokora and are identified as …

In human genomes, certain ancient viruses, passed down through generations via foreign DNA, remain hidden and unnoticed. These so-called “zombie viruses” were long thought to be inactive. However, recent research suggests these genetic sequences can potentially cause significant issues. A research team led by University of Colorado bioinformatician Atma Ivancevic discovered that some cancer cells exploit parts of these zombie …

Earlier this year, OpenAI amazed users by unveiling an enhanced voice mode for the latest version of ChatGPT. Unlike the robotic voices of digital assistants like Alexa or Siri, this new ChatGPT voice mode sounds incredibly lifelike. It can respond in real-time, handle interruptions, make giggling sounds when users joke, and assess a speaker’s emotional state based on their tone. …

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have identified the earliest known galaxy, presenting a significant challenge to current theories on galaxy formation in space. The newly discovered galaxy, named JADES-GS-z14-0, shines brightly in the early Universe and is believed to have formed less than 300 million years after the Big Bang. Another recent discovery, JADES-GS-z14-1, has also been observed as a …

NASA has issued a warning after detecting a 150-foot (46-meter) asteroid named 2024 NS1, traveling towards Earth at an alarming speed of 27,274 km/h. The asteroid, comparable in size to an airplane, is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on August 2 at 00:05 UTC (5:35 IST). Classified as an Apollo asteroid, 2024 NS1 is part of a …