The Heliophysics CubeSat will measure incoming radiation that can affect Earth's radio communications, satellite electronics, and power grids. The satellite will provide unprecedented insight into the sun's impact on our planet.
NASA engineers have developed a groundbreaking integrated-photonics modem that will enable high-speed, laser-based communications at unprecedented rates. The modem is expected to transform industries such as telecommunications, medical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and national defense.
European scientists sent Antarctic fungi to the International Space Station for 18 months in conditions similar to Mars. More than 60% of their cells remained intact with stable DNA, indicating their ability to survive harsh Martian environments. Lichens from Spain and Austria also showed resilience under simulated Martian conditions.
Researchers aboard the International Space Station reared small freshwater fish for 56 days to investigate microgravity's effects on bone density. The study found increased osteoclast activity and reduced bone mineral density in the fish, suggesting a potential link between mitochondria dysfunction and osteoporosis.
Tropical Cyclone Victor's eye was almost due east of the Cook Islands on Jan. 18, and by Jan. 19, it had moved southeast, appearing more open with a wider diameter
Online citizen science project Space Warps has made significant contributions to astrophysics, discovering 29 new gravitational lenses and a novel lensing scenario. The involvement of thousands of volunteer scientists has demonstrated the value of human pattern recognition in analyzing vast datasets.
The James Webb Space Telescope's segmented primary mirror is half complete with nine mirrors installed, on track for full completion in early 2016. The mirrors were built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp and will work together as one large 21.3-foot mirror.
Researchers at Lund University estimate that sea traffic emissions account for almost half of measured particles in coastal air, exceeding previous estimates. Nanoparticles can penetrate deeper into the lungs than larger particles, contributing to health issues.
Engineers completed two deployments for the James Webb Space Telescope's wings, a crucial step in assembling the telescope's carbon fiber framework. The telescope will hold 18 mirrors and fold up to fit inside a launch vehicle.
A study published in The AAPS Journal suggests that medication degradation does not differ significantly between space and Earth. Nine medications were analyzed after being stored for up to 11 months in space, with some remaining viable beyond their expiration dates.
Researchers found that voting booths in polling places with dividers and space between units led to higher anticipated system usability. Poor layouts can deter people from voting, potentially leading to disenfranchisement.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal found that NASA astronauts' medication usage in space is more similar to Earth-based groups than expected. The most common issues were sleep problems and skin rashes, which highlights the need for better understanding of how medicines work in microgravity environments.
The James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module has begun its final cryogenic test at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test, which will last several months, aims to ensure the instruments are ready for flight and can withstand the extreme temperatures they will encounter in space.
A study published in Microbiome found that Actinobacteria, a type of bacteria associated with human skin, made up a larger proportion of the microbial community in the ISS than in Earth cleanrooms. Opportunistic pathogens were also present in the ISS dust samples, but the risk of infection to astronauts remains unknown.
Researchers analyze journals written by NASA astronauts to identify factors that affect their mental and emotional states during long-duration space missions. The study aims to develop recommendations for future missions, including training exercises and procedures to mitigate behavioral issues.
The remnants of Ex-Typhoon Choi-wan continued to generate rainy and windy weather over southeastern Russia as revealed by NASA's infrared satellite image. Cloud top temperatures near -36F/-38.1C were detected in the region, indicating strong uplift and stronger storm behavior.
Tropical Storm Mujigae was tracked by NASA using its Aqua satellite and RapidScat instrument aboard the International Space Station. The storm's surface winds were measured, revealing maximum sustained winds of 53.6 mph/86.4 kph near the northern quadrant.
The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) has successfully transitioned to Phase B, paving the way for the deployment of a laser-based instrument on the International Space Station. This mission aims to provide high-resolution measurements of Earth's forest vertical structure, enabling scientists to better understand the globa...
Researchers mapped social vulnerability at the district level, identifying three clusters of most vulnerable districts containing over 1 million people. The study highlights the importance of addressing water quality, food insecurity, and access to medical care to prevent Ebola infections and deaths.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that peak-time emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station exceeded European air quality recommendations and were higher than nearby roadsides on most days. The station's semi-enclosed design contributed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen ...
Tropical Storm Ignacio has weakened significantly, with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph, as it moves north of the Hawaiian Islands. The storm is expected to turn north-northwest late on September 3 and slow weakening is anticipated starting Thursday.
A new self-healing material has been developed that can plug life-threatening holes in spacecraft, preventing structural penetration and catastrophic damage. The material, made by sandwiching a reactive liquid between two solid polymer layers, reacts with oxygen to form a solid plug in under a second.
Researchers at the Marcell Experimental Forest in Minnesota are conducting unprecedented whole-ecosystem manipulation to study peatlands' response to increased temperature and elevated carbon dioxide. The goal is to understand how peatlands react to various warming conditions and their impact on the global carbon cycle.
The James Webb Space Telescope's flight backplane has arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, marking a significant step towards the telescope's 2018 launch. The backplane will hold the telescope's 18 hexagonal mirrors and instruments steady while observing deep space.
A new study finds that smaller-scale space weather events are amplified near the equator, putting power grids at risk in previously considered safe regions. These disturbances can cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity pricing and damage unprotected power infrastructure.
The RED Epic Dragon camera is capable of recording images with six times more detail than previous cameras, capturing high-resolution footage of astronauts on the International Space Station. The camera's ability to record at high resolution and up to 300 frames per second makes it ideal for science investigations and dynamic events.
Researchers at Strathclyde University won a prestigious award for their work on the Stardust project, exploring solutions to threats from asteroids and space debris. The €4.1m project, funded by the European Commission, aims to tackle the risks posed by asteroids and ensure a safe future for assets in orbit.
Scientists are calling for cooperation between conservationists and space agencies to monitor biodiversity loss, which has halved in just 40 years. Satellite images can reveal changes in vegetation productivity and provide information on ground-level biodiversity levels.
Post-Tropical Storm Claudette's winds weaken significantly due to cold sea surface temperatures, according to NASA's RapidScat measurements. The storm's intensity is predicted to drop rapidly as it moves northward over the Northern Atlantic Ocean.
Tropical Depression Chan-Hom made landfall just south of Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 12. The depression weakened to a remnant low pressure area and is expected to dissipate by July 14.
Researchers created a simulation of Pluto's space environment to estimate solar wind densities and understand how they affect the dwarf planet's atmosphere. The models, which take into account coronal mass ejections and other factors, suggest that Pluto may experience low solar wind densities for about a month before being compressed.
Typhoon Chan-Hom was monitored by NASA using RapidScat, which detected the storm's strongest winds stretching from northwest to southeast at over 30 meters per second. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 100 knots and is expected to weaken as it approaches the Chinese mainland.
A recent study found that installing functional doors and windows in abandoned buildings can lead to a significant decrease in crime rates. Over a 2-year period, the study revealed an estimated 8 fewer assaults, 10 fewer gun assaults, and 5 fewer nuisance crimes in areas with improved building facades.
Typhoon Nangka is experiencing powerful winds of up to 78.9mph/126kph near its center, according to NASA data gathered from the International Space Station's RapidScat instrument.
A study by McGill University researchers found that homes near BIXI bike-sharing stations in central Montreal saw an average increase of 2.7% in sales price, with each station valued at $700 more in property value. The study suggests that other cities with similar systems may also experience similar effects on housing prices.
NGC 6503, a 30,000-light-year-long galaxy, is located at the edge of the 150-million-light-year-wide Local Void. The Hubble Space Telescope image showcases its vibrant colors and swirling spiral arms.
Researchers have created a real-time monitoring system for air and water quality in space, reducing the need for sample collection and analysis. The system enables astronauts to test their surroundings more efficiently, making long-term space missions possible.
Tropical Storm Blanca is strengthening due to low vertical wind shear, warm waters, and a moist atmosphere. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph with higher gusts.
The GOES-R satellite has begun environmental testing to simulate the harsh conditions of launch and the space environment. This includes vibration, acoustics, and temperature testing to ensure the satellite is properly protected from electromagnetic phenomena in space.
Scientists used NASA's ISS-RapidScat to measure the winds of Tropical Storm Ana in May 2015. The instrument provided accurate data on wind speed and direction near the ocean surface.
Experimental data from zero-gravity experiments on the International Space Station provides insights into thermodiffusion effects in ternary liquid mixtures. The results, published in the European Physical Journal E, offer a benchmark for future theoretical and numerical models.
The study focuses on improving seismic monitoring data transmission speed and reducing response time to provide timely warnings for the region. Key findings include increasing station coverage, particularly in urban areas like Portland, Oregon, and strategically placing coastal stations to mitigate megathrust fault earthquakes.
A new space-based system combines a super-wide field-of-view telescope with a high-efficiency laser to track and deorbit centimeter-sized space debris. The system, proposed by RIKEN scientists, could remove most of the debris within five years of operation.
NASA's fleet of satellites captured stunning views of Super Typhoon Maysak's eye and powerful thunderstorms. The storm dropped rain at a rate of over 70 mm per hour northwest of its well-defined eye. Maysak was moving west-northwest towards the Philippines, where it is expected to make landfall on April 4.
Researchers identified three genes that improve production by about 15 bushels per acre under both irrigated and dryland conditions. The study's results are promising, with potential benefits for Texas farmers who have struggled with low yields in recent years.
A new study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business researchers found that redesigning bike networks can increase ridership by up to 29.4% and reduce the distance commuters need to walk to reach stations. By taking commuter preferences into account, cities can optimize their bike-share systems to attract more users.
Researchers at UC Irvine will investigate the behavioral impairments of rodents attributed to space radiation exposure, aiming to understand the underlying causes of these deficits. The study aims to inform efforts to minimize the effects of solar and galactic cosmic radiation on the central nervous system.
UTEP has secured a $5 million contract with NASA to explore space safety through collaborations with faculty and students. The partnership will focus on human space exploration and provide hands-on experiences for students.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan's sustained winds reached over 30 meters per second, making it a strong tropical storm. The cyclone's center was near the Lockhart River south to Cape Flattery in the Coral Sea.
The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument has provided a detailed profile of the atmosphere above Africa, revealing particles in the air at different heights. The data will help scientists model dust plumes and interactions with clouds and aerosols, improving our understanding of climate change.
Tropical Cyclone Lam made landfall in Australia's Northern Territory, with NASA satellites and instruments gathering data on the storm's structure and behavior before and after landfall. The storm was characterized by sustained winds of up to 90 knots (103.6 mph) and heavy rainfall rates of almost 55 mm per hour.
A Florida State University and Russian Academy of Sciences team found that space travel may impair the body's ability to regulate blood flow to the brain, contributing to temporary or permanent vision problems experienced by astronauts. The research team plans to conduct further experiments to find solutions.
The ISS-RapidScat instrument provided forecasters with wind speed data on the hurricane-force nor'easter. The storm brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to the Northeast region, with sustained winds reaching up to 35 meters per second (78.2 mph/126 kph).
Astronauts on ISS captured stunning night image of Cyclone Bansi in January 2015, revealing brilliant lightning around its eye. The cyclone reached category 4 strength before weakening into an extra-tropical system.
Researchers aim to gauge the effect of space and space travel on interest in STEM subjects among school children. A three-year project will involve gathering views from pupils, teachers, and space scientists to understand what inspires young people to participate in STEM.
The article discusses the need for medical care practices in commercial space transportation, highlighting different phases of suborbital and orbital missions. The authors suggest defining Medical Levels of Care to account for various types of flight, including motion sickness, emergency equipment, and spacesuits.
The ISS-RapidScat instrument measured high wind speeds off the Atlantic Ocean near the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Wind chills were reported near zero in several cities, posing a risk of frostbite, with temperatures 20-25 degrees below average.
BioServe Space Technologies will launch state-of-the-art hardware on SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, including petri dishes with infected nematode organisms, to study bacterial virulence in low gravity. The experiment aims to understand how pathogens behave in space and has implications for human health.
A recent study found that having a journalist engage with commenters can reduce incivility and increase the use of evidence in comments. The researchers partnered with a local television news station and conducted an experiment using its Facebook community, resulting in a statistically significant effect on the tone of the comments.
Typhoon Hagupit continues to intensify as it moves through Micronesia, triggering warnings for strong winds and rough seas. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to 115.1 mph, with forecasters predicting it will peak at Category four on the Saffir-Simpson scale.