Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon to conduct seven-hour-long spacewalk

Indian-origin Nasa astronaut Anil Menon will conduct his first seven-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station on August 6, 2026. Starting at 6:05 pm IST, Menon and Jessica Meir will install hardware to upgrade the station's power system. This mission helps prepare the laboratory for future solar array installations.

Engineering breakthrough: Scientists 3D-print one of the world's hardest metals

Scientists at Hiroshima University successfully 3D-printed tungsten carbide-cobalt using a new laser technique. This material reached a hardness of over 1,400 HV without losing its strength. By using hot-wire laser irradiation, the team avoided defects. This breakthrough could help make complex industrial tools cheaper and easier to build for everyone.

A solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower arrive on the same day

A total solar eclipse crosses northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and Portugal on August 12. On the same day, the Perseid meteor shower starts its peak. Because the New Moon also arrives on August 12, dark skies will help many people see bright streaks across the night sky clearly.

'Ghost particles' signature can track where spent nuclear fuel goes

Researchers from the Double Chooz Collaboration in France reported the first measurement of neutrino signatures from spent nuclear fuel. Using a detector 400 metres from the Chooz B plant, the team tracked particles to monitor fuel inventory. This breakthrough helps inspectors remotely verify if nuclear fuel gets diverted for weapons.

Hold tight! How two hurricanes forced a lizard to change its grip

Small brown anoles in the Turks and Caicos Islands evolved to cling harder after two hurricanes hit in September 2017. Scientists found that survivors had shorter toes and larger toepads compared to before the storms. These physical changes, linked to specific genes, helped the lizards survive the intense winds.

Astronomers may have unknowingly searched far more of Milky Way for alien signals

Astronomers may have unknowingly searched far more of the Milky Way for alien signals than previously believed. New research showed that radio telescopes observed over 6.1 million stars. Louisa Mason said, "One of the most exciting things about this work is realising that we've surveyed many more stars than initially thought."

Family ties shape social lives of bull sharks

Bull sharks prefer spending time with their relatives, new research shows. Scientists used six years of observations at Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Fiji to study these social habits. Lead author Natasha D. Marosi said, "To discover that some of these large, apex predators choose to socialize with their relatives is truly exciting."

New biosynthetic pathway could expand production of high-value bio-based oils

Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation found a new biosynthetic pathway in Orychophragmus limprichtianus seeds. They used two enzymes to produce high-value oils. This discovery helps scientists create better bio-based lubricants. The team successfully reconstructed this pathway in an oilseed host to support the growing bioeconomy.

Metal-free process makes plant dyes more durable for textiles

Research in the International Journal of Materials and Product Technology describes a metal-free dye-fixing process for plant dyes. This method uses chitosan and ellagic acid to bind colors to fabrics without harmful metal salts. Tests showed that 70% of the dye remained on the fabric even after 25 washes, helping sustainability.

Scientists catch a “jumping gene” mid-leap between species

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology caught a jumping gene moving between species. They used special probes to see intron RNA inside a predatory bacterium and its prey. The gene survived because it forms a circular shape, which protects it from being broken down by cell enzymes.

Your work playlist may be changing your brain, here's how

Many professionals use music to boost productivity while working. A 2011 study in Nature Neuroscience showed that pleasurable music triggers dopamine, making repetitive tasks feel easier. While familiar songs help with routine work, lyrics can distract during complex tasks. Many people said instrumental music helps them focus on demanding work.