Nasa X59 makes history with first supersonic flight: Science explained

Nasa's X-59 aircraft made history on June 5, breaking the sound barrier for the first time. The experimental plane aims to replace loud sonic booms with a gentle thump. During its test flight, it reached Mach 1.1, proving its design works. Nasa said, "This historic flight is a giant leap."

NASA's experimental aircraft breaks sound barrier for 1st time

NASA's X-59 aircraft broke the sound barrier on June 5 at Edwards Air Force Base. This marks a big step for the QueSST mission, aiming to replace loud sonic booms with quieter sounds. The experimental plane "got a major milestone" in supersonic flight technology.

Feeding 10 billion people will require new technology

Global investment in agrifood tech reached $55bn in 2021, up from $22bn in 2019. This spike happened as food markets faced volatility from pandemics and wars. Experts say "Volatility is very bad for people who want to eat, but good for tech adoption." New technologies are being developed to boost farm yields and deal with climate change.

NASA places ISS astronauts on alert during Russian module leak investigation

NASA put ISS astronauts on alert on June 5, asking them to shelter in a docked spacecraft. Russian engineers planned to investigate an air leak in the Russian segment. NASA said the proposed repair involved cutting a bracket, posing risks. Roscosmos later paused the repair for more analysis, and NASA lifted the order.

Nullarbor's 'Flat' Myth Shattered: Ancient Reef Discovery Rewrites Our Past.

Scientists found an ancient reef beneath Australia's Nullarbor Plain. This reef-like structure, revealed by satellite data, shows the "flat" continent has a complex geological past. Dr. Barham said it is "only maybe three to ten meters higher than the surrounding plains," explaining why it went unnoticed for so long.

A 430,000-year-old wooden stick is changing what scientists thought Stone Age humans could do

Two carved wooden tools, 430,000 years old, were found in Greece. One is a digging stick, the other is small enough to be held between fingers. These are the oldest hand-held wooden tools ever found. Scientists said, "Their team examined every fragment under microscopes." This find changes our understanding of Stone Age human abilities.

Wind from the Milky Way's supermassive black hole has finally been discovered at the heart of our galaxy

Scientists have discovered an active wind from the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A. This ends a fifty-year search. The wind has cleared a vast cone-shaped region of cold gas. Researchers used observations from ALMA and NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to identify the structure.

In 2023, DNA from a French cemetery revealed a 7-generation family tree and offered a rare look at Stone Age burials

Scientists got a rare look at Stone Age life in France, using DNA from a 2023 cemetery find. They mapped a 7-generation family tree of 64 people, showing how communities were structured. This discovery changed how experts see prehistoric burials, revealing complex human relationships.

Tiny ocean shells draw a hidden line across the Atlantic, and it may shape Earth's carbon cycle

Tiny ocean shells called coccolithophores help regulate Earth's carbon cycle. Scientists got new answers from the Atlantic seafloor, studying ancient shells. Researchers used old sediment to estimate how fast cells grew and built calcite. Lead author Alba Gonzalez-Lanchas said the approach "leans on long-standing microscope methods." This process locks away carbon for ages.

NASA study reveals how Earth may have received the elements needed for life

NASA study released 3 June 2026 suggests Earth got life ingredients from closer to the Sun. Jupiter's early growth may have influenced this. Researchers examined meteorites, finding a different phosphorus-to-nitrogen pattern in early planetesimals. This suggests the Solar System's chemical structure evolved, prompting scientists to reconsider origins of these elements.

China trains rare earth experts while world struggles to catch up in EV race

China trains rare earth experts in a unique ecosystem linking education, research, and industry. Students get practical exposure, moving through labs and plants near mines. This system ensures graduates are quickly absorbed, filling a gap between learning and work. China's advantage is in processing, not just mining, with a decades-old head start.

Dharamshala region jolted by multiple earthquakes; no damage reported

Dharamshala region got jolted by multiple earthquakes on June 5, 2026, with the strongest measuring 5.0. Officials said, "no loss of life or major property damage was reported." Many residents rushed out of homes. The region, in Seismic Zone V, often sees tremors, but this activity revived memories of the 1905 quake.