Science

Is tomato the ‘mother’ of potato? What a new study reveals

New research shows that the potato may have evolved from a tomato ancestor nearly nine million years ago. The study explains that wild tomatoes native to the Andes crossed with another plant called Etuberosum. This process of hybridisation led to the mixing of their genetic material, resulting in an entirely new plant line

‘City-killer’ asteroid YR4 might not hit Earth in 2032. But can it still be a threat?

Asteroid 2024 YR4, once referred to as a ‘city-killer’ with the potential to cause regional devastation and impact the climate, is no longer predicted to hit Earth in 2032. Earlier, experts warned it had enough force to destroy an entire city. However, the asteroid still crosses Earth's orbit and remains a potential impact threat. Here's how

After the dire wolf, scientist want to 'resurrect' the tallest bird that ever lived. Is it possible?

Backed by filmmaker Peter Jackson, scientists at Colossal Biosciences are using cutting-edge genetic technology to attempt the resurrection of the South Island giant moa, a 12-foot-tall flightless bird extinct for over 600 years. With Indigenous collaboration and advanced DNA editing, the project aims to engineer a modern bird to resemble the moa

Is your bed making you sick without you knowing it?

You might think your bed is clean, but every night it fills with sweat, dead skin, bacteria, and allergens. From dust mites to fungi, your bedding becomes a hotspot for microbes if not washed regularly. Experts say sheets should be washed weekly, but many don’t. So, how often should you really launder everything for a healthier sleep?

Why are orcas gifting food to humans across the oceans?

Over two decades, orcas have been observed offering prey to humans in 34 recorded encounters across the globe. From stingrays to sea turtles, killer whales appear to gift food, then wait and watch. Scientists now believe this rare and deliberate behaviour reveals complex social intent, curiosity and possibly interspecies connection

Only one person on Earth has this blood type. What is 'Gwada negative'?

A 68-year-old woman from Guadeloupe has been confirmed as the sole known carrier of a newly discovered blood group named 'Gwada negative'. Officially recognised as the 48th blood group system by the International Society of Blood Transfusion, this ultra-rare type could hold implications for the future of transfusion science and rare blood compatibility care

What is Shubhanshu Shukla carrying to space? Aam ras, halwa and more

As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla readies to pilot the Axiom-4 Mission on June 10, he will carry with him a range of Indian delicacies prepared by Isro that will remind him of home, like aam ras, moong halwa and more. The 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot will head to the International Space Station along with three others, marking the first Indian astronaut to return to space after 41 years

How a researcher plans to save the planet by detonating a nuke on the ocean floor

A young Microsoft engineer has proposed a radical idea to combat climate change — detonating an 81-gigatonne nuclear bomb beneath the ocean floor to pulverise basalt and sequester carbon dioxide. Drawing inspiration from both past nuclear experiments and modern climate science, this untested geoengineering concept aims to contain radiation while offsetting decades of carbon emissions

Our galaxy can breathe easy: Milky Way may not collide with Andromeda, says new research

The study still indicates a small chance, around 2 per cent, of a direct collision between Milky Way and Andromeda in 4 to 5 billion years. However, humanity will have long ceased to exist by then

How does Isro save satellites from collision?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) saved its satellites from collision 11 times in 2024 by performing collision avoidance manoeuvres.