Dropped out of engineering at 18, now a Harvard star: How Rohan Naidu 'cracked the code' on black holes

Hyderabad-born astronomer Rohan P. Naidu led a study in Nature about an unusual object called MoM-BH-1. Observed when the universe was 660 million years old, it might be a massive black hole wrapped in hydrogen. This discovery helps scientists understand how black holes grew during the universe’s earliest stages.

AI Is Moving Fast In Classrooms. Are India's Computer Science Teachers Ready?

India’s AI education boom faces a faculty crunch as colleges launch new programmes. Prof. Sanjay Kumar said, "The biggest issue is that demand has grown much faster than the supply of people who can teach AI." Universities must now upskill existing teachers and build stronger industry partnerships to bridge this gap.

The 'little red dots' mystery: A distant galaxy finally reveals how our universe grew up

Since 2022, astronomers have struggled to explain mysterious "little red dots" found by the James Webb Space Telescope. A new study published July 29 suggests these objects evolve into galaxies like the "Saguaro." George Rieke said, "These results finally show us how to find their progeny" in the universe.

SPIN-FERT: Integrating toolbox for smart and rapid soil health assessment

The SPIN-FERT project is developing new tools to help European growers improve soil health. The initiative uses robotics and biosensors to track soil biodiversity and microbial activity in real time. These technologies help farmers manage land better while providing data for companies to register new organic products for marketing.

IIT Madras Uses Over 4,600 Ocean Samples To Reveal Role Of Rare Bacteria In Ecosystem Stability

IIT Madras researchers used over 4,600 ocean samples to reveal how rare bacteria keep marine ecosystems stable. Professor Karthik Raman said, "They regulate nutrient cycling, sustain marine food webs and play a vital role in controlling the Earth's climate." This study helps scientists monitor biodiversity and support global conservation efforts.

Einstein’s biggest “mistake” came back - and changed cosmology forever

Albert Einstein added a cosmological constant to his equations to keep the universe stable. He later called this his greatest blunder after Edwin Hubble discovered the universe is expanding. However, in 1998, astronomers found the expansion is actually speeding up, showing that Einstein’s old idea was useful after all.

Rotating detonation engines: the science and the promises

India-based start-up D-Propulse successfully tested a rotating detonation engine at a Defence Research & Development Organisation facility in Hyderabad. These engines promise to use fuel more efficiently than conventional rocket designs. While many companies reported successful tests recently, these engines remain in research and are not ready for use.

Male Neanderthal pelvises resemble those of modern females, challenging decades-old assumptions

A new Tel Aviv University study published in Scientific Reports shows male Neanderthal pelvises resemble modern human females. Researchers found the modern human male pelvis evolved into a unique shock-absorbing mechanism. Professor Yoel Rak said, "The male pelvis evolved into a unique biomechanical shock-absorbing mechanism that stores energy."

Molecular electromagnetic sensor may enable remote-controlled gene therapy

Researchers at Dongguk University developed a new electromagnetic field-responsive gene switch to control gene expression. Prof. Jongpil Kim said, "EMF is noninvasive, fully reversible and can precisely penetrate target tissues." This tool helped the team study Alzheimer’s disease and aging in mice, offering a safer way to manage genetic disorders.

Immune cells have a 'sense of touch,' scientists discover

Scientists discovered that tissue-resident memory T cells have a sense of touch. A McGill University-led study published in Nature Immunology showed these cells sense tissue stiffness to survive. Lead author Judith Mandl said, "It suggests T cells can 'feel' their surroundings and adapt to them," potentially helping future cancer research.

Molecular memory: How a mother's age echoes in her offspring's cells

Scientists found that a mother’s age affects her offspring through epigenetic changes rather than DNA damage. Kristin Gribble said, "Maternal age effects are incredibly common, from invertebrates up through humans." Her lab used rotifers to show these effects can reverse quickly, suggesting gene expression changes drive how mothers influence their children.

National space technology conclave | India set for a global leap in space sector: Experts

The National space technology conclave brought together 30 eminent scientists and industry leaders to discuss India’s growing space sector. Experts said the Indian Space Policy 2023 defined clear roles for agencies. Sanjay, CEO of Dhruva Space, said, "India had the potential to move from meeting its domestic requirements to serving the global space market."