Researchers bring prehistoric algae back to life
Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research made the discovery.They say it is particularly exciting for scientists as it has pushed the limits of what they believed was possible. According to the team, the revived algae now ranks amongst the oldest living organisms ever brought back to life.Lead author of the study Sarah Bolius described the find as "a time capsule" which contained valuable information about past ecosystems, as well as information about what changing conditions may mean for the future of them.
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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Robot house-hunters to search cosy caves for humans to live in on MARS – after testing skills on Brit holiday island
SPACE bots are set to explore off-planet caves to set up new homes for humans. The robo-teams would work together to plunge into lava holes on Mars and the Moon - in search for new habitats for humans. 5 5 5 Research was recently carried out by a team of European academics who outlined the next-level mission in the journal Science Robotics. Their report shows tests carried out on the volcanic, Brit holiday Island of Lanzarote - chosen due to its environmental similarities with the Moon and Mars. The research team includes scientists from the robotics innovation centre at the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) DFKI said: "Lava caves on planetary bodies near Earth are promising sites for future base camps, offering natural protection from radiation and meteorite impacts. "Yet their exploration remains difficult due to harsh conditions and restricted access." Three different robot types worked together on their own to rapidly explore and map out the extreme Lanzarote environment including vast lava fields and numerous craters. While on their discovery mission, the robo-explorers found a skylight - a hole leading to an underground cave. The AI-gadgets took part in a four-step mission to map together the area around the hole, drop a sensor into the cave to collect data, descend a planetary surface exploration device and have it explore the cave independently to create a 3D map. The robot that was lowered into the cave was able to explore the difficult-to-enter area, and successfully generated a 3D model of the cave. Pulling off the application of such technologies in alien landscapes is a key breakthrough in the world of science and technology. DFKI said: "The results not only confirm the technical feasibility of the concept but also demonstrate the potential of collaborative robotic systems for use in future Moon or Mars missions. "The study thus provides valuable impetus for the further development of autonomous robotic solutions in the context of planetary exploration." The major milestone comes after research from 2024 which suggested future humans living on Mars will undergo drastic physical changes and may even develop into a new sub-species, an expert has told The Sun. Kyle Zagrodzky, founder of OsteoStrong, a company that specialises in bone health, explained that an unforgiving Martian environment could push humans to evolve into haunting versions of their "Earthling cousins". At first, Mars-bound astronauts will feel pretty good, according to Zagrodzky, as the lower level of gravity eases the weight on their bones and joints. "New comers would have a massive physical advantage in the short run," he said, before grimly stating: "Until their bones and muscles are down regulated." Living in Martian gravity - about 38% of Earth's gravity - over extended periods is expected to have significant effects on the human body. 5 5 Optimistic estimates from a 2020 Stanford study found that astronauts on a three year mission to Mars and back would lose a third of their bone density. Around half of them could go on to develop osteoporosis. "For new adult visitors, spine elongation would probably the first noticeable change," Zagrodzky continued. "Other than a change in the distribution of fat, which might look more and more strange over time, we probably wouldn't see significant outward physical changes in adults going to visit Mars for short periods of time." The first crewed Mars mission has been proposed for the 2030s - with Elon Musk 's SpaceX aiming to send humans to the Red Planet as early as 2029. But Musk hopes his crew will have built a self-sustaining colony by 2050. Mars has dust storms, high levels of radiation and less gravity than Earth. In order to live there, humans would have to completely change their ways of life although researchers claim streaming Netflix won't be an issue.
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
World-leading laser centre in Glasgow to expand after £800k in funding
Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), which leases six laboratories and space for around 80 employees and doctoral students, has grown exponentially since it was established in 2012. Scientists at the facility specialise in creating lasers and optical systems to help crack complex challenges in industries such as security and defence, healthcare, renewable energy and communications. Fraunhofer CAP is currently housed in the University of Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre and has expanded into the second floor of the university's neighbouring Inovo Building - doubling its lab and office capacity. READ MORE: Israeli-owned Rosebank oil firm reveals profits doubled in last six months The expansion comes after the Scottish Government decided to award Fraunhofer CAP an additional £500,000 of funding this year, with Scottish Enterprise also giving an additional £300,000 to further develop its pioneering work in rapidly growing markets. Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited the lab on Tuesday, where he said the Scottish Government is a proud supporter of Fraunhofer CAP, having provided core funding for the Institute since its inception in 2012. (Image: Fraunhofer UK Research) He said: 'As the only Fraunhofer in the UK, it plays an important role in turning cutting-edge research into real-world industrial solutions across critical industries. 'I am pleased that increased Scottish Government funding this year has helped it expand operations in Glasgow, increasing its capacity to support vital projects across energy, net zero and space, while growing Scotland's Critical Technologies Supercluster. 'The Supercluster is strategically important to the Scottish economy and the Scottish Government will continue to support the incredible capability, talent and innovation across the industry as it pursues ambitious growth over the coming decade.' Fraunhofer, named after German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer, is the name given to a network of research organisations across the world considered the gold standard when it comes to innovation. Fraunhofer CAP helps provide support for student training, carries out research and development, and also wins contracts and grants. In the last year alone, it delivered more than £5 million of research and development projects for industry. Recently The Scottish Government convened the industry-led Scottish Critical Technologies Supercluster Advisory Board to progress and promote key technical areas in which Scotland excels, such as photonics, quantum technologies, semiconductors and sensing, all areas in which Fraunhofer CAP is heavily involved. Simon Andrews, executive director of Fraunhofer UK Research said the facilities photonics and quantum expertise has helped Scotland's industry stay at the forefront of innovation. He said: 'We have proven the success of the Fraunhofer model here in Scotland, as evidenced by the large number of projects we deliver for industrial partners. 'Our photonics and quantum expertise is helping industry stay at the forefront of innovation and this ministerial visit demonstrates the importance of the part we have to play in the economy. "Both The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are key stakeholders for our organisation and have provided support since our inception in 2012."
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Research finds that people who drink coffee are usually in a better mood
European researchers found that regular consumption of caffeinated beverages typically leads to an improved mood. Caffeine boosts mood and alertness by blocking adenosine receptors, which increases dopamine activity in crucial brain regions. The positive mood effect is more pronounced in the morning, although it is not definitively clear if this is linked to the reduction of withdrawal symptoms. The study, involving 236 young German adults, revealed consistent mood benefits across all participants, irrespective of their caffeine consumption habits, anxiety levels, or depressive symptoms. Despite the mood-enhancing effects, the researchers cautioned that caffeine can lead to dependence and is associated with health risks such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances if consumed excessively or late in the day. Your morning coffee is putting pep in your step — and making you happier too
