Latest news with #DAVINCI
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Business Standard
12-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Earth's 'twin' planet was more active than we thought
Venus, which was long believed to be barren, was once geologically active, reveal Nasa's researchers. Scientists used decades-old radar data to discover tectonic activity on Venus, suggesting it was an active planet. These latest findings revise Venus' conceptualisation and revive the reinterpretation of Earth's geological processes, and open a new perspective towards planetary evolution as well as on what is needed to sustain habitabilit. NASA reveals tectonic activity on Venus' surface Venus was believed to have a solid, immobile crust and lacked any internal activity for decades. It has a dense carbon dioxide atmosphere and hot temperatures, and the motionless scene seemed to be serene. Nasa's latest research has changed the idea. The study suggests that Venus' surface could actually be remoulding itself, similar to how Earth's crust remoulds through tectonic activity. The latest research is based on the re-examination of images captured by NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. The team of researchers used advanced computer modelling techniques and enhanced image analysis programs, which scientists used to compare Venus' ancient surface characteristics, and discovered some surprising signs of movement. The images show that the parts of Venus' surface appeared to be fragmented into enormous crustal blocks, which shift and rotate relative to each other, as ice floes drift on the ocean. It suggests a mobile crust and mantle convection beneath, which means that Venus retains internal heat and is dynamically active to this day. What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Venus's crust is composed of weaker and smaller pieces similar to flakes on a soft, churning mantle, which scientists call "flake tectonics." Driven by internal heat, the flakes slowly move and reprocess the surface over time. However, the process differs from Earth's plate tectonics, implying that Venus does have a geologically active interior. Lead author Paul Byrne said, "This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things." Why now? The study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and techniques. The researchers used old data and saw things which were missed before using computer models and techniques. The timing of the findings holds important significance as Nasa is planning two new missions to Venus – VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. Findings make way for new doubts This latest finding, shifting crust, opens new questions about how rocky planets work and shows how similar, different they are from Earth. As Nasa is gearing up for the new missions, these findings could be the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbour.
Economic Times
11-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Earth's ‘twin' is not dead but very much ‘alive'; NASA's latest discovery explained
NASA's recent analysis of Magellan spacecraft data suggests Venus may possess a dynamic surface, challenging the long-held belief of a static crust. Evidence indicates the presence of 'flake tectonics,' where crustal blocks shift due to mantle activity. This discovery, coupled with upcoming missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI, could revolutionize our understanding of rocky planet evolution and Earth's future. In this recent study its found out that Venus's surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What did NASA find? Some parts of Venus's crust appear to be broken into blocks, These blocks seem to move and shift like ice floes floating on water. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is this important? What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Why now? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. These missions could confirm if Venus is really as active as it now seems. What does this mean for us? Learn how rocky planets evolve. Understand why Earth became habitable and Venus did not. And predict what could happen to Earth in the distant future. In a breakthrough that could change how we see our 'twin' planet, NASA has discovered that Venus may not be the hot, dead world we thought it was. Instead, its surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet, similar to Earth's underground activity. It suggests the planet is still geologically decades, scientists believed Venus had a solid, motionless crust — but this new study paints a different scientists studied radar images of Venus taken by the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. By comparing surface features, they noticed something surprising:This movement is a sign of mantle activity underneath the surface, which means Venus may still have a warm, churning has moving tectonic plates, which help regulate its temperature and recycle materials. Venus was thought to lack such activity, making it more like a stagnant, overheated these new findings suggest that Venus's crust is not static. The surface may be slowly reshaping itself over time, a process called 'flake tectonics.'Paul Byrne, the study's lead author, says, 'This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things.'Venus may have smaller, weaker crustal blocks than Earth's large tectonic plates. These float and shift because of heat from the mantle pushing type of surface behavior is different from Earth's plate tectonics but still suggests internal geological study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and findings come at the perfect time — NASA is planning two new missions to Venus:Understanding Venus's crust can help scientists:The discovery of a shifting crust opens new questions about how rocky planets work — and how similar, or different, they are from Earth. As NASA gears up for new missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI to explore Venus more closely, this finding could be just the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbor.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Earth's ‘twin' is not dead but very much ‘alive'; NASA's latest discovery explained
NASA's recent analysis of Magellan spacecraft data suggests Venus may possess a dynamic surface, challenging the long-held belief of a static crust. Evidence indicates the presence of 'flake tectonics,' where crustal blocks shift due to mantle activity. This discovery, coupled with upcoming missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI, could revolutionize our understanding of rocky planet evolution and Earth's future. In this recent study its found out that Venus's surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What did NASA find? Some parts of Venus's crust appear to be broken into blocks, These blocks seem to move and shift like ice floes floating on water. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is this important? What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Why now? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. These missions could confirm if Venus is really as active as it now seems. What does this mean for us? Learn how rocky planets evolve. Understand why Earth became habitable and Venus did not. And predict what could happen to Earth in the distant future. In a breakthrough that could change how we see our 'twin' planet, NASA has discovered that Venus may not be the hot, dead world we thought it was. Instead, its surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet, similar to Earth's underground activity. It suggests the planet is still geologically decades, scientists believed Venus had a solid, motionless crust — but this new study paints a different scientists studied radar images of Venus taken by the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. By comparing surface features, they noticed something surprising:This movement is a sign of mantle activity underneath the surface, which means Venus may still have a warm, churning has moving tectonic plates, which help regulate its temperature and recycle materials. Venus was thought to lack such activity, making it more like a stagnant, overheated these new findings suggest that Venus's crust is not static. The surface may be slowly reshaping itself over time, a process called 'flake tectonics.'Paul Byrne, the study's lead author, says, 'This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things.'Venus may have smaller, weaker crustal blocks than Earth's large tectonic plates. These float and shift because of heat from the mantle pushing type of surface behavior is different from Earth's plate tectonics but still suggests internal geological study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and findings come at the perfect time — NASA is planning two new missions to Venus:Understanding Venus's crust can help scientists:The discovery of a shifting crust opens new questions about how rocky planets work — and how similar, or different, they are from Earth. As NASA gears up for new missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI to explore Venus more closely, this finding could be just the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbor.
Associated Press
24-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Vocdoni raises $1M to launch DAVINCI: The first universal digital voting protocol
Vocdoni, a leader in governance solutions, announces the upcoming launch of DAVINCI, a protocol designed to set a new global standard in secure, accessible, anonymous, anticoercion and censorship-resistant digital voting. Following a successful $1M angel investment round, Vocdoni will launch DAVINCI's public testnet this June. Canton of Zug, Switzerland, April 24, 2025 -- Backed by individuals from leading projects in the Web3 sector, Vocdoni is redefining digital democracy with DAVINCI, the first digital voting technology that meets all the criteria for universal adoption. DAVINCI, an acronym for 'Decentralized Autonomous Vote Integrity Network with Cryptographic Immutability,' addresses critical vulnerabilities in existing digital and traditional voting systems by using advanced cryptographic methods such as zkSNARKs and threshold homomorphic encryption, leveraging Ethereum security and cryptographic integrity. These technologies ensure voter privacy, prevent coercion, and enable verifiable transparency without relying on central authorities. 'Current digital voting systems are costly, vulnerable, and inaccessible, failing to meet the democratic needs of billions,' stated Pau Escrich, Vocdoni cofounder. 'DAVINCI solves these issues, providing universally anticoercion, anonymous, tamper-proof, and cost-efficient voting capabilities.' Inspired by Bitcoin and Ethereum's success in enabling censorship‑resistant financial participation, DAVINCI brings that proven model to governance. Its token powers a fully decentralized voting network in which organizers stake tokens to launch transparent elections, and sequencers earn rewards by honestly aggregating votes. Vocdoni's longstanding leadership in decentralized governance has already provided secure voting solutions to over 300 organizations globally, including city councils, political parties and DAOs. DAVINCI emerges as a culmination of Vocdoni's extensive experience with the aim to establish new standards in digital democracy, enabling low‑cost, highly scalable, coercion-free and anonymous voting. Throughout 2025, Vocdoni will initiate token pre-sales, offering individuals and communities an opportunity to shape the future of digital governance. For more information, please visit About the company: Vocdoni, a pioneer in decentralized governance technology, empowers communities and institutions through secure, verifiable, and censorship-resistant digital voting solutions. Built on open-source principles, decentralized technologies and advanced cryptography, Vocdoni ensures integrity, privacy, and accessibility in global democratic processes. Vocdoni works with notable clients such as FC Barcelona, the Barcelona City Council, the Belarusian Coordination Council, Esquerra Republicana, one of the largest political parties in Spain, and Òmnium Cultural, the largest cultural association in Europe, along with hundreds of other Web2 organizations, institutions, and DAOs. Contact Info: Name: Ferran Reyes Email: Send Email Organization: Vocdoni Phone: +34744407401 Website: Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. Information verification has been done to the best of our ability. Still, due to the speculative nature of the blockchain (cryptocurrency, NFT, mining, etc.) sector as a whole, complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. You are advised to conduct your own research and exercise caution. Investments in these fields are inherently risky and should be approached with due diligence. Release ID: 89158313 In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Trump's NASA Cuts Would Decimate U.S. Venus Science
Preliminary budget cuts proposed by the Trump Administration would slash a huge swath out of NASA's Venus science funding. And it would spell the end of the space agency's much anticipated $500 million DAVINCI mission, an orbiter and atmospheric probe, which had been due for launch to our sister planet in 2030. The Trump White House shared a draft version of its 2026 budget request for NASA with the space agency, as Ars Technica first revealed last week. The proposed preliminary budget calls for a 30 percent cut to the space agency's planetary science budget, taking it down to only $1.929 billion, Ars Technica reports. DAVINCI is a NASA-led mission; not only is it a return to Venus, it's a return to the surface, which has not been done for a long, long time, Stephen Kane, a planetary astrophysicist at the University of California, Riverside, and a member of NASA's DAVINCI science team, tells me by phone. The American planetary science community is also fearful that if DAVINCI is axed, there may be a domino effect in Congress that would endanger funding for VERITAS, a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Venus mapping mission due for launch in 2031. The budget proposal would also decimate NASA research grants that are the lifeblood of career planetary scientists and as well as early career doctoral and graduate students doing Venus-related research. The U.S. planetary science community is pretty much in a state of shock over the proposed cuts and it's uncertain as to whether Congress will try to help NASA defend its Venus science programs. Venus is an extreme example of a planet gone awry, with surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead and surface pressures some 93 times that of Earth. But new technologies are finally enabling the scientifically long-neglected planet to be explored in a way that has never previously been possible. It's just astounding that it's the nearest planet, the same size as Earth and we still know very little about the chemistry and composition of the atmosphere, says Kane. If we can't understand Venus, then we've got no hope for an exoplanet that's 100 light years away, he says. Prior to the November presidential election, Kane flew to Washington, D.C. on behalf of The Planetary Society to lobby both sides of the aisle in Congress and emphasized the importance of staying the course with NASA's planned Venus funding. Kane tells me that he was well-received by both Congressional Democrats and Republicans, but said the new administration's proposed cuts will jeopardize the work that's been done in U.S. Venus science over the last decade and a half. Prior to the recent change in presidential leadership, Kane says that both NASA's DAVINCI and VERITAS missions as well as the European Space Agency's EnVision Venus orbiter were on a pathway for launch by the early 2030s. But he says that because the three missions are so interconnected, if one or more is canceled, it's not clear how EnVision would be impacted. If these cuts go through, they will also represent a blow to American soft power. NASA is the biggest source of soft power that the United States wields, meaning that anywhere you go in the world people love NASA, says Kane. That's not something that you can buy, he says. And perhaps the most frustrating and ironic aspect about these potential cuts is that in the scheme of the U.S. government's overall budget, Mars gets much more of the planetary science budget than Venus. And if you compare U.S. Venus funding to everything else, it's kind of like we're talking accountancy errors, says Kane. I have trained graduate students working on Venus who are now wondering if they have invested all their efforts into something which isn't actually going to go anywhere, says Kane. What can we expect in the next few months? The final NASA budget is going to take months to resolve, and, meanwhile, we have to somehow keep our heads in the science, says Kane. It's very difficult to keep doing the good science whilst concerned about the existential nature of this impending budget crisis, he says. What happens if these cuts go through? We're going to see a decimation of U.S. science leadership and if we lose that, it's going to take decades to rebuild, says Kane.
