Latest news with #Europa


Sustainability Times
2 hours ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Aliens Could Already Live There': Scientists Uncover Deep-Sea Volcano Secrets That Mirror Europa's Hidden Ocean Environment
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Scientists use Earth's hydrothermal vents as a model to study potential life on Jupiter's moon Europa . as a model to study potential life on Jupiter's moon . 🔬 Dr. James Holden leads research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a $621,000 NASA grant . . 🚀 The Europa Clipper mission aims to assess the habitability of Europa's subsurface ocean by 2030. aims to assess the habitability of Europa's subsurface ocean by 2030. 🔍 Research on Earth's extreme environments helps predict the nature of microbial life beyond our planet. Earth, our vibrant blue planet, often serves as a natural laboratory for planetary science and space exploration. Here, scientists like Dr. James Holden are on a quest to unveil the mysteries of life beyond our world. Armed with a $621,000 grant from NASA, Holden and his team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are delving deep beneath our oceans, studying hydrothermal microbes that thrive in extreme environments. Their mission is to understand how life might exist on Europa, one of Jupiter's icy moons. As we explore these deep-sea volcanoes, we inch closer to answering one of humanity's most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe? Hydrothermal Vents The search for extraterrestrial life often conjures images of distant galaxies and advanced civilizations. However, scientists now hypothesize that life within our solar system, particularly on moons like Europa, may be microbial. Beneath Europa's icy crust, a salty ocean interacts with a hot molten core, creating an environment ripe for life. NASA's Europa Clipper mission aims to determine Europa's habitability, a question that Holden and his team are complementing with their research on Earth's hydrothermal vents. These vents, sources of chemical energy and heat, might mirror conditions on Europa, providing the necessary ingredients for life to flourish. Hydrothermal vents on Earth, where life might have originated, offer a glimpse into the potential ecosystems on icy moons. By studying these vents, Holden hopes to predict the nature of Europan life. His extensive research involves deep-sea expeditions, where submarines, both manned and robotic, descend miles below the ocean's surface to collect microbial samples. Through this work, Holden aims to uncover the secrets hidden within our planet's most extreme environments, paving the way for discoveries on icy ocean worlds beyond Earth. 'These Alien Oceans Are the Ultimate Game-Changer': NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory Poised to Expose Extraterrestrial Seas That Could Redefine All Life Identifying Microbial Life Dr. Holden's work goes beyond studying existing microbes in the ocean's depths. In his lab, he recreates the lightless, oxygen-less conditions of hydrothermal vents to understand the resilience and adaptability of these organisms. The microbes found here derive energy from gases and minerals released from Earth's interior, a process Holden suspects might parallel potential life processes on Europa. While Europan life forms may not be exact replicas of Earth's microbes, they could share similar survival strategies. On Earth, hydrothermal microbes utilize hydrogenases, specialized enzymes, to break down hydrogen for energy. However, on Europa, the chemical interactions might differ, with elements like iron, sulfur, and carbon playing pivotal roles. Through his research, Holden aims to map these chemical processes and understand their contributions to an organism's physiology. As the Europa Clipper approaches its 2030 arrival at the Jupiter system, Holden's work remains crucial in setting the stage for groundbreaking discoveries about life beyond Earth. 'These Hidden Passages Change Everything': Stunned Archaeologists Unveil Secret Corridor Inside Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza, Shaking History to Its Core Europa Clipper Mission The Europa Clipper spacecraft, a cornerstone of NASA's astrobiology program, is designed to explore the subsurface ocean of Jupiter's moon Europa. Scheduled to reach the Jovian system in 2030, this mission aims to assess the moon's habitability by studying its ice shell, subsurface ocean, and the potential for hydrothermal activity. The data collected could be instrumental in confirming the presence of life-supporting environments beyond Earth. Holden's research complements this mission by providing insights from Earth's own extreme environments. By drawing parallels between our planet's deep-sea vents and Europa's potential hydrothermal sites, his work helps scientists predict the kinds of life forms that might exist on the icy moon. The collaboration between groundbreaking terrestrial research and cutting-edge space missions underscores the interconnected nature of scientific exploration and the pursuit of knowledge about our place in the cosmos. '$100 Million Vanished and Nothing Flew': DARPA's Canceled Liberty Lifter Seaplane Leaves Behind a Trail of Broken Dreams and Game-Changing Tech Earth as a Planetary Analogue Earth is a treasure trove of environments that serve as analogues for other celestial bodies. Scientists identify these 'analogue sites' to study conditions similar to those found on planets and moons across the solar system. From the arid deserts resembling Mars to the icy terrains akin to Europa, Earth offers a diverse range of landscapes that provide insights into extraterrestrial environments. Holden's work exemplifies this approach, utilizing Earth's hydrothermal vents as a model to understand potential life on Europa. By studying the unique ecosystems at these sites, researchers can make informed predictions about the kinds of life that might exist in similar conditions elsewhere. This method of using Earth as a planetary analogue not only advances our understanding of alien life but also enriches our appreciation of the complex, interwoven systems that sustain life on our own planet. As we deepen our exploration of Earth's oceans and embark on ambitious missions to distant moons, the quest for extraterrestrial life continues to captivate scientists and the public alike. Through the lens of cutting-edge research and space exploration, we are beginning to piece together the puzzle of life beyond Earth. But with so much yet to discover, one question remains: What other secrets does the universe hold, waiting to be uncovered? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
🎥Nico Williams, a world-class player for Athletic
Mikel González wanted to comment on the continuity of the younger Williams brother with a contract renewal that has filled Athletic with joy. It has undoubtedly been the big news of the summer in Bilbao; the renewal of Nico Williams until 2035 continues to generate statements. Advertisement This time, it is the club's director of football, who considers Nico a world-class player and highlights the family values of the club. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 Ion Alcoba Beitia - 2025 Getty Images


The Independent
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Lamine Yamal faces legal action over dwarfism row at 18th birthday party
A Spanish disability rights group has vowed legal action over the reported hiring of people with dwarfism as entertainment at Barcelona star Lamine Yamal 's recent 18th birthday party, condemning the practice as discriminatory. The young winger, who helped Spain clinch the European Championship last year, celebrated his coming of age on Saturday with a star-studded jamboree that included celebrity guests from the music industry such as Bizarrap, Bad Gyal or Quevedo, as well as many of his Barca teammates and social media influencers. The Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) said in a statement that the use of people with dwarfism as spectacle at Yamal's party perpetuated stereotypes, fuelled discrimination and undermined the dignity and rights of people with disabilities. It cited Spain's disability rights law, which prohibits shows or recreational activities that use people with disabilities in a way that provokes ridicule or undermines their dignity. "It's unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism are still used for entertainment at private parties, particularly when public figures are involved," said ADEE President Carolina Puente. "The dignity and rights of our community cannot be a source of amusement under any circumstance." Yamal's representatives did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment, although Spain's Ministry of Social Rights has now asked the country's prosecutor's office to investigate Yamal. Yamal posted on Monday a one-minute video edit with highlights from the party on his Instagram account that featured fellow Barca players Gavi and Robert Lewandowski playing poker and roulette, though it did not appear to show people with achondroplasia, the genetic disorder causing dwarfism. The Spaniard – who won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup with Barca this season – wore a white suit with a red rose in his lapel, lavish jewellery and a cane, in keeping with the party's "Italian gangster" theme. Spanish radio station RAC1 broadcast an interview with someone claiming to be one of the entertainers present at the party who defended Lamine Yamal. "No-one disrespected us, we worked in peace," said the artist, who asked to remain anonymous. "I don't understand why there's so much hype. We're normal people, who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way. "We work as entertainers. Why can't we do it? Because of our physical condition? We know what our limit is and we will never exceed it: we are not fairground monkeys." The performer said it lasted one hour, and afterwards the entertainers joined in with the party. 'We dance, we distribute drinks, we do magic... there are many types of shows. Everyone had a great time.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hugo Rincón's future up in the air as Jesús Areso holds the key
Hugo Rincón's future up in the air as Jesús Areso holds the key Athletic maintains a firm stance with Hugo Rincón: despite the interest of numerous LaLiga clubs—such as Girona, Alavés, Rayo, Getafe or Mallorca—they do not contemplate his sale, according to AS, after his great year in Miranda del Ebro. The formula that the red-and-white club is considering is a loan to Primera, with several suitors such as Rayo Vallecano or Girona after the full-back. However, it is not ruled out that the player may have an opportunity at Athletic if by any chance the signing of Jesús Areso does not end up materializing. Advertisement If Areso is confirmed, Rincón would go on loan to continue his progression in Primera; otherwise, Valverde would consider keeping him to compete for the position. The next week will be decisive in defining his future. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 Gari Garaialde - 2025 Getty Images
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Today's Papers – Osimhen waits for Galatasaray, Lucca bidding war
La Gazzetta dello Sport Theo, a controversial farewell. Brown is on target to replace him on the left. Milan, left shot Duel with Fenerbahce for the Englishman of Gent, valued at 10m. Coup in attack considered: Chelsea's Jackson. Advertisement Osimhen No guarantee, but Napoli talks continue Kean After Retegui, Arabia wants more goals from the Azzurri Corriere dello Sport Osi-Gala, the waiting The Turkish club has not yet presented the guarantees Lucca bidding war Napoli in pole, but Milan and Dea go ahead DeLa's offer for Udinese is 35m, including add-ons. Tare tries to overtake for the striker and follow Guerra. Atalanta peril: they've chosen Lorenzo as Retegui's heir. Calha, Inter at stake Juve relaunch for Kolo Dzeko: 'In Florence forever' Bologna between Ciro and Pessina Tuttosport Interview with Matuidi. He had the director at St. Etienne and considers the Turkishman a star Advertisement 'Comolli and Yildiz, top for Juve' The former midfielder (three Scudetti with the Bianconeri) è is a Miami director. 'Damien breathes football 24 hours per day. He'll do great things. Kenan is fantastic, I already liked him, but seeing him live…An Arab offer for Nico. Gatti, no to Conte and extension to 2030. Osimhen: Galatasaray talks with Napoli continue Theo, a controversial farewell and Maldini backs him Loan deal requested, Venezia want a permanent transfer: talks are ongoing Oristanio, first Toro move