Latest news with #ScottKelly
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists Find New Space-Adapted Bacteria Aboard Tiangong Space Station
Scientists have identified a new type of bacteria capable of withstanding harsh space conditions. The bacteria, retrieved from samples obtained during the Shenzhou 15 crewed mission, appear to have survived several months aboard China's Tiangong space station in 2022 and 2023. Researchers aboard the Tiangong space station and the International Space Station (ISS) regularly test their orbital quarters for bacteria. While bacteria are bound to be present anywhere humans hang out, it's a good idea to capture snapshots of a microbial community at a given time: Astronauts get to find out which bacteria might go to battle with their weakened immune systems, and planetary scientists get to monitor how contaminants might reach a separate space body if a crew isn't careful. It's a procedure that benefits virtually everyone involved in space exploration. NASA astronaut Scott Kelly collects microbial samples aboard the ISS. Credit: NASA The microbes found in these samples are often a known quantity. But every now and then, a new species of bacteria enters the scientific canon. Such is the case with Tiangong, which housed Niallia tiangongensis: a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that hangs out in the air. The new bacteria is detailed in a peer-reviewed paper for the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology. According to the researchers, who analyzed the samples after Shenzhou 15 returned to Earth in June 2023, N. tiangongensis (also known as strain JL1B1071T) is spore-forming. This survival mechanism allows a bacterium to become dormant in harsh environmental conditions; once it returns to a "friendlier" environment, the spore can germinate back into an active cell. N. tiangongensis might also be capable of "biofilm formation, oxidative stress response, and radiation damage repair, thereby aiding its survival in the space environment," the researchers note. This is the first time a new type of bacteria has been found on Tiangong, but other spacecraft are no stranger to novel microbes. Last year, scientists announced the discovery of a multi-drug resistant bacteria aboard the ISS, where the bacteria (Enterobacter bugandensis) was actively mutating to become "functionally distinct" from its former self. Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and its institutional partners also found 26 novel bacteria species in NASA's clean rooms—ultra-sterile environments aimed at preventing the transport of Earth bacteria to space—earlier this month.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
NASA astronauts are proud bedwetters. They even practice.
Before NASA shot astronaut Scott Kelly into orbit for the first time in 1999, he had an important order from his commander: Take one of these diapers, and go practice at home. So there he was, wearing a government-issued space diaper, lying down in his bathtub with his legs propped up. He was trying to simulate the way he'd be sitting in the Space Shuttle. After living his whole life trying to avoid peeing his pants, Kelly found it took some unlearning to be able to relax and let the good times, er, flow. But he eventually figured out how to open the floodgates. When it was his turn as commander on his next mission, he gave the same instructions to his crew: Go practice. That order, however, didn't go over so well with one male astronaut. "I actually had a crew member that wouldn't practice, refused to, and then almost had to be catheterized in space," Kelly told Mashable, adding empathetically that being an astronaut is a lot of pressure. That's why when his agent called him with a promotional opportunity to work with Goodnites, a maker of children's disposable bedtime underwear, he wanted to help reduce the stigma of bedwetting. It wasn't just the shared experience of needing to wear a diaper-like undergarment he identified with, it was the incredible pressure he realized children also must feel. Nighttime incontinence affects one in four 5-year-olds, one in five 7-year-olds, and one in 20 10-year-olds, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Kids have a lot of stuff on their plate," said Kelly, who has two adult children, "so if this could help some kids feel less embarrassed about wetting the bed, I was all in." SEE ALSO: Yes, NASA astronauts will still pee in their new spacesuits NASA astronaut Scott Kelly prepares for the Expedition 43 launch inside the Soyuz TMA-16M spacecraft at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Credit: NASA / Victor Zelentsov It's common knowledge that astronauts wear diapers. Perhaps no one brought that to the fore more than former astronaut Lisa Nowak — but that's a 900-mile story for another time. The shuttle and International Space Station have toilets, but sometimes the crew don't have access to them. During launches and landings, astronauts must stay strapped into their seats, and spacewalks — when astronauts venture outside for experiments or maintenance tasks — often require being sealed in a spacesuit for up to eight hours. Not many people can hold it for that long while continuously hydrating, so diapers have become a necessity — especially after the astronaut corps expanded to include women. The original urine collection contraptions designed for male astronauts couldn't be easily adapted for female anatomy. A sample of an adjustable Maximum Absorbency Garment, or "MAG." Credit: NASA / Center for the Advancement of Science in Space NASA donated unused MAG samples to the National Air and Space Museum. Credit: NASA / National Air and Space Museum In 1988, NASA started making MAGs — Maximum Absorbency Garments — for all its astronauts, said Kiona N. Smith, author of Peeing and Pooping in Space. The MAG uses a highly absorbent polymer compound between layers of material to remove moisture, which turns the pee into a solid gel. Perhaps deep down we're all snickering 12-year-olds, a fact that may have inspired Smith's book, but that curiosity is as innate as nature's call. "As silly as the questions and answers sometimes sound," Smith told Mashable, "it's that human urge to go, 'OK, but how does this work?'" Goodnites' new "Mission Dry" ad campaign, which launched last month, includes a commercial featuring Kelly. The video opens with the astronaut and a young crewmate doing a spacewalk and basking in the once-in-a-lifetime view of the stars. But the child can't enjoy the experience because he's distracted. He accidentally peed in his spacesuit and fears mission control will make fun of him. Child: Houston's probably laughing. Kelly: They're not laughing. Child: How do you know? Kelly: Because I just peed. Child: Just now? Kelly: Just now. Kelly, who is now retired after spending 520 days in space, was paid for the gig. As a public space agency, NASA doesn't usually endorse companies or their products. But he's not the only astronaut who liked the campaign's message. Cady Coleman, also retired from NASA, and a handful of other people who have flown on parabolic and short commercial flights, are also lending their voices. "On one of my missions, I did need to pee while I was wearing my spacesuit, and it went just fine," Coleman said in a reel on Instagram. "My suit was clean and dry, ready to go, and so was I." Retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and others have joined a Goodnites disposable nighttime underwear ad campaign. Credit: Goodnites For four decades, NASA has used the same spacesuit technology for astronauts. Axiom Space is designing a new one for the Artemis III crew, who will be the first people to walk on the moon since 1972. Though engineers have made several improvements, including dust-resistant materials, a compact life support system, and an HD video camera attachment, some things won't change, like wearing a MAG, said Russell Ralston, Axiom Space's deputy program manager for extravehicular activity. "If it's not broken, don't fix it," Ralston told Mashable during the news conference in 2023. "They're just honestly a very effective solution. Sometimes simplicity is best." That means a long and illustrious legacy of pants-peeing on the moon will continue, following in the boot prints of Apollo 11's Buzz Aldrin, the self-proclaimed first. "He stepped off the bottom step of the lunar lander and realized he had to go," Smith said. "So you've got this picture of him standing there on the lunar surface, and what you don't realize is he is 100 percent peeing into his urine collection device at that moment."
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Westbridge Renewable reports Strong Financial Results for 2024 and Strategic Update on its Project Pipeline
CALGARY, AB, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation (TSXV: WEB) (OTCQX: WEGYF) (FRA: PUQ) ("Westbridge", "Westbridge Renewable" or the "Company"), a leading renewable energy development company, is pleased to announce strong financial results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024, and to provide a strategic update regarding its project pipeline. 2024 Full Year Financial Highlights Westbridge closed fiscal year 2024 in a robust financial position, underlining the success of its capital allocation and project monetization strategy: $99 million in gross cash proceeds from project sales, resulting in $60m profit before tax and after all costs and interest $35 million in debt repaid bringing the long-term debt to zero $10 million returned to shareholders via a return of capital $37 million in cash and cash equivalents to drive future growth (as of the date of this release) These results reflect the monetization of key Canadian assets, including the sale of the Georgetown Solar (Dec 13 th, 2023) and Sunnynook Solar (Nov 5 th, 2024) projects. Update on the Alberta Projects Following the successful closings of the Georgetown and Sunnynook transactions, the previously announced definitive agreements with Metlen Energy & Metals ("Metlen", June 1 st, 2023) for the acquisition of the remaining Alberta-based projects expired on April 30 th and the Company has returned the deposits to Metlen. Given the changing regulatory landscape and Westbridge's strengthened financial position, the Company is pleased to retain full ownership of the Dolcy, Eastervale and Red Willow projects which represent a combined 1.8 GW of Solar and BESS in a core strategic market. The Company is now actively exploring: Retaining and advancing selected Alberta projects toward construction and operation, Engaging with new strategic partners to potentially co-invest in equity and project development. This strategic pivot aligns with Westbridge's long-term objective of becoming a vertically integrated renewable energy company and enhances its ability to capture greater value across the development lifecycle. "Our strong cash position and pipeline of high-quality projects allow us the flexibility to accelerate our strategy and maximize long-term value," said Scott Kelly, Chairman of Westbridge. "By maintaining optionality on our Alberta portfolio, we're positioning Westbridge to play a larger role in the energy transition." As part of the transactions with Metlen, and subject to the achievement of certain post-closing milestones and conditions, Westbridge may receive additional cash proceeds up to $50m from the previously sold Georgetown and Sunnynook projects. Westbridge is actively advancing the three late-stage renewable energy projects in Alberta, Canada Red Willow, Eastervale and Dolcy. Combined, these projects represent a significant addition to Canada's renewable infrastructure, focusing on large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) installations. Project Dolcy received AUC approval and is now in the closing stages of development. Project Eastervale did not receive AUC approval; however, the Company is planning to resubmit in 2025 with a new and improved layout that addresses the AUC concerns. Similarly, project Red Willow design is being updated to better reflect the feedback received from the AUC in the recent proceedings. Westbridge Expands Portfolio into Ontario Westbridge Renewable Energy is pleased to announce the expansion of its development portfolio into a new strategic market, Ontario. This milestone reflects the Company's ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable, utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects that contribute to Canada's transition toward a low-carbon economy. "Ontario will represent an important growth market for Westbridge," said Stefano Romanin, CEO of Westbridge. "By leveraging our proven track record in project development and monetization, along with the strength of our experienced team. We aim to quickly become a leading developer of greenfield solar PV and BESS projects in the province." The Company has already secured three solar projects in Ontario (the "Ontario Projects"), each with site control in place, completed environmental permitting feasibility studies, and interconnection applications currently underway. Collectively, these projects will add approximately 500 MWdc of solar capacity to Westbridge's growing international development portfolio. This expansion reinforces Westbridge's position as a key player in North America's renewable energy sector, advancing the clean energy transition through strategic growth and innovation. Looking Ahead With a diversified growing development portfolio approaching 10GW across four jurisdictions, Westbridge remains focused on: Advancing utility-scale solar and battery storage projects Securing power plant and interconnection approvals in Alberta and Ontario Growing its international pipeline in the U.S., UK, and Italy Westbridge continues to execute its proven development model while actively evaluating opportunities for long-term ownership and operation of select assets, enhancing shareholder value through both capital appreciation and strategic capital return. About Westbridge Renewable Energy Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp. originates, develops, and monetizes best-in-class, utility-scale solar PV projects. The Company has a portfolio of projects in four key jurisdictions, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Italy. Westbridge plans to deliver attractive, long-term returns by originating, executing, and developing an international portfolio of renewable assets for investors and utilities. Management has a strong track-record with 40+ projects developed worldwide, obtaining, and executing projects. As one of the very few listed pure-play Canadian solar development companies, Westbridge provides its investors with valuable access to greenfield solar projects. This means the Company can invest at the earliest stage of solar energy development benefiting from the full value chain, as well as the expected wider adoption of renewable energy going forward. Westbridge brings together regulators, corporate buyers, and landowners with the goal of delivering clean, sustainable electricity to end users. For more information, please visit: | Twitter | LinkedIn Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this document contains forward-looking information and statements including, without limitation, expected permitting, approvals, anticipated satisfaction of the conditions to satisfy post-closing payments for the Georgetown and Sunnynook projects and the timing thereof, management's business strategy, management's assessment of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future, including development of the project pipeline or receipt of post-closing Georgetown and Sunnynook transactions. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "potential" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties relating to Company's ability to complete licensing requirements, general business, economic, competitive, regulatory, policy and social uncertainties, and availability of permits and financing upon terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, risks related to general business, economic, political and social uncertainties, changes in laws, market risks, operating history, competition, and the other risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated August 14, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. SOURCE Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's How Astronauts Are Helping Kids Feel Brave About Bedwetting
Kids who wet the bed often feel ashamed or embarrassed. But in a new campaign from Goodnites, retired astronaut Scott Kelly is helping to change that narrative and support kids — one space walk at a time. Mission Dry is a new campaign from Goodnites, the #1 nighttime underwear¹ brand, that takes a bold approach to the topic of bedwetting. The campaign aims to help destigmatize bedwetting by reframing the role of nighttime underwear for kids. Goodnites launched a campaign film featuring retired astronaut Scott Kelly and released it on May 5 in honor of National Astronaut Day. The cinematic work brings courage, curiosity and compassion to an often sensitive subject. In the film, Kelly, who spent nearly a year in space, reassures a young crewmate who accidentally 'goes' in his suit while on a space walk, reminding him, 'No one's famous for what they do inside the suit — only for what they do beyond it.' The story may be set in space, but its message is grounded in reality: About 1 in 6 kids ages 3–12 in the U.S. experience bedwetting. And for those kids, hearing empathy and encouragement from a hero like Kelly can be a game changer. The campaign makes it clear that even heroes need support sometimes. The film draws a direct and comforting parallel between the absorbent tech in astronaut suits and the protection Goodnites nighttime underwear provides to help kids sleep through the night with confidence. The Mission Dry campaign, created in partnership with creative agency GUT New York, doesn't aim to sell nighttime underwear. It aims to shift the way we talk about bedwetting, from something embarrassing to something that builds resilience. 'This campaign is about using creativity to shift perceptions,' said Luiz Sanches, global chief creative and design officer at Kimberly-Clark. 'Not just of our product, but of what it means to be a kid navigating challenges with courage.' In addition to the film, Mission Dry launched with an educational STEM-inspired activation experience featuring Manju Bangalore, a physicist and scientist-astronaut candidate. Kids were invited to try hands-on activities, all while being reminded that needing a little help at night doesn't make you any less brave during the day. The experience was turned into an educational video teaching families and caregivers about the topic. Because when you reframe nighttime accidents as part of a bigger journey, even bedwetting becomes a launchpad for growth. ¹Youth Pant Category Share Data
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 160 — The Amazing Dr. Goddard
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. On Episode 160 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by Charles Slatkin to talk about the legacy of Dr. Robert Goddard, the "Father of Rocketry."Slatkin grew up during the Space Age and has become a Goddard evangelist, going so far as to purchase the historic Goddard home to convert into a museum. But his efforts don't stop there. Slatkin has started a nonprofit to not only further Goddard's legacy, but also to inspire young people, who he calls "today's Goddards," to reach for the stars. Hear this inspiring story on this episode of This Week in Space! Download or subscribe to this show at: episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at Failed Soviet Venus probe Kosmos 482 is expected to fall to Earth tonight, but when and where? Here's what we know Key Portion of NASA's Roman Space Telescope Clears Thermal Vacuum Test Astronaut Scott Kelly joins 'Mission Dry,' stars in Goodnites campaign Robert Goddard anniversary begins its historic climb Dr. Robert H. Goddard Robert Goddard's boyhood home in Worcester sold, to be used for science education The National Space Trail Goddard Space Flight Center TOP TELESCOPE PICK: Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide. Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars? Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.
