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Three Germans have been charged with espionage, accused of passing sensitive military technology to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS). The individuals, identified as Herwig F., Ina F., and Thomas R., allegedly collected data on crucial military technology, including sonar systems, boat engines, and drone technology. The charges specify that the trio used a company owned by Herwig and Ina F. to establish connections with firms and research institutions, enabling them to gather and transmit..

Baden-Württemberg is renowned for its remarkable wildlife, particularly a unique animal of impressive size that has garnered scientific attention. This region boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its landscapes are dotted with rare and protected species, contributing to its status as a sought-after destination for those who appreciate the natural world. The successful establishment and spread of this extraordinary specimen highlight the ecological..

In the Dewars Farm Quarry, Oxfordshire, a remarkable discovery has emerged, revealing over 200 well-preserved dinosaur footprints dating back 166 million years. This site features tracks from both the giant herbivore Cetiosaurus and the carnivorous Megalosaurus, showcasing a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. The longest continuous trail extends over 150 meters, indicating significant movement patterns of these ancient creatures. Excavation efforts utilized advanced techniques, including..

A short-finned squid, Illex coindetii, was discovered dead on the steep coast of Schleswig-Holstein near Hohwacht Stakendorf. Initially posted by a woman on social media in early December, the squid was later found by an amateur paleontologist. Experts from the Kiel Geomar Helmholtz Center, including biologist Thorsten Reusch, suggest that this species has established populations in the North Sea. Deep-water currents might be facilitating their migration into the Baltic Sea. This squid species..

Rabea Rogge, a trailblazing German scientist, is set to become the first German woman in space. She is preparing for the 2025 "Fram2" mission, where she will investigate a mysterious celestial phenomenon over the polar regions alongside an international team. Rogge undergoes rigorous training, including centrifuge exercises and medical instruction, to ensure she is ready for various scenarios. Her background includes developing a nanosatellite concept and training in Alaska. Notably, she plans..

Across the globe, over 7,000 languages exhibit universal characteristics that connect humanity. Researchers identify similar sound patterns for emotions like pain and joy, alongside child words for parental figures. Fascinating exceptions exist, such as the Rotokas language, which lacks the sound 'm'. The Bouba/Kiki effect highlights how people associate rounded shapes with soft sounds and angular shapes with harsh sounds. Furthermore, the R/L effect illustrates the connection between sound and..

The Greenland Ice Sheet, the world's second-largest ice cap, is experiencing significant ice loss, averaging nearly 200 cubic kilometers annually. This alarming trend contributes to a global sea level rise of 13.6 millimeters since 1992. The melting is especially pronounced in the marginal areas, or melt zones, compared to the interior. Researchers utilize advanced satellite missions, CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2, to monitor these changes, revealing a consistent pattern of decline. Since the 20th ce..

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved an unprecedented milestone by coming within 6.1 million kilometers of the Sun's surface, setting a record for the closest approach by any human-made object. Launched in August 2018, this remarkable spacecraft is on a seven-year mission to explore the Sun's atmosphere and its mysteries. Equipped with an advanced carbon composite heat shield, the probe can withstand temperatures exceeding 930 degrees Celsius. Its design allows it to accelerate to speeds of..

In the icy expanse of Siberia, a significant paleontological discovery has been made with the unearthing of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth. Nicknamed 'Yana,' after the river basin where it was found, this fossil is hailed as the best-preserved specimen of its kind. Weighing 180 kilograms and standing 1.20 meters tall, the young mammoth measures 2 meters in length and was likely around one year old at the time of its death. The discovery took place at the Batagaika research station in the Yaku..

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission to explore the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. This spacecraft, the fastest ever built, will approach within 6 million kilometers of the Sun's surface, reaching speeds of 692,000 kilometers per hour. Its primary goal is to uncover the mysteries of the corona, which paradoxically is hotter than the Sun's surface. The mission will provide crucial insights into solar phenomena, including solar winds and storms that..

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore face an unexpected extension of their stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned for a brief mission of eight days, their return has been delayed until March 2025 due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The spacecraft will now return unmanned, forcing the astronauts to wait for the arrival of SpaceX's Crew-10. This prolonged mission raises concerns about the potential impacts of extended microgra..

Recent research suggests that the Moon is older than previously believed, with its formation dating back 4.43 to 4.53 billion years ago. This reevaluation stems from the understanding of the Moon's early tidal heating and subsequent geological changes. Originally, it was thought that the Moon formed from the debris of a collision between the Earth and the Mars-sized body, Theia. However, tidal forces exerted by Earth heated the Moon, causing magma to surface and complicating age estimates from..

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will extend their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) from an expected eight days to a staggering ten months, with their return now pushed to March or April 2025. This significant delay stems from ongoing issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, which have hampered its operational readiness. As a result, the planned crew change, initially scheduled for February, has also been aff..

Recent research challenges the long-held belief that Saturn's rings are relatively young. Previously thought to be 100 to 400 million years old, new findings suggest they may date back billions of years. The study highlights that micrometeoroid impacts do not significantly pollute the rings. Instead, the impacts vaporize materials, creating nanoparticles and ions that escape into space or Saturn's atmosphere. This self-cleaning process supports the theory that the rings could have formed from a..

The largest land-living crustacean on Earth fascinates with its impressive size and unique habitat. Engaging quizzes provide an opportunity to test your knowledge on various subjects, from geography to pop culture. Participants can challenge themselves with seven diverse questions, ensuring a fun learning experience. This interactive format not only sharpens general knowledge but also serves as an entertaining distraction on rainy weekends or during dull TV moments. Embrace the challenge and d..

The Technical University of Nuremberg (UTN), established in 2021, is broadening its scope by integrating disciplines such as biology, physics, and chemistry alongside a robust emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). Under the leadership of founding president Michael Huth, the university aims to create a dynamic research environment that interconnects various scientific fields. The recently launched master’s program in AI and Robotics marks a significant step, with plans for additional programs..

Recent observations reveal that solar superflares occur more frequently than previously thought. Research utilizing the Kepler telescope has tracked over 56,000 sun-like stars across 220,000 years, identifying 2,889 superflares from 2,527 stars. This indicates an occurrence of approximately one superflare every century. Such events can severely disrupt telecommunications and power systems, as seen during the 1989 Canadian blackout and the 2022 crashes of Starlink satellites. However, not all r..

Recent discoveries of ancient human genomes shed light on the complex interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals. Geneticist Johannes Krause highlights that human history is marked not only by triumphs but also by local extinctions, which erased some biological heritages. Studies suggest that most Neanderthal ancestry in modern humans stems from a long-term gene flow, although additional interbreeding events likely occurred without leaving discernible traces in our DNA. The work of S..

The prestigious Leibniz Prize has been awarded to several outstanding researchers, recognizing their groundbreaking work across various fields. Notably, Hannes Leitgeb from LMU received the prize for his contributions to the intersection of logic, mathematics, and cognitive science. His impressive career includes positions at the University of Salzburg, University of Bristol, and Stanford University. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla and Bettina Valeska Lotsch were also honored for their pioneering r..

Google has unveiled Gemini 2.0, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence model, marking the onset of the 'agentic era.' This advanced AI can autonomously perform tasks, generate text, images, and audio, and integrate into various Google platforms. Initially, Gemini 2.0 will be tested with trusted users before a broader release. Gemini 2.0's capabilities extend to enhancing video game interactions by suggesting actions and engaging in real-time conversations. It also includes a Deep Research t..

Wisdom, the 74-year-old Laysan albatross, has made headlines by laying a new egg at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. This extraordinary bird, known as the oldest living wild bird, has a remarkable history. She was first banded as an adult in 1956 and has since laid approximately 60 eggs, successfully raising 30 chicks. Wisdom exemplifies the monogamous nature of her species, as she and her mate take turns incubating their egg for two months, a process critical for the survival of the..

NASA's Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon, has faced significant delays and technical challenges. The program, which includes the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft, encountered issues during the Artemis I flight. An investigation revealed problems with the Avcoat heat shield, attributed to the skip guidance reentry approach. As a result, NASA has postponed the Artemis II mission to 2026 and the Artemis III lunar landing to mid-2027. These delays underscore..