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The European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission is pioneering the study of the solar corona by creating artificial solar eclipses using two satellites. One satellite blocks the Sun's light, allowing the other to capture detailed images of the corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere, which is hotter than the solar surface. This innovative approach provides scientists with extended observation periods, crucial for understanding solar phenomena like solar wind and coronal mass ejections that affect space..

A remarkable study reveals the fascinating behavior of nematodes, specifically Caenorhabditis elegans, which form living towers to escape food scarcity. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute observed these tiny worms, measuring just 1 mm, stacking up to 200 individuals high. This unique strategy allows them to attach to flying insects, effectively hitching a ride to new environments. Documented in nature for the first time, this behavior, known as phoresy, showcases the worms' social compl..

At the recent Jugend forscht awards in Hamburg, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier voiced strong concerns about the treatment of scientific institutions by the Trump administration. He criticized the increasing restrictions on academic freedom in the United States, highlighting how financial and operational pressures are being imposed on universities like Harvard. Steinmeier pointed out that the globally respected American scientific and educational system is at risk of being undermined..

President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East marks a significant moment in his second term. His journey will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where he aims to finalize arms deals potentially valued at $1 trillion. This visit is under scrutiny due to ethical concerns surrounding a luxury jet gift from Qatar. Central to discussions will be the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a process hindered by ongoing tensions related to the..

BD+05 4868 Ab, an exoplanet situated in Pegasus, is undergoing a remarkable mass loss, equivalent to that of Mount Everest daily. Orbiting its star significantly closer than Mercury does our Sun, this planet boasts scorching surface temperatures around 1600 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat causes its minerals to vaporize, leading to a tail filled with solid particles, unlike typical comets. Researchers predict that BD+05 4868 Ab's weakening gravitational field will result in its complete dis..

Rare earth elements, comprising 17 metals like neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium, are crucial for modern technologies, including wind turbines, electric vehicles, and electronics. Despite their name, these elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but their extraction and refinement are economically and environmentally challenging. China dominates the global supply chain, accounting for the majority of production and refinement due to its substantial reserves and advanced p..

After over a decade of groundbreaking work, the European Space Agency's Gaia telescope has been sent into retirement orbit around the sun. Launched in 2013, Gaia mapped nearly two billion stars, identified numerous asteroids, and even uncovered black holes within the Milky Way. Its mission was pivotal in creating the most detailed 3D map of our galaxy. The decision to retire Gaia ensures that it won’t interfere with newer telescopes like James Webb and Euclid. While the mission has concluded,..

Researchers from the University of Mainz have made a fascinating discovery in desert regions of Namibia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. They found traces of unknown microorganisms in limestone and marble, characterized by tiny tubes measuring up to three centimeters long. These structures, possibly millions of years old, suggest a unique adaptation where microorganisms drilled into calcium carbonate to extract nutrients. While the exact origin of these organisms remains elusive, their existence raises..

Prominent economist Ulrike Malmendier advocates for substantial investments in Germany's scientific landscape, urging the nation to capitalize on the shifting dynamics in the United States under Donald Trump's presidency. Malmendier highlights the current situation as a significant opportunity for Germany and Europe to attract top US researchers who might be disillusioned by the cutbacks in federal research funding and the erosion of scientific freedom in the US. Trump's administration has si..