hb2k.com – Daily Briefings & General Coverage

Planetary warning! Something ‘big’ is moving inside Earth; here’s what scientists just found

A groundbreaking study by ETH Zurich reveals that solid rock in Earth's D" layer, located deep within the mantle, can move like a fluid while remaining solid. Researchers used diamond anvil cells and X-ray diffraction to observe mineral behavior under extreme conditions, explaining seismic wave anomalies and linking deep mantle processes to plate tectonics, volcanism, and Earth's magnetic field.

‘Weird mash-up of whale, seal and Pokémon’: New ‘nightmare Muppet’ fossil sheds light on evolution; tiny predator had shark-like jaws, bulging eyes

Science News: Long before whales became the gentle giants of today, some of their ancestors were small, fierce, and strange.

For some patients, the 'inner voice' may soon be audible

Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in decoding inner speech, offering hope for individuals with speech impairments. Researchers successfully translated imagined words into text using brain implants and AI. The study, part of the BrainGate2 trial, demonstrated that brain signals for imagined speech are similar to those for attempted speech.

26-million-year-old whale skull fossil found, sheds light on ancient marine life

A 26-million-year-old whale skull, belonging to the newly identified Janjucetus dullardi, has been unearthed at Jan Juc Beach in Australia. This Oligocene-era predator, unlike modern baleen whales, possessed sharp teeth and large eyes, indicating an active hunting lifestyle. The remarkably preserved fossil offers crucial insights into whale evolution, particularly the transition from toothed predators to filter feeders.

NASA-ISRO successfully deploy world’s largest radar antenna in orbit; a milestone in Earth observation

NASA and ISRO have successfully deployed the world's largest radar antenna, a 33-foot structure, as part of the NISAR mission. Orbiting 460 miles above Earth, it will capture high-resolution radar images, penetrating clouds and darkness. This breakthrough will provide critical data on climate change, natural hazards, and agricultural trends, offering global benefits through open data access.

After historic ISS mission, Shubhanshu Shukla gets red-carpet welcome in Delhi, to meet PM; LS will hold special discussion on him today

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla received a grand welcome in Delhi after his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He was greeted by ministers, ISRO chairman, and space enthusiasts. Shukla is scheduled to meet PM Modi and participate in National Space Day celebrations, with Parliament set to discuss his mission and India's space program.

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to launch NASA's Mars mission before Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Jef Bezos's Blue Origin is preparing for a Mars mission. The New Glenn rocket will launch NASA's ESCAPADE probes in September 2025. This marks Blue Origin's first interplanetary flight. The mission will study Mars' magnetosphere and atmosphere. It will provide data on solar wind interaction. The launch highlights commercial space exploration.

NASA locked them away for a year to test Mars simulation survival—what they did with a PS4 will stun you

In a groundbreaking experiment, NASA's CHAPEA mission simulated Martian life for over a year, confining four volunteers to a habitat. Beyond survival and adaptation, the crew discovered an unexpected benefit in PS4 gaming. Video games helped maintain cognitive sharpness, reduce stress, and improve problem-solving skills.

NASA alert! Stadium-sized asteroid 1997 QK1 set for close flyby of Earth on August 20 at 22,000 mph; here’s what you need to know

A large asteroid, 1997 QK1, will safely pass Earth on August 20, 2025. NASA and ISRO will monitor this event. The asteroid is large, but poses no threat. Such flybys help scientists refine orbital models. They also help in planetary defense strategies. ISRO plans future missions to study near-Earth asteroids. International collaboration is key for planetary defense.

Mercury’s radius is shrinking rapidly! Smallest planet in solar system loses 11 kilometres since formation; scientists warn

Recent research indicates Mercury, the solar system's smallest planet, is shrinking due to its cooling interior. As Mercury's core loses heat, the crust adjusts, forming thrust faults and scarps. New measurements reveal a radius decrease of 2.7 to 5.6 kilometers, offering insights into Mercury's tectonic activity and geological evolution, enhancing our understanding of small rocky planets.

Who is Kairan Quazi? 16-year-old teen engineer leaving Elon Musk’s SpaceX for Citadel Securities

Kairan Quazi, the 16-year-old prodigy, is transitioning from SpaceX's Starlink project to Citadel Securities as a quant developer. After graduating from Santa Clara University at 14, he defied age barriers at SpaceX. Now, he's set to apply his unique engineering and problem-solving skills to quantitative finance, overcoming challenges related to age-based biases in the professional world.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites on 100th Falcon 9 flight of the year

SpaceX achieved a significant milestone in 2025, launching its 100th Falcon 9 mission, deploying 24 Starlink satellites and expanding its constellation to over 8,100 active units. Booster 1088 completed its ninth successful flight, landing on the drone ship, marking SpaceX's 489th Falcon 9 landing. This feat underscores SpaceX's reusability advancements and its impact on global internet coverage.

Brain's Eye View: Study Shows We See Reality 15 Seconds Late

A groundbreaking study has unveiled a surprising truth about our perception of time: the present moment is not as straightforward as it seems. Our brains intricately delay and blend visual signals from the previous 15 seconds, creating a polished, uninterrupted experience that shields us from the sensory overload of reality.

Earth's Spin Accelerating: Scientists Predict Potential 'Negative Leap Second' by 2029

Earth's rotation is speeding up, leading to shorter days and potential timekeeping adjustments. Scientists predict that by 2029, a leap second might be subtracted from atomic clocks for the first time ever to align with this faster spin. This adjustment highlights the dynamic relationship between human-made time and Earth's natural rhythms, influenced by geophysical changes.

Space Race Heats Up: Top 10 Missions Redefining Exploration Beyond 2025 Hoặc Moon, Mars, and Beyond: The Decade's Most Anticipated Space Missions Launching After 2025

In 2025, space exploration enters a new era with missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, led by NASA, ISRO, ESA, JAXA, and private companies. These missions aim to advance scientific knowledge, paving the way for human exploration and technological innovation. From lunar landers to interplanetary explorers, these missions will redefine humanity's place in the cosmos.

Bezos-Backed Methane-Tracking Satellite Mission Deemed Lost After Power Failure in Orbit

A satellite backed by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been lost in space while carrying out an important climate change mission, New Zealand officials said Wednesday. Amazon founder Bezos pumped more than US$100 million into the project through his philanthropic Earth Fund.

Indian Astronaut to Connect with Students, ISRO Scientists in Landmark Space-to-Earth Ham Radio Event

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will interact with ISRO students and scientists from the International Space Station. The interaction will occur via ham radio on Friday. This event is part of the ARISS program. It aims to promote STEM education. The session will take place at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.