The V-formation we have all seen growing up is commonly seen in migratory birds like cranes, pelicans, and ducks. It consists of a bird leader up front and the others trailing behind. Each one keeps a precise position relative to the one ahead of them. Now, let’s look at some reasons behind this synchronisation. Firstly,...
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January 14, 2026January 14, 2026Science & Tech
Scientists find spaceflight affects immune genes, deforms the brain
As humans prepare for longer missions to the moon and eventually Mars, scientists need to understand exactly how spaceflight affects the human body. They already know the microgravity and radiation in space affect astronauts’ health. To this end, a study published on January 2 in Science by researchers from Saudi Arabia examined human immune cells...
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January 14, 2026January 14, 2026Science & Tech
Science quiz: On vexillography
Q: This ‘infographic’ from an 18th century work explains the famous rule of ________, by which heralds may be designed. Fill in the blank. A: Tincture Q: The half or edge of the flag nearest to the flagpole is called the hoist. In vexillography, this is considered to be the leading edge. The fly is...
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January 13, 2026January 13, 2026Science & Tech
‘Rest of the world rooting for Gaganyaan mission,’ says Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
Space is for everybody, and space is going to epitomise what deep tech is going to be, said Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Indian Air Force Group Captain who is one of the astronauts selected for India’s first crewed spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. He was speaking at the third edition of Deep Science Forum, a deep science tech event held by Ankur Capital. Mr. Nair, who was also the backup astronaut for...
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January 13, 2026January 13, 2026Science & Tech
What an edible insects stall revealed about acceptance, ‘normal’ food
Why does the idea of eating insects provoke discomfort, even before taste or nutrition enters the conversation? At an edible insects stall during a food mela at the Science Gallery, Bengaluru, this question surfaced repeatedly as visitors negotiated curiosity, disgust and the boundaries of what they considered “normal” food. Many assumed they were encountering a...
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January 13, 2026January 13, 2026Science & Tech
What is the NASA Artemis II mission?
A: Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme. It will be the first time humans will travel to the vicinity of the moon since 1972. The 10-day flight will test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft to ensure all life-support and navigation systems are safe for future...
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January 13, 2026January 13, 2026Environment, Science & Tech
If data is the new oil, what does that make data centres?
Many think the idea of ‘dumping’ in global trade is a red herring. The reason is obvious: if country A is able to dump certain goods in country B, it’s not because A has smuggled them in. It’s because someone in country B was interested in receiving those goods, and B’s laws allowed for them...
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January 13, 2026January 13, 2026Science & Tech
China’s EAST fusion reactor beats density limit, widens path to power
Scientists at a nuclear fusion reactor in China recently surmounted an important obstacle in operating reactor vessels at high density. They pushed plasma density 65% beyond a special threshold, entering a stable state that overcomes a long-standing barrier to achieving burning plasma, the stage where a fusion reaction becomes self-sustaining. Fusion power mimics what happens...
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January 12, 2026January 12, 2026Science & Tech
Troubling repeat: On ISRO’s failed PSLV-C62 mission
On January 12, as the PSLV-C62 mission rose from Sriharikota into the morning sky and its third stage kicked on, the live telecast abruptly stopped showing the rocket’s performance and trajectory. As it became evident that its third stage had suffered an anomaly, putting paid to the C62 mission in a manner similar to the...
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January 12, 2026January 12, 2026Science & Tech
DRDO successfully flight-tests indigenous third-generation MPATGM with top-attack capability
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Sunday (January 11, 2026) successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed third-generation fire-and-forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top-attack capability against a moving target at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. According to Ministry of Defence, the flight test was conducted by DRDO’s Defence Research &...
