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On November 23, the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) reported an unusual smell while opening the hatch to the recently docked Russian Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft, leading to the immediate implementation of decontamination procedures according to a tweet posted by International Space Station on the platform X. The spacecraft, which had docked successfully to the station’s Poisk module, was found to contain an unexpected odour and visible small droplets, prompting the crew to close off the affected area as a safety measure.

As reported by multiple sources, the source of the odour, described by NASA astronaut Don Pettit as “reminiscent of spray paint,” raised initial concerns regarding potential contamination within the Russian segment of the ISS.

While Pettit’s description highlighted the intensity of the smell, NASA and Roscosmos both activated air-purification systems to address the potential risk. The American segment deployed its Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS), while additional filtration systems were engaged in the Russian module to restore air quality. As a further precaution, all crew members donned personal protective equipment (PPE), the official handle of ISS clarified in a post.

Continuous Monitoring Ensures Crew Safety

With air sensors monitoring the environment continuously, flight controllers confirmed by November 24 that the station’s air quality had returned to safe levels. This update allowed the crew to reopen the hatch between the Poisk and Progress modules without any risk. Though the specific source of the odour remains under investigation, officials have indicated that there are no current safety concerns for the crew, and the air quality is back to normal levels according to several reports.

Routine Resupply Mission Unaffected

Progress MS-29, part of a standard resupply mission, launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 21, bringing essential items such as food and fuel to the ISS. The spacecraft will remain docked for the next six months before transporting waste materials back to Earth. Despite the initial alert, ISS operations have been confirmed to continue as planned, with safety protocols ensuring no interruption to station activities.

Sources at NASA and Roscosmos have assured that efforts are underway to identify the origin of the odour and further preventive measures will be implemented as required.

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69-Year-Old Man with Paralysis Flies Virtual Drone Using Brain Implant

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January 22, 2025

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69-Year-Old Man with Paralysis Flies Virtual Drone Using Brain Implant

A paralysed individual, aged 69, has successfully piloted a virtual drone using a brain-computer interface (BCI) that interprets neural signals. This innovative achievement has enabled the participant to navigate a video-game obstacle course by imagining specific finger movements. The breakthrough device, which bridges brain activity and real-time control, demonstrates potential applications for assisting those with mobility challenges to engage in intricate tasks. These developments mark significant progress in the application of BCIs for enhancing motor functions.

Breakthrough Detailed in Nature Medicine

According to a study published in Nature Medicine, the man, who had been paralysed in all four limbs following a spinal cord injury, controlled the virtual drone using neural signals linked to imagined movements of specific finger groups. The research relied on electrodes implanted in the participant’s left motor cortex, which had been placed during a prior operation in 2016. Algorithms were trained to decode the brain’s signals when he visualised moving his right thumb, different finger pairs, or combinations of them.

The researchers reported that the participant initially practised synchronising imagined movements with a virtual hand displayed on a screen, achieving a high degree of accuracy by hitting up to 76 targets per minute. Subsequently, the signals were connected to the drone’s navigation system, allowing him to steer it through a virtual basketball court, manoeuvring rings with precision.

Expert Insights on Potential Applications

Matthew Willsey, a neurosurgeon at the University of Michigan and a co-author of the study, told Nature Medicine that the participant likened the experience to playing a musical instrument, requiring delicate adjustments to maintain control. Willsey noted that the research seeks to enable control of multiple movements simultaneously, potentially assisting activities such as typing or playing musical instruments.

John Downey, a BCI researcher from the University of Chicago, described the work as an important initial step in understanding hand control mechanisms. He highlighted the potential of this technology as a versatile tool for individuals with limited mobility. Researchers aim to enhance the system to decode signals for all ten fingers.

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Hubble Telescope Observes Two Young Stars in Orion Nebula

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January 22, 2025

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Hubble Telescope Observes Two Young Stars in Orion Nebula

Two young stars have been captured in a new image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, located in the Orion Nebula, a well-known region for star formation. The stars, named HOPS 150 and HOPS 153, are situated approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. The Orion Nebula is considered the closest massive star-forming region to Earth and contains hundreds of newly forming stars. The image provides insight into the ongoing process of star birth, showing the stars in their early stages as they gather material from their surrounding environment.

Protostars Observed in Orion Nebula

As reported by space.com, according to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) statement, the stars were identified through the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey conducted using the Herschel Space Observatory. HOPS 150, which consists of two stars, a forming a binary system, is seen glowing in bright golden red in the image’s upper-right corner. The binary stars are surrounded by a large cloud of gas and dust, which continues to provide material for their growth. The protostars are said to be midway in their developmental process, based on the light they emit in different wavelengths.

Stellar Jet Emission from HOPS 153

The statement also noted that HOPS 153, located on the left side of the image, exhibits a narrow jet of colorful gas extending outward. This jet is a byproduct of the star’s evolution, as it ejects material while feeding from its surrounding disk. The colorful jet, composed of high-speed matter, interacts with the surrounding gas and dust in the nebula, influencing the formation of new stars in the region.

Future Evolution of the Young Stars

ESA officials have stated that HOPS 153 is still deeply embedded in its birth cloud of cold, dense gas. While the protostar itself is not visible, the jet it emits can be clearly observed. As the star continues to develop, further material ejection is expected, which may impact the surrounding nebula and the formation of neighboring stars.

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New Lithium-Sulfur Battery Retains 80 Percent Capacity After 25,000 Cycles

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January 22, 2025

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New Lithium-Sulfur Battery Retains 80 Percent Capacity After 25,000 Cycles

Engineers and materials scientists have achieved a major advancement in battery technology, developing a lithium-sulfur battery that retains 80 percent of its charge capacity after 25,000 charging cycles. The new design, which uses a specially formulated electrode, represents a significant improvement over conventional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could pave the way for smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting energy storage solutions, addressing critical demands in electronics and electric vehicles.

Key Innovations in the Study

According to a study published in Nature, sulfur was utilised as a core component for the battery’s solid electrode. Despite being abundant and cost-effective, sulfur has historically posed challenges due to issues such as ion loss and expansion during reactions with lithium. These problems were tackled by incorporating a glass-like mixture composed of sulfur, boron, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine. The iodine element was found to enhance electron movement during redox reactions, allowing for faster charging and improved performance.

As reported by Techxplore, the research demonstrated that the porous atomic structure of the electrode facilitated ion diffusion, eliminating the need for intermediary movements. This structural stability, combined with the chemical properties of the glass-phase electrolyte, contributed to the battery’s durability across an unprecedented number of cycles.

Performance and Potential Applications

The experimental lithium-sulfur battery maintained its capacity even under high temperatures, a notable advantage in demanding environments. Standard lithium-ion batteries typically degrade after approximately 1,000 cycles, making this new battery’s longevity a striking development. Despite its promise, the study’s authors acknowledged the need for further research to improve energy density and explore alternative materials that could reduce the battery’s overall weight.

Efforts are being directed at refining this technology to support the growing demand for energy storage in applications ranging from consumer electronics to renewable energy systems.

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Heavy Dark Matter Could Break the Standard Model, New Research Shows

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