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Evidence of hominin activity has been discovered in Romania, dating back approximately 1.95 million years, significantly altering the timeline of human presence in Europe. Fossil remains, found at the Grăunceanu site in the Olteț River Valley, have provided the earliest known proof of hominin activity in the region. This discovery indicates that early humans reached Europe around half a million years earlier than previously believed. The findings suggest early hominins adapted to temperate and seasonal environments long before earlier evidence suggested.

Findings from Grăunceanu Fossil Site

According to a study published in Nature Communications, faunal remains from Grăunceanu, part of the Tetoiu Formation, were analysed, showing cut marks consistent with hominin butchery techniques. The research team, led by the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Ohio University, examined over 4,500 specimens for modifications, including anthropogenic marks. Of these, 20 bones displayed surface marks, with seven being identified as cut-marked with high confidence. These marks were found on animal tibiae and mandibles, demonstrating defleshing practices.

Dating Techniques and Environmental Insights

As reported by phys.org, high-precision laser ablation U-Pb dating was used on dentine samples from the site, providing minimum fossil ages ranging from 2.01 to 1.87 million years, with an average age of 1.95 million years. These findings align with biochronological estimates, establishing Grăunceanu as Europe’s oldest evidence of hominin activity. Isotope analysis of a horse molar suggested a temperate woodland-grassland environment with heavy seasonal rainfall, and faunal remains indicated mild winters, which would have supported hominin habitation during interglacial periods.

Implications for Hominin Migration

The evidence from Grăunceanu challenges previous theories that hominins first established themselves in Georgia, as seen at the Dmanisi site. This discovery implies that early humans dispersed across a broader range of environments earlier than previously understood, demonstrating significant ecological adaptability. The presence of warm-adapted species, such as pangolins and ostriches, further highlights the favourable conditions that may have facilitated this migration.

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Further reading:
Hominin Activity, Romania, Grăunceanu, Early Humans, Fossil Discoveries, Human Migration, Prehistoric Europe, Anthropology, Nature Communications, Ohio University, Dmanisi, Human Evolution

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India’s Gaganyaan project takes a big step with Crew Module launch

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January 24, 2025

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India’s Gaganyaan project takes a big step with Crew Module launch

India’s journey toward human space exploration marked a critical step with the dispatch of the Crew Module for the first uncrewed mission under the Gaganyaan project. The module, integrated with a liquid propulsion system at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru, has been sent to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This development, achieved on 21 January 2025, is part of India’s efforts to attain human spaceflight capabilities.

Liquid Propulsion System Details

As reported by the Economic Times, according to ISRO, the Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS) incorporates a bi-propellant Reaction Control System (RCS). This system is essential for precise three-axis control—pitch, yaw, and roll—during the descent and re-entry phases. Control operations will commence after the separation of the service module and continue until the parachute-based deceleration system is deployed. The propulsion system includes 12 thrusters, each delivering 100 Newtons of thrust, along with high-pressure gas bottles, a propellant feed mechanism, and associated fluid control components.

Assembly and Integration

The module’s development also involved the integration of the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The module will now undergo further assembly processes, including avionics installation, electrical harnessing, and a series of checks at VSSC before its dispatch to the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. The final phase will focus on integrating the Crew Module with the Orbital Module.

ISRO has emphasised that the uncrewed G1 mission is a preparatory step for sending humans to space, enabling the validation of systems and technologies critical to the Gaganyaan project. With this milestone, India edges closer to joining the league of nations with human spaceflight capabilities.

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SpaceX Achieves 400 Orbital Rocket Landings with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy

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January 24, 2025

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SpaceX Achieves 400 Orbital Rocket Landings with Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy

SpaceX marked a significant achievement during the launch of 27 Starlink satellites from California on January 21, 2025. The mission, conducted from Vandenberg Space Force Base, witnessed the Falcon 9 rocket completing a successful return of its first stage to a drone ship positioned at sea. This marked the 400th orbital-class rocket landing for the company, a milestone that underscores the advancements made in reusable spaceflight technology.

Falcon 9 Leads SpaceX’s Reusability Milestones

According, the majority of these 400 landings have been achieved through the Falcon 9 rocket. This workhorse has been central to the company’s missions, with several boosters performing multiple flights. One of the Falcon 9’s first stages holds the record for 25 launches and landings. The focus on reusability has been a cornerstone of SpaceX’s approach to reducing costs and increasing the frequency of space missions.

Falcon Heavy’s Contribution to the Milestone

SpaceX’s powerful Falcon Heavy has also contributed to this achievement. The Falcon Heavy’s design integrates three Falcon 9 boosters, enabling it to execute up to three landings in a single mission. Although the rocket has flown only 11 times to date, it has played a crucial role in advancing the company’s capabilities in heavy-lift missions.

Starship’s Development and Next Steps

As per the reports by space.com, while the milestone did not include landings by SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket, progress on the fully reusable vehicle has been noteworthy. The Starship system aims to support human missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Recent test flights have showcased the potential of the vehicle, though challenges remain. On January 16, 2025, the Super Heavy booster was successfully caught by the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms, but issues during the upper stage’s flight highlighted areas for improvement.

This achievement reflects SpaceX’s focus on reusable technology, which continues to redefine possibilities in space exploration.

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Scientists Uncover New Form of Magnetism That Could Be the Key to Superconductivity

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January 24, 2025

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Scientists Uncover New Form of Magnetism That Could Be the Key to Superconductivity

A new category of magnetism, identified as “altermagnetism,” has been discovered, potentially unlocking new advancements in superconducting materials and magnetic memory devices. This development, made by researchers using advanced imaging techniques, highlights how altermagnetism bridges the gap between two previously established types of magnetism. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more secure data storage systems, while also addressing long-standing challenges in superconductivity research.

Details from the Study

According to a study published in Nature, the research was led by Professor Peter Wadley at the University of Nottingham. The findings suggest that altermagnetic materials, unlike ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic ones, feature magnetic moments that point alternately in opposite directions, but with a slight twist. This structure provides a combination of the strengths of both previously known magnetism types, enabling greater resilience, security, and functionality in memory storage.

Dr Oliver Amin, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the study, explained to Live Science that this form of magnetism incorporates the secure properties of antiferromagnets while retaining the ease of data manipulation found in ferromagnets. In contrast to ferromagnets, which are susceptible to interference, and antiferromagnets, which are difficult to manipulate, altermagnets demonstrate unique qualities that address both challenges.

Significance of Time Reversal Symmetry Breaking

As per the research team, altermagnetic materials possess a rare property called time reversal symmetry breaking. This allows certain electrical behaviours to exist that were previously unattainable. It also enables precise control of internal magnetic structures. Using photoemission electron microscopy, the team successfully mapped magnetic domains and manipulated the materials through thermal cycling techniques.

Future Applications

These findings could lead to the development of advanced magnetic memory systems and spintronic devices, offering increased speed and resilience. Additionally, the study suggests that altermagnetism might serve as the missing link in superconductivity research, filling a gap in symmetry-related challenges. This discovery could open the door to revolutionary applications in electronics and materials science.

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1.95-Million-Year-Old Evidence of Hominin Activity Discovered in Romania



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