Connect with us

Published

1 month ago

on

Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have successfully produced oxygen and rocket fuel through artificial photosynthesis. This development could play a crucial role in China’s future lunar base by enabling resource generation on-site reducing the need for supplies from Earth. Conducted by the Shenzhou-19 crew, the experiment utilised water and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and hydrocarbon fuel components, similar to the natural process of photosynthesis in plants. The approach, which requires minimal energy, may provide a sustainable method for future space missions.

Artificial Photosynthesis Method and Its Potential

According to reports, Chinese state television CCTV stated that the artificial photosynthesis system mimics natural plant processes through engineered physical and chemical reactions. A semiconductor catalyst and a compact apparatus resembling a drawer were used to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and hydrocarbon-based fuel. Researchers believe the technology could be adapted to produce methane or formic acid by changing the catalyst used in the reaction.

Energy-Efficient Alternative to Electrolysis

As reported by the South China Morning Post, this method consumes significantly less energy compared to electrolysis, which is currently used on the International Space Station (ISS) to generate oxygen. Studies have shown that electrolysis can require up to a third of the ISS’s power supply, highlighting the potential advantage of this new technique in long-term space exploration.

Application in China’s Lunar Base Plans

China plans to establish a lunar base near the Moon’s south pole by 2035, and this artificial photosynthesis technology could support astronaut survival by generating breathable air and fuel for return missions. Reports indicate that China, in collaboration with Russia, is also working on a mini nuclear reactor to power the base. Astronauts are expected to land on the Moon by 2030, ahead of NASA’s delayed Artemis missions.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Gravitational Waves Reveal Black Hole Ancestry Through Spin Analysis



Xiaomi 15 Ultra Colour Options, RAM and Storage Configuration Tipped

Related Stories

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Science

SpaceX Crew-10 Launches to ISS, Relieving Stranded NASA Starliner Crew

Published

1 day ago

on

March 16, 2025

By

SpaceX has launched the Crew-10 mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, sending four astronauts to the ISS. The team will replace Crew-9 members, two of whom have been stranded since June due to Boeing’s Starliner delays. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off successfully on March 14, and Crew-10 is expected to dock with the ISS in about 28 hours. The six-month mission…

Continue Reading

Science

2,200-Year-Old Chinese Burial Uncovers Woman with Toxic Red-Stained Teeth

Published

3 days ago

on

March 14, 2025

By

2,200-Year-Old Chinese Burial Uncovers Woman with Toxic Red-Stained Teeth

A burial site in northwestern China has revealed a woman’s remains with an unusual feature—her teeth were painted with cinnabar, a toxic red mineral composed of mercury and sulfur. The grave, dated between 2,200 and 2,050 years ago, was found in Turpan City, Xinjiang, along a major Silk Road trade route. Archaeologists identified the remains as belonging to the Gushi people, known for their equestrian culture. The significance of cinnabar-stained teeth in ancient societies has not been previously documented.

First Recorded Case of Cinnabar on Teeth

According to a study published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, this is the first known instance of cinnabar being applied to human teeth. Qian Wang, professor of biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, told Live Science that no other ancient burial worldwide has exhibited this practice. The analysis of the red pigment, conducted through spectroscopy methods, confirmed the presence of cinnabar mixed with an animal protein, possibly egg yolk or egg white, to facilitate application.

Possible Cultural and Ritualistic Significance

The purpose behind the red pigment remains unclear. Experts suggest connections to cosmetic practices, social status, or shamanistic rituals. Other burials in the region have shown evidence of facial paintings and tattoos, indicating the possibility of broader body adornment traditions. The Xinjiang region does not have natural cinnabar deposits, implying that the substance was imported, possibly from West Asia, Europe, or other parts of China.

Health Risks of Cinnabar Exposure

Li Sun, professor of geology at Collin College, noted the potential health risks associated with cinnabar use. Mercury exposure is linked to neurological damage, yet no traces of mercury poisoning were detected in the woman’s bones. The frequency and duration of exposure remain uncertain.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Smallest Galaxy Ever Found: Andromeda XXXV Defies Cosmic Evolution Models



Samsung Galaxy F16 5G Price in India Revealed: Offers, Availability Details

Continue Reading

Science

Smallest Galaxy Ever Found: Andromeda XXXV Defies Cosmic Evolution Models

Published

3 days ago

on

March 14, 2025

By

Smallest Galaxy Ever Found: Andromeda XXXV Defies Cosmic Evolution Models

Astronomers have identified the smallest and faintest galaxy ever observed, located approximately 3 million light-years away. This discovery challenges existing theories on galaxy formation, as such tiny galaxies were expected to have been destroyed in the intense heat and density of the early universe. Named Andromeda XXXV, this newly identified galaxy is part of a group of small satellite galaxies orbiting Andromeda. Researchers suggest that its survival could reshape the understanding of cosmic evolution and the conditions that allowed small galaxies to persist.

Characteristics of Andromeda XXXV

According to the study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Andromeda XXXV is significantly smaller than other known dwarf galaxies, measuring about 1,000 light-years across at its longest axis. Researchers used data from multiple astronomical surveys and observations from the Hubble Space Telescope to confirm its existence. Reportedly, Eric Bell, a professor at the University of Michigan, described it as “a fully functional galaxy, but about a millionth the size of the Milky Way.” Scientists were surprised by its ability to retain the necessary conditions for star formation despite its size.

The Challenge of Detecting Dwarf Galaxies

Dwarf galaxies, though common, remain difficult to detect due to their faint nature. The Milky Way has several known satellite galaxies, but identifying similar structures around Andromeda has been challenging. Previously discovered dwarf galaxies in that region were larger and brighter, aligning with existing models. Andromeda XXXV, however, is distinct because of its prolonged star formation period. According to lead researcher Marcos Arias, some similar-sized galaxies in Andromeda formed stars up to 6 billion years ago, while most of the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies stopped star formation around 10 billion years ago.

Implications for Galaxy Formation Theories

Scientists are now investigating why Andromeda XXXV was not affected by extreme conditions that disrupted other small galaxies. Bell explained that this period in the universe was “like a vat of boiling oil,” expected to strip galaxies of gas needed for star formation. The survival of Andromeda XXXV suggests that current theories about galaxy formation and evolution may need reevaluation. Further studies and upcoming space missions could provide more insights into how galaxies like Andromeda XXXV persisted despite harsh cosmic conditions.

Continue Reading

Trending