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A detailed plan outlining NASA’s Mars exploration strategy for the next two decades has been released. According to the report, titled Expanding the Horizons of Mars Science: A Plan for a Sustainable Science Program at Mars — Mars Exploration Program 2024-2044, prepared for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, a series of transformative shifts in approach will be essential for future missions to succeed. The findings emphasise the need for innovative solutions and a departure from traditional methods to sustain Mars exploration efforts in an evolving space landscape.

Core Focus Areas and Challenges

The report highlights several key questions driving Mars research, including the evolution of the planet’s habitability and the possibility of past or present life. Accessing challenging terrains such as steep slopes, caves, or the southern hemisphere is noted as crucial for investigating potential oases for life. The document also stresses that human exploration of Mars, anticipated by the late 2030s, creates a narrow window for studying Mars in its pristine state.

Emphasis on Cost-Efficient Missions

A call for lower-cost missions forms a central theme of the report. Missions in the range of $100 million to $300 million, excluding launch and operational expenses, have been identified as a priority, alongside medium-class missions with budgets between $1 billion and $2 billion. The approach aims to make Mars exploration more frequent and affordable while maintaining scientific rigor.

Collaborations and Commercial Partnerships

As outlined in the report, a greater reliance on commercial partnerships and international collaborations is encouraged to achieve these ambitious goals. Eric Ianson, Director of the NASA Mars Exploration Program, stated in the publication that embracing these partnerships through innovative models, similar to the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) initiative, could accelerate progress.

Technological Advancements and Public Engagement

The report underscores the need for new technologies, such as advanced mobility systems capable of navigating high-risk areas. Public engagement and diversity in Mars exploration initiatives have also been identified as essential for fostering a broader base of support and participation.

This document serves as a blueprint for ensuring that NASA remains at the forefront of Mars exploration while addressing the challenges posed by increased global competition and resource constraints.

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Humanoid Robot Protoclone Stuns Internet with Lifelike Movements

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February 24, 2025

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Humanoid Robot Protoclone Stuns Internet with Lifelike Movements

A humanoid robot with an anatomically accurate structure has gained widespread attention after a video showcasing its movements went viral. Designed by Clone Robotics, the prototype named ‘Protoclone’ has been built to mimic human musculoskeletal functions. The video, viewed millions of times, displays the robot’s limbs twitching as artificial muscles activate while it hangs from the ceiling. Social media reactions have been divided, with many users expressing unease over the robot’s unsettlingly lifelike appearance. Despite the public response, the company remains focused on advancing its capabilities.

Prototype Development and Features

As per the post on X, Protoclone has been engineered with over 200 degrees of freedom, 1,000 artificial muscle fibers, and 500 integrated sensors. Clone Robotics claims that the android possesses human-like skeletal, vascular, and nervous systems, offering a significant leap in biomimetic robotics. The robot’s movements are powered by a pneumatic system, though plans for a hydraulic-driven version have been announced. Equipped with four cameras and an array of sensors, the humanoid is designed to navigate environments with increased precision.

Public Reaction and Industry Context

As reported by Live Science, responses to the viral footage have ranged from fascination to apprehension. Social media users have compared the robot to fictional depictions of artificial intelligence from dystopian narratives, while others have called for aesthetic modifications to make it appear less unsettling. Despite this, humanoid robots continue to be integrated into industrial applications, with companies such as Figure and Apptronik deploying similar technology in manufacturing environments. Reports indicate that Protoclone will be available for preorder later this year, although pricing details have yet to be disclosed.

Future of Humanoid Robotics

Industry experts suggest that humanoid robotics could see increased adoption across various sectors. Similar projects have been developed for warehouse automation and industrial manufacturing, with multiple companies working towards commercialising advanced humanoid systems. As robotics technology evolves, the discussion surrounding ethical, aesthetic, and functional aspects of humanoid designs continues to grow. Clone Robotics has yet to announce an official release date for Protoclone, but ongoing developments suggest that lifelike androids could soon play a more prominent role in everyday settings.

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Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Discovered After 100 Years in Egypt

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February 24, 2025

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Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Discovered After 100 Years in Egypt

The tomb of Thutmose II, an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled around 3,500 years ago, has been uncovered west of the Valley of the Kings. This discovery marks the first time in a century that the burial site of a pharaoh has been found, as confirmed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The tomb, though largely empty, provides crucial insights into ancient burial practices. Initial findings suggest that soon after his burial, flooding led to the removal of the grave goods, leaving the chamber void of artefacts and a mummy. Despite this, ceramics inscribed with his name were identified at the site, enabling archaeologists to verify the tomb’s ownership.

Identification and Historical Significance

According to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the tomb was first located in October 2022. However, it was only in late 2024 and early 2025 that archaeologists, through analysis of pottery fragments, confirmed it belonged to Thutmose II. Egyptologist Piers Litherland from the University of Cambridge, who co-led the excavation team, stated in an interview with Live Science that a piece of pottery bearing a label indicating the presence of natron, a key embalming substance, confirmed that a burial originally took place within the tomb.

Possibility of a Second Burial Site

Litherland also mentioned that while the tomb itself was not looted, all its contents were removed after the flooding. The possibility of a second, undiscovered tomb where these objects may have been relocated is being considered. Some experts believe that a mummy found in a cache at Deir el-Bahari could belong to Thutmose II, but discrepancies regarding the estimated age at death cast doubt on this theory. Ongoing research continues to explore whether his remains and burial goods are preserved elsewhere, potentially offering more insights into Egypt’s royal burials

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Strange Fast Radio Bursts Emerge from an Ancient Dead Galaxy, Baffling Scientists



Boult Mustang Q Headphones With Up to 70-Hour Battery Life Launched in India Alongside Mustang Torq, Dyno TWS Earbuds

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Strange Fast Radio Bursts Emerge from an Ancient Dead Galaxy, Baffling Scientists

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February 24, 2025

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Strange Fast Radio Bursts Emerge from an Ancient Dead Galaxy, Baffling Scientists

A distant galaxy that ceased star formation billions of years ago has been found emitting unusual radio signals, a phenomenon that has left astronomers searching for answers. Observations have revealed fast radio bursts (FRBs) originating from the outskirts of this long-dead galaxy, challenging current understanding of how these cosmic events occur. Typically associated with young, star-forming galaxies, FRBs are believed to result from supernovae or other stellar explosions. The presence of such bursts in an inactive galaxy defies existing theories, prompting new investigations into their origins.

Findings from the Study

According to two research published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters on January 21, astronomers detected 22 FRBs between February and November 2024 using the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) telescope in British Columbia. The bursts were traced back to an 11 billion-year-old galaxy that no longer forms stars, making it an unlikely host for such signals. The discovery suggests that alternative mechanisms beyond conventional stellar activity may be responsible for FRBs.

Expert Analysis on the Unusual Signals

Speaking to Live Science, Tarraneh Eftekhari, astronomer at Northwestern University and co-author of the study, stated that only about a hundred FRBs have been accurately linked to their host galaxies, with most originating from regions of active star formation. The new findings challenge previous assumptions, indicating that other, yet unknown, processes could be generating these bursts.

Vishwangi Shah, an astronomer at McGill University and a study co-author, highlighted the rarity of the event, noting that FRBs are typically detected near the centers of galaxies. The location of this burst in the galaxy’s outskirts makes it a unique anomaly in FRB research.

Possible Explanations and Future Research

While the exact cause of the radio bursts remains uncertain, scientists have proposed several possibilities. One hypothesis suggests that a collision between two aged stars could have triggered the bursts. Another theory points to a white dwarf collapsing under its own gravity. Further research and additional observations will be necessary to determine the precise cause of these signals.

With CHIME set to expand its capabilities in the coming months, researchers hope to identify more FRBs and their sources, potentially uncovering new insights into these mysterious cosmic phenomena.

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