scientific community

Swami Jnanananda’s life traces a rare journey from years of meditation in the Himalayas to advanced research in nuclear physics across Europe, the UK, and the US. Returning to India, he established a key physics department at Andhra University, blending scientific rigour with a philosophical outlook shaped by spirituality.

The US President's dismissal of the National Science Board and other scientific bodies has sparked concerns about the erosion of scientific norms. This move, alongside funding cuts and grant cancellations, is prompting foreign-origin scientists to consider leaving the US, with India actively recruiting talent.

A Kazakh computer scientist, Alexandra Elbakyan, launched Sci-Hub in 2011 to provide free access to costly academic research papers, often publicly funded. This platform, built to bypass publisher paywalls, has become a vast global archive. While lauded by open-access advocates for democratizing knowledge, it has also faced significant legal challenges and scrutiny from publishers.

A hantavirus outbreak is under investigation on the cruise ship MV Hondius after passengers fell ill. Transmitted by rodents, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness. While rare globally, recent cases, including a celebrity's death, highlight the risks. Health officials are probing the ship's infection source and stressing rodent control for prevention.

Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman wants Pluto to be a planet again. He voiced this support in a Senate hearing. Nasa researchers are studying Pluto's status. Pluto was a planet until 2006. The International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a dwarf planet. This decision is still debated by scientists and the public. Isaacman believes Pluto should be a planet.

In 1909, Charles Doolittle Walcott discovered the Burgess Shale formation in British Columbia, revealing exceptionally preserved soft-bodied ancient life. This geological wonder, a lagerstätte, provided unprecedented insights into the Cambrian Explosion, showcasing diverse body plans and even retaining organic tissues. The site continues to yield new discoveries, deepening our understanding of early complex life and its evolution.

Scientists have discovered that the East African Rift System is undergoing a continental break-up at an accelerated pace. The Earth's crust in the Turkana Rift Zone has significantly thinned, indicating a progression towards the formation of a new ocean. This geological activity also offers insights into the preservation of early human fossils.

A personal struggle to find a good doctor in 2004 sparked an idea. Jeremy Stoppelman envisioned a platform for sharing reviews. This concept grew into Yelp, a popular service for local business decisions. Initially focused on healthcare, Yelp expanded to cover restaurants, mechanics, and more. Structured information and user reviews guide millions in making informed choices.

Madhya Pradesh High Court heard arguments on the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute. The Muslim side argued the site is historically a mosque, with no clear evidence of a Saraswati temple by Raja Bhoj. They cited revenue records and continuous occupation, asserting legal rights for mosque management. The court continues hearing the matter.

Construction workers in Dayton, Ohio, unearthed a significant archaeological find in 1971. They discovered post holes, revealing a hidden Fort Ancient Native American village. This site, now known as SunWatch Indian Village, offers a glimpse into a vibrant community that thrived centuries ago. It showcases their daily lives, social structures, and interactions with other groups.

MacKenzie Scott has given away more than $26 billion since 2019, yet she emphasises that everyday acts of kindness remain vital. Drawing on research and data, she highlights how small, consistent contributions improve wellbeing, spread prosocial behaviour, and collectively shape communities alongside large-scale philanthropy.