Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
✨ Weightless and limitless. pic.twitter.com/GQgHd0aw7i
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) April 14, 2025
(Credit: X/@blueorigin)
Katy Perry on Monday accomplished her dream to be in space as she was the part of Blue Origin's first all-female crew. The Pop icon sang Louis Armstrong's classic "What a Wonderful World," after seeing Earth from space aboard the first all-women flight of the 21st century. This impromptu performance occurred as the crew strapped themselves after gazing out at the breathtaking view of Earth from space, a moment that left a lasting impression on all aboard. The mission, which marked a significant milestone in space exploration, was not just about reaching new heights but also about the profound impact it had on the crew.
(Credit: NASA)
The James Webb Space Telescope has provided new insights into the catastrophic event of a planet being consumed by its host star. Initially, astronomers believed the planet met its end as the star expanded into a red giant, engulfing it. However, recent data from Webb suggests a different scenario: the planet's orbit deteriorated over time, causing it to plunge into the star in a dramatic death spiral. The doomed planet is thought to have been a "hot Jupiter," a gas giant with a tight orbit around its host star. The planet's demise involved gradual orbital decay, followed by a catastrophic collision with the star's atmosphere, stripping away its outer layers and expelling stellar gas.
Scientists in Sweden have invented a new "toothpaste-texture" type battery that can take any shape which could potentially change the way the next-generation wearable gadgets, medical devices and robots are developed. This soft and shapeable battery using fluid electrodes were made from conductive plastics and lignin, a paper production byproduct. Described as having a toothpaste-like texture, this sustainable battery can be 3D-printed into any form, stretched to double its length, and recharged over 500 times while maintaining performance. By turning electrodes into a liquid form, the research team has showcased a revolutionary design that allows for higher capacity while maintaining softness and flexibility, effectively decoupling these two characteristics.
Scientists at King's College in London have successfully grown human teeth in a lab for the first time, according to a report in BBC. The breakthrough could help patients who have lost their teeth by offering an alternative to fillings or dental implants. The team of researchers managed to develop a material that mimics the environment needed for tooth development. Effectively, one cell can tell another to start transforming into a tooth cell under laboratory conditions. As tooth loss is a prevalent health issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, caused by different factors, regenerative dentistry offers bioengineering an entire tooth. The new teeth would be stronger, long-lasting and free from rejection risk, offering a more durable and biologically compatible solution than fillings or implants.
