Published By: Soham Halder

Science & Space Roundup: Top News of the Day (Jan 10)

Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.

Chronic Pain Decoded: Indian Researchers Lead the Way

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have now identified how certain brain neurons work together to manage chronic pain in mice. The study found that a brain region called the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) plays a key role in managing this heightened sensitivity. The team further discovered that the LPBN acts as a "relay junction" in the brain, processing inputs from other regions to determine the intensity of the pain and the body’s response. Chronic pain can make daily life challenging, but research shows that stress, fear, or hunger can sometimes reduce the sensation of pain. This discovery may help in developing better treatments for people dealing with long-term pain.

Future of Space Tech: NASA’s Computing Shield Against Radiation

(Credit - X/@NASA_Marshall)

Onboard computers are critical to space exploration, aiding nearly every spacecraft function from propulsion and navigation systems to life support technology, science data retrieval and analysis, communications, and reentry. But computers in space are susceptible to ionizing solar and cosmic radiation. Thus, NASA has long sought cost-effective solutions to mitigate radiation effects on computers to ensure mission safety and success. Enter the Radiation Tolerant Computer (RadPC) technology demonstration, one of 10 NASA payloads set to fly aboard the next lunar delivery for the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative. RadPC will be carried to the Moon’s surface by Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander.

Blazing Bright: LA's Wildfire Lights Up the Satellite View

(Credit - X/@latestinspace)

A devastating wildfire is currently raging through the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, fueled by exceptionally strong winds. An image captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission vividly illustrates the scale of the disaster. The situation has escalated to the point where city officials have declared a state of emergency, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents as the blaze continues to spread rapidly. The fire has consumed over 2,900 acres and shows no signs of containment. The combination of high winds and dry conditions has created a "highly dangerous windstorm," according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Firefly Lander's Secret Weapon: Moon Dust Defense Unveiled

(Credit - X/@NASAKennedy)

Defeating dust may be a small concern for most people on Earth, but for astronauts and spacecraft destined for the Moon or Mars, it is a significant hazard that must be mitigated. That’s why researchers at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida are seeking innovative ways to use the Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) technology. Using transparent electrodes and electric fields, EDS technology can lift and remove dust from a variety of surfaces for space applications ranging from thermal radiators, solar panels, and camera lenses to spacesuits, boots, and helmet visors. Controlling and removing the charged dust will be critical to the success of Moon missions under the agency’s CLPS initiative and Artemis campaign.