Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Excited to finally share a glimpse of Pixxel’s upcoming commercial hyperspectral satellites - the Fireflies! With 5m native resolution and 150+ wavelengths of light, the Fireflies will be the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation ever launched and will… pic.twitter.com/BLBd2A1kBb
— Pixxel (@PixxelSpace) November 5, 2024
(Credit - X/@PixxelSpace)
India's space technology start-up, Pixxel has unveiled its flagship constellation of commercial satellites named as “Fireflies”. In a major breakthrough for Earth observation technology, Fireflies comprises 6 cutting-edge hyperspectral satellites, which are set to launch in 2025. The satellites are expected to provide unprecedented detail and accuracy in imaging and data collection from space. These satellites are capable of capturing a 40-kilometre swath to enable regular global access to any point on Earth. It will be helpful in monitoring environmental challenges like early detection of crop diseases, water stress levels, tracking of deforestation as well as ocean pollution in real time.
According to researchers at Harvard's Paleomagnetics Lab, the magnetic field of Mars, which could have supported life, have lasted longer than previously anticipated. The scientists used simulation and advanced computer modelling to predict the age of the Martian "dynamo," or magnetic field produced by convection in the planet's iron core, similar to the Earth. Previously, it was believed that Mars’s magnetic field may have lasted 4.1 billion years, but the recent calculations have shown that it lasted until 3.9 billion years ago, making it a prime candidate for the environment required to support life. The same research team has previously detected that the amount of sunlight penetrating the water ice could be enough for photosynthesis to happen in the shallow pools of meltwater, situated beneath the surface of that ice on the Red Planet.
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), responsible for cold sores, has long been known to impact the brain and central nervous system (CNS). However, the pathway was unknown. Now, the scientists from the University of Colorado and the University of Bourgogne in France have provided the pathway of this virus spreading inside the human brain. The study revealed that HSV-1 can reach CNS through 2 main pathways: the trigeminal nerve, connecting the face and brain, and the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for the sense of smell. This research provides the insights about HSV-1's impact on the human brain, an important step to develop treatments.
Scientists have found a unique approach to fight mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, yellow fever and Zika. The new strategy is to convert the male mosquitoes deaf so they cannot mate and breed. Generally, both male and female mosquitoes produce sounds by beating their wings at distinct frequencies before mating. Scientists at the University of California performed an experiment where they altered the whole genetic pathway to make male mosquitoes unable for hearing, which led to significant change in usual mating habits. Apart from making the male mosquitoes deaf, researchers are also exploring the options of releasing sterile males in zones vulnerable to mosquito-spread diseases.
