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Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
Updated: 1 hour 33 min ago

Why NASA releases half million gallons of water before every rocket launch

27/01/2026
NASA's massive water deluge system, releasing nearly 450,000 gallons, is crucial for rocket launches. This powerful spray controls extreme sound, vibration, and heat generated at ignition, preventing catastrophic damage to the rocket and launchpad. Lessons learned from past missions underscore its vital role in ensuring successful liftoffs.

ChatGPT ‘nearly kills’ woman after giving confident advice about a poisonous plant

26/01/2026
A YouTuber has warned of the dangers of trusting AI after ChatGPT repeatedly misidentified poison hemlock as harmless carrot foliage, nearly putting her friend at risk. Despite visual evidence, the chatbot doubled down with confident reassurances. The incident highlights how AI errors, especially in health and safety contexts, can have serious real-world consequences.

Meet Laurent Simons: He completed PhD in quantum physics at 15 and now pursuing second PhD to extend human life

26/01/2026
At just 15, Belgian prodigy Laurent Simons earned a PhD in quantum physics, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess. He has now embarked on a second PhD in medical science, focusing on AI-powered biomedicine with the ambitious goal of extending human lifespan. This remarkable journey highlights a rare combination of profound scientific talent and a clear purpose to improve lives.

Quote of the day by Richard Feynman: "You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish."

25/01/2026
Richard Feynman’s quote is about freedom from pressure. Other people will always have opinions on what you should do. But your life is not a project for their expectations. The quote reminds you to choose your own path, at your own pace.

Satellites ‘X-ray’ Antarctica, new map reveals hidden world under 2 kms ice

25/01/2026
A groundbreaking study has unveiled Antarctica's hidden, rugged topography beneath its ice sheet, revealing mountains, valleys and canyons. Using advanced satellite data, scientists mapped this complex subglacial landscape, crucial for understanding ice flow and predicting sea-level rise. This discovery reshapes our view of the continent, offering vital insights into Earth's geological past and future climate.

‘Dragon Hole’: Scientists found a huge ocean sinkhole hiding 1,700 strange viruses beneath the sea

25/01/2026
Scientists exploring the South China Sea's Dragon Hole, a deep underwater sinkhole, discovered a thriving microbial world and an astonishing 1,700 unclassified viral types. This extreme, oxygen-starved environment, with its layered waters, offers crucial insights into life's resilience and the hidden roles of viruses in Earth's harshest ecosystems.

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