Bengaluru cancer centre begins using Karnataka’s first Elekta Unity MR-Linac

The HCG cancer centre in Bengaluru has introduced Karnataka's pioneering Elekta Unity MR-Linac system, a cutting-edge advancement in cancer treatment. This sophisticated technology integrates MRI visualization with radiation therapy, allowing physicians to observe tumors and tailor treatment plans daily. Particularly for prostate cancer patients, this image-guided technique ensures enhanced treatment precision, representing a monumental leap forward in radiation oncology within the region.

Innovators from Kochi have crafted a groundbreaking technology for mud-crab farming, effectively tackling issues such as cannibalism and the requirement for brackish water. Their novel system enables farming in inland regions, broadening geographical opportunities. With a generous ₹10 lakh grant awarded for their remarkable achievement, this technology opens up premium crab farming to a wider community of farmers.

Astronaut Donald Pettit has unveiled breathtaking photographs of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, captured from the International Space Station. These stunning images showcase the vibrant Hindu pilgrimage, shimmering against the vast darkness of space. The event, held in Prayagraj, attracted millions for ritual bathing, marking it as one of the largest gatherings in human history. This expedition also contributed to ongoing scientific research efforts.

Recent discoveries in India have unveiled biological traces that date back approximately 3.5 billion years, indicating a significantly ancient origin of life on Earth. Researchers have confirmed the presence of photosynthetic activity and intricate metabolic processes within these samples, which originated from environments close to underwater hydrothermal vents. This remarkable finding represents the oldest known biological materials found in rock formations.

In a remarkable milestone for space research, Professor Annapurni Subramaniam has been awarded the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal for 2026, marking her as the first Indian woman to receive this prestigious honor. This award recognizes her invaluable contributions to space research within developing nations. Her extensive expertise, particularly in pioneering space observatories, highlights how her work has elevated Indian space astronomy to new heights.

A groundbreaking six-decade study reveals that passive rewilding effectively fosters the development of lush native woodlands. Through protective thorny scrub, young trees thrived, shielded from herbivores, while wind and jays ingeniously spread seeds, outlining the woodlands’ unique patterns. After fifty years, the area began to mirror the characteristics of ancient woodlands, showcasing an eco-friendly and budget-friendly approach to achieving woodland restoration objectives.

In 1968, the introduction of opossum shrimp into Montana's lakes triggered a dramatic decline in the kokanee salmon population. The shrimp fiercely competed with young salmon for essential zooplankton, resulting in a disarrayed food chain. Meanwhile, the lake trout population thrived as they turned to the remaining salmon for sustenance. This shift irrevocably changed Flathead Lake's ecological landscape and impacted its indigenous fish communities.

In a significant conservation effort, Mississippi wetlands welcomed the release of nearly 500 captive-reared dusky gopher frogs, marking the establishment of the sole active population in Hancock County. These frogs critically rely on gopher tortoise burrows for their survival. As private landowners take on a larger role in wildlife preservation, monitoring will be implemented to evaluate the stability of this new frog population.

A biological control initiative aimed at managing invasive thistles integrated a weevil specifically targeting musk thistle. Unfortunately, this insect extended its reach to native plant species, leading to detrimental effects on local thistles, including an endangered variety that experienced a decline in seed production. This situation underscores the critical importance of careful evaluation in invasive species control programs.

China's LandSpace company achieved a significant milestone in reusable rocket technology. The Zhuque-3 rocket's first stage successfully landed vertically on land after launch. This achievement demonstrates a key step towards reducing space launch costs for China. The successful recovery follows modifications after a previous mission's failure. This development supports China's expanding satellite internet ambitions and global space market competition.

In 2004, India presented CERN with a statue of Shiva Nataraja, a powerful symbol of cosmic creation and destruction. This statue serves as a metaphor for the essence of scientific exploration. At CERN, researchers delve into the universe's tiniest components and its earliest moments, viewing Shiva's dance as a representation of the ever-changing behavior of subatomic particles, weaving together ancient mythology and contemporary scientific knowledge.

Zainab Nathani has created a groundbreaking solar-powered material capable of drawing potable water from the moisture in the air. This remarkable innovation garnered her recognition at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Additionally, she established a program to support the development of clean water wells abroad. Nathani’s work elegantly fuses scientific advancements with dedicated advocacy for accessible water worldwide, aiming to tackle critical water access issue

In Africa, wild honeyguides have showcased their remarkable ability to identify specific human calls, making them indispensable allies for honey hunters searching for concealed bee nests. Recent studies reveal that these birds are more responsive to local calls than to those from outsiders. This finding implies the evolution of a sophisticated communication system honed through generations, facilitating the birds' survival by guiding them to beeswax.

The introduction of the invasive flatworm, Platydemus manokwari, aimed at pest control, has resulted in a dramatic decline of native tree snail populations in the Pacific Islands. This aggressive predator actively hunts these snails, driving several species towards extinction. Following previous unsuccessful biological control attempts, federal data now labels these native snails as endangered or threatened, prompting strict biosecurity measures to halt the invasion of this detrimental species.

European hedgehogs were brought to New Zealand during the 1800s to help manage garden pests. However, these spiky creatures now pose a grave danger to the country's unique wildlife. They feast on the eggs and young of various native species, significantly impacting fragile ecosystems, particularly those involving ground-nesting birds. As a result, ongoing conservation initiatives are prioritizing hedgehog removal to protect these threatened populations.

Under ultraviolet light, adult fire salamanders reveal a captivating blue-green fluorescence generated by their skin secretions, lasting for several hours. This striking luminescence is mainly concentrated in areas rich in glands, especially along their flanks and underside. Researchers propose that this unique trait could serve functions in communication or as a warning signal, enhancing our understanding of the fire salamander's biology.

The study from the University of California, Riverside, found that two common ant-bait insecticides can cause very different changes in Argentine ant behaviour before the ants die. Thiamethoxam made affected ants unusually active and sent them roaming outside the nest, while boric acid caused ants to stop foraging and gather inside. The findings show that unusual ant activity after treatment does not necessarily mean the pesticide has failed.

Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells became immortal, revolutionizing biomedical research and medical advancements.These HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine and studying various diseases.Her family remained unaware of this scientific breakthrough for decades after her death.The story highlights critical ethical debates concerning patient consent and financial benefits.This legacy continues to shape discussions on scientific progress and human dignity.

A recent study from the University of Delhi reveals that mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, may be becoming less susceptible to the widely-used insecticide alpha-cypermethrin. Laboratory results indicate a small reduction in the insecticide's effectiveness, and researchers discovered specific enzymes aiding in its breakdown. These findings underscore the necessity for diverse mosquito management techniques to ensure continued success in pest control efforts.

Max Hung Nguyen utilized NASA data alongside the Hypatia Catalogue to conduct an in-depth analysis of stellar composition. By examining a variety of elements beyond just iron, he uncovered that giant planets tend to orbit stars enriched with heavy elements. To further this research, Nguyen developed an AI model dedicated to predicting absent elemental data, significantly enhancing the chances of discovering new planets in future explorations.

Kiefer and Amelia Chow have launched Eco-Engineering In Action, an initiative aimed at mitigating wildfire threats. By creating beaver dam analogues, they replicate natural flood control systems that effectively slow water flow, enhance wetlands, and reduce wildfire risks. Their efforts, driven by youth volunteers, have successfully restored over thirty-five acres of wetland, inspiring the next generation to actively engage in climate solutions.