Have we found first exomoon? Strange object forcing astronomers to rethink what a moon is

The Argentine cactus moth, an invasive species from South America, has begun its march across the southern United States, threatening the delicate balance of native prickly pear cactus populations. Initially identified in Florida in 1989, its westward movement raises alarms among scientists regarding potential ecological disruptions in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Control measures, including the sterile insect technique, are in place to monitor and manage its spread.

Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery in Nagaland's Noklak district, uncovering pottery fragments that are approximately 3,500 years old. This revelation extends the timeline of human occupancy in Northeast India. The site also yielded stone tools and charred cereal remnants, hinting at a more intricate pattern of human migration and the development of agriculture. Continued exploration is anticipated to reveal even more about this ancient past.

Apollo 15 astronauts found unusual green flecks on the Moon's surface. These flecks were later identified as volcanic glass beads containing trapped water. Researchers discovered hydrogen within these tiny beads, proving lunar water existed. This finding challenged the long-held belief that the Moon was extremely dry. The discovery revealed significant water presence deep within the Moon's interior.

Delhi-NCR twins Naina and Nayantara Singh developed a plant-based water purification system. Their innovation, Aqua Sattva, uses okra, fenugreek, and rice husk to remove contaminants. This system targets microplastics and PFAS, often called forever chemicals. Independent laboratory testing showed significant removal efficiency for these pollutants. The affordable and eco-friendly prototype aims to make safe drinking water more accessible.

In a remarkable effort to rejuvenate Delhi's Yamuna floodplain, CISF personnel have embarked on an ambitious forest reclamation project. By planting thousands of trees and vetiver grass near Sarai Kale Khan, they aim to combat land degradation and curb soil erosion along the riverbank. This initiative, inspired by a successful ecological effort in Dhanbad's mining regions, is part of a larger strategy for restoring and preserving the Yamuna floodplain.

Groundwater reserves in High Mountain Asia are experiencing severe depletion annually due to a combination of climate impacts and excessive human water usage. The irrigation needs in the lower basins dramatically exacerbate groundwater storage losses. If current consumption trends continue, projections suggest that depletion will persist. Although temporary glacier melt may provide a short reprieve, this will be followed by a more rapid decline.

In a fascinating discovery, scientists have unveiled a new non-venomous snake species from New Guinea, named Lielaphis slashi. This remarkable naming pays tribute to Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, also known as Saul Hudson, who has always been captivated by reptiles and the natural world. First encountered during past fieldwork, this small ground-dwelling snake signifies the incredible biodiversity and urgent conservation efforts needed in New Guinea.

A fascinating discovery has emerged from astronomers: evidence of a galaxy merger that occurred within our Milky Way. This merger, which transpired around 12 billion years ago, involved a dwarf galaxy called LKH. By studying globular clusters, researchers uncovered essential details that point to increased star formation during the galaxy's formative years, deepening our insight into its complex evolutionary history.

Researchers at Cornell University are leveraging thousands of rainforest recordings to develop an artificial intelligence system that can recognize various bird species inhabiting the Amazon. Preliminary results indicate that rubber agroforestry encourages a greater diversity of bird life compared to traditional cattle pastures. This valuable data can assist in promoting sustainable rubber practices among local farmers, ultimately supporting conservation while providing economic benefits to the

At Penn State, a research team is pioneering advanced drone decision-making systems modeled after insect neural mechanisms. Utilizing analogue computing alongside graphene materials, this initiative focuses on onboard data processing that replicates the natural filtering and coincidence detection seen in biology. With annual demonstrations of evolving prototypes, the goal is to enable fully autonomous drone swarms independent of external support.

Twenty-nine reindeer introduced to St. Matthew Island in 1944 grew to over 6,000 animals.This population boom led to severe overgrazing of the island's lichen food sources.An extreme winter in 1963-1964 brought devastating blizzards and deep snow.These harsh conditions prevented reindeer from accessing their depleted food supplies.Ultimately, the entire reindeer herd perished, leaving the island devoid of these animals.

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are crafting cutting-edge 3D-printed designs aimed at phosphorus extraction. These pioneering structures target excess nutrients from surface water, staving off harmful algal blooms. By converting algal biomass into efficient phosphorus-capturing materials, field trials will assess their performance and ecological safety in actual ponds. This innovative technology presents a forward-thinking solution for tackling nutrient pollution before blooms occur.

After a remarkable 28-year campaign, Tasmania's fisheries service has successfully eliminated invasive common carp from Lake Sorell and Lake Crescent. This effort has seen the removal of over 49,000 harmful fish, leading to clearer waters and the revival of native plant life in marsh areas. The resurgence of wild brown trout has also enhanced recreational fishing opportunities for anglers, proving that large lakes can recover from invasive species.

A significant conservation initiative has successfully reinstated native trout species across more than 120 miles of streams by eliminating non-native predators and restoring habitats in two states. The reintroduction of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout has led to the establishment of a self-sustaining population, averting the need for federal endangered species status. This successful strategy serves as a blueprint for other western states aiming to restore native fish populations.

A vigorous initiative employing commercial nets and angler incentives has successfully diminished the population of invasive lake trout. This management program has fostered a remarkable resurgence of native species such as rainbow trout and sockeye salmon. Hydroacoustic assessments revealed kokanee densities that haven't been observed since the 1970s. The rebound of kokanee has instigated beneficial shifts throughout the broader ecosystem.

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.