[Newsbits] 1-8.05.2024: Goldene, Covishield Controversy & More

The Batagaika Crater in Siberia, also known as the “gateway to the underworld,” is the largest permafrost crater in the world. It was initially formed in the 1960s and became prominent due to satellite imagery in 1991. The crater is expanding rapidly, currently at a rate of more than 10 meters per year, largely because of permafrost thaw induced by rising global temperatures and historical deforestation. This permafrost thaw releases significant quantities of carbon dioxide and methane, exacerbating global warming. The Batagaika Crater provides vital insights into the effects of climate change on permafrost areas and serves as a natural laboratory for studying ancient geological conditions. Researchers are emphasizing the urgent need for global strategies to monitor and mitigate the effects of permafrost thaw to prevent further environmental degradation.

Gagan Strike-II was a joint military exercise conducted by the Indian Army’s Kharga Corps and the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Punjab. This exercise focused on refining mechanized unit processes within the Army and validating the use of attack helicopters in complex terrain. Key elements included integrating Apache and ALH-WSI helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and special forces, with an emphasis on enhancing synergy between ground and aerial operations. The Kharga Corps, a vital component of India’s defense strategy, particularly in operations against Pakistan, has a history dating back to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The exercise underscores the ongoing commitment to inter-service coordination and technological integration in modern warfare.

Last week, the Sun emitted two substantial solar flares from a newly identified sunspot called AR3663, causing significant radio blackouts in parts of Australia, Japan, and China. These flares are part of the Sun’s normal 11-year magnetic cycle, where it experiences a polar reversal. The first, an X-class flare, and the second, an M-class flare, both occurred within hours of each other, highlighting the unpredictable nature of solar activity. Solar flares affect Earth by disrupting radio communications, satellite functions, and even power grids through associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events underscore the importance of monitoring solar activity to mitigate potential disruptions in our increasingly technology-dependent world.

NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program is currently developing several forward-thinking space exploration technologies, including a Lunar Railway System to facilitate transportation on the moon, the Fluid-Based Telescope (FLUTE) for advanced space observation, and the Pulsed Plasma Rocket for rapid interplanetary transit. These projects are in the exploratory and research stages with ongoing development in Phase II of the program, which involves further research and funding of $600,000 over the next two years. While these ambitious projects hold the potential to revolutionize how we interact with space, they face significant technical challenges that need resolution to move from concept to reality.

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking ‘all-in-one’ broad coronavirus vaccine aimed at providing protection against multiple strains of coronaviruses, including those yet to emerge. Published on May 6, 2024, in Nature Nanotechnology, the vaccine utilizes a complex nanoparticle structure to which viral antigens from various coronaviruses are attached. This broad-spectrum approach not only targets current strains like SARS-CoV-2 but also aims to preemptively tackle future outbreaks, leveraging a proactive vaccinology approach. This method could revolutionize how we prepare for potential pandemics, providing a more robust defense against the evolving threat of coronavirus diseases.

Goldene is a groundbreaking new material created by scientists at Linköping University in Sweden. This one-atom-thick sheet of gold, comparable to graphene, represents a significant advancement in material science, particularly in the realm of two-dimensional materials. Known as “goldene,” this development could potentially reduce the use of gold in various industries, enhance catalytic processes, and is being considered for future applications in carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen production, and more. The method used involves complex processes of layering and chemical treatments to achieve the ultra-thin sheets, opening doors to further research into similar applications for other noble metals.