Others / The Times of India
Tim Friede, a former truck mechanic, intentionally subjected himself to numerous snakebites over two decades, aiming to develop immunity. His unusual experiment led to a breakthrough in antivenom research. Scientists discovered broadly neutralizing antibodies in Friede's blood, paving the way for a universal antivenom that could protect against various venomous snakes and save thousands of lives annually.
Freud didnt just invent psychoanalysis. He invented the modern notion of the self: that what we are is not just what we do, or say, or post on Instagram, but a bubbling cauldron of instincts, memories, and traumas buried beneath the surface. Born in 1856 in what is now the Czech Republic, Freud was a neurologist by training, but like all true revolutionaries, he broke his field before he built a new one.
SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites from Florida's Space Coast on May 6, 2025. The launch window opens at 8:22 p.m. EDT, offering a spectacular nighttime display visible from Jacksonville Beach to West Palm Beach. This mission aims to expand SpaceX's Starlink broadband constellation, providing global high-speed internet access.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserving Roman life in ash. Recent discoveries, including exotic animal bones, vitrified brains, erotic art, and children's graffiti, offer insights into Roman cuisine, trade, medicine, and culture. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal tragic stories and expand our understanding of this ancient civilization.
Recent discoveries have challenged previous assumptions about the space near Earth, revealing a potential population of undiscovered minimoons, some of which may be lunar debris. The identification of 2024 PT5, an asteroid-like object with lunar characteristics, supports this theory. These minimoons offer a unique opportunity to study the Moon's impact history and could serve as targets for future space missions.
Indian researchers from Shiv Nadar University have developed a bioinspired aluminium surface that repels water, resists corrosion and bacteria, and self-cleans using minimal water. Mimicking lotus leaves and insect wings, the eco-friendly process creates superhydrophobic and antibacterial surfaces ideal for marine, healthcare, and packaging industries. The innovation promises scalable, low-cost applications with support from CSIR.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh urged Indian researchers abroad to return, highlighting India's advancements in science and research. He emphasized a shift in national mindset and the need for industry-determined research with equitable financial commitments. India's global scientific presence is growing, reflected in its improved rankings in innovation, patent filings, and startup ecosystem, signaling a golden period for science.
Kosmos 482, a Soviet-era probe, is reentering Earth this month. Launched in 1972 for a Venus mission, it failed to escape Earth's gravity. Satellite trackers are monitoring its descent. Experts predict reentry around May 10. The lander module may survive reentry. Risk to humans is minimal, similar to a meteorite strike.
India's DRDO achieved a milestone with the successful maiden flight of its Stratospheric Airship Platform in Madhya Pradesh. The high-altitude airship, developed by ADRDE, ascended to 17 kilometers, transmitting sensor data for future improvements. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, emphasising its potential to enhance India's earth observation, intelligence, and surveillance capabilities.