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Mars' Polar Ice Cap Moves Inward

The orbiters that carried the radar hardware have observed changes in Mars' gravity, indicating a slow movement of its polar ice cap inward by less than 0.13 millimeters per year. This suggests that the Martian interior is relatively viscous and cold, consistent with a crust dominated by radioactive elements rather than deeper heat sources. The models also indicate that the polar ice cap is less than 10 million years old.

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Spacecraft Carrying Hopping Robot Lands on Moon Δ1.68

Intuitive Machines has successfully landed its spacecraft, Athena, near the Moon’s South Pole, although it has not yet confirmed the vehicle's orientation or condition. The mission carries a unique hopping robot, Micro Nova Hopper, designed to explore a permanently shadowed crater for potential ice deposits, which could be crucial for future lunar and Martian colonization efforts. This landing marks a significant step in NASA's partnership with private companies to advance lunar exploration and assess the viability of establishing human bases on the Moon.

Research Roundup: 7 Cool Science Stories From February Δ1.67

February showcased a variety of fascinating scientific breakthroughs, including the discovery of a 3,500-year-old tomb, the secrets behind boiling the perfect egg, and insights into the navigation abilities of sea turtles. Researchers utilized advanced techniques such as X-ray imaging and machine learning to unravel the mysteries of ancient scrolls, while studies on Pollock's paintings provided new perspectives on artistic perception. This month's roundup highlights the intersection of science, history, and art, demonstrating the diverse ways in which inquiry continues to enrich our understanding of the world.

Intuitive Machines' Second Moon Lander Is Dead Δ1.67

Intuitive Machines' Athena lunar lander has ceased operations just a day after its landing at the moon's south pole, where it tipped over and could not recharge its batteries due to adverse conditions. Despite this setback, the company reported that several key experiments were successfully deployed, including NASA’s Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment. This incident marks another challenge for Intuitive Machines, following a similar outcome with its previous moon lander, Odysseus, raising questions about the reliability of their lunar missions.

Us Stagflation Fears Rise with Latest Economic Data Δ1.66

A string of recent US data showing resurgent inflation and slowing activity is stoking fears the world’s biggest economy could be heading toward a period of stagflation. Economists caution against making too much of one month’s data, especially when skewed by factors like freezing weather. The Federal Reserve would face a tough choice between supporting the labor market or finishing its years-long inflation fight.

US Dollar Sags After Weaker-than-Expected Jobs Data, Fed's Powell Comments Δ1.66

The US dollar declined to multi-month lows against major currencies following weaker-than-expected job growth in February, as the Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates multiple times this year. The decline was accompanied by a boost for the euro, which is poised for its best weekly gain in 16 years. Fed Chair Jerome Powell repeated comments that the central bank will be cautious in responding to economic changes.

Inflation Expectations Show Resilience Amid Economic Uncertainty Δ1.66

The U.S. Commerce Department's Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index increased 0.3% in January after advancing by an unrevised 0.3% in December, data showed on Friday. Economists had expected the PCE price index to climb 0.3%. In the year through January, prices rose 2.5% after increasing 2.6% in December. Stripping out the volatile food and energy components, the PCE price index gained 0.3% last month after an unrevised 0.2% rise in December.

Methane Detection Gains Ground with New Technologies. Δ1.66

New methane detectors are making it easier to track the greenhouse gas, from handheld devices to space-based systems, offering a range of options for monitoring and detecting methane leaks. The increasing availability of affordable sensors and advanced technologies is allowing researchers and activists to better understand the extent of methane emissions in various environments. These new tools hold promise for tackling both small leakages and high-emitting events.

Russia's Central Bank to Understand Lending Trends in April, Governor's Advisor Says Δ1.66

Kirill Tremasov, advisor to the governor of Russia's central bank, said on Saturday that the bank will have a full understanding of lending trends by the April meeting on the key rate, but for now it is too early to talk about it. The Russian credit slowdown in early 2025 has been offset by a "strong fiscal impulse", Tremasov said. However, data on the lending situation remains muddled by seasonality and other factors until April.

BRICS' Climate Leadership Aims Hang on Healing Deep Divides Δ1.66

The BRICS group's efforts to assume a greater climate leadership role depend on its ability to overcome internal divisions and entrenched disagreements over finance and policy. The group's success at COP16 talks in Rome has set the stage for a more muscular approach, but it must address concerns about the financial obligations of donor countries. The test of its solidarity will be evident in the months ahead as countries prepare to set out their positions on climate change.

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Gets Rugged Upgrades. Δ1.65

The new Compute Module 4 variants from Raspberry Pi have expanded its capabilities to tackle extreme environments. The latest updates are designed to meet the growing demand for industrial applications, where devices must operate in harsh conditions. With a wider temperature range, these modules will find their way into unique and interesting projects.

Avalanche Hits Indian Mountain State Trapping 41 Δ1.65

At least 41 people remain trapped under snow after an avalanche struck the Indian Himalayan mountain state of Uttarakhand, authorities said on Friday, following recent heavy snowfall in the region. The avalanche occurred near a highway in the state's Chamoli region, adjoining Tibet, and less than 5 km from the Hindu temple of Badrinath. At least sixteen workers had so far been rescued, but the search for the remaining three was ongoing due to rain and snowfall hindering rescue work.

Deep-Sea Mining Tech Advances – but Doubts Remain Δ1.65

The development of deep-sea mining technology has reached a significant milestone, with companies like Impossible Metals unveiling robots capable of harvesting valuable metals from the seabed while minimizing environmental impact. However, despite these advancements, opposition to deep-sea mining remains fierce due to concerns over its potential effects on marine ecosystems and the lack of understanding about the seafloor's composition. The debate surrounding deep-sea mining is likely to continue, with some arguing that it offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional land-based mining.

Shapeshifting Robots Challenge Traditional Design Paradigms Δ1.65

Researchers have developed small robots that can work together as a collective and change shape, with some models even shifting between solid and "fluid-like" states. The concept has been explored in science fiction for decades, but recent advancements bring it closer to reality. The development of these shapeshifting robots aims to create cohesive collectives that can assume virtually any form with any physical properties.

Indian Slums Get 'Cool Roofs' To Combat Extreme Heat Δ1.65

In Ahmedabad, India, a project has commenced to paint the roofs of 400 households in informal settlements with a reflective white coating, aiming to reduce indoor temperatures as extreme heat becomes increasingly prevalent. This initiative is part of a global scientific trial investigating the impact of indoor heat on health and economic outcomes, particularly in developing countries. Early participants report significant improvements in living conditions, including lower electricity bills and better sleep quality, as they benefit from the cooler interior temperatures.

Pce Inflation Gauge Matches Expectations, Offering Relief to Fed Δ1.65

The latest reading of the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge showed prices rose on a monthly basis but dropped year over year, which should keep interest rates on hold when the central bank meets next in March. The "core" Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index rose 0.3% from the prior month during January, but that rise was in line with expectations. Prices rose 2.6% year-over-year, which was also in line with expectations.

Space Takes Center Stage: Red Hat and Axiom Space's Quest for Secure Data Centers in Space Δ1.65

Red Hat and Axiom Space plan to send an Orbital Data Center to the ISS, which will run AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing tests in space. The aim is to deliver secure, low latency processing off-world, enabling real-time decision-making in space with greater reliability and consistency. This initiative represents a significant step towards establishing a robust data infrastructure in space.

Elon Musk Denies Politics Influenced NASA Astronauts' Space Schedules Δ1.65

Butch Wilmore and his colleague Chris Williams will continue to fly on the International Space Station as part of Crew 9, despite initial speculation that politics may have played a role in their extended stay. The astronauts maintained that they came prepared to stay long, even if their original plan was to stay short. This response suggests that NASA astronauts are trained to adapt to changing circumstances and prioritize mission objectives over external influences.

Softer Inflation, Weak Growth Bolster Case for Ecb Rate Cuts Δ1.65

Recent data reveals improved inflation prospects in the Eurozone alongside stagnant economic growth, strengthening the argument for further rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB). Inflation in France has fallen to a four-year low, while consumers are adjusting their inflation expectations downward, indicating a potential shift in price growth trends. Despite concerns over lingering price pressures, the ECB is anticipated to implement additional cuts to stimulate the economy, which has been hindered by trade uncertainties and weak consumer spending.

Microbes in Space: A New Frontier for Interspecies Coexistence Δ1.65

The largest study yet of the International Space Station's microbial ecosystem suggests that the extreme cleanliness of the ISS may be hindering its ability to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms. Researchers propose easing up on sterilization protocols and introducing beneficial microbes to create a more sustainable environment. This shift in approach could pave the way for future spacecraft design that incorporates microbial gardens, capable of self-sustaining ecosystems.

Coal's Four-Year Lows Hide a Coming Global Supply Squeeze Δ1.65

Languishing global prices today mask a very different future for the world’s most-consumed source of power, where investment in new production has dwindled due to a lack of investor confidence. Demand continues to rise in emerging markets, particularly in India and China, which could lead to a sharp rebound in internationally traded coal. This shift highlights the increasing importance of coal as a fuel for artificial intelligence and other industries, posing challenges to climate targets.

Lunar Trailblazer Program Loses Ground Δ1.65

The Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft is facing an uncertain future after experiencing a series of setbacks in its mission to orbit the Moon and study lunar ice. The small orbiter appears to be spinning out of control and has failed to complete critical thruster firings, which could put it on course for disaster. NASA's efforts to reestablish contact with the spacecraft are ongoing, but the outlook is grim.

Stock Futures Point to Rebound While Bitcoin Sinks: Markets Wrap Δ1.65

S&P 500 futures showed a slight increase as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, which could influence future interest rate decisions. Meanwhile, Bitcoin experienced a significant decline of over 25% since its January peak, driven by fears of a trade war following President Trump's tariff announcements. The broader market remains cautious, with concerns about the potential economic impacts of the proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.

India's Factory Activity Growth Dips to 14-Month Low in Feb Due to Cooling Demand Δ1.64

India's manufacturing activity grew at its weakest pace in over a year last month due to cooling demand, but employment generation rose at a healthy pace and inflation eased. Goods production, which accounts for less than a fifth of overall output, grew 3.5% in October-December, only a slight rise from 2.2% in the previous quarter. The HSBC final India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (INPMI) fell to 56.3 in February - its lowest since December 2023.

NASA Is Making Sacrifices To Keep The Voyager Mission Alive Δ1.64

NASA is implementing power-saving measures to extend the operational lifespan of the Voyager spacecraft, which have been exploring interstellar space for 47 years. As their nuclear batteries deplete, engineers are shutting down scientific instruments to conserve energy, with the aim of keeping at least one instrument operational into the 2030s. The ongoing efforts reflect the agency's commitment to maximizing the scientific return from these historic probes, which have far outlived their original five-year mission.

Us Antarctic Program Disrupted by Doge-Induced Chaos Δ1.64

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is causing significant disruptions to the United States Antarctic Program, leading to funding cuts and layoffs that threaten vital scientific research and geopolitical stability in the region. The firings of key National Science Foundation program managers have left scientists uncertain about the future of their projects and the operational capacity of U.S. stations in Antarctica. Experts warn that if the program's budget is slashed, the ramifications could be long-lasting, with other nations poised to fill any power vacuum left by the U.S.