University of Birmingham researchers, collaborating with Chinese and German scientists, have developed an AI-powered method to detect harmful chemical combinations in rivers. Using water fleas (Daphnia) as bio-indicators, the team analyzed water samples from China's Chaobai River system.

India's ISRO and Europe's ESA have joined forces to boost human space exploration. The agreement covers astronaut training, joint research, and experiments on the International Space Station, including participation in the Axiom-4 mission. With India's own space station, BAS, on the horizon, the partnership aims to enhance interoperability between platforms.

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), United States, released an updated version of the World magnetic model (WMM2025), forecasting shifts in Earth's magnetic field over the next five years. This model, which will remain valid until 2029, tracks the gradual movement of the magnetic north pole toward Russia. It also introduces a high-resolution update to ensure greater accuracy for navigation systems worldwide.

Scientists found 27 new species in Peru's Amazon rainforest. The expedition happened in 2022. New species include an amphibious mouse and a dwarf squirrel. Researchers also found 48 possible new species. The team recorded 2,046 species in total. Some of these species are endangered. Protecting the rainforest is crucial for these species' survival.

Five asteroids are approaching Earth in the coming days, with the largest, the airplane-sized 2024 XN1, passing by on December 24th at a safe distance of over 4.4 million miles. Several smaller asteroids will also make closer passes before then, all monitored by NASA's Asteroid Watch. None of the asteroids pose a threat to Earth.

NASA scientists have discovered a tilted black hole in galaxy NGC 5084, a finding made possible by a new image analysis technique called SAUNAS. This black hole, whose unusual orientation was hidden in old data, is surrounded by four plumes of hot gas, a rare phenomenon.

Sunita Williams' return from space is delayed. Safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft caused the delay. NASA will use the SpaceX Crew Dragon instead. The Crew Dragon launch is scheduled for late March or April 2025. Williams will remain on the ISS until then. She continues her research and training in orbit.

Nasa's James Webb and Chandra observatories have unveiled a stunning image of star cluster NGC 602, resembling a cosmic wreath. Located 200,000 light-years away, the cluster's ring of dust and gas, illuminated by young, massive stars emitting X-rays, offers insights into the early universe due to its low heavy element content.

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake devastated Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, leaving it without water and causing widespread damage. At least nine deaths were confirmed, with the number expected to rise as rescue efforts continue for those trapped in collapsed buildings. Hundreds are injured, and communication remains limited. Aid is being mobilized as the country grapples with the aftermath.

Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong set a new world record for the longest spacewalk, spending over nine hours outside the Tiangong space station. This surpassed the previous record held by US astronauts. The Shenzhou-19 crew, including Wang Haozhe, utilized robotic arms and ground control support.

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's ISS mission has been extended until late March due to technical glitches with Boeing's Starliner and delays in the next SpaceX Crew Dragon launch. Originally scheduled to return in February 2025 after their June 2024 arrival, the duo will now spend approximately ten months in space.

Sunita Williams and crew celebrated Christmas on the International Space Station. A SpaceX Dragon capsule delivered supplies, including gifts. The crew enjoyed special meals and connected with family. They also conducted educational outreach. Williams' mission was extended due to a spacecraft issue. The Dragon completed its 31st resupply mission. Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth in February.

A new study reveals that breathing acts as a conductor, coordinating brain waves during sleep to consolidate memories. Researchers found that slow spindle brain waves in the hippocampus, crucial for memory, synchronize with breathing rhythms during NREM sleep. This discovery suggests that breathing disruptions, like sleep apnea, could impair memory consolidation.