News for 'New Scientist'

Scientists Edge Closer To First Exomoon Discovery

Scientists Edge Closer To First Exomoon Discovery

Rediff.com3 days ago

A new study based on satellite observations of a brown dwarf orbiting a star suggests the possible first detection of an exomoon. Researchers are debating its classification as an 'exoplanet' or 'exomoon' due to a lack of definitive systems, but refer to it as an 'exosatellite' with a mass similar to Jupiter.

CMFRI Scientists Identify New Deep-Sea Fish, Cyttopsis Indica

CMFRI Scientists Identify New Deep-Sea Fish, Cyttopsis Indica

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Scientists at the ICAR-CMFRI have identified a new species of deep-sea fish, named Cyttopsis indica (Indian dory), in the Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast. This discovery, based on specimens collected from the eastern Lakshadweep Sea, corrects a long-standing taxonomic misidentification and highlights the rich marine biodiversity of India's southwest coast.

Indian Scientists Can Now Access ISRO's XPoSat Mission Data

Indian Scientists Can Now Access ISRO's XPoSat Mission Data

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

ISRO has issued an Announcement of Opportunity, inviting Indian scientists and researchers to submit proposals for accessing data from its XPoSat Mission. Launched in January 2024, XPoSat is India's first satellite dedicated to X-ray polarimetry measurements, designed to study extreme astronomical X-ray sources like black holes and neutron stars, thereby enhancing understanding of celestial emissions.

Scientists Uncover Two New Micro-Snail Species In Meghalaya's Limestone Caves

Scientists Uncover Two New Micro-Snail Species In Meghalaya's Limestone Caves

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Researchers have identified two new species of microscopic snails, Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni, in the limestone caves of Meghalaya, India. This discovery highlights the rich, yet underexplored, biodiversity of the region's subterranean ecosystems, while also raising concerns about threats from increasing tourism and mining activities.

AI-171 crash: Forensic scientists recall trauma of identifying victims

AI-171 crash: Forensic scientists recall trauma of identifying victims

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A year after the devastating AI-171 Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad, forensic scientists recount the immense emotional and scientific challenges faced in identifying the 260 victims. The director of Gujarat Directorate of Forensic Sciences, H P Sanghvi, shared the indelible image of a severed hand, symbolising the terror and the team's dedication.

LG Sinha Urges Scientists To Translate Immunology Into Public Health Action

LG Sinha Urges Scientists To Translate Immunology Into Public Health Action

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha addressed the 'IMMUNOCON-2026' conference, stressing the importance of translating scientific immunological knowledge into public health action. He urged scientists to focus on precision medicine, immuno-AI fusion, climate immunity, and accelerating translational research to combat infectious diseases and enhance healthcare delivery.

Pune Scientists Develop Targeted Nanocarrier For Breast Cancer Gene Therapy

Pune Scientists Develop Targeted Nanocarrier For Breast Cancer Gene Therapy

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, have developed a biodegradable nanocarrier platform for targeted gene therapy in breast cancer. This strategy uses mesoporous silica nanoparticles to deliver siRNA molecules, effectively inhibiting tumour growth and reducing off-target effects, offering a promising new approach to cancer treatment.

Scientists Decode How Plants Use Molecular Traps To Fight Viruses

Scientists Decode How Plants Use Molecular Traps To Fight Viruses

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Scientists at CSIR-CCMB have decoded the molecular mechanisms behind how plants use 'sticky' protein droplets to trap and disable invading viruses, potentially leading to more resilient crops and new treatments for human diseases like dementia.

Scientists Discover Distinct Brain Regions For Spontaneous And Voluntary Laughter

Scientists Discover Distinct Brain Regions For Spontaneous And Voluntary Laughter

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Researchers have analysed reports of medical procedures involving electrical stimulation of awake patients' brains, identifying distinct brain regions responsible for spontaneous and voluntary laughter. This study sheds light on the complex neural mechanisms underlying human laughter, distinguishing between uncontrollable, emotionally charged laughter and controlled, conversational laughter.

The Assamese Scientist Who's Making India Proud

The Assamese Scientist Who's Making India Proud

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Bringing international recognition to Assam, young scientist Dr Shekhar Suman Bora has been honoured with the prestigious 'University Innovator Award' at the 2026 Texas Innovation Conference & Awards held in the United States.

South African Scientists Recognised For Public Health Work

South African Scientists Recognised For Public Health Work

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Two South African scientists of Indian origin, Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor Keertan Dheda, have been awarded the Order of Mapungubwe for their contributions to public health, particularly in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis research, and pulmonology.

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting Scientist

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting Scientist

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A builder in Dehradun has been booked under the Goonda Act and may be expelled from the district after allegedly assaulting a DRDO scientist who protested illegal construction.

ISRO Talent Drain Triggers Government Action

ISRO Talent Drain Triggers Government Action

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Department of Space has directed that requests for voluntary retirement or resignation from Group 'A' Scientific and Technical personnel associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and other important missions should not be accepted as a matter of routine.

NISAR satellite shows 60cm Venezuela quake ground shift

NISAR satellite shows 60cm Venezuela quake ground shift

Rediff.com1 days ago

The NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite has provided crucial data revealing the extent of ground displacement caused by recent twin earthquakes in Venezuela. Researchers used the satellite's InSAR technique to map surface changes, showing a significant 60-centimetre shift in areas like Caracas and La Guaira, explaining the severe damage. This marks the first use of NISAR's urgent response system for earthquake surface displacement mapping.

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting DRDO Scientist

Builder Booked Under Goonda Act For Assaulting DRDO Scientist

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A builder in Dehradun has been booked under the Goonda Act and may be expelled from the district after allegedly assaulting a DRDO scientist who protested against illegal construction.

Vikram-1, India's 1st private orbital-class rocket, successfully enters space

Vikram-1, India's 1st private orbital-class rocket, successfully enters space

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, placing multiple technology demonstration payloads and commemorative items, including a postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, into low Earth orbit, marking a significant entry into the global orbital launch market.

10 US scientists with crucial info die, disappear; probe ordered

10 US scientists with crucial info die, disappear; probe ordered

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The US administration has ordered a probe into the deaths and disappearances of at least 10 top US scientists and researchers with access to information related to aerospace, defence and extra-terrestrial life.

DRDO Scientist's Bail Rejected Over Sensitive Info Leak

DRDO Scientist's Bail Rejected Over Sensitive Info Leak

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has denied bail to retired DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with a Pakistani intelligence operative, citing the passing of vital information during intimate chats and the potential to influence witnesses.

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

The Assam Origin Scientist Who Won 'Oscar of Physics' With 376 Others

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Science today is very interconnected, and that helped me become part of the Muon g-2 team.'

9 Facts About the $50 Million T Rex

9 Facts About the $50 Million T Rex

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

9 fascinating facts about the dinosaur that shattered auction records.

Groundbreaking IIT Mandi Research Reveals Cellular Signature Of Anaesthesia In Plants

Groundbreaking IIT Mandi Research Reveals Cellular Signature Of Anaesthesia In Plants

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Scientists at IIT Mandi have identified the cellular signature of anaesthesia in plants, a discovery that challenges conventional understanding of consciousness. Their research shows plants respond to anaesthetics in a synchronised manner, reorganising cellular nuclei despite lacking a brain or nervous system, suggesting a more sentient nature than previously believed and resonating with ancient Indian philosophical thought.

IIT research finds no impact of E20 on fuel efficiency

IIT research finds no impact of E20 on fuel efficiency

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT Kanpur have found that 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) does not significantly reduce fuel efficiency or harm vehicle engines, contradicting social media claims and providing reassurance amidst its nationwide rollout. The study supports the Oil Ministry's stance on E20's benefits.

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

How Kerala Aims To Become A National AI And Emerging Technologies Hub

Rediff.com4 days ago

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced the state's vision to become a national hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, coinciding with the launch of Naviq Technology by IBS Software Group. The state government is implementing initiatives like an AI-powered dashboard, a Global Job Watch Tower, and curriculum revisions to align with technological advancements and foster skill development in AI and semiconductor sectors.

Centre Extends N Kalaiselvi's Tenure As CSIR Director General

Centre Extends N Kalaiselvi's Tenure As CSIR Director General

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

N Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has received an extension to her tenure until February 2027. Known for her pioneering work in lithium-ion batteries, Kalaiselvi's extended leadership marks a significant milestone for women in Indian science.

OTT's 10 Best K-Dramas Of 2026 So Far

OTT's 10 Best K-Dramas Of 2026 So Far

Rediff.com17 hours ago

It's only July but the South Korean drama scene is brimming with action and adrenalin.

How Interstellar Sugar Could Unlock Secrets Of Life's Origins

How Interstellar Sugar Could Unlock Secrets Of Life's Origins

Rediff.com7 days ago

Scientists have detected erythrulose, a sugar found on Earth, in the interstellar medium, marking the first direct discovery of sugar in space. This finding, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that complex, biologically important molecules can form in space and may have contributed to the chemical ingredients necessary for early metabolic and replication processes on Earth, offering new insights into the origins of life.

Breakthrough: Indian Researchers Create Placenta-On-Chip For Pregnancy Study

Breakthrough: Indian Researchers Create Placenta-On-Chip For Pregnancy Study

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Indian researchers from ICMR-National Institute for Research on Women's Health and IIT Bombay have developed an indigenous "placenta-on-chip" platform. This microphysiological system mimics the human placental barrier, reproducing essential functions like hormone production and nutrient transfer. It offers a simple, scalable tool for studying placental biology, pregnancy complications, and drug effects, aiming to reduce reliance on animal experimentation.

Switzerland To Lead Global AI Governance Discussions In 2027

Switzerland To Lead Global AI Governance Discussions In 2027

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Switzerland will host the next global AI summit in June 2027 in Geneva, aiming to establish stable processes for AI governance and promote its responsible use. Building on previous summits, including one in New Delhi, the event will focus on AI as a driver of prosperity and human-centred innovation, bringing together governments, organisations, and civil society to address global challenges.

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

Rediff.com4 days ago

On camera, youngsters gave their names, where they'd come from, where they were studying or working - and then proceeded to criticize Modi. On camera, they held up posters mocking Modi, points out Jyoti Punwani.

DRDO Scientist's Leaked Secrets: ATS Files Charge Sheet

DRDO Scientist's Leaked Secrets: ATS Files Charge Sheet

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police has filed a charge sheet against DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, who is accused of providing confidential information to a Pakistani intelligence operative.

Is VAR Ruining The FIFA World Cup?

Is VAR Ruining The FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The 2026 World Cup has been marred by widespread controversy surrounding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with coaches, players, and fans criticising its application, consistency, and impact on match outcomes, leading to a significant increase in interventions and red cards.

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

How India's Mobile Algal Tree Fights Urban Pollution

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Researchers at CSIR-CIMFR have developed India's first mobile Smart Algal Liquid Tree (SALT), an innovative air-purification system using microalgae to absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Designed for polluted urban areas, this compact unit offers a sustainable solution where conventional tree planting is challenging, also providing public utility features.

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Cosmoserve Mission to Test Space Debris Tech

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Mission Embrace aims to perform the world's first in-orbit demonstration of soft robotic capture for future active debris removal missions

LG Sinha Urges Scientific Knowledge Translation For Public Health Action

LG Sinha Urges Scientific Knowledge Translation For Public Health Action

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha emphasised the critical need to translate scientific immunological knowledge into public health action. Speaking at the IMMUNOCON-2026 conference, he highlighted immunology's evolving role in healthcare, stressing continuous innovation and collaboration in areas like immuno-AI fusion, climate immunity, and translational medicine to combat infectious diseases and prepare for future global health threats.

One Light-Day Away: Voyager's Epic Voyage

One Light-Day Away: Voyager's Epic Voyage

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Buzz Lightyear's 'to infinity and beyond' in Toy Story was meant as an impossible boast. Voyager, however, has given it unexpected meaning -- not because it will ever reach infinity, but because for it the beyond is already in progress

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Odisha Textbooks Found With 1,678 Errors

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

How did hundreds of errors slip through multiple stages of drafting, editing, proofreading, expert review and final approval before making their way into classrooms?

How El Nino and climate change are reshaping India's monsoon

How El Nino and climate change are reshaping India's monsoon

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Climate experts explain how El Nino and climate change are intricately linked, with El Nino delaying monsoon onset and climate change intensifying rainfall. This new reality is altering the Indian monsoon's behaviour, leading to short-duration, high-intensity rain spells, especially in western and northwestern regions.

How Ancient Dharmic Principles Guide Digital Ethics

How Ancient Dharmic Principles Guide Digital Ethics

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A three-day conference, "Dharma in the Digital Age 2026," is taking place at the University of Houston, bringing together scholars and scientists to discuss how ancient Dharmic principles can address contemporary ethical, technological, and societal challenges, including AI, digital governance, and sustainability.

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Heavy showers flood parts of Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across Mumbai, disrupting traffic and daily life. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts, advising precautions. Specific areas recorded over 200 mm of rainfall, and the IMD forecasts continued heavy rains for the Konkan region, Goa, South Gujarat, Odisha, and Central India.

8 Asteroids That Gave Earth A Near Miss

8 Asteroids That Gave Earth A Near Miss

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

You may not know that nearly every year a handful of asteroids skim past Earth at distances that are startlingly close in astronomical terms.