United News of Bangladesh

Asteroid mining, long popular in science fiction, is increasingly being examined by scientists as a potential source of valuable space-based resources, though major technical, economic and legal challenges remain. A recent study assessed the feasibility, opportunities and obstacles associated with mining asteroids, noting that many of these space rocks contain significant quantities of metals such as platinum, gold and iron, as well as water that could be used as rocket fuel. Some asteroids are believed to hold minerals worth trillions of dollars. The research focused on C-type, or carbon-rich, asteroids, which make up about 75 percent of known asteroids. The study, led by scientists from the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) and published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggests such bodies could become an important future source of raw materials. Professor Jacinto Alonso-Azcarate of the University of Castilla-La Mancha analysed asteroid samples selected by the research team. The study’s lead author, astrophysicist Josep M. Trigo-Rodriguez of ICE-CSIC, said these meteorites provide crucial insights into the chemical makeup and evolutionary history of small, undifferentiated asteroids. Researchers said years of experimental work helped them better understand how space conditions affect asteroid properties and mineral composition, calling the findings the result of sustained collaborative effort. Despite the potential, scientists cautioned that asteroid mining faces steep barriers. The cost of reaching asteroids and extracting resources remains extremely high, and the required technologies are still underdeveloped. Processing materials in low-gravity environments and managing waste could also pose serious environmental and operational risks. Trigo-Rodriguez noted that extracting water from water-rich carbonaceous asteroids may be more realistic in the near term, as it could support space exploration by serving as fuel or a basic resource for missions to other worlds. In addition to technical and financial hurdles, regulatory uncertainty remains a major concern. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bars nations from claiming ownership of celestial bodies, raising complex legal questions about commercial exploitation in space.   With inputs from NDTV

Electrolyte drinks have become popular among casual exercisers, marketed as essential for performance and recovery. But experts say most people don’t need them for regular workouts, reports BBC. Electrolytesminerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, regulate fluid balance, nerves, and muscles. Professor Graeme Close, a sports nutrition researcher at Liverpool John Moores University, said the body usually maintains electrolyte levels naturally. “Most people get enough through a balanced diet,” he noted. Electrolyte drinks are mainly useful for long, intense exercise in hot conditions, particularly for those who sweat heavily. They can also increase thirst, helping maintain hydration during prolonged activity. For moderate workouts like gym sessions or a 5K run, water is sufficient. Close suggested homemade alternatives: mix two-thirds water, one-third fruit juice, and a pinch of salt to make a simple carbohydrate and electrolyte solution. He added that breakfast foods like omelettes provide more electrolytes than commercial sachets. While sports drinks can help top up carbohydrates during long exercise, there is little evidence that extra electrolytes improve performance. For everyday exercise, water and a balanced diet are all that’s needed.            

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday highlighted his country’s advances in technology, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, military equipment, and space exploration, while reiterating that Beijing intends to annex self-ruled Taiwan. In his New Year’s Eve address broadcast by state media, Xi showcased images of humanoid robots performing kung fu, hydropower projects, and other innovations. “We sought to energize high-quality development through innovation,” he said, thanking the Chinese people for their contributions to economic growth over the past five years. China is preparing to discuss its new five-year economic plan in March and aims to strengthen self-reliance in science and technology amid tighter U.S. restrictions on high-tech exports. On Taiwan, Xi emphasized the shared cultural and historical ties across the strait, declaring, “The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable.” The remarks came shortly after China conducted two days of military drills around the island, in response to a planned U.S. arms sale. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pledged to resist Beijing’s “expansionist ambitions” in his own New Year’s address. Source: AP

After years of perilous fieldwork and advanced data analysis, Mexican scientists have produced the first three-dimensional image of the interior of Popocatépetl, one of the world’s most active volcanoes whose eruptions threaten millions of people. A team from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) spent five years scaling the volcano before dawn, hauling heavy equipment and braving harsh weather and eruption risks to collect seismic data. Using artificial intelligence to analyze the information, the researchers were able to map where magma accumulates beneath the crater, a breakthrough expected to improve understanding of the volcano’s behavior and help authorities respond more effectively to eruptions. Project leader Marco Calò of UNAM’s Institute of Geophysics said the new image offers unprecedented detail of the 17,883-foot volcano’s internal structure. The 3D cross-section extends about 11 miles below the crater, revealing several magma reservoirs at different depths rather than a single chamber, with more magma concentrated toward the southeast side. Popocatépetl, known locally as El Popo, poses a major risk because about 25 million people live within 100 kilometers of it. Homes, schools, hospitals and five airports could be affected by a major eruption. Although the volcano has been closely monitored, it lacked a high-resolution internal map until now. To achieve this, the team expanded the network of seismographs around the volcano from 12 to 22, allowing them to capture detailed underground vibrations. Doctoral researcher Karina Bernal used artificial intelligence to classify different types of tremors, helping scientists infer the materials, temperatures and depths inside the volcano before turning those findings into a map. Popocatépetl has been active since 1994, releasing gas, ash and smoke almost daily and periodically forming lava domes that later collapse, triggering eruptions. The most recent eruption occurred in 2023. Calò said working directly on the volcano transformed his research, calling Popocatépetl a “majestic” natural laboratory. He noted that firsthand experience helps scientists better understand the limits of their analyses and provide more reliable information to nearby communities. During their expeditions, the team retrieved data from seismic stations high on the volcano’s slopes, sometimes finding equipment damaged by weather, animals or explosions. Despite setbacks, the project has delivered key insights and raised new questions, including why tremors are more frequent on the southeast flank and what that means for future eruptions. With their findings set to be published, the scientists say seeing the volcano’s interior move in 3D makes the risks and effort worthwhile, and fuels their determination to continue climbing and learning more about El Popo.

Russia has successfully placed three Iranian communications satellites into orbit, marking the second such launch this year, according to Iranian state television. The report said a Russian rocket lifted off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia on Sunday, carrying the satellites into a roughly 500-kilometer (310-mile) orbit around Earth. The satellites have been named Paya, Kowsar and Zafar-2. Among them, Paya is the largest satellite Iran has ever sent into space, weighing about 150 kilograms (330 pounds). Kowsar weighs 35 kilograms (77 pounds), while details about the weight of Zafar-2 were not disclosed. The satellites are capable of capturing images with up to three-meter resolution, which can be used for monitoring water resources, agriculture and environmental conditions. Their expected operational lifespan is up to five years. The launch underscores the close cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, as Russia has periodically assisted Iran in placing satellites into orbit. Earlier in July, a Russian rocket launched Iran’s Nahid-2 communications satellite. Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement in January. Moscow has also strongly criticized Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran during a 12-day conflict in June that reportedly killed nearly 1,100 people in Iran, including senior military officials and nuclear scientists. Iranian missile attacks in response killed 28 people in Israel. Iran has long pursued satellite development and periodically launches space vehicles to deploy its satellites. The United States has argued that Iran’s satellite launches violate a UN Security Council resolution and has urged Tehran to avoid activities related to ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. However, UN sanctions tied to Iran’s ballistic missile program expired in 2023. Source: AP 

From massive dinosaur footprints to new clues about early human fire use, 2025 delivered several major scientific discoveries across archaeology, astronomy and wildlife research. One of the year’s most striking finds came from an Oxfordshire quarry in the UK, where researchers uncovered one of the world’s largest dinosaur trackway sites. Around 200 giant footprints, dating back about 166 million years to the Jurassic period, were found preserved in stone. Scientists believe the tracks were made by a long-necked sauropod, likely Cetiosaurus, and the meat-eating dinosaur Megalosaurus. Some trackways extend up to 150 metres, with more possibly still buried. In another significant discovery, archaeologists in Barnham, Suffolk, found evidence suggesting humans were able to make fire around 400,000 years ago. The finding pushes back the known origins of controlled fire-making by more than 350,000 years and highlights its role in shaping human evolution by providing warmth, cooked food and new opportunities for social and cognitive development. Research published this year also examined monogamy across species, finding that about 66 percent of humans form long-term monogamous bonds. While humans ranked higher than chimpanzees and gorillas, they were still surpassed by species such as the California deermouse, which is known for lifelong pair bonding. In astronomy, skywatchers witnessed a rare planetary alignment in February, when seven planets appeared in the evening sky at the same time. Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Mercury were visible to the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune required telescopes. Scientists said a similar event is unlikely before 2040. The UK also received Moon rock samples for the first time in nearly five decades. Loaned by China, the tiny grains of lunar dust are being studied in a high-security laboratory to better understand the Moon’s formation and history. Scientists described the samples as extremely valuable for research. Meanwhile, wildlife research revealed that wild chimpanzees in Uganda use plants to treat wounds and injuries. Observed by researchers from the University of Oxford and local teams, the behaviour adds to growing evidence that chimpanzees possess knowledge of natural remedies. Scientists also warned that not all developments were positive. Environmental monitoring showed growing risks to wildlife in some regions, underlining the importance of science in identifying emerging threats as well as making discoveries.   With inputs from BBC

Turkish search teams on Wednesday recovered the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from a jet crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including western Libya’s top military commander, as efforts to retrieve victims’ remains continued, Turkey’s Interior Minister said. The private jet, carrying Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad, four other military officials, and three crew members, crashed Tuesday after departing Ankara. Libyan authorities said a technical malfunction was believed to have caused the accident. The delegation had been returning to Tripoli following defense talks in Ankara aimed at strengthening military cooperation. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said wreckage was scattered across more than a square mile, complicating recovery operations. Turkish forensic teams are working to recover and identify the bodies. A 22-member Libyan delegation, including five family members, arrived Wednesday to assist in the investigation. Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah called the crash a “tragic accident” and a “great loss” for Libya. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences to Dbeibah in a phone call, vowing a thorough investigation. Al-Haddad played a key role in U.N.-backed efforts to unify Libya’s divided military. Other military officials who died included Gen. Al-Fitouri Ghraibil, Brig. Gen. Mahmoud Al-Qatawi, Mohammed Al-Asawi Diab, and military photographer Mohammed Omar Ahmed Mahjoub. The Falcon 50 business jet lost contact about 40 minutes after takeoff, reporting an electrical fault and requesting an emergency landing. It disappeared from radar while descending toward Esenboga Airport. Libya has declared three days of national mourning. Wreckage was found near Kesikkavak village, south of Ankara. Turkish authorities deployed 408 personnel for recovery, including specialized vehicles for the muddy terrain, and assigned four prosecutors to lead the investigation. Turkey’s Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the black boxes would be sent to a neutral country for impartial examination. The crash comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize Libya’s divided government and military, with Turkey playing a major role in western Libya and recent moves to engage the eastern administration. Source: AP 

Eminent scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri, renowned for her contributions to vaccine innovation, testing and deployment as well as infectious disease research in Bangladesh with ICDDR, B, has said that awareness about science in the country remains limited, although gradual progress is taking place. She made the remarks on Tuesday, while speaking at the ‘Gunijan Shongbordhona 2025’, jointly organised by Bonik Barta and the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). The eighth edition of the programme was held on Tuesday evening at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in the capital. Thanking the organisers for including her among the distinguished awardees, Dr Qadri said the term “Gunijan” (eminent personality) is a very high recognition that she personally finds difficult to associate with herself. “I only do research, work in public health and focus on capacity building. I often question whether I truly deserve such a title,” she said. She described herself as a simple person who enjoys working and has lived a modest life. An alumna of the University of Dhaka, she said she was born in Dhaka and has always carried a deep love for Bangladesh. “Even though my children live abroad, I have always told them that if I ever fall ill, I want my treatment to be done in Dhaka and to spend my final days here,” she said Dr Qadri said her greatest strength comes from her students and young researchers, many of whom were present at the programme at her invitation. “They are like my children. I learn from them every day, and they give me immense strength,” she added. She said her passion for research led her to join icddr,b, where she combined scientific research with teaching and long-term capacity-building efforts. She noted that she has taught at several universities and always maintained a close, respectful relationship with students. “I tell them that learning is mutual — I learn from them just as they learn from me,” she said. Addressing questions often raised about her personal life, Dr Qadri said she considers her students and colleagues her family. “I have a very large family here. That is what keeps me happy,” she said, adding that weekends are often difficult as she misses her academic community. Expressing her emotional attachment to the country, she said that despite disorder and imperfections, Bangladesh remains her home. “This is my country. I feel free here. Nothing else compares to that feeling,” she said. Dr Qadri also said recognition from her own country carries far greater meaning than any international award. “Receiving something from my own people gives me a joy that no global prize can replace,” she noted. This year, three distinguished individuals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the country’s economy, research and public life. They are eminent entrepreneur and former adviser to two caretaker governments Syed Manzur Elahi (posthumous), former Jahangirnagar University vice-chancellor, economist and policymaker Professor Dr Amirul Islam Chowdhury, and scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri. Paying tribute to the awardees, speakers at the event included Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Science and Technology Dr Salehuddin Ahmed; President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh Mahbubur Rahman; former caretaker government adviser and PPRC Executive Chairman Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman; and Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun. More than 500 participants attended the programme. Since 2014, Bonik Barta and BIDS have been jointly organising the ‘Gunijan Shongbordhona’ to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to national development, policymaking, research, economic reform and social progress. The latest event marked the eighth edition of the prestigious recognition programme.    

As AI tools like ChatGPT become increasingly popular, educators and researchers are raising concerns about their effects on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Studies suggest that overreliance on generative AI could diminish cognitive engagement, though the picture remains nuanced. A study by MIT used electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity while 54 participants used ChatGPT to draft essays. Researchers found lower activity in networks associated with cognitive processing compared to those who wrote independently. Participants also struggled to recall information from their AI-assisted essays, highlighting potential impacts on learning retention. Similarly, research by Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft surveyed 319 white-collar workers using AI weekly. The study found that higher confidence in AI’s capabilities often corresponded with less critical thinking effort, potentially reducing independent problem-solving skills over time. UK schoolchildren surveyed by Oxford University Press reported mixed experiences: six in 10 said AI negatively affected their skills, but nine in 10 acknowledged it helped develop at least one school-related skill such as problem-solving, creativity, or revision. Experts emphasize responsible use. Jayna Devani of OpenAI stresses that AI should act as a tutor, breaking down questions to aid understanding, rather than replacing human effort. Prof Wayne Holmes of University College London warns that while AI can improve outputs, it may harm learning if students rely on it too heavily. The consensus among researchers is that more independent studies are needed to assess AI’s impact on education. Users should remain aware of how AI generates answers and verifies outputs to ensure tools enhance learning rather than diminish fundamental cognitive skills. In short, AI can accelerate learning when used strategically, but uncritical dependence risks “better outputs, worse learning.” Source: BBC

German engineer Michaela Benthaus made history Saturday as the first wheelchair user to travel to space, leaving her wheelchair behind while orbiting Earth on a 10-minute Blue Origin flight. Benthaus, who became paraplegic following a mountain biking accident seven years ago, launched from West Texas alongside five other passengers, including retired SpaceX executive Hans Koenigsmann, who helped organize and sponsor her journey. “I laughed all the way up,” said Benthaus, describing the flight that soared more than 65 miles (105 kilometers). She even attempted to turn upside down while in microgravity. The New Shepard capsule required only minor adjustments to accommodate Benthaus, with accessibility features designed to welcome a wider range of passengers than traditional spacecraft, according to Blue Origin engineer Jake Mills. A transfer board allowed her to move between the hatch and her seat, and a carpet was laid on the desert landing site to provide immediate access to her wheelchair. Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS nears Earth, NASA answers key questions Benthaus, 33, a graduate trainee with the European Space Agency in the Netherlands, previously experienced brief weightlessness on a parabolic flight in 2022 and participated in a two-week simulated mission in Poland. Despite initial doubts about flying with a disability, she embraced the opportunity when approached by Koenigsmann last year. The private mission did not involve ESA, although the agency recently cleared John McFall, an amputee, for a future International Space Station flight. Unlike McFall, Benthaus requires assistance to evacuate, with Koenigsmann designated as her in-flight helper. “Never give up on your dreams,” Benthaus said after landing. She emphasized her mission to promote accessibility in space and on Earth, hoping her flight paves the way for others with disabilities.