International Young Scientist Awards

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully launched its much-anticipated Biomass Earth observation satellite aboard the Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The mission, part of ESA’s Earth Explorer program, is designed to revolutionize our understanding of the world’s forests and their role in the carbon cycle. Developed to measure the amount of biomass and carbon stored in the world’s forests, the satellite carries a groundbreaking P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—the first of its kind to be flown in space. This radar can penetrate forest canopies and gather data on tree trunk and branch biomass, a feat unachievable by conventional sensors. ESA’s Biomass mission aims to deliver accurate, consistent global maps of forest biomass at a resolution of around 200 meters, helping scientists assess carbon fluxes, monitor deforestation, and enhance global climate change models. These insights are crucial for understanding the Earth's carbon sinks and sources...

 In a groundbreaking development, scientists have detected what could be a potential sign of life on a distant exoplanet, igniting excitement across the global scientific community. Using advanced telescopes and spectroscopic analysis, researchers observed unusual chemical signatures in the atmosphere of a planet located several light-years away from Earth. The planet, which orbits within the habitable zone of its star, shows traces of molecules that, on Earth, are closely linked to biological activity. One of the most intriguing findings is the presence of a gas like phosphine or other organic compounds that, in our own planet's atmosphere, are largely produced by microbial life. While these molecules can sometimes be formed through non-biological processes, their concentration and the conditions on the exoplanet suggest that life could be a plausible explanation. The detection was made possible by powerful instruments such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and other high-...

  NASA’s Perseverance rover has made another stunning discovery on the surface of Mars—a strange, dark rock unlike any seen before on the Red Planet. The bizarre formation, eerily resembling a skull, has been nicknamed “Skull Hill” by NASA scientists due to its shape and weathered appearance. Located in the Jezero Crater, a region long believed to have once hosted ancient river systems, this dark rock may hold vital clues about Mars’ volcanic and geological history. Measuring roughly the size of a small boulder, Skull Hill stands out dramatically against the reddish Martian soil. Its dark hue, coupled with the pitted surface and peculiar erosion patterns, has sparked intrigue among researchers. Initial assessments suggest it could be volcanic in origin, potentially formed from ancient lava flows or meteorite impacts. Its unique mineral composition might help scientists decode how water, wind, and climate shaped the Martian landscape over billions of years. The discovery came during...

The growing global challenges of environmental degradation and resource scarcity demand innovative agricultural solutions. Intelligent environmental control systems integrating sensors, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) optimize crop production and sustainability in vertical farming. This review explores the critical role of these technologies in monitoring and adjusting key environmental parameters, including light, temperature, humidity, nutrient delivery, and CO₂ enrichment. Intelligent environmental control systems use real-time data from sensor networks to continuously maintain optimal growing conditions. Sensors measure changes in the environment, such as light intensity and humidity levels. Automation enables tasks to be performed without human intervention, ensuring consistent adjustments to environmental conditions. AI predicts plant responses and enables proactive management strategies in this context. The review also examines how these technologies integrate, hi...

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has once again astounded the scientific community with breathtaking images, this time unveiling what lies inside a forming star — and the sight is nothing short of extraordinary. The newly released images showcase a glowing, hourglass-shaped nebula nestled within a dark cosmic cloud, revealing unprecedented detail about the early stages of star formation. The star at the center of this cosmic spectacle is still in its infancy, known as a protostar, located within the Taurus Molecular Cloud, roughly 460 light-years from Earth. Although the protostar itself remains obscured by a dense disk of gas and dust, the infrared capabilities of the James Webb Telescope allow us to peer through the cosmic veil. What we see is a stunning display: bright orange and blue lobes of gas and dust expanding outward in a symmetrical, hourglass form. The vivid colors are not just visually striking but scientifically significant. The blue areas indicate regions where t...

A recent study led by researchers at Cleveland Clinic has linked the sugar substitute xylitol to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Published in the European Heart Journal , the study found that higher levels of xylitol in the bloodstream are associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular events, raising concerns about the widespread use of this common sugar alcohol in sugar-free products. Xylitol, a popular zero-calorie sweetener, is frequently used in sugar-free candies, gums, baked goods, and oral care products like toothpaste. As the popularity of sugar substitutes has surged over the past decade, driven by their promotion as healthy alternatives for managing obesity and diabetes, the potential health risks associated with these substances have come under increasing scrutiny. The research team, led by Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, chair of cardiovascular and metabolic sciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute , conducted a comprehensive analysis involving...

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global industries and innovation, the race for AI dominance is no longer a two-horse competition—it has grown increasingly crowded and fiercely competitive. While the United States has long been considered the front-runner in AI development due to its strong tech infrastructure, robust academic research, and venture capital investments, China is rapidly narrowing the gap. Over the past decade, China has made extraordinary strides in AI research, talent cultivation, and national-level policy initiatives, aiming to become the global AI leader by 2030. Beijing's commitment is evident in its massive government funding, AI-focused academic programs, and support for startups that specialize in everything from facial recognition and robotics to autonomous driving and machine learning. Companies like Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, and SenseTime are becoming increasingly influential in the global AI arena, developing proprietary models and technolog...

In a breathtaking astronomical revelation, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning view of NGC 1850, a double star cluster located 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. This extraordinary cosmic feature challenges conventional understandings of star cluster formation due to its unique structure—two tightly packed star clusters of distinctly different ages, coexisting within the same region of space.   The main cluster of NGC 1850 is estimated to be around 100 million years old, relatively young in cosmic terms, while the smaller adjacent cluster is just a few million years old. This age disparity offers a rare glimpse into how successive generations of stars may form and evolve in proximity—something astronomers seldom witness. The Hubble’s wide-field camera provided the crisp and vibrant image that reveals intricate details of young, hot, blue stars surrounded by glowing gas and dust remnants from past stellar ac...

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is the nation’s leading competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awards AFRI research, education, and extension grants to improve rural economies, increase food production, stimulate the bioeconomy, mitigate impacts of climate variability, address water availability issues, ensure food safety and security, enhance human nutrition, and train the next generation of the agricultural workforce. AFRI was established by Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill and re-authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. The program was re-authorized to be funded at $700 million a year. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 funds AFRI at $445.2 million. NIFA provides AFRI grants to support research, education and extension activities in six Farm Bill priority areas:Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health...

Amethyst by Curved Dimension challenges stereotypical workspace design by fostering a sense of unity and comfort among users. The design, set in Angamaly, India , takes inspiration from the crystalline structure of amethyst, incorporating faceted, angular walls that extend upwards, symbolizing growth and progression. Designed as an open office concept, the spatial layout prioritizes connectivity while integrating functional elements. Strategically positioned acoustic pods provide enclosed spaces for meetings and private discussions, balancing openness with areas for focused work. The inclusion of landscaped elements introduces a natural component, contributing to a more dynamic and engaging workspace. Instead of conventional decorative elements, the architectural forms define the visual experience, with structural compositions resembling Arctic-inspired geometries. The double-height reception area features a suspended crystal-like installation aligned with MANE KANCOR, the client bra...

  There are roughly a trillion species of microorganisms on Earth – the vast majority of which are bacteria. Bacteria consist of a single cell. They do not have bones and are not like big animals that leave clear signs in the geological record, which thankful palaeontologists can study many millions of years later. This has made it very hard for scientists to establish a timeline of their early evolution. But with the help of machine learning, we have been able to fill in many of the details. Our new research, published today in Science, also reveals some bacteria developed the ability to use oxygen long before Earth became saturated with it roughly 2.4 billion years ago. A monumental event in Earth’s history About 4.5 billion years ago, the Moon formed. Violently. A Mars-size object collided with Earth, turning its surface into molten rock. If life existed before this cataclysm, it was probably destroyed. After that, the current ancestors of all living beings appeared: single-cell...

Renewable energy systems, including solar and wind power, are pivotal contributors to tackling global challenges, such as climate change, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and promoting sustainable development. Solar power harnesses the boundless energy radiated by the sun, offering an abundant and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Simultaneously, wind energy capitalizes on the kinetic energy of the atmosphere, converting it into electricity through technologically advanced wind turbines. These systems mitigate environmental degradation, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to resilient energy infrastructures by harnessing clean and abundant natural sources. In the face of increasing global energy needs, the shift towards renewables becomes increasingly critical for ensuring energy security, fostering innovation, and sustaining a cleaner, more equitable future. The rapid evolution of the renewable energy market has resulted in a substantial sur...

Blockchain technology is viewed as a promising tool in the energy sector to record and streamline transactions between energy generators and consumers Blockchain has numerous applications, from peer-to-peer energy trading to verifying energy origins. Experts predict that blockchain technology can revolutionise the energy sector by improving energy operations throughout the value chain and managing the complexities of a decentralised energy system. Blockchain technology provides a means to legitimise, secure, and automate energy transfers without intermediaries. According to Emergen Research, the global blockchain in energy market size is expected to grow to $8,761.4 million in 2027, registering a CAGR of 56.1% during the forecast period. Automated Pay-Per-Use is a new offering from Siemens Energy that enables utilities to pay for upgraded services only when they are used. A portion of the cost is paid when revenue is generated through successful electricity sales. This payment model...

  In a groundbreaking achievement,  SpaceX  has successfully launched a polar spaceflight, marking a significant milestone in both aerospace technology and the evolving role of cryptocurrency in space exploration. The mission was funded by a prominent  crypto investor , demonstrating the growing influence of decentralized finance (DeFi) in cutting-edge technological advancements. This mission aims to advance research in satellite technology, Earth observation, and deep space communication, while also proving that  blockchain-driven funding models  can revolutionize space exploration. Polar orbits are crucial for global coverage in remote sensing, weather forecasting, and scientific observations, making this launch particularly important for both governmental and commercial space programs. The involvement of cryptocurrency in space projects is a relatively new but rapidly growing trend. Blockchain technology is already being explored for satellite communicat...