Nature Hub

From - Sky & Telescope, By- Govert Schilling, Edited by - Amal Udawatta,           An illustration of a radio signal from a fast radio burst as it moves toward telescopes on Earth.          J. Josephides / Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, with minor modifications by the Dunlap           Institute Flashes of radio waves — whose exact sources are still a bit of a mystery — are helping astronomers learn about the hot gas that surrounds the Milky Way Nobody knows the true nature of  fast radio bursts  (FRBs). Nevertheless, these ultra-short flashes of radio waves are starting to shed light on the structure of galaxies and the evolution of the universe. As the bursts traverse deep space, astronomers learn about the cosmic distribution of tenuous  ionized gas  — a plasma consisting of atomic nuclei and free electrons — that is almost impossible to observe directly. “Astronomers love a good mystery — what are FRBs? — but the wider impact of FRBs on astrophysics will definite

IMAGE SOURCE, ISRO Image caption, The network-completing satellites rode India's biggest rocket to orbit By Jonathan Amos BBC Science Correspondent Edited by Amal Udawatta, London-based company One Web has launched the final set of satellites it needs to deliver a broadband internet connection anywhere on Earth. The 36 spacecraft went up on an Indian LVM3 rocket from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. Their deployment 450km above the planet takes OneWeb's total in-orbit constellation to 618. It's less than three years ago that the UK government took the decision to buy OneWeb out of bankruptcy. At the time, it was seen as controversial; arguments raged about whether it was a sound use of taxpayer money. But since the purchase, OneWeb has managed to attract significant additional investment, and is even now planning a next generation of satellites. "This is the most significant milestone in the history of OneWeb, as we reach the satellites needed for global co

  From - Earth Unreal Edited by Amal Udawatta, Spittle bug nymphs are tiny creatures belonging to the family Cercopidae. These froghopper nymphs are named after the frothy white liquid that envelops their bodies, which looks like a bubble bath for bugs. These bubbles act as a natural shield, providing insulation and moisture for the nymphs as they feed on plant sap and excrete excess water and sugars through their tiny hindquarters. These resilient insects can be found in various habitats, from vast grasslands to cozy gardens. They are fond of dining on a wide range of plant species, from towering trees to tiny herbs. As they mature, these spunky spittle bug nymphs undergo several molts, transforming into winged adults with elongated bodies and bulging eyes. They are known for their impressive jumping ability, which enables them to traverse long distances with ease. Spittle bug nymphs play an important role in their ecosystems. They serve as a valuable source of food for natural predat

  By Charley Adams BBC News, Eddited by  Amal Udawatta, IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES A ban on laughing gas will not stop people using it and will drive it into criminal hands, say experts. The government has defended its plans to tackle anti-social behaviour, including making the possession of nitrous oxide a criminal offence. The Drug Science scientific charity says a blanket ban "is completely disproportionate" and "would likely deliver more harm than good". The £160m plan will also address homelessness, begging and graffiti. Laughing gas users risk spine damage, say doctors Laughing gas should not be banned, review says Unveiling his plans to clamp down on anti-social behaviour on Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said there was a need for a "zero-tolerance" approach and stressed the importance of "immediate justice". Speaking at a boxing club in Chelmsford, Essex, Mr Sunak said he wanted to deal with a small minority of people who were being d