NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured the largest planet-forming disk ever observed around a young star. Nicknamed 'Dracula's Chivito', the disk spans nearly 400 billion miles and lies approximately 978 light-years from Earth. Resembling a hamburger, the dark, dusty disk appears highly chaotic, with bright wisps extending far above and below it.

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a leading UCL space scientist, predicts that alien life could be discovered by 2075. While initial findings may involve simple microbial life, the possibility of more advanced extraterrestrial species cannot be ruled out. Supported by exoplanet research and past Mars studies, her forecast highlights the growing likelihood of life beyond Earth within the next 50 years.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the LVM3-M6 rocket successfully and precisely placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite in its intended orbit. He highlighted it as the first dedicated commercial launch for AST SpaceMobile, India's 104th launch from Sriharikota, and the 9th successful LVM3 mission, demonstrating the vehicle's 100% reliability and excellent track record.

ISRO has launched the LVM-3 rocket, nicknamed 'Baahubali', carrying BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite on Wednesday. The satellite weighs nearly 6,100 kg, the heaviest payload ever launched by an Indian rocket, said NDTVProfit. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is designed to provide direct mobile broadband connectivity from space and aims to support 4G and 5G services on standard smartphones.

Dr Devendra Gupta, Head of Veterinary Medicine, NDVSU, said that crows possess cognitive abilities that rival those of some mammals. Crows are recognised for their advanced problem-solving skills, strong memory and remarkable adaptability. A striking aspects of crow intelligence is their capacity to use and manufacture tools, with Dr Gupta saying, "Tool use is a hallmark of advanced cognition."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday promised a ₹100-crore award to anyone from the state who bags a Nobel Prize in quantum computing for their research. CM Naidu, who stated that the state government aims to train one lakh quantum professionals, had earlier promised ₹100 crore for any Nobel laureate from the state in 2017.

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has released festive space images showing galaxies and nebulae shaped like snowmen and Christmas trees. Using X-ray and visible light data, images reveal hidden cosmic activity such as galaxy collisions and star formation. One example is NGC 2264, which glows with dense clouds of star-forming gas, with X-rays highlighting newborn stars like Christmas tree.

Researchers have found that tiny snapping shrimp can produce extreme noise levels. Using a specialised claw, they created a high-pressure bubble that collapses violently underwater, releasing sound waves of up to 210 decibels—louder than jet engines. Scientists noted that sailors once mistook this noise for faulty ship equipment, and during wartime, navies even confused it with enemy submarines.

Scientists are developing artificial wombs to support premature babies, born between 22 and 28 weeks. Systems like CHOP's EXTEND and Netherlands' AquaWomb mimic conditions in uterus. After a C-section, the baby goes into its warm, fluid-filled tank where a synthetic placenta delivers it oxygen and nutrients. While animal studies have shown healthy growth, FDA-reviewed human trials may soon begin.

YoungHoon Kim, a South Korean AI researcher claiming the world's highest IQ of 276, says mathematics and logic prove the existence of God. Drawing on concepts of time, beginnings and causality, he argues the universe requires an intelligent first cause. His outspoken religious views have sparked global debate on science, faith and the meaning of existence.