Top Science Headlines
How many Earths can fit inside Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus & Neptune?
The Sun, a medium-sized star with a radius of about 700,000 km, can fit roughly 1.3 million Earths by volume. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, can hold over 1,300 Earths. Saturn can fit more than 700 Earths. Uranus holds about 63 Earths, while Neptune can accommodate around 57-58 Earths.
Haryana fields turn saline, waterlogged
In Haryana's Rohtak belt, rising water tables and soil salinity are pushing farmland out of cultivation. Farmers report up to 30% of land becoming unproductive, forcing shifts to paddy or even fish farming. Makeshift fixes like pipelines and raised fields offer limited relief. The real solution lies in large-scale drainage to 'break the chawa' (trapped saline water) and restore soil health.
Farmers face foot injuries amid lack of proper footwear
Farm work in Telangana and across India exposes farmers’ feet to cuts, infections, and strain, especially in wet soils. Many still rely on worn-out slippers unsuited to such conditions. Designers at Earthen Tunes have developed lightweight, water-resistant footwear using indigenous wool, drawing attention to how overlooked, everyday risks shape agricultural labour.
Kochi project highlights role of community in water governance
In Kochi, participatory design is helping improve urban water governance by involving communities in identifying problems and co-creating solutions, the approach addresses unequal supply and water quality concerns. It also builds trust between citizens and institutions, offering a scalable model for inclusive and sustainable water management.
Declining Rudrasagar lake hits Neermahal and fishing communities
Tripura's Rudrasagar Lake is shrinking due to siltation, encroachment, and changing water flows. The decline has left the iconic Neermahal palace stranded and disrupted fishing livelihoods. Experts stress the need for wetland restoration, improved water management, and support for communities dependent on the lake.
Experts call for rethink in Himalayan development model
The Himalayas are facing rising ecological stress from infrastructure expansion, climate change, and fragmented policies. Experts warn that current development approaches are inadequate for such a fragile region. They call for a new framework that balances sustainability, local livelihoods, and ecosystem protection to ensure long-term resilience.
Arsenic crisis in Ballia raises alarm over groundwater safety
Arsenic contamination in eastern Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district is emerging as a serious public health threat. A recent review highlights gaps in monitoring, awareness, and mitigation. Despite risks, many communities continue to depend on unsafe groundwater, underlining the urgent need for stronger surveillance, treatment systems, and policy action.
Grove in Meghalaya protected by Khasi communities sustain water
In Mawphlang, a sacred grove protected by Khasi communities for over 800 years sustains streams and groundwater through belief-led conservation. Water here flows year-round. Strict community rules prevent extraction. But rising tourism, climate change, and shifting values threaten this balance. As modern systems struggle, Mawphlang shows how community stewardship can protect water beyond policy.
Scientists reveal how human skull has changed over last 100 years
University of Tokyo scientists revealed that over the last 100 years, the human skull has become rounder and wider, shifting from a longer, more oval shape. Skulls now also have a noticeably larger bony bump just behind the earlobe, they said. Further, facial features have also evolved, including narrower cheekbones, wider upper jaws, and more prominent noses, they added.
40-yr-old 3-sided zipper design finally put together to function
CSAIL scientists worked on a 40-year-old three-sided zipper design and finally put it together to help "tune stiffness" of objects. It's like a switch that seamlessly flips chairs, tents, and purses between soft and rigid states, making their assembly easier, they said. They have built a software which helps customise these three-sided zippers and then 3-D prints them.