Science News, Discoveries & Research Updates

Study: Thwaites Glacier Ice Loss Could Rival Entire Antarctic by 2067

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 17, 2026 9:00 pm

University of Edinburgh scientists using satellite-calibrated models project Thwaites Glacier could lose 180–200 gigatonnes of ice yearly by 2067—matching the entire Antarctic ice sheet’s current annual loss. The research in Geophysical Research Letters shows how different model calibrations affect predictions and reveals thinning spreading inland along vulnerable deep troughs. The findings raise urgent concerns about accelerated sea level rise this century.

China’s Weird-Looking Humanoid Robot Could Help Build Moon Base by 2035

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 17, 2026 8:30 pm

Chinese researchers from the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering have proposed a semi-humanoid robot on wheels to help build the International Lunar Research Base by 2035. The design combines stable wheeled movement with a dexterous upper body that can rotate 180 degrees and perform precise tasks. A six-legged cargo platform is also planned to support construction and equipment transport on the moon.

U.S. Startup Starcloud Plans 88,000 Satellites for AI Data Centers

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 17, 2026 7:01 pm

Redmond-based Starcloud has filed FCC plans for up to 88,000 satellites to serve as orbital AI data centers. The constellation would operate in sun-synchronous orbits between 600 and 850 kilometers, using continuous solar power. The company has already tested an Nvidia H100 processor in space and aims to launch its first commercial spacecraft in 2027.

Europe’s New Cosmic Ray Simulator Could Solve One of Space Travel’s Biggest Dangers

Sanjukta Praharaj March 15, 2026 12:20 pm

An international research team working with the European Space Agency (ESA) has developed Europe’s first simulator for Galactic Cosmic Rays.

Artemis II Back on Track: NASA Targets April 1 Launch for First Crewed Moon Flight in 50 Years

Sanjukta Praharaj March 14, 2026 5:14 pm

NASA says its Artemis II moon mission is back on track after engineers successfully repaired a key issue with the

Firefly Alpha Rocket’s ‘Stairway to Seven’ Mission Marks Big Comeback

Sanjukta Praharaj March 14, 2026 1:59 pm

Texas-based space company Firefly Aerospace has successfully returned its Alpha rocket to orbit after a series of major setbacks last

Russia-Linked Hackers Appear in Iran Cyber Conflict, But Impact Unclear

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 13, 2026 7:24 pm

Pro-Russia hacking groups including NoName057(16) and Z-Pentest have joined the cyber conflict surrounding the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, claiming DDoS attacks on Israeli defense contractors and U.S. organizations. Analysts remain divided on whether the activity represents meaningful escalation, with many claims unverified. The development follows reports that Moscow is supplying Tehran with targeting intelligence against American forces.

Nearby Galaxies Hint at a Slower Expanding Universe and Surprising Dark Matter Clues

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 13, 2026 6:14 pm

Scientists, including David Benisty from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam(AIP), have studied the Centaurus A and M81 galaxy groups

Scientists Use X-rays and Lasers to Track Elusive Electrons in Materials

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 13, 2026 5:38 pm

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory created an AI “adviser” that guides robotic labs to discover electronic materials faster. The system helped complete a complex materials study in just 64 experiments instead of 4,300. This human-AI collaboration could speed up development of wearable electronics, better batteries, and medical devices.