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NASA’s Planetary Defense Experiment Successfully Alters Binary Asteroid’s Orbit Around the Sun

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New findings reveal that the 2022 DART collision not only decreased the orbit of the moon Dimorphos around its parent asteroid Didymos but also subtly altered the trajectory of the entire binary asteroid system around the sun.

This artist’s illustration depicts a cloud of debris ejected after NASA’s DART spacecraft collides with the asteroid Dimorphos. Image credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser.

During the NASA DART mission, the collision with Dimorphos generated a massive cloud of rock debris and altered the shape of the 170-meter (560-foot) asteroid.

This debris not only escaped but also provided Dimorphos with an explosive thrust—what scientists refer to as a momentum enhancer.

The momentum enhancement factor from the DART impact was approximately 2, indicating that the spacecraft’s impact was effectively doubled due to the debris expelled.

Previous studies have determined that the moon’s 12-hour orbit around the 805-meter-wide Didymos was shortened by 33 minutes.

The latest research indicates that the collision ejected so much material from the binary asteroid system that it even modified the binary star’s 770-day orbital period around the sun by 0.15 seconds.

Dr. Rahil McAdia from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign stated, “The change in the orbital velocity of the binary system was about 11.7 microns per second, or 1.7 inches per hour.”

“Over time, even minor adjustments in an asteroid’s motion can influence the likelihood of a dangerous object colliding with Earth.”

To demonstrate the DART mission’s measurable influence on the binary star system, the researchers meticulously tracked DART’s solar orbit.

In addition to radar and ground-based asteroid observations, they monitored stellar occultations—events where an asteroid passes directly in front of a star, briefly blocking its light.

This method enables precise measurements of the asteroid’s speed, shape, and position.

The research team relied on volunteers worldwide who observed 22 stellar eclipses between October 2022 and March 2025.

“These stellar occultation observations, combined with years of existing data, were essential in calculating how DART altered Didymos’s orbit,” said Dr. Steve Chesley from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“This research is highly dependent on weather conditions, often requires travel to remote areas, and success is not guaranteed.”

“This breakthrough would not have been possible without the unwavering support of numerous volunteer observers globally.”

Analyzing Didymos’ motion also enabled scientists to ascertain the density of both asteroids.

Dimorphos was found to be slightly less dense than previously estimated, aligning with the theory that it formed from rock fragments shed by the rapidly rotating Didymos.

This loose material eventually coalesced, creating what is known as a “rubble pile” asteroid, Dimorphos.

Our findings indicate that targeting secondary asteroids in binary systems could be a viable strategy for deflecting kinetic impacts and enhancing planetary defense.

Dr. Preity Cowan from the University of Auckland remarked, “The DART mission proved to be a triumph. An asteroid system deemed safe for Earth was meticulously chosen, allowing NASA to impact the small satellite, leading to a faster orbit around its parent asteroid.”

“This new analysis unveils even more stunning and safe outcomes.”

“The combination of the spacecraft’s impact and the resulting ‘shock’ from the ejected material from the satellite was enough to visibly alter the binary star system’s path around the sun.”

“These adjustments may seem trivial, but in terms of trajectory, even minor changes, particularly if applied early on, can have significant repercussions.”

This milestone is crucial for developments in planetary defense,” said Professor Roberto Armelin from the University of Auckland.

“In a genuine hazardous scenario, small adjustments implemented promptly could prevent a potentially dangerous asteroid from colliding with Earth.”

The next phase is ESA’s Hera mission, set to launch in 2024, which will visit the Didymos system to measure its crater, asteroid mass and structure, and the efficiency of the impact.

“These measurements will aid in transitioning this historic experiment into a reliable planetary defense technology.”

For more information, check the result published in Scientific Progress.

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Rahil Makadia et al. 2026. Direct Detection of Geocentric Deflections of Asteroids: Didymos System After DART. Scientific Progress 12 (10): 10.1126/sciadv.aea4259

Source: www.sci.news

Nasa Successfully Alters Asteroid’s Orbit Around the Sun for the First Time

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NASA's Didymos System Impact

NASA’s Impact on Didymos System

Credit: Steve Gribben/Johns Hopkins University APL/NASA

For the first time in history, humanity successfully altered the orbit of an asteroid around the sun. This groundbreaking achievement was made possible by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission conducted in 2022, with its effectiveness now being assessed.

DART targeted a small asteroid named Dimorphos, which orbits a larger asteroid called Didymos. The spacecraft was designed to collide with Dimorphos to test the kinetic impactor method, exploring whether this technique is a viable way to change an asteroid’s trajectory, particularly if one were to threaten Earth.

The mission proved to be a resounding success, reducing Dimorphos’ orbital period by 32 minutes. Astronomers have been monitoring the asteroid system closely since then, collecting approximately 6,000 observations. These efforts revealed a slowdown of about 11.7 micrometers per second in the overall orbit, equivalent to approximately 40 millimeters per hour. This change is projected to reduce the orbital radius by around 360 meters.

“While it may not sound significant, the concept of dynamic effects suggests that early impacts can lead to substantial changes over time,” says Rahil Makadia of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a member of the asteroid monitoring team. “Though this number seems small, its accumulation over decades can have a considerable impact.”

The observed slowdown resulted from two main factors: the initial impact of the spacecraft and a secondary thrust caused by debris ejected from Dimorphos’ surface. Makadia and his colleagues determined that these two effects were roughly equivalent, allowing for accurate calculations of the asteroid’s mass and density. Dimorphos is approximately half as dense as Didymos, supporting the hypothesis that it is a rubble pile formed from material ejected during Didymos’s rotation.

This groundbreaking data can be invaluable in future efforts to redirect potentially hazardous asteroids. “We now possess a solid foundation for predicting the outcomes of future dynamic collision missions,” states Makadia. Additionally, the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft, en route to Didymos and scheduled to arrive in November, is expected to provide even more precise measurements, enhancing our ability to safeguard Earth from incoming asteroid threats.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Pollution Alters Ant Scent, Leading to Attacks on Nestmates

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Harvester ants and the impact of ozone pollution

Harvester Ants and Scent Recognition

Credit: JorgeOrtiz_1976/Shutterstock

Common air pollutants like ozone and nitric oxide can alter the scent of ants, triggering aggressive behavior from nestmates who perceive them as intruders.

Ants rely on scent for social recognition, and when they encounter individuals with unfamiliar scents, they often react with aggression—biting or even killing the perceived invader. Notably, ozone—a greenhouse gas emitted from vehicle exhaust and industrial processes—can impact the chemical makeup of alkenes, compounds important to the unique scent profile of their colony.

Markus Knaden and researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany, previously noted that ozone-induced changes in alkenes can disrupt insect communication, leading to phenomena such as fruit flies mating with inappropriate partners or pollinators like the tobacco moth losing interest in flowers. But how does ozone affect ant behavior?

To explore this, Knaden’s team established artificial colonies of six ant species, exposing them to glass chambers with varied ozone concentrations, mirroring summer levels recorded in Jena. Upon their return, the subjected ants faced attacks from their colony members.

“I honestly didn’t expect this outcome,” Knaden remarked. “We anticipated the ozone might alter just a small fraction—2 to 5 percent—of the overall scent blend.”

In natural settings, such aggressive behavior can hinder colony efficiency, even without any fatalities among the ants, though it is complex to design experiments that effectively measure these impacts.

Daniel Cronauer, a professor at Rockefeller University in New York, commented that the aggression observed is not surprising given the crucial role alkenes play in identifying nestmates.

Alkenes also facilitate other vital ant behaviors, including tracking via footprints and communication between larvae and adults. This study indicates that ozone exposure may lead clonal ant adults (Oseraea Billoi) to neglect their larvae, suggesting that these changes could disrupt various facets of ant life and potentially affect broader ecosystem dynamics.

“In most terrestrial ecosystems, the removal of ants would likely lead to catastrophic consequences,” Cronauer stated. Ants are pivotal for dispersing seeds, aerating soil, and fostering symbiotic relationships with other species.

With global insect populations in decline, this research adds to a growing body of evidence linking air pollution to these declines. Knaden asserts that while current ozone levels may not pose immediate dangers to humans, “we must acknowledge the unseen consequences of our actions.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Reveals How Space Travel Alters Astronauts’ Brain Shape and Position

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A groundbreaking study reveals that astronauts’ brains can experience changes in shape and position during their time in space, presenting significant implications for NASA’s objectives of long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Published on Monday in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research indicates that astronauts’ brains tilted upward after spaceflight, deviating from their normal Earth position and shifting within their skulls. The study identified that areas associated with sensory functions, motion sickness, disorientation, and balance were notably affected.

This research contributes to the evolving field of aerospace medicine, which investigates the physical toll spaceflight and microgravity exert on the human body. Such insights are crucial for planning NASA’s ambitious projects to establish a base on the Moon and conduct crewed missions deeper into the solar system.

“Understanding these changes and their implications is vital for ensuring astronauts’ safety and health, as well as ensuring their longevity in space,” stated Rachel Seidler, a professor at the University of Florida and co-author of the study.

Seidler and her team examined MRI scans of 26 astronauts taken before and after their missions in orbit. The duration of spaceflight varied from a few weeks (for Space Shuttle missions) to about six months (the typical length for International Space Station missions). Some astronauts even spent a year aboard the station.

“Those who spent a year in space exhibited the most significant changes,” Seidler revealed. “We observed noticeable alterations even in astronauts who were in space for just two weeks, indicating that duration is a key factor.”

She added that among astronauts who remained in microgravity for over six months, the upward movement of their brains was “quite widespread,” particularly within the upper brain structures.

“The movement is in the range of a few millimeters. While this might not seem significant, in terms of brain dynamics, it truly is,” she noted.

Seidler pointed out that the observed brain changes often lead to “sensory conflicts” while astronauts are in space, resulting in temporary disorientation and motion sickness. Upon returning to Earth, such changes may also contribute to balance issues as astronauts readjust to the planet’s gravity. However, the study did not report any severe symptoms, like headaches or cognitive impairment, either during or after spaceflight.

“That was a surprise to me,” Seidler remarked.

For a comparative analysis, the research team also examined brain scans of 24 civilian participants who underwent bed rest for up to 60 days with their heads positioned at a 6-degree angle downward, mimicking microgravity conditions. Similar changes in brain position and shape were observed, yet astronauts’ brains displayed a more pronounced upward shift.

Dr. Mark Rosenberg, assistant professor of neurology and director of the Aerospace and Performance Neurology Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, emphasized that while the effects of spaceflight on the brain have been recognized, Seidler’s study is pioneering in documenting how these upward shifts impact astronauts both in space and upon their return to Earth.

“While we knew the brain shifted upward, we needed to explore any operational consequences,” said Rosenberg, who did not participate in the study. “This work helps clarify those relationships.”

The findings prompt additional questions for future studies, including whether brain changes differ between male and female astronauts and whether the age of crew members influences these changes. However, gathering a comprehensive dataset is challenged by the limited number of astronauts launched to the International Space Station each year, a demographic that has predominantly been male.

Further research is essential to establish whether the observed brain changes have long-term repercussions.

Currently, these changes do not appear to be permanent, similar to various physiological changes astronauts experience post-mission, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution. Once the body readjusts to Earth’s gravity, conditions largely normalize, Rosenberg explained.

However, it remains uncertain whether different gravitational environments might introduce new complications.

“If an astronaut were on Mars, which has one-third of Earth’s gravity, or on the Moon, with one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, how much longer would it take to return to normal?” Rosenberg queried.

Both he and Seidler assert that the current findings shouldn’t deter humans from spending extended periods in space. It is crucial, however, to comprehend any potential long-lasting damage and identify strategies to mitigate it.

“Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are destined to become a spacefaring species,” Rosenberg concluded. “It’s merely a matter of time. These are just some of the essential questions we need to address.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Alters: The Most Unexpected Parenting Game I’ve Played

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oI often feel unprepared for parenting. During that wonderful time when they could enjoy games and vampire movies, they hadn’t yet turned into rebellious teenagers. As a new parent, I often felt superfluous and ineffective. I’ve found myself reminiscing about those days, and that’s alright. Nobody excels at everything. I can read texts upside down and backward, yet I consistently misplace my house keys. I’m fantastic at dancing to The Cure’s “The Lovecats” in Dance Stage Megamix, but I struggle with DIY projects.

Don’t get me wrong: my love for my child is immense. I enjoy social outings with them, as they’re both humorous and intelligent, but they’re always aware that I’m their dad.

Seizing the opportunity when they were away one weekend, I dedicated some uninterrupted father-son time to immerse myself in a new game without distractions. The game has changed my perspective.

I was captivated by the premise. You’re stranded on a planet and must clone different versions of yourself to build a base and survive. It’s incredibly clever. What’s even better is that you clone yourself by reflecting on your own life choices, selecting pivotal moments that shaped you into Jan Dorsky.

For instance, if you opt for studies instead of working in the mines like your father, you become January, the ace researcher. If you choose to work on an oil rig, you create Yang, the worker responsible for loading equipment. And should you decide to spend your days wordsmithing, you become a Yang Reiter. (Sadly, there isn’t a Yang Writer option. That clearly shows my struggle for survival.)




Choose from the fork paths of your life…change. Photo: 11 bit

The gameplay is thoroughly engaging, blending exploration, resource management, and problem-solving with philosophical musings about decision-making. It prompts you to consider how alternate choices might have changed your own life.

It’s somewhat unsettling and I wouldn’t recommend losing yourself in it. Focus on the game’s narrative, not your own.

The challenge escalates with each clone you alter; maintaining their health, hunger, and happiness proves daunting. Despite my best efforts—fresh food, captivating movies, or even intentionally losing at beer pong—my clones remained cranky. The Yang Miner was perpetually grumpy, while the Yang scientists fell into constant frustration.

Just when you feel you’ve managed your base well—setting up automatic production for essentials like radiation filters and assigning shifts to various clones—you realize the demands keep multiplying.

Can you guess where I’m going with this?

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Yand Doctor may be one of the most useful clones, but he is highly valuable. Photo: 11 bit

While Alterters is marketed as a sci-fi survival game, it feels more like a parenting simulation to me. Not exactly how I want to spend my leisure time. My failures in the game (and various aspects of life) feel like incessant screams from the flawed grass while resting for just five minutes. My neighbors might think my kids are still at home.

I’ve never felt so strongly that I was perhaps playing this game incorrectly. The script and narrative are striking, resembling an interactive version of Andy Weir’s “The Martian.” The philosophical themes, much like Camus’s, emphasize that true heroism lies not in grand achievements but in undertaking the ordinary challenges of life. The graphics, too, are stunning—akin to a futuristic rendition of “Howl’s Moving Castle.” The game raises profound questions about existence and what we ought to do within it, revealing the clones’ reactions to their new circumstances. Some admire you, while others despise you. Ultimately, we share collective memories ranging from whimsical childhood items to coping strategies for dealing with abusive parents.

The creative depth of this game is boundless, hinting at future novels and animated films filled with imagination and insight. If you’ve ever been childless and carefree in the 1990s, navigating interesting but demanding individuals (aka kids) may feel like a nostalgic but daunting game of life. While it was enjoyable as a board game as a kid, it becomes an arduous task when managing two squirming kids in the backseat. Perhaps “Alterters” is the ideal game for those contemplating parenthood. I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone of childbearing age try it out to gauge whether they are ready for real-life responsibilities, or if, like me, they discover parenting to be an incredibly challenging endeavor.

Source: www.theguardian.com

A Silent Virus Rapidly Alters Our Genome and Enhances Its Growth

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Human DNA within cells in its natural state (left) contrasted with its state eight hours after cold sore virus infection (right)

Esther Gonzalez Almera and Alvaro Castells Garcia

Viruses that typically cause herpes can reform their genome within an hour following infection, potentially allowing scientists to address severe cases more effectively.

Billions globally are infected by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), often without their knowledge. Transmission occurs via contact with infected saliva or skin around the mouth.

Upon invading a host cell, the virus replicates within the nucleus, where genetic material is preserved among the strands of DNA. These strands surround proteins, with some sections tightly coiling to deactivate genes while others form looser loops where genes remain active. In these less dense areas, proteins can transcribe DNA into messenger RNA, encoding for a protein essential for cellular function.

Prior research has indicated that the human genome becomes more tightly coiled following HSV-1 infection, possibly disrupting cellular functions, although the cause of this coiling was previously uncertain.

For further details, consult Alvaro Castells-Garcia at the genome regulatory center in Barcelona, Spain, whose team employs advanced microscopy to investigate HSV-1, infecting human lung cells and observing structures that are 3,500 times thinner than a hair. “This offers a higher resolution than most prior studies,” notes Castells-Garcia.

They discovered that within an hour post-infection, transcription factors were already pilfered from the human genome, corroborating previous findings.

Moreover, this thievery is what appears to cause the host’s DNA to coil more tightly, compressing it to 30% of its volume within 8 hours of infection.

The virus also interacts with specific areas of the host genome that encode the stolen transcription factors, inhibiting activity in those regions and enhancing the expression of genes that facilitate its own growth.

“Previously, I thought the virus made random contacts with the genome,” comments team member Esther Gonzalez Almera at the genome regulation center. “However, it’s clear that viruses specifically target certain regions of their genome, which often contain genes critical to sustaining the infection and producing viral RNA and proteins.”

In another segment of the study, researchers found that utilizing experimental cancer treatments to obstruct one of the transcription factors taken by HSV-1 inhibited its replication in human lung cells in the laboratory. This suggests that such medications could assist in treating HSV-1 in individuals suffering from severe herpes outbreaks and those at higher risk for complications, as González-Almela explains. Mild cases typically resolve without intervention.

This treatment may also be effective against other pathogens, such as adenoviruses that lead to colds, and noroviruses associated with gastroenteritis. “Other viruses similar to HSV-1 may employ analogous strategies,” states Benjamin Krishna from Cambridge University. “These could represent [potential types of experimental drugs] for addressing such cases as well,” he adds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study finds that Internet addiction alters brain chemistry in young people

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Studies indicate that adolescents with internet addiction exhibit alterations in brain chemistry that can contribute to further addictive behaviors.

In a study published in PLOS Mental Health, researchers analyzed fMRI studies to explore how brain regions interact in individuals with internet addiction.

The findings revealed changes in neural network activity in the brains of young individuals, with increased activity during rest and reduced connectivity in areas involved in cognitive functions like memory and decision-making.

These alterations were linked to addictive behaviors, mental health issues, cognitive abilities, and physical coordination in adolescents.

The study reviewed 12 prior studies involving 237 young individuals diagnosed with internet addiction from 2013 to 2023.

Recent surveys show that nearly half of British teens feel addicted to social media platforms.

Lead researcher Max Zhang from the University of London emphasized the vulnerability of adolescents to internet addiction due to developmental changes during this crucial stage.

The study suggests that early intervention for internet addiction is essential to mitigate negative impacts on adolescent behavior and development.

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Experts recommend targeted treatments focused on specific brain regions or therapies to combat internet addiction symptoms.

Parental education plays a crucial role in preventing internet addiction, enabling better management of screen time and impulsive online behaviors.

Lead author Eileen Li from GOS ICH emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries on internet usage and being mindful of its effects on mental and social well-being.

Source: www.theguardian.com