In a groundbreaking discovery, remnants of DNA have been found in the fossilized remains of a sea turtle dating back 6 million years. The fossil was excavated along Panama’s Caribbean coast in 2015 and is relatively complete, including the turtle’s shell. This rare finding of genetic material in an ancient vertebrate fossil sheds new light on the evolutionary history of sea turtles. The researchers believe the DNA belongs to a species closely related to today’s Kemp’s ridley and olive ridley turtles, indicating the existence of ancient genetic lineages that are still present today.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is making strides in rebranding itself as a more approachable agency. With the success of its Chandrayaan-3 moon landing mission, which gathered over 8 million viewers on YouTube, ISRO demonstrates India’s low-cost space engineering capabilities. This initiative aims to make ISRO more accessible to the public and reshape its image as a major player in space exploration. By showcasing their achievements and engaging with a wider audience, ISRO hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists and strengthen India’s position in the global space industry.
Meanwhile, Japan’s lunar transport startup, ispace inc, has postponed its future moon landing mission by a year to 2026. The delay is attributed to the need for better preparation for the commission by NASA, as well as addressing supply chain delays. ispace’s first lunar landing attempt in April, called Hakuto-R Mission 1, failed due to an error in altitude calculations. The postponement and the challenges faced by the company indicate the complexities and uncertainties involved in space exploration endeavors. However, by working closely with NASA and taking the necessary measures to ensure success, ispace aims to overcome these obstacles and achieve their lunar mission in the future.
