Starliner that stranded Sunita Williams in space will not fly until 2026
Meanwhile, Russia's Progress 92 cargo ship docked on July 5, joining a lineup of international vehicles currently berthed at the orbital outpost.According to NASA, at present, four spacecraft—including SpaceX Dragon, Soyuz MS-27, and two Progress resupply ships—are docked to the ISS, supporting a dynamic crew rotation and steady resupply.This high frequency of traffic is expected to continue, as up to six more vehicles are scheduled to launch to the station before year's end, carrying crew members, research payloads, and new technology demonstrations. The breadth of participation from NASA, Roscosmos, SpaceX, and partners marks an unprecedented era of activity for the ISS since its inception in 2000.Notably, missing from this parade of vehicles for the remainder of 2025 is Boeing's Starliner. After its first astronaut mission in June 2024, which brought NASA astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Butch Wilmore to the ISS, Starliner encountered issues with its thruster systems, specifically in its doghouse-enclosed reaction control clusters.The capsule's safe uncrewed return underscored ongoing technical concerns. Though NASA and Boeing initially aimed for a return to flight by late 2025, a new timetable has shifted the next Starliner mission to no sooner than early 2026.Engineers are currently performing extensive tests and evaluations at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico.Meanwhile, astronauts Williams and Wilmore ultimately joined SpaceX's Crew-9 rotation, extending their stay on the station far beyond the planned one week.They returned to Earth aboard Crew Dragon Freedom earlier this year, reflecting the ISS's adaptability as new crew vehicles come online and face real-world shakedowns.As the ISS continues to host an ever-changing suite of international visitors, it remains at the heart of global space exploration, even as new spacecraft like Starliner work through the demanding realities of orbital service.- EndsMust Watch
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NASA reports shocking vision changes in astronauts after months in space with long-term eye damage risks
Source: NASA Spending extended periods in zero gravity is no small feat for the human body, and one of the most pressing concerns emerging from long-duration space missions is the impact on astronauts' vision health. As crew members spend six months or more aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA has documented a range of eye-related symptoms, now grouped under the condition called Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome ( SANS ). Fluid shifts in microgravity drive the phenomenon and could present serious challenges for deep space missions like those to the Moon or Mars. Let's explore the condition, causes, research efforts, and potential solutions. NASA finds microgravity causes vision changes in space station astronauts When astronauts began staying in space for longer durations, subtle but troubling changes in their eyesight became increasingly common. Many noticed the sudden need for stronger reading glasses, while flight surgeons and researchers identified specific physiological changes such as: Swelling of the optic disc, where the optic nerve connects to the retina Flattening of the eyeball, altering its shape and impairing focus by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo These symptoms are now collectively known as Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), and represent a critical health risk that could hinder long-term human space exploration. Source: NASA How fluid redistribution in zero gravity triggers SANS One of the primary factors contributing to SANS is the redistribution of fluids in the absence of gravity. On Earth, gravity pulls fluids toward the lower body. But in microgravity, blood and cerebrospinal fluid tend to move toward the head. This 'headward' shift increases pressure in the skull and behind the eyes, potentially leading to structural changes. To address this, NASA is currently testing the Thigh Cuff experiment, in which astronauts wear tight bands around their thighs to trap blood in the lower body. If successful, this could prevent or even reverse the upward fluid migration—and may also help patients on Earth dealing with similar issues due to bed rest or certain diseases. NASA uses advanced imaging to study vision changes in astronauts NASA and its global partners have conducted numerous pioneering studies to better understand SANS. Among the most important: The Fluid Shifts Study (2015–2020) offered direct evidence of changes in how blood drains from the brain in weightlessness. The Vision Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) project investigated the link between fluid shifts, increased brain pressure, and SANS symptoms. Researchers used an array of high-tech tools to gather data, including: Comprehensive eye exams, with and without pupil dilation High-resolution retinal imaging MRI scans of the optic nerves Non-invasive measurements of retinal thickness Subjective insights were gathered through astronaut questionnaires, offering a fuller picture of the effects of spaceflight on vision. Source: NASA NASA advances diagnostic tools to monitor and manage SANS NASA and collaborating scientists are developing novel diagnostic technologies to better detect and manage SANS, including: Head-mounted virtual reality (VR) displays for multimodal vision assessments Optic nerve sheath diameter monitoring as a noninvasive diagnostic tool Additionally, there is a strong push for standardised imaging protocols across studies to ensure consistent results and faster development of countermeasures. A notable recovery case further highlighted possible solutions: one astronaut experienced significant improvement in SANS symptoms after six months in orbit. Recovery correlated with B vitamin supplementation and reduced CO₂ levels in the cabin—suggesting that nutrition and environmental controls could play a vital role in managing risk. How space travel impacts eyes at the genetic level Source: NASA Beyond fluid shifts, researchers are looking into how spaceflight alters eye tissue and even gene expression: Canadian teams using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) found mechanical changes in astronauts' eyes akin to those seen in conditions like glaucoma. Japanese studies involving mice showed changes in DNA and gene activity in the optic nerve and retina after spaceflight. Interestingly, early findings suggest that artificial gravity might help mitigate these effects. These revelations underscore how extended exposure to space can impact not only organ systems but also molecular biology—making it imperative to explore both physical and genetic countermeasures. SANS poses risk to astronaut vision Ongoing research into SANS is crucial, not just for astronaut safety on the ISS but for future exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Moreover, these investigations may lead to medical breakthroughs here on Earth—especially for patients suffering from conditions involving fluid imbalances and ocular pressure disorders. NASA's work to unravel the causes of SANS and develop effective treatments is a vivid reminder that the challenges of space travel often illuminate new frontiers in human biology and healthcare innovation. Also Read | NASA alert! 95-foot asteroid 2025 ME92 to fly past Earth on July 31 at 11,000 mph; should we be worried
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Glioblastoma breakthrough: 40-year-old dad is brain cancer-free after groundbreaking immunotherapy trial
In a surprising and hopeful turn of events, a 40-year-old father is living his best life in his second innings, after he was diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma in 2023. In fact, three years later, he is not only healthy and thriving, but his brain cancer has completely 'vanished'! How? Read on to know more. What happened? In October 2022, 40-year-old Ben Trotman was diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, the most common and deadliest form of brain cancer that typically carries a grim prognosis with a median survival of just 12–18 months. Yet, over two years after receiving a single dose of ipilimumab before standard care, Trotman reportedly remains cancer-free and healthy as ever. Under the care of consultant oncologist Dr. Paul Mulholland at UCLH (University College London Hospital), Trotman became part of an NHS-funded trial that administers ipilimumab, a checkpoint inhibitor designed to boost the immune system, before traditional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Two years later, his scans show no signs of recurrence, an unprecedented outcome in glioblastoma treatment. The medical marvel The new clinical trial for the most deadly type of brain cancer, glioblastoma, which helped Ben with another shot at life, is looking for patients to join after an incredible success story. Organized by the NHS, this study aims to enroll 16 people over 18 months and is dedicated to Baroness Margaret McDonagh, who lost her battle with the disease. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma will receive an immunotherapy drug called ipilimumab before starting standard treatments, making the most of their immune systems when they are at their strongest. The trial is being led by experts at University College London Hospital's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. It follows a previous study with the same drug, which had to close because not enough patients joined. The trial honors the late Baroness Margaret McDonagh's memory and, like Trotman, participants receive ipilimumab to prime their immune defenses, with hopes of replicating his reassuring response. Ipilimumab: The key behind the breakthrough Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks CTLA-4, an immune checkpoint. In cancers like melanoma, it enhances T-cell activity, enabling the body to attack tumors. When used before standard glioblastoma therapy, it primes the immune system to better target cancer cells. In Trotman's case, it appears to have either eradicated or dramatically controlled his tumor, an outcome never before reported in this context. This 'window-of-opportunity' pre-treatment approach is groundbreaking. By delivering immunotherapy before surgery, it maximizes immune activation and potentially aids post-operative cancer control, a novel strategy in glioblastoma care. What is glioblastoma? Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiforme or GBM, is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain cancer in adults. Glioblastoma originates from astrocytes, a type of glial cell that supports nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Glioblastoma is classified as a Grade IV tumor, meaning it's highly aggressive, grows rapidly, and infiltrates surrounding brain tissue. The exact cause of most glioblastomas is unknown. However, it is understood that the disease develops when brain cells undergo DNA mutations that cause them to grow and multiply uncontrollably. The prognosis for glioblastoma is generally poor, with a median survival of about 12-18 months after diagnosis. The five-year survival rate is around 5%, meaning about 5% of patients are still alive five years after their diagnosis. Glioblastoma almost always recurs despite maximal treatment. Hence, Trotman's cancer-free scans more than two years post-treatment represent a hopeful breakthrough. It suggests that bolstering immune readiness before conventional treatment might overcome glioblastoma's defenses. The success story The success story comes from Ben Trotman, who was diagnosed in October 2022 at the age of 40. Now, at 43, two years and eight months after his treatment, his scans are clear, and there are no traces of the tumor. Dr. Paul Mulholland, the consultant medical oncologist who is leading this new trial and treated Ben, as reported by The Independent, shared, 'It is very unusual to have a clear scan with glioblastoma, especially when he didn't have the follow-up surgery that had been planned to remove all of the tumor that was initially visible on scans. We hope that the immunotherapy and follow-up treatment Ben has had will hold his tumor at bay – and it has so far, which we are delighted to see. ' Ben's life has changed significantly since his diagnosis; he got married to Emily just two months after receiving the immunotherapy treatment, and in April, they welcomed their daughter, Mabel. Emily expressed the emotional toll of Ben's diagnosis, saying, 'Getting this diagnosis was the most traumatic experience. We were grappling with the fact that Ben had gone from being apparently perfectly healthy to having months to live. Had we not met Dr. Mulholland, that would have been it for us. We felt we had a lucky break in an otherwise devastating situation.' After the immunotherapy, Ben went on to have the standard treatments of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He continues to have quarterly scans, which remain clear. Ben reflected on their journey, stating, 'We obviously don't know what the future holds, but having had the immunotherapy treatment and getting these encouraging scan results has given Emily and me a bit of hope. We are focused on rebuilding the life we thought we had lost and enjoying being parents. ' Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP led a successful fundraising campaign that gathered over £1 million to support this new trial. Her sister, Baroness McDonagh, sadly passed away from glioblastoma in 2023. Dame Siobhain shared, 'My beloved sister Margaret was appalled to discover that there had been no advances in brain cancer treatment for decades when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Changing this was Margaret's final campaign and one that I have continued in her memory. I am so grateful to the many people who knew and respected Margaret, who have come together and helped to raise funds and campaign for this new trial that we are calling Margaret's Trial.' Dr. Mulholland is also thankful for Margaret and Siobhain's dedication, stating, 'When I met Margaret, she said to me, 'What can I do to support you to cure this disease?'. I am incredibly grateful to her and to Siobhain, whose campaigning and fundraising in her sister's memory have led to this new clinical trial opening for patients with this most aggressive form of brain cancer that has such a poor prognosis, with most patients surviving just nine months after diagnosis. The crucial element of this trial is that patients will have their immune system boosted by the drug before they have any other treatment, when they are fit and well enough to tolerate the immunotherapy. We're taking everything we have learned from previous trials into this new study, and we are already planning follow-on trials. My aim is to find a cure for glioblastoma.' What's ahead? Led by Dr. Mulholland, the trial is expanding enrollment, aiming to confirm both safety and effectiveness. Currently, the National Brain Appeal is funding two positions to support Dr. Mulholland's vital research. The treatment will take place at the NIHR UCLH's Clinical Research Facility and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Patients who are interested in participating in the new Win-Glio trial should discuss it with their consultant.
India.com
9 hours ago
- India.com
5 times bigger than earth, this planet has huge deposits of diamond, its name is...
5 times bigger than earth, this planet has huge deposits of diamond, its name is… Diamond Planet: The universe and space are very vast subjects and we are still learning and studying them. We have made several discoveries, even our unmanned spacecraft has reached interstellar space, but space is still a mystery for us. The American space agency NASA has made significant discoveries in the field of space that have proven to be very helpful for us. Diamonds are very expensive in the world because of their glittery nature and rarity. We have a very limited stock of diamonds, and that is why the prices of this glittery stone continue to increase. But what if we say that there's a planet in space that is full of diamonds? Yes, you read that right. NASA's James Webb Telescope discovered a planet that may be full of diamonds. The planet is five times bigger than our planet and it is only 41 light-years away from us. This discovery has given rise to new possibilities. Planet Full Of Diamonds Known as 55 Cancri-E, the planet has been classified as a super-earth. A large part of which may be made up of carbon structures like diamonds and graphite. According to NASA scientists, the atmosphere of 55 Cancri-E is different from Earth. Scientists have also found signs of the presence of a special atmosphere around it. Temperature Of 2400 Degrees Celsius According to reports, this planet is located very near to its star, due to which its temperature is also very high. 55 Cancri-E completes one revolution of its orbit in just 17 hours and due to which its temperature touches 2400 degrees Celsius. Zero Life Possibility Intense heat has rendered this planet a molten lava world, making the existence of life highly improbable. However, the recent discovery of carbon-based planets suggests new possibilities for future applications. Further research on this planet's composition could reveal valuable resources for future use. However, this discovery of carbon-based planets has given rise to new possibilities. Scientists believe that studying the planet in more depth can open new doors for us and its elements can be used in the future.
