.webp)
Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Countdown to the Cosmic End: Physicists Predict Earth’s Final Days
In a new study, physicists have predicted that the Universe could end in a dramatic
reversal known as the "Big Crunch." According to researchers. Recent findings suggest that dark energy, the mysterious force driving the expansion of the Universe, may be changing over time. If these findings are accurate, the Universe will stop expanding in about 11 billion years. After that, it will begin to contract, eventually collapsing under its own gravity. The study estimates the total lifespan of the Universe to be around 33.3 billion years. Since the Big Bang occurred 13.8 billion years ago, that leaves less than 20 billion years remaining before this predicted cosmic collapse.
Astronomers Stunned as Space Image Reveals Colossal Ocean Wave
Satellite observations have revealed mega ocean waves during storms that equal the height of five giraffes stacked on top of each other. The wave averaged nearly 20 meters in height, representing the largest ever recorded from space. An average giraffe stands between 4-5 metres tall. This exceptional wave event was confirmed during Storm Eddie on December 21, 2024, using data from the French-US SWOT satellite, offering unprecedented insights into storm-generated ocean swells and their far-reaching impacts. These powerful swells act as messengers, transmitting destructive storm energy thousands of kilometers across seas, even when the storm itself never reaches land. Driven by fierce winds, waves reach peak intensity amid storms; however, the greatest hazard to distant coastlines comes not from the storm center but from swelling waves that radiate outwards.
From Sugar Substitute to Hair Substitute: Stevia’s Surprising New Power
Researchers discovered that stevioside, a compound from the Stevia plant, enhances the skin absorption of minoxidil, the main treatment for pattern baldness. In mice, a stevioside-infused patch boosted hair follicle activity and new hair growth. The approach could pave the way for more natural, effective hair loss therapies. Using stevioside to enhance minoxidil delivery represents a promising step toward more effective and natural treatments for hair loss, potentially benefiting millions worldwide, said researchers. Currently, treatment options are limited, with minoxidil being one of the few widely approved topical therapies.
Your Body Has a Secret Fat-Burning Switch And It’s Finally Been Found
Scientists have uncovered a surprising new way the body can burn energy and stay warm. Deep inside fat tissue, they found a hidden system that helps the body use up calories, even without exercise. By studying mice, researchers discovered that brown fat, the type that keeps us warm, has a backup “heater” that kicks in when needed. This process allows cells to consume more fuel and generate heat, improving overall metabolic health. Conducted in mice, the research points to new possibilities for using brown fat to address metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance and obesity. Brown fat is unique because it turns energy (calories) from food into heat. Unlike white fat, which stores energy, or muscle, which uses it immediately, brown fat helps keep the body warm in cold environments. Exposure to cold can increase the amount of brown fat, and scientists have long suggested that activating it could support weight loss by increasing calorie burning.
