Author: Dr Jyothish Madambikattil Sasi

Space Farming Image Courtesy: NASA As India moves toward estab­lishing its indigenous pace station, the Bharatiya An­tariksh Station (BAS), and envisions to make human space travel a reality, we need to focus on how we are going to feed our future space colo­nisers. Consequently, space farming or space agriculture emerges not merely as an experimental curiosity, but as mis­sion-critical infrastructure for sustained human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that would be needed for the suc­cess of future human space missions. It also becomes essential for reducing logistical dependence on Earth, enabling closed-loop life-support systems, and ensuring crew health, autonomy,…

In 1993, Steven Spielberg’s film Ju­rassic Park captivated audiences worldwide with its intriguing idea, the potential of resurrecting extinct species through advancements in genetic engineering. While entirely fictional, the film sparked curiosity and inspired sci­entific investigation into reviving ancient creatures like the woolly mammoth or passenger pigeon. Thirty years later, re­searchers are exploring what was once considered science fiction. Techniques like cloning, genetic engineering, and selective breeding are becoming part of fundamental conservation strategies. Several companies and institutions are at the forefront of these de-extinc­tion efforts. Colossal Biosciences, a US-based biotech company, has gained wide attention for its ambitious projects…

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) stands as one of the most ambitious and transformative scientific projects of the 21st century. TMT is set to be constructed on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, US, one of the premier locations on the earth for astronomical observations. The clarity and stability of the atmosphere above Mauna Kea facilitate incredibly detailed visual observations of the night sky, allowing TMT to capture the precise data required to test fundamental theories of physics and detect the faint signatures of life on distant worlds. Our perception of the universe is poised to experience a significant transformation as a result…