TECHNOLOGY

NASA compares 2026 El Niño with powerful 1997 event using satellite data

NASA Earth Observatory’s latest comparison shows similar sea-surface-height patterns in the Pacific during the developing 2026 El Niño and the 1997–98 event. Scientists caution that the resemblance does not guarantee the same weather impacts.

C-DAC, Bank of India join forces to build quantum-safe banking ecosystem

Supernova remnant reveals mysterious knots and clumps of gas in unprecedented detail

EU to hold science diplomacy symposium at Jordan’s SESAME research facility

UNESCO seeks $1.5 billion to rebuild Sudan’s shattered scientific research system

With 124 educational and scientific institutions damaged by war, UNESCO calls for urgent investment to restore research, support displaced scientists and safeguard Sudan’s knowledge for future generations.

China’s Chery unveils AI companion robot designed to ease loneliness

The 90-centimetre humanoid robot is designed to support older people, entertain children and learn the habits of its owners.

Meta faces $25 billion penalty in New Mexico privacy ruling

Judge cites years of misleading claims and a failed probe into the Cambridge Analytica scandal as Meta vows to appeal the ruling.

Could smarter energy solutions make data centres more sustainable?

University of Chicago computer scientist Andrew A. Chien explains how flexible computing, battery storage and a proposed energy facility model could help data centres reduce pressure on electricity grids and make better use of renewable power.

Japan launches spacecraft to collect samples from Mars and return them by 2031

Japan’s successful H3 rocket launch advances its space exploration programme and aims to inspire future scientists.

NSF opens bioengineering funding call with awards of up to $50 million a year

The US National Science Foundation is inviting proposals from interdisciplinary research teams developing technologies to connect protein sequences and structures with biological functions. Phase 0 awards can reach $1.5 million, while Phase 1 funding can total up to $50 million annually.