Author: damazah@gmail.com

For the first time in history, astronomers have detected a sugar molecule floating among the gas clouds of interstellar space.Erythrulose has four carbon atoms, and on Earth, it occurs naturally in some fruits. Its presence 26,000 light-years away could help untangle the mystery of the origin of life on our planet.The study was published this week in Nature Astronomy. The team, led by Izaskun Jiménez Serra, analyzed data captured by radio telescopes in Spain to identify the molecule’s signature in the microwave frequencies it produces as it rotates.Sugar molecules are essential for life. They fuel cells and are part of…

An artist’s impression of an exoplanet orbiting its star. Credit: NASA/JPL-CaltechScientists have discovered a rocky planet that is likely to have an atmosphere — and could be a host for life.In a paper published this week in Science1, researchers report their observations of helium escaping from the atmosphere of a rocky exoplanet called LHS 1140b. The finding indicates that LHS 1140b has a helium-rich upper atmosphere, supporting previous evidence that small, rocky planets can have atmospheres. And because LHS 1140b is located in the ‘habitable zone’ — the region surrounding a star in which an orbiting planet can maintain liquid…

The World Matchplay Darts 2026 is just around the corner and Luke Littler is looking to become the first player to go back-to-back in a decade.If Littler completes the feat, he will be the first player since Michael van Gerwen in 2016 to retain his title at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. However, he will have the likes of Luke Humphries, Gary Anderson, James Wade, Nathan Aspinall, Gian van Veen, and Van Gerwen himself right in the battle as 32 of the world’s best do battle. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Phil Taylor wins his 16th and…

If Frances Ruffelle fancied putting on a one-woman cabaret show, it would be pretty good. The West End and Broadway star has certainly pulled together a decent set of original songs to flesh out I Can Die Too.Written by a dozen or so songwriters and brightly arranged by musical director Frew, they have the 1980s/90s pop feel of Cyndi Lauper, Britney Spears and Ultravox; a touch of torch song here, a slice of synth ballad there. Backed by cello, violin, keys and drums, Ruffelle is in her element singing them: nothing histrionic and the good judgment to know when the…

Chiemelie Ezeobi  The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Thursday said the late Mary Habila, who was allegedly found dead in the House of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, did not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists in Nigeria after it checked through appropriate regulatory channels. In an official statement on their X handle, formerly known as Twitter, the association said the development highlighted the need for public officials, particularly those in high public office, to exercise due diligence before presenting or associating individuals with regulated professions. According to the NSP, information released to the public should be accurate…

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has insisted that the Falkland Islands are “British” and accused Argentina of exploiting football to make a political statement after its players displayed a banner asserting the country’s claim to the disputed territory following their World Cup semi-final victory over England. Her remarks came as FIFA confirmed its independent disciplinary committee was assessing match reports and the surrounding circumstances to determine whether Argentina breached its rules prohibiting political messages on the field of play. Backing calls for an investigation, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government maintained that the Falklands’ status was not up for debate.…

Five weeks after the start of the biggest-ever football tournament, it’s almost time for the day billions across the world have waited for – the FIFA World Cup final.Spain, the champions of Europe, face defending World Cup winners Argentina in a title clash for the ages.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listFor Spain, it marks the final step in their quest for a second world title, 16 years on from their maiden triumph, while Argentina are chasing history to become only the third country to lift back-to-back World Cups.Here are the top 10 things you need to know ahead…

Chinedu Eze Industry stakeholders have called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to seek for additional revenue streams that will boost its finances and avert any form of financial crisis. According to them additional sources of income will continue to stabilise NCAA, even when airlines face disruptions due to operational challenges and are unable to meet up with their financial obligations to the agency. The industry observers are of the view that as the industry grows and airline operations expand, NCAA will spend more money on skilled manpower remuneration, technical training and engagement of more personnel to carry out…

As cases of the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora rise across the US, former employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the country’s response is being severely hampered by personnel cuts at the agency.Amid mass government layoffs last year implemented by President Donald Trump and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency, the CDC lab that responds to outbreaks of the parasite cyclospora was downsized from 11 people to just three, according to Joel Barratt, a molecular parasitologist and assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine who previously led that team.“Based on simple math, these outbreak responses—which require rapid,…

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Farouk Aliyu, has said Nigerian Christians are now more comfortable with the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket than they were ahead of the 2023 general election, arguing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has disproved fears of religious marginalisation. Aliyu made the remarks during an appearance on ARISE Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Defending the President’s decision, Aliyu said the APC leadership opted to retain the same ticket because it had already won the confidence…