Ten-sided wave undulates around Saturn’s south pole
Recent NASA Hubble Space Telescope images have revealed the presence of a decagonal atmospheric wave at Saturn’s south pole. This discovery complements the well-known hexagonal wave at the planet’s north pole. Observations from both space and ground telescopes between 2023 and 2025 show that this decagon is slowly shifting eastward, with its vertices oscillating every 32 days. Scientists suggest that the decagonal wave may extend vertically through Saturn’s atmosphere and could be linked to unstable winds or an adjacent anticyclone.
New method to detect Zika and hepatitis C in whole blood
Researchers have devised a technique to efficiently detect Zika and hepatitis C viruses in whole blood. Traditional RNA testing requires expensive equipment for sample purification, as blood contains enzymes that can degrade RNA rapidly. The new method involves a drying protocol that traps RNA, allowing detection within two hours using a low-cost sensor, achieving accuracy similar to that of leading laboratories.
Brain scans reveal silent speech processes
In a fascinating study, scientists employed magnetoencephalography to explore how the brain governs “inner speech”—the silent words we mentally articulate. They discovered that the brain’s motor regions first plan mouth movements for producing sounds. Subsequently, auditory areas activate to simulate the expected sound of syllables. This suggests that inner speech operates as a motor simulation rather than merely an abstract thought process.
Published: September 07, 2026, 12:56 pm IST
Photo Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI
