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A new era in tracking space debris

As space debris becomes an increasing threat to operational in Earth’s orbit, researchers from Khalifa University have developed a new approach to tracking it using vision sensors aboard satellites and advanced data fusion techniques.

Traditionally, most space debris is tracked from the ground, using radar and telescopes. Ground-based tracking is limited by weather, atmospheric distortion and visibility constraints, but satellites equipped with the right sensors can continuously monitor debris from space, independent of weather and lighting conditions. The challenges lie in making these systems both accurate and efficient.

The research, published in Acta Astronautica, tackles this by developing a data fusion framework that processes and combines measurements from multiple satellites to improve tracking accuracy. Beyond tracking space debris, this framework could be used for future space operations, including interplanetary exploration, space tourism and satellite-based internet services.

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Loot box longing

As desperate kids beg mom and dad for the money to buy the sale-of-the-moment grab bag on the Roblox platform, thinking it’s all in fun — the latest research suggests they should think otherwise.

Loot boxes in the online gaming world are virtual surprise boxes a player can purchase full of random items like outfits, weapons or different abilities, for the chance at winning a special item. These boxes offer no guarantee and often contain nothing overly special.

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior of 1,416 adults, finds strong connections between loot box buying, gambling problems and mental health issues. It also links loot box disbursements and mental health conditions like impulsivity, stress, anxiety and depression.

Most notably, the findings suggest anxiety and impulsivity greatly increase the relationship between loot box buying and gambling symptoms and those with depression showed more intense connections between loot box purchasing and problematic gambling.

“The present study contributes to a better understanding of LB (loot box) buying and its potential similarities to other behavioral addictions such as those to gambling or online gaming,” the team finds, “Considering loot box regulation, it is important to understand the effects of opening/purchasing loot boxes on mental health and vice versa, especially among more vulnerable populations and at-risk users,” they warn.

“There are currently no rules and regulations to stop children from purchasing loot boxes, however, the government is expected to review the current Gambling Act,” says the NSPCC (The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), the UK’s leading children’s charity founded in 1883.

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Birds-of-paradise glow in the dark

Birds-of-paradise are already renowned for their elaborate courtship dances and vibrant plumage. After researchers from the American Museum of Natural History and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln examined specimens of all 45 species under blacklight, we now know they’re biofluorescent too.

The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, found that 37 species exhibited biofluorescence, particularly on feathers involved in courtship displays.

Additionally, males often had glowing patches inside their mouths and on their feet, areas prominently displayed during mating rituals. The researchers suggest that biofluorescence may make their visual signals even more effective in the dimly lit rainforests they call home.

MORE: COVID was no barrier to UAE bird enthusiasts

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Baby fish master early survival
skills

Even at just five days old, baby zebrafish are fast learners — especially when their lives depend on it. A recent study in Current Biology reveals that larval zebrafish can notice and steer clear of predators after just one brief contact

Using a robotic predator, researchers found that within 60 seconds of exposure to a moving threat, the tiny fish connected it to danger and adopted abiding avoidance behaviors.

Brain scans revealed that this rapid learning is driven by noradrenergic neurons and key forebrain circuits, including the habenula and telencephalon. When scientists fragment these regions, the fish lose their ability to learn. This displays evidence of their critical role in early threat detection.

The study results suggest that even in their earliest days, vertebrates’ instinct for survival is inherent.

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Zombie fungus hijacks British
cave spiders

During a 2021 BBC Winterwatch episode, researchers spotted a spider hanging from the ceiling of an abandoned gun powder store. It’s unusual to see a spider position itself in an exposed area before death, so the scientists decided to have a closer look.

The results, published in Fungal Systematics and Evolution, led to the identification of a new species of parasitic fungus — Gibellula attenbouroughii — named for David Attenborough, the voice of nature programs worldwide.

The fungus infects orb-weaving cave spiders in the British Isles, altering their behavior before death — comparable to the way Ophiocordyceps (zombie-ant fungus) manipulates its insect hosts. The Cordyceps fungi also inspired the fictional apocalyptic word of TV series and game “The Last of Us.”

The discovery enhances knowledge about fungi that infect insects and calls into question the ecological role and evolutionary history of unique pathogens like these.

Based on the diversity of Gibellula species in the area, the research also suggests that spider-infecting fungi might be more ample and widespread than previously known.

“The data unearthed during the herbarium and literature searches indicate that there is a hidden diversity in the British Isles and that many more species of Gibellula remain to be discovered,” the study says.

More: https://kustreview.com/its-not-alive/