By Passant Rabie Published March 6, 2025 | Comments (1) | An illustration of the Voyager spacecraft. NASA/JPL-Caltech The Voyager spacecraft have been cruising through interstellar space for more than 47 years, collecting precious data on the vast cosmos. All that traveling has taken a toll on the farthest human-made objects, and the spacecrafts days are numbered. NASA engineers are resorting to shutting off science instruments on both Voyager probes to keepthe two iconic missions alive. Mission engineers at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory turned off Voyager 1s cosmic ray subsystem experiment on February 25, and will shut off the low-energy charged particle instrument aboard Voyager 2 on March 24, NASA announced Wednesday. If it werent for these energy-conserving measures, the twin probes may have had a few more months left before running out of power. Both spacecraft now have enough power to operate for another year or so before engineers are forced to turn off two more instruments. Its a grim reality for the popular interstellar travelers, who have suffered from a fair share of glitches in the past couple of years. The Voyagers have been deep space rock stars since launch, and we want to keep it that way as long as possible, Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at JPL, said in a statement. But electrical power is running low. If we dont turn off an instrument on each Voyager now, they would probably have only a few more months of power before we would need to declare end of mission. The Voyagers are powered by heat from decaying plutonium, which is converted into electricity. Each year, the aging spacecraft lose about 4 watts of power. In an effort to conserve power, the mission team has turned off any systems that were deemed unnecessary to keep the missions going, including a few of the science instruments. Each Voyager spacecraft started off with 10 science instruments when they launched in 1977, but are now left with just three each. Some of the instruments were necessary to collect data during planetary flybys. Those instruments, however, were turned off as soon as both spacecraft completed their exploration of the solar systems planets. Voyager 1 reached the beginning of interstellar space in 2012, while Voyager 2 reached the boundary in 2018, traveling beyond the protective bubble surrounding the solar system that is known as the heliosphere.The Voyager spacecraft were then left with instruments designed to study the solar systems heliosphere and interstellar space. In October 2024, the team decided to turn off Voyager 2s plasma science instrument, which measured the amount of electrically charged atoms, in an effort to conserve power. Voyager 1s cosmic ray subsystem, which was shut down last week, is a suite of three telescopes designed to study cosmic rays by measuring their energy and flux. The data collected by those telescopes helped the Voyager team determine when and where Voyager 1 exited the heliosphere, according to NASA. Voyager 2s low-energy charged particle instrument, which is scheduled for deactivation later this month, measures the various ions, electrons, and cosmic rays originating from our solar system and galaxy.Voyager 1 still has its magnetometer and plasma wave subsystem, and its low-energy charged particle instrument will be shut off next year. Voyager 2 will continue to collect data through its magnetic field and plasma wave instruments, while its cosmic ray subsystem is scheduled to be shut off in 2026. The Voyager spacecraft have far surpassed their original mission to study the outer planets, Patrick Koehn, Voyager program scientist, said in a statement. Every bit of additional data we have gathered since then is not only valuable bonus science for heliophysics, but also a testament to the exemplary engineering that has gone into the Voyagers starting nearly 50 years ago and continuing to this day. Voyager 1 launched on September 5, 1977, less than a month after its twin probe, Voyager 2, began its journey to space. The spacecraft took a faster route, exiting the asteroid belt earlier than its twin, and making close encounters with Jupiter and Saturn, where it discovered two Jovian moons, Thebe and Metis, and five new moons, and a new ring called the G-ring, around Saturn. Voyager 2 was launched on August 20, 1977, on a trajectory toward the solar systems gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, and explored the icy giants Uranus and Neptune.Voyager 1 is more than 15 billion miles (25 billion kilometers) away from Earth, while Voyager 2 is over 13 billion miles (21 billion kilometers) away. With the current energy-conserving plan, NASA engineers believe the twin spacecraft could continue operating into the 2030s with one instrument each. Every minute of every day, the Voyagers explore a region where no spacecraft has gone before, Linda Spilker, Voyager project scientist at JPL, said in a statement. That also means every day could be our last.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Passant Rabie Published March 5, 2025 By Passant Rabie Published March 4, 2025 By Passant Rabie Published March 3, 2025 By Adam Kovac Published February 28, 2025 By Isaac Schultz Published February 28, 2025 By Isaac Schultz Published February 28, 2025

Castle Exhibition Space / Amelia TavellaSave this picture! Thibaut DiniFranceArchitects: Amelia TavellaAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:1700 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Thibaut DiniMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Corsican architect Amelia Tavella has recently brought a secret, slumbering castle back to life in her southern homeland, nestled within a Provencal vineyard. Within the castle's 1,600m2 central body, the architect has created a unique and mysterious exhibition space, surrounded by a dozen exclusive suites in the two wings of the castle.Save this picture!Save this picture!The museum space, like the suites, steeped in Amelia Tavella's Mediterranean spirit, is a path under the alcoves. Here, mineral, organic matter pulses. Cut, red, veined, this material resembles flesh. It is naked, chiseled, hollowed out, raw. This skin is offered to the hand that caresses it. It could be alive and beating before our eyes. It could move and embrace us. Walls and floors do not clash; they gaze at each other, extend, and speak of the work of men. Terracotta bricks, stone with split finishes, the solitary wanderer walks in a jewel box, observing, and in turn, will be observed. The power of spaces exists. It carries and protects those who understand the poetry of architecture when it is built in the name of memory. And if the cut stone recalled that of the menhirs dedicated to the sky? And if the vaults and the arrangement of the rooms constituted the geography of a sacred place where we once used to pray? And if the labyrinth of walls were that of a resurrected mythology?Save this picture!This place expresses Amelia Tavella's architectural gesture, tied to the sensuality of noble, naturalmaterials and respect for the past. She describes herself as a symbolic archaeologist, exploring the tracks, signs, and traces of a previous history to build with full fidelity. Nature is always invited, both as an element of the dcor and a witness to the origins; it honors the buildings that stand within it and vice versa. The architect has chosen gentleness and poetry for her gesture, never forgetting that buildings are first and foremost meant for those who will live in them. Here, architecture is not a solitary practice; it is dedicated to others, to the collective, embedded in an unchanged territory.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!When I build, I do not undo. There is no betrayal. I proceed by inclusion. Nature invades my projects. It is neither an obstacle nor a constraint; it is my guest whom I celebrate. The Mediterranean is my matrix. I come from there, from this unique place. A child of the maquis and the sands, I learned the complexity of my architectural profession here. Sea, rock, beachmy femininity has embraced the femininity of this sea, working delicately, drawing inspiration from the sediments, soft, original matter. My Mediterranean island taught me light, color, constantly reminding me that there is no valid creation without ethics and that history is the cradle of the present. It is an echo, then a fusion. I use the materials of my south to make it reborn from itself each time. One single word encompasses and gives momentum to my architect's wish: ethics. Thus, my artistic approach is built, connected to my roots, to the origin.Save this picture!A room as romantic as this was needed to welcome, for an evening, the drawings of writer Nina Bouraoui, Variations, her vast, deconstructed hearts, veined, composed of fine, intertwined lines reflecting the obsessions, repetitions, defeats, and victories of romantic feelings.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Aix-en-Provence, FranceLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeAmelia TavellaOfficeMaterialsStoneBrickMaterials and TagsPublished on March 06, 2025Cite: "Castle Exhibition Space / Amelia Tavella" 06 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027405/castle-exhibition-space-amelia-tavella&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

The Power of Harmonious Inspiration in Transforming FaadesSponsored ContentSave this picture!The Rixos Marina project demonstrates the perfect harmony between luxury and style using Terracos Terracoat Suede. Image Courtesy of TerracoThe faade of any building is more than just its exterior; it serves as a canvas that not only enhances the structure's appearance but also reflects its inner essence and character. The exterior faades category encompasses a broad variety of finishes and systems, including renders, and decorative coatings, designed to protect buildings while adding aesthetic value, blending functionality with visual appeal in perfect harmony. These finishes are crucial in defining the architectural character and energy efficiency of residential, commercial, and industrial structures.The global exterior faade finishes and coatings industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by: increasing construction activities related to rapid urbanization and development; accelerated renovation projects; the adoption of energy-efficient building and sustainable construction practices; and the rising demand for aesthetically pleasing and durable building exteriors. It is projected to grow with a strong CAGR of 9% between 2023-2030, as per the Exterior Architectural Coating Market 2024 report by 360iResearch.Key Trends in the Facade Finishes IndustryTechnological Advancements: Innovations are improving the durability and functionality of faade finishes, offering benefits like increased longevity, enhanced weather protection, and even self-cleaning properties. These advancements are especially valuable in harsh environmental conditions, where long term performance and protection are paramount.Sustainability: There is a strong and continued shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly materials in faade coatings. Products with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), enhanced thermal insulation properties and those with minimized carbon footprints, incorporating recycled or bio-based materials are gaining popularity. This trend is driven by stricter environmental and energy efficiency regulations and a growing consumer preference for sustainable, green building solutions.Innovative and Aesthetic Designs: Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized and unique finishes that reflect their individual tastes and styles. This includes a wide range of colors, textures, and application techniques that allow for creative and distinctive building designs. The focus on aesthetics is particularly strong in the prime residential sector, where property owners seek to marry top-end performance with the latest design trends.Save this picture!'Design Your World': Bridging Aesthetics, Innovation, and PerformanceArchitects, consultants, and designers are key stakeholders influencing the faade finishes industry. Their decisions are driven by a desire to create innovative and visually appealing designs that stand out, without compromising on quality. Their selection process involves a blend of creative and technical considerations, with a strong emphasis on creative design and aesthetics.Research shows that designers and specifiers remain focused on innovative and creative concepts that will set their projects apart. They are interested in the narratives that shape the latest faade designs, finishes and textures, seeking new and progressive options that inspire their imagination and fulfill their vision.Recognizing this need for innovation, Terraco has launched the 'Design Your World' campaign, repositioning its flagship exterior faade finish brandsTerracoat and Terraliteto bridge the gaps between design, aesthetics and performance. This campaign reflects Terraco's commitment to enabling innovation and creativity in architectural design. "With the 'Design Your World' campaign, we aim to solidify Terraco's position as a thought leader and pioneer in the exterior faade finishes category. This marks a significant shift towards a strategy driven by inspiration and creativity, while steadfastly upholding the core brand qualities of Terracoat and Terralite: technical innovation, class-leading durability and performance," said Eric Widstrom, CEO of Terraco Group. Save this picture!As part of this campaign, Terraco is introducing Harmonious InspirationSignature Faade Finishes. This portfolio features the finest textures and finishes, meticulously developed through extensive global research on architectural and color trends. These finishes are designed to make building faades aesthetically balanced and captivating, driven by the latest architectural trends and preferences. The Harmonious Inspiration selection includes 25 curated finishes across four color collections Minimal, Blossom, Terra, and Strata inspired by minimalistic neutral tones, nature, environment, and unique personal expressions."The Harmonious Inspiration portfolio encourages architects, consultants, and designers to explore Terraco's unrivalled range of textures and finishes, creating masterpieces that reflect global trends and transform faades, as well as shape their identities and seize the opportunity to create unique worlds with architectural elegance," said Avinash Pai, Group Marketing Manager at Terraco.Save this picture!For over four decades, Terraco's exterior faade finishes have been recognized for their high quality and performance. Developed by the Group Technical Centre in Ireland, these products are continuously enhanced and undergo rigorous testing and quality control to meet international standards that are certified by various regulatory bodies.Terraco offers an exceptionally wide range of textures and finishes, providing significant creative freedom and innovation in design. The Terracoat brand offers premium textured coatings, while the Terralite brand provides vibrant stone finishes that simulate natural stone. These products are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and inspire creativity and artistic expression in architectural projects, all while delivering exceptional life-cycle value. Terraco's exterior faade coatings offer superior impact and crack resistance, flexibility, weather and UV resistance coupled with optimized application properties. They are environmentally friendly, water-based, low in VOCs, and free from harmful emissions, enhancing the sustainability profile of faades and buildings.Save this picture!Architects, consultants and designers are central to Terraco's product development. This ensures that Terraco remains at the vanguard of current trends - not only adapting to market needs but helping creative professionals develop and deliver their artistic vision. As sustainability and innovation take centre stage, the exterior faade finishes industry is set to redefine modern architecture. By seamlessly integrating aesthetics with performance, faades are evolving beyond functional exteriors to become symbols of creativity and progress, shaping the future of urban design.Image gallerySee allShow lessCite: "The Power of Harmonious Inspiration in Transforming Faades" 06 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026432/the-power-of-harmonious-inspiration-in-transforming-facades&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Late last month, President Donald Trump sent out a volley of social media posts and statements critiquing Boeing for its failure to deliver a new Air Force One. The latest iteration of the storied presidential flying fortress was supposed to take to the skies in 2024, but a bumbling series of delays, miscalculations, and missteps have pushed that date back. The setbacks reportedly forced Boeing to absorb more than $2.5 billion losses for a project with an initial price tag of $3.9 billion. Aviation experts speaking with Popular Scienceagreed to the contract in 2018. But making Air Force One isnt for the faint of heart. The one-of-a-kind vehicle is built to withstand a nuclear blast and serve as a mobile White House during times of war. As former US News & World Report White House Correspondent Kenneth Walsh explains in his book Air Force One, the presidents modified 747 jumbo jet is quite possibly the most unusual plane ever built.Heres why Air Force One takes so long to build.What makes Air Force One different?From the outside, the presidents plane doesnt look all that different from a commercial 747 jet, save the large United States of America text stretching along its side. The real differences are under the hood.Aviation expert and American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Todd Harrison says the jet is equipped with advanced encryption capabilities that enable prolonged, secure communications from anywhere in the world. Additionally, the plane has shielding over every bit of its wiring and electronics to protect it from a potential electromagnetic pulse, such as one caused by a nuclear weapon. The plane also has state of the art navigation systems and a self-contained baggage loader. Though it does not have offensive weapons capabilities, Harrison says the plane is outfitted with defensive countermeasures that can intercept Stingers or other portable missile systems. Theres no evidence these countermeasures have ever been used.Its one of those things where you are 99% sure youll never need to use [defensive capabilities], but in the moment you did, it would be worth every penny, Harrison said. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Air Force One also looks remarkably different from a commercial airliner on the inside. As Walsh recounts in his book, the planes interior features far more plush and spacious accommodations than a commercial equivalent. The presidential suite alone reportedly includes a large desk and two couches that can be converted into beds. According to Walsh, the current 747 model comfortably accommodates two pilots, a navigator, a flight engineer, 26 crew members, and 76 passengers. Its also capable of mid-air refueling, meaning the mobile command centerwhich ordinarily has a maximum range of around 9,000 milescould theoretically stay in the air for days at a time with proper refueling.L: President Reagan inside the cockpit of Air Force One with the pilots and crew in 1982. Image: Reagan Presidential LibraryR: President Obama plays with his dog, Bo, onboard Air Force One in 2011. Image: Official White House Photo by Pete SouzaHow much does Air Force One cost?Air Force One has undergone numerous alterations and upgrades over the better part of the past century. The first official plane to carry the Air Force One designation dates back to 1953, during President Dwight D. Eisenhowers administration. Eisenhower initially flew in two Lockheed (C-121) Constellations nicknamed Columbine II and Columbine III that received the formal designation Air Force One before moving onto the more widely recognized Boeing 707 model.Lockheed VC-121E Columbine III in the Presidential Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Image: U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock The Boeing aircraft carried 18 crew members and 50 passengers, according to Walsh. It jolted around the globe at a cruising speed of 580 miles per hour but was capable of hitting 650 mph if pushed. Various upgrades over the next three decades introduced improved communication equipment and other modern amenities, such as color televisions and enhanced refrigeration. That last addition was made to ensure everyone onboard could eat food that originated in the US, even on long trips, Walsh notes.Top: President Ford and the First Lady disembark the Boeing 707 Air Force One upon their arrival in Austria in 1975. Bottom: President Richard Nixon speaks with military and civilian leadersbehind the bar on Air Force One in 1969. Images: Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty ImagesThe 707 model was replaced with the current 747 jumbo jet frame in 1990 during the George H. W. Bush administration. This newer model is faster, fancier, and far more expensive to maintain and operate. To put the price in perspective, Walsh notes that the average cost to operate Air Force One in the 1950s was roughly $348 per hour. That shot up to around $1,995 per hour during Lyndon Johnsons administration. In 2021, the Air Force disclosed it cost approximately $177,843 per flight hour to operate its two Air Force One jets.Inflation can account for only part of the staggering rise in costs. Harrison says the hefty price tag is largely due to the aircrafts unique technical specifications and extreme redundancies required to keep it secure. Much of this requires highly specialized touch labor that drives up costs further. Air Force One also spends much more time in the sky now than in past generations. Under the Eisenhower administration, Walsh estimates Air Force One flew approximately 308,402 total miles. Thats compared to more than 1.4 million miles flown during the eight years Bill Clinton was Commander in Chief.But the current Air Force One model is beginning to show its age. AeroDynamic Advisory managing director Richard Aboulafia told Popular Science that if these jets were part of a commercial airline fleet, they would have been retired long ago, as commercial aircraft typically accumulate far more miles than the presidents fleet. At 35 years old, Aboulafia says the current Air Force One planes could likely continue flying safely for some time with proper care and maintenance. The bigger issue, he notes, is the challenge of sourcing parts and materials for the aging aircraft.At some point, you have to worry about the orphan or obsolete supply chain, Aboulafia said.Those concerns were part of the motivation for Trump to negotiate a contract for two new jets in 2018 during his first term. Since then, Boeing has faced a string of production delays, some of which Aboulafia attributes to an embarrassing level of incompetence at the company. Harrison echoed that general point, and said it seemed like Boeing may not put enough workers on the project early enough to meet the presidents ambitious 2024 deadline. (Former Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has said publicly that he regretted agreeing to President Trumps deal).Harrison said the Trump camp could have put in place a penalty in the contract for every month Boeing failed to deliver as an added economic incentive. Not that any of this has been particularly money-making for Boeing. The Air Force One contract was a fixed-price agreement, which means Boeing has had to eat all the cost associated with the project that exceeded the original $3.9 billion deal.I wouldnt think it would be physically possible to lose several billion on two aircraft, Aboulafia jests. What do you do, just feed bank notes directly into the engines?Boeing did not immediately respond to Popular Sciences request for comment.Why a private plane isnt a viable optionPresident Trump, realizing the pair of new 747-8 planes might not be completed by the time he leaves office, has suggested sidestepping Boeing altogether and modifying a used private jet instead.The suggestion to sidestep Boeing entirely and convert a used aircraft could face several challenges, experts said. The extensive modifications required to make such an aircraft capable of functioning as the presidents plane would essentially mean starting from scratcha process Boeing has already been working through for years. As a result, a converted used jet could potentially take even longer to become airworthy than the two 747-8 models currently in production.Honestly, at this point, any changes you make are likely to make it take longer and cost more even if youre reducing capabilities, Harrison said.It [a converted plane] just wouldnt be anywhere near as capable as the Air Force Ones we have today, Aboulafia added.There are also reports that Trump and Department of Government Efficiency ally Elon Musk are exploring ways to lower security clearance standards and other constraints for Boeing employees to accelerate production. But that approach introduces risk. The Trump administrations previous efforts to cut costs and expedite delivery of the Air Force One aircraft have already resulted in a major reduction in capabilities. Unlike the previous version of Air Force One, the new model wont be capable of mid-air refueling. Harrison warned that this omission alone poses a major security risk in situations where the president needs to remain airborne for extended periods. Additional cuts or shortcuts could introduce even more challenges.You dont know how long youre going to need to stay airborne with aerial refueling, Harrison said. Now theyre going to have a limited number of hours before they have to land and refuel.What happens next?Experts agreed that it seems increasingly unlikely the two new Boeing 747-8 planes will take off before the end of Trumps second term with current specifications. The president could, in theory, cancel the contract with Boeing and commit to modifying another aircraft but that will also take time and potentially cost billions more in public funding to accomplish. Boeings struggles to deliver may, however, crack the door open for newer competitors to play a role in future Air Force One upgrades.While there are no major manufacturer alternatives outside of the European-owned Airbus for producing the planes exterior shell, experts say other competing aircraft engineering firms could take on a more significant role in designing the internal systems of future aircraft. Sierra Nevada, a top Boeing competitor, has already secured a $13 billion contract to create the Air Forces new Survivable Airborne Operations Center. This aircraft, intended to maintain military command operations during a nuclear war, is colloquially known as the doomsday plane.In the end, the high costs and long production times associated with Air Force One are the result of creating a truly unique vehicle where history-altering events regularly take place. Air Force One was where President Eisenhower signed into law legislation creating the CIA and Department of Defense. It was also where President Johnson swore the oath of office to become president just hours after President John F. Kennedys assassination. Countless diplomatic speeches and classified international communications have been conducted onboard the plane over its 66 year history. Facilitating all of that requires painstakingly complex engineering.This story is part of Popular SciencesAsk Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know?Ask us.

Bluetooth trackers are greatexcept for when theyre not. Clunky, easy to knock off, and obvious for luggage thieves to dispose of, theyre not always the best option. Thats why the MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card is an excellent AirTag alternative for a lower price.This card-sized tracker works with Apples Find My App just like AirTags, but it can be covertly tucked into wallets, luggage, passport holders, ID lanyards, and more. And now its 44 percent off.An affordable AirTag alternativeShaped like a credit card and about 1.5 mm thick, the MagTag is black and subtly blends into wherever its tucked. The built-in keyring hole makes it simple to secure on ID lanyards, key chains, or even inside a childs backpack.Take advantage of smart alerts like leave behind notifications that ping your phone if you forget your keys at work. If youre looking for a bag thats gone missing, zoom in on its GPS location for real-time tracking on the Apple network. Cant find your wallet in the house? Use your phone to make the MagTag beep so you can track it down.Wirelessly charge your MagTag about once every five months to keep it tracking. Its durable design is waterproof and dustproof, so even if you bring it mountain biking or desert hiking, itll stand up to the elements.Would you spend less than $25 to keep an eye on your luggage during international travel? What about never having to ask your spouse where your wallet is again?Dont lose track of this dealget your MagTag now for $23.97 because this sale ends on March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT. StackSocial prices subject to change._MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card Works with Apple Find My App $23.97See Deal

Nature, Published online: 05 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00546-wCurrent approaches to pain relief are falling short. Chemically modifying a synthetic cannabinoid could enable scientists to capitalize on the bodys natural pain-killing pathway without evoking drug tolerance or psychoactivity.

Nature, Published online: 05 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00699-8Evidence suggests deliberate production of bone tools happened much earlier than previously thought plus, how cells waste-disposal systems could help defend against infection.

Einstein's theory of general relativity suggests that the "memory" of ancient events, such as black hole mergers, may be etched into the fabric of space-time by gravitational waves. New research shows how this theory of gravitational memory could finally be proven.

Patients with PFIC develop liver failure as a result of a buildup of a digestive fluid known as bile.

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