NASA scientists have announced that the Parker Solar Probe survived zooming by the sun at a record-breaking closest distance. The craft collected precious data which researchers say will aid work on solar wind, particles and the sun's atmosphere. What we know about the mission The mission was carried out by a team at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland. "The team was out of contact with the spacecraft during closest approach, which occurred on Dec. 24, with Parker Solar Probe zipping just 3.8 million miles from the solar surface while moving about 430,000 miles per hour," Michael Buckley, spokesperson for the laboratory, said in a statement. On December 26, the team received a signal from the probe indicating that it is in "good health and operating normally." Scientists expect detailed data from the NASA-developed spacecraft on January 1. About the probe The craft was built to endure temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (about 980 degrees Celsius), enough to survive in the sun's outer atmosphere. Launched in 2018, the probe's mission is to complete 24 orbits around the sun in seven years. The close approach to the sun allowed the probe to collect measurements that will help scientists study how the sun's outer atmosphere gets "heated to millions of degrees," trace the flow of energy and discover how solar wind accelerates to near light speed. Previous solar probes have helped researchers to understand the structures of solar wind and to map out the structure of the sun's atmosphere. 

With the slogan “Today and Tomorrow,” satellite television channel Rtv launched on December 26, 2005, as the country’s fifth private TV channel. Nineteen years later, it proudly steps into its 20th year as a voice of the people. Throughout its journey, Rtv has prioritized audience preferences in curating its news and programming, earning widespread love and support. With a commitment to an enriched future, the channel has consistently worked to fulfill viewers’ expectations, offering innovative shows, dramas, talk shows, reality programs, award ceremonies, and unique news content. This approach has made Rtv a leading choice among viewers. Alongside television, Rtv has also established itself as a top local channel on online platforms. On this special occasion, artists, cultural figures, journalists, politicians, and renowned personalities from various fields extended their congratulations. Many also shared messages of goodwill on social media. The Rtv management expressed gratitude to its viewers, staff, and advertisers for their continued support over the years. Rtv’s CEO, Syed Ashik Rahman, said, “On this milestone occasion, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our viewers at home and abroad, our staff, advertisers, and cable operators. It is through collective efforts that we’ve completed 19 years and stepped into our 20th. Rtv remains committed to catering to audience tastes and upholding responsibility towards public awareness, wholesome entertainment, and the unbiased flow of truthful information. We are dedicated to creating and broadcasting diverse programs for viewers of all ages and professions. As we enter the new year, we will present even more exciting offerings. I thank you once again for your continued support.” Highlights and Achievements Rtv’s unique programs, such as popular talk shows Goltable (Roundtable), Kemon Bangladesh Chai (What Kind of Bangladesh Do We Want), and Aaj Patrikay (In Today’s Newspaper), along with award events like Star Award, Alokito Nari Padak (Illuminated Women Award), and Rtv SMC Monimix Prerana Padak (Rtv SMC Monimix Inspiration Award), have elevated its status. Recently, the channel introduced new shows like Danish Rtv Young Star and Folk Station. Rtv has also created a platform for Islamic talent discovery and gained popularity with programs such as Gorbito Baba (Proud Father). The channel’s autism-focused program Hat Barie Dilam, fashion and lifestyle show Lookme, and other innovative content have kept it in the spotlight year-round. Its special dramas and programs surrounding Eid and other cultural and religious occasions have also been widely appreciated. Digital Presence Rtv’s digital platforms have made a significant impact. With millions of readers, Rtv Online News uploads over 150 news articles daily, catering to domestic and international audiences. The Rtv Facebook page has surpassed 21 million followers, while its YouTube channels (Rtv Drama, Rtv Music, and others) remain highly popular across the nation. With fresh aspirations and vibrant plans for the future, Rtv aims to shine brightly for years to come. Congratulations to all viewers and well-wishers on this momentous occasion!

A revolutionary blood test leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in diagnosing deadly diseases like ovarian cancer and pneumonia at their earliest stages.  Developed by Dr. Daniel Heller and his team at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the test utilizes nanotube technology—carbon tubes 50,000 times thinner than a human hair—to detect molecular reactions in blood samples. These nanotubes emit specific wavelengths of fluorescent light when certain molecules attach to them. The patterns are so intricate that only AI, through machine learning algorithms, can decode them. Dr. Heller explained, “It’s like identifying molecular fingerprints too subtle for humans to detect.” Ovarian cancer, often diagnosed late, spreads quickly. Audrey Moran, head of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), stressed that early detection could significantly lower mortality rates.  The AI algorithm, trained on limited patient data, has already shown remarkable accuracy despite challenges in gathering sufficient samples for this rare cancer. Beyond cancer, AI is also revolutionizing pneumonia diagnosis. California-based company Karius uses AI to identify pathogens within 24 hours, eliminating the need for multiple costly tests. Researchers are optimistic about making this technology widely available within 3–5 years, heralding a new era in medical diagnostics and lifesaving innovations.

Scientists have raised alarms about ‘Mirror Bacteria,’ a synthetic life form being developed in laboratories. These bacteria are created as mirror replicas of natural biological molecules, such as DNA, using advanced synthetic biology techniques. While the concept may revolutionize science, experts warn that it could pose catastrophic risks to global ecosystems, plants, animals, and humans. Mirror Bacteria, still in development, are expected to take at least a decade to fully materialize. However, recent studies published in the Science Journal indicate significant progress has already been made. A team of 38 Nobel laureates and scientists is calling for the immediate suspension of this research due to its potential to bypass immune defenses. Unlike naturally evolved organisms, living beings may not recognize or defend against these artificial entities, which could spread unchecked. Vaughn Cooper from the University of Pittsburgh cautions, “Mirror life has never existed before, and it could disrupt all biological systems.” Similarly, Nobel laureate Gregory Winter from Cambridge University highlights that living organisms, including humans, lack natural immunity against Mirror Bacteria, making them defenseless in the event of an outbreak. If released accidentally, Mirror Bacteria could trigger fatal infections, acting as invasive species across ecosystems. Scientists fear that attempts to combat these bacteria with antibodies could prove futile, leading to widespread and uncontrollable infections. Plants, animals, and even human populations would face devastating consequences. The development of Mirror Bacteria raises ethical and safety concerns in synthetic biology, demanding careful consideration and global regulation to prevent irreversible damage to life on Earth.

The lottery for admission to grades one through nine in both government and private schools (in metropolitan and district headquarters areas) will take place on Tuesday (December 17). The event will be held at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has outlined the process for checking the results after the lottery. In a circular, DSHE stated that the admission process for the 2025 academic year in government and private secondary schools (within metropolitan and district headquarters areas) will be conducted through a digital lottery. The digital lottery will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at 10:00 AM at the International Mother Language Institute. Once the digital lottery is completed, principals, guardians, or students can download the results using their designated ID and password through the provided link. After downloading the results, the principal will email the results to the relevant district or sub-district admission committee chairperson and notify the DSHE. The lottery results can be downloaded from the following link: https://gsa.teletalk.com.bd/ using the designated ID and password. It has been reported that the digital lottery event will have Professor Dr. Md. Aminul Islam, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Education (with the rank of State Minister), as the chief guest. Senior Secretary Siddiq Zobair from the Secondary and Higher Education Division and Dr. K. M. Kabirul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, will be present as special guests. From November 12 to November 30, students had the opportunity to apply for school admissions online. During this 18-day period, a total of 983,539 students applied for admission to both government and private schools.