Tuesday, April 22, 2025


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NASA successfully launches Europa Clipper mission to assess habitability on Jupiter’s moon

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida. NASA has launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to investigate if Jupiter’s moon Europa possesses conditions that could support life. The spacecraft, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, lifted off on Monday under clear skies, marking a major step in the search for extraterrestrial habitability within our solar system.

The mission will focus on Europa’s vast subsurface ocean, which scientists believe lies beneath its thick outer shell of ice. The Europa Clipper, a solar-powered robotic probe, is set to enter Jupiter’s orbit in 2030 after a 1.8 billion-mile (2.9 billion km) journey over 5.5 years.

Mission Objectives and Challenges

Despite only a quarter of Earth’s diameter, Europa is considered one of the most promising candidates for hosting life due to its vast global ocean of salty water, believed to hold twice as much water as all of Earth’s oceans combined. NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free noted, “What we discover on Europa will have profound implications for the study of astrobiology and how we view our place in the universe.”

However, Free emphasized that this mission will not specifically search for living organisms. Instead, it aims to measure the moon’s internal ocean and the icy shell above it, map its surface composition, and detect possible plumes of water vapor venting from the surface.

Europa Clipper will perform 49 close flybys of the moon between 2031 and 2034, coming as close as 16 miles (25 kilometers) to Europa’s surface. The mission will face the challenge of operating in Jupiter’s intense radiation belt, with a magnetic field 20,000 times stronger than Earth’s. To protect the spacecraft, NASA designed a specialized titanium and aluminum vault to safeguard its sensitive electronics.

Scientific Potential of Europa

Europa, which is about 90% the size of Earth’s moon, has a 10-15 mile thick icy crust that sits atop an ocean estimated to be 40-100 miles deep. NASA scientists believe that beneath this ice, Europa may have the right conditions to support life, including water, energy, and stable chemistry. Sandra Connelly, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s science mission directorate, said, “Scientists believe Europa has suitable conditions below its icy surface to support life.”

The spacecraft, which is the largest NASA has ever built for a planetary mission, measures 100 feet (30.5 meters) long and 58 feet (17.6 meters) wide when fully deployed, and weighs around 13,000 pounds (6,000 kg). Its expansive solar arrays will power nine scientific instruments and the spacecraft’s subsystems during the mission.

Journey to Jupiter

To reach its destination, the Europa Clipper will use a gravity assist technique, flying by Mars and Earth to gain momentum. The spacecraft will be operating under extreme conditions near Jupiter, but its robust design is expected to withstand the challenges ahead. With more than 6,060 pounds (2,750 kg) of propellant on board, the spacecraft is set for its ambitious journey toward uncovering Europa’s secrets.

This mission represents a key moment in humanity’s quest to understand whether life can exist beyond Earth, with Europa Clipper poised to deliver groundbreaking discoveries about one of the solar system’s most enigmatic moons.

DILG Chief Remulla: Walang sasantuhin sa PNP drug war probe

MAYNILA. Tiniyak ni Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla na walang sasantuhin sa imbestigasyon sa posibleng pagkakasangkot ng mga dating hepe ng Philippine National Police (PNP) sa drug war noong administrasyong Duterte.

“Walang sacred cows sa institusyong ito at sa imbestigasyong ito,” pahayag ni Remulla sa isang pulong balitaan.

“Sinumang mapatunayang may sala, sino man sila, ay haharapin ang buong bigat ng batas. Walang special treatment, walang special privileges. Lahat ay haharap sa buong kapangyarihan ng PNP at mga institusyon ng DILG,” dagdag pa niya.

Ayon kay Remulla, ang DILG at PNP ay aaksyon agad sa mga isyung may kaugnayan sa drug war pagkatapos ng congressional hearing tungkol sa extrajudicial killings (EJK).

Samantala, sinabi ni PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil na nagsimula na sila sa paghingi ng mga pahayag mula sa mga dating PNP chief upang simulan ang imbestigasyon.

“Mayroon na po kami ng komite na magsisiyasat sa mga alegasyon na isiniwalat ni Colonel Garma kaugnay sa EJK at iba pang isyu,” ani Marbil.

Dahil sa mga testimonya, posible umanong muling buksan ang ilan sa mga matagal nang nakabinbing kaso.

“I think we have to wait till the full revelations are announced. I think pretty soon there will be corroborative testimonies that will abound,” ayon kay Remulla.

“I think with the testimony, some of the cold cases will be opened. But again, let us wait till the final hearings and final recommendations of QuadComm are done, and then subsequent actions will be taken,” dagdag pa niya.

Naunang inihayag ni Garma na hiniling umano sa kanya ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na maghanap ng opisyal na ipatutupad ang Davao model ng war on drugs sa buong bansa

Israeli airstrike in northern Lebanon kills 21, as tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israel

AITO, Lebanon. An Israeli airstrike on Monday hit an apartment building in northern Lebanon, killing at least 21 people, according to the Lebanese Red Cross. The attack took place in the village of Aito, a predominantly Christian area far from the usual Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon.

Rescue workers combed through the debris of the damaged building in Aito, pulling victims from the rubble. The strike also impacted nearby structures and vehicles, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The Israeli military has not yet stated the strike or its intended target.

This incident follows a deadly Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli army base in northern Israel on Sunday, which left four 19-year-old soldiers dead and seven others severely injured. The attack is the most significant assault by Hezbollah since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon almost two weeks ago.

During a visit to the army base on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged continued strikes against Hezbollah. “We will continue to strike Hezbollah without compassion in every part of Lebanon, including in Beirut,” Netanyahu declared, reaffirming Israel’s military resolve.

The violence comes amid a sharp increase in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched rockets, missiles, and drones into Israeli territory, causing significant casualties and destruction. Israel has reported that its air defense systems intercepted many of these attacks, but over 60 Israeli citizens have been killed in Hezbollah’s cross-border assaults over the past year.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, more than 2,300 people have died from Israeli airstrikes since October, with the majority of the deaths occurring in the last month. Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas, has vowed to persist in its attacks on Israel until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. In response, Israel asserts that its military campaign is aimed at stopping Hezbollah’s offensive, allowing displaced Israeli residents near the Lebanese border to return home safely.

As both sides intensify their military operations, the death toll continues to rise, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

ASEAN pushes for swift South China Sea code of conduct, calls for end to Myanmar violence

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BANGKOK. Southeast Asian leaders have urged for a swift agreement on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law. At the same time, the bloc called for an immediate halt to violence in Myanmar and for inclusive peace talks to end the ongoing civil war.

In a statement issued by the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 10-member group highlighted the key outcomes of its recent meetings, which concluded on Friday in Laos. Diplomats from major global powers, including the United States, Russia, China, Japan, India, and South Korea, were also in attendance.

Tensions have been escalating in the South China Sea, where China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire strategic waterway, putting it in direct conflict with ASEAN members like the Philippines and Vietnam. These disputes have increased concerns about a possible escalation that could draw in the United States, which is bound by treaty to defend the Philippines in the event of an attack.

The South China Sea, a crucial route for $3 trillion in annual trade, was a focal point during the ASEAN discussions. Russia and China objected to references to the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to a U.S. official.

The ASEAN statement called for confidence-building measures aimed at “reducing tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation” in the contested waters. It also noted “positive momentum” in the ongoing negotiations for a maritime code of conduct, which China and ASEAN initially agreed upon in 2002, though formal talks did not begin until 2017.

ASEAN expressed hope for the “early conclusion of an effective and substantive” code of conduct that aligns with international law, including UNCLOS.

Regarding the conflict in Myanmar, ASEAN reiterated its call for “an immediate cessation of violence” and the establishment of a “conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue” that is “Myanmar-owned and -led.” The war between Myanmar’s military junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, and a growing armed resistance movement remains a significant concern for the region.

ASEAN’s five-point peace plan, announced shortly after the coup, has seen little progress. Currently, an estimated 18.6 million people — more than a third of Myanmar’s population — are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

The bloc welcomed Thailand’s initiative to host informal talks on the Myanmar crisis later this year, potentially involving other ASEAN members.

U.S. deploys THAAD defense system to Israel as regional tensions escalate

The United States announced that it will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, along with U.S. troops to operate it, as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. The Pentagon’s decision came shortly after Iran issued a stark warning to the U.S., urging it to keep its military forces out of Israel.

This development comes as Israel prepares for what is widely expected to be a military retaliation against Iran following an October 1 attack, during which approximately 180 missiles were fired into Israel. The Israeli military has been engaged in a series of escalations, including intensified airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and ground operations along the border.

Israel is currently embroiled in a multi-front conflict, waging war against both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in catastrophic consequences, with local health authorities reporting over 42,000 Palestinian deaths. While they have not provided details on how many of the deceased were fighters, they noted that women and children make up more than half of the casualties. The war has also left vast areas of Gaza in ruins and displaced nearly 90% of its 2.3 million residents.

A year ago, Hamas-led militants breached Israel’s security fence, launching deadly attacks on military bases and civilian communities. The assault resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 others. As of now, about 100 captives are still being held inside Gaza, with estimates suggesting that a third of them have likely perished.

As Israel continues its military operations, the deployment of the THAAD system is seen as part of a broader U.S. effort to support its key ally amid mounting threats from Iranian-backed groups in the region.

10-oras na pagyanig sa Taal Volcano naitala, PHIVOLCS nagbabala

MAYNILA. Isang volcanic tremor na tumagal ng 10 oras at 30 minuto ang naitala sa Bulkang Taal noong Sabado, ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) nitong Linggo.

Bagama’t mas kalmado ang Taal noong Linggo ng umaga kumpara sa mga nakaraang araw, ayon kay PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, walang naganap na phreatic o phreatomagmatic eruption sa nakalipas na 24 oras.

“For the past 24 hours, wala po tayong volcanic earthquake na naitala sa Taal Volcano and nasa Alert Level 1 pa rin ang Taal Volcano,” ani Bacolcol sa isang panayam.

Gayunpaman, binigyang-diin niya na hindi pa rin ligtas ang sitwasyon dahil posible pa rin ang mga phreatic at phreatomagmatic eruptions. Dahil dito, mahigpit pa ring ipinagbabawal ang pagpasok sa Taal Volcano Island, na itinuturing na Permanent Danger Zone.

Nanatiling nakaantabay ang mga awtoridad para sa anumang pagbabago sa aktibidad ng bulkan. Ang PHIVOLCS ay patuloy na nagmamanman at nagbibigay ng paalala sa publiko na maging alerto at sundin ang mga rekomendasyon para sa kanilang kaligtasan.

Netanyahu is considering plan to evacuate northern Gaza civilians and cut off aid to those remaining

JERUSALEM. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a controversial proposal to cut off humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, as part of a broader plan to intensify pressure on Hamas militants. The plan, put forward by a group of retired generals, aims to force the evacuation of civilians from the northern third of Gaza, including Gaza City, before declaring the area a closed military zone. Those remaining would be denied food, water, medicine, and fuel, effectively sealing them off from humanitarian assistance.

Under the proposed “Generals’ Plan,” Palestinians would be given one week to leave the area. After that, those who stay behind would be regarded as combatants, according to a copy of the plan obtained by the Associated Press. The plan’s architect, Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel’s National Security Council, believes that starving Hamas of aid and trapping the militants in the north is the only way to break their resistance. “They will either have to surrender or starve,” Eiland said, though he insisted that the goal was not to kill every person left behind. “People will not be able to live there. The water will dry up.”

Although no official decision has been made, the plan has reportedly been reviewed by Netanyahu and other key government officials. A senior Israeli official confirmed that Netanyahu has studied the proposal, though its full implementation remains uncertain.

Human Rights Concerns and International Reactions

Human rights organizations are raising alarms over the potential humanitarian catastrophe this plan could trigger. Critics argue that the proposal violates international law, which prohibits using starvation as a weapon of war and forcibly transferring civilians. Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli human rights organization, expressed concern, saying, “I’m most concerned by how the plan seems to say that if the population is given a chance to evacuate and they don’t, then somehow they all turn into legitimate military targets, which is absolutely not the case.”

The U.S. State Department also expressed its opposition to any plan that would involve Israel reoccupying Gaza. Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated that the U.S., along with the international community, opposes the idea of shrinking Gaza or imposing long-term control over any part of the territory.

Conditions in Northern Gaza Worsen

The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza continues to deteriorate. Since September 30, no trucks carrying food, water, or medicine have been allowed to enter the region, according to the United Nations. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, warned that “hunger is spreading” and that at least 400,000 people remain trapped in northern Gaza with little access to basic supplies.

Efforts by Israeli troops to isolate Gaza City have already led to roadblocks and checkpoints, making it difficult for residents to escape to the south. “North Gaza is now divided into two parts,” said Dr. Rana Soloh of Kamal Adwan Hospital. “There are checkpoints and inspections, and not everyone can cross easily.”

As the situation worsens, many Palestinians fear that fleeing to the south offers no real safety. Jomana Elkhalili, a 26-year-old aid worker in Gaza City, voiced the sentiments of many residents. “They will not make the mistake again. We know the place there is not safe,” she said, referring to the dismal conditions in southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people are crammed into tent camps.

Menopause and dental health: How to protect your mouth during hormonal changes


Experts share tips on maintaining oral health during menopause and beyond

Menopause is widely associated with hot flashes and night sweats, but another lesser-known issue may arise during this time—dental problems. According to experts, hormonal changes during menopause, particularly a drop in estrogen, can negatively impact teeth and gums. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your mouth and maintain oral health through menopause.

“I’m not sure that people are aware of this,” said Dr. Thomas Sollecito, Chief of Oral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighting the need for greater awareness of the connection between menopause and dental health.

The Effects of Menopause on Oral Health

As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, their ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. This can lead to decreased bone density and reduced saliva production, both of which can have serious implications for oral health.

Saliva, which Dr. Sollecito called “one of the most important fluids in our body,” helps keep the mouth healthy by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and providing essential minerals. A decrease in saliva, or dry mouth, can lead to an increased risk of oral soreness, yeast infections, and cavities.

Dr. Maiara Hister-Cockrell, a dentist at the University of Texas Health San Antonio, explained that the risks are even higher for women taking medications for high blood pressure or diabetes, as these can also contribute to dry mouth.

“Those bacteria are proliferating, and you’re more prone to get tooth decay,” said Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist in Washington, D.C., and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. If left unchecked, this can lead to tooth loss.

Bone Density and Gum Health

The drop in estrogen levels can also cause a reduction in bone density, including in the jaw, which supports the teeth. “If the socket that holds the tooth is less dense, it’s more vulnerable to bone loss,” said Dr. Sollecito. Additionally, receding gums can leave teeth exposed and more susceptible to cavities.

Menopausal women are also more prone to developing periodontal disease, a condition where plaque and bacteria build up under the gums. “Gum tissue starts to get red and swollen,” explained Dr. Cram. “It bleeds and starts pulling away from the teeth, creating deeper crevices that are harder to keep clean.”

Some women may also experience “burning mouth syndrome,” characterized by a burning sensation that affects the tongue, palate, and lips. “As you could well imagine, this could all really spiral out of control,” added Dr. Sollecito.

How to Protect Your Oral Health During Menopause

The good news is that these dental issues are preventable with proper care. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and nutrition. “An electric toothbrush can be more helpful than manual toothbrushing,” said Dr. Cram. She also recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and seeing a dentist for regular checkups.

Diet also plays a critical role in oral health during menopause. Women are encouraged to eat a balanced diet low in sweets and high in calcium-rich foods to support both dental and bone health.

Addressing Dry Mouth and Other Issues

Hydration is key when dealing with dry mouth. “None of us really probably drink enough water throughout the day,” Dr. Cram pointed out. Over-the-counter dry mouth sprays, lozenges, and rinses can help manage the condition, and in severe cases, dentists may prescribe medications to increase saliva production. Prescription treatments are also available for those suffering from burning mouth syndrome.

“The bottom line,” said Dr. Cram, “is most oral conditions and problems during menopause are totally preventable” through consistent dental care and paying attention to your mouth’s changing needs.

By staying informed and proactive, women can protect their oral health during menopause and enjoy a healthier smile throughout this transition.

Ipinaglaban ng Comelec ang panuntunan sa social media campaigning para sa 2025 Elections

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MAYNILA. Matatag na dinepensahan ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang kanilang desisyon na i-regulate ang paggamit ng social media ng mga kandidato para sa 2025 election, sa kabila ng mga alegasyong labag ito sa Konstitusyon.

Ayon sa Comelec guidelines, kinakailangan ng mga individual aspirants, party-list groups, political parties, at kanilang mga campaign staff na irehistro ang kanilang mga social media accounts sa Education and Information Department ng Comelec.

Ipinaliwanag ni Comelec Chairman George Garcia na ang regulasyong ito ay alinsunod sa Fair Elections Act upang mapanatili ang patas na laban sa kampanya. “Ito ay isang hakbang upang subaybayan ang mga gastusin sa online campaigning ng mga kandidato,” ani Garcia, kasunod ng mga akusasyong nililimitahan nito ang ‘freedom of expression’ ng mga kandidato.

Dagdag pa ni Garcia, napakahalaga ng naturang panuntunan upang labanan ang paglaganap ng fake news na pinapalala pa ng artificial intelligence (AI) ngayong panahon ng kampanya.

“Inaatasan din ang mga kandidato at partido na isiwalat ang anumang paggamit ng AI technology sa kanilang mga campaign ads at materyales,” ani Garcia.

Bukod dito, tiniyak ng Comelec na makikipag-ugnayan sila sa mga malalaking social media platforms tulad ng Facebook, Google, at X upang mapigilan ang posibleng pang-aabuso sa online space at masigurong magiging patas ang eleksyon para sa lahat ng kalahok.

Ang bagong regulasyon ay tinutulan ng ilang mga grupo, ngunit giit ng Comelec, ito ay mahalaga upang protektahan ang integridad ng halalan sa digital na panahon.

Tesla unveils Cybercab: Autonomous driving tech expected to expand by 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA. Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the company’s latest innovation, the “Cybercab,” during a presentation at the Warner Bros. studio lot in Hollywood. The autonomous robotaxi, which lacks traditional steering wheels and pedals, marks Tesla’s bold step toward a fully driverless future. However, enthusiasts will have to wait until at least 2026 to see these vehicles on the road.

During the event, Musk highlighted the advancements in Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, known as “Full Self-Driving” (FSD), which has been available for purchase since 2015. The technology allows for limited autonomous driving, but the move toward unsupervised operation—where passengers can “fall asleep and wake up at [their] destination,” as Musk described—remains under scrutiny.

“We’ll move from supervised Full Self-Driving to unsupervised Full Self-Driving, where you can fall asleep and wake up at your destination. It’s going to be a glorious future,” Musk assured the crowd.

Tesla estimates that the Cybercab will be priced under $30,000, with availability projected for 2026, although Musk humorously added, “before 2027.” The company also plans to roll out the FSD technology for its popular Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in California and Texas by 2025.

Skepticism and Industry Competition

Despite Musk’s optimistic projections, skepticism surrounding Tesla’s ability to deliver fully autonomous vehicles persists. Seth Goldstein, equity strategist at Morningstar Research, commented on the importance of proving FSD’s reliability: “If they’re going to eventually get to robotaxis, they first need to have success with the unsupervised FSD at the current lineup. Tonight’s event showed that they’re ready to take that step forward.”

However, some industry experts remain unconvinced. Bryant Walker Smith, a professor at the University of South Carolina who specializes in automated vehicles, remarked, “Tesla yet again claimed it is a year or two away from actual automated driving — just as the company has been claiming for a decade. Now there are real AVs [autonomous vehicles] carrying real people on real roads, but none of those vehicles are Teslas. Tonight did not change this reality; it only made the irony more glaring.”

Shares of Tesla Inc. dropped 9% following the unveiling, with some investors concerned about the company’s slow progress in comparison to rivals. Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo and General Motors’ Cruise are already operating autonomous vehicles in several locations, including Phoenix and San Francisco. Meanwhile, Aurora Innovation plans to deploy fully autonomous semi-trucks in Texas by the end of this year, with Gatik following suit by 2025.

Tesla’s Challenges and Expanding AI Focus

Tesla’s journey toward achieving autonomous driving has not been without setbacks. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) forced the company to recall its Full Self-Driving software in February after concerns were raised about its compliance with traffic laws. Additionally, the Justice Department is seeking information from Tesla regarding the safety of its Autopilot and FSD systems.

One tragic incident occurred last April in Snohomish County, Washington, when a Tesla operating in FSD mode hit and killed a motorcyclist. The Tesla driver admitted to using the system while looking at their phone. NHTSA is currently investigating the crash.

Despite these challenges, Musk remains focused on positioning Tesla as a leader in AI and robotics. At the event, Tesla also introduced its Optimus humanoid robots, which performed a brief demonstration for attendees. Musk claimed these robots, which are expected to cost between $28,000 and $30,000, could perform tasks like babysitting, mowing lawns, and grocery shopping.

“Whatever you can think of, it will do,” Musk said.

The unveiling of the Cybercab and Optimus robots underscores Tesla’s ambition to expand beyond electric vehicles and cement its place in the AI and robotics industry. However, with mounting pressure from competitors and ongoing investigations into its autonomous driving systems, the road ahead remains uncertain for Musk’s futuristic vision.