Stay informed about science news and updates in Tampa Bay, FL.
SpaceX's eighth test flight of the Starship was scrubbed due to a booster issue, delaying plans to eventually send humans to the moon. The company has yet to announce a new launch date, but the upcoming mission aims to deploy Starlink satellite simulators and test significant flight features.
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully touched down on the Moon, marking a historic milestone as the first commercial company to achieve a fully successful Moon landing. The mission delivered 10 NASA payloads aimed at advancing lunar exploration and preparing for future manned missions to the Moon and Mars.
University of Florida researchers are collaborating with NASA to cultivate food on the moon, aiming to support a sustainable lunar colony. As NASA prepares for a 2025 mission to orbit the moon, UF's work with lunar soil could have significant implications for food production both on Earth and in space.
ZooTampa recently welcomed an endangered siamang baby, highlighting the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species. The birth of the baby ape not only captivates visitors but also emphasizes the importance of wildlife preservation in the Tampa area. This joyful addition to ZooTampa serves as a reminder of the need to protect endangered species and their habitats.
NASA has unveiled nine potential landing sites for its Artemis III mission, selected for their scientific interest. This initiative marks a significant step in the agency's efforts to return humans to the Moon and further explore lunar possibilities.
A new study by Dr. Dipayan Biswas, a marketing professor at the University of South Florida, finds that sampling healthy foods may lead consumers to make less healthy choices later. This phenomenon is attributed to "moral licensing," where individuals feel justified in indulging after engaging in positive behavior. Biswas encourages consumers to consider the relationship between sampled foods and their intended purchases.
An Uber driver, Steeve Louis, has been found guilty of three counts of sexual battery after assaulting a 20-year-old international student in August 2023. The jury's decision highlights the serious issue of safety for rideshare passengers, particularly vulnerable individuals such as international students.