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Manasvi: IIT Delhi’s Bold Step Toward Empowering High School Girls in STEM

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In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement, ensuring gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Recognizing this, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi launched a pioneering initiative titled ‘Manasvi’ , a STEM mentorship programme for high school girls . The programme, unveiled in New Delhi today, is spearheaded by the institute’s Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office . Manasvi is not merely an educational engagement; it is a transformative platform aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM, fields traditionally dominated by men. At the heart of Manasvi lies the ambition to address the deep-rooted gender disparity in STEM education and careers . Despite producing the largest number of science graduates globally, India continues to see disproportionately low female representation in STEM careers —a statistic that underscores the urgent need for su...

Dark Oxygen: A New Discovery Reshaping Life’s Origins and Possibilities on Other Planets

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Dark Oxygen: A New Discovery Reshaping Life’s Origins and Possibilities on Other Planets

  1. Discovery Overview:
    • In July 2024, scientists discovered the phenomenon of "dark oxygen" 13,100 feet deep in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean.
    • This deep ocean region is known for its rich deposits of metallic nodules containing manganese and iron.
Key Features of Dark Oxygen Production:
  1. Oxygen Generation Without Sunlight:
    • Metallic nodules on the seafloor were found to split seawater (H₂O) to produce oxygen without relying on sunlight.
    • Traditional oxygen production on Earth primarily comes from photosynthesis, but dark oxygen challenges this assumption.
Scientific and Astrobiological Implications:

  1. Potential for Life on Other Planets:

    • Dark oxygen production suggests that oxygen-rich habitats could exist on planets without sunlight.
    • This increases the possibility of discovering life on planets or moons with deep-sea or underground environments.

  2. Early Earth's Ecosystems:

    • The discovery hints that oxygen production on Earth may have begun before photosynthetic organisms evolved, altering our understanding of Earth's early ecosystems.
    • It may provide clues about how primitive life managed to survive in ancient oxygen-poor environments.
Understanding the Clarion-Clipperton Zone:
  1. Clarion-Clipperton Zone Characteristics:
    • This region, located in the Pacific Ocean, is famous for being one of the richest sources of manganese nodules in the world.
    • These nodules act as natural catalysts for breaking down seawater and generating oxygen.
Applications and Future Research:

  1. Astrobiology and Space Exploration:

    • Researchers can now search for signs of dark oxygen production on other planets and moons (like Europa or Enceladus).
    • This finding opens new avenues for finding habitable environments beyond Earth.

  2. Deep-Sea Exploration:

    • Scientists plan to explore more deep-sea regions for other natural oxygen production processes.
    • These discoveries could also help in understanding how life thrives in extreme environments on Earth.

  3. Technological Applications:

    • Dark oxygen research could inspire innovations in oxygen generation and sustainable water-splitting technologies.
This groundbreaking discovery not only redefines how oxygen is produced but also expands the possibilities for finding life in the universe.
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