Scientists want to test a solar umbrella that could help fight climate change
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission.
Scientists have long looked for ways to turn the tide in our fight against climate change. So far, no matter what ideas they come up with, none have been solidified as actual missions with concrete goal. But that could change soon, as researchers plan to test a solar umbrella as a way to cut down on how much heat reaches our planet from the sun.
Researchers shared their plan to put together a mission to test a tiny sunshade at what is known as the L1 Lagrange Point — a location between Earth and the Sun where the gravitational pull of both is almost nullified. However, this tiny sunshade will only be a precursor to a much larger mission down the line.
Today's Top Deals
Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales
Best Ring Video Doorbell deals
Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98
Before deploying a large, full-scale system, the researchers say they need to see if a solar umbrella will even work in the first place. For the test, the scientists plan to use a 12U CubeSat roughly the size of a large briefcase. It will be equipped with a 144 meter solar sail, which should help demonstrate how effective these systems can be for propulsion long-term.
The idea of using space sails to propel spacecraft forward isn't new, but this will be one of the first true tests that will help us determine if it can actually work. Once in place, the researchers say the constant flood of sunlight on the sunshade will help ensure the spacecraft stays in the right position, casting a shade over our planet.
The hope is that by limiting how much direct sunlight hits the planet, we'll be able to cut down on how much heat gets trapped in our atmosphere. Whether or not the solar umbrella actually helps with that remains to be seen. But it's still an exciting idea to see put into action.
At an estimated cost of $10 million, making sure the system can take care of itself will be paramount, as spacecraft rely on autonomous tech for control. It would take 10 seconds for manual commands to even reach the spacecraft, let alone put them to work.
Hopefully the mission is successful, and researchers are able to scale the process up. But just how effective this solar umbrella turns out to be will ultimately take time and possibly more missions to pull off. For now, the researchers have published details about their plans in Acta Astronautica.
More Top Deals
Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free
See the
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wolfe Research Initiates Coverage of BridgeBio Pharma (BBIO) with ‘Outperform' Rating
BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIO) is one of the 10 biotech stocks screaming a buy. On June 17, Wolfe Research initiated coverage of the stock with an 'Outperform' rating and a $49 price target. The research firm reiterated the company's solid position amid the 'TTR craze' while also echoing its commercial execution strategy. A medical technician wearing a lab coat operating machinery in a biopharmaceutical laboratory. Consequently, Wolfe Research expects BridegBio's revenue to total $569 million in 2025 before rising to $3.4 billion by 2028. It should peak at $4.4 billion in 2034. For the upcoming second quarter, the research firm expects the company to deliver revenue of $106 million, slightly below market expectation of $111 million. While the stock has shown a remarkable return of 42% year to date, Wolfe Research insists it must navigate several challenges to maintain the positive momentum. It must navigate the potential Vyndaqel loss of exclusivity, achondroplasia data versus competition, and pipeline products. In addition, consistent revenue growth and expanding operating margins will be crucial to the company's long-term success. BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIO) is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and delivers transformative medicines for genetic diseases. Its pipeline includes a range of development programs, from early science to advanced clinical trials. While we acknowledge the potential of BBIO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Best Software Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Must-Buy AI Stocks Analysts Are Betting On. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ionis (IONS) Announces Leadership Transition as R&D Veteran Richard Geary Prepares to Retire
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS) is one of the 10 biotech stocks screaming a buy. On June 12, the company announced the upcoming retirement of Richard Geary, Ph.D., its executive vice president and chief development officer, effective January 2026. Holly Kordasiewicz, Ph.D., currently senior vice president of neurology, will take over the role. Geary has been with Ionis since 1995 and played a pivotal role in bringing six medicines to regulatory approval, including the company's first independently commercialized drug, TRYNGOLZA. A biotechnologist pouring liquid into a test tube and analyzing its components in a lab. Dr. Kordasiewicz, who joined Ionis in 2011, brings over 20 years of experience in R&D, particularly in neurology. She leads the company's neurology program, covering treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Angelman syndrome, and Alexander disease. Her work has also contributed to key partnered programs with Biogen, including the development of QALSODY® and IONIS-MAPTRx. As Dr. Geary transitions out of his role, he will continue as a strategic consultant through 2026 to ensure continuity. Ionis leadership praised both Geary's legacy and Kordasiewicz's appointment as a pivotal step in driving the company's commitment to developing transformational therapies for patients with serious diseases. Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a U.S.-based commercial-stage biotech company specializing in RNA-targeted therapies. Its approved products include TRYNGOLZA for FCS, WAINUA, and TEGSEDI for ATTRv-PN, SPINRAZA for spinal muscular atrophy, QALSODY for ALS, and WAYLIVRA for rare lipid disorders. The company has a robust pipeline, including late-stage programs like Olezarsen (for hypertriglyceridemia), Donidalorsen (for hereditary angioedema), and Zilganerse (for Alexander disease), along with several mid-stage treatments for neurological and metabolic conditions. Ionis also collaborates with leading pharma firms, including Biogen, GSK, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Roche, and Metagenomi, expanding its reach in developing transformative RNA therapies. While we acknowledge the potential of IONS as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Best Software Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Must-Buy AI Stocks Analysts Are Betting On. Disclosure: None.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Semaglutide Increases Walking Capacity in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
Common obesity drug reduced the risk of disease progression by 54% CHICAGO, June 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, a new analysis demonstrates the vascular benefits of semaglutide in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and type 2 diabetes, including improvement in symptoms, quality of life, and disease progression in patients. An analysis of the STRIDE trial was presented as a late-breaking symposium at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) in Chicago and simultaneously published in Diabetes Care®. PAD is a serious condition impacting 230 million individuals globally and up to 30% of people with diabetes. PAD narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs, causing marked disability, affecting quality of life, and putting people at increased risk of severe complications including amputations and death. Treatment options are currently limited, and little advancements in PAD treatment have occurred for more than 25 years. The STRIDE trial is a phase 3, multinational, double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted at 112 outpatient clinical trial sites in 20 countries in North America, Asia, and Europe. 792 patients aged 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes and PAD with intermittent claudication (a symptom of PAD that causes muscle pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity) and reduced ankle-brachial or toe-brachial index (indicators of restricted blood flow to the legs), were randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide (n=396) or placebo (n=396) over a 52-week period to assess the impact on walking capacity, symptoms, and quality of life. The median age was 68 years, and 195 (25%) participants were female and 597 (75%) were male. The sub-analysis builds on results previously published in The Lancet, demonstrating that semaglutide significantly improved walking outcomes in people with PAD and diabetes, enhanced quality of life, and reduced the risk of disease progression by 54%. At week 52, the estimated median ratio to baseline in maximum walking distance was 1.21 in the semaglutide group compared to 1.08 in the placebo group. Semaglutide was well tolerated, with no treatment-related deaths and a low rate of serious adverse events (1%), consistent with its known safety profile. The analyses from STRIDE presented new and critical information on the benefits of semaglutide, which were observed independent of baseline levels of A1C, duration of diabetes, or intensity of diabetes. Furthermore, the benefits were seen across all BMI categories and regardless of the treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors. "These findings indicate that clinicians can now recognize semaglutide as a vascular protective medication, with benefits that extend beyond lowering weight or A1C," said Professor Subodh Verma, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FAHA, FCAHS, cardiovascular surgeon, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, and senior author of the STRIDE trial. "The totality of data now suggest that in people with diabetes, semaglutide favorably affects the pipes [atherosclerosis], pump [heart failure], filter [kidney outcomes]. And, in patients with PAD, these new data provide robust evidence that semaglutide is a therapy to improve their function, quality of life, and progression of disease."The study authors indicate that further research is warranted to understand whether these benefits extend to individuals with PAD who do not have diabetes. Research presentation details:Dr. Verma will present the findings at the following symposium: Symposium: Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease—Evolving Role of GLP-1 RA and New Insights from the STRIDE Trial Presented on Saturday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. CT About the ADA's Scientific SessionsThe ADA's 85th Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be held in Chicago, IL, on June 20–23. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are expected to convene both in person and virtually to unveil cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will receive exclusive access to thousands of original research presentations and take part in provocative and engaging exchanges with leading diabetes experts. Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADASciSessions. About the American Diabetes AssociationThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure—and we're not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we're fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn). Media Contact: Mimi Carmody, MCarmody@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Diabetes Association Sign in to access your portfolio
