Reuters Science News Summary

Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Study shows how a potato-based diet changed the genetics of Andean ​people

Indigenous people in the Andes domesticated the potato - a great source of ​starch, vitamins, minerals and fiber - 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, ‌making ​this tuber a central part of their diet. These people then experienced genetic adaptations beneficial for such a diet that are still seen in their descendants living in Peru. New genomic research documents how these descendants - speakers of the Quechua language of the once-great Inca ‌Empire - underwent fortification involving a gene called AMY1 that is involved in starch digestion, a function useful for people with a potato-centric diet.

Germany's OHB to consider legal action if EU clears Airbus, Thales, Leonardo satellite merger

German satellite maker OHB will consider legal action if EU antitrust regulators approve a planned merger of the satellite businesses of Airbus, Thales and Leonardo, its ‌CEO said on Thursday. The three aerospace and defence groups announced plans in October to combine their satellite manufacturing activities into a standalone company, code-named "Project Bromo".

Trump releases government UFO files, ‌more expected

At the order of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Defense Department on Friday released dozens of previously classified files on alleged UFO sightings to provide what it called "unprecedented transparency" to the American people, though analysts said many of the documents had already been made public. The disclosure of documents, photos and videos of "unidentified anomalous phenomena" will be followed by future releases as more materials are declassified, the Defense Department said in ⁠a statement.

Astronomers ​get the best look yet at the ⁠surface of an exoplanet

Astronomers have gotten their clearest look yet at the surface of an exoplanet - a planet beyond our solar system - thanks to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. Webb gathered data on a rocky exoplanet with a ⁠diameter about 30% larger than Earth that indicates it is a desolate and airless world whose surface may resemble that of Mercury, our solar system's innermost planet. Its lack of a discernible ​atmosphere and its extreme temperatures - fiercely hot on one side and frigid on the other - seem to render it uninhabitable.

David Attenborough turns 100, 'overwhelmed' by birthday wishes

David Attenborough ⁠said he had been "completely overwhelmed" by birthday greetings as he turned 100 on Friday in a worldwide outpouring of affection for the British wildlife broadcaster after decades of trailblazing work. After more than 70 years of film-making, Attenborough's instantly ⁠recognisable ​voice is synonymous with the story of nature. He is still at the vanguard of efforts to protect the environment and has produced some of his most influential work in recent years.

US startup Lunar Outpost raises $30 million to speed moon rover development

U.S. startup Lunar Outpost closed a $30 million funding round this week that will speed development of ⁠a new moon rover, its CEO said, as investor interest in lunar ventures grows. The company's Series B funding, launched a month ago, was led by Industrious Ventures. Type ⁠One Ventures, Eniac Ventures and Promus Ventures also ⁠participated.

India's Skyroot becomes first $1 billion space-tech startup with GIC, Sherpalo, Blackrock backing

India's Skyroot Aerospace has became the first space-sector company in the country to hit a $1 billion dollar valuation after securing $60 million in fresh funding from Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC and Silicon ‌Valley-based Sherpalo Ventures. Investment management company BlackRock ‌also took part in the funding round, taking Skyroot's total capital raised to $160 million, the ​company said in a statement on Thursday.

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