Pop-up habitats developed for Moon, Mars

London: Scientists have developed pop-up space habitats for future human colonies on the Moon and Mars, using a combination of origami techniques and digital weaving processes. MoonMars, a collaboration between the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG), textile architect studio Samira Boon, and other research institutions, are transforming architecture plans for smart human habitats and research stations in space. In the hostile environment of space, high-performance textiles and the flexible nature of origami can provide unique architectural advantages. PTI

French President Macron’s popularity at record lows

Paris: The popularity of French President Emmanuel Macron has hit its lowest level since the start of his term, according to a poll published on Sunday, with just 29% of respondents satisfied with his leadership. The poll showed an overall fall of five points in September compared with August, reflecting his battle with a series of domestic and foreign setbacks. The results reinforce a longer-term trend of French voters turning quickly on their presidents soon after their election, something suffered by his predecessors, Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. AFP

Australia kills four sharks after tourist attacks

Sydney: Fourth large sharks have been killed in Australia after a woman and a 12-year-old girl were attacked at a popular Great Barrier Reef tourist spot. Both were still in hospital after being mauled in separate incidents at the Whitsunday Islands. Drum lines ensnared four tiger sharks, one 12-ft long and the others each between six-seven ft. Shark attacks are very rare in the Whitsundays, a collection of spectacular tropical islands at the heart of the Barrier Reef, with the last encounter reported to be eight years ago. AFP

Meghan shares secret blue touch to her wedding dress 

London: Meghan Markle, Britain’s Duchess of Sussex, has shared a secret blue touch added to the famous Givenchy wedding dress she wore when she married Prince Harry in Windsor Castle earlier this year. The 37-year-old former actress revealed that her “something blue”, worn by brides as a lucky charm on their wedding day, was a piece of a blue dress she wore on her first date with Prince Harry stitched discreetly inside her white wedding gown. Brides traditionally collect something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue to bring them good luck on their wedding day. PTI