Astronomers have just detected a disk of dust forming around a planet outside our solar system for the first time.

The disk was detected by astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg. The images were taken by the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array (ALMA) in partnership with the European Southern Observatory (ESO).&nbsp;

This revelation sheds light on how moons and planets are formed in planetary systems that are still in their formative stage. For long, scientists have attempted to fully understand how natural satellites of planets are formed, including the Earth's Moon.

To better understand the process, scientists want to observe the creation of satellites like moon around planets situated outside our solar system, i.e., exoplanets. The exoplanet in question&nbsp;resembles the characteristics of Jupiter and is capable of producing multiple moons.

Myriam Benisty, a researcher at the University of Grenoble in France and the University of Chile and also the lead of the study claims that the research "presents a clear detection of a disk in which satellites could be forming”. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.&nbsp;

"We obtained our ALMA observations at such excellent resolution that we could identify without a doubt that the disk is associated with the planet, and we are able to constrain its size for the first time,” Max Planck Institute for Astronomy quoted Benisty as&nbsp;saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-solves-40-year-old-mystery-of-jupiters-x-ray-auroras-400739" hreflang="en">NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras</a>

The disk is referred to as a "circumplanetary disk" and surrounds the exoplanet labelled "PDS 70c". The planet bears resemblance to Jupiter and orbits a star situated 400 light-years away.

Earlier, astronomers posited that a moon-forming disk surrounded the planet, but its detection was only confirmed in the study published on July 22, 2021. Scientists claim that the disk has the same distance as Earth does from Sun. The disk accounts for a lot of&nbsp;mass, which could&nbsp;create at least three satellites the size of Earth's&nbsp;Moon!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/marsquakes-reveal-secrets-of-mars-interior-400155" hreflang="en">Marsquakes reveal secrets of Mars' interior</a>

Astronomers have just detected a disk of dust forming around a planet outside our solar system for the first time. The disk was detected by astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg.

Astronomers have just detected a disk of dust forming around a planet outside our solar system for the first time. The disk was detected by astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg. The images were taken by the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array (ALMA) in partnership with the European Southern Observatory (ESO). This revelation sheds light on how moons and planets are formed in planetary systems that are still in their formative stage. For long, scientists have attempted to fully understand how natural satellites of planets are formed, including the Earth's Moon. To better understand the process, scientists want to observe the creation of satellites like moon around planets situated outside our solar system, i.e., exoplanets. The exoplanet in question resembles the characteristics of Jupiter and is capable of producing multiple moons. Myriam Benisty, a researcher at the University of Grenoble in France and the University of Chile and also the lead of the study claims that the research "presents a clear detection of a disk in which satellites could be forming”. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. "We obtained our ALMA observations at such excellent resolution that we could identify without a doubt that the disk is associated with the planet, and we are able to constrain its size for the first time,” Max Planck Institute for Astronomy quoted Benisty as saying. Also read: NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras The disk is referred to as a "circumplanetary disk" and surrounds the exoplanet labelled "PDS 70c". The planet bears resemblance to Jupiter and orbits a star situated 400 light-years away. Earlier, astronomers posited that a moon-forming disk surrounded the planet, but its detection was only confirmed in the study published on July 22, 2021. Scientists claim that the disk has the same distance as Earth does from Sun. The disk accounts for a lot of mass, which could create at least three satellites the size of Earth's Moon! Also read: Marsquakes reveal secrets of Mars' interior

Astronomers detect first proof of 'moon-forming' ring around far-off exoplanet

Earth's interior is gobbling down more carbon than previously thought.

Scientists from the from Cambridge University and NTU Singapore recently ascertained that slow-motion collisions of tectonic plates take place in the Earth's interior... on a way larger scale than prior assumptions. What does this mean?

Understanding carbon on Earth

Carbon stores in the Earth's interior are still elusive and cycle carbon over millions of years. According to scientists, carbon which is drawn into the Earth's interior remains tucked away at great depths and does not generally show up in the form of volcanic release.

The findings, published in Nature Communications focus specifically on "subduction zones" in the Earth's interior where tectonic plates collide and are forced deeper into inside zones.

They found that only a third of the carbon which is recycled beneath volcanic regions returns to the Earth's surface through recycling. Until now, it was believed that the carbon that goes down mostly ends up returning to the surface.

To tackle climate change, scientists need to find way to reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide in our planet's atmosphere. And with such observations from the deep Earth, scientists may be able to better understand the nature of carbon on Earth. They want to establish&nbsp;how carbon travels and interacts between the atmosphere, oceans and life on the surface.

Carbon situated in the deepest parts of Earth is responsible for regulating atmospheric Carbon Dioxide levels.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-detect-first-proof-of-moon-forming-ring-around-far-off-exoplanet-400786" hreflang="en">Astronomers detect first proof of 'moon-forming' ring around far-off exoplanet</a>

What did the scientists do?

Surface carbon can reach the Earth's deep zones only through plate subduction, as mentioned above. Instead of what scientists thought was returning to Earth from volcanoes, the carbon is pushed deeper into the Earth through chemical processes, essentially working in the Earth's favour and limiting scope of greenhouse effect.

Cambridge University's team undertook the experiments at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility where low concentrations of metals were&nbsp;observed under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-solves-40-year-old-mystery-of-jupiters-x-ray-auroras-400739" hreflang="en">NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras</a>

To recreate the conditions of subduction zones where tectonic plates reside, they used a heated "diamond anvil". Based on this, they ascertained that carbonate rocks (which resemble chalk) lose calcium but gain magnesium when pushed into the Earth's mantle.

Owing to this process, the carbon material does not dissolve into volcanic fluids, but is instead pushed deeper into the mantle where it may become diamond, proving not all carbon returns to the surface.

Earth's interior is gobbling down more carbon than previously thought. Scientists from the from Cambridge University and NTU Singapore recently ascertained that slow-motion collisions of tectonic plates take place in the Earth's interior.

Earth's interior is gobbling down more carbon than previously thought. Scientists from the from Cambridge University and NTU Singapore recently ascertained that slow-motion collisions of tectonic plates take place in the Earth's interior... on a way larger scale than prior assumptions. What does this mean? Understanding carbon on Earth Carbon stores in the Earth's interior are still elusive and cycle carbon over millions of years. According to scientists, carbon which is drawn into the Earth's interior remains tucked away at great depths and does not generally show up in the form of volcanic release. The findings, published in Nature Communications focus specifically on "subduction zones" in the Earth's interior where tectonic plates collide and are forced deeper into inside zones. They found that only a third of the carbon which is recycled beneath volcanic regions returns to the Earth's surface through recycling. Until now, it was believed that the carbon that goes down mostly ends up returning to the surface. To tackle climate change, scientists need to find way to reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide in our planet's atmosphere. And with such observations from the deep Earth, scientists may be able to better understand the nature of carbon on Earth. They want to establish how carbon travels and interacts between the atmosphere, oceans and life on the surface. Carbon situated in the deepest parts of Earth is responsible for regulating atmospheric Carbon Dioxide levels. Also read: Astronomers detect first proof of 'moon-forming' ring around far-off exoplanet What did the scientists do? Surface carbon can reach the Earth's deep zones only through plate subduction, as mentioned above. Instead of what scientists thought was returning to Earth from volcanoes, the carbon is pushed deeper into the Earth through chemical processes, essentially working in the Earth's favour and limiting scope of greenhouse effect. Cambridge University's team undertook the experiments at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility where low concentrations of metals were observed under high pressure and temperature conditions. Also read: NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras To recreate the conditions of subduction zones where tectonic plates reside, they used a heated "diamond anvil". Based on this, they ascertained that carbonate rocks (which resemble chalk) lose calcium but gain magnesium when pushed into the Earth's mantle. Owing to this process, the carbon material does not dissolve into volcanic fluids, but is instead pushed deeper into the mantle where it may become diamond, proving not all carbon returns to the surface.

Earth's interior traps way more carbon than previously thought. Here's how

A high-level Chinese diplomat hit out at the United States on Monday accusing the country of conjuring an "imaginary enemy" in hopes of diverting attention from domestic issues brewing in the States.

The diplomat also accused the US &nbsp;of trying to suppress China as relations between the world's two largest economies take&nbsp;a hit. Currently, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking US diplomat is in the Chinese city of Tianjin in hopes of resolving tensions.

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"The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an 'imaginary enemy'," Reuters quoted Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng as saying after the session on Monday morning.

Feng added the US had mobilised its society and government against China.

"As if once China's development is suppressed, US&nbsp;domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued", Feng said.

Sherman will meet State Councillor and Foreign minister Wang Yi later on Monday. Sherman is also slated to visit Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia as protocols between Beijing and Washington take a hit.

The China visit was the last to be added to the Asia trip itinerary.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-outbreak-of-covid-19-in-china-highest-daily-rise-since-january-400714" hreflang="en">New outbreak of COVID-19 in China: Highest daily rise since January</a>

On Saturday, Wang warned that China would not accept the US taking a "superior" position in terms of its relationship with China. This came in a day after China revealed sanctions against US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross among others. 
 
According to Reuters, Sherman's expected position is that of cooperation and welcoming competition between the two countries, with the hope to establish a level playing field and "guardrails" to avoid conflicts in the future.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/stop-demonising-china-beijing-urges-the-us-as-envoy-visits-400627" hreflang="en">Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits</a>

The US government has remained critical of China's policy towards Hong Kong and the alleged "genocide" in Xinjiang. Amid forced labour concerns, US Senate passed a bill this month to ban imports from the region.

A high-level Chinese diplomat hit out at the United States on Monday accusing the country of conjuring an "imaginary enemy" in hopes of diverting attention from domestic issues brewing in the States.

A high-level Chinese diplomat hit out at the United States on Monday accusing the country of conjuring an "imaginary enemy" in hopes of diverting attention from domestic issues brewing in the States. The diplomat also accused the US of trying to suppress China as relations between the world's two largest economies take a hit. Currently, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking US diplomat is in the Chinese city of Tianjin in hopes of resolving tensions. "The United States wants to reignite the sense of national purpose by establishing China as an 'imaginary enemy'," Reuters quoted Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng as saying after the session on Monday morning. Feng added the US had mobilised its society and government against China. "As if once China's development is suppressed, US domestic and external problems will be resolved, and America will be great again, and America's hegemony can be continued", Feng said. Sherman will meet State Councillor and Foreign minister Wang Yi later on Monday. Sherman is also slated to visit Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia as protocols between Beijing and Washington take a hit. The China visit was the last to be added to the Asia trip itinerary. Also read: New outbreak of COVID-19 in China: Highest daily rise since January On Saturday, Wang warned that China would not accept the US taking a "superior" position in terms of its relationship with China. This came in a day after China revealed sanctions against US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross among others. According to Reuters, Sherman's expected position is that of cooperation and welcoming competition between the two countries, with the hope to establish a level playing field and "guardrails" to avoid conflicts in the future. Also read: Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits The US government has remained critical of China's policy towards Hong Kong and the alleged "genocide" in Xinjiang. Amid forced labour concerns, US Senate passed a bill this month to ban imports from the region.

China accuses US of creating 'imaginary enemy' to divert from domestic issues

The Olympics are currently underway in Japan, under the shadow of COVID-19. While the country may be able to succesfully finish the games even as cases rise, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is losing support.

According to Nikkei business daily survey from July 23-25, voter support for Suga slid by nine points to reach 34 per cent - his lowest approval stats since he took office last September.

The survey was revealed on Monday amid Olympic games in Tokyo, which were postponed last year owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and opened on Friday.

According to the survey, two-third&nbsp;respondents feel that the country's rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations is not going well. The campaign has faced a series of hiccups including a slow start and supply chain issues. Less than a quarter of Japan's population is currently vaccinated.

The programme has been hampered by a slow start and supply snarls, and less than a quarter are fully vaccinated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/tokyo-2020-it-was-excitement-and-emotional-bhavani-devi-articulates-her-run-at-the-olympics-400708" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: 'It was excitement and emotional', Bhavani Devi articulates her run at the Olympics</a> 
 
Suga intended to contain the virus in the country before the beginning of the Games, as opposed to what's happening right now. A surge in the coronavirus infections led to another state of emergency being announced in Tokyo. Owing to this, Olympics organisers banned all spectators from attending any ceremonies.

Just on Monday, Tokyo reported 1,429 new COVID-19 cases, almost twice as much as what was reported last Monday.

So far, Japan has won six gold medals including in judo by Uta Abe and her brother Hifumi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/tokyo-olympics-coachs-wild-celebration-goes-viral-after-australian-swimmer-wins-gold-watch-400732" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Coach's wild celebration goes viral after Australian swimmer wins gold - Watch</a>

Yuto Horigome won the men's street skateboarding on Sunday, the first Olympic gold medal for the sport. Further success came from 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya, who won gold in the women's street skateboarding on Monday to become Japan's youngest-ever gold medal winner.

Nishiya's win along with a bronze for compatriot Funa Nakayama, 16, caused Twitter to light up with congratulations.

Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, said the opening ceremony was watched by more than 70 million people in Japan, making it the most watched event in the last decade.

Organisers were keeping a wary eye on tropical storm Nepartak, which was heading toward Japan's east coast and forecast to pass to the north of Tokyo.

They said there was currently no plan to reschedule further events. Tuesday's rowing programme was disrupted, with races rescheduled for later in the week. Monday's rowing events were moved to Sunday in anticipation of the storm.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Olympics are currently underway in Japan, under the shadow of COVID-19. While the country may be able to succesfully finish the games even as cases rise, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is losing support.

The Olympics are currently underway in Japan, under the shadow of COVID-19. While the country may be able to succesfully finish the games even as cases rise, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is losing support. According to Nikkei business daily survey from July 23-25, voter support for Suga slid by nine points to reach 34 per cent - his lowest approval stats since he took office last September. The survey was revealed on Monday amid Olympic games in Tokyo, which were postponed last year owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and opened on Friday. According to the survey, two-third respondents feel that the country's rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations is not going well. The campaign has faced a series of hiccups including a slow start and supply chain issues. Less than a quarter of Japan's population is currently vaccinated. The programme has been hampered by a slow start and supply snarls, and less than a quarter are fully vaccinated. Also read: Tokyo 2020: 'It was excitement and emotional', Bhavani Devi articulates her run at the Olympics Suga intended to contain the virus in the country before the beginning of the Games, as opposed to what's happening right now. A surge in the coronavirus infections led to another state of emergency being announced in Tokyo. Owing to this, Olympics organisers banned all spectators from attending any ceremonies. Just on Monday, Tokyo reported 1,429 new COVID-19 cases, almost twice as much as what was reported last Monday. So far, Japan has won six gold medals including in judo by Uta Abe and her brother Hifumi. Also read: Tokyo Olympics: Coach's wild celebration goes viral after Australian swimmer wins gold - Watch Yuto Horigome won the men's street skateboarding on Sunday, the first Olympic gold medal for the sport. Further success came from 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya, who won gold in the women's street skateboarding on Monday to become Japan's youngest-ever gold medal winner. Nishiya's win along with a bronze for compatriot Funa Nakayama, 16, caused Twitter to light up with congratulations. Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, said the opening ceremony was watched by more than 70 million people in Japan, making it the most watched event in the last decade. Organisers were keeping a wary eye on tropical storm Nepartak, which was heading toward Japan's east coast and forecast to pass to the north of Tokyo. They said there was currently no plan to reschedule further events. Tuesday's rowing programme was disrupted, with races rescheduled for later in the week. Monday's rowing events were moved to Sunday in anticipation of the storm. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: PM Suga's ratings take a hit amid Tokyo Olympics

Tesla, the futuristic maker of self-driving cars is now facing flak for an apparent glitch. Recently, a Tesla vehicle mistook the Moon for a traffic signal.

Currently, wildfires in the United States have given the Moon a pale yellow tint. Many observers blame the natural satellite's mischaracterisation as a yellow traffic light on the same.&nbsp;

Tesla is famous for pushing the limits of car technology, delivering cars that are capable of navigating independently. The company also claims to have a robust series of safety measures to avoid mishaps. But every now and then, stories of these cars malfunctioning come to light.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/abuse-of-power-tesla-shareholders-accuse-ceo-elon-musk-of-rescuing-his-investment-in-solarcity-397077" hreflang="en">'Abuse of power': Tesla shareholders accuse CEO Elon Musk of rescuing his investment in SolarCity</a>

The identification of the Moon as a traffic light is reportedly causing issues in the autopilot mode. A Tesla owner, Jordan nelson filmed the futuristic vehicle mistaking the Moon for a yellow traffic light. Due to this, the car continued to slow down.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tesla-car-owner-urges-vehicle-recall-after-spontaneous-fire-395466" hreflang="en">Tesla car owner urges vehicle recall after 'spontaneous' fire</a>

A report in AutoWeek blamed the wildfire for the misunderstanding and believes that the issue is more temporary than permanent, for Tesla's identification mechanism is not based just on its camera. It also takes into account map data from intersections, including data about traffic lights. The system is created to slow down the vehicle whenever a light is spotted.

The technology may be extremely smart. But some intersections are simply too complex or closely positioned, which could make the car's job difficult.

Carmakers who specialise in autonomous cars are attempting to refine the experience and decision making of the vehicles at intersections, especially where traffic lights are situated higher up than usual or are too close to the front of the vehicle, successfully evading the camera detection system. Only time will tell how makers like Tesla solve the crisis.

Tesla, the futuristic maker of self-driving cars is now facing flak for an apparent glitch. Recently, a Tesla vehicle mistook the Moon for a traffic signal. Currently, wildfires in the United States have given the Moon a pale yellow tint.

Tesla, the futuristic maker of self-driving cars is now facing flak for an apparent glitch. Recently, a Tesla vehicle mistook the Moon for a traffic signal. Currently, wildfires in the United States have given the Moon a pale yellow tint. Many observers blame the natural satellite's mischaracterisation as a yellow traffic light on the same. Tesla is famous for pushing the limits of car technology, delivering cars that are capable of navigating independently. The company also claims to have a robust series of safety measures to avoid mishaps. But every now and then, stories of these cars malfunctioning come to light. Also read: 'Abuse of power': Tesla shareholders accuse CEO Elon Musk of rescuing his investment in SolarCity The identification of the Moon as a traffic light is reportedly causing issues in the autopilot mode. A Tesla owner, Jordan nelson filmed the futuristic vehicle mistaking the Moon for a yellow traffic light. Due to this, the car continued to slow down. Also read: Tesla car owner urges vehicle recall after 'spontaneous' fire A report in AutoWeek blamed the wildfire for the misunderstanding and believes that the issue is more temporary than permanent, for Tesla's identification mechanism is not based just on its camera. It also takes into account map data from intersections, including data about traffic lights. The system is created to slow down the vehicle whenever a light is spotted. The technology may be extremely smart. But some intersections are simply too complex or closely positioned, which could make the car's job difficult. Carmakers who specialise in autonomous cars are attempting to refine the experience and decision making of the vehicles at intersections, especially where traffic lights are situated higher up than usual or are too close to the front of the vehicle, successfully evading the camera detection system. Only time will tell how makers like Tesla solve the crisis.

Tesla vehicle mistakes the Moon for a yellow traffic light. What went wrong?

A secret location in the Cotswolds has yielded one of the most impressive discoveries of perfectly preserved fossils of Jurassic echinoderms.

Echinoderms include starfish, brittle stars, feather stars (stalkless crinoids), sea lilies (stalked crinoids), sea cucumbers, and echinoids (sea potatoes or dollars&nbsp;and sea urchins).

In an extremely rare finding, the Natural History Museum has discovered perfectly preserved specimens of species from all these groups.

As per the Natural History Museum's website, their Senior Curator Dr Tim Ewin, says, "The exceptional preservation of so many individuals belonging to diverse echinoderm groups is exceptional and makes the site comparable to the best in the world".

This site which is estimated to be 167 million years old&nbsp;was discovered by two non-professional palaeontologists, Sally and Neville Hollingworth, who then alerted the Museum to its possible significance.

The site is believed to have been a warm, relatively shallow sea once, which had a high level of nutrients that attracted large numbers of echinoderms.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;the researchers,&nbsp;the area appeared to have been rapidly covered by a mudslide, which might have&nbsp;happened due to a sudden event.

This is evident from a number of fossilised stalked and unstalked crinoids which were discovered in what is called the 'death pose' i.e. some of the animals were found with their arms around their bodies, trying to shield themselves.

The result of the sudden event was the preservation of almost an entire ecosystem of exceptional quality.

Sea lilies, feather stars, and starfish fossils are historically rare because their multiple skeletons quickly crumble after death, which can only be preserved through immediate burial.

While many of the specimens are of known species, the team believes&nbsp;that it has discovered three new species so far, new varieties of brittle star, feather star, and sea cucumber.

While several other species found on the site were already known to science, many were known through hundred-year-old descriptions that were based on incomplete or poorly prepared specimens.&nbsp;

Thus, the new site will offer valuable information about how these iconic groups evolved and diversified into the ecologically significant organisms they are today.

After three days of excavation, the team has collected about 100 slabs and is preparing them for further analysis and eventually for public engagement.

A secret location in the Cotswolds has yielded one of the most impressive discoveries of perfectly preserved fossils of Jurassic echinoderms. Echinoderms include starfish, brittle stars, feather stars (stalkless crinoids), sea lilies (stalked crinoids), sea cucumbers, and echinoids (sea potatoes or dollars and sea urchins).

A secret location in the Cotswolds has yielded one of the most impressive discoveries of perfectly preserved fossils of Jurassic echinoderms. Echinoderms include starfish, brittle stars, feather stars (stalkless crinoids), sea lilies (stalked crinoids), sea cucumbers, and echinoids (sea potatoes or dollars and sea urchins). In an extremely rare finding, the Natural History Museum has discovered perfectly preserved specimens of species from all these groups. As per the Natural History Museum's website, their Senior Curator Dr Tim Ewin, says, "The exceptional preservation of so many individuals belonging to diverse echinoderm groups is exceptional and makes the site comparable to the best in the world". This site which is estimated to be 167 million years old was discovered by two non-professional palaeontologists, Sally and Neville Hollingworth, who then alerted the Museum to its possible significance. The site is believed to have been a warm, relatively shallow sea once, which had a high level of nutrients that attracted large numbers of echinoderms. According to the researchers, the area appeared to have been rapidly covered by a mudslide, which might have happened due to a sudden event. This is evident from a number of fossilised stalked and unstalked crinoids which were discovered in what is called the 'death pose' i.e. some of the animals were found with their arms around their bodies, trying to shield themselves. The result of the sudden event was the preservation of almost an entire ecosystem of exceptional quality. Sea lilies, feather stars, and starfish fossils are historically rare because their multiple skeletons quickly crumble after death, which can only be preserved through immediate burial. While many of the specimens are of known species, the team believes that it has discovered three new species so far, new varieties of brittle star, feather star, and sea cucumber. While several other species found on the site were already known to science, many were known through hundred-year-old descriptions that were based on incomplete or poorly prepared specimens. Thus, the new site will offer valuable information about how these iconic groups evolved and diversified into the ecologically significant organisms they are today. After three days of excavation, the team has collected about 100 slabs and is preparing them for further analysis and eventually for public engagement.

Scientists discover huge Jurassic seabed with 'perfectly preserved' fossil specimens

Inspired by her late father's career, Mona decided to join the military and the first group of Saudi women soldiers to work in Islam's holiest sites, where they are helping secure the haj annual pilgrimage.

Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, the birth places of Islam.

Dressed in a military khaki uniform, with a hip-length jacket, loose trousers and a black beret over a veil covering her hair, Mona spends her shifts roaming in the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

"I am following the steps of my late father to complete his journey, standing here at the Grand mosque in Mecca, the holiest place. To serve the worshippers is a very noble and honourable task," said Mona, who declined to give her family name.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed through social and economic reforms as part of plans to modernise the conservative Muslim kingdom and attract foreign investment under a diversification drive.

Under his reform plan, known as Vision 2030, the crown prince lifted a driving ban on women, allowed adult women to travel without permission from guardians and granted them more control over family matters.

But the reform plan has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including on women's rights activists.

Saudi Arabia has restricted the haj to its own citizens and residents for the second year in a row, barring millions of other pilgrims from abroad in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Samar, another soldier watching pilgrims near the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure that Muslims believe was built by Abraham, said she was encouraged by her family to join the military, after psychology studies.

"This is a huge accomplishment for us and it is the biggest pride to be in the service of religion, the country and the guests of God, the most merciful," she said.

Inspired by her late father's career, Mona decided to join the military and the first group of Saudi women soldiers to work in Islam's holiest sites, where they are helping secure the haj annual pilgrimage.

Inspired by her late father's career, Mona decided to join the military and the first group of Saudi women soldiers to work in Islam's holiest sites, where they are helping secure the haj annual pilgrimage. Since April, dozens of female soldiers have become part of the security services that monitor pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, the birth places of Islam. Dressed in a military khaki uniform, with a hip-length jacket, loose trousers and a black beret over a veil covering her hair, Mona spends her shifts roaming in the Grand Mosque in Mecca. "I am following the steps of my late father to complete his journey, standing here at the Grand mosque in Mecca, the holiest place. To serve the worshippers is a very noble and honourable task," said Mona, who declined to give her family name. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed through social and economic reforms as part of plans to modernise the conservative Muslim kingdom and attract foreign investment under a diversification drive. Under his reform plan, known as Vision 2030, the crown prince lifted a driving ban on women, allowed adult women to travel without permission from guardians and granted them more control over family matters. But the reform plan has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including on women's rights activists. Saudi Arabia has restricted the haj to its own citizens and residents for the second year in a row, barring millions of other pilgrims from abroad in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Samar, another soldier watching pilgrims near the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure that Muslims believe was built by Abraham, said she was encouraged by her family to join the military, after psychology studies. "This is a huge accomplishment for us and it is the biggest pride to be in the service of religion, the country and the guests of God, the most merciful," she said.

For the first time, Saudi women stand guard in Mecca during haj

Heaviest rains in 1,000 years kill at least 25 people in China

Hong Kong's public broadcaster recently banned all references to Taiwanese government, ordering staff to not refer to Taiwan's leader as "president" and to avoid using the word "government" in fresh guidelines.

The new directives are in line with mainland China's rhetoric towards Taiwan, which it sees as its own territory. The country has not shied away from claiming that it may bring Taiwan under its control using force if required.

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Currently, China is in the process of remoulding the official functioning of Hong Kong, hoping to sync it with the Communist Party of China's goals. Although still a semi-autonomous city, a lot of democratic freedoms guaranteed in Hong Kong have been curtailed under the security laws that were enforced after violent protests against Chinese influence on the city.

Now, RTHK - a news channel run by the government is falling in line with China's national media which is heavily censored.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/everybody-wants-peace-in-taiwan-strait-because-no-one-wants-to-disrupt-semiconductor-supply-chain-tsmc-chief-398294" hreflang="en">Everybody wants peace in Taiwan Strait because no one wants to disrupt semiconductor supply chain: TSMC chief</a>

The memo sent to RTHK staffers was accessed by AFP on Tuesday, which mentioned a series of new directives for everyone working at RTHK, especially in regards to Taiwan.

Taiwan is officially known as the Republic of China and is home to 23 million people. As opposed to China, Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy.

The memo in question referred to certain terms as "inappropriate" including "Taiwan's president" and "Taiwan government" in all output related to radio and television broadcasts, along with digital content.

"Inappropriate terminology such as 'country', 'Republic of China', 'ROC'... must not be used when referring to Taiwan. Under no circumstances should Taiwan be referred to as a sovereign state or perceived as one," AFP quoted the memo as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-warns-of-crisis-over-taiwan-growing-risks-from-us-china-rivalry-397732" hreflang="en">Japan warns of crisis over Taiwan, growing risks from US-China rivalry</a>

Recently, a pro-China leader from Hong Kong accused RTHK of not following the law while describing Taiwan.

In China's state media channels, it's not uncommon to disregard Taiwan. Most news platforms refer to Taiwan as "China's Taiwan region" while President Tsai Ing-wen is usually labelled as a "so-called leader".

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's public broadcaster recently banned all references to Taiwanese government, ordering staff to not refer to Taiwan's leader as "president" and to avoid using the word "government" in fresh guidelines.

Hong Kong's public broadcaster recently banned all references to Taiwanese government, ordering staff to not refer to Taiwan's leader as "president" and to avoid using the word "government" in fresh guidelines. The new directives are in line with mainland China's rhetoric towards Taiwan, which it sees as its own territory. The country has not shied away from claiming that it may bring Taiwan under its control using force if required. Currently, China is in the process of remoulding the official functioning of Hong Kong, hoping to sync it with the Communist Party of China's goals. Although still a semi-autonomous city, a lot of democratic freedoms guaranteed in Hong Kong have been curtailed under the security laws that were enforced after violent protests against Chinese influence on the city. Now, RTHK - a news channel run by the government is falling in line with China's national media which is heavily censored. Also read: Everybody wants peace in Taiwan Strait because no one wants to disrupt semiconductor supply chain: TSMC chief The memo sent to RTHK staffers was accessed by AFP on Tuesday, which mentioned a series of new directives for everyone working at RTHK, especially in regards to Taiwan. Taiwan is officially known as the Republic of China and is home to 23 million people. As opposed to China, Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy. The memo in question referred to certain terms as "inappropriate" including "Taiwan's president" and "Taiwan government" in all output related to radio and television broadcasts, along with digital content. "Inappropriate terminology such as 'country', 'Republic of China', 'ROC'... must not be used when referring to Taiwan. Under no circumstances should Taiwan be referred to as a sovereign state or perceived as one," AFP quoted the memo as saying. Also read: Japan warns of crisis over Taiwan, growing risks from US-China rivalry Recently, a pro-China leader from Hong Kong accused RTHK of not following the law while describing Taiwan. In China's state media channels, it's not uncommon to disregard Taiwan. Most news platforms refer to Taiwan as "China's Taiwan region" while President Tsai Ing-wen is usually labelled as a "so-called leader". (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong broadcaster bans 'Taiwan' references, falling in line with mainland China

Hubble Telescope's rival is set for take off in the next year! The Superpressure Balloon-borne Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT) will be sent into the upper atmosphere via a strapped balloon - roughly the size of a modern stadium.

The images taken by SuperBIT&nbsp;would rival the famous Hubble, which has clicked mesmerising spacescapes. The SuperBIT telescope will fly 45 kilometres (28 miles) above Earth's surface and will float across the globe while taking images of the universe.

In April 2022, the telescope will be deployed from New Zealand a by a team of scientists from the University of Toronto and NASA.

Owing to NASA's new superpressure balloon design, the telescope will be able to remain in the air for months after deployment. Another telescope called the James Webb Telescope is set for a November launch. Unlike Webb, which will operate in infrared, SuperBIT will function along the same frequencies of light as Hubble.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/down-for-a-month-nasa-faces-hubble-space-telescopes-most-serious-glitch-in-years-397987" hreflang="en">Down for a month: NASA faces Hubble Space Telescope's most serious glitch in years</a>

Scientists behind the project are pitching SuperBIT as Hubble's successor.

The telescope cost $5 million and offers flexibility for it can be flown down for repairs and upgrades as per needs. On the other hand, the Hubble telescope was built with $1.5 billion!

The floating observatory - one of its kind, was built by scientists from Durham, Princeton and Toronto universities in collaboration with NASA and Canadian Space Agency.

Scientists are also considering the possibility of a whole fleet of airborne telescopes in the future.

The telescope attaches to a helium balloon roughly the size of a football stadium. Once functional, it should be able to click high-resolution images of distant entities in the universe including galaxies, planets, and stars.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/james-webb-space-telescope-passes-key-review-ahead-of-fall-launch-396728" hreflang="en">James Webb Space Telescope passes key review ahead of fall launch</a>

During a test flight in 2019, the balloon exhibited stability, making it ready to be used. The SuperBIT has a mirror wit diameter of 0.5 metres and will be lifted to the altitude of 40 kilometres by a helium balloon.

Hubble Telescope has already outlived its lifespan. Originally planned for 10 years, the telescope has managed to take pictures for three decades now. But the recent failure of the telescope suggests that it may be nearing the end of its life cycle.

Hubble Telescope's rival is set for take off in the next year! The Superpressure Balloon-borne Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT) will be sent into the upper atmosphere via a strapped balloon - roughly the size of a modern stadium.

Hubble Telescope's rival is set for take off in the next year! The Superpressure Balloon-borne Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT) will be sent into the upper atmosphere via a strapped balloon - roughly the size of a modern stadium. The images taken by SuperBIT would rival the famous Hubble, which has clicked mesmerising spacescapes. The SuperBIT telescope will fly 45 kilometres (28 miles) above Earth's surface and will float across the globe while taking images of the universe. In April 2022, the telescope will be deployed from New Zealand a by a team of scientists from the University of Toronto and NASA. Owing to NASA's new superpressure balloon design, the telescope will be able to remain in the air for months after deployment. Another telescope called the James Webb Telescope is set for a November launch. Unlike Webb, which will operate in infrared, SuperBIT will function along the same frequencies of light as Hubble. Also read: Down for a month: NASA faces Hubble Space Telescope's most serious glitch in years Scientists behind the project are pitching SuperBIT as Hubble's successor. The telescope cost $5 million and offers flexibility for it can be flown down for repairs and upgrades as per needs. On the other hand, the Hubble telescope was built with $1.5 billion! The floating observatory - one of its kind, was built by scientists from Durham, Princeton and Toronto universities in collaboration with NASA and Canadian Space Agency. Scientists are also considering the possibility of a whole fleet of airborne telescopes in the future. The telescope attaches to a helium balloon roughly the size of a football stadium. Once functional, it should be able to click high-resolution images of distant entities in the universe including galaxies, planets, and stars. Also read: James Webb Space Telescope passes key review ahead of fall launch During a test flight in 2019, the balloon exhibited stability, making it ready to be used. The SuperBIT has a mirror wit diameter of 0.5 metres and will be lifted to the altitude of 40 kilometres by a helium balloon. Hubble Telescope has already outlived its lifespan. Originally planned for 10 years, the telescope has managed to take pictures for three decades now. But the recent failure of the telescope suggests that it may be nearing the end of its life cycle.

Meet SuperBIT Telescope, potential successor to NASA's aged Hubble Telescope

Hungary is set to host a referendum concerning the contentious LGBTQIA+ law, country's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday.

The law has been criticised globally and this move may have been triggered by the European Commission's decision to take legal action against Budapest.

In a video shared by Orban on his Facebook page, he said that "Brussels has clearly attacked Hungary in recent weeks regarding the law".

The legislation bans the "depiction or promotion" of all things homosexual and the scope of gender correction measures to people aged below 18. The move has invited a lot of scorn from everyone across Europe.

Budapest claims the measure was created to protect children in the country. But critics claim that the law conflates pedophilia with homosexuality, effectively spreading stigma around an already highly ostracised community.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-launches-legal-action-against-hungary-poland-over-lgbtq-rights-398260" hreflang="en">EU launches legal action against Hungary, Poland over LGBTQ rights</a> 
 
According to Orban, the referendum would include five questions, one of which would be about whether schools should have the permission to talk to their children about sexuality without their consent.

Another question will ask responders whether they endorse sex reassignment treatment for minors and whether&nbsp;they accept the unrestricted exposure of children to "harmful sexual content".

The right-wing PM urged all participants to answer "no".

No date has been finalised for the referendum. Orban presented the idea as a list of demands put forward by the European Union to Hungary.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-hungarys-annual-drag-contest-is-operating-in-shadow-of-anti-lgbtqia-law-395912" hreflang="en">How Hungary's annual drag contest is operating in shadow of anti-LGBTQIA+ law</a>

The law has sparked protests not in Hungary but across the rest of European Union. An infringement procedure was launched by the European Commission against the law, which came into force this month. The procedure claims that the law violates EU rules regarding rights to freedom of expression, along with free trade and provision of services.

Hungary has blamed the EU of interfering in country's domestic affairs.

Hungary is set to host a referendum concerning the contentious LGBTQIA+ law, country's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday. The law has been criticised globally and this move may have been triggered by the European Commission's decision to take legal action against Budapest.

Hungary is set to host a referendum concerning the contentious LGBTQIA+ law, country's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday. The law has been criticised globally and this move may have been triggered by the European Commission's decision to take legal action against Budapest. In a video shared by Orban on his Facebook page, he said that "Brussels has clearly attacked Hungary in recent weeks regarding the law". The legislation bans the "depiction or promotion" of all things homosexual and the scope of gender correction measures to people aged below 18. The move has invited a lot of scorn from everyone across Europe. Budapest claims the measure was created to protect children in the country. But critics claim that the law conflates pedophilia with homosexuality, effectively spreading stigma around an already highly ostracised community. Also read: EU launches legal action against Hungary, Poland over LGBTQ rights According to Orban, the referendum would include five questions, one of which would be about whether schools should have the permission to talk to their children about sexuality without their consent. Another question will ask responders whether they endorse sex reassignment treatment for minors and whether they accept the unrestricted exposure of children to "harmful sexual content". The right-wing PM urged all participants to answer "no". No date has been finalised for the referendum. Orban presented the idea as a list of demands put forward by the European Union to Hungary. Also read: How Hungary's annual drag contest is operating in shadow of anti-LGBTQIA+ law The law has sparked protests not in Hungary but across the rest of European Union. An infringement procedure was launched by the European Commission against the law, which came into force this month. The procedure claims that the law violates EU rules regarding rights to freedom of expression, along with free trade and provision of services. Hungary has blamed the EU of interfering in country's domestic affairs.

Hungary to hold referendum on controversial anti-LGBTQIA+ law, says PM Orban

The story of a teenage driver from the United States is the most American thing you'll come across today. Last week, a teen driver in Massachusetts lost control of their car in an attempt to avoid hitting a squirrel.&nbsp;

Then, the car rammed into a home. Turns out, it's not just any ordinary home. The house was built by an ancestor of former United States President Abraham Lincoln, as reported by local authorities.

On July 15, police officers attended to a call and headed to the Samuel Lincoln Cottage situated in Hingham. According to the Boston Globe, the now damaged cottage was first built in 1650.

<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="719" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHFDLocal2398%2Fposts%2F1836897043151112&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe>

According to the police, the driver is a 19-year-old who was in a 2014 Audi Q7. In an attempt to avoid the squirrel, the driver steered towards his right, driving over the sidewalk into the front of the house.

When the dust settled, half of the vehicle was inside the house. Fortunately, nobody in the cottage sustained any injuries. Police officers issued a citation to the driver for failing to stay in lanes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/my-administration-has-done-more-for-blacks-than-any-president-since-abraham-lincoln-trump-303007" hreflang="en">My administration has done more for blacks than any president since Abraham Lincoln: Trump</a>

Authorities released the images of the damage, in what appeared that the card had breached the living room of the cottage.

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A car crashed into an occupied home this morning on North St. No Injuries. North St. is fully open. More info <a href="https://t.co/Dcu6k61nQk">https://t.co/Dcu6k61nQk</a> <a href="https://t.co/rN8Ev8lcIb">pic.twitter.com/rN8Ev8lcIb</a>
— Hingham Police (@HinghamPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/HinghamPolice/status/1415732131138097154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The incident took place around 6 AM when the homeowners were still asleep upstairs, as reported by Zenger News. Now, the owners are planning to get the cottage repaired, for which they are planning to hire specialists.

The vehicle was removed from the house on the same day at 10 am, according to the police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/abraham-lincoln-here-trump-misses-bidens-joke-at-presidential-debate-337465" hreflang="en">'Abraham Lincoln here...': Trump misses Biden's joke at presidential debate</a>

Samuel Lincoln was Abraham Lincoln's great-grandfather. And the cottage is situated on the same as Samuel Lincoln House, which was also built by former president's relatives.

The story of a teenage driver from the United States is the most American thing you'll come across today. Last week, a teen driver in Massachusetts lost control of their car in an attempt to avoid hitting a squirrel.

The story of a teenage driver from the United States is the most American thing you'll come across today. Last week, a teen driver in Massachusetts lost control of their car in an attempt to avoid hitting a squirrel. Then, the car rammed into a home. Turns out, it's not just any ordinary home. The house was built by an ancestor of former United States President Abraham Lincoln, as reported by local authorities. On July 15, police officers attended to a call and headed to the Samuel Lincoln Cottage situated in Hingham. According to the Boston Globe, the now damaged cottage was first built in 1650. According to the police, the driver is a 19-year-old who was in a 2014 Audi Q7. In an attempt to avoid the squirrel, the driver steered towards his right, driving over the sidewalk into the front of the house. When the dust settled, half of the vehicle was inside the house. Fortunately, nobody in the cottage sustained any injuries. Police officers issued a citation to the driver for failing to stay in lanes. Also read: My administration has done more for blacks than any president since Abraham Lincoln: Trump Authorities released the images of the damage, in what appeared that the card had breached the living room of the cottage. A car crashed into an occupied home this morning on North St. No Injuries. North St. is fully open. More info https://t.co/Dcu6k61nQk pic.twitter.com/rN8Ev8lcIb — Hingham Police (@HinghamPolice) July 15, 2021 × The incident took place around 6 AM when the homeowners were still asleep upstairs, as reported by Zenger News. Now, the owners are planning to get the cottage repaired, for which they are planning to hire specialists. The vehicle was removed from the house on the same day at 10 am, according to the police. Also read: 'Abraham Lincoln here...': Trump misses Biden's joke at presidential debate Samuel Lincoln was Abraham Lincoln's great-grandfather. And the cottage is situated on the same as Samuel Lincoln House, which was also built by former president's relatives.

Driver rams car into home built by Abraham Lincoln's ancestors to save a squirrel

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