Galaxies are huge. Really huge. Our Milky Way galaxy is so huge that it would take light (at 300,000 kilometres per second) would take 100,000 years to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other.

If you thought that was huge, wait till you imagine galaxy clusters. These are groups of galaxies and they often collide with each other. The shockwaves such collisions would generate would be quite massive. But exactly how massive?

Sample this, a shockwave of such a collision that took place billions of years ago is measuring 6.5 million light-years across! This means that this shockwave is many many times larger than entire Milky Way Galaxy!

The shockwave is travelling through space at speed of 1,500 kilometers per second (930 miles per second). The particular galaxy cluster that caused the shockwave is called Abell 3667. At least 550 galaxies are associated with it.

This shockwave is visible in radio wavelength. It has been observed by a team of astronomers using MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa.

"These structures are full of surprises and much more complex than what we initially thought," says astronomer Francesco de Gasperin of the University of Hamburg. He was quoted by South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Galaxies are huge. Really huge. Our Milky Way galaxy is so huge that it would take light (at 300,000 kilometres per second) would take 100,000 years to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other.

Galaxies are huge. Really huge. Our Milky Way galaxy is so huge that it would take light (at 300,000 kilometres per second) would take 100,000 years to travel from one end of the galaxy to the other. If you thought that was huge, wait till you imagine galaxy clusters. These are groups of galaxies and they often collide with each other. The shockwaves such collisions would generate would be quite massive. But exactly how massive? Sample this, a shockwave of such a collision that took place billions of years ago is measuring 6.5 million light-years across! This means that this shockwave is many many times larger than entire Milky Way Galaxy! The shockwave is travelling through space at speed of 1,500 kilometers per second (930 miles per second). The particular galaxy cluster that caused the shockwave is called Abell 3667. At least 550 galaxies are associated with it. This shockwave is visible in radio wavelength. It has been observed by a team of astronomers using MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. "These structures are full of surprises and much more complex than what we initially thought," says astronomer Francesco de Gasperin of the University of Hamburg. He was quoted by South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Superhuge shockwave bigger than Milky Way galaxy is travelling through space

In the wake of UK government warning of "unprecedented" new sanctions on Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to make a televised statement on Ukraine Crisis, Downing Street said on Thursday.

Johnson summoned his security chiefs for an early morning meeting as Russia invaded Ukraine. The invasion was termed "unprovoked" and "horrific. Johnson will address the parliament in the afternoon.

"This is a catastrophe for our continent," the UK leader said on Twitter, confirming he would speak to fellow G7 leaders at an unspecified time as the West collectively readies tougher sanctions.

"I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible," he added, hours after saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack".

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This is a catastrophe for our continent. 
 
I will make an address to the nation this morning on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 
 
I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible.
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Johnson spoke to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky overnight and vowed "the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people", Downing Street said.

He chaired the emergency meeting -- dubbed COBR -- to coordinate Britain's response at 7:30 am (0730 GMT). As well as addressing the nation late morning, he will speak in parliament at 5:00 pm (1700 GMT).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a>

Putin early Thursday launched an air and ground assault on Ukraine after a surprise televised address.

'Stand with Ukraine'

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who spoke to her US counterpart Antony Blinken Wednesday evening ahead of the Russian leader's announcement, joined Johnson in condemning the attack "on the people of Ukraine".

"We stand with Ukraine and we will work with our international partners to respond to this terrible act of aggression," she said following the start of Russia's offensive.

Her foreign ministry colleague, lawmaker James Cleverly, told the BBC that the government feared it is "the start of a quite extensive military operation".

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of UK government warning of "unprecedented" new sanctions on Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to make a televised statement on Ukraine Crisis, Downing Street said on Thursday.

In the wake of UK government warning of "unprecedented" new sanctions on Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to make a televised statement on Ukraine Crisis, Downing Street said on Thursday. Johnson summoned his security chiefs for an early morning meeting as Russia invaded Ukraine. The invasion was termed "unprovoked" and "horrific. Johnson will address the parliament in the afternoon. "This is a catastrophe for our continent," the UK leader said on Twitter, confirming he would speak to fellow G7 leaders at an unspecified time as the West collectively readies tougher sanctions. "I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible," he added, hours after saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had "chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack". This is a catastrophe for our continent. I will make an address to the nation this morning on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022 × Johnson spoke to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky overnight and vowed "the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people", Downing Street said. He chaired the emergency meeting -- dubbed COBR -- to coordinate Britain's response at 7:30 am (0730 GMT). As well as addressing the nation late morning, he will speak in parliament at 5:00 pm (1700 GMT). Also Read | '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise Putin early Thursday launched an air and ground assault on Ukraine after a surprise televised address. 'Stand with Ukraine' UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who spoke to her US counterpart Antony Blinken Wednesday evening ahead of the Russian leader's announcement, joined Johnson in condemning the attack "on the people of Ukraine". "We stand with Ukraine and we will work with our international partners to respond to this terrible act of aggression," she said following the start of Russia's offensive. Her foreign ministry colleague, lawmaker James Cleverly, told the BBC that the government feared it is "the start of a quite extensive military operation". (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: UK PM Boris Johnson to make televised address, to brief parliament

Property prices may be skyrocketing in London and owning a home may remain a dream for many but this latest development is sure to amuse (and scare) many.

A 7 square metre 'microflat' in London has been sold for 90,000 pounds.

The flat is in east London. In Victorian conversion in Lower Clapton to be precise. It is being speculated that this is London's smallest property.

The microflat can be compared to a stuffy room. It has a bed, toilet, shower, sink and a microwave. The cabinet for the microwave is located under the bed. It has been described on social media to be a "posh cell".&nbsp;

Funny thing is, when the microflat was put up for auction, the asking price was 50,000 pounds. The auction saw the price shoot up before settling at 90,000 pounds. The microflat was sold by the auction house My Auction.

The flat was bought by the previous owner for GBP 103,500 in May 2017 and was&nbsp;rented out for&nbsp;800&nbsp; pounds per month.

As per report in The Guardian, the current tenant of the property lives elsewhere and visits the microflat a couple days in a week for work.

Property prices may be skyrocketing in London and owning a home may remain a dream for many but this latest development is sure to amuse (and scare) many. A 7 square metre 'microflat' in London has been sold for 90,000 pounds.

Property prices may be skyrocketing in London and owning a home may remain a dream for many but this latest development is sure to amuse (and scare) many. A 7 square metre 'microflat' in London has been sold for 90,000 pounds. The flat is in east London. In Victorian conversion in Lower Clapton to be precise. It is being speculated that this is London's smallest property. The microflat can be compared to a stuffy room. It has a bed, toilet, shower, sink and a microwave. The cabinet for the microwave is located under the bed. It has been described on social media to be a "posh cell". Funny thing is, when the microflat was put up for auction, the asking price was 50,000 pounds. The auction saw the price shoot up before settling at 90,000 pounds. The microflat was sold by the auction house My Auction. The flat was bought by the previous owner for GBP 103,500 in May 2017 and was rented out for 800 pounds per month. As per report in The Guardian, the current tenant of the property lives elsewhere and visits the microflat a couple days in a week for work.

Seven sq metre London microflat sold in auction for GBP 90,000

An investigation by the BBC has revealed a shocking possibility that children may get access to strip clubs on Metaverse, touted to be 'future of internet' by Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg. UK's National Society for the Prevention of Crtuelty to Children (NSPCC) has reacted sharply to this.

As per the BBC report, a researcher working with the media corporation, posed as a 13-year-old on a Metaverse app VRChat. The app had minimum age rating of 13 years. The researcher, using the avatar she had created, was able to visit virtual reality rooms where avatars used by other people were simulating sex. She was reportedly shown condoms, sex toys and was approached by adult men.

The VRChat app on the platform has virtual rooms where people can meet. Some such rooms are innocent enough, like restaurants. But there are also the ones which have strippers and pole dance.

As per the BBC, the researcher was told by a man that avatars can "get naked and do unspeakable things". Others talked about "erotic role-play".

"This is a product that is dangerous by design, because of oversight and neglect. We are seeing products rolled out without any suggestion that safety has been considered," said an official of the NSPCC told BBC.

An investigation by the BBC has revealed a shocking possibility that children may get access to strip clubs on Metaverse, touted to be 'future of internet' by Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg.

An investigation by the BBC has revealed a shocking possibility that children may get access to strip clubs on Metaverse, touted to be 'future of internet' by Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg. UK's National Society for the Prevention of Crtuelty to Children (NSPCC) has reacted sharply to this. As per the BBC report, a researcher working with the media corporation, posed as a 13-year-old on a Metaverse app VRChat. The app had minimum age rating of 13 years. The researcher, using the avatar she had created, was able to visit virtual reality rooms where avatars used by other people were simulating sex. She was reportedly shown condoms, sex toys and was approached by adult men. The VRChat app on the platform has virtual rooms where people can meet. Some such rooms are innocent enough, like restaurants. But there are also the ones which have strippers and pole dance. As per the BBC, the researcher was told by a man that avatars can "get naked and do unspeakable things". Others talked about "erotic role-play". "This is a product that is dangerous by design, because of oversight and neglect. We are seeing products rolled out without any suggestion that safety has been considered," said an official of the NSPCC told BBC.

Children can easily get access to Metaverse strip clubs, investigation reveals

The European Union hs decided to hold an emergency summit in Brussels late on Thursday to discuss Russia's "aggressive actions" against Ukraine. The announcement of the emergency summit was made in a letter written by European Council President Charles Michel to leaders of the European Union.

"It is important that we continue to be united and determined and jointly define our collective approach and actions," he said in the letter published on Wednesday.

"Therefore, I would like to invite you for a special European Council (summit) on Thursday 24 February, which will take place in person in Brussels and start at 20:00 (1900 GMT)."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-civilians-given-permission-to-carry-firearms-in-ukraine-455690">Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine</a>

The summit follows the EU's adoption of sanctions against Russia for declaring pro-Moscow separatist regions of Ukraine to be independent and mandating military forces to go into them.

The European Union says it is keeping more, tougher sanctions up its sleeve should the Russian forces invade &nbsp;further, beyond the territory that the separatists hold.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also questioned the sovereignty of the whole of Ukraine, a non-EU nation that borders both the EU and Russia.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

"The use of force and coercion to change borders has no place in the 21st century," Michel wrote in his summit invitation.

"The aggressive actions by the Russian Federation violate international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. They also undermine the European security order," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union hs decided to hold an emergency summit in Brussels late on Thursday to discuss Russia's "aggressive actions" against Ukraine. The announcement of the emergency summit was made in a letter written by European Council President Charles Michel to leaders of the European Union.

The European Union hs decided to hold an emergency summit in Brussels late on Thursday to discuss Russia's "aggressive actions" against Ukraine. The announcement of the emergency summit was made in a letter written by European Council President Charles Michel to leaders of the European Union. "It is important that we continue to be united and determined and jointly define our collective approach and actions," he said in the letter published on Wednesday. "Therefore, I would like to invite you for a special European Council (summit) on Thursday 24 February, which will take place in person in Brussels and start at 20:00 (1900 GMT)." Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine The summit follows the EU's adoption of sanctions against Russia for declaring pro-Moscow separatist regions of Ukraine to be independent and mandating military forces to go into them. The European Union says it is keeping more, tougher sanctions up its sleeve should the Russian forces invade further, beyond the territory that the separatists hold. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also questioned the sovereignty of the whole of Ukraine, a non-EU nation that borders both the EU and Russia. Also Read | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine "The use of force and coercion to change borders has no place in the 21st century," Michel wrote in his summit invitation. "The aggressive actions by the Russian Federation violate international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. They also undermine the European security order," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: EU calls emergency summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with Russian President Vladmir Putin on phone and told him that Turkey wouldn't recognise move against Ukraine's sovereignty. He warned Putin against military conflict

Erdogan told Putin that Turkey would "not recognise any step against Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," his office said, adding that this was Ankara's "principled approach".

President Vladimir Putin has defied an avalanche of international sanctions and put his forces on stand-by to occupy and defend two rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia recognised the regions as independent this week, a serious escalation of tensions in the ongoing crisis.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-civilians-given-permission-to-carry-firearms-in-ukraine-455690">Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine</a>

NATO member Turkey, which has friendly ties to Russia and Ukraine, has sought to position itself as a mediator.&nbsp;

During the phone call, Erdogan told Putin, "a military conflict would not bring benefit to anyone". Erdogan also said that Turkey prioritised diplomacy and dialogue.

"Turkey is ready to do its part to reduce tensions and maintain peace," he told Putin.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said Putin told Erdogan about the "necessity" of his decision to recognise east Ukraine's rebel Donetsk and Lugansk republics -- a move that opens the door to the presence of the Russian army there.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

Putin said the decision was taken "in the conditions of the aggression of Ukrainian authorities in Donbas and their categorical refusal" to abide to a peace agreement, the Kremlin said.&nbsp;

Erdogan cut short a trip to Africa amid the flurry of diplomacy over the crisis and returned Turkey late on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on the plane home, Erdogan said Turkey did not want to choose between Russia and Ukraine, in comments published in Turkish media on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It is not possible for us to give up on both," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with Russian President Vladmir Putin on phone and told him that Turkey wouldn't recognise move against Ukraine's sovereignty.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with Russian President Vladmir Putin on phone and told him that Turkey wouldn't recognise move against Ukraine's sovereignty. He warned Putin against military conflict Erdogan told Putin that Turkey would "not recognise any step against Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," his office said, adding that this was Ankara's "principled approach". President Vladimir Putin has defied an avalanche of international sanctions and put his forces on stand-by to occupy and defend two rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine. Russia recognised the regions as independent this week, a serious escalation of tensions in the ongoing crisis. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine NATO member Turkey, which has friendly ties to Russia and Ukraine, has sought to position itself as a mediator. During the phone call, Erdogan told Putin, "a military conflict would not bring benefit to anyone". Erdogan also said that Turkey prioritised diplomacy and dialogue. "Turkey is ready to do its part to reduce tensions and maintain peace," he told Putin. The Kremlin said Putin told Erdogan about the "necessity" of his decision to recognise east Ukraine's rebel Donetsk and Lugansk republics -- a move that opens the door to the presence of the Russian army there. Also Read | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine Putin said the decision was taken "in the conditions of the aggression of Ukrainian authorities in Donbas and their categorical refusal" to abide to a peace agreement, the Kremlin said. Erdogan cut short a trip to Africa amid the flurry of diplomacy over the crisis and returned Turkey late on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters on the plane home, Erdogan said Turkey did not want to choose between Russia and Ukraine, in comments published in Turkish media on Wednesday. "It is not possible for us to give up on both," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Moves against Ukraine's sovereignty unacceptable, Erdogan tells Putin

US State Department said on Tuesday that the US had restricted import of cultural and historical items from Afghanistan with an aim to prevent "terrorists" from profiting. Experts have reportedly voiced fears about unintended consequences of such a measure.

The decree, which was implemented on an "emergency" basis and took effect on Friday, includes restrictions on bringing ceramics, paintings, glass, ivory, ancient textiles, tiles and wood pieces, among others into the country, according to a government list.&nbsp;

The restrictions "are intended to prevent illicitly trafficked materials from entering the US art market, thus reducing the incentive for pillage of Afghanistan's cultural heritage and combatting profit from the sale of these cultural objects by terrorists and criminal organizations," the State Department said.&nbsp;

But they come after an April 2021 request from the US-backed Afghan government -- which fell to the Taliban in August.

"Can the State Department act based on a 'request' of a government that no longer exists?" ancient coin collector and advocate Peter Tompa asked in a post on his blog the Cultural Property Observer.

"The real question is how these restrictions are going to be enforced and if any material that may be seized will be repatriated to the Taliban once diplomatic relations (with the United States) are restored," he wrote.&nbsp;

Taliban 'investigating' looting

Restricted archaeological material dates from the year 50,000 BC through 1747, and restricted cultural material includes items from the ninth century through 1920, the government said.

The new regulations could create logistics issues for collectors or curators who already have items on their way to the United States as auction houses prepare to sell pieces during Asia Week New York next month, art publication The Art Newspaper pointed out.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US State Department said on Tuesday that the US had restricted import of cultural and historical items from Afghanistan with an aim to prevent "terrorists" from profiting.

US State Department said on Tuesday that the US had restricted import of cultural and historical items from Afghanistan with an aim to prevent "terrorists" from profiting. Experts have reportedly voiced fears about unintended consequences of such a measure. The decree, which was implemented on an "emergency" basis and took effect on Friday, includes restrictions on bringing ceramics, paintings, glass, ivory, ancient textiles, tiles and wood pieces, among others into the country, according to a government list. The restrictions "are intended to prevent illicitly trafficked materials from entering the US art market, thus reducing the incentive for pillage of Afghanistan's cultural heritage and combatting profit from the sale of these cultural objects by terrorists and criminal organizations," the State Department said. But they come after an April 2021 request from the US-backed Afghan government -- which fell to the Taliban in August. "Can the State Department act based on a 'request' of a government that no longer exists?" ancient coin collector and advocate Peter Tompa asked in a post on his blog the Cultural Property Observer. "The real question is how these restrictions are going to be enforced and if any material that may be seized will be repatriated to the Taliban once diplomatic relations (with the United States) are restored," he wrote. Taliban 'investigating' looting Restricted archaeological material dates from the year 50,000 BC through 1747, and restricted cultural material includes items from the ninth century through 1920, the government said. The new regulations could create logistics issues for collectors or curators who already have items on their way to the United States as auction houses prepare to sell pieces during Asia Week New York next month, art publication The Art Newspaper pointed out.

US imposes restriction on importing Afghan cultural items

If Russia further invades Ukraine, the Biden administration could deprive it of a vast swath of low- and high-tech US&nbsp;and foreign-made goods, from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

President Joe Biden would achieve that by expanding the list of goods that require US&nbsp;licenses before suppliers can ship them to Russia, and his administration would then deny those licenses, the people said.

The measures, whose details have not previously been reported, are part of a suite of export control penalties that the United States has prepared to damage Russia's economy, targeting everything from lasers to telecoms equipment and maritime items.

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They were not announced on Tuesday as part of a round of sanctions unveiled by Biden to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for recognizing two breakaway regions of Ukraine as independent and deploying troops into the regions to "keep the peace."

But a senior administration official said, “if Putin escalates further, we will escalate further, using both financial sanctions and export controls, which we’ve yet to unveil.”

The official added: "Export controls are really potent because we’re talking about critical technology inputs that Russia needs to diversify its economy.”

The official added that the United States is "fully prepared with a very large number of countries across the world to implement those export control measures if the invasion proceeds."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

The White House, and the Commerce Department, which oversees U.S. export controls, did not respond to requests for comment on details of the potential restrictions.

The package, which was still being fine-tuned over the weekend and could change, could come even as some White House officials have pledged to spare the Russian consumer from the brunt of the penalties.

The goal of the export control measures "is really to degrade Russia's ability to have industrial production in a couple of key sectors," Peter Harrell, who sits on the White House's National Security Council, said in a speech last month. He said the administration was focused on industrial production and high-tech sectors "rather than how do we sort of target the Russian people writ-large."

The administration has been vowing to hit Moscow with a potent cocktail of banking sanctions and export controls for weeks, in response to a massing of hundreds of thousands of Russian troops along Ukraine's borders.

Reuters reported on Saturday that the Biden administration had also prepared a package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring US&nbsp;financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks.

By far the most sweeping measure contained in the export controls package would take a page from restrictions placed on Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd under former President Donald Trump. It would dramatically expand the scope of the so-called Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), requiring firms that use US&nbsp;tools to make technology overseas to obtain a US&nbsp;license before shipping them to Russia.

"It's extraordinarily novel and has the potential for being far more significant than controls just on exports of these items from the United States," said Washington lawyer Kevin Wolf, a former Commerce Department official.

US&nbsp;suppliers would also have to obtain licenses for certain Russia-bound items that do not currently require them, such as civil aircraft parts. Whether Europe would follow suit with similar measures remains to be seen.

Japan said on Tuesday it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialised nations in slapping sanctions on Russia.

On Tuesday, Biden said the United States would impose sanctions against two large Russian financial institutions and Russian sovereign debt and against some Russian elites and their family members.

On Monday, as an initial response to Putin's moves into eastern Ukraine, Biden vowed to end investment in and trade with the regions while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced initial sanctions targeting Russian banks and billionaires.

Under changes proposed in the US&nbsp;export control package, the license applications, in turn, would face a strict "policy of denial" standard of review, meaning only in rare cases would the administration approve them.

In addition, Russian companies listed as so-called military end users for their alleged ties to the Russian military, including a handful of aircraft producers, would be added to a trade blacklist known as the entity list. That would broaden the scope of items the companies would need licenses to obtain.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-civilians-given-permission-to-carry-firearms-in-ukraine-455690">Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine</a>

Finally, Washington would expand the scope of products that would need approval from the United States when sent to Russian military end users through an even broader application of the FDPR rule, subjecting to US&nbsp;licenses requirements all items made abroad with U.S. tools and destined for companies that support the military.

US&nbsp;exports to Russia were under $5 billion in 2020, according to the Commerce Department, and already face many curbs. But the use of the FDPR rule dramatically expands the impact of the restrictions included in the package.

If Russia further invades Ukraine, the Biden administration could deprive it of a vast swath of low- and high-tech US and foreign-made goods, from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

If Russia further invades Ukraine, the Biden administration could deprive it of a vast swath of low- and high-tech US and foreign-made goods, from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. President Joe Biden would achieve that by expanding the list of goods that require US licenses before suppliers can ship them to Russia, and his administration would then deny those licenses, the people said. The measures, whose details have not previously been reported, are part of a suite of export control penalties that the United States has prepared to damage Russia's economy, targeting everything from lasers to telecoms equipment and maritime items. × They were not announced on Tuesday as part of a round of sanctions unveiled by Biden to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for recognizing two breakaway regions of Ukraine as independent and deploying troops into the regions to "keep the peace." But a senior administration official said, “if Putin escalates further, we will escalate further, using both financial sanctions and export controls, which we’ve yet to unveil.” The official added: "Export controls are really potent because we’re talking about critical technology inputs that Russia needs to diversify its economy.” The official added that the United States is "fully prepared with a very large number of countries across the world to implement those export control measures if the invasion proceeds." Also Read | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine The White House, and the Commerce Department, which oversees U.S. export controls, did not respond to requests for comment on details of the potential restrictions. The package, which was still being fine-tuned over the weekend and could change, could come even as some White House officials have pledged to spare the Russian consumer from the brunt of the penalties. The goal of the export control measures "is really to degrade Russia's ability to have industrial production in a couple of key sectors," Peter Harrell, who sits on the White House's National Security Council, said in a speech last month. He said the administration was focused on industrial production and high-tech sectors "rather than how do we sort of target the Russian people writ-large." The administration has been vowing to hit Moscow with a potent cocktail of banking sanctions and export controls for weeks, in response to a massing of hundreds of thousands of Russian troops along Ukraine's borders. Reuters reported on Saturday that the Biden administration had also prepared a package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring US financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks. By far the most sweeping measure contained in the export controls package would take a page from restrictions placed on Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd under former President Donald Trump. It would dramatically expand the scope of the so-called Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), requiring firms that use US tools to make technology overseas to obtain a US license before shipping them to Russia. "It's extraordinarily novel and has the potential for being far more significant than controls just on exports of these items from the United States," said Washington lawyer Kevin Wolf, a former Commerce Department official. US suppliers would also have to obtain licenses for certain Russia-bound items that do not currently require them, such as civil aircraft parts. Whether Europe would follow suit with similar measures remains to be seen. Japan said on Tuesday it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialised nations in slapping sanctions on Russia. On Tuesday, Biden said the United States would impose sanctions against two large Russian financial institutions and Russian sovereign debt and against some Russian elites and their family members. On Monday, as an initial response to Putin's moves into eastern Ukraine, Biden vowed to end investment in and trade with the regions while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced initial sanctions targeting Russian banks and billionaires. Under changes proposed in the US export control package, the license applications, in turn, would face a strict "policy of denial" standard of review, meaning only in rare cases would the administration approve them. In addition, Russian companies listed as so-called military end users for their alleged ties to the Russian military, including a handful of aircraft producers, would be added to a trade blacklist known as the entity list. That would broaden the scope of items the companies would need licenses to obtain. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine Finally, Washington would expand the scope of products that would need approval from the United States when sent to Russian military end users through an even broader application of the FDPR rule, subjecting to US licenses requirements all items made abroad with U.S. tools and destined for companies that support the military. US exports to Russia were under $5 billion in 2020, according to the Commerce Department, and already face many curbs. But the use of the FDPR rule dramatically expands the impact of the restrictions included in the package.

Punishing Putin: How Biden could cut Russia off from world tech

The wide, open Universe is filled with frenzied activity. Collisions of galaxies are one of the oft-seen phenomena. The idea of galaxies, comprising billions of stars, colliding with another galaxy appears horrific to imagine. We may think of loud boom, bangs just like in the movies.

But such collisions are often less eventful than universe-shattering drama we imagine in our minds. But there is a lot of tug-of-war involved when two galaxies collide. And depending upon which one packs more punch, a single galaxy may emerge victorious or the mishmash of stellar material may give rise to a wholly new galaxy.

But what&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope has clicked has puzzled the scientists. A head-on collision of two galaxies has formed a weird-looking triangle shape&nbsp;in space.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-with-three-moons-of-its-own-found-for-the-first-time-454794">Asteroid with three moons of its own found for the first time</a>

So meet our two contenders in the ring. On the right in a spiral galaxy named NGC 2445. On the left is another spiral galaxy but with a name NGC 2445. Both of these galaxies are colliding. By the looks of it, scientists say that NGC 2444 (galaxy in left corner) is winning the tug-of-war and drawing material out of the right-hand side galaxy.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-believe-liquid-jewels-rain-on-this-sizzling-exoplanet-that-has-metal-vapour-clouds-455491">Astronomers believe liquid jewels rain on this sizzling exoplanet that has metal vapour clouds</a> 
 
This has caused newly minted stars from the right-hand side galaxy to leave their places and get arranged in a starnge triangle shape. The triangle is still witnessing a star-birthing frenzy because the right-hand side galaxy has a lot of gas, a necessary fuel needed for birth of new stars.

But what puzzles the scientist is the triangle formed by the stars moving towards the right-hand side galaxy.

Astronomer Julianne Dalcanton of the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Astrophysics in New York was quoted by NASA when he said that star-formation rings are formed quite commonly at the time of collisions between two galaxies. But this particular collision does not depict a 'ring' but a star-forming triangle. This,&nbsp;in her opinion, is 'weird'.

The wide, open Universe is filled with frenzied activity. Collisions of galaxies are one of the oft-seen phenomena. The idea of galaxies, comprising billions of stars, colliding with another galaxy appears horrific to imagine.

The wide, open Universe is filled with frenzied activity. Collisions of galaxies are one of the oft-seen phenomena. The idea of galaxies, comprising billions of stars, colliding with another galaxy appears horrific to imagine. We may think of loud boom, bangs just like in the movies. But such collisions are often less eventful than universe-shattering drama we imagine in our minds. But there is a lot of tug-of-war involved when two galaxies collide. And depending upon which one packs more punch, a single galaxy may emerge victorious or the mishmash of stellar material may give rise to a wholly new galaxy. But what Hubble Space Telescope has clicked has puzzled the scientists. A head-on collision of two galaxies has formed a weird-looking triangle shape in space. Also Read | Asteroid with three moons of its own found for the first time So meet our two contenders in the ring. On the right in a spiral galaxy named NGC 2445. On the left is another spiral galaxy but with a name NGC 2445. Both of these galaxies are colliding. By the looks of it, scientists say that NGC 2444 (galaxy in left corner) is winning the tug-of-war and drawing material out of the right-hand side galaxy. Also Read | Astronomers believe liquid jewels rain on this sizzling exoplanet that has metal vapour clouds This has caused newly minted stars from the right-hand side galaxy to leave their places and get arranged in a starnge triangle shape. The triangle is still witnessing a star-birthing frenzy because the right-hand side galaxy has a lot of gas, a necessary fuel needed for birth of new stars. But what puzzles the scientist is the triangle formed by the stars moving towards the right-hand side galaxy. Astronomer Julianne Dalcanton of the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Astrophysics in New York was quoted by NASA when he said that star-formation rings are formed quite commonly at the time of collisions between two galaxies. But this particular collision does not depict a 'ring' but a star-forming triangle. This, in her opinion, is 'weird'.

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope clicks colliding galaxies forming a strange space triangle

Through the Covid pandemic, it has been observed that children were less susceptible to the infection. It was also noted that they were least likely to spread the infection.&nbsp;

A study has shed more light on this and tried to find a reason behind this. The study revealed that children emitting fewer aerosol particles while speaking may be the reason why they are less likely to spread the infection than adults.&nbsp;

Smaller size of their lungs means that children emit fewer aerosol particles.

The study in this regard has been published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface

In the study, it was found that the particle emission rate was about four times lower for children than the same measurements taken from adults participating in the study.

“More precisely, children emitted [particle rates and emissions] during speaking of the same order of magnitude as adults breathing, and while singing, they emitted similar [particle rates and volumes] to the adults while speaking,” said Dr Mario Fleischer from Charité University Medicine Berlin. He was quoted by The Guardian.

“Especially in constellations with high vocal loudness, which are common in the everyday life of children and adolescents, the aerosol emission could be similar for different age groups, as the measurements for the shouting condition show,” said Fleischer. “On the other hand, singing and talking at volumes typical for children might be less restricted if the time frame is limited, like in common school and extracurricular settings.”

Through the Covid pandemic, it has been observed that children were less susceptible to the infection. It was also noted that they were least likely to spread the infection.

Through the Covid pandemic, it has been observed that children were less susceptible to the infection. It was also noted that they were least likely to spread the infection. A study has shed more light on this and tried to find a reason behind this. The study revealed that children emitting fewer aerosol particles while speaking may be the reason why they are less likely to spread the infection than adults. Smaller size of their lungs means that children emit fewer aerosol particles. The study in this regard has been published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface In the study, it was found that the particle emission rate was about four times lower for children than the same measurements taken from adults participating in the study. “More precisely, children emitted [particle rates and emissions] during speaking of the same order of magnitude as adults breathing, and while singing, they emitted similar [particle rates and volumes] to the adults while speaking,” said Dr Mario Fleischer from Charité University Medicine Berlin. He was quoted by The Guardian. “Especially in constellations with high vocal loudness, which are common in the everyday life of children and adolescents, the aerosol emission could be similar for different age groups, as the measurements for the shouting condition show,” said Fleischer. “On the other hand, singing and talking at volumes typical for children might be less restricted if the time frame is limited, like in common school and extracurricular settings.”

Children have low risk of Covid, this study may explain why

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers.

It is widely recognised that breastfeeding carries huge health benefits.

But countries' failure to crack down on the marketing of breast milk substitutes means far too many children are still being reared on formula, the World Health Organization and the UN children's agency Unicef warned, in a new report.

It found that the $55-billion formula milk industry systematically deploys aggressive marketing strategies, spending up to $5 billion a year to sway parents' decisions on how to feed their infants.

"This report shows very clearly that formula milk marketing remains unacceptably pervasive, misleading and aggressive," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

Unicef chief Catherine Russell called for "robust policies, legislation and investments in breastfeeding to ensure that women are protected from unethical marketing practices".

Experts have long extolled the health benefits of breastfeeding, saying that breast-fed children are healthier, perform better on intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or suffer from diabetes later in life.

Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, research shows.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers.

The United Nations on Wednesday lashed out at makers of commercial baby formula for 'unethical' marketing strategies. The UN accused the companies of putting shareholder interests before children's health and aggressively targetting expecting parents and health workers. It is widely recognised that breastfeeding carries huge health benefits. But countries' failure to crack down on the marketing of breast milk substitutes means far too many children are still being reared on formula, the World Health Organization and the UN children's agency Unicef warned, in a new report. It found that the $55-billion formula milk industry systematically deploys aggressive marketing strategies, spending up to $5 billion a year to sway parents' decisions on how to feed their infants. "This report shows very clearly that formula milk marketing remains unacceptably pervasive, misleading and aggressive," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. Unicef chief Catherine Russell called for "robust policies, legislation and investments in breastfeeding to ensure that women are protected from unethical marketing practices". Experts have long extolled the health benefits of breastfeeding, saying that breast-fed children are healthier, perform better on intelligence tests and are less likely to be overweight or suffer from diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, research shows. (With inputs from agencies)

Formula milk companies get rap from the UN 

Music makes us happy. It elicits memories of all kinds. Such is the effect of music on us that Music Therapy is actually a thing in some treatment methods.

A conclusion can easily be drawn from this that music affects our brains, ofcourse in a positive manner. But does our brain respond to sound of singing in a particular way that to, say instrumental music? A new study says yes.

A new group of neurons has been found which responds selectively to the sound of singing.

The team of researchers at the University of Rochester observed effect of 165 different sounds on human brain. The electrocal activity in the brain was mapped.

The team recorded electrical activity in response to 165 different sounds. These sounds ranged from instrumental music to even dogs barking. The result obtained was then processed using an algorithm. Results obtained from fMRI scans of 30 different individuals were then combined.

The analysis of this data revealed that there were some neurons that responded to the sound of music or there were some that responded to the sound speech.

But researchers also found a group of neurons that responded selectively to sound of singing&nbsp;

“These results suggest that representations of music are fractionated into subpopulations selective for different types of music, one of which is specialised for the analysis of song,” the team writes in their research paper.

The research has been published in Current Biology.

Music makes us happy. It elicits memories of all kinds. Such is the effect of music on us that Music Therapy is actually a thing in some treatment methods. A conclusion can easily be drawn from this that music affects our brains, ofcourse in a positive manner.

Music makes us happy. It elicits memories of all kinds. Such is the effect of music on us that Music Therapy is actually a thing in some treatment methods. A conclusion can easily be drawn from this that music affects our brains, ofcourse in a positive manner. But does our brain respond to sound of singing in a particular way that to, say instrumental music? A new study says yes. A new group of neurons has been found which responds selectively to the sound of singing. The team of researchers at the University of Rochester observed effect of 165 different sounds on human brain. The electrocal activity in the brain was mapped. The team recorded electrical activity in response to 165 different sounds. These sounds ranged from instrumental music to even dogs barking. The result obtained was then processed using an algorithm. Results obtained from fMRI scans of 30 different individuals were then combined. The analysis of this data revealed that there were some neurons that responded to the sound of music or there were some that responded to the sound speech. But researchers also found a group of neurons that responded selectively to sound of singing “These results suggest that representations of music are fractionated into subpopulations selective for different types of music, one of which is specialised for the analysis of song,” the team writes in their research paper. The research has been published in Current Biology.

Study finds part of human brain responding to singing

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