<p>Over the weekend as the Indian subcontinent, Australia and parts of Europe were spellbound by the blockbuster Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia, a ray of hope for the longest duration of pause of conflict in Gaza emerged. In the Qatari capital Doha, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stood with European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.&nbsp;<br />
<img alt="Qatar Prime Minister and EU foreign policy chief " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e9d9301-2cab-4bb2-81c8-e870738ad13d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-19T205150.255.png" /></p>

<p><em>Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borell, in Doha on November 19, 2023 | AFP</em><br />
<br />
"I'm now more confident that we are close enough to reach a deal that can bring the people safely back to their homes," the Qatari Prime Minister said, referring to the effort to broker talks between Israel and Palestinian organisation Hamas — deemed a terrorist organisation by the United States and West — amid raging war in Gaza that began on October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas killed around 1200 Israelis, Israel's retaliatory attack on Hamas in Gaza Strip has left over 12,000 Palestinians dead, and has consequently stoked an unprecedented humanitarian crisis amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu administration's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-riddle-that-is-hamas-control-centre-in-gaza-between-al-shifa-and-khan-younis-660316">effort to locate Hamas control centre in Gaza</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The centre of effort to de-escalate the state of war in Gaza has been in Doha, since Qatar occupies the position of pivotal swing state in the West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outline of a deal to free women and children held hostage by Hamas, according to Washington Post, has been&nbsp;put together during weeks of talks in Doha.</p>

<p>So how come Qatar sits in this unique position to broker peace in West Asia?&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the entire gulf region, only Oman has ties with Sunni extremists and the Iranian Ayatollahs, as well as the Saudis, Turks, Israelis, and the Americans.&nbsp;<br />
<img alt="Doha leader meet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7bcb4d2d-faf2-46f2-94e7-84181b7c8482" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-19T205657.670.png" /></p>

<p><em>Doha has been the capital of refuge for Hamas. This picture shows Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian (L) with Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Doha on October 31, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>It is not only the place of residence of Hamas’s political wing, its top leader Yahya Sinwar, but is also integral to Hamas'&nbsp;ability to enter the international financial system.</p>

<p>As the place of refuge for the top Hamas leaders, described as terrorists by Israel, Doha is in position to deem them ineffective to the point that they are unable to throw the region in turmoil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is why all hostage release deals are mediated exclusively through Doha. This is why Qatari PM told the world that they are nearing the deal to free over 240 people held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. And that soon, the state of war may transform into a terminal conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.&nbsp;</em></p>


Over the weekend as the Indian subcontinent, Australia and parts of Europe were spellbound by the blockbuster Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia, a ray of hope for the longest duration of pause of conflict in Gaza emerged.

Over the weekend as the Indian subcontinent, Australia and parts of Europe were spellbound by the blockbuster Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia, a ray of hope for the longest duration of pause of conflict in Gaza emerged. In the Qatari capital Doha, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stood with European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borell, in Doha on November 19, 2023 | AFP "I'm now more confident that we are close enough to reach a deal that can bring the people safely back to their homes," the Qatari Prime Minister said, referring to the effort to broker talks between Israel and Palestinian organisation Hamas — deemed a terrorist organisation by the United States and West — amid raging war in Gaza that began on October 7. After October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas killed around 1200 Israelis, Israel's retaliatory attack on Hamas in Gaza Strip has left over 12,000 Palestinians dead, and has consequently stoked an unprecedented humanitarian crisis amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu administration's effort to locate Hamas control centre in Gaza. The centre of effort to de-escalate the state of war in Gaza has been in Doha, since Qatar occupies the position of pivotal swing state in the West Asia. The outline of a deal to free women and children held hostage by Hamas, according to Washington Post, has been put together during weeks of talks in Doha. So how come Qatar sits in this unique position to broker peace in West Asia? In the entire gulf region, only Oman has ties with Sunni extremists and the Iranian Ayatollahs, as well as the Saudis, Turks, Israelis, and the Americans. Doha has been the capital of refuge for Hamas. This picture shows Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian (L) with Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Doha on October 31, 2023 | AFP It is not only the place of residence of Hamas’s political wing, its top leader Yahya Sinwar, but is also integral to Hamas' ability to enter the international financial system. As the place of refuge for the top Hamas leaders, described as terrorists by Israel, Doha is in position to deem them ineffective to the point that they are unable to throw the region in turmoil. This is why all hostage release deals are mediated exclusively through Doha. This is why Qatari PM told the world that they are nearing the deal to free over 240 people held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. And that soon, the state of war may transform into a terminal conflict. That's all for The Capitals this week. See you next weekend.

The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia

<p>Scientists in the United States successfully 3D-printed hair follicles within lab-grown human skin tissue, a first in the evolving history of biomedical engineering. The results of the study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of New York were published in the journal Science Advances.</p>

<p>The hair follicles are integral to maintaining body temperature through sweat production and harbor stem cells crucial for skin regeneration.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The feat is groundbreaking. Not just because of the aesthetic significance as a potential cure to baldness but also as a leap forward in regenerative medicine.</p>

<p>The breakthrough also reflects the potential automation of processes in biomanufacturing skin. The 3-D cultivation of human-derived cells demonstrates promise in generating new hair follicles and shafts, and promising advancements in successful skin grafts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-examining-hair-may-have-discovered-a-way-to-cure-baldness-and-regenerate-damaged-organs-501430">Researchers examining hair may have found a way to cure baldness and regenerate damaged organs</a></strong></p>

<p>So far, the safety assessments often relied on hairless engineered skin tissues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incorporation of hair follicles into skin models provides researchers with a more realistic platform to explore how the skin interacts with various formulations, and thereby paving the way for the testing of more effective treatments for diverse skin conditions.</p>

<h2><strong>How the study was conducted?</strong></h2>

<p>The research team at the Rensselaer Institute used 3D-printing techniques tailored for cellular-level precision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The process involved cultivating skin and follicle cells until a sufficient quantity of printable cells was obtained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Belgian NGO is recycling human hair to protect the environment</strong></p>

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<p>These cells were then combined with proteins and other materials to create a specialised "bio-ink" for the printer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Using an ultra-thin needle, the printer deposited the bio-ink layer by layer, simultaneously creating channels for the placement of hair cells. Over time, skin cells migrated to these channels, mimicking the natural follicle structures present in authentic skin.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottom-line?</strong></h2>

<p>The breakthrough marks an advancement in the scientific realm of skin tissue engineering. The successful printing of hair follicles with the prospect of 3D-printd skin grafts capable of growing hair is set to shape the future of medical procedures concerning artificial hair transplant.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists in the United States successfully 3D-printed hair follicles within lab-grown human skin tissue, a first in the evolving history of biomedical engineering.

Scientists in the United States successfully 3D-printed hair follicles within lab-grown human skin tissue, a first in the evolving history of biomedical engineering. The results of the study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of New York were published in the journal Science Advances. The hair follicles are integral to maintaining body temperature through sweat production and harbor stem cells crucial for skin regeneration. What does it mean? The feat is groundbreaking. Not just because of the aesthetic significance as a potential cure to baldness but also as a leap forward in regenerative medicine. The breakthrough also reflects the potential automation of processes in biomanufacturing skin. The 3-D cultivation of human-derived cells demonstrates promise in generating new hair follicles and shafts, and promising advancements in successful skin grafts. Also read | Researchers examining hair may have found a way to cure baldness and regenerate damaged organs So far, the safety assessments often relied on hairless engineered skin tissues. The incorporation of hair follicles into skin models provides researchers with a more realistic platform to explore how the skin interacts with various formulations, and thereby paving the way for the testing of more effective treatments for diverse skin conditions. How the study was conducted? The research team at the Rensselaer Institute used 3D-printing techniques tailored for cellular-level precision. The process involved cultivating skin and follicle cells until a sufficient quantity of printable cells was obtained. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Belgian NGO is recycling human hair to protect the environment × These cells were then combined with proteins and other materials to create a specialised "bio-ink" for the printer. Using an ultra-thin needle, the printer deposited the bio-ink layer by layer, simultaneously creating channels for the placement of hair cells. Over time, skin cells migrated to these channels, mimicking the natural follicle structures present in authentic skin. What is the bottom-line? The breakthrough marks an advancement in the scientific realm of skin tissue engineering. The successful printing of hair follicles with the prospect of 3D-printd skin grafts capable of growing hair is set to shape the future of medical procedures concerning artificial hair transplant. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists achieve major leap forward to potential hair-loss cure

<p>As the war between the state of Israel and Palestinian militant-political group Hamas enters its seventh week with minimal signs of cessation of violence that has caused unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Hamas-run Gaza Strip, the riddle that is Hamas control centre&nbsp;has emerged as top flashpoint of the ongoing war in West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is attempting to convince the world — by taking selected international journalists to the sites of what it claims are Hamas sanctuaries in Gaza — about Hamas' use of tunnels under Gaza hospitals as launchpads for attacks on Israel, a definitive answer on where is Hamas control centre is yet to emerge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, the claim that the elaborate web of tunnels in Gaza are the locations where Israel and the US say Hamas is keeping the hostages it took as captive after the attack on Israel on October 7, is dominating the discourse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Netanyahu and the Biden administration say they have evidence that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are operating command centres and ammunition depots under hospitals in Gaza, as part of an effort to use civilians using the hospitals as human shields.</p>

<p>But the purported Command Centre&nbsp;is yet to be discovered.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Al-Shifa hospital not a Hamas command centre?</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday (Nov 18) night, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) led a selected few journalists to show a shaft in the ground with a staircase at Gaza City's largest Al-Shifa hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shaft had electrical wiring, along with a metal staircase, the New York Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: WION takes you inside an IDF base near Gaza | WION Ground Report</strong></p>

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<p>The military said it had sent a drone down at least several metres into the shaft, which it said was found in the sand on the northern side&nbsp;of the hospital complex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the IDF released footage of weapons they said were found at Al-Shifa and the bodies of two Israelis taken hostage in locations adjacent to the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The local medical staff have denied that the hospital was used as a Hamas command centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opening of the tunnel that was seen at Al-Shifa's grounds could be booby-trapped with bombs that could explode. Such precedent exists. In 2013, six Israeli soldiers were injured when a bomb exploded when they tried to push in a camera into a tunnel in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-al-shifa-hospital-focus-of-international-concern-wion-voa-co-production-659819">Israel-Hamas war: Al-Shifa hospital focus of international concern</a></strong></p>

<p>But there are conflicting accounts from the Israeli side itself on where exactly is the Hamas command centre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Euronews that Hamas' underground command centre is based in Khan Yunis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip located about 30 km south of Al-Shifa hospital.</p>

<p>"That's where the real headquarters of Hamas is," he said.</p>

<p>"They have the leadership, they are hiding, they have the bunkers, they have the command positions, they have the launching pads."</p>

<p>Khan Younis is the largest city in southern Gaza. After Israel gave ultimatum to the Palestinians in northern Gaza to move towards south, Khan Younis is the place where people fled.</p>

<p>On Friday (Nov 18), Israel Defence Forces (IDF) warned people in some towns of Khan Younis as well to evacuate their homes and move to shelters.</p>

<p>The population of Khan Younis went from 400,000 residents to over a million in the wake of people fleeing towards south.</p>

<p>“With every passing day, there are fewer places where Hamas terrorists can operate,” Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, adding that the militants would learn that in southern Gaza “in the coming days."</p>

<p>Conclusively, due to elaborate network of tunnels in Gaza, a&nbsp;definite account of where is Hamas Control Centre&nbsp;may take months or may never come at all, according to the US military officials quoted in the New York Times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How big are the Hamas tunnels?</strong></h2>

<p>Qatar-based Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, had claimed in 2021 that there were 310 miles of tunnels in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US officials cited in the western media say that the tunnels in Gaza are akin to "miniature cities" with rooms, cells and even roads for the vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, since taking over Gaza in 2007, Hamas has invested huge but unspecified amounts of money to revamp the existing tunnel infrastructure and create new ones. The tunnels are used to smuggle weapons, militants, politicians, food and goods necessary to make the rockets often fired into Israel from inside the strip.</p>

<h2><strong>Are Israeli forces entering Hamas tunnels in Gaza?</strong></h2>

<p>So far, there are no specific reports if or not Israel's military has entered the tunnels to "dismantle Hamas".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Pentagon official was quoted as saying in the New York Times that Israeli forces will view sending soldiers down into the tunnels as a measure of last resort.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


As the war between the state of Israel and Palestinian militant-political group Hamas enters its seventh week with minimal signs of cessation of violence that has caused unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Hamas-run Gaza Strip, the riddle that is Hamas control centre has emerged as top flashpoint of the ongoing war in West Asia.

As the war between the state of Israel and Palestinian militant-political group Hamas enters its seventh week with minimal signs of cessation of violence that has caused unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Hamas-run Gaza Strip, the riddle that is Hamas control centre has emerged as top flashpoint of the ongoing war in West Asia. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is attempting to convince the world — by taking selected international journalists to the sites of what it claims are Hamas sanctuaries in Gaza — about Hamas' use of tunnels under Gaza hospitals as launchpads for attacks on Israel, a definitive answer on where is Hamas control centre is yet to emerge. Besides, the claim that the elaborate web of tunnels in Gaza are the locations where Israel and the US say Hamas is keeping the hostages it took as captive after the attack on Israel on October 7, is dominating the discourse. Both Netanyahu and the Biden administration say they have evidence that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are operating command centres and ammunition depots under hospitals in Gaza, as part of an effort to use civilians using the hospitals as human shields. But the purported Command Centre is yet to be discovered. Al-Shifa hospital not a Hamas command centre? On Thursday (Nov 18) night, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) led a selected few journalists to show a shaft in the ground with a staircase at Gaza City's largest Al-Shifa hospital. The shaft had electrical wiring, along with a metal staircase, the New York Times reported. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: WION takes you inside an IDF base near Gaza | WION Ground Report × The military said it had sent a drone down at least several metres into the shaft, which it said was found in the sand on the northern side of the hospital complex. Earlier, the IDF released footage of weapons they said were found at Al-Shifa and the bodies of two Israelis taken hostage in locations adjacent to the hospital. The local medical staff have denied that the hospital was used as a Hamas command centre. The opening of the tunnel that was seen at Al-Shifa's grounds could be booby-trapped with bombs that could explode. Such precedent exists. In 2013, six Israeli soldiers were injured when a bomb exploded when they tried to push in a camera into a tunnel in Gaza. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Al-Shifa hospital focus of international concern But there are conflicting accounts from the Israeli side itself on where exactly is the Hamas command centre. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Euronews that Hamas' underground command centre is based in Khan Yunis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip located about 30 km south of Al-Shifa hospital. "That's where the real headquarters of Hamas is," he said. "They have the leadership, they are hiding, they have the bunkers, they have the command positions, they have the launching pads." Khan Younis is the largest city in southern Gaza. After Israel gave ultimatum to the Palestinians in northern Gaza to move towards south, Khan Younis is the place where people fled. On Friday (Nov 18), Israel Defence Forces (IDF) warned people in some towns of Khan Younis as well to evacuate their homes and move to shelters. The population of Khan Younis went from 400,000 residents to over a million in the wake of people fleeing towards south. “With every passing day, there are fewer places where Hamas terrorists can operate,” Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, adding that the militants would learn that in southern Gaza “in the coming days." Conclusively, due to elaborate network of tunnels in Gaza, a definite account of where is Hamas Control Centre may take months or may never come at all, according to the US military officials quoted in the New York Times. How big are the Hamas tunnels? Qatar-based Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, had claimed in 2021 that there were 310 miles of tunnels in Gaza. US officials cited in the western media say that the tunnels in Gaza are akin to "miniature cities" with rooms, cells and even roads for the vehicles. Besides, since taking over Gaza in 2007, Hamas has invested huge but unspecified amounts of money to revamp the existing tunnel infrastructure and create new ones. The tunnels are used to smuggle weapons, militants, politicians, food and goods necessary to make the rockets often fired into Israel from inside the strip. Are Israeli forces entering Hamas tunnels in Gaza? So far, there are no specific reports if or not Israel's military has entered the tunnels to "dismantle Hamas". A Pentagon official was quoted as saying in the New York Times that Israeli forces will view sending soldiers down into the tunnels as a measure of last resort. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Explained | The riddle that is Hamas' control centre in Gaza—between Al-Shifa and Khan Younis

<p>Israel and Hamas are reportedly at the threshold brink of closing an agreement to reach a five-day pause in fighting in exchange for the return of women and children held hostage by Hamas in the blockaded Gaza Strip, Washington Post reported.</p>

<p>The report claimed that under a six-page agreement, all parties in the conflict would freeze the state of war for at least five days during which dozens of hostages among a total of 239 will be released in batches every 24 hours.</p>

<p>But White House later clarified that Washington has not reached any such deal but the Biden administration will continue to 'work hard' to conclude one.</p>

<p>"We have not reached a deal yet, but we continue to work hard to get to a deal," Adrienne Watson,&nbsp;the White House National Security Council Spokesperson wrote on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war temporary pause: What is it about?</strong></h2>

<p data-el="text" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null">According to reports in the US media, the outline of a deal was put together during strenuous talks in Qatar immediately after the outbreak of the war in West Asia.</p>

<p data-el="text" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null">The Biden administration dispatched US Secretary of State Antony Blinken twice since October 7&nbsp;to diffuse the hostage situation, and de-escalate the prevailing hostilities in the region.</p>

<p data-el="text" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-is-blinken-returning-to-west-asia-despite-a-failed-peace-bid-last-time-653921?utm_source=ground.news&amp;utm_medium=referral">Explained | Why Blinken has returned to West Asia despite a failed peace bid last time</a></strong></p>

<p data-el="text" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null">Notably, while the US President&nbsp;Joe Biden himself failed to engage with Palestinian leaders during his West Asia visit last month&nbsp;— after a four way leader summit between leaders of the US-Jordan-Egypt-Palestine Authority was cancelled&nbsp;— UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Union leaders have managed to engage with both Israeli and Arab leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-el="text" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit</a></strong></p>

<p data-el="text" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null">It continues to be unclear until now if Israel would agree to temporarily pause in its offensive in Gaza if the Palestinian militant groups fostered in the region fail to return the hostages they took in the aftermath of their attack on Israel on October 7 that killed around 1200 Israelis.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-el="text" data-testid="drop-cap-letter" dir="null"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War | WHO: Al-Shifa hospital is a 'death zone'</strong></p>

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<p>Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment to target Hamas infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. The retaliatory state of war in Gaza, however, has&nbsp;killed more than 12,000 Palestinians, mostly children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


Israel and Hamas are reportedly at the threshold brink of closing an agreement to reach a five-day pause in fighting in exchange for the return of women and children held hostage by Hamas in the blockaded Gaza Strip, Washington Post reported.

Israel and Hamas are reportedly at the threshold brink of closing an agreement to reach a five-day pause in fighting in exchange for the return of women and children held hostage by Hamas in the blockaded Gaza Strip, Washington Post reported. The report claimed that under a six-page agreement, all parties in the conflict would freeze the state of war for at least five days during which dozens of hostages among a total of 239 will be released in batches every 24 hours. But White House later clarified that Washington has not reached any such deal but the Biden administration will continue to 'work hard' to conclude one. "We have not reached a deal yet, but we continue to work hard to get to a deal," Adrienne Watson, the White House National Security Council Spokesperson wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Israel-Hamas war temporary pause: What is it about? According to reports in the US media, the outline of a deal was put together during strenuous talks in Qatar immediately after the outbreak of the war in West Asia. The Biden administration dispatched US Secretary of State Antony Blinken twice since October 7 to diffuse the hostage situation, and de-escalate the prevailing hostilities in the region. Also read | Explained | Why Blinken has returned to West Asia despite a failed peace bid last time Notably, while the US President Joe Biden himself failed to engage with Palestinian leaders during his West Asia visit last month — after a four way leader summit between leaders of the US-Jordan-Egypt-Palestine Authority was cancelled — UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Union leaders have managed to engage with both Israeli and Arab leaders. Also read | Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit It continues to be unclear until now if Israel would agree to temporarily pause in its offensive in Gaza if the Palestinian militant groups fostered in the region fail to return the hostages they took in the aftermath of their attack on Israel on October 7 that killed around 1200 Israelis. Also watch | Israel-Palestine War | WHO: Al-Shifa hospital is a 'death zone' × Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment to target Hamas infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. The retaliatory state of war in Gaza, however, has killed more than 12,000 Palestinians, mostly children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

White House clarifies on potential hostage deal to pause Israel-Hamas war

<p>Adolescents with conditions of depression have higher levels of specific type of molecules in their blood than those without such conditions, researchers have found. The development may pave the way for early identification of teenagers at risk of depression and prompt interventions.</p>

<p>Depression, a pervasive global mental health challenge, is particularly prevalent among adolescents. The diagnosis and consequential treatment of depression in this age group remains challenging.</p>

<h2><strong>Blood test to diagnose depression? About the study</strong></h2>

<p>The study was conducted at McGill University in Canada. Cecilia Flores and her colleagues analysed the blood samples from 62 teenagers aged 13 to 18 in the United States, including 34 diagnosed with depression.</p>

<p>The researchers measured various micoRNA molecules in the blood, the regulators of gene activity.</p>

<p>After adjusting for variables such as age, sex, and socio-economic status, the team found that teenagers with depression exhibited significantly higher levels of nine specific microRNAs in their blood compared to their non-depressed counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-the-silent-struggle-the-connection-between-depression-and-creativity--depression-awareness-month-2023-647380">The silent struggle: The connection between depression and creativity</a></strong></p>

<p>These particular microRNA molecules, unique to adolescence, play essential roles in brain development and cognitive processes, according to Cecilia Flores.</p>

<p>Flores presented the findings at the Society for Neuroscience conference in Washington DC on November 13.</p>

<h2><strong>What else did the study show?</strong></h2>

<p>The study showed that increased levels of these identified markers in blood were associated with more severe depressive symptoms nine months after the initial blood samples were taken.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Excessive use of social media apps can make you lonely and depressed: Study</strong></p>

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<p>"These markers may also help us learn about what is happening in the brain [during adolescent depression]," she was quoted as saying by the NewScientist.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The study marks a significant step toward medical steps to ensure the timely intervention during adolescent depression.</p>

<p>According to a 2021 UNICEF survey, around 14 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds in India reported frequently feeling depressed or disinterested. The World Health Organization's 2015 report suggested that 4.5 per cent of the Indian population, or over 56 million people, were affected by depressive disorders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Adolescents with conditions of depression have higher levels of specific type of molecules in their blood than those without such conditions, researchers have found.

Adolescents with conditions of depression have higher levels of specific type of molecules in their blood than those without such conditions, researchers have found. The development may pave the way for early identification of teenagers at risk of depression and prompt interventions. Depression, a pervasive global mental health challenge, is particularly prevalent among adolescents. The diagnosis and consequential treatment of depression in this age group remains challenging. Blood test to diagnose depression? About the study The study was conducted at McGill University in Canada. Cecilia Flores and her colleagues analysed the blood samples from 62 teenagers aged 13 to 18 in the United States, including 34 diagnosed with depression. The researchers measured various micoRNA molecules in the blood, the regulators of gene activity. After adjusting for variables such as age, sex, and socio-economic status, the team found that teenagers with depression exhibited significantly higher levels of nine specific microRNAs in their blood compared to their non-depressed counterparts. Also read | The silent struggle: The connection between depression and creativity These particular microRNA molecules, unique to adolescence, play essential roles in brain development and cognitive processes, according to Cecilia Flores. Flores presented the findings at the Society for Neuroscience conference in Washington DC on November 13. What else did the study show? The study showed that increased levels of these identified markers in blood were associated with more severe depressive symptoms nine months after the initial blood samples were taken. Also watch | Excessive use of social media apps can make you lonely and depressed: Study × "These markers may also help us learn about what is happening in the brain [during adolescent depression]," she was quoted as saying by the NewScientist. What does it mean? The study marks a significant step toward medical steps to ensure the timely intervention during adolescent depression. According to a 2021 UNICEF survey, around 14 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds in India reported frequently feeling depressed or disinterested. The World Health Organization's 2015 report suggested that 4.5 per cent of the Indian population, or over 56 million people, were affected by depressive disorders. (With inputs from agencies)

Blood test to diagnose depression among teens? Scientists reach key breakthrough

Christmas Tree: How They Became Part of Winter Festivities 

Can Christmas be celebrated without Christmas Tree? The bushy conical greens of an X-mas tree characterise the holiday spirit globally. Here’s how they came into existence. 

The Christmas tree was first recorded to be used by German Lutherans in the 16th century, with records indicating that a Christmas tree was placed in the Cathedral of Strasbourg in 1539, about 760km southwest of Berlin. 

Note the lyrics of majestic carol “The Holly and the Ivy”: 'When Holly and Ivy are both fully grown/ Of all trees that are in the wood/The holly wears the crown”. Holly, the Christmas tree is first noted in rural British church records of the sixteenth century. 

Martin Luther (not the king), the German monk of sixteenth century and a figurehead of protestant reformation, believed that pine trees represented the goodness of God. This assertion made Europeans buy into the Christmas Tree tradition. 

According to a Christian legend, 8th century Saint Bonafice cut down an Oak Tree to save a non-believer’s life. A new fir tree grew in Oak tree’s place with branches representing Christ’s eternal growth. He cut down the new fir tree and hung it upside down instead of the non-believer human; and the tradition of trees being hung upside down came into being, a representation of Holy Trinity.

In 1419, a guild in Germany’s Freiburg put up a tree decorated with apples, flour-paste wafers, tinsel and gingerbread. In ‘Paradise Plays’ that were performed to celebrate the feast day of Adam and Eve, which fell on Christmas Eve, a tree of knowledge was represented by an evergreen fir with apples tied to its branches. The tree thus came to be associated with Christmas. 

Christmas is coming with the winter. Here is the story of Christmas Tree.

Between Legal and Moral: The Case For and Against Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient's suffering. The word euthanasia itself comes from the Greek words 'eu' (good) and 'thanatos' (death).

Supporters argue that it is compassionate and dignified way to end a person's suffering, particularly in cases of terminal illness.

Supporters argue that assisting a person to die is a better choice than making them continue to suffer. 

Euthanasia is legal in some countries like The Netherlands, Colombia, Belgium, Luxembourg and partly in Spain

Critics argue that euthanasia weakens the society’s respect for the sanctity of life, and snatches the ability of a person to take benefit of a potential cure. 

Euthanasia, a controversial practice of ending life has both ethical and moral consequences.

<p>Scientists from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia have discovered a novel application for soap bubbles after turning them into laser sensors with capability for detecting electric fields and pressure.</p>

<h2><strong>How the breakthrough was achieved?</strong></h2>

<p>"To get lasing, almost any bubble is fine. We’ve used regular hand soaps or a mixture that you can buy for children. You just need to put a small amount of fluorescent dye inside, and it works perfectly," Matjaž Humar at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, who produced the bubble lasers with Zala Potočnik, also at the University of Ljubljana told the New Scientist.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-superconductivity-breakthrough-for-next-age-electrical-transmission-570740">Scientists achieve superconductivity breakthrough for next-age electrical transmission</a></strong></p>

<p>The duo achieved the breakthrough using regular hand soaps or child-friendly bubble mixtures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They reportedly added small amount of fluorescent dye to the bubble mixture, creating a medium for laser generation.</p>

<h2><strong>The interior volume of bubbles: Defining factor</strong></h2>

<p>Unlike conventional lasers that rely on mirrors to construct a cavity, the researchers used the interior volume of bubbles, some as small as half a millimetre and others measuring a few centimetres in diameter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This gave them necessary space for light to bounce back and forth, a crucial component for lasing.</p>

<p>The addition of fluorescent dye to the bubble mixture serves as the light-amplifying material.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When illuminated, the dye emits light, forming the third essential component for lasers.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK to build world's most powerful laser</strong></p>

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<p>External light, directed onto the bubble through an optical fibre and a focusing lens, triggers the bubble to produce its own laser light.</p>

<p>Humar and Potočnik further experimented with liquid crystals as an alternative to soap, to make bubble lasers stable.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The bubble lasers show an unprecedented level of sensitivity, capable of detecting pressure changes as minute as 0.001 per cent of atmospheric pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even on clear days without thunderstorms generating electricity, they can sense the electric fields in the atmosphere.</p>

<p>Miguel Bandres at the University of Central Florida told the NewScientist that the team creatively combined the concept of "micro-ring lasers".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They take these ideas to a totally new platform, thereby opening the door to a plethora of novel applications," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia have discovered a novel application for soap bubbles after turning them into laser sensors with capability for detecting electric fields and pressure.

Scientists from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia have discovered a novel application for soap bubbles after turning them into laser sensors with capability for detecting electric fields and pressure. How the breakthrough was achieved? "To get lasing, almost any bubble is fine. We’ve used regular hand soaps or a mixture that you can buy for children. You just need to put a small amount of fluorescent dye inside, and it works perfectly," Matjaž Humar at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, who produced the bubble lasers with Zala Potočnik, also at the University of Ljubljana told the New Scientist. Also read | Scientists achieve superconductivity breakthrough for next-age electrical transmission The duo achieved the breakthrough using regular hand soaps or child-friendly bubble mixtures. They reportedly added small amount of fluorescent dye to the bubble mixture, creating a medium for laser generation. The interior volume of bubbles: Defining factor Unlike conventional lasers that rely on mirrors to construct a cavity, the researchers used the interior volume of bubbles, some as small as half a millimetre and others measuring a few centimetres in diameter. This gave them necessary space for light to bounce back and forth, a crucial component for lasing. The addition of fluorescent dye to the bubble mixture serves as the light-amplifying material. When illuminated, the dye emits light, forming the third essential component for lasers. Also watch | UK to build world's most powerful laser × External light, directed onto the bubble through an optical fibre and a focusing lens, triggers the bubble to produce its own laser light. Humar and Potočnik further experimented with liquid crystals as an alternative to soap, to make bubble lasers stable. What does it mean? The bubble lasers show an unprecedented level of sensitivity, capable of detecting pressure changes as minute as 0.001 per cent of atmospheric pressure. Even on clear days without thunderstorms generating electricity, they can sense the electric fields in the atmosphere. Miguel Bandres at the University of Central Florida told the NewScientist that the team creatively combined the concept of "micro-ring lasers". "They take these ideas to a totally new platform, thereby opening the door to a plethora of novel applications," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists create lasers from soap bubbles for handheld sensing devices

<p>Next time you sip a martini glass over a date or party, make note of how it was shaken to create those bubbles of succinct intoxication. This is because the physicists have now invented a new way to shake a martini to create a specific pattern in the cocktail that takes on a different shape depending on the physical properties of the drink.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Physicists at Canada's University of Waterloo have found that if one adds lots of syrup while preparing a martini drink, shaking that glass would produce a pattern of vortices resembling elongated hearts when looking into the glass from above.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did physicists come to this conclusion?</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report in the New Scientist, when a physicist named Zhaon Pan from University of Waterloo was traveling abroad, he noted an intriguing game of physics in his glass of martini.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His martini was full of bubbles and he could see them trace a complicated structure of vortices when he shook the glass.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When he repeated the process in the lab with a mixture of water, glycerine and food dye instead of conventional martini cocktail, he noted a pattern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-waitress-sacked-for-mixing-own-blood-into-cocktails-582168">Japanese waitress sacked for 'mixing own blood' into cocktails</a></strong></p>

<p>Pan and his students reportedly mixed liquids with different 'Reynolds number', a measure of physics to denote an imbalance between the particles in a fluid — difference between the speed propelled by their natural flow and slowed momentum due to their viscosity — and came to the following conclusion.</p>

<p>They found that for mixtures with lots of syrup (high Reynolds number), shaking the martini glass created a pattern of vortices resembling elongated hearts.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Japan wants young people to drink more alcohol</strong></p>

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<p>"The first thing that occurred to me when I saw this is that anything that can have a specific pattern must have some theory behind it, there might be a nice combination of physics and maths in this beautiful problem," Mabel Song, also at the University of Waterloo, who collaborated with Pan on a series of stunning photographs of the new phenomenon, which will be presented at the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Mechanics conference in Washington DC later this month, said, according to the New Scientist.</p>


Next time you sip a martini glass over a date or party, make note of how it was shaken to create those bubbles of succinct intoxication. This is because the physicists have now invented a new way to shake a martini to create a specific pattern in the cocktail that takes on a different shape depending on the physical properties of the drink.

Next time you sip a martini glass over a date or party, make note of how it was shaken to create those bubbles of succinct intoxication. This is because the physicists have now invented a new way to shake a martini to create a specific pattern in the cocktail that takes on a different shape depending on the physical properties of the drink. Physicists at Canada's University of Waterloo have found that if one adds lots of syrup while preparing a martini drink, shaking that glass would produce a pattern of vortices resembling elongated hearts when looking into the glass from above. How did physicists come to this conclusion? According to a report in the New Scientist, when a physicist named Zhaon Pan from University of Waterloo was traveling abroad, he noted an intriguing game of physics in his glass of martini. His martini was full of bubbles and he could see them trace a complicated structure of vortices when he shook the glass. When he repeated the process in the lab with a mixture of water, glycerine and food dye instead of conventional martini cocktail, he noted a pattern. Also read | Japanese waitress sacked for 'mixing own blood' into cocktails Pan and his students reportedly mixed liquids with different 'Reynolds number', a measure of physics to denote an imbalance between the particles in a fluid — difference between the speed propelled by their natural flow and slowed momentum due to their viscosity — and came to the following conclusion. They found that for mixtures with lots of syrup (high Reynolds number), shaking the martini glass created a pattern of vortices resembling elongated hearts. Also watch | WION Fineprint: Japan wants young people to drink more alcohol × "The first thing that occurred to me when I saw this is that anything that can have a specific pattern must have some theory behind it, there might be a nice combination of physics and maths in this beautiful problem," Mabel Song, also at the University of Waterloo, who collaborated with Pan on a series of stunning photographs of the new phenomenon, which will be presented at the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Mechanics conference in Washington DC later this month, said, according to the New Scientist.

Physicists discover how to create elongated hearts in a glass of martini

<p>Ahead of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) meet in Vienna on November 26, Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to extend oil production cuts into 2024 as the bloc appears to ramp up its response to falling oil prices and regional tumult with larger geo-economic consequences amid Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p>As of 2023, OPEC+ have 22 members which include 13 OPEC members (Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela) and 9 Non-OPEC members&nbsp; including Russia, Mexico, Sudan, South Sudan, Azerbaijan and&nbsp;Kazakhstan. The Non-OPEC countries which export&nbsp;crude oil along with 13 OPEC members are termed as OPEC+ countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week on Thursday (Nov 16), the oil prices slumped to their lowest since July, reflecting the pressure on OPEC+ group to consider further steps — extend or deepen — over their daily oil production capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brent crude, the conventional international oil benchmark dropped 5.2 per cent on Thursday (Nov 16) as the prices went under $77 per barrel. Besides, in the backdrop of Russian offensive in Ukraine launched in February 2022, the crude oil price cap has been imposed at $60 per barrel for Russian oil exports, a benchmark Moscow has managed to evade.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-bogotas-great-amazon-miracle-riyadhs-oil-games-in-vienna-and-more-603219">The Capitals: Bogota's great Amazon miracle, Riyadh's oil games in Vienna and more</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the oil prices hit a four-month low of $77 a barrel this week, Financial Times cited four people familiar with the Saudi government’s thinking to add that OPEC+ was highly likely to extend its 1mn barrel-a-day cut at least until the spring next year.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the Saudi-led&nbsp;OPEC+ is considering&nbsp;oil cuts?</strong></h2>

<p>The primary cause is the oil price drop. But the OPEC+ members are also reportedly incensed over Israel-Hamas war and unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has gripped Gaza Strip, one of the world's most densely populated regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuwait, Algeria and Iran are among the OPEC+ members most agitated by the conflict, Financial Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You should not underestimate the level of anger there is and the pressure leaders in the Gulf feel from their populations to be seen to respond in some manner," a person close to senior OPEC figures in West Asia was quoted as saying by the publication.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;OPEC + leaders emphasise investment for stable energy transition</strong></p>

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<p>While there won't be a repeat of the oil shock of the 1970s when the West Asian states halted oil exports to the West.</p>

<p>But, the person cited by the Financial Times further added: "People have become complacent about the potential to tighten oil supplies to send a subtle message, which will be well understood both in the streets and Washington DC."</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


Ahead of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) meet in Vienna on November 26, Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to extend oil production cuts into 2024 as the bloc appears to ramp up its response to falling oil prices and regional tumult with larger geo-economic consequences amid Israel-Hamas war.

Ahead of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) meet in Vienna on November 26, Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to extend oil production cuts into 2024 as the bloc appears to ramp up its response to falling oil prices and regional tumult with larger geo-economic consequences amid Israel-Hamas war. As of 2023, OPEC+ have 22 members which include 13 OPEC members (Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela) and 9 Non-OPEC members including Russia, Mexico, Sudan, South Sudan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The Non-OPEC countries which export crude oil along with 13 OPEC members are termed as OPEC+ countries. Earlier this week on Thursday (Nov 16), the oil prices slumped to their lowest since July, reflecting the pressure on OPEC+ group to consider further steps — extend or deepen — over their daily oil production capabilities. Brent crude, the conventional international oil benchmark dropped 5.2 per cent on Thursday (Nov 16) as the prices went under $77 per barrel. Besides, in the backdrop of Russian offensive in Ukraine launched in February 2022, the crude oil price cap has been imposed at $60 per barrel for Russian oil exports, a benchmark Moscow has managed to evade. Also read | The Capitals: Bogota's great Amazon miracle, Riyadh's oil games in Vienna and more After the oil prices hit a four-month low of $77 a barrel this week, Financial Times cited four people familiar with the Saudi government’s thinking to add that OPEC+ was highly likely to extend its 1mn barrel-a-day cut at least until the spring next year. Why the Saudi-led OPEC+ is considering oil cuts? The primary cause is the oil price drop. But the OPEC+ members are also reportedly incensed over Israel-Hamas war and unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has gripped Gaza Strip, one of the world's most densely populated regions. Kuwait, Algeria and Iran are among the OPEC+ members most agitated by the conflict, Financial Times reported. "You should not underestimate the level of anger there is and the pressure leaders in the Gulf feel from their populations to be seen to respond in some manner," a person close to senior OPEC figures in West Asia was quoted as saying by the publication. Also watch | OPEC + leaders emphasise investment for stable energy transition × While there won't be a repeat of the oil shock of the 1970s when the West Asian states halted oil exports to the West. But, the person cited by the Financial Times further added: "People have become complacent about the potential to tighten oil supplies to send a subtle message, which will be well understood both in the streets and Washington DC." (With inputs from agencies)

Return to 1970s? Saudi-led OPEC+ deliberating further oil cuts amid Israel-Hamas war, says report

Why Do Men Live Shorter Lives Than Women?

The gap in life expectancy between men and women in the United States has grown to its widest in nearly 30 years.

As per new research, women are likely to live about six years longer than American men, with the average life expectancy standing at 73.5 years for men and 79.3 years for women. Here's why men live shorter lives.

More men engage in smoking and thus develop some form of cardiovascular disease or lung cancer, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

Opioid overdose death rates are more than twice as high for men.

Men are more likely to work in industries with higher rates of pathogenic exposure and fatalities, including transportation, agriculture and construction, or to experience incarceration or homelessness, according to research.

The study notes that unintentional injuries, including accidental drug overdoses, are the biggest reason for men passing away at a younger age.


The men have shorter life expectancies than women. Here's why

Inside the jailtime of Pakistan's imprisoned leaders

Pakistan's cricket icon-turned-populist politician Imran Khan remains in prison since August 2023. But he is not the first former Pakistani PM to be jailed. The history is a lesson into the jailed fate that the military's dominance in Pakistani politics wrote for Pak politicians. Here's what they did whilst in jail.


Before being hanged by military dictator Zia ul-Haq's regime in April 1979, Bhutto was lodged next to a group of mentally disturbed prisoners "who hooted and howled all night", according to his daughter Benazir Bhutto's autobiography 'Daughter of the East'. Bhutto spent his last days reading holy scriptures and copies of Western news magazines.


Zulfikar's daughter Benazir twice served as Pakistani PM and was jailed on multiple occasions. When jailed in Pakistan's Sukkur jail in 1981 under Zia's regime, Bhutto describes reading a daily edition of Dawn newspaper which she "read slowly" to keep her brain stimulated throughout the day.

In September 2018, former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to 7 years in prison in a corruption case. Sharif spent a 69-day jail ordeal. According to reports, Sharif had access to television and a regular newspaper routine and met his aides regularly in jail. Sharif, thus, managed to run the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party from prison itself.

Khan is given books to read every night as per his wishes. The Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader is served chicken and mutton twice a week, according to reports in Pakistani media.


Pakistan's Imran Khan is not the first former PM to be jailed. The history is a lesson into the jailed fate of Pak politics amid military's dominance

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