Scientists have found an "unusually large" scaly animal similar to an alligator in the treetops of southern Mexico. It turned out to be a new species which has avoided detection by hiding in the foliage.

Scientists have found an "unusually large" scaly animal similar to an alligator in the treetops of southern Mexico. It turned out to be a new species which has avoided detection by hiding in the foliage. According to a study published in PLOS One journal, researchers searched for the elusive lizard-like creature on five expeditions between 2015 and 2022 after "intriguing photographs" of the animal emerged in 2014. The study noted that the search was "extraordinarily difficult." Researchers spent over 350 hours searching the ground and climbing about 20 trees to look at their limbs and canopy, the Miami Herald reported. Eventually, they found what they were looking for. They discovered it was a new species and named it Abronia cunemica or the Coapilla arboreal alligator lizard. About Coapilla Arboreal Alligator Lizards Coapilla arboreal alligator lizards can grow about 9.8 inches long and have a yellow-brown scaly body covered in darker brown blotches. They have pale yellow eyes with dark flecks, the research said. They live in the forest canopy, between 11 feet and 64 feet, and mostly come out in the morning or afternoon. ALSO READ | Scientists reveal how newborn galaxies went bananas at dawn of time but it’s not all about shape The researchers also found two female lizards who were pregnant. They also located two lizards "in a courtship bite-hold on the forest floor, after they presumably fell" from a nearby tree. When they captured the male, he stopped biting the female. However, it "re-initiated a more persistent bite hold on her head and neck" later in the day. Moreover, they encountered a female twice on their expedition within a roughly 30-foot area, but 97 days apart. According to the study, Coapilla arboreal alligator lizards might become inactive for some part of the year. Researchers have named the newly-discovered species "cunemica" after Cuñemo, the indigenous Zoque language name for Coapilla. The common name refers to their native area. The research team has found the Coapilla arboreal alligator lizards only in Coapilla, a town in the southern state of Chiapas, about 700 kilometres southeast of Mexico City. They have not revealed the exact location of the new species to protect them. Scientists found another group of alligator lizards exclusive to Central America, inhabiting "humid highland forests." These "mysterious" lizards have gone unnoticed for so long due to their "cryptic behaviour" and limited distribution area. (With inputs from agencies)

Unusually large, alligator-like new species found in Mexico

A woman who has been in a Florida county jail since 2022 got pregnant, provoking an investigation. Her sister and attorney have demanded answers from corrections officials.

A woman who has been in a Florida county jail since 2022 got pregnant, provoking an investigation. Her sister and attorney have demanded answers from corrections officials. On Christmas, Daisy Link, 28, called her family to inform them that she was almost four months pregnant, NBC News reported. Link's sister, Crystal Barreto, said, "I could not find words. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Right away, I was concerned about Daisy and her safety." Link, who is currently at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County on the charge of second-degree murder, has not gone to trial yet. She is also charged with battery by a detainee on a visitor or other detainee. Daisy Link's criminal defence attorney, Marlene Montaner, clarified that the second-degree murder was the result of a domestic violence incident. According to Montaner, Link fired a single gunshot while attempting to protect herself from an abusive partner. Her sister and her attorney have been pushing to get her discharged on house arrest, especially now that she is pregnant. However, both have no clue how she got pregnant in the first place. Barreto said her sister had not informed her of what happened. ALSO READ | Miracle! Woman in her 90s pulled out of debris five days after Japan 7.6 earthquake "My sister, when she was able to call us here and there, was trying to tell us pieces of the story, but is very scared to say anything over the phone because her calls are being recorded," Barreto said. "The allegations right now are that it's another inmate's," said Montaner. However, the county jail has separate floors for male and female inmates. Montaner also called the reports by other media outlets "implausible" as they suggested the pregnancy might have been the result of a male inmate passing semen through an air conditioning vent. She has raised questions about the corrections officials, blaming them for Link's pregnancy. According to a spokesperson from Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation, another inmate told the officials that she suspected Link was pregnant. The officials confirmed the pregnancy after a thorough medical examination, and the matter is currently under investigation. They also confirmed that the pregnancy was not the result of sexual assault. "While there is no evidence of sexual battery against our inmate at this time, the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy are currently under active investigation," the spokesperson said. Barreto said Link tried telling officials about her pregnancy earlier, but they mocked her for it. "Nobody should come out pregnant in jail. This is really ridiculous," Barreto said, expressing concerns about her sister's safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida woman in prison since June 2022 gets pregnant, sparks investigation

Chinese scientists have found that Earth's inner core wobbles around its rotational axis every 8.5 years. According to a study published in Nature Communications journal, a tiny misalignment between the inner core and the Earth's mantle, the layer below the crust, causes this movement.

Chinese scientists have found that Earth's inner core wobbles around its rotational axis every 8.5 years. According to a study published in Nature Communications journal, a tiny misalignment between the inner core and the Earth's mantle, the layer below the crust, causes this movement. Earth's core has two parts: a swirling liquid outer boundary and an almost solid inner layer. This region, starting 2,896 kilometres beneath the surface, is accountable for numerous geophysical dynamics of our planet, including the length of each day and Earth's magnetic field that protects humans from the Sun's harmful rays. The study noted that this shift can eventually alter the motion or shape of the liquid core, causing a change in the Earth's magnetic field. In 2019, Hao Ding of Wuhan University and his team of geophysical researchers examined the motion of Earth's rotational axis relative to its crust, also called polar rotation. They noticed a subtle deviation in polar rotation, which occurs every 8.5 years, leading to the discovery of "inner core wobble." To simplify things, the researchers have described the shift in Earth's inner core as similar to the wobble of a spinning top. ALSO READ | Spectacular! Japan's XRISM satellite provides first glimpse into X-ray cosmos Furthermore, Ding and his co-authors verified this cycle by measuring slight shifts in day length worldwide, controlled by the periodic movement of the Earth's rotational axis. They compared it to the deviations in polar motion. The researchers concluded that a tilt of 0.17 degrees between Earth's inner core and mantle causes this wobble. It rules out the traditional Earth rotation theory that "assumes that the rotation axis of the Earth's inner core and the rotation axis of the mantle coincide," Ding told Live Science. The research also suggests that the tilt implies that the inner core northern hemisphere might be a little denser than the rest of the layers, as there is a contrast between Earth's inner and outer core density. John Vale, a professor of Earth Science at the University of Southern California, told Live Science, "The new study helps discern the difference in composition between the metal in the solid inner and liquid outer core as well as estimates direction and speed of the wobble of the inner core." The research team did not consider atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrological influences that might have influenced the deviation in polar motion besides the inner core wobble. However, it's a crucial discovery as it could help researchers in the future comprehend the dynamics between Earth's inner core and natural events that impact humanity, like earthquakes. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists might finally know why Earth's inner core wobbles every 8.5 years

7 Health Benefits Of Colocasia Leaves (Taro)

These leaves are a powerhouse of essential vitamins like A, C, and E, along with minerals such as potassium and calcium, promoting overall health.

Loaded with antioxidants, Colocasia leaves help bolster the immune system, shielding the body from various infections and diseases

The high fibre content aids digestion, preventing constipation and promoting a healthy gut.


Potassium in these leaves supports heart health by regulating blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.


Vitamin A in Colocasia leaves contributes to improved eyesight and overall eye health.


The iron content assists in maintaining optimal energy levels and preventing fatigue.


These leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially alleviating conditions like arthritis.


Here are seven reasons to include colocasia leaves in your diet:

Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the 2019 film Joker, will feature Joaquin Phoenix as Joker and Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn.

Ballerina is the first spin-off to the John Wick franchise, set between the events of the third and fourth movies.


Civil War, directed by Alex Garland, is an action film starring Kirsten Dunst and Wagner Moura.


Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a post-apocalyptic action adventure film starring Anya Taylor Joy and Chris Hemsworth.  


Dune: Part Two is the long-awaited sequel of Dune, starring Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, and Zendaya.


Mickey 17 stars Robert Pattinson and Mark Ruffalo in lead roles. The movie follows a disposable employee sent on a human expedition to colonise the ice world Niflheim.


The Marvel Comics-inspired action comedy will feature Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. They will be seen teaming up to defeat a common enemy.  


Here are seven movies set to release in 2024, which have already built up a lot of excitement among film enthusiasts.

7 Movies That People Want to See in 2024

Studio: Bones, Release Date: January 11



Studio: A-1 Pictures, Release Date: January 7


Studio: Passione, Release Date: January 3

Studio: Kadokawa, Release Date: January 3

Here are six anime series releasing in 2024:

6 Anime Series Releasing In January 2024

7 Delightful Strawberry Desserts To Savour This Winter

Layer a moist strawberry cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.


Dip plump strawberries in melted chocolate, allowing the contrasting flavours to create an indulgent, elegant treat.


Combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the tangy sweetness of fresh strawberries for a luxurious dessert.


Blend ripe strawberries into a creamy ice cream base for a refreshing and fruity frozen delight.


Bake a warm, comforting cobbler with juicy strawberries topped with a buttery, crumbly crust.


Layer fresh strawberries, yoghurt, and granola for a healthy but satisfying dessert or breakfast.


Create a light, airy pavlova topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an impressive, visually stunning dessert.


Here are seven strawberry-infused desserts one must try this winter season.

7 Ways To Reduce Food Wastage And Save Money

Create a weekly meal plan and shopping list based on what you need. It helps avoid impulse purchases and ensures you use ingredients efficiently.


Store food correctly to prolong its shelf life. Use airtight containers, zip-lock bags, and appropriate fridge or freezer settings to preserve freshness.


Repurpose leftover meals creatively. Transform them into new dishes or incorporate them into packed lunches for the next day.


Establish a compost system for food scraps and peels. Composting reduces waste while producing nutrient-rich soil for gardens, minimising the need for store-bought fertilisers.


Learn the difference between "use by," "sell by," and "best before" dates to avoid premature disposal of edible food.


Serve appropriate portions to prevent overeating and subsequent food waste. Freeze excess portions for future consumption.


Support local food banks or shelters by donating excess non-perishable food items, thus reducing waste and aiding communities in need.

Here are seven practical ways to reduce food wastage and save money.

As the cold wave continues to tighten its grip over North India, the dense fog situation in Delhi has seen no improvement. At least 26 trains arrived late in the national capital due to fog on January 4, according to Indian Railways.

As the cold wave continues to tighten its grip over North India, the dense fog situation in Delhi has seen no improvement. At least 26 trains arrived late in the national capital due to fog on January 4, according to Indian Railways. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature recorded in Delhi-NCR was 7.3 degrees Celsius on January 4, and the maximum temperature recorded was around 15 degrees Celsius. However, the IMD forecast said that Delhi might get relief from the foggy weather in the next two days. The IMD forecast also reported that dense fog blanketed parts of Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Tripura amid the ongoing cold wave conditions in North India. Moreover, Delhi airport delayed several flight operations due to low visibility caused by fog. In a post on X, IMD wrote, "*Fog conditions observed* (at 0530 hours IST of today, 04.01.2024): *Very Dense fog* over Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Bihar; *Dense Fog* over Madhya Pradesh and Tripura and *Moderate Fog* over Jammu Division." ALSO READ | 'Purrs in the wild': Namibian cheetah delivers three cubs in Kuno Park in India's Madhya Pradesh Cold Wave In North India Over most parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, the minimum temperatures are ranging between six and nine degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature has been between ten and twelve degrees Celsius in east Uttar Pradesh, North Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Sikkim. The IMD forecast said, "No significant change in minimum temperatures likely over rest parts of north India during next five days." IMD issued a cold day warning on January 4 in some parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Rajasthan. The weather department has also warned about cold day conditions in isolated pockets on January 5. Meanwhile, IMD has issued a health advisory to the public warning against lung-related health impacts due to dense fog and cold wave conditions. "Dense fog contains particulate matter and other pollutants, and in case exposed, it gets lodged in the lungs, clogging them and decreasing their functional capacity, which increases episodes of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath," the IMD said. IMD warned that exposure to air pollutants can cause eye irritation and infections that may lead to redness or swelling. Furthermore, under the rainfall forecast, IMD wrote, "Light isolated rainfall very likely over East Madhya Pradesh on January 4-5; over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand during January 3-5; over West Madhya Pradesh on January 4." (With inputs from agencies)

North India Weather: 26 trains delayed due to dense fog in Delhi, IMD issues health advisory amid cold wave

Humans have long been drawn to scents and fragrances, so much so that the scent industry has now gone beyond just the perfumes. You have various types of diffusers, essential oils, candles, incense and a lot more.

Humans have long been drawn to scents and fragrances, so much so that the scent industry has now gone beyond just the perfumes. You have various types of diffusers, essential oils, candles, incense and a lot more. If you haven't given in yet to the love for sweet-smelling things, you now have a major reason to do so. Fragrances and scents can have a positive impact on our memory, especially on senior citizens, a new study has shown. In fact, burning the night diffuser and filling up the bedroom with some scintillating scents can lower the risk of dementia immensely. How do scents help? Neurologically, scent triggers memories because the brain processes scent in the amygdala and hippocampus, the areas of emotional and episodic memories. In a trial at the University of California, Irvine, neuroscientists found that senior citizens saw a jump in cognitive performance by 226 per cent after using fragrance diffusers in their bedrooms every night for two hours, reported Psychology Today. They performed the trial on 43 adults aged between 60 and 85 with no prior diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia. The neuroscientists distributed commercially bought scent diffusers containing seven essential oil cartridges of rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender. They gave 20 trial participants a full-strength fragrance cartridge. The other 23 received cartridges with only small amounts of odorant as a control group. The trial participants had to use a cartridge in the diffuser every night before sleeping to spread the scent as they slept. ALSO READ | Storm on Mars: UAE probe detects significant dust mobilisation According to the previous research, patients with dementia had improved memory and language skills when exposed to 40 odours twice daily. However, the researchers at California University Irvine designed the trial differently because they thought it was unrealistic to ask senior citizens with cognitive impairment to open, sniff, and close bottles 80 times daily. Cynthia Woo, the study's lead author, said, "That's why we reduced the number of scents to only seven, exposing participants to just one each time, rather than the multiple aromas used simultaneously in previous research projects." She added, "By making it possible for people to experience the odours while sleeping, we eliminated the need to set aside time for this during waking hours every day." After six months, the research revealed that members of the scent-enriched group performed better than the control group in a word list test. The word list test evaluated verbal learning, retention, and recognition memory. Moreover, they reported having better sleep. Furthermore, MRI scans of the scent-enriched group revealed they had better integrity in the left uncinate fasciculus, a brain pathway connecting parts of the limbic system which weakens with age. Thus, the study established that scent can enhance memory power if used in a non-invasive intervention and prevent dementia in senior citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Lighting up that scent diffuser can improve your memory power, study finds

Soup and stew are both comforting and warming. However, they differ in their textures, ingredients, and cooking methods.


Soups generally boast a thinner consistency, created by simmering meat, vegetables, and occasionally grains or pasta in a liquid base like broth or water. The result is a flavourful, brothy dish.


Stews are heartier, with ingredients slowly cooked in a thick, rich gravy or sauce. They often feature larger chunks of meat and vegetables, braised or simmered for extended periods to infuse flavours.


Soups come in diverse varieties, from clear consommés to creamy bisques. But stews are known for their robustness and depth of flavour. 


Soups tend to be lighter fare, suitable for starters or lighter meals. Stews often take centre stage as a main course, served with bread, rice, or potatoes.



Stews typically require a longer cooking time to achieve their desired thickness and melding of flavours.


Ultimately, whether you crave a soul-soothing soup or the heartiness of a stew, both offer a spectrum of flavours and textures to suit every palate and occasion.


Soup and stew are both comforting and warming. However, they differ in their textures, ingredients, and cooking methods.

Soup vs Stew: How Are They Different?

7 Ways To Make Your Grilled Sandwiches Tastier

Adding a herb-loaded flavour to your grilled sandwich can enhance the taste and make it healthier and more refreshing. 


If you’re feeling experimental, you can swap the mozzarella cheese for fresh ricotta and a dollop of jam for a sweet delight. 


Adding a couple of crispy bacon strips and fried eggs to your grilled sandwich can make it the perfect breakfast option for you. 


To make your sandwich gourmet-level fancy, add poached shrimp, deshelled crab or lobster to it. 


Another great way to eat your grilled cheese sandwich is to cut it into pieces and use it as dippers for a creamy tomato soup. 


If you’ve never tried the sweet and salty flavour of cheese and honey, you can add honey to your grilled cheese sandwich and elevate the flavour. 


Avocado will give your grilled cheese sandwich a creamy, fresh, and flavourful taste. 


Here are seven ways in which you can elevate your grilled sandwich experience:

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Trisha Pathak

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