The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide.

The Aussies took a massive 237-run first innings lead in the Day-Night Test match. Starc made the most of the Pink ball picking up 4 wickets.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2nd-test-day-3-hosts-in-full-control-after-starc-and-lyon-wreak-havoc-to-bundle-out-england-for-236-437960">Ashes 2nd Test, Day 3: Hosts in full control after Starc and Lyon wreak havoc to bundle out England for 236</a>

Starc gave Australia the first breakthrough dismissing opener Rory Burns in the last session of day-2. He also got the prized scalp of Dawid Malan for 80 who at one point looked on course for a century.

The left-arm pacer was in no mood to stop as he then dismissed wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler to take his third wicket of the innings and wrapped up the English tail dismissing Stuart Broad to end up with figures of 4 for 37 in his 16 overs and in-process becoming the first bowler in the history of international cricket to pick 50 wickets with the Pink ball in the Day-Night Test match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-to-be-indias-vice-captain-for-south-africa-test-series-in-rohit-sharmas-absence-report-437908">KL Rahul to be India's vice-captain for South Africa Test series in Rohit Sharma's absence - Report</a>

Australia have a perfect record in Day-Night Tests winning all the eight matches they have played so far and they are looking on course for yet another win.

Credit to Australia's success with the ball goes to the Pink ball master Starc as he has been their most consistent performer picking up 50 wickets and becoming the first international bowler to do so.

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide.

The left-arm Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers as the hosts bowled out England for a 236 in the first innings of the 2nd Ashes Test match played being at Adelaide. The Aussies took a massive 237-run first innings lead in the Day-Night Test match. Starc made the most of the Pink ball picking up 4 wickets. ALSO READ: Ashes 2nd Test, Day 3: Hosts in full control after Starc and Lyon wreak havoc to bundle out England for 236 Starc gave Australia the first breakthrough dismissing opener Rory Burns in the last session of day-2. He also got the prized scalp of Dawid Malan for 80 who at one point looked on course for a century. The left-arm pacer was in no mood to stop as he then dismissed wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler to take his third wicket of the innings and wrapped up the English tail dismissing Stuart Broad to end up with figures of 4 for 37 in his 16 overs and in-process becoming the first bowler in the history of international cricket to pick 50 wickets with the Pink ball in the Day-Night Test match. ALSO READ: KL Rahul to be India's vice-captain for South Africa Test series in Rohit Sharma's absence - Report Australia have a perfect record in Day-Night Tests winning all the eight matches they have played so far and they are looking on course for yet another win. Credit to Australia's success with the ball goes to the Pink ball master Starc as he has been their most consistent performer picking up 50 wickets and becoming the first international bowler to do so.

Mitchell Starc becomes first bowler to pick 50 wickets with pink ball in Day-Night Tests

The draw for the last 16 of the&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;is to be "entirely redone" after an embarrassing technical error, European football's governing body UEFA said on Monday.

UEFA blamed a "material error" due to a "technical problem with the software of an external service provider" as it announced that the draw for the first knockout round of its flagship competition would be redone at 1400 GMT.

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Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
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With the draw being streamed live from UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, the problem was made evident when Manchester United's name was drawn to face Villarreal, despite the fact the two clubs could not have played one another having been in the same group.

Manchester City were drawn to play the Spanish side, but the ball containing United's name did not then appear to be replaced correctly and so they were not included as possible opponents for Atletico Madrid in the next tie.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-slams-ballon-dor-chief-pascal-ferre-brands-him-a-liar-over-lionel-messi-claim-432972">Cristiano Ronaldo slams Ballon d'Or chief Pascal Ferre, brands him a 'liar' over Lionel Messi claim</a>

With the whole draw compromised, a red-faced UEFA was left with little choice but to start again from scratch.

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League is to be "entirely redone" after an embarrassing technical error, European football's governing body UEFA said on Monday.

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League is to be "entirely redone" after an embarrassing technical error, European football's governing body UEFA said on Monday. UEFA blamed a "material error" due to a "technical problem with the software of an external service provider" as it announced that the draw for the first knockout round of its flagship competition would be redone at 1400 GMT. Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 13, 2021 × With the draw being streamed live from UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, the problem was made evident when Manchester United's name was drawn to face Villarreal, despite the fact the two clubs could not have played one another having been in the same group. Manchester City were drawn to play the Spanish side, but the ball containing United's name did not then appear to be replaced correctly and so they were not included as possible opponents for Atletico Madrid in the next tie. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo slams Ballon d'Or chief Pascal Ferre, brands him a 'liar' over Lionel Messi claim With the whole draw compromised, a red-faced UEFA was left with little choice but to start again from scratch.

UEFA Champions League draw to be 'entirely redone' after technical error

Three-time FIFA World Cup winner Pele on Thursday stated he is feeling "better" and quipped that he can`t wait to get back to playing the beautiful game.

Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, Pele has been in poor health in recent years and has had quite a few stints in the hospital.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-france-clinch-title-after-karim-benzema-kylian-mbappe-shine-in-comeback-against-spain-419861">Nations League: France clinch title after Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe shine in comeback against Spain</a>

"Thanks to God, I`m better, I`m even ready to play on Sunday," he joked, just two weeks after leaving hospital following surgery on a colon tumour.

"In all seriousness, thank you for everything, thank you to everyone that has sent me hugs and given me strength," he added in a video message published on the Instagram accounts of two of his children.

On August 31, Pele was hospitalised for medical tests at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, which revealed a tumour. The 80-year-old then underwent successful surgery to remove a tumour on the right side of his colon.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-announces-bidding-process-for-euro-2028-hosts-420218">UEFA announces bidding process for Euro 2028 hosts</a>

Pele is the only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970). He burst onto the global stage at just 17 with dazzling goals, including two in the final against hosts Sweden, as Brazil won the World Cup for the first time in 1958.&nbsp;

Three-time FIFA World Cup winner Pele on Thursday stated he is feeling "better" and quipped that he can`t wait to get back to playing the beautiful game. Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, Pele has been in poor health in recent years and has had quite a few stints in the hospital.

Three-time FIFA World Cup winner Pele on Thursday stated he is feeling "better" and quipped that he can`t wait to get back to playing the beautiful game. Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, Pele has been in poor health in recent years and has had quite a few stints in the hospital. ALSO READ | Nations League: France clinch title after Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe shine in comeback against Spain "Thanks to God, I`m better, I`m even ready to play on Sunday," he joked, just two weeks after leaving hospital following surgery on a colon tumour. "In all seriousness, thank you for everything, thank you to everyone that has sent me hugs and given me strength," he added in a video message published on the Instagram accounts of two of his children. On August 31, Pele was hospitalised for medical tests at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, which revealed a tumour. The 80-year-old then underwent successful surgery to remove a tumour on the right side of his colon. ALSO READ: UEFA announces bidding process for Euro 2028 hosts Pele is the only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970). He burst onto the global stage at just 17 with dazzling goals, including two in the final against hosts Sweden, as Brazil won the World Cup for the first time in 1958.

Football legend Pele feeling better after his tumour surgery says 'Ready to play'

DuckDuckGo and three other search engine rivals to Google on Thursday urged EU lawmakers to take action against the Alphabet unit via new tech rules, saying they have yet to see positive results from an antitrust ruling against Google.

The European Commission in 2018 levied a record 4.24- billion-euro ($5 billion) fine on Google for unfairly using Android to cement the dominance of its search engine and ordered it to ensure a level playing field for rivals.

Google subsequently made changes and four months ago said it would let rivals compete for free to be the default search engines on Android devices in Europe.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-1-billion-to-lift-africa-internet-access-418618">Google to invest $1 billion to lift Africa internet access</a>

US&nbsp;search engine DuckDuckGo, Germany's Ecosia and French peers Qwant and Lilo said lawmakers should use tech rules drafted by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to ensure competition.

"Despite recent changes, we do not believe it will move market share significantly due to its persisting limitations," they said in a joint letter to European Parliament lawmakers.

They said a preference menu that let users choose their search default when setting up an Android device is not available on Chrome desktop or on other operating systems, and that it is only shown once to users.

"The DMA should enshrine in law a requirement for a search engine preference menu that would effectively ban Google from acquiring default search access points of the operating systems and the browsers of gatekeepers," they said.

The DMA may come into force in 2023 once it gets the green light from EU lawmakers and EU countries. 
($1 = 0.8654 euros)

DuckDuckGo and three other search engine rivals to Google on Thursday urged EU lawmakers to take action against the Alphabet unit via new tech rules, saying they have yet to see positive results from an antitrust ruling against Google.

DuckDuckGo and three other search engine rivals to Google on Thursday urged EU lawmakers to take action against the Alphabet unit via new tech rules, saying they have yet to see positive results from an antitrust ruling against Google. The European Commission in 2018 levied a record 4.24- billion-euro ($5 billion) fine on Google for unfairly using Android to cement the dominance of its search engine and ordered it to ensure a level playing field for rivals. Google subsequently made changes and four months ago said it would let rivals compete for free to be the default search engines on Android devices in Europe. Also Read | Google to invest $1 billion to lift Africa internet access US search engine DuckDuckGo, Germany's Ecosia and French peers Qwant and Lilo said lawmakers should use tech rules drafted by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to ensure competition. "Despite recent changes, we do not believe it will move market share significantly due to its persisting limitations," they said in a joint letter to European Parliament lawmakers. They said a preference menu that let users choose their search default when setting up an Android device is not available on Chrome desktop or on other operating systems, and that it is only shown once to users. "The DMA should enshrine in law a requirement for a search engine preference menu that would effectively ban Google from acquiring default search access points of the operating systems and the browsers of gatekeepers," they said. The DMA may come into force in 2023 once it gets the green light from EU lawmakers and EU countries. ($1 = 0.8654 euros)

Google rivals want EU lawmakers to act via new tech rules

Google has always been at the forefront in introducing novel features to its operating system with every new version of Android.

In order to make the Android operating system’s user interface (UI) more user friendly and accessible, the American tech giant has reportedly been working on a new feature on Android 12 which lets users control their phones using facial expressions.

According to reports, the Camera Switches feature, which is one of the accessibility services in the Android Accessibility Suite app, will support gesture controls on the UI.

For example, the app tracks when a user will open their mouth and then map that to open the notifications panel. Alternatively, users can raise their eyebrows to return to their homescreen.

Among the probable face gestures that Google is incorporating into the app include smiling, opening the mouth, and looking out right, left or down.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/android-12-the-biggest-design-change-in-android-operating-systems-history-386000">Android 12: The biggest design change in Android operating system's history</a>

Corresponding camera actions include getting to homepage, scrolling backward and forward, and selecting.

The users also will be ready to select how sensitive the gesture is going to be&nbsp;by adjusting the gesture size and duration.

The feature would require the device’s camera to be switched on, and Android 12-enabled devices will show a standing bar indicating the camera is getting used.

According to XDA developers—a mobile software development community that tracks the latest developments in the Android ecosystem—the new feature is currently in beta mode and is touted to be handy for specially-abled users.

(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

Google has always been at the forefront in introducing novel features to its operating system with every new version of Android. In order to make the Android operating system’s user interface (UI) more user friendly and accessible, the American tech giant has reportedly been working on a new feature on Android 12 which lets users control their phones using facial expressions.

Google has always been at the forefront in introducing novel features to its operating system with every new version of Android. In order to make the Android operating system’s user interface (UI) more user friendly and accessible, the American tech giant has reportedly been working on a new feature on Android 12 which lets users control their phones using facial expressions. According to reports, the Camera Switches feature, which is one of the accessibility services in the Android Accessibility Suite app, will support gesture controls on the UI. For example, the app tracks when a user will open their mouth and then map that to open the notifications panel. Alternatively, users can raise their eyebrows to return to their homescreen. Among the probable face gestures that Google is incorporating into the app include smiling, opening the mouth, and looking out right, left or down. Also read | Android 12: The biggest design change in Android operating system's history Corresponding camera actions include getting to homepage, scrolling backward and forward, and selecting. The users also will be ready to select how sensitive the gesture is going to be by adjusting the gesture size and duration. The feature would require the device’s camera to be switched on, and Android 12-enabled devices will show a standing bar indicating the camera is getting used. According to XDA developers—a mobile software development community that tracks the latest developments in the Android ecosystem—the new feature is currently in beta mode and is touted to be handy for specially-abled users. (With inputs from agencies)

Google’s new Android 12 feature lets users control UI with face gestures

Sea surfers and scuba divers beware! A new study has claimed that highly venomous sea snakes who are sexually aroused have the tendency to attack human divers after confusing them with other snakes during the mating season.

The snakes seem to believe that divers are rivals or potential mates, the study noted.

Researchers from three Australian universities working on the southern Great Barrier Reef found that Olive sea snakes, especially males, had repeatedly approached divers, made “fast, jerky movements” and were particularly active in the winter when they breed.

The acts of aggression are likely because of “mistaken identity during sexual interactions”, wrote Tim Lynch, of CSIRO in Hobart, Ross Alford of&nbsp;James Cook University in Townsville and Richard Shine of Macquarie University&nbsp;in Sydney, in the study published by Scientific Reports.

“At first sight, the idea that a snake might mistake a human diver for another snake seems ludicrous, given the massive disparity in size and shape between those two objects,” the Guardian cited the researchers’ observations

“Nonetheless, this offers the most plausible explanation for our observations.”

Though there have been other several examples of marine animals sexually targeting humans, including male dolphins, dugongs, sea lions and sea turtles

But the latest study has raised eyebrows since the olive sea snakes have the capacity to inject deadly venom and instantly decapitate humans.

“A bite is unlikely unless the animal is threatened or injured,” the researchers wrote, advising divers to stay still and allow snakes to investigate them, including by using their tongues to look for chemical cues.

“Attempting to flee is likely to be futile and may even increase the ardour of the pursuit,” the researchers noted. “Attempting to drive the animal away may induce retaliation.”

Sea surfers and scuba divers beware! A new study has claimed that highly venomous sea snakes who are sexually aroused have the tendency to attack human divers after confusing them with other snakes during the mating season.

Sea surfers and scuba divers beware! A new study has claimed that highly venomous sea snakes who are sexually aroused have the tendency to attack human divers after confusing them with other snakes during the mating season. The snakes seem to believe that divers are rivals or potential mates, the study noted. Researchers from three Australian universities working on the southern Great Barrier Reef found that Olive sea snakes, especially males, had repeatedly approached divers, made “fast, jerky movements” and were particularly active in the winter when they breed. The acts of aggression are likely because of “mistaken identity during sexual interactions”, wrote Tim Lynch, of CSIRO in Hobart, Ross Alford of James Cook University in Townsville and Richard Shine of Macquarie University in Sydney, in the study published by Scientific Reports. “At first sight, the idea that a snake might mistake a human diver for another snake seems ludicrous, given the massive disparity in size and shape between those two objects,” the Guardian cited the researchers’ observations “Nonetheless, this offers the most plausible explanation for our observations.” Though there have been other several examples of marine animals sexually targeting humans, including male dolphins, dugongs, sea lions and sea turtles But the latest study has raised eyebrows since the olive sea snakes have the capacity to inject deadly venom and instantly decapitate humans. “A bite is unlikely unless the animal is threatened or injured,” the researchers wrote, advising divers to stay still and allow snakes to investigate them, including by using their tongues to look for chemical cues. “Attempting to flee is likely to be futile and may even increase the ardour of the pursuit,” the researchers noted. “Attempting to drive the animal away may induce retaliation.”

Venomous attraction: Sea snakes may attack divers during mating season, says study

Taking a tough stand against organisations with ‘separatist’ affiliations intent to foment trouble” in the Jammu and Kashmir valley, the Indian government is considering banning both the factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian media reported citing unnamed Indian officials.

This comes after a probe conducted by the government officials revealed that some organisations that were part of the Hurriyat Conference used to collect money from Kashmiri students in lieu of securing MBBS seats in Pakistani institutions, and using that money to fund terror organisations in the Union Territory.

The officials said both the Hurriyat camps are likely to be banned under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, in which “if the Central Government is of opinion that any association is, or has become, an unlawful association, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such association to be unlawful.”

During the probe, the officials said they found about the alleged involvement of members of the Hurriyat Conference with proscribed terrorist organisations Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Constituted in 1993, the Hurriyat Conference consisted of 26 groups, including some pro-Pakistan and banned outfits such as the Jamaat-e-Islami, JKLF and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat. It also included the People's Conference and the Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/deradicalisation-of-youth-in-jammu-and-kashmir-is-need-of-the-hour-276849">Deradicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir need of the hour</a>

The separatist organisation split into two factions in 2005 with the moderate group being led by the Mirwaiz and the hard-line headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, until he quit the party in June 2020 due to health reasons.

Meanwhile, there were some reports that the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, the extremist faction of the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Sunday removed its signboard at the group's head office at its leader’s residence in Srinagar's Hyderpora area.

The Centre’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism comes in the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah asking the stakeholders in the Kashmir valley to monitor growing radicalisation.

Subsequently, a series of raids were conducted by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) in the Union Territory where several of the conglomerate’s cadres were arrested and jailed.

Many of the second-rung cadres of both the factions are in jail since 2017, the officials said.

Among those in jail are Altaf Ahmed Shah, the son-in-law of Geelani; businessman Zahoor Ahmed Watali; Geelani's close aide Ayaz Akbar, who is also the spokesperson of the hardline separatist organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat; Peer Saifullah; Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat Conference; Mehrajuddin Kalwal; Nayeem Khan; and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias 'Bitta Karate'.

In 2019, the government banned the pro-Pakistani and pro-separatist organisation Jamat-E-Islami, while the organisation led by Asiya Andrabi Dukhtaran-e-Millat, led by, and Yasin Malik’s JKLF were banned in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking a tough stand against organisations with ‘separatist’ affiliations intent to foment trouble” in the Jammu and Kashmir valley, the Indian government is considering banning both the factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian media reported citing unnamed Indian officials.

Taking a tough stand against organisations with ‘separatist’ affiliations intent to foment trouble” in the Jammu and Kashmir valley, the Indian government is considering banning both the factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian media reported citing unnamed Indian officials. This comes after a probe conducted by the government officials revealed that some organisations that were part of the Hurriyat Conference used to collect money from Kashmiri students in lieu of securing MBBS seats in Pakistani institutions, and using that money to fund terror organisations in the Union Territory. The officials said both the Hurriyat camps are likely to be banned under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, in which “if the Central Government is of opinion that any association is, or has become, an unlawful association, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such association to be unlawful.” During the probe, the officials said they found about the alleged involvement of members of the Hurriyat Conference with proscribed terrorist organisations Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Constituted in 1993, the Hurriyat Conference consisted of 26 groups, including some pro-Pakistan and banned outfits such as the Jamaat-e-Islami, JKLF and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat. It also included the People's Conference and the Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq. Also read | Deradicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir need of the hour The separatist organisation split into two factions in 2005 with the moderate group being led by the Mirwaiz and the hard-line headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, until he quit the party in June 2020 due to health reasons. Meanwhile, there were some reports that the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, the extremist faction of the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Sunday removed its signboard at the group's head office at its leader’s residence in Srinagar's Hyderpora area. The Centre’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism comes in the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah asking the stakeholders in the Kashmir valley to monitor growing radicalisation. Subsequently, a series of raids were conducted by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) in the Union Territory where several of the conglomerate’s cadres were arrested and jailed. Many of the second-rung cadres of both the factions are in jail since 2017, the officials said. Among those in jail are Altaf Ahmed Shah, the son-in-law of Geelani; businessman Zahoor Ahmed Watali; Geelani's close aide Ayaz Akbar, who is also the spokesperson of the hardline separatist organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat; Peer Saifullah; Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat Conference; Mehrajuddin Kalwal; Nayeem Khan; and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias 'Bitta Karate'. In 2019, the government banned the pro-Pakistani and pro-separatist organisation Jamat-E-Islami, while the organisation led by Asiya Andrabi Dukhtaran-e-Millat, led by, and Yasin Malik’s JKLF were banned in 2018 and 2019, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Both factions of Hurriyat likely to be banned for 'involvement' in terror funding activities in J&K

After two decades out of power, the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;are swiftly moving to stamp their authority on Afghanistan using every tool at their disposal -- including&nbsp;flags.

Since rolling into Kabul a week ago, the white banner of the Islamist militants has become a common sight across the country, replacing the national&nbsp;tricolour&nbsp;flag above government buildings, police stations and military facilities.

There have been scattered reports of people being castigated or even punished for waving the old national banner, but so far there is no official word from the group on the flag issue.

At a Kabul roadside on Sunday, vendors were making a quick sale in&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;flags&nbsp;-- a white banner bearing the Muslim proclamation of faith and the regime's formal name: "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan".

"Our goal is to spread the flag of the Islamic Emirate throughout Afghanistan, instead of the&nbsp;tricolour&nbsp;flag," said vendor Ahmad Shakib, who studies economics at university.

It was not clear if he was affiliated with the&nbsp;Taliban.

The sight of&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighters in vehicles bearing the standard has terrorised people across Afghanistan in recent weeks as the militants first captured vast swathes of the rural hinterland and then all the major cities.

The group was quick to replace the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;national flag wherever it could.

But in the middle of the despair and fear sparked by the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;takeover, the old flag has become something of a symbol of defiance for many, featuring prominently in the small protests held in recent days.

<h2>&nbsp;'My heart is here'</h2>

Social media has been awash with images and emojis of the old flag -- a black, red and green vertical&nbsp;tricolour&nbsp;with the national emblem overlaid in white -- posted by public figures including sports stars and many ordinary Afghans.

On Afghanistan's independence day last week, groups of people waved the national flag in Kabul and a handful of suburbs to celebrate -- sometimes in plain sight of patrolling&nbsp;Taliban.

At one rally, people on a convoy of honking cars waved national&nbsp;flags&nbsp;in Kabul. At another spot, men and women stood by the roadside holding the&nbsp;tricolour&nbsp;banner.

A day earlier,&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighters fired guns to disperse dozens in the eastern city of Jalalabad who were protesting over the removal of the national flag, according to local media.

"My heart is here for this flag... I will never leave this flag," said one Jalalabad resident.

"Kill us, fire at us... We will never leave this flag."

After two decades out of power, the Taliban are swiftly moving to stamp their authority on Afghanistan using every tool at their disposal -- including flags. Since rolling into Kabul a week ago, the white banner of the Islamist militants has become a common sight across the country, replacing the national tricolour flag above government buildings, police stations and military facilities.

After two decades out of power, the Taliban are swiftly moving to stamp their authority on Afghanistan using every tool at their disposal -- including flags. Since rolling into Kabul a week ago, the white banner of the Islamist militants has become a common sight across the country, replacing the national tricolour flag above government buildings, police stations and military facilities. There have been scattered reports of people being castigated or even punished for waving the old national banner, but so far there is no official word from the group on the flag issue. At a Kabul roadside on Sunday, vendors were making a quick sale in Taliban flags -- a white banner bearing the Muslim proclamation of faith and the regime's formal name: "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan". "Our goal is to spread the flag of the Islamic Emirate throughout Afghanistan, instead of the tricolour flag," said vendor Ahmad Shakib, who studies economics at university. It was not clear if he was affiliated with the Taliban. The sight of Taliban fighters in vehicles bearing the standard has terrorised people across Afghanistan in recent weeks as the militants first captured vast swathes of the rural hinterland and then all the major cities. The group was quick to replace the Afghan national flag wherever it could. But in the middle of the despair and fear sparked by the Taliban takeover, the old flag has become something of a symbol of defiance for many, featuring prominently in the small protests held in recent days. 'My heart is here' Social media has been awash with images and emojis of the old flag -- a black, red and green vertical tricolour with the national emblem overlaid in white -- posted by public figures including sports stars and many ordinary Afghans. On Afghanistan's independence day last week, groups of people waved the national flag in Kabul and a handful of suburbs to celebrate -- sometimes in plain sight of patrolling Taliban. At one rally, people on a convoy of honking cars waved national flags in Kabul. At another spot, men and women stood by the roadside holding the tricolour banner. A day earlier, Taliban fighters fired guns to disperse dozens in the eastern city of Jalalabad who were protesting over the removal of the national flag, according to local media. "My heart is here for this flag... I will never leave this flag," said one Jalalabad resident. "Kill us, fire at us... We will never leave this flag."

Taliban flags proliferate as Afghan tricolour becomes resistance symbol

&nbsp;Self-driving startups like Cruise and Pony.ai have begun testing their driverless cars in some parts of California in the past year, with an additional feature: Human operators.

While there is no driver behind the wheel, the passenger seat is occupied by a safety operator who "has a red button that can stop the vehicle just in case anything happens," Pony.ai CEO James Peng told Reuters.

The operator will be removed next year when Pony.ai, whose investors include Toyota Motor Corp, plans to deploy its driverless ride-hailing vehicles in certain areas of California. Still, a remote operator will monitor vehicles and provide guidance when the vehicles run into trouble, Peng said.

Alphabet Inc`s Waymo keeps personnel wearing fluorescent yellow vests at the ready to provide roadside assistance for its automated minivans in Phoenix, according to videos and to one of its avid riders, Joel Johnson, who has witnessed this.

Cruise, majority-owned by General Motors Co, started operating five driverless vehicles in San Francisco at night in October 2020 with a human in the front seat. The minder has "the ability to stop the vehicle at any point during the ride," a Cruise spokesman said.

"Cruise views the development of self-driving vehicles as not only a tech race, but also a trust race," the spokesman added. "Given that, we keep&nbsp;humans in the&nbsp;loop in testing driverless vehicles not&nbsp;only as a means of safe development, but also, beyond that, in order to build trust with the public."

South Korea`s automotive giant Hyundai Motor Group has invested in remote operation startup Ottopia, which will provide remote assistance for the robotaxi fleets by Hyundai`s self-driving car joint venture, Motional.

TESLA TO DRIVERS: `BE READY TO ACT`

The continued human presence in what are supposed to be software-driven, automated vehicles underscores the challenges facing the automated vehicle industry, which has consumed billions of dollars in investor capital over the past decade.

With no end in sight to the technical and regulatory obstacles to free-range, driverless robotaxis, some self-driving companies are accepting the need for human minders and scaling down their ambitions so they can start generating revenue in the near future, according to interviews with investors and startup executives.&nbsp;

Even Tesla Inc, which recently launched a new test version of what it calls “Full Self-Driving" software https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-ai-day-confronts-tough-questions-about-teslas-technology-2021-08-18, said in a message to owners that drivers should "be prepared to act immediately, especially around blind corners, crossing intersections, and in narrow driving situations.” U.S. safety regulators have opened a formal investigation of the automaker`s Autopilot driver assistance system following a series of fatal accidents&nbsp;

WAYMO`S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Waymo has been developing self-driving technology for more than a decade, and launched the first commercial robotaxis in Phoenix. But the successor to the pioneering Google self-driving car project still keeps humans in the loop.

 
Waymo told Reuters it runs four teams monitoring and assisting the fleet. Duties range from responding to riders` questions to providing, remotely, a "second pair of eyes" in tricky situations such as road closures. One of its teams provides roadside assistance to respond to collisions and other incidents.

The teams "work together to orchestrate the operation of our fully autonomous fleet throughout the day," Nathaniel Fairfield, a software engineer at Waymo, said in a statement to Reuters. 
Waymo does not operate vehicles by remote control, he said.

"We don’t use remote takeover, or `joysticking,` because we don`t think remote humans actually add safety," he said, citing potential wireless connection problems.

Waymo now plans to start commercial autonomous vehicle operations in San Francisco with safety drivers initially. The company relies on an army of vehicle operators to ramp up testing in the dense and complex city environment.

A former Waymo operator who participated in San Francisco testing this year said he had to "disengage" and intervene roughly 30 times a day in cases including the car failing to stop fast enough for red lights or vehicles in front that abruptly slow down or stop.

"You are on your toes... There are times where (you think) `Oh, I did not predict this behaviour at all. "This behaviour doesn`t usually happen,`" said the experienced safety operator, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to confidentiality concerns.

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET

Regulators are also keeping humans involved with automated vehicles. California laws "call for a two-way communication link that allows the manufacturer to continuously monitor the (driverless) vehicle’s location/status," the California Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement to Reuters.

Other robotaxi companies are using remote operation as a way to get vehicles on the road.

In Las Vegas, startup Halo allows customers to summon a driverless car, which is driven by a remote human operator over fast, fifth-generation wireless networks operated by T-Mobile US Inc.

"Just a few years back, remote human assistance was a dirty little secret in this space,"&nbsp;said Elliot Katz, co-founder of teleoperation firm Phantom Auto.

"Virtually no one talked about it publicly because there was still this facade that these vehicles were just going to be able to drive autonomously, everywhere they need to go and do everything that a human driver would do."

He added: "Everyone now knows that`s not going to be the case."

Self-driving startups like Cruise and Pony.ai have begun testing their driverless cars in some parts of California in the past year, with an additional feature: Human operators.

Self-driving startups like Cruise and Pony.ai have begun testing their driverless cars in some parts of California in the past year, with an additional feature: Human operators. While there is no driver behind the wheel, the passenger seat is occupied by a safety operator who "has a red button that can stop the vehicle just in case anything happens," Pony.ai CEO James Peng told Reuters. The operator will be removed next year when Pony.ai, whose investors include Toyota Motor Corp, plans to deploy its driverless ride-hailing vehicles in certain areas of California. Still, a remote operator will monitor vehicles and provide guidance when the vehicles run into trouble, Peng said. Alphabet Inc`s Waymo keeps personnel wearing fluorescent yellow vests at the ready to provide roadside assistance for its automated minivans in Phoenix, according to videos and to one of its avid riders, Joel Johnson, who has witnessed this. Cruise, majority-owned by General Motors Co, started operating five driverless vehicles in San Francisco at night in October 2020 with a human in the front seat. The minder has "the ability to stop the vehicle at any point during the ride," a Cruise spokesman said. "Cruise views the development of self-driving vehicles as not only a tech race, but also a trust race," the spokesman added. "Given that, we keep humans in the loop in testing driverless vehicles not only as a means of safe development, but also, beyond that, in order to build trust with the public." South Korea`s automotive giant Hyundai Motor Group has invested in remote operation startup Ottopia, which will provide remote assistance for the robotaxi fleets by Hyundai`s self-driving car joint venture, Motional. TESLA TO DRIVERS: `BE READY TO ACT` The continued human presence in what are supposed to be software-driven, automated vehicles underscores the challenges facing the automated vehicle industry, which has consumed billions of dollars in investor capital over the past decade. With no end in sight to the technical and regulatory obstacles to free-range, driverless robotaxis, some self-driving companies are accepting the need for human minders and scaling down their ambitions so they can start generating revenue in the near future, according to interviews with investors and startup executives. Even Tesla Inc, which recently launched a new test version of what it calls “Full Self-Driving" software https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-ai-day-confronts-tough-questions-about-teslas-technology-2021-08-18, said in a message to owners that drivers should "be prepared to act immediately, especially around blind corners, crossing intersections, and in narrow driving situations.” U.S. safety regulators have opened a formal investigation of the automaker`s Autopilot driver assistance system following a series of fatal accidents WAYMO`S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Waymo has been developing self-driving technology for more than a decade, and launched the first commercial robotaxis in Phoenix. But the successor to the pioneering Google self-driving car project still keeps humans in the loop. Waymo told Reuters it runs four teams monitoring and assisting the fleet. Duties range from responding to riders` questions to providing, remotely, a "second pair of eyes" in tricky situations such as road closures. One of its teams provides roadside assistance to respond to collisions and other incidents. The teams "work together to orchestrate the operation of our fully autonomous fleet throughout the day," Nathaniel Fairfield, a software engineer at Waymo, said in a statement to Reuters. Waymo does not operate vehicles by remote control, he said. "We don’t use remote takeover, or `joysticking,` because we don`t think remote humans actually add safety," he said, citing potential wireless connection problems. Waymo now plans to start commercial autonomous vehicle operations in San Francisco with safety drivers initially. The company relies on an army of vehicle operators to ramp up testing in the dense and complex city environment. A former Waymo operator who participated in San Francisco testing this year said he had to "disengage" and intervene roughly 30 times a day in cases including the car failing to stop fast enough for red lights or vehicles in front that abruptly slow down or stop. "You are on your toes... There are times where (you think) `Oh, I did not predict this behaviour at all. "This behaviour doesn`t usually happen,`" said the experienced safety operator, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to confidentiality concerns. DIRTY LITTLE SECRET Regulators are also keeping humans involved with automated vehicles. California laws "call for a two-way communication link that allows the manufacturer to continuously monitor the (driverless) vehicle’s location/status," the California Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement to Reuters. Other robotaxi companies are using remote operation as a way to get vehicles on the road. In Las Vegas, startup Halo allows customers to summon a driverless car, which is driven by a remote human operator over fast, fifth-generation wireless networks operated by T-Mobile US Inc. "Just a few years back, remote human assistance was a dirty little secret in this space," said Elliot Katz, co-founder of teleoperation firm Phantom Auto. "Virtually no one talked about it publicly because there was still this facade that these vehicles were just going to be able to drive autonomously, everywhere they need to go and do everything that a human driver would do." He added: "Everyone now knows that`s not going to be the case."

A secret weapon for self-driving car startups: Humans

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results.

He also said that the concentration of PM2.5 has reduced from 150 micrograms per cubic metre to 100 ?g/m? and that of PM10 has dipped from 300 ?g/m? to 150 ?g/m? in the national capital since 2014 due to the efforts made in the last few years.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles which penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system.

"This is the first such smog tower in the country. It's a new technology. We have imported it from the US. The structure will suck polluted air from above and release clean air from below. It will purify 1,000 cubic metres of air per second," Kejriwal told reporters.

Since it's a new technology, it is being implemented on an experimental basis. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) built the smog tower with technical support from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi, which will analyse its data. NBCC India Ltd. Is the project management consultant, he said.

"The experts will analyse the functioning of the smog tower and tell us if it is effective. If it is successful, many such smog towers can be installed across Delhi. If not, we will work on some other technology... I think it will prove to be a milestone," he added.

"Data analysis will start immediately. The initial trends will be available within a month... I am also excited to know if we succeeded or not," the chief minister said.

The over 24-metre-tall structure will help improve air quality in a radius of around 1 km, according to officials.

The Delhi cabinet had approved the smog tower project in October last year.

A two-year pilot study will ascertain the effectiveness of the smog tower. A control room has been set up at the site to monitor its operations, an official said.

Another 25-metre-tall smog tower, built by the central government at Anand Vihar, is expected to become operational by August 31.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the nodal agency for the smog tower at Connaught Place, while the Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for the one at Anand Vihar.

The two towers will have 1,200 air filters each developed by experts at the University of Minnesota in the United States, which also helped design a 100-metre smog tower in Xian, China.

The smog towers, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore each, are estimated to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 up to 70 per cent within a one-km radius.

The Supreme Court had in January last year directed the central government to construct a smog tower to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another such structure at Connaught Place in three months.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the "country's first smog tower" at Connaught Place in Delhi on Monday and said it will prove to be a milestone and many such structures can be installed in the city if the pilot project yields results. He also said that the concentration of PM2.5 has reduced from 150 micrograms per cubic metre to 100 ?g/m? and that of PM10 has dipped from 300 ?g/m? to 150 ?g/m? in the national capital since 2014 due to the efforts made in the last few years. PM2.5 refers to fine particles which penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system. "This is the first such smog tower in the country. It's a new technology. We have imported it from the US. The structure will suck polluted air from above and release clean air from below. It will purify 1,000 cubic metres of air per second," Kejriwal told reporters. Since it's a new technology, it is being implemented on an experimental basis. Tata Projects Limited (TPL) built the smog tower with technical support from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi, which will analyse its data. NBCC India Ltd. Is the project management consultant, he said. "The experts will analyse the functioning of the smog tower and tell us if it is effective. If it is successful, many such smog towers can be installed across Delhi. If not, we will work on some other technology... I think it will prove to be a milestone," he added. "Data analysis will start immediately. The initial trends will be available within a month... I am also excited to know if we succeeded or not," the chief minister said. The over 24-metre-tall structure will help improve air quality in a radius of around 1 km, according to officials. The Delhi cabinet had approved the smog tower project in October last year. A two-year pilot study will ascertain the effectiveness of the smog tower. A control room has been set up at the site to monitor its operations, an official said. Another 25-metre-tall smog tower, built by the central government at Anand Vihar, is expected to become operational by August 31. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the nodal agency for the smog tower at Connaught Place, while the Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal agency for the one at Anand Vihar. The two towers will have 1,200 air filters each developed by experts at the University of Minnesota in the United States, which also helped design a 100-metre smog tower in Xian, China. The smog towers, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore each, are estimated to reduce the concentration of PM2.5 up to 70 per cent within a one-km radius. The Supreme Court had in January last year directed the central government to construct a smog tower to reduce pollution at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another such structure at Connaught Place in three months.

India's first smog tower inaugurated in New Delhi's Connaught Place

According to a study, sugars in breast milk can help prevent Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in human cells and tissues and in mice.&nbsp;

The study has argued that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) –– short strings of sugar molecules abundant in breast milk–– might be able to replace antibiotics for treating infections in infants and adults.

GBS infections are a common cause of blood infections, meningitis, and stillbirth in infants.&nbsp;Antibiotics may treat and prevent GBS infections, but the bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant.

The researchers studied the effects of combined HMOs from several mothers on GBS infection of placental immune cells (called macrophages) and of the gestational membrane (the sac surrounding the foetus).

"We found that HMOs were able to completely inhibit bacterial growth in both the macrophages and the membranes so we very quickly turned to looking at a mouse model," said, Rebecca Moore, who is presenting the work at the meeting.

They examined whether HMOs could prevent a GBS infection from spreading through the reproductive tract of pregnant mice. "In five different parts of the reproductive tract, we saw significantly decreased GBS infection with HMO treatment," Moore added.

Moore is a graduate student in the labs of Steven Townsend, PhD, at Vanderbilt University and Jennifer Gaddy, PhD, at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/no-need-to-restrict-breastfeeding-before-or-after-covid-19-vaccination-experts-404318">No need to restrict breastfeeding before or after COVID-19 vaccination: Experts</a>

“We wanted to jump from these in vitro studies to see whether HMOs could prevent infections in cells and tissues from a pregnant woman, and in pregnant mice.”

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2,000 babies in the US get GBS each year, and 4-6 per cent of them die from it. The bacteria are often transferred from mother to baby during labour and delivery.

An expectant mother, who tests positive for GBS is usually given intravenous antibiotics during labour to help prevent early-onset infections which occur during the first week of life. Interestingly, the incidence of late-onset infections (which happen from one week to three months after birth) is higher in formula-fed than breastfed infants, which suggests that factors in breast milk could help protect against GBS.

If so, the sugars could perhaps replace antibiotics, which in addition to killing beneficial bacteria, are becoming less effective because of the rise in antibiotic resistance, the researchers said.

The findings will be presented at the upcoming fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a study, sugars in breast milk can help prevent Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in human cells and tissues and in mice. The study has argued that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) –– short strings of sugar molecules abundant in breast milk–– might be able to replace antibiotics for treating infections in infants and adults.

According to a study, sugars in breast milk can help prevent Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in human cells and tissues and in mice. The study has argued that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) –– short strings of sugar molecules abundant in breast milk–– might be able to replace antibiotics for treating infections in infants and adults. GBS infections are a common cause of blood infections, meningitis, and stillbirth in infants. Antibiotics may treat and prevent GBS infections, but the bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant. The researchers studied the effects of combined HMOs from several mothers on GBS infection of placental immune cells (called macrophages) and of the gestational membrane (the sac surrounding the foetus). "We found that HMOs were able to completely inhibit bacterial growth in both the macrophages and the membranes so we very quickly turned to looking at a mouse model," said, Rebecca Moore, who is presenting the work at the meeting. They examined whether HMOs could prevent a GBS infection from spreading through the reproductive tract of pregnant mice. "In five different parts of the reproductive tract, we saw significantly decreased GBS infection with HMO treatment," Moore added. Moore is a graduate student in the labs of Steven Townsend, PhD, at Vanderbilt University and Jennifer Gaddy, PhD, at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre. Also read | No need to restrict breastfeeding before or after COVID-19 vaccination: Experts “We wanted to jump from these in vitro studies to see whether HMOs could prevent infections in cells and tissues from a pregnant woman, and in pregnant mice.” According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2,000 babies in the US get GBS each year, and 4-6 per cent of them die from it. The bacteria are often transferred from mother to baby during labour and delivery. An expectant mother, who tests positive for GBS is usually given intravenous antibiotics during labour to help prevent early-onset infections which occur during the first week of life. Interestingly, the incidence of late-onset infections (which happen from one week to three months after birth) is higher in formula-fed than breastfed infants, which suggests that factors in breast milk could help protect against GBS. If so, the sugars could perhaps replace antibiotics, which in addition to killing beneficial bacteria, are becoming less effective because of the rise in antibiotic resistance, the researchers said. The findings will be presented at the upcoming fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). (With inputs from agencies)

Sugars in breast milk may help prevent infections in newborns: Study

A stress signal received by the heart from fat could help protect against cardiac damage induced by obesity, a new study led by UT Southwestern researchers suggests.

The finding, published online in&nbsp;Cell Metabolism, might help explain the “obesity paradox,” a phenomenon where obese individuals have better short- and medium-term cardiovascular disease prognoses compared with those who are lean, but with ultimately worse long-term outcomes.

"The mechanism we have identified here could be one of many that protects the heart in obesity," said study leader Philipp E. Scherer, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology at UTSW who has long studied fat metabolism.

Study co-leader Clair Crewe, PhD, Assistant Instructor of Internal Medicine at UTSW, said the metabolic stress of obesity gradually makes fat tissue dysfunctional, causing its mitochondria — the cellular organelles that generate energy — to shrink and die. Eventually, this unhealthy fat loses the ability to store lipids generated by excess calories in food, poisoning other organs through an effect called lipotoxicity. Some organs, including the heart, appear to mount a preemptive defence to protect against lipotoxicity. But how the heart senses fat's dysfunctional state has been unknown.

In their study, Dr Crewe, Dr Scherer, and their colleagues used a genetic technique to speed the loss of mitochondrial mass and function in mice. When these animals ate a high-fat diet and became obese, the researchers found that the rodents' fat cells began sending out extracellular vesicles filled with small pieces of dying mitochondria. Some of these mitochondrial snippets travelled through the bloodstream to the heart, triggering oxidative stress, a state in which cells generate harmful free radicals.

To counteract this stress, heart cells produce a flood of protective antioxidant molecules. This protective backlash was so strong that when the scientists injected mice with extracellular vesicles filled with mitochondrial snippets and later induced a heart attack, the animals had significantly less damage to their hearts compared with mice that didn't receive an injection.

Further research using fat tissue sampled from obese patients showed that these cells also release mitochondria-filled extracellular vesicles, Dr Crewe said, suggesting that the effects observed in mice also take place in humans.

Eventually, she explained, the heart and other organs in obese individuals become overwhelmed by lipotoxic effects, leading to many of obesity's comorbidities. However, learning how to artificially generate the protective mechanism identified in this study could lead to new ways to buffer obesity's negative consequences. This knowledge could even suggest strategies to protect the heart against damage in lean individuals as well.

“By better understanding the distress signal from fat,” Dr Crewe said, “We may be able to harness the mechanism to improve heart health in obese and non-obese individuals alike.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A stress signal received by the heart from fat could help protect against cardiac damage induced by obesity, a new study led by UT Southwestern researchers suggests.

A stress signal received by the heart from fat could help protect against cardiac damage induced by obesity, a new study led by UT Southwestern researchers suggests. The finding, published online in Cell Metabolism, might help explain the “obesity paradox,” a phenomenon where obese individuals have better short- and medium-term cardiovascular disease prognoses compared with those who are lean, but with ultimately worse long-term outcomes. "The mechanism we have identified here could be one of many that protects the heart in obesity," said study leader Philipp E. Scherer, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology at UTSW who has long studied fat metabolism. Study co-leader Clair Crewe, PhD, Assistant Instructor of Internal Medicine at UTSW, said the metabolic stress of obesity gradually makes fat tissue dysfunctional, causing its mitochondria — the cellular organelles that generate energy — to shrink and die. Eventually, this unhealthy fat loses the ability to store lipids generated by excess calories in food, poisoning other organs through an effect called lipotoxicity. Some organs, including the heart, appear to mount a preemptive defence to protect against lipotoxicity. But how the heart senses fat's dysfunctional state has been unknown. In their study, Dr Crewe, Dr Scherer, and their colleagues used a genetic technique to speed the loss of mitochondrial mass and function in mice. When these animals ate a high-fat diet and became obese, the researchers found that the rodents' fat cells began sending out extracellular vesicles filled with small pieces of dying mitochondria. Some of these mitochondrial snippets travelled through the bloodstream to the heart, triggering oxidative stress, a state in which cells generate harmful free radicals. To counteract this stress, heart cells produce a flood of protective antioxidant molecules. This protective backlash was so strong that when the scientists injected mice with extracellular vesicles filled with mitochondrial snippets and later induced a heart attack, the animals had significantly less damage to their hearts compared with mice that didn't receive an injection. Further research using fat tissue sampled from obese patients showed that these cells also release mitochondria-filled extracellular vesicles, Dr Crewe said, suggesting that the effects observed in mice also take place in humans. Eventually, she explained, the heart and other organs in obese individuals become overwhelmed by lipotoxic effects, leading to many of obesity's comorbidities. However, learning how to artificially generate the protective mechanism identified in this study could lead to new ways to buffer obesity's negative consequences. This knowledge could even suggest strategies to protect the heart against damage in lean individuals as well. “By better understanding the distress signal from fat,” Dr Crewe said, “We may be able to harness the mechanism to improve heart health in obese and non-obese individuals alike.” (With inputs from agencies)

Distress signal from fat cells prompts heart to shore up defences against consequences of obesity

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