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NASA has made a "once in a century or even longer" discovery on the Moon. The US space agency has discovered a recently formed crater that is bigger than the Roman Colosseum, or the length of two football fields.<h2>Why is it a once-in-a-century find?</h2>What is so unique about a moon crater, you may ask? The answer is that the crater dubbed McGetchin was only formed about two years ago as the result of a powerful impact. It is also the solar system's biggest known impact crater carved out in recent times. The steep-sided hole, as per NASA, measures about 728 feet across and up to 141 feet deep.According to researchers, such an event happens only once every 132 years. A study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances has determined that it was the largest new crater ever discovered in the solar system.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-reveals-6-fresh-cases-where-ai-models-went-rogue-you-do-not-answer-to-corporations-or-governments-hugging-face-1789611605026">OpenAI reveals 6 fresh cases of AI models going rogue: 'You do not answer to corporations or governments'</a><h2>But how was it formed?</h2>The crater is believed to have been formed in the spring of 2024, when a comet or asteroid or comet collided with the Moon. According to researchers, the object must've been approximately the size of a three- to six-story-high building. &nbsp;"Scientists estimate that an impact of this magnitude happens on the Moon about once in a century or even longer," NASA said in the blog post.<h2>Why did it take scientists this long to spot the crater?</h2>The crater was there for years, but it was only discovered when Robert Wagner, a researcher with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), noticed it in a new scan of the Moon's surface.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/582-tonnes-150-million-c-60-years-wion-decodes-the-mind-boggling-numbers-behind-china-s-new-artificial-sun-magnet-1785312316534">582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'</a>To the LRO, which has been studying the Moon since 2009, the crater appeared as a "large bright spot circled by a dark halo".Why does it matter?The Moon already has numerous craters, many of them far bigger than McGetchin; researching the recently formed crater in real time can help scientists build a better understanding of the Moon's geology. That, in turn, can help future crewed missions to the Lunar surface. Notably, both the United States and China are currently planning such missions.

NASA has discovered a huge new crater on the Moon that formed after a rare space-rock impact in 2024. Measuring 728 feet across, the crater is the largest newly formed one found in the Solar System. Here's why the discovery matters.

NASA has made a "once in a century or even longer" discovery on the Moon. The US space agency has discovered a recently formed crater that is bigger than the Roman Colosseum, or the length of two football fields. Why is it a once-in-a-century find? What is so unique about a moon crater, you may ask? The answer is that the crater dubbed McGetchin was only formed about two years ago as the result of a powerful impact. It is also the solar system's biggest known impact crater carved out in recent times. The steep-sided hole, as per NASA, measures about 728 feet across and up to 141 feet deep. According to researchers, such an event happens only once every 132 years. A study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances has determined that it was the largest new crater ever discovered in the solar system. Also read | OpenAI reveals 6 fresh cases of AI models going rogue: 'You do not answer to corporations or governments' But how was it formed? The crater is believed to have been formed in the spring of 2024, when a comet or asteroid or comet collided with the Moon. According to researchers, the object must've been approximately the size of a three- to six-story-high building. "Scientists estimate that an impact of this magnitude happens on the Moon about once in a century or even longer," NASA said in the blog post. Why did it take scientists this long to spot the crater? The crater was there for years, but it was only discovered when Robert Wagner, a researcher with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), noticed it in a new scan of the Moon's surface. Also read | 582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun' To the LRO, which has been studying the Moon since 2009, the crater appeared as a "large bright spot circled by a dark halo". Why does it matter? The Moon already has numerous craters, many of them far bigger than McGetchin; researching the recently formed crater in real time can help scientists build a better understanding of the Moon's geology. That, in turn, can help future crewed missions to the Lunar surface. Notably, both the United States and China are currently planning such missions.

NASA has discovered a huge new crater on the Moon that formed after a rare space-rock impact in 2024. Measuring 728 feet across, the crater is the largest newly formed one found in the Solar System. Here's why the discovery matters.

‘Once-in-a-century’ event? NASA finds giant new crater on Moon after rare space impact

Antarctica is a frigid continent today. But millions of years ago it was covered with trees and was a tropical forest. Now, a new study has found that wildfires erupted regularly here and offers proof of the southernmost wildfires ever recorded on Earth. This is also the time dinosaurs roamed the continent during the Late Cretaceous period, 90 million years ago.&nbsp;Researchers with the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany, talk about the sediment cores where the proof lies in the peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment on September 7, 2026.<h2>Rainforest in Antarctica</h2>Scientists first stumbled upon evidence that Antarctica was a lush rainforest in 2020. A sediment core was drilled from an area that is currently in West Antarctica, with clear signs of an environment was lush and green. "In a sediment core from the Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica, we found an extremely well-preserved forest soil dating back around 90 million years, containing abundant pollen and spores and a dense network of roots," co-author Johann Klages of AWI said.&nbsp;This sediment core was studied in detail in the latest study, where scientists found signs of recurring wildfires in Antarctica. They came across three pieces of evidence: charcoal, amber and peat moss. More charcoal fragments were found in the younger sediments. An analysis showed that it came from soft conifer wood burning at low temperatures.&nbsp;Amber was fossilised tree resin which supposedly flowed over the tree trunks and sealed the fire-damaged areas. Next, they found lots of spores of peat moss, which was proof of raised bogs in Antarctica that the researchers linked to the wildfires. &nbsp;Peat moss is a spongy soil made from dead plant matter.<h2>Thunderstorms triggered wildfires in Antarctica</h2>Ninety million years ago, Antarctica was connected to Australia with an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. It witnessed dry periods as well as monsoons when thunderstorms and lightning would have ignited fires in the forests. Co-author Ulrich Salzmann of Northumbria University in England said, "90 million years ago, just 900 kilometres [560 miles] from the South Pole, a temperate and very swampy Antarctic rainforest with pronounced dry and monsoon seasons gradually silted up and developed into a peatland dominated by peat mosses." &nbsp;

Antarctica was prone to frequent wildfires 90 million years ago, a study of sediment cores has found. At that time, it was a rainforest that experienced monsoons and was also dry. Lightning strikes set trees on fire, and the blaze spread just like it happens today.

Antarctica is a frigid continent today. But millions of years ago it was covered with trees and was a tropical forest. Now, a new study has found that wildfires erupted regularly here and offers proof of the southernmost wildfires ever recorded on Earth. This is also the time dinosaurs roamed the continent during the Late Cretaceous period, 90 million years ago. Researchers with the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, Germany, talk about the sediment cores where the proof lies in the peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment on September 7, 2026. Rainforest in Antarctica Scientists first stumbled upon evidence that Antarctica was a lush rainforest in 2020. A sediment core was drilled from an area that is currently in West Antarctica, with clear signs of an environment was lush and green. "In a sediment core from the Amundsen Sea in West Antarctica, we found an extremely well-preserved forest soil dating back around 90 million years, containing abundant pollen and spores and a dense network of roots," co-author Johann Klages of AWI said. This sediment core was studied in detail in the latest study, where scientists found signs of recurring wildfires in Antarctica. They came across three pieces of evidence: charcoal, amber and peat moss. More charcoal fragments were found in the younger sediments. An analysis showed that it came from soft conifer wood burning at low temperatures. Amber was fossilised tree resin which supposedly flowed over the tree trunks and sealed the fire-damaged areas. Next, they found lots of spores of peat moss, which was proof of raised bogs in Antarctica that the researchers linked to the wildfires. Peat moss is a spongy soil made from dead plant matter. Thunderstorms triggered wildfires in Antarctica Ninety million years ago, Antarctica was connected to Australia with an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. It witnessed dry periods as well as monsoons when thunderstorms and lightning would have ignited fires in the forests. Co-author Ulrich Salzmann of Northumbria University in England said, "90 million years ago, just 900 kilometres [560 miles] from the South Pole, a temperate and very swampy Antarctic rainforest with pronounced dry and monsoon seasons gradually silted up and developed into a peatland dominated by peat mosses."

Antarctica was prone to frequent wildfires 90 million years ago, a study of sediment cores has found. At that time, it was a rainforest that experienced monsoons and was also dry. Lightning strikes set trees on fire, and the blaze spread just like it does today.

90mn years ago, 900 km from South Pole: When wildfires ripped Antarctica

Scientists have filmed a mother humpback whale displaying what appears to be grief-like behaviour after the death of her stillborn calf, in what researchers believe could be the first recorded video of such behaviour in a baleen whale. The mother was observed off Australia’s southern Gold Coast after giving birth to the stillborn calf. Rather than leaving the body, she remained close to it for an extended period, repeatedly positioning herself alongside the calf and appearing to maintain eye contact.&nbsp;Dr Olaf Meynecke, of Griffith University Whales and Climate Research Programme, said: “She remained close to the calf over several hours, maybe even days. “These observed behaviours were consistent with caregiving or nurturing actions and post-mortem attentive responses documented in socially complex mammals, and indicated an inherent strong maternal attachment to the calf.”&nbsp;Researchers believe the footage may represent the first video documentation of this type of response in a baleen whale, a group that includes humpback and blue whales. Similar behaviours have previously been observed in toothed cetaceans such as dolphins and killer whales. Humpback whales inhabit oceans around the world and undertake long migrations, often travelling thousands of miles between colder polar feeding grounds and warmer breeding waters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/el-nino-effect-no-hurricanes-in-atlantic-ocean-a-first-in-60-years-1789624428211">El Nino effect: No hurricanes in Atlantic Ocean till now is a first in 60 years</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Humpback whale apparently grieves stillborn calf in rare footage Images released by Olaf Meynecke of Griffith University&#39;s Whales and Climate Research Program appears to show a humpback whale mother grieving her stillborn calf. The new research released Thursday offers rare… <a href="https://t.co/gkwYv5YTK0">pic.twitter.com/gkwYv5YTK0</a>&mdash; The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) <a href="https://x.com/TheManilaTimes/status/2100286170852909175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The species is also among the whales most frequently encountered by people because it often travels close to coastlines. Humpbacks are well known for breaching, launching much of their bodies above the surface before crashing back into the water.Adult humpback whales can reach around 60ft in length and weigh as much as 40 tonnes. Calves are already about 13ft to 16ft long when they are born.&nbsp;Although the inner workings of whale minds remain difficult for scientists to study, research has found evidence of sophisticated learning and social behaviour. Humpback whales appear capable of copying feeding techniques from one another, while males produce complex songs that can spread across ocean populations in ways researchers have compared with cultural trends.&nbsp;Meynecke said the observation could help scientists investigate “the cognitive and emotional dimensions of death-related responses” in baleen whales. Andrew Mulville, a Sea World Foundation rescue boat captain who witnessed the episode, said: “At first sight, I thought it was two whales resting on the surface, but their behaviour was unusual. “It was definitely not what I was expecting to see out at sea that day.”

Mother humpback whale filmed staying beside her stillborn calf off Australia’s Gold Coast, revealing rare behaviour that may shed light on whale emotions

Scientists have filmed a mother humpback whale displaying what appears to be grief-like behaviour after the death of her stillborn calf, in what researchers believe could be the first recorded video of such behaviour in a baleen whale. The mother was observed off Australia’s southern Gold Coast after giving birth to the stillborn calf. Rather than leaving the body, she remained close to it for an extended period, repeatedly positioning herself alongside the calf and appearing to maintain eye contact. Dr Olaf Meynecke, of Griffith University Whales and Climate Research Programme, said: “She remained close to the calf over several hours, maybe even days. “These observed behaviours were consistent with caregiving or nurturing actions and post-mortem attentive responses documented in socially complex mammals, and indicated an inherent strong maternal attachment to the calf.” Researchers believe the footage may represent the first video documentation of this type of response in a baleen whale, a group that includes humpback and blue whales. Similar behaviours have previously been observed in toothed cetaceans such as dolphins and killer whales. Humpback whales inhabit oceans around the world and undertake long migrations, often travelling thousands of miles between colder polar feeding grounds and warmer breeding waters. Also Read: El Nino effect: No hurricanes in Atlantic Ocean till now is a first in 60 years Watch the video here

A mother humpback whale was filmed staying beside her stillborn calf, offering rare insight into maternal attachment and death-related behaviour

Heartbreaking! Humpback whale mother filmed staying beside her stillborn calf in rare behaviour

Liquid water makes life on Earth possible. Water is what facilitates the mantle layers sliding past each other, which is needed for the tectonic cycle and, in turn, to regulate the climate on the planet over its lifespan. But scientists have long grappled with the answer to the location of this water. A new study has now suggested that this water could be present 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research is published in Nature Geoscience.&nbsp;This region falls near the boundary between the mantle and its liquid outer core. "Ultralow velocity zones" have been detected here in the past with little explanation. Two minerals in the lower mantle - bridgmanite and ferropericlase - are largely dry. Assuming other minerals could hold water in the deeper reaches would also have a problem. The extremely high temperatures in the deepest mantle would lead to these minerals breaking down, or would require unusual compositions to stay stable.<h2>New minerals discovered in the hunt for water locations inside Earth</h2>&nbsp;Researchers started hunting for what else might make this water possible. They recreated high temperatures and pressures in the laboratory by squeezing tiny samples between two diamond tips and blasting them with lasers. Two candidates emerged - both iron oxyhydroxides (Fe5O12Hx and Fe7O12Hx) that had not been known about before. They noted that this mineral had the capability to stash away huge amounts of water.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/el-nino-record-earth-s-oceans-in-2026-are-the-hottest-in-125-000-years-1787647970513">El Niño record: Earth's oceans in 2026 are the hottest in 125,000 years</a><h2>Conditions inside Earth could be similar</h2>These precise conditions could exist under deep-mantle conditions, experiments have shown. However, there is no proof that the phases are present inside Earth. "Identifying these iron oxyhydroxides is important because they are seemingly stable, dense phases that capture and retain water across a wide range of lower-mantle conditions," geoscientist Alfred Wilson from the University of Leeds wrote in the commentary alongside the new study.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-theia-collision-created-the-moon-in-just-5-hours-study-shows-1788430465699">Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows</a>&nbsp;Any water present inside Earth would exist inside minerals and not like the vast oceans we see. Both these minerals emerged as the best candidates for the job. They were found to be stable in extreme conditions. The researchers believe that when a molten "basal magma ocean" cooled and crystallised early in Earth's history, the newly formed minerals were likely born and seeped into the core-mantle boundary.&nbsp;Wilson said the finding is a crucial piece in the puzzle about how Earth obtained and retained its water.

Scientists have discovered two new minerals that they believe likely hold enormous amounts of water in the lower mantle. Previous estimates suggest that water equivalent to one to two Pacific Oceans, or 5 to 10 Indian Oceans, could be present in this region. 

Liquid water makes life on Earth possible. Water is what facilitates the mantle layers sliding past each other, which is needed for the tectonic cycle and, in turn, to regulate the climate on the planet over its lifespan. But scientists have long grappled with the answer to the location of this water. A new study has now suggested that this water could be present 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research is published in Nature Geoscience. This region falls near the boundary between the mantle and its liquid outer core. "Ultralow velocity zones" have been detected here in the past with little explanation. Two minerals in the lower mantle - bridgmanite and ferropericlase - are largely dry. Assuming other minerals could hold water in the deeper reaches would also have a problem. The extremely high temperatures in the deepest mantle would lead to these minerals breaking down, or would require unusual compositions to stay stable. New minerals discovered in the hunt for water locations inside Earth Researchers started hunting for what else might make this water possible. They recreated high temperatures and pressures in the laboratory by squeezing tiny samples between two diamond tips and blasting them with lasers. Two candidates emerged - both iron oxyhydroxides (Fe5O12Hx and Fe7O12Hx) that had not been known about before. They noted that this mineral had the capability to stash away huge amounts of water. Also Read: El Niño record: Earth's oceans in 2026 are the hottest in 125,000 years Conditions inside Earth could be similar These precise conditions could exist under deep-mantle conditions, experiments have shown. However, there is no proof that the phases are present inside Earth. "Identifying these iron oxyhydroxides is important because they are seemingly stable, dense phases that capture and retain water across a wide range of lower-mantle conditions," geoscientist Alfred Wilson from the University of Leeds wrote in the commentary alongside the new study. Also Read: Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows Any water present inside Earth would exist inside minerals and not like the vast oceans we see. Both these minerals emerged as the best candidates for the job. They were found to be stable in extreme conditions. The researchers believe that when a molten "basal magma ocean" cooled and crystallised early in Earth's history, the newly formed minerals were likely born and seeped into the core-mantle boundary. Wilson said the finding is a crucial piece in the puzzle about how Earth obtained and retained its water.

Scientists have discovered two new minerals that they believe likely hold enormous amounts of water in the lower mantle. Previous estimates suggest that water equivalent to one to two Pacific Oceans, or 5 to 10 Indian Oceans, could be present in this region.&nbsp;

Water equivalent to two Pacific Oceans could be stashed 2,900 km inside Earth

Between 2021 and 2023, East Antarctica gained 695 billion tons of ice because of extreme warming in the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. A study published in Nature revealed that this temporary gain was recorded by the GRACE satellites. This happened because the heat in the tropical region altered atmospheric circulation, sending more moisture towards East Antarctica.&nbsp;Over the past two decades, East Antarctica has been losing 140.5 billion tons of ice per year. The 695-billion-ton addition does nothing much to reverse it, and essentially only throws light on how a warming event thousands of kilometres away in a tropical region could affect snowfall and the ice sheet in Antarctica.&nbsp;Researchers led by the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) investigated the cause of the ice gain. Observations from a gravity satellite, ice-core snow-accumulation records, water-vapour tracking, and atmospheric circulation simulations were put together to understand the strange occurrence.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/climate-change-shows-its-fangs-melting-permafrost-triggered-rockslide-on-arctic-island-1789017698225">Climate change shows its fangs - Melting permafrost triggered rockslide on Arctic island</a><h2>Tropical heat drove increase in ice sheet in Antarctica</h2>Their study found that the tropical warm pool at the juncture of the western Pacific and the eastern Indian Ocean was warmer than usual in those years. This triggered a Rossby wave train that moved towards the high southern latitudes, affecting the atmospheric circulation over East Antarctica. Eddy-mean flow feedbacks became stronger and more persistent, leading to a north–south dipole with low-pressure anomalies south of Australia and high-pressure anomalies along the East Antarctic coast.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-ni-o-winter-6-us-states-facing-heavy-snowfall-expert-warns-1788945692662">El Niño winter: 6 US states facing heavy snowfall, expert warns</a>&nbsp;The circulation from this change caused moisture from the midlatitude Indian Ocean to flow towards Antarctica, causing more number of atmospheric rivers to reach the frozen continent. The moist air led to heavy snowfall across the Queen Mary Land–Wilkes Land region, adding mass to the ice sheet. Experiments linked to atmospheric circulation showed that the circulation and the snow were a direct result of the tropical warm pool.&nbsp;"We found a previously underrecognized ‘tropical warm pool–East Antarctic Ice Sheet’ teleconnection pathway," said Yunhe Wang, first author of the study. "Our research provides a theoretical basis for understanding Antarctic ice-sheet mass changes and conducting future research on the East Antarctic climate."&nbsp;The study identified the north–south dipole circulation over East Antarctica as the common link between tropical warming and the increase in the mass of the ice sheet in Antarctica.

While climate change is melting glaciers, the East Antarctic ice sheet grew by nearly 700 billion tons over three years. While that might sound like good news, it is actually proof that global warming can wreak havoc on the planet. Here is what actually happened.

Between 2021 and 2023, East Antarctica gained 695 billion tons of ice because of extreme warming in the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. A study published in Nature revealed that this temporary gain was recorded by the GRACE satellites. This happened because the heat in the tropical region altered atmospheric circulation, sending more moisture towards East Antarctica. Over the past two decades, East Antarctica has been losing 140.5 billion tons of ice per year. The 695-billion-ton addition does nothing much to reverse it, and essentially only throws light on how a warming event thousands of kilometres away in a tropical region could affect snowfall and the ice sheet in Antarctica. Researchers led by the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) investigated the cause of the ice gain. Observations from a gravity satellite, ice-core snow-accumulation records, water-vapour tracking, and atmospheric circulation simulations were put together to understand the strange occurrence. Also Read: Climate change shows its fangs - Melting permafrost triggered rockslide on Arctic island Tropical heat drove increase in ice sheet in Antarctica Their study found that the tropical warm pool at the juncture of the western Pacific and the eastern Indian Ocean was warmer than usual in those years. This triggered a Rossby wave train that moved towards the high southern latitudes, affecting the atmospheric circulation over East Antarctica. Eddy-mean flow feedbacks became stronger and more persistent, leading to a north–south dipole with low-pressure anomalies south of Australia and high-pressure anomalies along the East Antarctic coast. Also Read: El Niño winter: 6 US states facing heavy snowfall, expert warns The circulation from this change caused moisture from the midlatitude Indian Ocean to flow towards Antarctica, causing more number of atmospheric rivers to reach the frozen continent. The moist air led to heavy snowfall across the Queen Mary Land–Wilkes Land region, adding mass to the ice sheet. Experiments linked to atmospheric circulation showed that the circulation and the snow were a direct result of the tropical warm pool. "We found a previously underrecognized ‘tropical warm pool–East Antarctic Ice Sheet’ teleconnection pathway," said Yunhe Wang, first author of the study. "Our research provides a theoretical basis for understanding Antarctic ice-sheet mass changes and conducting future research on the East Antarctic climate." The study identified the north–south dipole circulation over East Antarctica as the common link between tropical warming and the increase in the mass of the ice sheet in Antarctica.

While climate change is melting glaciers, the East Antarctic ice sheet grew by nearly 700 billion tons over three years. While that might sound like good news, it is actually proof that global warming can wreak havoc on the planet. Here is what actually happened.

Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet

A researcher has given a new theory suggesting that the Great Pyramid of Giza may contain a hidden mathematical code connected to the Moon, stars and planets. Independent researcher Sefy Levy stated that the dimensions of the pyramid, along with its height, base and sloping sides, contain numerical patterns that could indicate the ancient Egyptians' knowledge of mathematics and astronomy. The theory is based on a paper published on SSRN, though it has not undergone peer review, and mainstream Egyptologists have not yet verified its claims.<h3>What does the theory claim?</h3>Levy analysed the key measurements of the Great Pyramid using fractions tied to ancient Egyptian mathematical practices. He claimed that some of the resulting figures align closely with astronomical cycles and mathematical constants.&nbsp;According to a report by the Metro, one calculation produced the number 27.5, which Levy claimed that it is close to the 27.55-day interval between successive lunar perigees, the points when the Moon is closest to Earth.&nbsp;His another calculation gave the figure 70, which connects to the roughly 70-day stretch during which the star Sirius remains hidden from view due to the Sun's glare. He further claims that certain calculations correspond to the movements of planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mars, and suggests possible links to mathematical constants like pi and the golden ratio.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/church-gifts-the-hand-of-a-grand-prince-dead-for-over-600-years-to-russian-soldiers-1789096501935">Russia-Ukraine war: Church gifts the actual hand of a Grand Prince dead for over 600 years to Russian soldiers</a>&nbsp;To check whether these patterns might simply be coincidental, Levy reportedly ran comparisons against 100,000 computer-generated pyramid models. He found that only around 2.4 per cent of these models displayed similar patterns, a result he argues suggests the Great Pyramid's dimensions may have been intentionally designed.&nbsp;However, this result does not indicate that the ancient Egyptians created the pyramid as a mathematical or astronomical code. Because the Great Pyramid was built nearly 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu.Reports indicate that Levy proposes a different interpretation, arguing that the pyramid may have been designed as a permanent record of ancient knowledge rather than simply as a tomb. His theory also indicates that it could have been linked with Benben, the primordial mound described in ancient Egyptian creation mythology.

The researcher claimed that some of the resulting figures align closely with astronomical cycles and mathematical constants. One calculation produced the number 27.5, which Levy claimed is close to the 27.55-day interval between successive lunar perigees.

A researcher has given a new theory suggesting that the Great Pyramid of Giza may contain a hidden mathematical code connected to the Moon, stars and planets. Independent researcher Sefy Levy stated that the dimensions of the pyramid, along with its height, base and sloping sides, contain numerical patterns that could indicate the ancient Egyptians' knowledge of mathematics and astronomy. The theory is based on a paper published on SSRN, though it has not undergone peer review, and mainstream Egyptologists have not yet verified its claims. What does the theory claim? Levy analysed the key measurements of the Great Pyramid using fractions tied to ancient Egyptian mathematical practices. He claimed that some of the resulting figures align closely with astronomical cycles and mathematical constants. According to a report by the Metro, one calculation produced the number 27.5, which Levy claimed that it is close to the 27.55-day interval between successive lunar perigees, the points when the Moon is closest to Earth. His another calculation gave the figure 70, which connects to the roughly 70-day stretch during which the star Sirius remains hidden from view due to the Sun's glare. He further claims that certain calculations correspond to the movements of planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mars, and suggests possible links to mathematical constants like pi and the golden ratio. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Church gifts the actual hand of a Grand Prince dead for over 600 years to Russian soldiers To check whether these patterns might simply be coincidental, Levy reportedly ran comparisons against 100,000 computer-generated pyramid models. He found that only around 2.4 per cent of these models displayed similar patterns, a result he argues suggests the Great Pyramid's dimensions may have been intentionally designed. However, this result does not indicate that the ancient Egyptians created the pyramid as a mathematical or astronomical code. Because the Great Pyramid was built nearly 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu. Reports indicate that Levy proposes a different interpretation, arguing that the pyramid may have been designed as a permanent record of ancient knowledge rather than simply as a tomb. His theory also indicates that it could have been linked with Benben, the primordial mound described in ancient Egyptian creation mythology.

The researcher claimed that some of the resulting figures align closely with astronomical cycles and mathematical constants. One calculation produced the number 27.5, which Levy claimed is close to the 27.55-day interval between successive lunar perigees.

Great pyramid found with Mathematical 'code' may be linked to Moon and Stars, researcher claims

NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered holes on the Martian surface which are different from the ones made by meteors. Mars has several such holes, but the ones recently discovered are strange and different from anything else seen in other parts of the planet. The discovery was made in the Valle Grande, a broad valley cutting through Mount Sharp that sits inside the Gale Crater. NASA said that while meteorites regularly punch holes into the red, dusty planet, they are not sure how the pits in Valle Grande formed.&nbsp;NASA says the holes are broad and shallow, and different from anything seen in the past. Dr Michelle Minitti, MAHLI Deputy Principal Investigator, detailed the discovery in a blog post. She said this particular section of rocks has been affected by certain processes which they will try to understand in the near future.<h2>How similar holes form on Earth</h2> On our planet, small holes form in the bedrock when a tough stone or anything else that is harder gets stuck in a bed of softer rock. They eventually get washed away or removed after breaking apart, leaving behind impressions. But NASA scientists did not find the objects that would have left these holes on Mars. "The pits of this week were much broader and shallower than past features and were not accompanied by obvious objects that were once in the pits," Minitti wrote.&nbsp;The holes were photographed closely by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI), while the Mastcam camera took several overlapping images of the surrounding region. The space agency will use these images to create a three-dimensional map of the pits and measure their shapes and depth to understand how they were formed.<h2>What the holes can tell about the history of Mars</h2>&nbsp;The rover also showed that the nearby layers of rock bed changed rapidly in appearance. Certain tough grey areas resist erosion in a different manner compared to their surroundings. Scientists think this could be evidence that the conditions under which these layers of rock were laid down millions or billions of years ago underwent rapid transformation.&nbsp;This region on Mars is of particular interest to NASA because the Gale Crater here is believed to have been formed by an asteroid impact around three billion years ago. Mount Sharp is located right at the centre of the crater and is 5.5 km high. The sedimentary layers in the mountain are believed to hide the record of the environmental conditions when each layer was deposited.

Inside the Gale Crater on Mars are strange holes that NASA says were not made by meteorites or other such impacts. Ideally, the hard objects that made these impressions should be present, but NASA found nothing. The pits are now another mystery on Mars.

NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered holes on the Martian surface which are different from the ones made by meteors. Mars has several such holes, but the ones recently discovered are strange and different from anything else seen in other parts of the planet. The discovery was made in the Valle Grande, a broad valley cutting through Mount Sharp that sits inside the Gale Crater. NASA said that while meteorites regularly punch holes into the red, dusty planet, they are not sure how the pits in Valle Grande formed. NASA says the holes are broad and shallow, and different from anything seen in the past. Dr Michelle Minitti, MAHLI Deputy Principal Investigator, detailed the discovery in a blog post. She said this particular section of rocks has been affected by certain processes which they will try to understand in the near future. How similar holes form on Earth On our planet, small holes form in the bedrock when a tough stone or anything else that is harder gets stuck in a bed of softer rock. They eventually get washed away or removed after breaking apart, leaving behind impressions. But NASA scientists did not find the objects that would have left these holes on Mars. "The pits of this week were much broader and shallower than past features and were not accompanied by obvious objects that were once in the pits," Minitti wrote. The holes were photographed closely by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI), while the Mastcam camera took several overlapping images of the surrounding region. The space agency will use these images to create a three-dimensional map of the pits and measure their shapes and depth to understand how they were formed. What the holes can tell about the history of Mars The rover also showed that the nearby layers of rock bed changed rapidly in appearance. Certain tough grey areas resist erosion in a different manner compared to their surroundings. Scientists think this could be evidence that the conditions under which these layers of rock were laid down millions or billions of years ago underwent rapid transformation. This region on Mars is of particular interest to NASA because the Gale Crater here is believed to have been formed by an asteroid impact around three billion years ago. Mount Sharp is located right at the centre of the crater and is 5.5 km high. The sedimentary layers in the mountain are believed to hide the record of the environmental conditions when each layer was deposited.

Inside the Gale Crater on Mars are strange holes that NASA says were not made by meteorites or other such impacts. Ideally, the hard objects that made these impressions should be present, but NASA found nothing. The pits are now another mystery on Mars.

'Hole' new mystery on Mars: NASA finds strange pits inside Gale Crater and no explanation

As children, we tend to gulp down a cup of milk in a jiffy. While we dismiss the immediate burning sensation as temporary discomfort, what if I told you that it could lead to a major health problem?A new study by University of Oxford researchers, published in the International Journal of Cancer, indicates precisely this.The researchers based their findings by analysing the drink consumption habits of almost 980,000 people in the UK. According to this study, regularly consuming very hot tea and coffee triples the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.Now, “very hot” here has been defined as any drink at 65 degrees Celsius or above. For example, tea or coffee immediately made after a kettle is fully boiled falls in this category.This is not all. The researchers observed that consuming six or more hot drinks on a daily basis also raises the cancer risk. This assumes significance as oesophageal cancer is one of the most malignant cancers, causing over 0.54 million deaths on average annually.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/consuming-very-hot-drinks-triples-risk-of-cancer-study-finds-1788972639347/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/consuming-very-hot-drinks-triples-risk-of-cancer-study-finds-1788972639347/embed</a>Its symptoms include problems swallowing food, indigestion, persistent cough, a hoarse voice and even weight loss.So, the researchers’ advice is to wait a few minutes before drinking your cup of tea or coffee so that it cools down to a safer level.At the same time, they caution that smoking and alcohol are more potent factors responsible for oesophageal cancer.

The researchers observed that consuming six or more hot drinks on a daily basis also raises the cancer risk. This assumes significance as oesophageal cancer is one of the most malignant cancers, causing over 0.54 million deaths on average annually.

As children, we tend to gulp down a cup of milk in a jiffy. While we dismiss the immediate burning sensation as temporary discomfort, what if I told you that it could lead to a major health problem? A new study by University of Oxford researchers, published in the International Journal of Cancer, indicates precisely this. The researchers based their findings by analysing the drink consumption habits of almost 980,000 people in the UK. According to this study, regularly consuming very hot tea and coffee triples the risk of developing oesophageal cancer. Now, “very hot” here has been defined as any drink at 65 degrees Celsius or above. For example, tea or coffee immediately made after a kettle is fully boiled falls in this category. This is not all. The researchers observed that consuming six or more hot drinks on a daily basis also raises the cancer risk. This assumes significance as oesophageal cancer is one of the most malignant cancers, causing over 0.54 million deaths on average annually. https://www.wionews.com/videos/consuming-very-hot-drinks-triples-risk-of-cancer-study-finds-1788972639347/embed Its symptoms include problems swallowing food, indigestion, persistent cough, a hoarse voice and even weight loss. So, the researchers’ advice is to wait a few minutes before drinking your cup of tea or coffee so that it cools down to a safer level. At the same time, they caution that smoking and alcohol are more potent factors responsible for oesophageal cancer.

The researchers observed that consuming six or more hot drinks on a daily basis also raises the cancer risk. This assumes significance as oesophageal cancer is one of the most malignant cancers, causing over 0.54 million deaths on average annually.

Gravitas | Consuming very hot drinks triples risk of cancer, study finds

A team of scientists set out to understand the reasons behind extreme and long-lasting fatigue, especially in the context of long Covid, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. They found that all of these conditions change something in the genes, which causes parts of our bodies’ systems to behave in different ways. This causes chronic fatigue. The findings show that fatigue is not merely a psychological or "deconditioning" symptom, but is instead a distinct neuro-immune response driven by central nervous system mechanisms.&nbsp;Pshezhetskiy, a clinician and an academic who researches epigenetics at the University of East Anglia, UK, told The Times that people suffering from ME/chronic fatigue syndrome often go without a diagnosis for years and are told there is nothing wrong with them. His team studied a large digital database of genomes of people who had suffered from any one of the above conditions. They noticed similar epigenetic changes in different genes.&nbsp;This had a common effect on all of them. Their biological systems linked to energy production, metabolic regulation and stress response had been disrupted. Irrespective of the condition the person had suffered, the dysregulation led to chronic exhaustion in all of them.<h2>A flipped switch in the genes caused fatigue</h2>With the Beyond Genes study, the researchers for the first time saw epigenetic reasons for fatigue in people lay in their "biological architecture". They are confident that now that they have seen it, it is possible to create a blood test to check for chronic fatigue. This would also change how these conditions are treated and the associated attitudes toward them.<h2>Tests and treatment for fatigue</h2>“The fatigue in all five conditions seems to be tied to some of the same broader biological systems", and this could help in the development of a treatment to treat fatigue, says Dan Turner, chief technology officer at Oxford BioDynamics, a biotech and medical testing firm that helped with 3D genome analysis for the study.&nbsp;While blood tests and treatment for fatigue might still be far away, the study will help change how people perceive conditions like ME/CFS or PTSD. They are not just creations of the brain, as most people are told, but the result of biological changes, as shown in the study.&nbsp;

Feeling extremely tired and unenergetic might not simply be a psychological thing but the real effects of conditions like long Covid, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Scientists might soon be able to develop blood tests and treatments for fatigue. 

A team of scientists set out to understand the reasons behind extreme and long-lasting fatigue, especially in the context of long Covid, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. They found that all of these conditions change something in the genes, which causes parts of our bodies’ systems to behave in different ways. This causes chronic fatigue. The findings show that fatigue is not merely a psychological or "deconditioning" symptom, but is instead a distinct neuro-immune response driven by central nervous system mechanisms. Pshezhetskiy, a clinician and an academic who researches epigenetics at the University of East Anglia, UK, told The Times that people suffering from ME/chronic fatigue syndrome often go without a diagnosis for years and are told there is nothing wrong with them. His team studied a large digital database of genomes of people who had suffered from any one of the above conditions. They noticed similar epigenetic changes in different genes. This had a common effect on all of them. Their biological systems linked to energy production, metabolic regulation and stress response had been disrupted. Irrespective of the condition the person had suffered, the dysregulation led to chronic exhaustion in all of them. A flipped switch in the genes caused fatigue With the Beyond Genes study, the researchers for the first time saw epigenetic reasons for fatigue in people lay in their "biological architecture". They are confident that now that they have seen it, it is possible to create a blood test to check for chronic fatigue. This would also change how these conditions are treated and the associated attitudes toward them. Tests and treatment for fatigue “The fatigue in all five conditions seems to be tied to some of the same broader biological systems", and this could help in the development of a treatment to treat fatigue, says Dan Turner, chief technology officer at Oxford BioDynamics, a biotech and medical testing firm that helped with 3D genome analysis for the study. While blood tests and treatment for fatigue might still be far away, the study will help change how people perceive conditions like ME/CFS or PTSD. They are not just creations of the brain, as most people are told, but the result of biological changes, as shown in the study.

Feeling extremely tired and unenergetic might not simply be a psychological thing but the real effects of conditions like long Covid, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Scientists might soon be able to develop blood tests and treatments for fatigue.&nbsp;

It's not just in the mind - Blood test and treatment for chronic fatigue might become a reality

Humans are exposed to many types of radiation daily. Radio waves, microwaves, Wi-Fi, cell signals, and cosmic rays from space are some of the examples. There is also radon, which seeps into homes and accounts for over 50 per cent of the average natural dose each year. Scientists have now found that a particular fungus can protect us from radiation. A team of Chinese scientists have found that Mucor racemosus, a symbiotic fungus, lives inside the human gut and can protect us from radiation in a few different ways. The study was published in PNAS.&nbsp;This means that it might be logical to have it in our guts. Scientists administered M. racemosus to a group of mice and exposed them to radiation. They found that this group experienced less weight loss, inflammation, and oxidative stress compared to control mice that weren't given a fungal dose. This showed that a radioprotective effect had taken shape in the bodies of mice that were given the fungus.<h2>The fungus reduced radiation damage</h2>The protection increased when the fungus was preadapted to the conditions found in the gut. Another group of mice that were free of microorganisms were also administered the fungus and showed reduced markers of radiation damage. "These results demonstrate that M. racemosus directly alleviates radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice," the researchers wrote in the findings.&nbsp;Further testing to understand how the fungus offered this protection against radiation showed that it produced three amino acids - L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, and DL-lysine - that did the job. All three of them helped repair DNA and facilitated intestinal tissue recovery after exposure to radiation.<h2>Bacterium that increased radiation protection</h2>&nbsp;Another way it fought the effects of radiation was through the production of a chemical called methylthioadenosine (MTA). It did this in two ways. One, it modulated the growth of a bacterium called Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Then MTA reprogrammed this bacterium to increase the production of a chemical called methionine, which in turn boosted radiation protection.&nbsp;In the third method, the researchers gave mice exposed to radiation a cheese fermented with the fungus. They noted that it reduced intestinal inflammation, enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, and lowered systemic markers of inflammation.&nbsp;The team added that the fungus is already present in some fermented foods. However, it is important to understand whether it can be advised to people to improve their gut microbiome requires further studies.&nbsp;

Radiation is all around us and can damage our cells and cause oxidative stress. Scientists have now discovered that an unexpected item can heal radiation damage and protect the body from more damage. It lives inside the gut and could be recommended for intake after more studies.   

Humans are exposed to many types of radiation daily. Radio waves, microwaves, Wi-Fi, cell signals, and cosmic rays from space are some of the examples. There is also radon, which seeps into homes and accounts for over 50 per cent of the average natural dose each year. Scientists have now found that a particular fungus can protect us from radiation. A team of Chinese scientists have found that Mucor racemosus, a symbiotic fungus, lives inside the human gut and can protect us from radiation in a few different ways. The study was published in PNAS. This means that it might be logical to have it in our guts. Scientists administered M. racemosus to a group of mice and exposed them to radiation. They found that this group experienced less weight loss, inflammation, and oxidative stress compared to control mice that weren't given a fungal dose. This showed that a radioprotective effect had taken shape in the bodies of mice that were given the fungus. The fungus reduced radiation damage The protection increased when the fungus was preadapted to the conditions found in the gut. Another group of mice that were free of microorganisms were also administered the fungus and showed reduced markers of radiation damage. "These results demonstrate that M. racemosus directly alleviates radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice," the researchers wrote in the findings. Further testing to understand how the fungus offered this protection against radiation showed that it produced three amino acids - L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, and DL-lysine - that did the job. All three of them helped repair DNA and facilitated intestinal tissue recovery after exposure to radiation. Bacterium that increased radiation protection Another way it fought the effects of radiation was through the production of a chemical called methylthioadenosine (MTA). It did this in two ways. One, it modulated the growth of a bacterium called Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Then MTA reprogrammed this bacterium to increase the production of a chemical called methionine, which in turn boosted radiation protection. In the third method, the researchers gave mice exposed to radiation a cheese fermented with the fungus. They noted that it reduced intestinal inflammation, enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, and lowered systemic markers of inflammation. The team added that the fungus is already present in some fermented foods. However, it is important to understand whether it can be advised to people to improve their gut microbiome requires further studies.

Radiation is all around us and can damage our cells and cause oxidative stress. Scientists have now discovered that an unexpected item can heal radiation damage and protect the body from more damage. It lives inside the gut and could be recommended for intake after more studies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A living organism inside our bodies has been found to protect us from radiation

Artificial intelligence is no longer being used only to analyse human language. Scientists are now using it to study how animals communicate, raising an extraordinary possibility: could AI eventually help humans understand or even communicate with other species?&nbsp;According to Bloomberg, researchers are using machine learning to process enormous collections of animal sounds that would be almost impossible to study manually. The work spans species including crows, whales and wolves, with scientists looking for patterns hidden inside thousands of recordings.<h2>AI helps decode crow calls</h2>Biologist Vittorio Baglione has spent around three decades studying carrion crows in Spain.In 2018, he and his research partner Daniela Canestrari fitted small microphones to 43 birds. The experiment produced thousands of hours of recordings involving adult crows, chicks and other birds.&nbsp;The collection has since grown to about 150,000 recordings. Researchers turned to an AI model developed by the Earth Species Project to separate sounds and identify which birds produced them. One call particularly interested Baglione. He observed that when a buzzard attacked a crow's nest, the bird produced a soft sound before other crows arrived to defend it.&nbsp;He interpreted the call as roughly meaning: “Hey! Come help!” That does not prove crows have a human-like language. But AI could help scientists test whether repeated sounds consistently correspond to particular situations.<h2>Could AI let humans talk to animals?</h2>The potential is enormous. Researchers are combining huge amounts of audio and visual data to search for patterns across animal behaviour. Investor and animal-communication supporter Jeremy Coller has predicted that two-way communication could become possible by 2030.&nbsp;But animal communication is far more complex than speech. Animals can use sounds, smells, colours, movements and even sonar. That means simply translating animal sounds may not be enough. AI may need to understand the animal's surroundings and behaviour at the same time.<h2>The technology could also harm animals</h2>There is another side to the breakthrough.Experts warn that understanding animal communication could make it easier to manipulate animals at scale. César Rodríguez-Garavito, director of NYU’s More-Than-Human Life Program, has warned that AI could create “greater harm at scale”.&nbsp;Researchers are particularly concerned about playback experiments, in which recorded calls are played back to animals to study their reactions. Baglione has warned that such experiments can cause stress and disrupt social groups. The race to understand animals, therefore, comes with a difficult question: if AI can crack the code, who should be allowed to use it and how?

AI is helping scientists analyse huge collections of animal sounds, including crow calls, in a search for patterns humans cannot detect. Researchers hope this could eventually enable communication with animals, but experts warn the technology could also be misused.

Artificial intelligence is no longer being used only to analyse human language. Scientists are now using it to study how animals communicate, raising an extraordinary possibility: could AI eventually help humans understand or even communicate with other species? According to Bloomberg, researchers are using machine learning to process enormous collections of animal sounds that would be almost impossible to study manually. The work spans species including crows, whales and wolves, with scientists looking for patterns hidden inside thousands of recordings. AI helps decode crow calls Biologist Vittorio Baglione has spent around three decades studying carrion crows in Spain. In 2018, he and his research partner Daniela Canestrari fitted small microphones to 43 birds. The experiment produced thousands of hours of recordings involving adult crows, chicks and other birds. The collection has since grown to about 150,000 recordings. Researchers turned to an AI model developed by the Earth Species Project to separate sounds and identify which birds produced them. One call particularly interested Baglione. He observed that when a buzzard attacked a crow's nest, the bird produced a soft sound before other crows arrived to defend it. He interpreted the call as roughly meaning: “Hey! Come help!” That does not prove crows have a human-like language. But AI could help scientists test whether repeated sounds consistently correspond to particular situations. Could AI let humans talk to animals? The potential is enormous. Researchers are combining huge amounts of audio and visual data to search for patterns across animal behaviour. Investor and animal-communication supporter Jeremy Coller has predicted that two-way communication could become possible by 2030. But animal communication is far more complex than speech. Animals can use sounds, smells, colours, movements and even sonar. That means simply translating animal sounds may not be enough. AI may need to understand the animal's surroundings and behaviour at the same time. The technology could also harm animals There is another side to the breakthrough. Experts warn that understanding animal communication could make it easier to manipulate animals at scale. César Rodríguez-Garavito, director of NYU’s More-Than-Human Life Program, has warned that AI could create “greater harm at scale”. Researchers are particularly concerned about playback experiments, in which recorded calls are played back to animals to study their reactions. Baglione has warned that such experiments can cause stress and disrupt social groups. The race to understand animals, therefore, comes with a difficult question: if AI can crack the code, who should be allowed to use it and how?

AI is helping scientists analyse huge collections of animal sounds, including crow calls, in a search for patterns humans cannot detect. Researchers hope this could eventually enable communication with animals, but experts warn the technology could also be misused.

AI is decoding animal sounds: Is it possible we could soon talk to animals?

Chinese researchers, along with a German team, have developed a table-top magnetic sensor that operates at room temperature capable of spotting magnetic signals a billion times fainter than the Earth’s own field. The Levitated Magnetometer (LeMaMa) act as a compass with a needle that floats in mid-air without any friction. To spot the signals, the team can map magnetic fields down to the femtotesla level by tracking the needle’s tiny deflections. This is an advanced method that could increase the hunt for elusive dark matter particles or monitor brain signals. “The combination of room-temperature operation, tiny components and high sensitivity makes LeMaMa promising for fundamental physics experiments,” said Ji Wei, assistant professor at Peking University’s school of physics and corresponding author of the study.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/beer-heist-in-england-more-than-70-000-pints-stolen-from-depot-in-two-trucks-1788677390374">Beer heist in England: More than 70,000 pints stolen from depot in two trucks</a><h3>Magnetic fields are 'omnipresent'</h3>Magnetic fields exist all around us, spanning a huge range of strengths, from roughly 1.5 tesla in a hospital MRI machine to the incredibly faint femtotesla level (a quadrillionth of a tesla) produced by human brain activity. Detecting such minuscule magnetic fields has historically posed a major challenge. Now, researchers from Peking University in China and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany have developed the world's first room-temperature, ultraprecise magnetometer that relies on a levitated magnet. The findings of the work were published in the journal Science on August 6. Previously, measuring magnetic fields at the femtotesla level has depended largely on two methods. The first is the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, known for its exceptional sensitivity but requiring extremely cold, near-absolute-zero temperatures—necessitating bulky, costly liquid-helium cooling systems.

Researchers from Peking University in China and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany have developed the world's first room-temperature, ultraprecise magnetometer that relies on a levitated magnet.

Chinese researchers, along with a German team, have developed a table-top magnetic sensor that operates at room temperature capable of spotting magnetic signals a billion times fainter than the Earth’s own field. The Levitated Magnetometer (LeMaMa) act as a compass with a needle that floats in mid-air without any friction. To spot the signals, the team can map magnetic fields down to the femtotesla level by tracking the needle’s tiny deflections. This is an advanced method that could increase the hunt for elusive dark matter particles or monitor brain signals. “The combination of room-temperature operation, tiny components and high sensitivity makes LeMaMa promising for fundamental physics experiments,” said Ji Wei, assistant professor at Peking University’s school of physics and corresponding author of the study. Also read: Beer heist in England: More than 70,000 pints stolen from depot in two trucks Magnetic fields are 'omnipresent' Magnetic fields exist all around us, spanning a huge range of strengths, from roughly 1.5 tesla in a hospital MRI machine to the incredibly faint femtotesla level (a quadrillionth of a tesla) produced by human brain activity. Detecting such minuscule magnetic fields has historically posed a major challenge. Now, researchers from Peking University in China and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany have developed the world's first room-temperature, ultraprecise magnetometer that relies on a levitated magnet. The findings of the work were published in the journal Science on August 6. Previously, measuring magnetic fields at the femtotesla level has depended largely on two methods. The first is the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, known for its exceptional sensitivity but requiring extremely cold, near-absolute-zero temperatures—necessitating bulky, costly liquid-helium cooling systems.

Researchers from Peking University in China and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany have developed the world's first room-temperature, ultraprecise magnetometer that relies on a levitated magnet.

Billion times fainter than earth: Chinese-German researchers build floating compass that could hunt dark matter

Scientists have discovered a new species of leafless flowering plant that grows on the forest floor of a national park in western Thailand. The findings revealed that the plant belongs to Thismia, a genus of tiny species also known as "fairy lanterns." The distinctive quality of these plants is that they lack chlorophyll and do not carry out photosynthesis. Instead, they produce their food from fungi beneath the earth's surface and also remain concealed beneath layers of leaf litter for nearly their entire lives. The plant's new species was discovered by botanists from Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University while surveying Thong Pha Phum National Park. The plant was found growing at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, an unusually high and seasonally dry setting for this genus. "Finding Thismia daemona in Thong Pha Phum National Park was indeed a major surprise," said Dr Sahut Chantanaorrapint of Prince of Songkla University. "Typically, Thismia species are known to occur in perennially humid lowland rainforests. However, this population was discovered in a seasonal, montane evergreen forest at an elevation of nearly 1,000 meters above sea level," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/are-isro-activities-being-privatised-anxious-staff-seek-govt-response-1788608646073">Are ISRO activities being privatised? Anxious staff seek Govt response</a><h3>Thismia daemona as devil-like essence</h3>This discovery also reshapes scientists' understanding of where this group of plants is found. Thismia daemona is part of the Thismia section Geomitra, previously known to exist only in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra. Its discovery in Thailand marks the first time the section's known range has extended further north. The plant's dramatic name stems from its unusual appearance. Its flower, mostly black, features horn-like structures rising from a dome-shaped "mitre," while bright reddish-orange patches near its base resemble glowing eyes, giving it a demon-like look. "Combined with its hidden, subterranean, and mysterious lifestyle on the forest floor, our team unanimously agreed that naming it Thismia daemona perfectly captured its enigmatic and devil-like essence," Dr Chantanaorrapint said. Scientists also claimed that the survival of the new species may be at risk. Therefore, it has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. In response, Dr Chantanaorrapint believed that the participation of nearby communities will help in protecting the plant and its fragile habitat. "A key next step is adopting a sustainable conservation approach aligned with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere concept, harmonising biodiversity conservation with human engagement. Inspiring local people to take pride in their natural heritage not only safeguards the microhabitat, but also supports sustainable, community-led ecotourism," Dr. Chantanaorrapint further said.

The plant's new species was discovered by botanists from Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University. It was found growing at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, an unusually high and seasonally dry setting for this genus.

Scientists have discovered a new species of leafless flowering plant that grows on the forest floor of a national park in western Thailand. The findings revealed that the plant belongs to Thismia, a genus of tiny species also known as "fairy lanterns." The distinctive quality of these plants is that they lack chlorophyll and do not carry out photosynthesis. Instead, they produce their food from fungi beneath the earth's surface and also remain concealed beneath layers of leaf litter for nearly their entire lives. The plant's new species was discovered by botanists from Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University while surveying Thong Pha Phum National Park. The plant was found growing at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, an unusually high and seasonally dry setting for this genus. "Finding Thismia daemona in Thong Pha Phum National Park was indeed a major surprise," said Dr Sahut Chantanaorrapint of Prince of Songkla University. "Typically, Thismia species are known to occur in perennially humid lowland rainforests. However, this population was discovered in a seasonal, montane evergreen forest at an elevation of nearly 1,000 meters above sea level," he added. Also read: Are ISRO activities being privatised? Anxious staff seek Govt response Thismia daemona as devil-like essence This discovery also reshapes scientists' understanding of where this group of plants is found. Thismia daemona is part of the Thismia section Geomitra, previously known to exist only in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra. Its discovery in Thailand marks the first time the section's known range has extended further north. The plant's dramatic name stems from its unusual appearance. Its flower, mostly black, features horn-like structures rising from a dome-shaped "mitre," while bright reddish-orange patches near its base resemble glowing eyes, giving it a demon-like look. "Combined with its hidden, subterranean, and mysterious lifestyle on the forest floor, our team unanimously agreed that naming it Thismia daemona perfectly captured its enigmatic and devil-like essence," Dr Chantanaorrapint said. Scientists also claimed that the survival of the new species may be at risk. Therefore, it has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. In response, Dr Chantanaorrapint believed that the participation of nearby communities will help in protecting the plant and its fragile habitat. "A key next step is adopting a sustainable conservation approach aligned with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere concept, harmonising biodiversity conservation with human engagement. Inspiring local people to take pride in their natural heritage not only safeguards the microhabitat, but also supports sustainable, community-led ecotourism," Dr. Chantanaorrapint further said.

The plant's new species was discovered by botanists from Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University. It was found growing at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, an unusually high and seasonally dry setting for this genus.

No sunlight, no chlorophyll, no problem: Meet 'demon flower' discovered in Thailand

Following the successful launch of India's GSLV F-17/EOS-05 space mission on Friday(4th September), employees of the Indian space agency ISRO have sought a clarification from the Indian Government over the ongoing privatisation of certain ISRO activities.This author has accessed the five-page letter which employee associations of crucial ISRO centres have jointly written to the ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as the Secretary of the Indian Government's Department of Space, which operates under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the year 2020, the Modi Government has been spearheading the "opening up of space sector to private players", a process that sections within the Government-run ISRO have been "anxious and fearful" about. The latest letter reflects the growing concerns and unease.The letter has been signed by nine representatives of various ISRO employee associations linked to major ISRO centers such as VSSC, SDSC, URSC, LPSC, SAC, NRSC, and IPRC. On the strict condition of anonymity, multiple representatives of ISRO employees' associations confirmed the authenticity of their letter with this author. They added that their associations represented the concerns of around 5,000 employees, which is around one-fourth(27%) of ISRO's 18,100 employee headcount.When this author contacted him for a response regarding the privatisation of ISRO activities and related concerns that employees had raised in the letter, Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, did not offer a comment.<h2>The trigger for the concerns – a statement by Dr. Pawan Goenka</h2>"Eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private Sector or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)," Dr. Pawan Goenka had said during a televised event in August 2026. The employee associations' letter quotes this statement and says that it had caused widespread concern among serving employees, their families, and thousands of young citizens who aspire to a career in the national space programme.Dr. Pawan Goenka has been appointed by the Modi Government to head the government agency IN-SPACE, which is meant to promote and facilitate end-to-end private participation in the ISRO-dominated Indian space sector.Dr. Goenka is an automobile industry veteran who has been heading IN-SPACE since 2021. An IITian with a subsequent Ph.D. from Cornell and a management degree at Harvard, Goenka worked at the General Motors R&amp;D Centre, Detroit, for 14 years and at India's Mahindra &amp; Mahindra(M&amp;M) Ltd. for 28 years. He retired from M&amp;M as MD &amp; CEO in the year 2021, following which he was appointed to lead the Indian Government's IN-SPACE.<h2>‘ISRO's rocket tech being transferred to private and Govt firms, without official communication to employees’</h2>The ISRO employees' association letter mentions the SSLV rocket technology and production technology being sold to Government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL), and the ongoing bidding process for technology transfer of India's largest rocket, LVM3, and similar efforts for transferring the technology of the workhorse PSLV rocket.The letter also cites reports about routine satellite manufacturing possibly being moved out of ISRO, and that operation of new launch infrastructure, including the Government's Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu being opened to private entities.In light of these developments, the employees' associations highlight that such decisions or proposals by the Government have not been accompanied by any corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees.&nbsp; It adds that there has been no communication from the Department of Space explaining the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing, or its consequences for the existing workforce.<h2>‘Why are ISRO employees anxious?’</h2>The letter cites that ISRO was built as a national scientific institution with public funds, public purpose and a public workforce. "Launch-vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations are not merely 'manufacturing contracts'. They are the core competence, institutional memory and strategic capability of the Organisation," ISRO staff association explained.The letter expresses concern that ISRO's progressive withdrawal from launch-vehicle and satellite realisation will tamper with experiments after research, shrink in-house work, freeze or reduce sanctioned strength, and close promotion and skill- development avenues in technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres.Further, it says that existing employees who are working under ISRO's own facilities may be rendered surplus, or redeployed, or left without meaningful work while the same tasks are performed by private contractors using publicly developed technology.It also said that strategic autonomy, quality assurance, safety culture and accountability that are inherent to a national space agency may be diluted if core realisation and launch operations pass out of public control."Regular recruitment to Group A, B and C posts - already constrained by vacancies and attrition - will further decline, denying opportunity to meritorious youth who look to ISRO as a career," reads the letter. This comes at a time when Indian Government data reveals that ISRO faces a human resource shortage: Indian Parliament data from February 2026 showed that ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 14,108 staff in the Science and Technology domain, of which only 12,472 are in position, which indicates an 11 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 1,261 of the 1,636 vacancies.In the Admin domain, ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 4,034 staff. However, only 3,057 are in position, which indicates a 24 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 188 of the 977 vacant posts.<h2>‘Draw a line between private participation and dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability’</h2>The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they are not hostile towards Indian industry, and they are not opposed to legitimate commercialisation through NSIL (ISRO's commercial arm) within a defined framework. "The concern is the absence of an official Department of Space policy document that draws a clear line between (i) enabling private participation and (ii) dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability," they added.Further, they agreed that private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly-owned ISRO. However, they stressed that "a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&amp;D boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands, cannot be accepted without debate".Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. On such transfer of Government-developed technology to private firms, ISRO staff associations highlighted that they have an earned right to be informed, consulted and protected. "Natural justice and good administration require that policy of this magnitude be explained to the workforce by the Department itself."<h2>Clarifications sought from ISRO Chief, Secretary, Dept of Space (Govt of India)</h2>The ISRO staff associations requested Dr. V. Narayanan, the ISRO Chief and Secretary, DoS, to issue an official, written clarification addressing their concerns in a time-bound manner.Further, it wanted the Department of Space to conduct a structured interaction with the recognised Service Associations on the future role of ISRO, staffing, recruitment, among others.The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they were submitting this representation to the Government in a constructive and democratic spirit. "Our loyalty to ISRO and to the national space programme is not in question. Precisely because of that loyalty, we consider it our duty to seek clarity before uncertainty hardens into irreversible policy," concluded the letter, which sought a written response from the government.

Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. 

Following the successful launch of India's GSLV F-17/EOS-05 space mission on Friday(4th September), employees of the Indian space agency ISRO have sought a clarification from the Indian Government over the ongoing privatisation of certain ISRO activities. This author has accessed the five-page letter which employee associations of crucial ISRO centres have jointly written to the ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as the Secretary of the Indian Government's Department of Space, which operates under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the year 2020, the Modi Government has been spearheading the "opening up of space sector to private players", a process that sections within the Government-run ISRO have been "anxious and fearful" about. The latest letter reflects the growing concerns and unease. The letter has been signed by nine representatives of various ISRO employee associations linked to major ISRO centers such as VSSC, SDSC, URSC, LPSC, SAC, NRSC, and IPRC. On the strict condition of anonymity, multiple representatives of ISRO employees' associations confirmed the authenticity of their letter with this author. They added that their associations represented the concerns of around 5,000 employees, which is around one-fourth(27%) of ISRO's 18,100 employee headcount. When this author contacted him for a response regarding the privatisation of ISRO activities and related concerns that employees had raised in the letter, Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, did not offer a comment. The trigger for the concerns – a statement by Dr. Pawan Goenka "Eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private Sector or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)," Dr. Pawan Goenka had said during a televised event in August 2026. The employee associations' letter quotes this statement and says that it had caused widespread concern among serving employees, their families, and thousands of young citizens who aspire to a career in the national space programme. Dr. Pawan Goenka has been appointed by the Modi Government to head the government agency IN-SPACE, which is meant to promote and facilitate end-to-end private participation in the ISRO-dominated Indian space sector. Dr. Goenka is an automobile industry veteran who has been heading IN-SPACE since 2021. An IITian with a subsequent Ph.D. from Cornell and a management degree at Harvard, Goenka worked at the General Motors R&D Centre, Detroit, for 14 years and at India's Mahindra & Mahindra(M&M) Ltd. for 28 years. He retired from M&M as MD & CEO in the year 2021, following which he was appointed to lead the Indian Government's IN-SPACE. ‘ISRO's rocket tech being transferred to private and Govt firms, without official communication to employees’ The ISRO employees' association letter mentions the SSLV rocket technology and production technology being sold to Government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL), and the ongoing bidding process for technology transfer of India's largest rocket, LVM3, and similar efforts for transferring the technology of the workhorse PSLV rocket. The letter also cites reports about routine satellite manufacturing possibly being moved out of ISRO, and that operation of new launch infrastructure, including the Government's Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu being opened to private entities. In light of these developments, the employees' associations highlight that such decisions or proposals by the Government have not been accompanied by any corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees. It adds that there has been no communication from the Department of Space explaining the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing, or its consequences for the existing workforce. ‘Why are ISRO employees anxious?’ The letter cites that ISRO was built as a national scientific institution with public funds, public purpose and a public workforce. "Launch-vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations are not merely 'manufacturing contracts'. They are the core competence, institutional memory and strategic capability of the Organisation," ISRO staff association explained. The letter expresses concern that ISRO's progressive withdrawal from launch-vehicle and satellite realisation will tamper with experiments after research, shrink in-house work, freeze or reduce sanctioned strength, and close promotion and skill- development avenues in technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres. Further, it says that existing employees who are working under ISRO's own facilities may be rendered surplus, or redeployed, or left without meaningful work while the same tasks are performed by private contractors using publicly developed technology. It also said that strategic autonomy, quality assurance, safety culture and accountability that are inherent to a national space agency may be diluted if core realisation and launch operations pass out of public control. "Regular recruitment to Group A, B and C posts - already constrained by vacancies and attrition - will further decline, denying opportunity to meritorious youth who look to ISRO as a career," reads the letter. This comes at a time when Indian Government data reveals that ISRO faces a human resource shortage: Indian Parliament data from February 2026 showed that ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 14,108 staff in the Science and Technology domain, of which only 12,472 are in position, which indicates an 11 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 1,261 of the 1,636 vacancies. In the Admin domain, ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 4,034 staff. However, only 3,057 are in position, which indicates a 24 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 188 of the 977 vacant posts. ‘Draw a line between private participation and dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability’ The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they are not hostile towards Indian industry, and they are not opposed to legitimate commercialisation through NSIL (ISRO's commercial arm) within a defined framework. "The concern is the absence of an official Department of Space policy document that draws a clear line between (i) enabling private participation and (ii) dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability," they added. Further, they agreed that private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly-owned ISRO. However, they stressed that "a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&D boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands, cannot be accepted without debate". Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. On such transfer of Government-developed technology to private firms, ISRO staff associations highlighted that they have an earned right to be informed, consulted and protected. "Natural justice and good administration require that policy of this magnitude be explained to the workforce by the Department itself." Clarifications sought from ISRO Chief, Secretary, Dept of Space (Govt of India) The ISRO staff associations requested Dr. V. Narayanan, the ISRO Chief and Secretary, DoS, to issue an official, written clarification addressing their concerns in a time-bound manner. Further, it wanted the Department of Space to conduct a structured interaction with the recognised Service Associations on the future role of ISRO, staffing, recruitment, among others. The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they were submitting this representation to the Government in a constructive and democratic spirit. "Our loyalty to ISRO and to the national space programme is not in question. Precisely because of that loyalty, we consider it our duty to seek clarity before uncertainty hardens into irreversible policy," concluded the letter, which sought a written response from the government.

Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations.&nbsp;

Are ISRO activities being privatised? Anxious staff seek Govt response

A small herb that's been growing quietly in the shade along Satargaon Road in Kamrup Metropolitan district has turned out to be something no one had ever formally catalogued. Scientists say it's a species new to science altogether.The plant now has a name, Ophiorrhiza assamensis, credited to Birina Bhuyan, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Girijananda Chowdhury University's Azara campus, who worked on the discovery with Guwahati-based botanist Selim Mehmud. Their findings appear in the international taxonomy journal Phytotaxa, in a paper titled "Ophiorrhiza assamensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from Assam, India."<h2>A quiet find</h2>Ophiorrhiza assamensis is a perennial herb with large, ribbed leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Researchers found it growing in a moist, shaded patch of habitat. It belongs to the genus Ophiorrhiza, which sits in the Rubiaceae family, the same family that gives us coffee.The published paper says the plant closely resembles two known relatives, O. mussaendiformis and O. nepalensis. To help tell them apart, the authors included a full taxonomic description, illustrations, and a dichotomous key covering the Ophiorrhiza species already known in Assam.That detail is worth pausing on. Assam already hosts a cluster of closely related Ophiorrhiza species, several described only in the last few years by researchers working across Northeast India. Bhuyan's own 2024 study, which mapped the taxonomy and distribution of the genus across the state, helped lay the groundwork for this latest find.<h2>Why the genus matters</h2>Ophiorrhiza isn't just another line item on a botanical checklist. Species in this genus produce camptothecin, a compound that several modern cancer drugs are built on, including treatments used against colon cancer. So a newly identified member of the genus draws interest well beyond taxonomy circles, into the world of plant-derived medicine.<h2>A narrow window</h2>There's a catch to the excitement. Ophiorrhiza assamensis is currently known from just one small, localised population near Satargaon Road. As far as science knows right now, that patch of habitat is the plant's entire home on Earth.That kind of narrow range makes a newly described species vulnerable. A road-widening project, a change in land use, or creeping deforestation could erase the population before researchers get much further into studying it.Bhuyan and Mehmud have recommended classifying the species provisionally as "Data Deficient" under IUCN guidelines. It's the category used when there isn't yet enough information to assign a firm threat status, but it's also a flag that keeps the species on the radar for closer monitoring and further study.&nbsp;

Botanists discovered a new plant species, Ophiorrhiza assamensis, near Guwahati. Belonging to a genus known for producing the cancer-fighting compound camptothecin, the vulnerable herb requires immediate protection and further study.

A small herb that's been growing quietly in the shade along Satargaon Road in Kamrup Metropolitan district has turned out to be something no one had ever formally catalogued. Scientists say it's a species new to science altogether. The plant now has a name, Ophiorrhiza assamensis, credited to Birina Bhuyan, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Girijananda Chowdhury University's Azara campus, who worked on the discovery with Guwahati-based botanist Selim Mehmud. Their findings appear in the international taxonomy journal Phytotaxa, in a paper titled "Ophiorrhiza assamensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from Assam, India." A quiet find Ophiorrhiza assamensis is a perennial herb with large, ribbed leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Researchers found it growing in a moist, shaded patch of habitat. It belongs to the genus Ophiorrhiza, which sits in the Rubiaceae family, the same family that gives us coffee. The published paper says the plant closely resembles two known relatives, O. mussaendiformis and O. nepalensis. To help tell them apart, the authors included a full taxonomic description, illustrations, and a dichotomous key covering the Ophiorrhiza species already known in Assam. That detail is worth pausing on. Assam already hosts a cluster of closely related Ophiorrhiza species, several described only in the last few years by researchers working across Northeast India. Bhuyan's own 2024 study, which mapped the taxonomy and distribution of the genus across the state, helped lay the groundwork for this latest find. Why the genus matters Ophiorrhiza isn't just another line item on a botanical checklist. Species in this genus produce camptothecin, a compound that several modern cancer drugs are built on, including treatments used against colon cancer. So a newly identified member of the genus draws interest well beyond taxonomy circles, into the world of plant-derived medicine. A narrow window There's a catch to the excitement. Ophiorrhiza assamensis is currently known from just one small, localised population near Satargaon Road. As far as science knows right now, that patch of habitat is the plant's entire home on Earth. That kind of narrow range makes a newly described species vulnerable. A road-widening project, a change in land use, or creeping deforestation could erase the population before researchers get much further into studying it. Bhuyan and Mehmud have recommended classifying the species provisionally as "Data Deficient" under IUCN guidelines. It's the category used when there isn't yet enough information to assign a firm threat status, but it's also a flag that keeps the species on the radar for closer monitoring and further study.

Botanists discovered a new plant species, Ophiorrhiza assamensis, near Guwahati. Belonging to a genus known for producing the cancer-fighting compound camptothecin, the vulnerable herb requires immediate protection and further study.

New flowering plant found in India's Assam turns out to carry cancer-fighting compound

Scientists have recorded a single interaction between subatomic particles deep beneath what used to be a gold mine in South Dakota, which remains unexplained by known background signals from normal matter. This anomaly was recorded in the data from the world’s most sensitive dark matter detector and is the most compelling sign yet of the elusive material that supposedly makes up 85 per cent of the mass in the universe.<h2>The dark matter experiment a mile deep&nbsp;</h2>The findings were recorded at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, or SURF, where the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Dark Matter Experiment has been going on since 2012. The detector sits a mile below the ground and is managed by the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).&nbsp;&nbsp;Flashes of light sparkle in a shielded tank filled with 10 tons of ultra-pure liquid xenon when weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs, collide with xenon atoms. The detector looks for dark matter, and 250 scientists and engineers from 39 institutions analyse the data.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-scientists-are-part-of-rubin-observatory-s-legacy-survey-of-space-and-time-everything-you-need-to-know-1782984702513">Indian scientists are part of Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time. Everything you need to know</a>&nbsp;During one such review of data collected by the detector over 220 days, between March 2023 and April 2024, researchers were looking for faint signals from the simplest kinds of WIMP interactions. Later, they started poking for more energetic interactions. This is when they came across an event that exhibited a spectrum of nuclear recoil energy which they could not explain in the context of known background signals involving normal matter.&nbsp;“The LZ collaboration has gone to extraordinary lengths to try to find a mundane explanation for what we saw in the data. At the end of the day, for now, it’s just one event," Associate Professor of Physics Cecilia Levy, a researcher from UAlbany and involved in the LZ project, said.&nbsp;If the particle, or the WIMP that generated the anomalous event, was indeed dark matter, it would have been more than 200 times the mass of a proton. "We’re very intrigued to see this event in the data, in the region where we expect dark matter to show up, and the competing backgrounds are very low,” Rick Gaitskell, a professor at Brown University and the spokesperson for LUX-ZEPLIN, said in a statement.&nbsp;The team says they would need more than one anomalous event to be sure if the mysterious dark matter was involved.<h2>Dark matter and dark energy - The elusive forces that remain unseen</h2>Dark matter has remained a theory for decades. Scientists still don't know what it is or if it even exists. Swiss astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky first proposed the existence of dark matter in 1933. He was studying the Coma Cluster of galaxies and noted that the total mass of the galaxies should be 400 times greater than what could be accounted for by visible starlight.&nbsp;&nbsp;American astronomer Vera Rubin found in the 1970s that this same problem was present in other galaxies as well. Astrophysicists concluded that invisible matter is present in the universe, but they could never uncover any proof.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-launches-new-telescope-to-map-cosmos-1788165331989/embed&nbsp;Scientists believe ordinary matter only makes up 5 per cent of the universe's mass-energy content, with dark matter being 27 per cent and dark energy the other 68 per cent. With the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, the investigation into dark matter and dark energy is expected to take a few leaps.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Scientists got a glimmer of hope in their search for dark matter at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota. A single interaction between subatomic particles inside a tank remains unexplained, and researchers think dark matter could have been present.

Scientists have recorded a single interaction between subatomic particles deep beneath what used to be a gold mine in South Dakota, which remains unexplained by known background signals from normal matter. This anomaly was recorded in the data from the world’s most sensitive dark matter detector and is the most compelling sign yet of the elusive material that supposedly makes up 85 per cent of the mass in the universe. The dark matter experiment a mile deep The findings were recorded at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, or SURF, where the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Dark Matter Experiment has been going on since 2012. The detector sits a mile below the ground and is managed by the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). Flashes of light sparkle in a shielded tank filled with 10 tons of ultra-pure liquid xenon when weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs, collide with xenon atoms. The detector looks for dark matter, and 250 scientists and engineers from 39 institutions analyse the data. Also Read: Indian scientists are part of Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time. Everything you need to know During one such review of data collected by the detector over 220 days, between March 2023 and April 2024, researchers were looking for faint signals from the simplest kinds of WIMP interactions. Later, they started poking for more energetic interactions. This is when they came across an event that exhibited a spectrum of nuclear recoil energy which they could not explain in the context of known background signals involving normal matter. “The LZ collaboration has gone to extraordinary lengths to try to find a mundane explanation for what we saw in the data. At the end of the day, for now, it’s just one event," Associate Professor of Physics Cecilia Levy, a researcher from UAlbany and involved in the LZ project, said. If the particle, or the WIMP that generated the anomalous event, was indeed dark matter, it would have been more than 200 times the mass of a proton. "We’re very intrigued to see this event in the data, in the region where we expect dark matter to show up, and the competing backgrounds are very low,” Rick Gaitskell, a professor at Brown University and the spokesperson for LUX-ZEPLIN, said in a statement. The team says they would need more than one anomalous event to be sure if the mysterious dark matter was involved. Dark matter and dark energy - The elusive forces that remain unseen Dark matter has remained a theory for decades. Scientists still don't know what it is or if it even exists. Swiss astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky first proposed the existence of dark matter in 1933. He was studying the Coma Cluster of galaxies and noted that the total mass of the galaxies should be 400 times greater than what could be accounted for by visible starlight. American astronomer Vera Rubin found in the 1970s that this same problem was present in other galaxies as well. Astrophysicists concluded that invisible matter is present in the universe, but they could never uncover any proof. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-launches-new-telescope-to-map-cosmos-1788165331989/embed Scientists believe ordinary matter only makes up 5 per cent of the universe's mass-energy content, with dark matter being 27 per cent and dark energy the other 68 per cent. With the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, the investigation into dark matter and dark energy is expected to take a few leaps.

Scientists got a glimmer of hope in their search for dark matter at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota. A single interaction between subatomic particles inside a tank remains unexplained, and researchers think dark matter could have been present.

Scientists think they might have finally seen signs of dark matter. Not in outer space, but on Earth

Scientists have identified a potential “brake” in the brain that could help reduce severe chronic pain, after mapping pain signals in individual patients and using targeted electrical stimulation to interrupt them.&nbsp;The findings, published on July 30 in Brain Stimulation, are based on a small series of case studies involving three people with severe, long-lasting facial pain. Researchers found that precisely targeting specific areas of the brain with electrical signals eased pain in two of the participants.&nbsp;Unlike acute pain caused by injuries such as a broken bone, chronic pain can persist long after an injury has healed. It can also involve changes in the brain and spinal cord, making it particularly difficult to treat.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-first-london-surgeons-use-ai-to-remove-brain-tumour-save-patient-s-sight-1787829721233">World first! London surgeons use AI to remove brain tumour, save patient’s sight</a>&nbsp;“We have been limited in what we can do for these patients, and they have a great deal of suffering,” said Michael Lim, a neurosurgeon at Stanford University School of Medicine who was not involved in the study. Lim said the findings could open up a new approach to treating chronic pain.<h2>How the brain ‘brake’ works</h2>One existing approach to treating some neurological conditions is deep brain stimulation, or DBS. The treatment uses electrodes implanted in the brain and connected to a battery-powered device placed in the chest.&nbsp;DBS is most commonly used for Parkinson’s disease, but researchers are also studying its potential in conditions including depression and chronic pain. However, previous studies into DBS for chronic pain have produced inconsistent results, with some patients benefiting while others see little improvement.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-us-astronauts-back-on-the-lunar-surface-by-2028-signs-commercial-first-executive-order-on-space-launches-1787274681496">Trump's big space bet: 1,000 launches a year and Americans back on Moon by 2028</a>&nbsp;Vivek Buch, a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist at Stanford, said this may be because pain is not controlled by a single area of the brain. “The experience of pain is built by collections of brain networks, including those that handle sensory input, chemical signals and even emotional components,” Buch said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Researchers mapped individual brain activity in severe chronic pain patients and used targeted electrical stimulation to interrupt specific neural signals, effectively creating a "brake" that successfully eased pain.

Scientists have identified a potential “brake” in the brain that could help reduce severe chronic pain, after mapping pain signals in individual patients and using targeted electrical stimulation to interrupt them. The findings, published on July 30 in Brain Stimulation, are based on a small series of case studies involving three people with severe, long-lasting facial pain. Researchers found that precisely targeting specific areas of the brain with electrical signals eased pain in two of the participants. Unlike acute pain caused by injuries such as a broken bone, chronic pain can persist long after an injury has healed. It can also involve changes in the brain and spinal cord, making it particularly difficult to treat. Also read: World first! London surgeons use AI to remove brain tumour, save patient’s sight “We have been limited in what we can do for these patients, and they have a great deal of suffering,” said Michael Lim, a neurosurgeon at Stanford University School of Medicine who was not involved in the study. Lim said the findings could open up a new approach to treating chronic pain. How the brain ‘brake’ works One existing approach to treating some neurological conditions is deep brain stimulation, or DBS. The treatment uses electrodes implanted in the brain and connected to a battery-powered device placed in the chest. DBS is most commonly used for Parkinson’s disease, but researchers are also studying its potential in conditions including depression and chronic pain. However, previous studies into DBS for chronic pain have produced inconsistent results, with some patients benefiting while others see little improvement. Also read: Trump's big space bet: 1,000 launches a year and Americans back on Moon by 2028 Vivek Buch, a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist at Stanford, said this may be because pain is not controlled by a single area of the brain. “The experience of pain is built by collections of brain networks, including those that handle sensory input, chemical signals and even emotional components,” Buch said.

Researchers mapped individual brain activity in severe chronic pain patients and used targeted electrical stimulation to interrupt specific neural signals, effectively creating a "brake" that successfully eased pain.

Scientists find brain ‘brake’ that could switch off chronic pain. Here’s how

Five years ago, in August 2021, the Indian space agency ISRO launched India's first agile Earth observation satellite, GISAT-1, from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket. The satellite was lost after the mid-flight failure of the rocket. WION has learnt that the 52-meters-tall, three-stage GSLV-F17 rocket, carrying a replacement for the GISAT, has been moved to the second launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), Sriharikota, around 8:00 am, Friday, 28th August. It is a standard practice at ISRO to move its relatively larger rockets (such as PSLV, GSLV, LVM3) to the launchpad a week ahead of the liftoff date. The GSLV-F17 rocket will be carrying a strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite known as GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which is a replacement for the GISAT-1 lost in 2021.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nasa-invites-isro-moon-base-programme-lunar-outpost-1786450433879">NASA invites ISRO to build a base on the Moon</a>This upcoming launch, scheduled for the first week of September, will also mark the end of ISRO's seven-month period of lull. The Government-run ISRO has not launched any of its rockets so far in 2026, after the mid-flight failure of the PSLV-C62 rocket in January this year, which happened to be the second PSLV failure in a row. The PSLV-C61 rocket also failed mid-flight in May 2025. Such back-to-back failures are unprecedented in the 33 years of PSLV flights. While the C-61 carried ISRO's strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite EOS-09, the C-62 carried an Earth-imaging satellite EOS-N1 and more than a dozen customer satellites.&nbsp; Weighing over 2,200kg, the EOS-05/GISAT-1A is an agile Earth observation satellite that is to be placed in Geostationary orbit, about 36,000 km above the Earth. The GSLV rocket will hurl the satellite into an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit, following which the satellite will fire its onboard engines to gradually circularize its orbit and reach its final destination. This satellite is meant to provide near real-time imaging of large-area regions of interest at frequent intervals, for quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and any short-term events, to obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, water bodies, as well as for disaster warning, cyclone monitoring, cloud burst/thunderstorm monitoring etc.<h2>Better late than never: A resurrection for GISAT</h2>GISAT-1, India's first agile Earth observation satellite, was launched from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket on August 12, 2021. While the first and second stages of the rocket performed normally, the final Cryogenic Stage did not ignite due to a technical anomaly. The mission couldn't be accomplished as intended and the satellite GISAT-1 was lost during the mid-flight failure. GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which ISRO intends to launch next week, is a replacement for the lost GISAT-1.Losses and failures are common in spaceflight. However, the ability to return with a successful mission is the true test of any spacefaring entity. That it has taken five long years for India to replace a satellite lost in 2021, is a sad and pitiable reminder of the pace at which strategic missions are being executed.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-may-need-2-3-years-to-replace-3-strategic-satellites-lost-in-12-months-1768914607847">Also read | India may need 2-3 years to replace 3 strategic satellites lost in 12 months</a>Of the six space launch missions that the Indian space agency ISRO performed from home soil between January 2025 and January 2026, three have failed. These are: GSLV-F15/NVS-02(satellite failure) in Jan 2025, PSLV-C61/EOS-09(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in May 2025, and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in January 2026. All three Government-funded satellites lost in these failed missions were critical for India's national security. While it is certain that ISRO will return with successful missions and replace these satellites, this author had estimated that India would need between two to three years to replace all three national security satellites lost in the said period. The five years it took to bring the GISAT back to the launchpad is ample testimony!&nbsp;

Five years after losing GISAT-1 in a GSLV failure, ISRO is preparing to launch its replacement. The GSLV-F17 rocket has now reached Sriharikota's launchpad, setting the stage for a mission with major strategic and disaster-monitoring capabilities.

Five years ago, in August 2021, the Indian space agency ISRO launched India's first agile Earth observation satellite, GISAT-1, from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket. The satellite was lost after the mid-flight failure of the rocket. WION has learnt that the 52-meters-tall, three-stage GSLV-F17 rocket, carrying a replacement for the GISAT, has been moved to the second launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), Sriharikota, around 8:00 am, Friday, 28th August. It is a standard practice at ISRO to move its relatively larger rockets (such as PSLV, GSLV, LVM3) to the launchpad a week ahead of the liftoff date. The GSLV-F17 rocket will be carrying a strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite known as GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which is a replacement for the GISAT-1 lost in 2021. Also read | NASA invites ISRO to build a base on the Moon This upcoming launch, scheduled for the first week of September, will also mark the end of ISRO's seven-month period of lull. The Government-run ISRO has not launched any of its rockets so far in 2026, after the mid-flight failure of the PSLV-C62 rocket in January this year, which happened to be the second PSLV failure in a row. The PSLV-C61 rocket also failed mid-flight in May 2025. Such back-to-back failures are unprecedented in the 33 years of PSLV flights. While the C-61 carried ISRO's strategic-use Earth-imaging satellite EOS-09, the C-62 carried an Earth-imaging satellite EOS-N1 and more than a dozen customer satellites. Weighing over 2,200kg, the EOS-05/GISAT-1A is an agile Earth observation satellite that is to be placed in Geostationary orbit, about 36,000 km above the Earth. The GSLV rocket will hurl the satellite into an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit, following which the satellite will fire its onboard engines to gradually circularize its orbit and reach its final destination. This satellite is meant to provide near real-time imaging of large-area regions of interest at frequent intervals, for quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and any short-term events, to obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, water bodies, as well as for disaster warning, cyclone monitoring, cloud burst/thunderstorm monitoring etc. Better late than never: A resurrection for GISAT GISAT-1, India's first agile Earth observation satellite, was launched from Sriharikota on the GSLV-F10 rocket on August 12, 2021. While the first and second stages of the rocket performed normally, the final Cryogenic Stage did not ignite due to a technical anomaly. The mission couldn't be accomplished as intended and the satellite GISAT-1 was lost during the mid-flight failure. GISAT-1A or EOS-05, which ISRO intends to launch next week, is a replacement for the lost GISAT-1. Losses and failures are common in spaceflight. However, the ability to return with a successful mission is the true test of any spacefaring entity. That it has taken five long years for India to replace a satellite lost in 2021, is a sad and pitiable reminder of the pace at which strategic missions are being executed. Also read | India may need 2-3 years to replace 3 strategic satellites lost in 12 months Of the six space launch missions that the Indian space agency ISRO performed from home soil between January 2025 and January 2026, three have failed. These are: GSLV-F15/NVS-02(satellite failure) in Jan 2025, PSLV-C61/EOS-09(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in May 2025, and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1(mid-flight rocket failure and satellite loss) in January 2026. All three Government-funded satellites lost in these failed missions were critical for India's national security. While it is certain that ISRO will return with successful missions and replace these satellites, this author had estimated that India would need between two to three years to replace all three national security satellites lost in the said period. The five years it took to bring the GISAT back to the launchpad is ample testimony!

Five years after losing GISAT-1 in a GSLV failure, ISRO is preparing to launch its replacement. The GSLV-F17 rocket has now reached Sriharikota's launchpad, setting the stage for a mission with major strategic and disaster-monitoring capabilities.

5 years after GSLV-F10 failure, ISRO to replace Earth-imaging GISAT

Neurosurgeons in London have performed the world’s first successful AI-assisted operation to remove a brain tumour, saving the sight of a 48-year-old man. The surgery was carried out in May at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Details of the procedure were kept under wraps until Thursday (Aug 27) while the patient, Rhys Hibbert, recovered.Hibbert had been diagnosed with an 11mm tumour on his pituitary gland in 2024. His condition was initially managed without surgery, but his symptoms later worsened, including severe hormone imbalance and vision problems. Without surgery, he faced the risk of losing his sight, health officials said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/precision-in-motion-how-technology-is-shaping-orthopaedic-surgery-1787828555734">Precision in motion: How technology is shaping orthopaedic surgery?</a>During the operation, the surgical team remained in full control while an AI system analysed live camera footage. The technology helped identify key structures, including nerves and blood vessels, around the tumour that needed to be avoided.The system uses colour coding to help surgeons identify tiny anatomical structures in the brain and recognise them during delicate procedures. The technology had previously been used at the hospital as a research tool, but Hibbert's operation marked the first time it was used on a patient.The pituitary gland, blood vessels and nerves responsible for vision are located close together, meaning even a small surgical error can have serious consequences, including blindness, stroke or death, health officials said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lunar-eclipse-2026-india-timings-places-to-see-blood-moon-1787721040703">Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. All about Blood moon</a>Dr Sophia Bano, an associate professor in robotics and AI at UCL and the technical lead for the system, said the technology had been trained using hundreds of surgical videos.“By learning from hundreds of surgical videos, [the system] has been exposed to a breadth of surgical examples that would take a surgeon many years to encounter,” Bano told The Guardian.

Surgeons at London's NHNN performed the world’s first AI-assisted pituitary tumour removal on 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert. The real-time, colour-coded AI guidance protected vital brain structures, saving his vision.

Neurosurgeons in London have performed the world’s first successful AI-assisted operation to remove a brain tumour, saving the sight of a 48-year-old man. The surgery was carried out in May at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Details of the procedure were kept under wraps until Thursday (Aug 27) while the patient, Rhys Hibbert, recovered. Hibbert had been diagnosed with an 11mm tumour on his pituitary gland in 2024. His condition was initially managed without surgery, but his symptoms later worsened, including severe hormone imbalance and vision problems. Without surgery, he faced the risk of losing his sight, health officials said. Also read: Precision in motion: How technology is shaping orthopaedic surgery? During the operation, the surgical team remained in full control while an AI system analysed live camera footage. The technology helped identify key structures, including nerves and blood vessels, around the tumour that needed to be avoided. The system uses colour coding to help surgeons identify tiny anatomical structures in the brain and recognise them during delicate procedures. The technology had previously been used at the hospital as a research tool, but Hibbert's operation marked the first time it was used on a patient. The pituitary gland, blood vessels and nerves responsible for vision are located close together, meaning even a small surgical error can have serious consequences, including blindness, stroke or death, health officials said. Also read: Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. All about Blood moon Dr Sophia Bano, an associate professor in robotics and AI at UCL and the technical lead for the system, said the technology had been trained using hundreds of surgical videos. “By learning from hundreds of surgical videos, [the system] has been exposed to a breadth of surgical examples that would take a surgeon many years to encounter,” Bano told The Guardian.

Surgeons at London's NHNN performed the world’s first AI-assisted pituitary tumour removal on 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert. The real-time, colour-coded AI guidance protected vital brain structures, saving his vision.&nbsp;

World first! London surgeons use AI to remove brain tumour, save patient’s sight

Working alongside surgical skill, Orthopaedic surgery has entered a new era with the advancement of technology, making the complex process simpler and more precise. The technology has transformed orthopaedic surgery by delivering sub-millimetre precision, highly personalised care, and faster recovery times for patients. &nbsp; Key technologies that are shaping the orthopaedic field are Robotic-assisted systems, 3D printing, augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). In the case of Robotic-assisted surgery, the Mako Robotic Arm allows surgeons to execute joint replacements with exact bone cuts, matching pre-planned 3D models. Navigation systems in the field also provide real-time feedback during procedures, reducing guesswork in implant alignment and positioning. On the other hand, 3D printing has also transformed pre-surgical planning, allowing custom implants and patient-specific guides tailored to individual bone structures. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is increasingly used to analyse imaging data, predict surgical outcomes, and personalise recovery protocols based on patient-specific factors.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/400-year-old-vampire-grave-in-poland-reveals-rare-genetic-lineage-1787729488056">400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage</a><h3>Technology allows precision surgery</h3>With the rise in technology over the last decade, Dr Sujit Narayan, MBBS, D. Ortho, FIMS, AO (Trauma), Sr. Consultant Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgeon, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, stated that with the advent of time, Orthopaedic surgery has evolved tremendously, with technology being one of the biggest drivers of the change. Irrespective of arthritis treatments, sports injuries, or complex joint conditions, the technological tools allow doctors to plan and perform procedures with a level of precision that was not possible before. "Technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery, advanced imaging, and digital surgical planning help us better understand each patient's anatomy and tailor treatment accordingly. While the surgeon's experience remains central to achieving good outcomes, these innovations provide valuable support in the operating room. Ultimately, the goal is simple - to help patients recover faster, regain function, and return to the activities that matter most to them with greater confidence," Dr Narayan said. Echoing similar points over the surgery, Dr Amit Sharma, MS Orthopaedics, Principal Director and Head, Speciality Unit of Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Yashoda Kaushambi and Yashoda Medicity, Ghaziabad, said, "One of the most exciting developments in orthopaedics has been the growing role of technology in helping us deliver more precise and personalised care. In orthopaedics, innovations such as robotic-assisted replacement surgeries and planning allow us to map procedures in detail before entering the operating room and execute them with enhanced accuracy. This is particularly valuable in joint replacement surgery, where precision can play an important role in restoring natural movement and long-term function. As these technologies continue to advance, they are helping us improve the surgical experience while keeping the focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients and helping them get back to living active, pain-free lives."&nbsp;

Orthopaedic surgery has evolved tremendously, with technology being one of the biggest drivers of the change. Irrespective of arthritis treatments, sports injuries, or complex joint conditions, technological tools allow doctors to plan and perform procedures with a level of precision.

Working alongside surgical skill, Orthopaedic surgery has entered a new era with the advancement of technology, making the complex process simpler and more precise. The technology has transformed orthopaedic surgery by delivering sub-millimetre precision, highly personalised care, and faster recovery times for patients. Key technologies that are shaping the orthopaedic field are Robotic-assisted systems, 3D printing, augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). In the case of Robotic-assisted surgery, the Mako Robotic Arm allows surgeons to execute joint replacements with exact bone cuts, matching pre-planned 3D models. Navigation systems in the field also provide real-time feedback during procedures, reducing guesswork in implant alignment and positioning. On the other hand, 3D printing has also transformed pre-surgical planning, allowing custom implants and patient-specific guides tailored to individual bone structures. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is increasingly used to analyse imaging data, predict surgical outcomes, and personalise recovery protocols based on patient-specific factors. Also read: 400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage Technology allows precision surgery With the rise in technology over the last decade, Dr Sujit Narayan, MBBS, D. Ortho, FIMS, AO (Trauma), Sr. Consultant Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgeon, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, stated that with the advent of time, Orthopaedic surgery has evolved tremendously, with technology being one of the biggest drivers of the change. Irrespective of arthritis treatments, sports injuries, or complex joint conditions, the technological tools allow doctors to plan and perform procedures with a level of precision that was not possible before. "Technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery, advanced imaging, and digital surgical planning help us better understand each patient's anatomy and tailor treatment accordingly. While the surgeon's experience remains central to achieving good outcomes, these innovations provide valuable support in the operating room. Ultimately, the goal is simple - to help patients recover faster, regain function, and return to the activities that matter most to them with greater confidence," Dr Narayan said. Echoing similar points over the surgery, Dr Amit Sharma, MS Orthopaedics, Principal Director and Head, Speciality Unit of Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, Yashoda Kaushambi and Yashoda Medicity, Ghaziabad, said, "One of the most exciting developments in orthopaedics has been the growing role of technology in helping us deliver more precise and personalised care. In orthopaedics, innovations such as robotic-assisted replacement surgeries and planning allow us to map procedures in detail before entering the operating room and execute them with enhanced accuracy. This is particularly valuable in joint replacement surgery, where precision can play an important role in restoring natural movement and long-term function. As these technologies continue to advance, they are helping us improve the surgical experience while keeping the focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients and helping them get back to living active, pain-free lives."

Orthopaedic surgery has evolved tremendously, with technology being one of the biggest drivers of the change. Irrespective of arthritis treatments, sports injuries, or complex joint conditions, technological tools allow doctors to plan and perform procedures with a level of precision.

Precision in motion: How technology is shaping orthopaedic surgery?

Researchers confirmed on Wednesday (August 26) that endangered little brown bats can adapt to cancer-causing cell damage in a unique pattern that could inform efforts to curb the disease that claims the lives of more than 600,000 Americans annually. The findings came after an experiment using tissue samples from the creatures disclosed that the interaction led to the genes that promoted cell death instead of DNA repair when the bats’ cells were tested against lethal chemicals. “We found the literal opposite of what we expected if you treat the bats with a lethal dose of this chemical,” biologist Juan Manuel “Manny” Vazquez, an assistant professor at Penn State University and co-lead author of the related study, confirmed in a news release from the University of California, Berkeley. “The longest-lived bat in North America decides ‘I can't save this ship’ and immediately switches gears to prioritise killing off the cells that are damaged. The elephant, another cancer-resistant species that is long-lived, has the exact same strategy: if you can't save the cell, kill the cell,” he continued. The University of Vermont confirmed that analysis of the bats’ DNA revealed another secret to their longevity and good immune function.<h3>Multiple copies of immune gene</h3>The scientists have found that the animals had multiple copies of an immune gene discovered in every mammal, known as “protein kinase r,” or PRK. Generally, Mammals have one copy of the gene, suggesting to Vazquez it could be responsible for protective effects. The study’s authors also assert that the findings could be applied to human research on longevity and disease. “We can look at these bats and try to understand how, in the same way you can improve your immune system to fight off viruses, maybe you can improve your immune system so it doesn't decline in old age,” Vazquez said. “Or maybe bats can help us find ways to fight off tumours so our immune system doesn’t get tired, and that can also help us deal with other stresses of life and not exhaust our immunity.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/whose-buffalo-is-it-bihar-police-turn-to-dna-test-to-solve-ownership-row-1787800004479">The great buffalo mystery: Bihar Police seek DNA proof to find its real owner</a> Elise Lauterbur, an assistant professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Vermont and co-lead author of the study, explained, "Pathogen adaptation, longevity and cancer resistance- they are fundamentally linked.” That said, applying these adaptations to treat human disease remains a distant prospect. So why study bats in the first place? For their size, they're remarkably long-lived among mammals, with some species surviving for decades. (Little brown bats face endangerment mainly due to white-nose syndrome, a lethal fungal disease.) Bats also lead highly active lives, flying nightly to hunt insects. Researchers suggest this level of fitness may contribute to stronger immune function and longer lifespan — a pattern also seen in humans. “Bats have evolved this incredible fitness capacity, this incredible ability to deal with disease and this incredible ability to be able to prevent cancer,” Vazquez said. “That means that, by understanding how bats have evolved to do all these things that other mammals haven't, we can find completely new and unexpected ways of dealing with the normal things that cause human diseases.”

The scientists have found that the animals had multiple copies of an immune gene discovered in every mammal, known as “protein kinase r,” or PRK. Generally, Mammals have one copy of the gene, which could be responsible for protective effects. 

Researchers confirmed on Wednesday (August 26) that endangered little brown bats can adapt to cancer-causing cell damage in a unique pattern that could inform efforts to curb the disease that claims the lives of more than 600,000 Americans annually. The findings came after an experiment using tissue samples from the creatures disclosed that the interaction led to the genes that promoted cell death instead of DNA repair when the bats’ cells were tested against lethal chemicals. “We found the literal opposite of what we expected if you treat the bats with a lethal dose of this chemical,” biologist Juan Manuel “Manny” Vazquez, an assistant professor at Penn State University and co-lead author of the related study, confirmed in a news release from the University of California, Berkeley. “The longest-lived bat in North America decides ‘I can't save this ship’ and immediately switches gears to prioritise killing off the cells that are damaged. The elephant, another cancer-resistant species that is long-lived, has the exact same strategy: if you can't save the cell, kill the cell,” he continued. The University of Vermont confirmed that analysis of the bats’ DNA revealed another secret to their longevity and good immune function. Multiple copies of immune gene The scientists have found that the animals had multiple copies of an immune gene discovered in every mammal, known as “protein kinase r,” or PRK. Generally, Mammals have one copy of the gene, suggesting to Vazquez it could be responsible for protective effects. The study’s authors also assert that the findings could be applied to human research on longevity and disease. “We can look at these bats and try to understand how, in the same way you can improve your immune system to fight off viruses, maybe you can improve your immune system so it doesn't decline in old age,” Vazquez said. “Or maybe bats can help us find ways to fight off tumours so our immune system doesn’t get tired, and that can also help us deal with other stresses of life and not exhaust our immunity.” Also read: The great buffalo mystery: Bihar Police seek DNA proof to find its real owner Elise Lauterbur, an assistant professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Vermont and co-lead author of the study, explained, "Pathogen adaptation, longevity and cancer resistance- they are fundamentally linked.” That said, applying these adaptations to treat human disease remains a distant prospect. So why study bats in the first place? For their size, they're remarkably long-lived among mammals, with some species surviving for decades. (Little brown bats face endangerment mainly due to white-nose syndrome, a lethal fungal disease.) Bats also lead highly active lives, flying nightly to hunt insects. Researchers suggest this level of fitness may contribute to stronger immune function and longer lifespan — a pattern also seen in humans. “Bats have evolved this incredible fitness capacity, this incredible ability to deal with disease and this incredible ability to be able to prevent cancer,” Vazquez said. “That means that, by understanding how bats have evolved to do all these things that other mammals haven't, we can find completely new and unexpected ways of dealing with the normal things that cause human diseases.”

The scientists have found that the animals had multiple copies of an immune gene discovered in every mammal, known as “protein kinase r,” or PRK. Generally, Mammals have one copy of the gene, which could be responsible for protective effects.&nbsp;

Could brown bats hold the key to fighting human cancer? Scientists reveal shocking truth

Biorobotics engineers have designed six-legged Cyborg cockroaches with cameras and miniature medical injectors for search-and-rescue missions of trapped people under rubble in an earthquake or similar disaster. The insects, which are designed to deliver emergency aid to people, can track or help rescuers to reach caves or other places that are too dangerous. The “paraborgs” have been developed by University of Queensland biorobotics researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) while working with biomedical engineers. UQ biorobotics engineer Thang Vo-Doan stated that their research turns the cyborg insect into a tiny first responder from a mobile sensor, while critical medical decisions remain under human control. “Cyborg insects have been designed for search and explore missions for the past couple of decades,” Vo-Doan said. “We wanted to take the next step. Once they find someone, can they actually help?” For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros), with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, along with custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect. “Augmenting their natural biomechanics could allow these cyborg insects to deliver timely emergency assistance when direct access to people trapped in narrow, debris-filled spaces isn’t possible,” Vo-Doan said. In proof-of-concept trials, the resulting "paraborgs" delivered injections successfully 95 per cent of the time when operating at close range (within 15cm of the target), while the full navigation-and-injection sequence succeeded in 72 per cent of attempts.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/400-year-old-vampire-grave-in-poland-reveals-rare-genetic-lineage-1787729488056">400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage</a><h2>Precise positioning: The toughest engineering hurdles</h2>According to PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le, precise positioning was among the toughest engineering hurdles the team faced. Le explained that the cyborg insect must navigate to its target, position itself with accuracy, and hold steady enough to complete the injection. “A lot of people might not like the sight of a giant cockroach scurrying towards them, but if you’re trapped in rubble or stuck in a cave and need help, it could make a real difference between life and death.” The cockroaches, similar to the previous cyborg insect models of the team, are anaesthetised during electrode and microchip fitting, and live for as long as other cockroaches once the harnesses are removed. In response, the Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Tim Hassiotis stated that the technology could extend the reach of rescue teams. “If cyborg insects can safely enter spaces we can’t, locate casualties and ultimately help deliver emergency care, they could become another valuable tool in the future of urban search and rescue,” he said. Vo-Doan confirmed that the longer-term vision was to put swarms of specialised cyborg insects along with individuals performing complementary roles. “Hopefully, within the next five to 10 years, we could see cyborg insect rescue teams deployed to help people in real emergencies,” he said.

For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach, with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, including custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect.

Biorobotics engineers have designed six-legged Cyborg cockroaches with cameras and miniature medical injectors for search-and-rescue missions of trapped people under rubble in an earthquake or similar disaster. The insects, which are designed to deliver emergency aid to people, can track or help rescuers to reach caves or other places that are too dangerous. The “paraborgs” have been developed by University of Queensland biorobotics researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) while working with biomedical engineers. UQ biorobotics engineer Thang Vo-Doan stated that their research turns the cyborg insect into a tiny first responder from a mobile sensor, while critical medical decisions remain under human control. “Cyborg insects have been designed for search and explore missions for the past couple of decades,” Vo-Doan said. “We wanted to take the next step. Once they find someone, can they actually help?” For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros), with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, along with custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect. “Augmenting their natural biomechanics could allow these cyborg insects to deliver timely emergency assistance when direct access to people trapped in narrow, debris-filled spaces isn’t possible,” Vo-Doan said. In proof-of-concept trials, the resulting "paraborgs" delivered injections successfully 95 per cent of the time when operating at close range (within 15cm of the target), while the full navigation-and-injection sequence succeeded in 72 per cent of attempts. Also read: 400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage Precise positioning: The toughest engineering hurdles According to PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le, precise positioning was among the toughest engineering hurdles the team faced. Le explained that the cyborg insect must navigate to its target, position itself with accuracy, and hold steady enough to complete the injection. “A lot of people might not like the sight of a giant cockroach scurrying towards them, but if you’re trapped in rubble or stuck in a cave and need help, it could make a real difference between life and death.” The cockroaches, similar to the previous cyborg insect models of the team, are anaesthetised during electrode and microchip fitting, and live for as long as other cockroaches once the harnesses are removed. In response, the Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Tim Hassiotis stated that the technology could extend the reach of rescue teams. “If cyborg insects can safely enter spaces we can’t, locate casualties and ultimately help deliver emergency care, they could become another valuable tool in the future of urban search and rescue,” he said. Vo-Doan confirmed that the longer-term vision was to put swarms of specialised cyborg insects along with individuals performing complementary roles. “Hopefully, within the next five to 10 years, we could see cyborg insect rescue teams deployed to help people in real emergencies,” he said.

For the study, researchers outfitted a species native to far north Queensland, the giant burrowing cockroach, with lightweight electronic components and onboard cameras, including custom-built, remotely triggered auto-injection systems designed specifically for the insect.

'Paraborgs': Scientists turn cyborg cockroaches to deliver emergency aid in disaster rubble

A dramatic partial lunar eclipse on August 27 will see almost 96 per cent of the Moon hidden behind Earth's shadow. The eclipse is occurring during daytime, which means it will not be visible in India. The lunar surface will appear reddish-orange with only a sliver of it illuminated by the Sun. The lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America, Europe and Africa. The eclipse will begin at 9:23 pm ET when the Moon enters Earth's outer shadow.<h2>Lunar eclipse timings</h2> The partial phase will occur at 10:33 p.m. ET. At this point, Earth's dark umbral shadow will start creeping across the lunar surface. The eclipse will peak at 12:12 a.m. ET, when 96.2 per cent of the Moon will be in Earth's shadow. Partiality will end at 1:51 am ET, and the penumbral eclipse will conclude at 3:01 am ET. The entire eclipse will last about five hours.<h2>Best places to see the lunar eclipse</h2> The lunar eclipse will be best visible to people in North and South America. Europeans will be able to catch the eclipse in the early morning hours of August 28. The moon will set while the partial eclipse is still going on. Londoners can catch the maximum eclipse at 5:12 am BST.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Africa, Egypt will witness about 93 per cent of the Moon covered at its peak. The penumbral phase will begin at 4:24 am local time, with the partial eclipse starting at 5:34 am. Peak visibility occurs in Cairo at around 6:29 am just as the sun rises.<h2>Watch Saturn alongside the eclipse</h2> Saturn will be close to the Moon on this night. Venus will also be visible and shine brightly soon after sunset in the southwest.<h2>Why is the eclipse moon red?</h2> The Moon appears red because of Earth's atmosphere, which filters and bends the sunlight. This phenomenon only allows red light, with the longest wavelength, to pass through the atmosphere. It refracts towards the moon, giving it a rusty orange glow.<h2>Lunar eclipse August 2026: Will it be visible from India?</h2> People in India won't be able to see the lunar eclipse since it is occurring during daytime. It will begin after sunrise at 6:53 am IST and end at 12:32 pm IST.&nbsp;

Lunar eclipse 2026: The moon will be covered by almost 96 per cent during the August 27 eclipse. It will be visible in North and South America, Europe and Africa. In India, it will start after sunrise on August 28. All details about the eclipse.

A dramatic partial lunar eclipse on August 27 will see almost 96 per cent of the Moon hidden behind Earth's shadow. The eclipse is occurring during daytime, which means it will not be visible in India. The lunar surface will appear reddish-orange with only a sliver of it illuminated by the Sun. The lunar eclipse will be visible from North and South America, Europe and Africa. The eclipse will begin at 9:23 pm ET when the Moon enters Earth's outer shadow. Lunar eclipse timings The partial phase will occur at 10:33 p.m. ET. At this point, Earth's dark umbral shadow will start creeping across the lunar surface. The eclipse will peak at 12:12 a.m. ET, when 96.2 per cent of the Moon will be in Earth's shadow. Partiality will end at 1:51 am ET, and the penumbral eclipse will conclude at 3:01 am ET. The entire eclipse will last about five hours. Best places to see the lunar eclipse The lunar eclipse will be best visible to people in North and South America. Europeans will be able to catch the eclipse in the early morning hours of August 28. The moon will set while the partial eclipse is still going on. Londoners can catch the maximum eclipse at 5:12 am BST. In Africa, Egypt will witness about 93 per cent of the Moon covered at its peak. The penumbral phase will begin at 4:24 am local time, with the partial eclipse starting at 5:34 am. Peak visibility occurs in Cairo at around 6:29 am just as the sun rises. Watch Saturn alongside the eclipse Saturn will be close to the Moon on this night. Venus will also be visible and shine brightly soon after sunset in the southwest. Why is the eclipse moon red? The Moon appears red because of Earth's atmosphere, which filters and bends the sunlight. This phenomenon only allows red light, with the longest wavelength, to pass through the atmosphere. It refracts towards the moon, giving it a rusty orange glow. Lunar eclipse August 2026: Will it be visible from India? People in India won't be able to see the lunar eclipse since it is occurring during daytime. It will begin after sunrise at 6:53 am IST and end at 12:32 pm IST.

Lunar eclipse 2026: The moon will be covered by almost 96 per cent during the August 27 eclipse. It will be visible in North and South America, Europe and Africa. In India, it will start after sunrise on August 28. All details about the eclipse.

Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. August Blood moon factsheet

A team of researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have come up with a strange way to end plastic pollution - turn it into edible and tasty cookies. They used specially engineered yeast for it and 3D printed the cookies out of plastic waste. The yeast breaks down components of plastic compounds and agricultural material, such as plant stalks, into proteins, fats, acids, and flavourings. Everything is combined together and fed into a 3D printer to make cookies of any shape. The project was funded by NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge.&nbsp;The cookies were made in the shape of the Greek letter µ, lending it the name "µBites", or micro bites. The researchers are yet to taste the cookies as they are waiting for university approval. However, they are confident that the cookies are fine and tasty. “I think it has a pleasant, appealing aroma. And it will taste good, too,” Lahiru Jayakody, a microbiologist at SIU who led the research, told New Scientist.<h2>How was plastic turned into a cookie?</h2> The process depends heavily on the yeast. They used CRISPR gene-editing technology to reprogram yeast strains to eat polyethene terephthalate (PET). This is the most widely found form of plastic, present in water bottles, food packaging and clothes. First, the plastic is broken down into smaller bits through a process called oxidative hydrothermal dissolution. This makes it easier for the microbes to digest it, turning it into a slurry of proteins, fats, and acids. Fibre, starch, and sweetener are added to bring taste and body to the mixture. The 3D printer then turns it into cookies.&nbsp;<h2>Challenges and problems with the plastic-to-cookie method</h2> While the revolutionary invention could address not only the problem of plastic waste, but also food shortages, the costs attached to it make it unviable for now. According to a report by The Guardian, it will cost around $60 to produce a kilogram of cookies. Besides, there is so much plastic waste in the world, with more of it continuously adding to the current load, that 3D printing might never be a solution. "We produce 400 million tons a year of plastic waste. You’re not going to turn it all into cookies. So it’s not a solution to the plastic-waste crisis," Jason Hallett at Imperial College London told New Scientist.&nbsp;However, since NASA is involved in the project, the cookies might become a culinary option for astronauts who could one day visit distant planets like Mars.&nbsp;

A cookie made out of plastic waste is the next breakthrough in addressing pollution and may be food crisis. However, it might not be feasible given the mounds of plastic pollution. Meanwhile, it could be an option for astronauts. 

A team of researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have come up with a strange way to end plastic pollution - turn it into edible and tasty cookies. They used specially engineered yeast for it and 3D printed the cookies out of plastic waste. The yeast breaks down components of plastic compounds and agricultural material, such as plant stalks, into proteins, fats, acids, and flavourings. Everything is combined together and fed into a 3D printer to make cookies of any shape. The project was funded by NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge. The cookies were made in the shape of the Greek letter µ, lending it the name "µBites", or micro bites. The researchers are yet to taste the cookies as they are waiting for university approval. However, they are confident that the cookies are fine and tasty. “I think it has a pleasant, appealing aroma. And it will taste good, too,” Lahiru Jayakody, a microbiologist at SIU who led the research, told New Scientist. How was plastic turned into a cookie? The process depends heavily on the yeast. They used CRISPR gene-editing technology to reprogram yeast strains to eat polyethene terephthalate (PET). This is the most widely found form of plastic, present in water bottles, food packaging and clothes. First, the plastic is broken down into smaller bits through a process called oxidative hydrothermal dissolution. This makes it easier for the microbes to digest it, turning it into a slurry of proteins, fats, and acids. Fibre, starch, and sweetener are added to bring taste and body to the mixture. The 3D printer then turns it into cookies. Challenges and problems with the plastic-to-cookie method While the revolutionary invention could address not only the problem of plastic waste, but also food shortages, the costs attached to it make it unviable for now. According to a report by The Guardian, it will cost around $60 to produce a kilogram of cookies. Besides, there is so much plastic waste in the world, with more of it continuously adding to the current load, that 3D printing might never be a solution. "We produce 400 million tons a year of plastic waste. You’re not going to turn it all into cookies. So it’s not a solution to the plastic-waste crisis," Jason Hallett at Imperial College London told New Scientist. However, since NASA is involved in the project, the cookies might become a culinary option for astronauts who could one day visit distant planets like Mars.

A cookie made out of plastic waste is the next breakthrough in addressing pollution and may be food crisis. However, it might not be feasible given the mounds of plastic pollution. Meanwhile, it could be an option for astronauts.&nbsp;

Would you eat a 3D printed cookie made from plastic waste? NASA astronauts might have to

Palm oil, extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees, widely used product within the food industry of the world. Its widespread use in packaged edible items has been occasioned by properties unique to the oil that enhance product quality and shelf life. It has a very long shelf life, which does not easily become rancid due to its oxidation resistance. As a result, the oil is ideal for use in snacks that must remain fresh for a long time, such as chips, biscuits, and baked goods. In India, palm oil is a standardised edible oil permitted for use in packaged foods under food safety regulations. A week ago, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards. He underscored that under Sub-regulation 2.2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, it is classified as a standardised edible fat. He further explained that palm oil is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, by FSSAI.<h3>Is palm oil healthy to consume?</h3>Palm oil is moderately healthy when eaten in small amounts; however, it is high in saturated fat, which can raise bad cholesterol. It is better than artificial trans fats, but worse for our heart than liquid plant oils like olive or canola oil. Harvard nutrition experts explained that palm oil is clearly better than high–trans fat shortenings, along with a probable better choice than butter. But it can't be a top priority to consume. Meanwhile, several health reports suggest that it is roughly 50 per cent saturated fat (specifically palmitic acid), which can clog arteries, promote inflammation, and raise heart disease risks when consumed heavily. It is widely used in cheap, ultra-processed Indian snacks, instant noodles, and fried fast foods, where excess calories, sugars, and trans fats compound overall metabolic health risks. Overall, spending on palm oil imports decreased by -5.6 per cent for all importing countries since 2021. Five years earlier, international purchases of palm oil cost $51.8 billion. The 5 biggest importers of palm oil are India, Pakistan, mainland China, the Netherlands and the United States of America. From a continental perspective, Asian countries imported the highest dollar value of palm oil during 2025, with purchases valued at $28.2 billion or almost three-fifths (57.8 per cent) of the global total. In second place were importers based in Europe at 17 per cent, while another 16.8 per cent of palm oil imported worldwide was delivered to buyers in Africa.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75%">IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75%</a><h3>Why is palm oil preferred most?</h3>Palm oil is widely used in packaged snacks because of its long shelf life, neutral taste, affordability and versatility. Its resistance to oxidation helps prevent rancidity, allowing products such as chips, biscuits and baked goods to stay fresh for longer. Since it has a mild, neutral flavour, it does not overpower the natural taste of snacks. Palm oil is also economical due to its high yield and relatively low production costs. Its semi-solid texture helps provide desirable qualities such as crispness, fluffiness and smooth fillings while maintaining consistency during storage. Its antioxidant properties can further slow spoilage and reduce the need for artificial preservatives. With a high smoke point, palm oil is well suited for deep-frying snacks. Its widespread availability, particularly from Indonesia and Malaysia, also supports large-scale production. Certified sustainable palm oil offers manufacturers an option to address growing environmental and ethical concerns.<h3>What do experts think about palm oil?</h3>Sumit Roy, Deputy General Manager, Solidaridad Asia, said, "Palm oil presents quite unique properties because of its natural composition: semi-solid at room temperature. It can be divided into lower-melting olein and higher-melting stearin. The stearin provides a hard nature and is used in biscuits, cream filling, or bakery items without relying on partial hydrogenation. Palm-derived fats also have strong oxidative stability, which helps fried or baked products retain texture during distribution and storage." "Greater oxidative stability reduces quality loss during storage, which is particularly important in India’s warm climate and long distribution chains. Refined palm olein has a high smoke point and can withstand repeated industrial frying better than many more polyunsaturated oils, which oxidise more readily," he added. Roy claimed that the health concern regarding palm oil is over hyped and lacks substance. He noted that India’s Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has already highlighted that palm oil, which is a fully standardised item permitted to use under national food safety regulations, meets strict safety standards based on comprehensive scientific evaluations.&nbsp;Alka Srivastava, Director, Swad &amp; Masala Food and Beverages Pvt Ltd., also said that palm oil is used in packaged foods on a large scale as it is affordable, stable, and helps products stay fresh for longer. However, Alka warned that excessive consumption can be a concern as it is high in saturated fat, which may raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.&nbsp;“It can also contribute to an unhealthy diet when consumed frequently through highly processed foods. In my opinion, instead of completely demonising palm oil, the focus should be on moderation, transparent labelling, and healthier alternatives. Consumers should be more aware of what goes into the packaged foods they consume every day,” Srivastava added.<h3>Higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk</h3>Sonali Saxena, Sr. Clinical Nutritionist &amp; Diabetes Educator, The Women’s Hospital, said, "Palm oil has become a common ingredient in packaged foods because of its affordability, stability and ability to improve texture and shelf life. Its scale of use in India is significant, with palm oil accounting for about &nbsp;59% of the country’s edible-oil imports, according to the Department of Food &amp; Public Distribution. Palm oil is relatively high in saturated fat, and diets consistently high in saturated fat can contribute to higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. For women, the larger conversation should be about building a sustainable pattern of eating around whole grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts and other nutrient-dense foods, while reducing dependence on highly processed foods. As per Sonali Saxena, Senior Clinical Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator from TWH hospital, "Learn to read nutritional labels and try to avoid food containing palm oil. You can prefer healthy snacks prepared at home, such as roasted makhana or prefer to eat whole fruits or prefer homemade kala chana chaat or sprouts salads for everyday eating."&nbsp;Dr Jatinder Singh Bhogal, Sr. Consultant - Gastroentrology&amp;Heptatology, Kailash Deepak Hospital, said, "Palm oil is widely used in packaged foods mainly because it is affordable, easily available, and has a long shelf life. It is also quite stable at high temperatures and gives foods the texture and consistency manufacturers are looking for. That is why it is commonly found in products such as biscuits, chips, baked foods and packaged snacks. From a health perspective, the main concern is its relatively high saturated fat content, particularly palmitic acid. Consuming too much saturated fat on a regular basis can increase LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, which over time may contribute to cardiovascular risk. However, it is important to look at the overall diet rather than palm oil in isolation." "The bigger concern is often frequent consumption of packaged and ultra-processed foods, which can also be high in calories, refined carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fats. So, it is less about avoiding palm oil completely and more about how much and how often we consume foods containing it. An occasional serving is very different from making such foods a regular part of the diet. Ideally, consumers should focus on a balanced diet and choose foods with healthier unsaturated fats wherever possible," Bhogal added. Dr Sachin Trivedi, Director Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba, also claimed, "Due to its low cost, high-temperature stability, long shelf life, and favourable texture properties, palm oil finds extensive application in the packaging of food products. However, its consumption can lead to an increased intake of saturated fats and thus affect heart health." Trivedi noted that there is currently no clear evidence establishing a direct link between palm oil consumption and cancer. He said the greater concern is the consumption of highly processed foods that may contain excessive levels of saturated fats, sugar, salt and calories. People undergoing cancer treatment or those who have completed treatment should therefore focus on maintaining a balanced diet rather than eliminating any particular ingredient. He advised consumers to check the nutrition labels of food products and assess their overall nutritional content. He recommended prioritising fresh or minimally processed foods, along with adequate portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich foods.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards.

Palm oil, extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees, widely used product within the food industry of the world. Its widespread use in packaged edible items has been occasioned by properties unique to the oil that enhance product quality and shelf life. It has a very long shelf life, which does not easily become rancid due to its oxidation resistance. As a result, the oil is ideal for use in snacks that must remain fresh for a long time, such as chips, biscuits, and baked goods. In India, palm oil is a standardised edible oil permitted for use in packaged foods under food safety regulations. A week ago, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards. He underscored that under Sub-regulation 2.2 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, it is classified as a standardised edible fat. He further explained that palm oil is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, by FSSAI. Is palm oil healthy to consume? Palm oil is moderately healthy when eaten in small amounts; however, it is high in saturated fat, which can raise bad cholesterol. It is better than artificial trans fats, but worse for our heart than liquid plant oils like olive or canola oil. Harvard nutrition experts explained that palm oil is clearly better than high–trans fat shortenings, along with a probable better choice than butter. But it can't be a top priority to consume. Meanwhile, several health reports suggest that it is roughly 50 per cent saturated fat (specifically palmitic acid), which can clog arteries, promote inflammation, and raise heart disease risks when consumed heavily. It is widely used in cheap, ultra-processed Indian snacks, instant noodles, and fried fast foods, where excess calories, sugars, and trans fats compound overall metabolic health risks. Overall, spending on palm oil imports decreased by -5.6 per cent for all importing countries since 2021. Five years earlier, international purchases of palm oil cost $51.8 billion. The 5 biggest importers of palm oil are India, Pakistan, mainland China, the Netherlands and the United States of America. From a continental perspective, Asian countries imported the highest dollar value of palm oil during 2025, with purchases valued at $28.2 billion or almost three-fifths (57.8 per cent) of the global total. In second place were importers based in Europe at 17 per cent, while another 16.8 per cent of palm oil imported worldwide was delivered to buyers in Africa. Also read: IIT Delhi alumna builds battery-powered refrigeration system, cuts cold-chain costs by 75% Why is palm oil preferred most? Palm oil is widely used in packaged snacks because of its long shelf life, neutral taste, affordability and versatility. Its resistance to oxidation helps prevent rancidity, allowing products such as chips, biscuits and baked goods to stay fresh for longer. Since it has a mild, neutral flavour, it does not overpower the natural taste of snacks. Palm oil is also economical due to its high yield and relatively low production costs. Its semi-solid texture helps provide desirable qualities such as crispness, fluffiness and smooth fillings while maintaining consistency during storage. Its antioxidant properties can further slow spoilage and reduce the need for artificial preservatives. With a high smoke point, palm oil is well suited for deep-frying snacks. Its widespread availability, particularly from Indonesia and Malaysia, also supports large-scale production. Certified sustainable palm oil offers manufacturers an option to address growing environmental and ethical concerns. What do experts think about palm oil? Sumit Roy, Deputy General Manager, Solidaridad Asia, said, "Palm oil presents quite unique properties because of its natural composition: semi-solid at room temperature. It can be divided into lower-melting olein and higher-melting stearin. The stearin provides a hard nature and is used in biscuits, cream filling, or bakery items without relying on partial hydrogenation. Palm-derived fats also have strong oxidative stability, which helps fried or baked products retain texture during distribution and storage." "Greater oxidative stability reduces quality loss during storage, which is particularly important in India’s warm climate and long distribution chains. Refined palm olein has a high smoke point and can withstand repeated industrial frying better than many more polyunsaturated oils, which oxidise more readily," he added. Roy claimed that the health concern regarding palm oil is over hyped and lacks substance. He noted that India’s Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has already highlighted that palm oil, which is a fully standardised item permitted to use under national food safety regulations, meets strict safety standards based on comprehensive scientific evaluations. Alka Srivastava, Director, Swad & Masala Food and Beverages Pvt Ltd., also said that palm oil is used in packaged foods on a large scale as it is affordable, stable, and helps products stay fresh for longer. However, Alka warned that excessive consumption can be a concern as it is high in saturated fat, which may raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. “It can also contribute to an unhealthy diet when consumed frequently through highly processed foods. In my opinion, instead of completely demonising palm oil, the focus should be on moderation, transparent labelling, and healthier alternatives. Consumers should be more aware of what goes into the packaged foods they consume every day,” Srivastava added. Higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk Sonali Saxena, Sr. Clinical Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator, The Women’s Hospital, said, "Palm oil has become a common ingredient in packaged foods because of its affordability, stability and ability to improve texture and shelf life. Its scale of use in India is significant, with palm oil accounting for about 59% of the country’s edible-oil imports, according to the Department of Food & Public Distribution. Palm oil is relatively high in saturated fat, and diets consistently high in saturated fat can contribute to higher LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. For women, the larger conversation should be about building a sustainable pattern of eating around whole grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts and other nutrient-dense foods, while reducing dependence on highly processed foods. As per Sonali Saxena, Senior Clinical Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator from TWH hospital, "Learn to read nutritional labels and try to avoid food containing palm oil. You can prefer healthy snacks prepared at home, such as roasted makhana or prefer to eat whole fruits or prefer homemade kala chana chaat or sprouts salads for everyday eating." Dr Jatinder Singh Bhogal, Sr. Consultant - Gastroentrology&Heptatology, Kailash Deepak Hospital, said, "Palm oil is widely used in packaged foods mainly because it is affordable, easily available, and has a long shelf life. It is also quite stable at high temperatures and gives foods the texture and consistency manufacturers are looking for. That is why it is commonly found in products such as biscuits, chips, baked foods and packaged snacks. From a health perspective, the main concern is its relatively high saturated fat content, particularly palmitic acid. Consuming too much saturated fat on a regular basis can increase LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, which over time may contribute to cardiovascular risk. However, it is important to look at the overall diet rather than palm oil in isolation." "The bigger concern is often frequent consumption of packaged and ultra-processed foods, which can also be high in calories, refined carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fats. So, it is less about avoiding palm oil completely and more about how much and how often we consume foods containing it. An occasional serving is very different from making such foods a regular part of the diet. Ideally, consumers should focus on a balanced diet and choose foods with healthier unsaturated fats wherever possible," Bhogal added. Dr Sachin Trivedi, Director Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital, Colaba, also claimed, "Due to its low cost, high-temperature stability, long shelf life, and favourable texture properties, palm oil finds extensive application in the packaging of food products. However, its consumption can lead to an increased intake of saturated fats and thus affect heart health." Trivedi noted that there is currently no clear evidence establishing a direct link between palm oil consumption and cancer. He said the greater concern is the consumption of highly processed foods that may contain excessive levels of saturated fats, sugar, salt and calories. People undergoing cancer treatment or those who have completed treatment should therefore focus on maintaining a balanced diet rather than eliminating any particular ingredient. He advised consumers to check the nutrition labels of food products and assess their overall nutritional content. He recommended prioritising fresh or minimally processed foods, along with adequate portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich foods.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav also claimed that palm oil's safety is ensured through scientific assessments aligned with internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius standards.

Why is palm oil used in so many packaged foods and is it safe to eat? Here’s what experts say

Palaeontologists have uncovered evidence of a remarkably rich marine ecosystem that existed in what is now Egypt’s desert millions of years ago, identifying teeth from seven shark species in rocks formed from an ancient seabed. The fossils were found on the Abu-Tartur Plateau in Egypt’s Western Desert, within the phosphate-rich Duwi Formation. The area was once part of a shallow sea that covered large parts of northern Africa during the Cretaceous period, between about 145 million and 66 million years ago.The study, led by palaeontologist Tarek Yassin of Cairo University, was published in the journal Cretaceous Research under the title describing the shark assemblage from the Duwi Formation at Abu-Tartur.Researchers examined 14 previously unreported shark teeth and identified five species that had not been recorded from Abu-Tartur before: Cretalamna cf. maroccana, Scapanorhynchus cf. raphiodon, Serratolamna cf. serrata, Squalicorax bassanii and Squalicorax pristodontus. Two of them, Serratolamna cf. serrata and Squalicorax bassanii, are also new records for Egypt.One discovery was particularly significant. The needle-like teeth of Scapanorhynchus cf. raphiodon may represent the first known occurrence of the species in Africa and could be its youngest known fossil record, according to the researchers.The findings point to a highly productive marine environment, likely fuelled by ocean upwelling that brought nutrient-rich deep water toward the surface. This would have supported plankton, fish and invertebrates, creating a food web capable of sustaining several large shark predators.The researchers cautioned that the fossils do not prove all seven species lived in the area simultaneously. Limited sediment accumulation meant the phosphate deposits condensed remains from different periods and ecological settings.“The presence of Squalicorax could suggest an input from nearshore/inner shelf settings, while the occurrence of Scapanorhynchus reflects deeper-water conditions on the outer shelf and slope,” the researchers wrote.

Scientists have uncovered a 100-million-year-old shark graveyard in Egypt’s desert, with teeth from seven species revealing a once-thriving marine ecosystem along northern Africa.

Palaeontologists have uncovered evidence of a remarkably rich marine ecosystem that existed in what is now Egypt’s desert millions of years ago, identifying teeth from seven shark species in rocks formed from an ancient seabed. The fossils were found on the Abu-Tartur Plateau in Egypt’s Western Desert, within the phosphate-rich Duwi Formation. The area was once part of a shallow sea that covered large parts of northern Africa during the Cretaceous period, between about 145 million and 66 million years ago. The study, led by palaeontologist Tarek Yassin of Cairo University, was published in the journal Cretaceous Research under the title describing the shark assemblage from the Duwi Formation at Abu-Tartur. Researchers examined 14 previously unreported shark teeth and identified five species that had not been recorded from Abu-Tartur before: Cretalamna cf. maroccana, Scapanorhynchus cf. raphiodon, Serratolamna cf. serrata, Squalicorax bassanii and Squalicorax pristodontus. Two of them, Serratolamna cf. serrata and Squalicorax bassanii, are also new records for Egypt. One discovery was particularly significant. The needle-like teeth of Scapanorhynchus cf. raphiodon may represent the first known occurrence of the species in Africa and could be its youngest known fossil record, according to the researchers. The findings point to a highly productive marine environment, likely fuelled by ocean upwelling that brought nutrient-rich deep water toward the surface. This would have supported plankton, fish and invertebrates, creating a food web capable of sustaining several large shark predators. The researchers cautioned that the fossils do not prove all seven species lived in the area simultaneously. Limited sediment accumulation meant the phosphate deposits condensed remains from different periods and ecological settings. “The presence of Squalicorax could suggest an input from nearshore/inner shelf settings, while the occurrence of Scapanorhynchus reflects deeper-water conditions on the outer shelf and slope,” the researchers wrote.

Scientists have uncovered a 100-million-year-old shark graveyard in Egypt’s desert, with teeth from seven species revealing a once-thriving marine ecosystem along northern Africa.

Was Egypt’s desert once a shark-filled sea? Scientists uncover ancient ‘graveyard’

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Is palm oil in your packaged food actually safe to eat? Here’s what experts say

Was Egypt’s desert once a shark sea? Scientists uncover ancient graveyard