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European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft is facing severe hurdles out in deep space. Gaia has been sending precise measurements ever since its launch in 2013. But in the past few weeks, things haven't been going its way. The spacecraft has been struck by hyper-velocity space dust and the strongest solar storm in 20 years. This has created some issues with the spacecraft, ESA informed in an update.&nbsp;

In April, a micrometeoroid, struck Gaia, damaging the spacecraft’s protective cover. Smaller than a grain of sand, micrometeoroids are not something Gaia has been bothered by during its time in space. However, the recent incident saw the space body collide with it at high speed and at the wrong angle. As a result, Gaia's sensitive sensors have been disrupted as the collision created a small gap allowing in stray sunlight.&nbsp;

<h2>Where is Gaia right now?</h2>

Gaia is currently 1.5 million km from Earth at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2). So micrometeoroids are quite common in this region. Scientists got down to fixing the problem, but another one came banging through. Gaia has a billion-pixel camera that relies on a series of 106 charge-coupled devices (CCDs). The electronics controlling one of these CCDs went kaput in May.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-flunks-maths-it-just-failed-to-clearly-answer-which-is-higher-138-or-1311-741902">AI flunks maths! It just failed to clearly answer which is higher, 13.8 or 13.11</a>&nbsp;

ESA said that this is the first time that Gaia has had a CCD issue in more than 10 years in space. The affected sensor was responsible for Gaia detecting stars, but in the absence of the CCD, there was nothing to validate its observations. So Gaia began to register thousands of false detections.

"Both recent incidents disrupted this process. As a result, the spacecraft began generating a huge number of false detections that overwhelmed our systems,” Edmund Serpell, Gaia spacecraft operations engineer at ESOC, said.

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<h2>Solar storm hits Gaia</h2>

ESA added that around the time the CCD failed, a massive solar storm also hit it. This is the same storm that caused auroras on Earth in May. Gaia was designed to work for six years and is way past that mark now. Solar radiation has never been a problem for it. But with time, its systems are likely aging and the solar storm might have added to its troubles.

The silver lining amidst all this, ESA says, is that they have been able to refocus the optics of Gaia’s twin telescopes, and as a result, the spacecraft is sending back the best data it ever has. 
&nbsp;

European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft is facing severe hurdles out in deep space. Gaia has been sending precise measurements ever since its launch in 2013. But in the past few weeks, things haven't been going its way.

European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft is facing severe hurdles out in deep space. Gaia has been sending precise measurements ever since its launch in 2013. But in the past few weeks, things haven't been going its way. The spacecraft has been struck by hyper-velocity space dust and the strongest solar storm in 20 years. This has created some issues with the spacecraft, ESA informed in an update. In April, a micrometeoroid, struck Gaia, damaging the spacecraft’s protective cover. Smaller than a grain of sand, micrometeoroids are not something Gaia has been bothered by during its time in space. However, the recent incident saw the space body collide with it at high speed and at the wrong angle. As a result, Gaia's sensitive sensors have been disrupted as the collision created a small gap allowing in stray sunlight. Where is Gaia right now? Gaia is currently 1.5 million km from Earth at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2). So micrometeoroids are quite common in this region. Scientists got down to fixing the problem, but another one came banging through. Gaia has a billion-pixel camera that relies on a series of 106 charge-coupled devices (CCDs). The electronics controlling one of these CCDs went kaput in May. Also Read: AI flunks maths! It just failed to clearly answer which is higher, 13.8 or 13.11 ESA said that this is the first time that Gaia has had a CCD issue in more than 10 years in space. The affected sensor was responsible for Gaia detecting stars, but in the absence of the CCD, there was nothing to validate its observations. So Gaia began to register thousands of false detections. "Both recent incidents disrupted this process. As a result, the spacecraft began generating a huge number of false detections that overwhelmed our systems,” Edmund Serpell, Gaia spacecraft operations engineer at ESOC, said. × Solar storm hits Gaia ESA added that around the time the CCD failed, a massive solar storm also hit it. This is the same storm that caused auroras on Earth in May. Gaia was designed to work for six years and is way past that mark now. Solar radiation has never been a problem for it. But with time, its systems are likely aging and the solar storm might have added to its troubles. The silver lining amidst all this, ESA says, is that they have been able to refocus the optics of Gaia’s twin telescopes, and as a result, the spacecraft is sending back the best data it ever has.

At Lagrange point 2, micrometeoroids, solar storms and more threaten to end Gaia's journey

How smart is Artificial Intelligence? Some might argue that&nbsp;their technological superiority make them automatically more intelligent than humans but that is not entirely true. Time and again, there have been instances when AI has made mistakes, exposing its flaws. This is especially true in the case of maths problems.&nbsp;

An incident recently happened in China where AI failed to answer a math problem. Generative AI services like ChatGPT are based on the technology called large language models (LLMs). Beijing has locally developed over 200 LLMs because of the increasing craze. Simply put, LLMs are deep-learning AI algorithms capable of recognising, translating, predicting and generating content using very large data sets.

But when it faced a math problem on the Chinese singing reality show Singer 2024, it was literally stumped.&nbsp;

The winner of the contest was to be announced based on the number of votes received. A man named Sun Nan received 13.8 per cent of online votes and was declared the winner. The opponent, US singer Chanté Moore, received 13.11 per cent of votes. But confusion ensued when someone pointed out that Moore's score was higher than Nan's. Everyone seemed confused at this time, so they all turned to AI.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-found-a-dinosaur-with-green-bones-heres-what-it-actually-is-741716">Scientists have found a dinosaur with green bones. Here's what it actually is</a>

<h2>AI's maths scorecard</h2>

Several LLMs and Chatbots were asked the question - Which number is higher, 13.8 or 13.11? The user asked Moonshot AI’s chatbot Kimi and Baichuan’s Baixiaoying the problem in a chain-of-thought approach, that is guiding an AI application step-by-step through a problem. Both started off with the wrong answer, correcting themselves and apologising later.&nbsp;

When it was Alibaba Group Holding’s Qwen LLM's turn, it used a Python Code Interpreter to calculate the answer. Next came Baidu’s Ernie Bot, which reached the correct answer after six steps.&nbsp;

ByteDance’s Doubao LLM took a rather sly approach, not really answering the question. It gave a direct response with an example: “If you have US$9.90 and US$9.11, clearly US$9.90 is more money.”

On the other hand, OpenAI’s GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Mistral AI, more advanced LLMs, when asked which was bigger, 9.9 or 9.11, answered 9.11.

South China Morning Post talked to Wu Yiquan, a computer science researcher at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, about AI's capability to handle mathematical problems. He said, “LLMs are bad at maths, and it is very common."

He added that AI models lack mathematical capabilities and simply predict answers by diving into their training data. Wu stressed that some LLMs do perform well in maths, but only because the algorithm's training data was likely fed similar questions which it memorised.&nbsp;

How smart is Artificial Intelligence? Some might argue that their technological superiority make them automatically more intelligent than humans but that is not entirely true.

How smart is Artificial Intelligence? Some might argue that their technological superiority make them automatically more intelligent than humans but that is not entirely true. Time and again, there have been instances when AI has made mistakes, exposing its flaws. This is especially true in the case of maths problems. An incident recently happened in China where AI failed to answer a math problem. Generative AI services like ChatGPT are based on the technology called large language models (LLMs). Beijing has locally developed over 200 LLMs because of the increasing craze. Simply put, LLMs are deep-learning AI algorithms capable of recognising, translating, predicting and generating content using very large data sets. But when it faced a math problem on the Chinese singing reality show Singer 2024, it was literally stumped. The winner of the contest was to be announced based on the number of votes received. A man named Sun Nan received 13.8 per cent of online votes and was declared the winner. The opponent, US singer Chanté Moore, received 13.11 per cent of votes. But confusion ensued when someone pointed out that Moore's score was higher than Nan's. Everyone seemed confused at this time, so they all turned to AI. Also Read: Scientists have found a dinosaur with green bones. Here's what it actually is AI's maths scorecard Several LLMs and Chatbots were asked the question - Which number is higher, 13.8 or 13.11? The user asked Moonshot AI’s chatbot Kimi and Baichuan’s Baixiaoying the problem in a chain-of-thought approach, that is guiding an AI application step-by-step through a problem. Both started off with the wrong answer, correcting themselves and apologising later. When it was Alibaba Group Holding’s Qwen LLM's turn, it used a Python Code Interpreter to calculate the answer. Next came Baidu’s Ernie Bot, which reached the correct answer after six steps. ByteDance’s Doubao LLM took a rather sly approach, not really answering the question. It gave a direct response with an example: “If you have US$9.90 and US$9.11, clearly US$9.90 is more money.” On the other hand, OpenAI’s GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Mistral AI, more advanced LLMs, when asked which was bigger, 9.9 or 9.11, answered 9.11. South China Morning Post talked to Wu Yiquan, a computer science researcher at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, about AI's capability to handle mathematical problems. He said, “LLMs are bad at maths, and it is very common." He added that AI models lack mathematical capabilities and simply predict answers by diving into their training data. Wu stressed that some LLMs do perform well in maths, but only because the algorithm's training data was likely fed similar questions which it memorised.

Which is higher 13.8 or 13.11? Don't ask AI, it just failed this test

In the hunt to find an antidote for the poisonous cobra venom, scientists at the University of Sydney and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine seem to have made a stunning discovery.&nbsp;

In the breakthrough study, the scientists discovered that the commonly used blood thinner - heparin - has the qualities to be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cutting down the effects of cobra venom.

Every year, thousands of people are killed by&nbsp;cobras and many others get maimed due to necrosis which happens because of the venom and can cause amputation.

The antivenom treatment currently available is expensive and has not been effective in treating the necrosis of the flesh if the snake bite occurs.&nbsp;

The study's corresponding author in the Charles Perkins Center and Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney Professor Greg Neely said, "Our discovery could drastically reduce the terrible injuries from necrosis caused by&nbsp;cobra&nbsp;bites—and it might also slow the venom, which could improve survival rates."&nbsp;

The scientists used CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify ways in which the cobra venom is blocked. The team comprised of scientists based in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the UK.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/human-turns-vicious-for-snake-indian-man-bites-and-kills-the-killer-reptile-but-did-he-survive-738284">Human turns vicious for snake! Indian man bites and kills killer reptile. But did he survive?</a>

The team was able to repurpose heparin (a common blood thinner) successfully to stop the necrosis which happens by cobra bites. The research was published in the Science Translational Medicine.

The university&nbsp;PhD student and lead author Tian Du said, "Heparin is inexpensive, ubiquitous and a World Health Organisation-listed Essential Medicine. After successful human trials, it could be rolled out relatively quickly to become a cheap, safe and effective drug for treating cobra bites."

<h2>Scientists target to release antidote in next five years</h2>

Head of the Centre for Snakebite Research &amp; Interventions at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, joint corresponding author and Professor Nicholas Casewell said, "Snakebites remain the deadliest of the neglected tropical diseases, with its burden landing overwhelmingly on rural communities in low- and middle-income countries."

"Our findings are exciting because current antivenoms are largely ineffective against severe local envenoming, which involves painful progressive swelling, blistering and/or tissue necrosis around the bite site. This can lead to loss of limb function, amputation and lifelong disability," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;Woman orders Xbox controller, finds a snake instead

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/woman-orders-xbox-controller-finds-a-snake-instead-733558/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Snakebite has been marked as a priority by the World Health Organisation's programme to tackle neglected tropical diseases.&nbsp;

They have set an ambitious goal of reducing death through snakebites by half by 2030.

"That target is just five years away now. We hope that the new cobra antidote we found can assist in the global fight to reduce death and injury from snakebite in some of the world's poorest communities," said Professor Neely.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the hunt to find an antidote for the poisonous cobra venom, scientists at the University of Sydney and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine seem to have made a stunning discovery.

In the hunt to find an antidote for the poisonous cobra venom, scientists at the University of Sydney and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine seem to have made a stunning discovery. In the breakthrough study, the scientists discovered that the commonly used blood thinner - heparin - has the qualities to be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cutting down the effects of cobra venom. Every year, thousands of people are killed by cobras and many others get maimed due to necrosis which happens because of the venom and can cause amputation. The antivenom treatment currently available is expensive and has not been effective in treating the necrosis of the flesh if the snake bite occurs. The study's corresponding author in the Charles Perkins Center and Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney Professor Greg Neely said, "Our discovery could drastically reduce the terrible injuries from necrosis caused by cobra bites—and it might also slow the venom, which could improve survival rates." The scientists used CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify ways in which the cobra venom is blocked. The team comprised of scientists based in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the UK. Also Read: Human turns vicious for snake! Indian man bites and kills killer reptile. But did he survive? The team was able to repurpose heparin (a common blood thinner) successfully to stop the necrosis which happens by cobra bites. The research was published in the Science Translational Medicine. The university PhD student and lead author Tian Du said, "Heparin is inexpensive, ubiquitous and a World Health Organisation-listed Essential Medicine. After successful human trials, it could be rolled out relatively quickly to become a cheap, safe and effective drug for treating cobra bites." Scientists target to release antidote in next five years Head of the Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, joint corresponding author and Professor Nicholas Casewell said, "Snakebites remain the deadliest of the neglected tropical diseases, with its burden landing overwhelmingly on rural communities in low- and middle-income countries." "Our findings are exciting because current antivenoms are largely ineffective against severe local envenoming, which involves painful progressive swelling, blistering and/or tissue necrosis around the bite site. This can lead to loss of limb function, amputation and lifelong disability," he added. Watch: Woman orders Xbox controller, finds a snake instead Snakebite has been marked as a priority by the World Health Organisation's programme to tackle neglected tropical diseases. They have set an ambitious goal of reducing death through snakebites by half by 2030. "That target is just five years away now. We hope that the new cobra antidote we found can assist in the global fight to reduce death and injury from snakebite in some of the world's poorest communities," said Professor Neely. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists now have an antidote for killer cobra venom. It's common blood thinner!

Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth.&nbsp;

Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan.&nbsp;

Unlike the water oceans present on Earth, the lakes of Titan are filled with ethane and methane which are in liquid form at the average surface temperature of the planet which is about -179°C (-290°F).

The surface and composition of Titan’s seas were mapped by Valerio Poggiali&nbsp;at Cornell University, New York and his colleagues using a different radar technique in which an increased amount of ethane was revealed.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-plan-to-redefine-meaning-of-the-planet-but-pluto-still-remains-out-of-list-740584">Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list</a>

“The more north you go, the cleaner and purer the seas are; they’re more methane-dominated,” Poggiali said.&nbsp;

In the new study, the signals from Cassini’s radar were analysed which reflected off the surface of the lakes and eventually received with the help of radio antennae on Earth operated by NASA, known as the Deep Space Network.&nbsp;

<h2>Wind-whipped waves emerging from Titan's rivers: Study</h2>

Poggiali said that many of the rivers and estuaries, which fed the lakes, had rough surfaces beneath them which was a result of wind-whipped waves.

He added that this hints at active tides or currents which feed into the lakes.&nbsp;

“Activity on the surface of the seas is super important if you want to plan a future mission, like a Titan submarine, but also to be able to better understand Titan’s environments in terms of wind and its atmospheric characteristics," Poggiali said.&nbsp;

Poggiali and his colleagues also discovered that there was higher composition of methane in the rivers before they reached the lakes.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-say-the-earths-core-is-behaving-oddly-heres-why-739062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ingo Mueller-Wodarg&nbsp;at Imperial College London said that it will help them in tracking the ethane and methane cycle on Titan.&nbsp;

“When a river enters a large, salty ocean on Earth, then you would see that, near where the river enters, you have a lower salinity of the water,” he said.&nbsp;

“It's kind of a similar thing happening here, only that it's not about the content of salt, but the relative proportion of methane and ethane," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth. Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan.

Scientists have been left stunned after they found a diverse seascape on Saturn’s moon Titan appearing eerily similar to Earth. Just like freshwater rivers and salty oceans flowing on Earth, scientists have now found strange lakes, rivers and oceans flowing on Titan. Unlike the water oceans present on Earth, the lakes of Titan are filled with ethane and methane which are in liquid form at the average surface temperature of the planet which is about -179°C (-290°F). The surface and composition of Titan’s seas were mapped by Valerio Poggiali at Cornell University, New York and his colleagues using a different radar technique in which an increased amount of ethane was revealed. Also Read: Scientists plan to revisit definition of planet but Pluto still remains out of list “The more north you go, the cleaner and purer the seas are; they’re more methane-dominated,” Poggiali said. In the new study, the signals from Cassini’s radar were analysed which reflected off the surface of the lakes and eventually received with the help of radio antennae on Earth operated by NASA, known as the Deep Space Network. Wind-whipped waves emerging from Titan's rivers: Study Poggiali said that many of the rivers and estuaries, which fed the lakes, had rough surfaces beneath them which was a result of wind-whipped waves. He added that this hints at active tides or currents which feed into the lakes. “Activity on the surface of the seas is super important if you want to plan a future mission, like a Titan submarine, but also to be able to better understand Titan’s environments in terms of wind and its atmospheric characteristics," Poggiali said. Poggiali and his colleagues also discovered that there was higher composition of methane in the rivers before they reached the lakes. Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why Ingo Mueller-Wodarg at Imperial College London said that it will help them in tracking the ethane and methane cycle on Titan. “When a river enters a large, salty ocean on Earth, then you would see that, near where the river enters, you have a lower salinity of the water,” he said. “It's kind of a similar thing happening here, only that it's not about the content of salt, but the relative proportion of methane and ethane," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Strange lakes, rivers and oceans are flowing on Saturn's moon. Scientists find it eerily similar to Earth

In a mysterious discovery, a giant millipede with numerous legs was again spotted in the Makira Forest of Madagascar after 126 years.&nbsp;

It was found along with 20 other species which have been lost in time including&nbsp;the ant-like flower beetles, iridescent fish and even jumping spiders.

The giant millipede, which was the long, dark-brown&nbsp;Spirostreptus sculptus, was first noted by entomologist Henri de Saussure and naturalist Leo Zehntner back in&nbsp;1897 who discovered it in Madagascar.&nbsp;

The researchers spent several weeks last year and looked into Makira Forest, which was one of Madagascar’s largest protected areas.

While speaking to IFLScience, Re:wild’s lost species officer Christina Biggs said, “Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and Makira is an underexplored area within the country, so we decided to pilot a new model for lost species searches there."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-cactus-species-extinct-due-to-rising-sea-levels-in-us-740747">Rare cactus species extinct due to rising sea levels in US</a>

The research group had started the mission of finding the lost species with a list of 30, however, the giant millipede&nbsp;emerged as the unexpected finding.&nbsp;

Entomologist Dmitry Telnov said, “I personally was most surprised and pleased by the fact that the giant millipede&nbsp;Spirostreptus sculptus, not uncommon in Makira Forest, appeared to be another lost species known only from the type specimen described in 1897."

He further said, “The longest specimen of this species we observed in Makira was a really gigantic female measuring 27.5 centimetres [10.8 inches] long.”

<h2>Multiple lost species rediscovered in the forest</h2>

Apart from the giant millipede, the team was also able to find various species which were lost in time. Two of these were ant-like flower beetles which had not been documented since 1958 and one was the jumping spider Tomocyrba decollate which was last seen in 1900.

During the expedition, the researchers also discovered the species of zebra spider, which was earlier not believed to be living in Madagascan rainforests.

Director of the SpiDiverse working group at BINCO Brogan Pett, after finding some adults guarding egg sacs in a cave, said, “[T]hey were quite large spiders and it was remarkable that they had gone unrecognized for so long.”

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Are Insects the Food of the Future? Singapore Approves 16 Insects Fit for Consumption

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-insects-the-food-of-the-future-singapore-approves-16-insects-fit-for-consumption-739701/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“It’s important to continue researching the biodiversity of Makira because although it is one of the largest rainforests in the country we still have relatively little idea which species occur, and there are likely to be many completely undescribed species as well,” said Julie Linchant, who works in the Wildlife Conservation Society Madagascar.

“Having a better understanding of the biological riches of Makira will enable us to better target our protection efforts," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a mysterious discovery, a giant millipede with numerous legs was again spotted in the Makira Forest of Madagascar after 126 years. It was found along with 20 other species which have been lost in time including the ant-like flower beetles, iridescent fish and even jumping spiders.

In a mysterious discovery, a giant millipede with numerous legs was again spotted in the Makira Forest of Madagascar after 126 years. It was found along with 20 other species which have been lost in time including the ant-like flower beetles, iridescent fish and even jumping spiders. The giant millipede, which was the long, dark-brown Spirostreptus sculptus, was first noted by entomologist Henri de Saussure and naturalist Leo Zehntner back in 1897 who discovered it in Madagascar. The researchers spent several weeks last year and looked into Makira Forest, which was one of Madagascar’s largest protected areas. While speaking to IFLScience, Re:wild’s lost species officer Christina Biggs said, “Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and Makira is an underexplored area within the country, so we decided to pilot a new model for lost species searches there." Also Read: Rare cactus species extinct due to rising sea levels in US The research group had started the mission of finding the lost species with a list of 30, however, the giant millipede emerged as the unexpected finding. Entomologist Dmitry Telnov said, “I personally was most surprised and pleased by the fact that the giant millipede Spirostreptus sculptus, not uncommon in Makira Forest, appeared to be another lost species known only from the type specimen described in 1897." He further said, “The longest specimen of this species we observed in Makira was a really gigantic female measuring 27.5 centimetres [10.8 inches] long.” Multiple lost species rediscovered in the forest Apart from the giant millipede, the team was also able to find various species which were lost in time. Two of these were ant-like flower beetles which had not been documented since 1958 and one was the jumping spider Tomocyrba decollate which was last seen in 1900. During the expedition, the researchers also discovered the species of zebra spider, which was earlier not believed to be living in Madagascan rainforests. Director of the SpiDiverse working group at BINCO Brogan Pett, after finding some adults guarding egg sacs in a cave, said, “[T]hey were quite large spiders and it was remarkable that they had gone unrecognized for so long.” Watch: Gravitas: Are Insects the Food of the Future? Singapore Approves 16 Insects Fit for Consumption “It’s important to continue researching the biodiversity of Makira because although it is one of the largest rainforests in the country we still have relatively little idea which species occur, and there are likely to be many completely undescribed species as well,” said Julie Linchant, who works in the Wildlife Conservation Society Madagascar. “Having a better understanding of the biological riches of Makira will enable us to better target our protection efforts," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient giant millipede reappears in Madagascar's forest after over 120 years. Has anything changed so far?

In a new study, researchers from the Pompeii Archaeological Park and the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisicae Vulcanologia (INGV) found that the eruption of Vesuvius became more deadly because of another natural disaster and not an earthquake.

In a new study, researchers from the Pompeii Archaeological Park and the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisicae Vulcanologia (INGV) found that the eruption of Vesuvius became more deadly because of another natural disaster and not an earthquake. The collaborative study has emphasised the effects of seismicity related to the 79 CE eruption. This is the first study which has been handling the complex task of understanding the effects of co-occurring earthquakes. The situation appears tricky because of the possibility of volcanic and seismic effects taking place concurrently or in quick succession, which means volcanic effects are likely to overshadow effects caused by earthquakes and vice versa. "These complexities are like a jigsaw puzzle in which all the pieces must fit together to unravel the complete picture," said Dr Domenico Sparice, who is a volcanologist at INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano and first author of the Frontiers in Earth Science study. "We proved that seismicity during the eruption played a significant role in the destruction of Pompeii and, possibly, influenced the choices of the Pompeiians who faced an inevitable death," he said. Also Read: Ancient Herculaneum beach buried by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago reopened after extensive restoration "Correctly recognising the cause-effect relationship is essential to reconstruct the interplay between volcanic and seismic phenomena, and their effects on buildings and humans," said co-author Dr. Fabrizio Galadini, who is a geologist and senior researcher at INGV. Two skeletons speak about how Pompeii crumbled The researchers, amid excavations in the "Casa dei Pittori al Lavoro", noticed that something was wrong regarding the collapsed buildings. "We found peculiar characteristics that were inconsistent with the effects of volcanic phenomena described in the volcanological literature devoted to Pompeii. There had to be a different explanation," co-author Dr. Mauro Di Vito, who is a volcanologist and director of INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano said. The researchers discovered two skeletons with trauma injuries and severe fractures and decided to find out what was the reason behind it. Small rock and ash particles had rained on the city for 18 hours and when the eruption started, the inhabitants who had survived were likely to have believed that they were safe in their shelter till strong earthquakes started. Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon "The people who did not flee their shelters were possibly overwhelmed by earthquake-induced collapses of already overburdened buildings. This was the fate of the two individuals we recovered," said co-author Dr. Valeria Amoretti, an anthropologist who heads the Applied Research Laboratory of Pompeii Archaeological Park. "New insight into the destruction of Pompeii gets us very close to the experience of the people who lived here 2,000 years ago. The choices they made as well as the dynamics of the events, which remain a focus of our research, decided over life and death in the last hours of the city's existence," concluded co-author Dr. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. (With inputs from agencies)

Not earthquake, but another natural disaster made volcanic eruption more deadly in Pompeii: study

Look up at the sky in the coming days to catch an amazing spectacle that happens once every 68 years. Comet 13P/Olbers is returning to the inner solar system this weekend and will make its close approach on July 20. The comet is currently in Ursa Major. It came at its closest point to the sun on June 30.&nbsp;

Comet 13P/Olbers will be at a distance of 176 million miles at its nearest point from Earth in orbit. It is moving at a speed of &nbsp;83,802 miles per hour (134,867 kph). Also known as a “Halley-type” comet, the cosmic body orbits the sun every 68 years, as per NASA/JPL. Any comet with an orbit of less than 200 years is classified as a “Halley-type” comet because of its periodic movement. Notably, Halley's Comet returns to our solar system every 72-80 years.&nbsp;

<h2>Best time to see Comet 13P/Olbers&nbsp;</h2>

Despite being 176 million miles away from Earth, it is the brightest comet in the sky right now. This comet won't be visible to the naked eye and you'll either need binoculars or a small telescope to see it since has a brightness of magnitude 6.5 to 7. It will be best viewed by people residing in the Northern Hemisphere. Those near the equator need to wait for sunset and look very low on the horizon.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-c2023-a3-might-shatter-into-pieces-before-approaching-earth-739798">Comet C/2023 A3 might shatter into pieces as it approaches Earth</a>

<h2>When was Comet 13P/Olbers discovered?</h2>

The comet was first seen on March 6, 1815, by Heinrich Olbers, the namesake of the comet, in Germany. He saw a faintly lit comet with the naked eye. It last paid a visit in 1956 and its next trip will be in March 2094.

<h2>About Halley's Comet</h2>

On December 9, 2023, Halley’s Comet reached aphelion - its most distant point from the sun. It is now moving towards our solar system and will be visible in the night sky in late July 2061. As compared to its last appearance in 1986, it will come much closer and appear a lot brighter during its next visit. It has been named after English astronomer Edmond Halley, who calculated its orbit and made predictions about its return in the 18th century.

Look up at the sky in the coming days to catch an amazing spectacle that happens once every 68 years. Comet 13P/Olbers is returning to the inner solar system this weekend and will make its close approach on July 20.

Look up at the sky in the coming days to catch an amazing spectacle that happens once every 68 years. Comet 13P/Olbers is returning to the inner solar system this weekend and will make its close approach on July 20. The comet is currently in Ursa Major. It came at its closest point to the sun on June 30. Comet 13P/Olbers will be at a distance of 176 million miles at its nearest point from Earth in orbit. It is moving at a speed of 83,802 miles per hour (134,867 kph). Also known as a “Halley-type” comet, the cosmic body orbits the sun every 68 years, as per NASA/JPL. Any comet with an orbit of less than 200 years is classified as a “Halley-type” comet because of its periodic movement. Notably, Halley's Comet returns to our solar system every 72-80 years. Best time to see Comet 13P/Olbers Despite being 176 million miles away from Earth, it is the brightest comet in the sky right now. This comet won't be visible to the naked eye and you'll either need binoculars or a small telescope to see it since has a brightness of magnitude 6.5 to 7. It will be best viewed by people residing in the Northern Hemisphere. Those near the equator need to wait for sunset and look very low on the horizon. Also Read: Comet C/2023 A3 might shatter into pieces as it approaches Earth When was Comet 13P/Olbers discovered? The comet was first seen on March 6, 1815, by Heinrich Olbers, the namesake of the comet, in Germany. He saw a faintly lit comet with the naked eye. It last paid a visit in 1956 and its next trip will be in March 2094. About Halley's Comet On December 9, 2023, Halley’s Comet reached aphelion - its most distant point from the sun. It is now moving towards our solar system and will be visible in the night sky in late July 2061. As compared to its last appearance in 1986, it will come much closer and appear a lot brighter during its next visit. It has been named after English astronomer Edmond Halley, who calculated its orbit and made predictions about its return in the 18th century.

Comet 13POlbers visits us once every 68 years. This is when you can see it

Scientists from Imperial College London may have discovered a way to stop ageing and prevent cancer. A recent research article published in the journal Nature claims that the lifespan of humans could be extended by 25 per cent with this new anti-ageing formula.

The researchers experimented on mice and found out that switching off interleukin-11 (IL-11), a protein, can help prevent cancer, boost metabolism, hearing and vision, and improve lung and muscle function. It may also prevent greying and falling of hair.

According to the tests conducted, the treated mice lived for an average of 155 weeks, while the remaining untreated for 120 weeks.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-now-have-an-antidote-for-killer-cobra-venom-its-common-blood-thinner-741896">Scientists&nbsp;now have an antidote for killer cobra venom. It's common blood thinner!</a>

“These findings are very exciting," said Stuart Cook, professor at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Science, Imperial College, reported Telegraph.

“The treated mice had fewer cancers, and were free from the usual signs of ageing and frailty, but we also saw reduced muscle wasting and improvement in muscle strength. In other words, the old mice receiving anti-IL11 (treatment) were healthier," cook further said.

<h2>The new drug may stop ageing in humans</h2>

Although this research was conducted only on mice, the scientists believe that the drug could have a similar response in elderly people.&nbsp;

The IL-11 gene was adapted by humans from fish millions of years back. This gene also helps with the regeneration of limbs in some species. While it was useful in ancient times, it is known to be unnecessary in humans now. It can result in scarring and thickening of tissues and inflammation which causes diseases and ageing.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/has-humanity-defeated-ageing-scientists-strike-single-pill-breakthrough-616309">Has humanity defeated ageing? Scientists strike 'single pill' breakthrough</a>

Researchers came up with the theory that suppressing IL-11 may prevent ageing after running tests on animals in the lab when the protein values grew significantly.

<h2>Other anti-ageing breakthroughs</h2>

There are also other studies working to improve the quality of life of humans and delay ageing. One such study conducted by scientists from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology has uncovered a pill which can make human cells younger.&nbsp;

This breakthrough can eliminate the necessity for gene therapy to reverse ageing. With a single pill, it can help improve eyesight and treat age-related illnesses.

(WIth inputs from agencies)

Scientists from Imperial College London may have discovered a way to stop ageing and prevent cancer. A recent research article published in the journal Nature claims that the lifespan of humans could be extended by 25 per cent with this new anti-ageing formula.

Scientists from Imperial College London may have discovered a way to stop ageing and prevent cancer. A recent research article published in the journal Nature claims that the lifespan of humans could be extended by 25 per cent with this new anti-ageing formula. The researchers experimented on mice and found out that switching off interleukin-11 (IL-11), a protein, can help prevent cancer, boost metabolism, hearing and vision, and improve lung and muscle function. It may also prevent greying and falling of hair. According to the tests conducted, the treated mice lived for an average of 155 weeks, while the remaining untreated for 120 weeks. Also Read | Scientists now have an antidote for killer cobra venom. It's common blood thinner! “These findings are very exciting," said Stuart Cook, professor at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Science, Imperial College, reported Telegraph. “The treated mice had fewer cancers, and were free from the usual signs of ageing and frailty, but we also saw reduced muscle wasting and improvement in muscle strength. In other words, the old mice receiving anti-IL11 (treatment) were healthier," cook further said. The new drug may stop ageing in humans Although this research was conducted only on mice, the scientists believe that the drug could have a similar response in elderly people. The IL-11 gene was adapted by humans from fish millions of years back. This gene also helps with the regeneration of limbs in some species. While it was useful in ancient times, it is known to be unnecessary in humans now. It can result in scarring and thickening of tissues and inflammation which causes diseases and ageing. Also Read | Has humanity defeated ageing? Scientists strike 'single pill' breakthrough Researchers came up with the theory that suppressing IL-11 may prevent ageing after running tests on animals in the lab when the protein values grew significantly. Other anti-ageing breakthroughs There are also other studies working to improve the quality of life of humans and delay ageing. One such study conducted by scientists from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology has uncovered a pill which can make human cells younger. This breakthrough can eliminate the necessity for gene therapy to reverse ageing. With a single pill, it can help improve eyesight and treat age-related illnesses. (WIth inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover anti-ageing formula which can also stop cancer

The UFO investigators have claimed that they possess an unidentified material which has been proved to have a 'non-human' origin in the tests.&nbsp;

The sample's tiny scraps, which were gold-tinged and lighter than a flower petal - were displayed for the first time at a conference this week in Irving,&nbsp;Texas.&nbsp;

MUFON is the group of UFO investigators which possesses the material. It said that the sample was tested with NASA-grade technology and 90 per cent of the material was unidentifiable, according to a report published in Daily Mail.&nbsp;

This hinted that the material was not a metal which is known to humankind, said the researchers.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-green-coloured-ufo-spotted-flying-over-iran-tiktokers-share-video-ask-aliens-headed-to-earth-739647">Watch: Green-coloured UFO spotted flying over Iran. TikTokers share video, ask 'aliens headed to Earth?'</a>

Because it has a unique light and porous texture, MUFON floated the idea that the sample had a resemblance with the 'debris from a craft'.&nbsp;

The Russian researcher had earlier said that the sample was likely to be the remnants of a crashed UFO.

Questioning the discovery,&nbsp;independent UFO experts said that this is the latest sample which carries the possibility of having an "alien&nbsp;origin".

<h2>Some samples of UFO debris stone: Investigators&nbsp;</h2>

The group further said that some samples were stolen from the official Post Office Box of the United States after the Russian finder of the sample tried to send them to MUFON in the United States.&nbsp;

"This is typical with evidence of this nature," said MUFON Media Relations Director Ron James.&nbsp;

"We believe that this material was deliberately taken by someone who could hack into a locked Post Office Box to prevent further testing.'&nbsp;

'Who did it is anybody's guess," James added.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaganyaan-mission-indian-astronaut-to-fly-to-space-station-by-2026-740296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

MUFON researcher Bob Spearing informed symposium attendees that Russian researcher Arkady had approached him after testing the material using an X-Ray fluorescence gun in Russian geological labs.&nbsp;

The handheld tech, which has similarity to hardware on NASA's Mars Perseverance rover, discovered that 90 per cent of the material was unidentifiable, stated Spearing.

"It's very, very light material. It almost looks porous, like it has pores. It has a tinge of gold in it, but it's basically a black material. Seems to be some sort of composite," Spearing said. "It's so light that it won't even bend a flower," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The UFO investigators have claimed that they possess an unidentified material which has been proved to have a 'non-human' origin in the tests. The sample's tiny scraps, which were gold-tinged and lighter than a flower petal - were displayed for the first time at a conference this week in Irving, Texas.

The UFO investigators have claimed that they possess an unidentified material which has been proved to have a 'non-human' origin in the tests. The sample's tiny scraps, which were gold-tinged and lighter than a flower petal - were displayed for the first time at a conference this week in Irving, Texas. MUFON is the group of UFO investigators which possesses the material. It said that the sample was tested with NASA-grade technology and 90 per cent of the material was unidentifiable, according to a report published in Daily Mail. This hinted that the material was not a metal which is known to humankind, said the researchers. Also Read: Watch: Green-coloured UFO spotted flying over Iran. TikTokers share video, ask 'aliens headed to Earth?' Because it has a unique light and porous texture, MUFON floated the idea that the sample had a resemblance with the 'debris from a craft'. The Russian researcher had earlier said that the sample was likely to be the remnants of a crashed UFO. Questioning the discovery, independent UFO experts said that this is the latest sample which carries the possibility of having an "alien origin". Some samples of UFO debris stone: Investigators The group further said that some samples were stolen from the official Post Office Box of the United States after the Russian finder of the sample tried to send them to MUFON in the United States. "This is typical with evidence of this nature," said MUFON Media Relations Director Ron James. "We believe that this material was deliberately taken by someone who could hack into a locked Post Office Box to prevent further testing.' 'Who did it is anybody's guess," James added. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August MUFON researcher Bob Spearing informed symposium attendees that Russian researcher Arkady had approached him after testing the material using an X-Ray fluorescence gun in Russian geological labs. The handheld tech, which has similarity to hardware on NASA's Mars Perseverance rover, discovered that 90 per cent of the material was unidentifiable, stated Spearing. "It's very, very light material. It almost looks porous, like it has pores. It has a tinge of gold in it, but it's basically a black material. Seems to be some sort of composite," Spearing said. "It's so light that it won't even bend a flower," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lighter than petal alien spacecraft's debris is on Earth. UFO hunters say it has 'non-human' origin

For the first time, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has transmitted the lyrics of popular Missy Elliot's song "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, which is about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away. The lyrics were beamed using DSN (Deep Space Network).&nbsp;

Venus is Elliot's favourite planet.&nbsp;

In a report published on Monday (Jul 15), the space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California sent the transmission at 10:05 am PDT on July 12.&nbsp;

In 2008, NASA beamed The Beatles song "Across the Universe" into space. Now, the rapper's 1997 debut single became the first hip-hop song sent to deep space.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-of-a-kind-study-investigates-why-food-tastes-bland-in-space-741502">First-of-a-kind study investigates why food tastes bland in space</a>

Elliott reacted to this historic moment as she said on X: "YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with @NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network."&nbsp;

"My song 'The Rain'&nbsp;has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment. The sky is not the limit, it's just the beginning," she further said using alien emojis in the post.&nbsp;

As quoted by NASA, Elliott said, "I still can't believe I'm going out of this world with NASA through the Deep Space Network when 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)' becomes the first ever hip-hop song to transmit to space! I chose Venus because it symbolizes strength, beauty, and empowerment and I am so humbled to have the opportunity to share my art and my message with the universe!"&nbsp;

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YOOO this is crazy! We just went <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OutOfThisWorld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OutOfThisWorld</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network. My song “The Rain” has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment. The sky is… <a href="https://t.co/g6HofNQSt1">pic.twitter.com/g6HofNQSt1</a>
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) <a href="https://twitter.com/MissyElliott/status/1812951003144007843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The DSN has an array of giant radio antennas that allow missions to track, send commands and receive scientific data from those spacecraft which are venturing to the Moon and beyond. It is the largest and said to be the most sensitive telecommunication service of NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) programme.&nbsp;

"Both space exploration and Missy Elliott's art have been about pushing boundaries," said Brittany Brown, who is the director of the Digital and Technology Division, Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington.&nbsp;

"Missy has a track record of infusing space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos, so the opportunity to collaborate on something out of this world is truly fitting," added Brown, who initially pitched ideas to Missy's team to collaborate with the American space agency. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-are-becoming-longer-as-climate-change-altering-earths-axis-of-rotation-741428">Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Will this hip-hop song interact with 'aliens'?&nbsp;</h2>

Enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth despite the fact that there's no solid proof to verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries.&nbsp;

However, scientists have said that Venus provides invaluable insights into the search for life on other planets despite its extreme conditions, including extreme surface temperatures that can melt lead, volcanoes that spew lava, and thick clouds of sulfuric acid.&nbsp;

If speculations turn out to be true, Elliot's song might give 'aliens' a chance to groove.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has transmitted the lyrics of popular Missy Elliot's song "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, which is about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away.

For the first time, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has transmitted the lyrics of popular Missy Elliot's song "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, which is about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away. The lyrics were beamed using DSN (Deep Space Network). Venus is Elliot's favourite planet. In a report published on Monday (Jul 15), the space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California sent the transmission at 10:05 am PDT on July 12. In 2008, NASA beamed The Beatles song "Across the Universe" into space. Now, the rapper's 1997 debut single became the first hip-hop song sent to deep space. Also read: First-of-a-kind study investigates why food tastes bland in space Elliott reacted to this historic moment as she said on X: "YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with @NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network." "My song 'The Rain' has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment. The sky is not the limit, it's just the beginning," she further said using alien emojis in the post. As quoted by NASA, Elliott said, "I still can't believe I'm going out of this world with NASA through the Deep Space Network when 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)' becomes the first ever hip-hop song to transmit to space! I chose Venus because it symbolizes strength, beauty, and empowerment and I am so humbled to have the opportunity to share my art and my message with the universe!" YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with @NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network. My song “The Rain” has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment. The sky is… pic.twitter.com/g6HofNQSt1 — Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) July 15, 2024 × The DSN has an array of giant radio antennas that allow missions to track, send commands and receive scientific data from those spacecraft which are venturing to the Moon and beyond. It is the largest and said to be the most sensitive telecommunication service of NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) programme. "Both space exploration and Missy Elliott's art have been about pushing boundaries," said Brittany Brown, who is the director of the Digital and Technology Division, Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Missy has a track record of infusing space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos, so the opportunity to collaborate on something out of this world is truly fitting," added Brown, who initially pitched ideas to Missy's team to collaborate with the American space agency. Also read: Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation Will this hip-hop song interact with 'aliens'? Enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth despite the fact that there's no solid proof to verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries. However, scientists have said that Venus provides invaluable insights into the search for life on other planets despite its extreme conditions, including extreme surface temperatures that can melt lead, volcanoes that spew lava, and thick clouds of sulfuric acid. If speculations turn out to be true, Elliot's song might give 'aliens' a chance to groove. (With inputs from agencies)

Missy Elliott's famous song might interact with 'aliens' in deep space

Why do we blush? This question has been puzzling scientists for years and various studies have been conducted to decipher this emotional arousal of human beings. Back in 1872, renowned British naturalist Charles Darwin described blushing as "the most peculiar and most human of all expressions". Researchers at the University of Amsterdam thought of going a layer deeper and conducted experiments on mostly female young people aged between 16 and 20 to reveal the science behind this phenomenon.

<h2>Two broad theories</h2>

There are majorly two theories behind blushing. One favoured by Darwin says our cheeks become red when we think about how we must look to other people or due to the fear of getting judged by other people.

The other theory doesn’t take other people's opinion into consideration and simply attributes blushing to the sense of feeling exposed.

So, which theory is more dominant and pervasive?

Dr Milica Nikolic, a psychologist and first author of the study, said, "Is it just being in the social situation where you are exposed and centre of attention, and you feel the exposure, and attention from others.”

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists find underground caves on moon

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“Or is it more complex and that we start thinking about how we look and appear to other people?”

<h2>Study</h2>

Each volunteer was invited to the lab and asked to perform karaoke on camera. They were made to sing songs like Let It Go, Adele’s Hello, Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You and All The Things She Said by t.A.T.u, which are comparatively harder to sing and supposed to embarrass them more.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiQ55Weoq6HAxU8oa8BHbdPDhsQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ55Weoq6HAxU8oa8BHbdPDhsQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report</a>

After a few days, the volunteers were invited again to the lab and made to watch their performances while lying in a brain scanner. All of the volunteers were shown all the videos at the same time. When volunteers were told that all of the people were watching their performance at the same time, this added to their embarrassment and made their cheeks hotter.

People blushed more while reacting to their videos compared to others.

“Blushing can come simply from being exposed,” said Nikolic. “In that very short moment, you maybe don’t think about how do I look and so on. I think it’s more automatic than the theory says.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Why do we blush? This question has been puzzling scientists for years and various studies have been conducted to decipher this emotional arousal of human beings.

Why do we blush? This question has been puzzling scientists for years and various studies have been conducted to decipher this emotional arousal of human beings. Back in 1872, renowned British naturalist Charles Darwin described blushing as "the most peculiar and most human of all expressions". Researchers at the University of Amsterdam thought of going a layer deeper and conducted experiments on mostly female young people aged between 16 and 20 to reveal the science behind this phenomenon. Two broad theories There are majorly two theories behind blushing. One favoured by Darwin says our cheeks become red when we think about how we must look to other people or due to the fear of getting judged by other people. The other theory doesn’t take other people's opinion into consideration and simply attributes blushing to the sense of feeling exposed. So, which theory is more dominant and pervasive? Dr Milica Nikolic, a psychologist and first author of the study, said, "Is it just being in the social situation where you are exposed and centre of attention, and you feel the exposure, and attention from others.” Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon × “Or is it more complex and that we start thinking about how we look and appear to other people?” Study Each volunteer was invited to the lab and asked to perform karaoke on camera. They were made to sing songs like Let It Go, Adele’s Hello, Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You and All The Things She Said by t.A.T.u, which are comparatively harder to sing and supposed to embarrass them more. Also read: Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report After a few days, the volunteers were invited again to the lab and made to watch their performances while lying in a brain scanner. All of the volunteers were shown all the videos at the same time. When volunteers were told that all of the people were watching their performance at the same time, this added to their embarrassment and made their cheeks hotter. People blushed more while reacting to their videos compared to others. “Blushing can come simply from being exposed,” said Nikolic. “In that very short moment, you maybe don’t think about how do I look and so on. I think it’s more automatic than the theory says.” (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists finally know why do we blush

Recently, scientists have discovered the Cambrian explosion, which has been significant in the journey of Earth, was likely to have occurred because of a small increase in oxygen levels.&nbsp;

A team of researchers&nbsp;used datasets from an international consortium of scientists which displayed modest changes in oxygen levels that are likely to have caused the evolutionary leap.

<h2>All about the Cambrian explosion</h2>

The&nbsp;Cambrian explosion&nbsp;took place nearly 540 million years ago and led to a rapid burst of evolution because of which the diversification of life occurred&nbsp;on the planet.&nbsp;

Earlier, life only comprised smaller multicellular and single-celled organisms on Earth. However, the fossil record shows that following the explosion,&nbsp;in 20 to 30 million years there were a variety of complex creatures which emerged on Earth.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

Every new species was found to have a strange and novel body plan and had features like gripping appendages, mineralised shells, and sensory organs like eyes.

“The specific animals that we observe as fossils from rocks of this age may look weird and wonderful to us,”&nbsp;Dr Richard Stockey, lead author of the new study and a paleobiologist at the University of Southampton told IFLScience.

&nbsp;"But the ecological roles they were playing were very similar to marine animals that we know and love today," he added.

“Unravelling whether there was an environmental trigger to this (geologically) rapid shift in the habitability of Earth’s oceans is a question that is fundamental to our understanding of our biosphere, and even potentially for the habitability of other planets," the lead author said.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Scientists have for decades carried this theory that the Cambrian explosion happened because of a sudden increase in atmospheric oxygen. However, they did not have sufficient evidence to back the case.

“As a community, we have been balancing a number of different lines of evidence, based on the chemical composition of ancient sediments,” Stockey said.

“Some of these seemed to indicate a big oxygenation event around the Cambrian explosion, while others seemed to indicate that this scale of oxygenation didn’t occur until around 140 million years later," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Recently, scientists have discovered the Cambrian explosion, which has been significant in the journey of Earth, was likely to have occurred because of a small increase in oxygen levels.

Recently, scientists have discovered the Cambrian explosion, which has been significant in the journey of Earth, was likely to have occurred because of a small increase in oxygen levels. A team of researchers used datasets from an international consortium of scientists which displayed modest changes in oxygen levels that are likely to have caused the evolutionary leap. All about the Cambrian explosion The Cambrian explosion took place nearly 540 million years ago and led to a rapid burst of evolution because of which the diversification of life occurred on the planet. Earlier, life only comprised smaller multicellular and single-celled organisms on Earth. However, the fossil record shows that following the explosion, in 20 to 30 million years there were a variety of complex creatures which emerged on Earth. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means Every new species was found to have a strange and novel body plan and had features like gripping appendages, mineralised shells, and sensory organs like eyes. “The specific animals that we observe as fossils from rocks of this age may look weird and wonderful to us,” Dr Richard Stockey, lead author of the new study and a paleobiologist at the University of Southampton told IFLScience. "But the ecological roles they were playing were very similar to marine animals that we know and love today," he added. “Unravelling whether there was an environmental trigger to this (geologically) rapid shift in the habitability of Earth’s oceans is a question that is fundamental to our understanding of our biosphere, and even potentially for the habitability of other planets," the lead author said. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds Scientists have for decades carried this theory that the Cambrian explosion happened because of a sudden increase in atmospheric oxygen. However, they did not have sufficient evidence to back the case. “As a community, we have been balancing a number of different lines of evidence, based on the chemical composition of ancient sediments,” Stockey said. “Some of these seemed to indicate a big oxygenation event around the Cambrian explosion, while others seemed to indicate that this scale of oxygenation didn’t occur until around 140 million years later," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth once shook with Cambrian explosion after there was little rise in oxygen levels

Vultures are scavengers and play a vital role in the circle of life as they provide sanitation services by removing carcasses from the environment. A new study has found that they also serve an important role in protecting human life.&nbsp;

A decline in the vulture population in India led to ecological and socio-economic impacts and it is a known fact that the implications of biodiversity loss on ecosystems and human societies can be extensive. The population of Indian vulture severely declined during the crisis in the 1990s, resulting in the listing of the species as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2002.&nbsp;

The new study has revealed that over 500,000 people died between 2000 and 2005 as a result of disease-carrying germs spreading from an excess of dead animals, which was caused due to near-extinction of vultures in India, science.org reported on Monday (Jul 15).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/big-boss-of-snakes-scientists-live-stream-thousands-of-rattlesnakes-living-in-mega-den-in-colorado-741710">Big Boss of snakes? Scientists&nbsp;live stream thousands of rattlesnakes living in 'mega-den' in Colorado</a>

The vultures started dying because of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication diclofenac which is extremely poisonous to the birds. When they unintentionally consumed diclofenac-contaminated carcasses, they suffered kidney failure and visceral gout, which can be fatal. The Indian government banned the use of diclofenac in 2006.&nbsp;

The study, which is currently online as a working paper and will be published in an upcoming issue of the American Economic Review, mentions that the monetary damage from the related public health crisis is nearly $70 billion a year.&nbsp;

As quoted by science.org, Atheendar Venkataramani, a health economist at the University of Pennsylvania, said: "This [paper] will be a classic in the field. It's going to generate a lot of new science." Venkataramani was not involved with the study.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-female-frogs-refuse-sex-eat-up-males-if-they-dont-like-their-singing-741488">These female frogs refuse sex, eat up males if they don’t like their singing</a>&nbsp;

Eyal G Frank and Anant Sudarshan have conducted the research. They said that the Indian government required tanneries to use chemicals to dispose of the waste, causing toxic substances to enter waterways used by people.&nbsp;

To understand the impact of the same, vulture habitat maps were superimposed on Indian administrative district maps by the researchers as they examined medical records for over 600 areas while adjusting for hospital count, weather and water quality.&nbsp;

As per the report, human death rates in districts surveyed averaged about 0.9% per 1000 people before 1994, which is a baseline that accounted for whether there were a lot of vultures in a particular district.&nbsp;

However, the report mentioned that areas that were traditionally home to a large number of vultures saw a 4.7% hike in human death rates on average, or roughly 1,04,386 additional deaths per year by the end of 2005. The study also found that death rates in those districts that weren't the typical homes of vultures remained stable at 0.9%.&nbsp;

The study also highlights why the conservation of species in their natural habitat or natural ecosystem is important.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Vultures are scavengers and play a vital role in the circle of life as they provide sanitation services by removing carcasses from the environment. A new study has found that they also serve an important role in protecting human life.

Vultures are scavengers and play a vital role in the circle of life as they provide sanitation services by removing carcasses from the environment. A new study has found that they also serve an important role in protecting human life. A decline in the vulture population in India led to ecological and socio-economic impacts and it is a known fact that the implications of biodiversity loss on ecosystems and human societies can be extensive. The population of Indian vulture severely declined during the crisis in the 1990s, resulting in the listing of the species as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2002. The new study has revealed that over 500,000 people died between 2000 and 2005 as a result of disease-carrying germs spreading from an excess of dead animals, which was caused due to near-extinction of vultures in India, science.org reported on Monday (Jul 15). Also read: Big Boss of snakes? Scientists live stream thousands of rattlesnakes living in 'mega-den' in Colorado The vultures started dying because of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication diclofenac which is extremely poisonous to the birds. When they unintentionally consumed diclofenac-contaminated carcasses, they suffered kidney failure and visceral gout, which can be fatal. The Indian government banned the use of diclofenac in 2006. The study, which is currently online as a working paper and will be published in an upcoming issue of the American Economic Review, mentions that the monetary damage from the related public health crisis is nearly $70 billion a year. As quoted by science.org, Atheendar Venkataramani, a health economist at the University of Pennsylvania, said: "This [paper] will be a classic in the field. It's going to generate a lot of new science." Venkataramani was not involved with the study. Also read: These female frogs refuse sex, eat up males if they don’t like their singing Eyal G Frank and Anant Sudarshan have conducted the research. They said that the Indian government required tanneries to use chemicals to dispose of the waste, causing toxic substances to enter waterways used by people. To understand the impact of the same, vulture habitat maps were superimposed on Indian administrative district maps by the researchers as they examined medical records for over 600 areas while adjusting for hospital count, weather and water quality. As per the report, human death rates in districts surveyed averaged about 0.9% per 1000 people before 1994, which is a baseline that accounted for whether there were a lot of vultures in a particular district. However, the report mentioned that areas that were traditionally home to a large number of vultures saw a 4.7% hike in human death rates on average, or roughly 1,04,386 additional deaths per year by the end of 2005. The study also found that death rates in those districts that weren't the typical homes of vultures remained stable at 0.9%. The study also highlights why the conservation of species in their natural habitat or natural ecosystem is important. (With inputs from agencies)

Decline in India's vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report

Dinosaur discoveries keep happening, but the latest one is extremely different. A dinosaur fossil with green bones has been found. It belongs to a new species and will go on display at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, United States. The fossils of the long-necked, long-tailed herbivorous dinosaur are dark-mottled olive green in colour. It turned green because of the presence of the mineral celadonite during the fossilisation process, museum officials say.

The green bones were first discovered in 2007 in the Badlands of Utah. Gnats swarmed the excavation site, so palaeontologists named it "Gnatalie" (pronounced Natalie). The dinosaur walked the Earth way before even the Tyrannosaurus rex did. Gnatalie lived 150 million years ago in the late Jurassic Era, while the T-Rex lived 66 million to 68 million years ago.

Fossils are mostly brown or black in colour, depending on where they are found. Silica in the region turns fossils brown, while black fossils are the result of iron minerals. Celadonite is typically found in volcanic or hydrothermal conditions. Surprisingly, these conditions are not conducive to buried bones which should ideally get destroyed. But when volcanoes erupted in the region 50 to 80 million years ago, celadonite replaced another mineral inside the bones due to the high temperatures.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/black-hole-of-palaeontology-dinosaur-that-burrowed-and-lived-underground-discovered-739519">Dinosaur that burrowed and lived underground discovered</a>

"Dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science, and what better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery and make them reflect on the wonders of the world we live in!" Luis M&nbsp;Chiappe of the museum’s Dinosaur Institute said in a statement.

Matt Wedel, anatomist and palaeontologist at Western University of Health Sciences, told Fox News that until now he thought that green dinosaurs were only a rumour. But upon seeing them he realised they were "not like anything else" he had ever seen.&nbsp;

<h2>A dinosaur that dug and lived underground</h2>

A few weeks ago, North Carolina scientists found what they believe is a dinosaur that lived in a burrow like an armadillo. The seven-foot-long, plant-eating dinosaur spent a lot of time in underground burrows. Fona herzogae lived 99 million years ago in a warm, wet, muddy region which is now in Utah. This was the first time that a burrowing dinosaur was discovered. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dinosaur discoveries keep happening, but the latest one is extremely different. A dinosaur fossil with green bones has been found. It belongs to a new species and will go on display at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, United States.

Dinosaur discoveries keep happening, but the latest one is extremely different. A dinosaur fossil with green bones has been found. It belongs to a new species and will go on display at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, United States. The fossils of the long-necked, long-tailed herbivorous dinosaur are dark-mottled olive green in colour. It turned green because of the presence of the mineral celadonite during the fossilisation process, museum officials say. The green bones were first discovered in 2007 in the Badlands of Utah. Gnats swarmed the excavation site, so palaeontologists named it "Gnatalie" (pronounced Natalie). The dinosaur walked the Earth way before even the Tyrannosaurus rex did. Gnatalie lived 150 million years ago in the late Jurassic Era, while the T-Rex lived 66 million to 68 million years ago. Fossils are mostly brown or black in colour, depending on where they are found. Silica in the region turns fossils brown, while black fossils are the result of iron minerals. Celadonite is typically found in volcanic or hydrothermal conditions. Surprisingly, these conditions are not conducive to buried bones which should ideally get destroyed. But when volcanoes erupted in the region 50 to 80 million years ago, celadonite replaced another mineral inside the bones due to the high temperatures. Also Read: Dinosaur that burrowed and lived underground discovered "Dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science, and what better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery and make them reflect on the wonders of the world we live in!" Luis M Chiappe of the museum’s Dinosaur Institute said in a statement. Matt Wedel, anatomist and palaeontologist at Western University of Health Sciences, told Fox News that until now he thought that green dinosaurs were only a rumour. But upon seeing them he realised they were "not like anything else" he had ever seen. A dinosaur that dug and lived underground A few weeks ago, North Carolina scientists found what they believe is a dinosaur that lived in a burrow like an armadillo. The seven-foot-long, plant-eating dinosaur spent a lot of time in underground burrows. Fona herzogae lived 99 million years ago in a warm, wet, muddy region which is now in Utah. This was the first time that a burrowing dinosaur was discovered.

Scientists have found a dinosaur with green bones. Here's what it actually is

Asteroids routinely fly by Earth, mostly at a safe distance, but scientists keep a close watch on these cosmic visitors to be prepared in case one of them poses a threat to our planet. One such asteroid is Apophis, which is set to come extremely close in the year 2029. The Eiffel-Tower-sized space rock will fly by at a distance of 32,000 kilometres on April 13, which is a tenth of the distance to the Moon.&nbsp;

Asteroid 99942 Apophis has been categorised as hazardous because of it size and the distance at which it will fly by.&nbsp;Scientists first discovered it in 2004 and for years it was believed to pose a threat to Earth, with some suggesting that it might collide with us one day. However, later studies found that while it will come extremely close to us, it will not strike.

Scientists are now planning to make use of this extremely rare encounter to study the asteroid and to prevent any future collisions. Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) is one such plan announced by the European Space Agency (ESA). Under it, the agency will send a spacecraft to the asteroid to learn more about its shape, size, mass and rotation through space, along with its composition and structure.

Dr Holger Krag, the head of the ESA’s space safety programme office, says that the flyby is extremely unique as no asteroid is expected to come this close to Earth for thousands of years. At 20,000 miles, you might even be able to see it with the naked eye.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meteor-seen-soaring-over-new-york-sky-people-say-the-ground-was-shaking-741546">The ground shook as a fireball soared over the New York sky: Reports</a>

<h2>What will happen to Apophis?</h2>

Apophis is an Earth-crossing space rock, and it will interact with the planet in some ways. It will come closer than the geostationary satellites that are responsible for television broadcasting, navigation systems and weather forecasting. Dr Krag says that this is when the asteroid will truly begin to interact with Earth. When this happens, something might change in it and through the mission, scientists are hoping to learn more about them.&nbsp;

What will lead to these changes is the "gravity field of the Earth that will basically slightly reshape the asteroid, causing it to change its form,” he said. One of the major events that can happen on the asteroid due to Earth's gravitational pull is landslides, Dr Krag said.

Dr Krag says that they&nbsp;aim to characterise asteroids in such a way that they can deflect them if they ever become dangerous.

A massive asteroid strike is what killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, which is why it becomes important to know about the risks beforehand so tangible action can be taken against them.&nbsp;

<h2>Other plans for Apophis</h2>

Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origins had earlier proposed using the Blue Ring orbital platform to deliver payloads to the asteroid. It is expected to debut by the end of this year.

&nbsp;

Asteroids routinely fly by Earth, mostly at a safe distance, but scientists keep a close watch on these cosmic visitors to be prepared in case one of them poses a threat to our planet.

Asteroids routinely fly by Earth, mostly at a safe distance, but scientists keep a close watch on these cosmic visitors to be prepared in case one of them poses a threat to our planet. One such asteroid is Apophis, which is set to come extremely close in the year 2029. The Eiffel-Tower-sized space rock will fly by at a distance of 32,000 kilometres on April 13, which is a tenth of the distance to the Moon. Asteroid 99942 Apophis has been categorised as hazardous because of it size and the distance at which it will fly by. Scientists first discovered it in 2004 and for years it was believed to pose a threat to Earth, with some suggesting that it might collide with us one day. However, later studies found that while it will come extremely close to us, it will not strike. Scientists are now planning to make use of this extremely rare encounter to study the asteroid and to prevent any future collisions. Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) is one such plan announced by the European Space Agency (ESA). Under it, the agency will send a spacecraft to the asteroid to learn more about its shape, size, mass and rotation through space, along with its composition and structure. Dr Holger Krag, the head of the ESA’s space safety programme office, says that the flyby is extremely unique as no asteroid is expected to come this close to Earth for thousands of years. At 20,000 miles, you might even be able to see it with the naked eye. Also Read: The ground shook as a fireball soared over the New York sky: Reports What will happen to Apophis? Apophis is an Earth-crossing space rock, and it will interact with the planet in some ways. It will come closer than the geostationary satellites that are responsible for television broadcasting, navigation systems and weather forecasting. Dr Krag says that this is when the asteroid will truly begin to interact with Earth. When this happens, something might change in it and through the mission, scientists are hoping to learn more about them. What will lead to these changes is the "gravity field of the Earth that will basically slightly reshape the asteroid, causing it to change its form,” he said. One of the major events that can happen on the asteroid due to Earth's gravitational pull is landslides, Dr Krag said. Dr Krag says that they aim to characterise asteroids in such a way that they can deflect them if they ever become dangerous. A massive asteroid strike is what killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, which is why it becomes important to know about the risks beforehand so tangible action can be taken against them. Other plans for Apophis Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origins had earlier proposed using the Blue Ring orbital platform to deliver payloads to the asteroid. It is expected to debut by the end of this year.

Landslides on asteroid? Apophis might witness a few when it crosses Earth, experts say

The International Space Station has been in orbit for over 25 years now. It has hosted several astronauts from different countries and has been home to several experiments. But now NASA is planning to de-orbit it and bring it back to Earth. They are hoping that it will burn up as it re-enters the planet's atmosphere. The space agency has awarded a one billion dollar contract to SpaceX to develop a "US Deorbit Vehicle" which can remove the space station from orbit.&nbsp;

NASA plans on destroying the ISS by 2030, but some people who were a part of its construction process do not agree with the current officials. Jean-Jacques Dordain, the director general of the European Space Agency at the time the station was being built, and former NASA administrator Michael Griffin want ISS to continue for longer, even if to serve a different purpose. They say that the ISS can give future scientists a chance to continue studying outer space.

In an interview with Forbes, Dordain said, "As two among many builders of ISS, we recommend to those in charge to consider other options than destroying the station." They say that the fate of the ISS should be decided by the future generations.&nbsp;

<h2>Why save the space station?</h2>

The two say that SpaceX's deorbit vehicle can be put to better use - instead of destroying the space station, it can increase the ISS's altitude. That way it can enter a stable orbit much farther from the Earth. In a letter published by SpaceNews, the two argue that the ISS can be boosted from its present 400-kilometre altitude to an 800-kilometre altitude circular orbit with a boost of about 220 metres per second. "This is the same as required for precise deorbit control."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-moon-mission-55-years-after-man-launched-for-moon-artemis-ii-rocket-booster-rolls-out-741659">55 years after man launched for moon, Artemis II rocket booster rolls out</a>

"At the higher altitude, the orbital lifetime would be many decades, providing ample time for future generations to take their own decisions and actions. For that, the ISS should be left in a condition such that no part of it can explode and create a long-lived debris hazard," they added.

They clarify that they are "not in charge anymore", but question that "since the boost stage must be built anyway, would it not be better to use that stage to place the ISS in a higher orbit for the possible use of a future generation than to destroy it upon re-entry?"

The ISS was built following collaborations between five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The International Space Station has been in orbit for over 25 years now. It has hosted several astronauts from different countries and has been home to several experiments.

The International Space Station has been in orbit for over 25 years now. It has hosted several astronauts from different countries and has been home to several experiments. But now NASA is planning to de-orbit it and bring it back to Earth. They are hoping that it will burn up as it re-enters the planet's atmosphere. The space agency has awarded a one billion dollar contract to SpaceX to develop a "US Deorbit Vehicle" which can remove the space station from orbit. NASA plans on destroying the ISS by 2030, but some people who were a part of its construction process do not agree with the current officials. Jean-Jacques Dordain, the director general of the European Space Agency at the time the station was being built, and former NASA administrator Michael Griffin want ISS to continue for longer, even if to serve a different purpose. They say that the ISS can give future scientists a chance to continue studying outer space. In an interview with Forbes, Dordain said, "As two among many builders of ISS, we recommend to those in charge to consider other options than destroying the station." They say that the fate of the ISS should be decided by the future generations. Why save the space station? The two say that SpaceX's deorbit vehicle can be put to better use - instead of destroying the space station, it can increase the ISS's altitude. That way it can enter a stable orbit much farther from the Earth. In a letter published by SpaceNews, the two argue that the ISS can be boosted from its present 400-kilometre altitude to an 800-kilometre altitude circular orbit with a boost of about 220 metres per second. "This is the same as required for precise deorbit control." Also Read: 55 years after man launched for moon, Artemis II rocket booster rolls out "At the higher altitude, the orbital lifetime would be many decades, providing ample time for future generations to take their own decisions and actions. For that, the ISS should be left in a condition such that no part of it can explode and create a long-lived debris hazard," they added. They clarify that they are "not in charge anymore", but question that "since the boost stage must be built anyway, would it not be better to use that stage to place the ISS in a higher orbit for the possible use of a future generation than to destroy it upon re-entry?" The ISS was built following collaborations between five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). (With inputs from agencies)

Do not destroy the International Space Station, urge former agency leaders. Here's why

In the wake of too many incidents of spacecraft and rockets crashing back to Earth and its debris falling in areas it shouldn't, scientists have warned that such incidents may cause someone's death in the years ahead.

Just in May, 56 'uncontrolled re-entries' were monitored by the UK Space Agency and the rate at which satellites and objects are falling back to Earth increased by 155 per cent in April.

Among these events, scientists have warned that there is a 10 per cent chance of someone getting killed in the next decade due to an out-of-control rocket or spacecraft.&nbsp;

Speaking to MailOnline, the UK Space Agency's spokesperson said, "Since January, the UK has monitored an average of 23 re-entering space objects per month."

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"Statistically, debris from re-entering objects presents a low risk to both life and property because most of the Earth is covered by water and the majority of land is unpopulated," the spokesperson added.

"There are no recorded instances of serious injuries caused by re-entering space debris," he explained.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich Jake Foster said, "The vast majority of space debris that falls to Earth is so small that it burns up entirely in the atmosphere on its way down, posing no threat to human life."

"Since around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered in water, most larger pieces that do make it down to the surface usually end up splashing down into the oceans," he added.

<h2>Space debris rains in India and China</h2>

The first such space debris falling on Earth was recorded in 1978 when the &nbsp;Soviet spy satellite Kosmos 954 crashed and the latest incident happened when the Chinese rockets re-entered this June.&nbsp;

The re-entry of Chinese Long March rocket systems caused a series of crashes. These multistage rockets were the Chinese space programme's workhorse and have been used frequently to launch satellites for civilian and military purposes.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaganyaan-mission-indian-astronaut-to-fly-to-space-station-by-2026-740296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some of these rockets undergo uncontrolled re-entry into the orbit of the Earth when the stages are jettisoned.&nbsp;

Although some of them burn up in the atmosphere, there have been reports of large pieces of rockets falling in areas around&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;India.&nbsp;

In June, a piece of rocket had fallen on a populated village in rural China.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of too many incidents of spacecraft and rockets crashing back to Earth and its debris falling in areas it shouldn't, scientists have warned that such incidents may cause someone's death in the years ahead.

In the wake of too many incidents of spacecraft and rockets crashing back to Earth and its debris falling in areas it shouldn't, scientists have warned that such incidents may cause someone's death in the years ahead. Just in May, 56 'uncontrolled re-entries' were monitored by the UK Space Agency and the rate at which satellites and objects are falling back to Earth increased by 155 per cent in April. Among these events, scientists have warned that there is a 10 per cent chance of someone getting killed in the next decade due to an out-of-control rocket or spacecraft. Speaking to MailOnline, the UK Space Agency's spokesperson said, "Since January, the UK has monitored an average of 23 re-entering space objects per month." Also Read: Musk's SpaceX rocket grounded by US aviation regulator. Know why "Statistically, debris from re-entering objects presents a low risk to both life and property because most of the Earth is covered by water and the majority of land is unpopulated," the spokesperson added. "There are no recorded instances of serious injuries caused by re-entering space debris," he explained. Meanwhile, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich Jake Foster said, "The vast majority of space debris that falls to Earth is so small that it burns up entirely in the atmosphere on its way down, posing no threat to human life." "Since around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered in water, most larger pieces that do make it down to the surface usually end up splashing down into the oceans," he added. Space debris rains in India and China The first such space debris falling on Earth was recorded in 1978 when the Soviet spy satellite Kosmos 954 crashed and the latest incident happened when the Chinese rockets re-entered this June. The re-entry of Chinese Long March rocket systems caused a series of crashes. These multistage rockets were the Chinese space programme's workhorse and have been used frequently to launch satellites for civilian and military purposes. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August Some of these rockets undergo uncontrolled re-entry into the orbit of the Earth when the stages are jettisoned. Although some of them burn up in the atmosphere, there have been reports of large pieces of rockets falling in areas around China and India. In June, a piece of rocket had fallen on a populated village in rural China. (With inputs from agencies)

Spacecraft and rockets falling back on Earth can prove catastrophic, scientists warn

NASA has scripted history by discovering&nbsp;six unknown worlds outside our Solar System, which has pushed the number of exoplanets hunted so far to 5,502.

The new find is likely to further expand the understanding of life beyond Earth and the Solar System.

In 1992, the scientists&nbsp;had found the first exoplanets&nbsp;- which were twin planets, Poltergeist and Phobetor - which orbited the pulsar PSR B1257+12.&nbsp;

<h2>What are these six exoplanets?</h2>

The six new exoplanets discovered are &nbsp;HD 36384 b, TOI-198 b, TOI-2095 b, TOI-2095 c, TOI-4860 b, and MWC 758 c.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

HD 36384 b is a type of super-Jupiter which orbits a huge M giant star.' The scientists discovered this planet with the help of the radial velocity method.

TOI-198 b has been identified as a rocky planet which orbits on the habitable zone's innermost edge around the M dwarf star. The scientists used the transit method to detect this planet.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, TOI-2095 b and&nbsp;TOI-2095 c emerged as large and hot super-Earths which have been orbiting the same M dwarf star.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-say-the-earths-core-is-behaving-oddly-heres-why-739062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though they are being called super-Earth, they share more similarity with Venus.&nbsp;

TOI-4860 b is a “hot Jupiter" or Jupiter-sized gas giant which orbits an M dwarf star. The planet completes an orbit every 1.52 days which means it is close to its star.

MWC 758 c is a type of giant protoplanet which has been orbiting a very young star. There is a protoplanetary disk on this star which is a rotating disc of dust and gas and can surround a young star.

When the scientists discovered the planet using direct imaging, it was discovered carving spiral arms into the protoplanetary disk of the star.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has scripted history by discovering six unknown worlds outside our Solar System, which has pushed the number of exoplanets hunted so far to 5,502. The new find is likely to further expand the understanding of life beyond Earth and the Solar System.

NASA has scripted history by discovering six unknown worlds outside our Solar System, which has pushed the number of exoplanets hunted so far to 5,502. The new find is likely to further expand the understanding of life beyond Earth and the Solar System. In 1992, the scientists had found the first exoplanets - which were twin planets, Poltergeist and Phobetor - which orbited the pulsar PSR B1257+12. What are these six exoplanets? The six new exoplanets discovered are HD 36384 b, TOI-198 b, TOI-2095 b, TOI-2095 c, TOI-4860 b, and MWC 758 c. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means HD 36384 b is a type of super-Jupiter which orbits a huge M giant star.' The scientists discovered this planet with the help of the radial velocity method. TOI-198 b has been identified as a rocky planet which orbits on the habitable zone's innermost edge around the M dwarf star. The scientists used the transit method to detect this planet. Meanwhile, TOI-2095 b and TOI-2095 c emerged as large and hot super-Earths which have been orbiting the same M dwarf star. Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why Even though they are being called super-Earth, they share more similarity with Venus. TOI-4860 b is a “hot Jupiter" or Jupiter-sized gas giant which orbits an M dwarf star. The planet completes an orbit every 1.52 days which means it is close to its star. MWC 758 c is a type of giant protoplanet which has been orbiting a very young star. There is a protoplanetary disk on this star which is a rotating disc of dust and gas and can surround a young star. When the scientists discovered the planet using direct imaging, it was discovered carving spiral arms into the protoplanetary disk of the star. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA spots six alien worlds rotating beyond Solar System, two are 'hot super-Earths'

Artemis missions are the next big thing scientists have their eyes set on. The core stage of the rocket that will take astronauts to the moon in over 50 years is out of the manufacturing facility and on the way for vehicle integration and assembly. The second stage of the moon mission will launch next year and take human beings around the lunar body.

The Artemis 2 booster rolled out of NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, in New Orleans on July 16, exactly 55 years after the Apollo 11 was launched to the moon. The booster is 212 feet long and has four RS-25 engines. It was later loaded onto NASA's Pegasus barge and shipped to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), in Florida. Michoud workers and several of their guests gathered to witness the historic rocket roll out and move one step closer to a lunar liftoff.&nbsp;

<h2>Artemis mission</h2>

Artemis II will take a crew aboard the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the moon in 2025. The last time man went to the moon was in 1972. Over 50 years later, scientists need to understand what can be sustained in deep space. This is what the Artemis mission aims to explore. It will help them learn if the spacecraft’s systems operate as designed in the actual environment of deep space.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-apophis-might-experience-landslides-when-it-crosses-earth-experts-say-741643">Asteroid Apophis might experience landslides when it crosses Earth, experts say</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;

Four astronauts, including a woman, have been chosen for the Artemis II mission. They will check and confirm if all systems work as intended near the moon. The Artemis II mission will set up the Artemis III mission which aims to land humans on the moon in 2026.&nbsp;

“The unique Artemis II mission profile will build upon the uncrewed Artemis I flight test by demonstrating a broad range of SLS and Orion capabilities needed on deep space missions,” said Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager.&nbsp;

“This mission will prove Orion’s critical life support systems are ready to sustain our astronauts on longer duration missions ahead and allow the crew to practice operations essential to the success of Artemis III.”

Artemis III will land humans on the lunar south pole where there is large amounts of concentrated ice which can prove crucial for future endeavours.&nbsp;

The ultimate goal is to&nbsp; set up bases on the moon from where humans can reach further out into space, especially Mars. Highly ambitious sci-fi-like projects aim to construct railway tracks on the moon. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Artemis missions are the next big thing scientists have their eyes set on. The core stage of the rocket that will take astronauts to the moon in over 50 years is out of the manufacturing facility and on the way for vehicle integration and assembly.

Artemis missions are the next big thing scientists have their eyes set on. The core stage of the rocket that will take astronauts to the moon in over 50 years is out of the manufacturing facility and on the way for vehicle integration and assembly. The second stage of the moon mission will launch next year and take human beings around the lunar body. The Artemis 2 booster rolled out of NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, in New Orleans on July 16, exactly 55 years after the Apollo 11 was launched to the moon. The booster is 212 feet long and has four RS-25 engines. It was later loaded onto NASA's Pegasus barge and shipped to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), in Florida. Michoud workers and several of their guests gathered to witness the historic rocket roll out and move one step closer to a lunar liftoff. Artemis mission Artemis II will take a crew aboard the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the moon in 2025. The last time man went to the moon was in 1972. Over 50 years later, scientists need to understand what can be sustained in deep space. This is what the Artemis mission aims to explore. It will help them learn if the spacecraft’s systems operate as designed in the actual environment of deep space. Also Read: Asteroid Apophis might experience landslides when it crosses Earth, experts say Four astronauts, including a woman, have been chosen for the Artemis II mission. They will check and confirm if all systems work as intended near the moon. The Artemis II mission will set up the Artemis III mission which aims to land humans on the moon in 2026. “The unique Artemis II mission profile will build upon the uncrewed Artemis I flight test by demonstrating a broad range of SLS and Orion capabilities needed on deep space missions,” said Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager. “This mission will prove Orion’s critical life support systems are ready to sustain our astronauts on longer duration missions ahead and allow the crew to practice operations essential to the success of Artemis III.” Artemis III will land humans on the lunar south pole where there is large amounts of concentrated ice which can prove crucial for future endeavours. The ultimate goal is to set up bases on the moon from where humans can reach further out into space, especially Mars. Highly ambitious sci-fi-like projects aim to construct railway tracks on the moon.

Artemis moon mission: 55 years after man launched for moon, Artemis II rocket booster rolls out

The plate tectonics - which leads to splitting of the continents, creates mountains and leads to earthquakes - is likely to have started when Earth was very young, according to new research.&nbsp;

The new study states that plate tectonics began more than 4 billion years ago, which was not long before the planet got formed 4.5 billion years ago.&nbsp;

At this time, Earth was in the Hadean era when it was a fresh planet and very hot and had an ammonia-and-methane atmosphere. The atmosphere had enough water in it which later condensed into a planet-wide ocean.&nbsp;

In this era, Earth slowly cooled down and a solid outer crust was created. The crust was shaped by the tectonic plates' grinding movements.&nbsp;

Earlier, the researchers said that plate tectonics started in the Hadean, once the crust cooled down.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">&nbsp;Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a>

Meanwhile, others believed that plate tectonics began around 3.2 billion years ago when some key changes took place in the makeup of the crust, as revealed by geochemistry.&nbsp;

However, some argue that the phenomenon is recent and its modern form evolved in the last couple of billion years.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's how crystals helped determine when plate tectonics started</h2>

Scientists have faced difficulty in deciding when plate tectonics started since there are no surviving rocks which are more than 4 billion years old.&nbsp;

The only way to determine this is by analysing tiny, tough crystals known as zircon, which date back to 4.4 billion years.&nbsp;

A subset of these crystals, which are known as S-type zircons, can help in understanding plate tectonics.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-slows-down-by-133-milliseconds-741345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These zircons are crystals and are formed in sedimentary rocks on land. They are pushed by tectonics into the mantle and re-emerge like metamorphic granites.&nbsp;

In the latest research which was published in the journal&nbsp;PNAS, a machine-learning model was used by the researchers to understand these S-type zircons. &nbsp;

The data collected from 300 zircons was first fed by the scientists and then the ability of the model was tested to determine whether 74 more zircons were S-type or not.&nbsp;

In the results, it was found that 35 per cent of the Jack Hills zircons were S-type. A few of these were found dating back to 4.2 billion years ago. This hinted that plate tectonics was moving rocks from the crust to the mantle and again back to the crust during the Hadean.

(With inputs from agencies)

The plate tectonics - which leads to splitting of the continents, creates mountains and leads to earthquakes - is likely to have started when Earth was very young, according to new research.

The plate tectonics - which leads to splitting of the continents, creates mountains and leads to earthquakes - is likely to have started when Earth was very young, according to new research. The new study states that plate tectonics began more than 4 billion years ago, which was not long before the planet got formed 4.5 billion years ago. At this time, Earth was in the Hadean era when it was a fresh planet and very hot and had an ammonia-and-methane atmosphere. The atmosphere had enough water in it which later condensed into a planet-wide ocean. In this era, Earth slowly cooled down and a solid outer crust was created. The crust was shaped by the tectonic plates' grinding movements. Earlier, the researchers said that plate tectonics started in the Hadean, once the crust cooled down. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means Meanwhile, others believed that plate tectonics began around 3.2 billion years ago when some key changes took place in the makeup of the crust, as revealed by geochemistry. However, some argue that the phenomenon is recent and its modern form evolved in the last couple of billion years. Here's how crystals helped determine when plate tectonics started Scientists have faced difficulty in deciding when plate tectonics started since there are no surviving rocks which are more than 4 billion years old. The only way to determine this is by analysing tiny, tough crystals known as zircon, which date back to 4.4 billion years. A subset of these crystals, which are known as S-type zircons, can help in understanding plate tectonics. Watch: Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds These zircons are crystals and are formed in sedimentary rocks on land. They are pushed by tectonics into the mantle and re-emerge like metamorphic granites. In the latest research which was published in the journal PNAS, a machine-learning model was used by the researchers to understand these S-type zircons. The data collected from 300 zircons was first fed by the scientists and then the ability of the model was tested to determine whether 74 more zircons were S-type or not. In the results, it was found that 35 per cent of the Jack Hills zircons were S-type. A few of these were found dating back to 4.2 billion years ago. This hinted that plate tectonics was moving rocks from the crust to the mantle and again back to the crust during the Hadean. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's crust took shape as plate tectonics started 4 billion years ago: study

Sky-gazers are set to witness the most marvellous celestial event of the year as the Earth will receive a Perseid meteor shower, filling the sky with its twinkling light.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the best time to watch the celestial event?</h2>

The splendid show will begin on July 14 and continue till September 1, 2024. It will reach its peak on the night of Sunday, August 11 and will last till Monday, August 12.&nbsp;

Anyone can witness the showers on any clear night till September 1.&nbsp;

<h2>When will shooting stars give their best performance?&nbsp;</h2>

The best time for the performance of the shooting stars will be around 04:00 UTC on August 12, according to the American Meteor Society.&nbsp;

Eight hours before and after the peak, the Perseid meteor shower performs beautifully in the sky.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/night-sky-to-dazzle-with-a-double-meteor-shower-in-july-heres-how-to-watch-this-celestial-event-738493">Night sky to dazzle with a double meteor shower in July. Here's how to watch this celestial event</a>

On the night when the Perseid meteor shower will peak, it is expected that a 43 percent-lit waxing crescent will recede into the southwestern horizon before the Northern Hemisphere's midnight.&nbsp;

The vast night sky will be devoid of moonlight because of this cosmic maneuvering which will make it an ideal canvas for the meteor shower show.&nbsp;

<h2>All you need to know about Perseid meteor shower</h2>

The Perseid meteor shower gets its name from the constellation Perseus and the meteors appear to radiate from it.&nbsp;

The Perseids are also famous for their fireballs, which are larger explosions of light and colour which have the ability to last longer than an average meteor streak.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August

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These meteors have fast and bright characteristics and are believed to leave persistent trails which are visible for several seconds.

<h2>What is the best way to watch it?</h2>

It is best to travel away from the city’s neon distractions and get a clear view of the night sky.&nbsp;

One can also bring a telescope or binoculars to make the most of this experience. One should be on the lookout for fireballs which are larger, brighter meteors which have a dramatic flair.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sky-gazers are set to witness the most marvellous celestial event of the year as the Earth will receive a Perseid meteor shower, filling the sky with its twinkling light.

Sky-gazers are set to witness the most marvellous celestial event of the year as the Earth will receive a Perseid meteor shower, filling the sky with its twinkling light. What is the best time to watch the celestial event? The splendid show will begin on July 14 and continue till September 1, 2024. It will reach its peak on the night of Sunday, August 11 and will last till Monday, August 12. Anyone can witness the showers on any clear night till September 1. When will shooting stars give their best performance? The best time for the performance of the shooting stars will be around 04:00 UTC on August 12, according to the American Meteor Society. Eight hours before and after the peak, the Perseid meteor shower performs beautifully in the sky. Also Read: Night sky to dazzle with a double meteor shower in July. Here's how to watch this celestial event On the night when the Perseid meteor shower will peak, it is expected that a 43 percent-lit waxing crescent will recede into the southwestern horizon before the Northern Hemisphere's midnight. The vast night sky will be devoid of moonlight because of this cosmic maneuvering which will make it an ideal canvas for the meteor shower show. All you need to know about Perseid meteor shower The Perseid meteor shower gets its name from the constellation Perseus and the meteors appear to radiate from it. The Perseids are also famous for their fireballs, which are larger explosions of light and colour which have the ability to last longer than an average meteor streak. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August These meteors have fast and bright characteristics and are believed to leave persistent trails which are visible for several seconds. What is the best way to watch it? It is best to travel away from the city’s neon distractions and get a clear view of the night sky. One can also bring a telescope or binoculars to make the most of this experience. One should be on the lookout for fireballs which are larger, brighter meteors which have a dramatic flair. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth to receive Perseid meteor shower this week. Here's how sky gazers can watch this marvel

In a new study, it has been discovered that the human remains discovered at the Orce sites in Spain were nearly 1.3 million years old. The discovery was made when the researchers, headed by Lluis Gibert at the University of Barcelona, re-dated the remains.

In a new study, it has been discovered that the human remains discovered at the Orce sites in Spain were nearly 1.3 million years old. The discovery was made when the researchers, headed by Lluis Gibert at the University of Barcelona, re-dated the remains. The latest discovery supports the theory that early humans reached Europe while passing through the Strait of Gibraltar and did not opt for the Mediterranean route via Asia. “After a century of research, the chronology of the first arrival of hominins in Europe remains controversial. Four Spanish localities potentially record evidence of the oldest Europeans, yet arrival ages remain loosely constrained between 1.6 and 0.9 Ma,” said the researchers. Also Read: These female frogs refuse sex, eat up males if they don’t like their singing “Here we provide a new Early Pleistocene magnetostratigraphy, recording four paleomagnetic boundaries within 80 m of a fluvio-lacustrine sedimentary succession in Orce, southeastern Spain," they added. “This Pleistocene succession incorporates for the first time in Europe five superposed paleontological localities between the Olduvai and Jaramillo magnetozones, including three hominin sites providing evidence of the presence of hominins older than 1.07 Ma in Europe," the researchers explained. How scientists dated unsampled area The palaeomagnetism of a previously unsampled area, which was protected from erosion, was analysed and the new dating details were found. With the new data, the Venta Micena site was placed at 1.32 million years ago (Ma), Barranco León at 1.28 Ma, and Fuente Nueva 3 at 1.23 Ma, which went beyond the age of the Sima del Elefante site in Atapuerca. “The uniqueness of these sites is that they are stratified and within a very long sedimentary sequence, more than eighty meters long,” said Gibert. The researchers also found the magnetic polarity sequence and the Orce sites were placed between 1.77 and 1.07 million years ago. “Having identified a detailed, extended magnetostratigraphy encompassing the fossil sites, we then estimated their age by stratigraphic interpolation,” the researchers explained. Watch: Cambridge researchers use AI for early detection of Alzheimer's disease “A Bayesian age-stratigraphic model was employed and formulated with the prior condition that strata monotonically decrease in age upward," said the researchers. The team analysed the fauna at Orce to finalise the dating and compared it with other Early Pleistocene sites in Europe. The dating also suggested that the early humans entered Europe through the Strait of Gibraltar. “We also defend the hypothesis that they arrived from Gibraltar because no older evidence has been found at any other site along the alternative route,” said Gibert. (With inputs from agencies)

Early humans began existing in Europe around 1.3 million years ago. This Strait showed them the way

New research suggests that Alpha Centauri could host a Super Jupiter in a stable orbit. The research into it has been done by Tinglong Feng, an undergraduate at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. Feng took up the three-body problem which has been a cosmic issue. The problem causes gravitational interactions between the bodies causing instability, and making the movements of the three bodies extremely difficult to predict.&nbsp;

When a planet orbits two stars, it creates a three-body problem, but one that can also be called a “restricted three-body problem". Some potential stable orbits can exist in such a scenario for a planet.

Feng studied Centauri AB, the nearest binary neighbour to our world and tried to understand whether a super Jupiter can exist in the system and the orbit it might have.&nbsp;

“The three-body problem, which seeks stable orbit configurations among gravitating bodies, is a longstanding challenge in celestial mechanics,” Feng writes.&nbsp;

“As the closest triple stellar system to Earth, Alpha Centauri system has attracted diverse studies in astronomy, including exoplanet stability,” Feng writes.&nbsp;

Even though the entire Alpha Centauri system is a triple star system, the third star is far enough from Centauri AB to let them qualify as a binary system, Feng writes.

Feng compared the Centauri AB system with a similar star system named GJ65AB (Gliese 65) only about 8.8 light-years away from Earth. This star system is binary and hosts an exoplanet of the mass of Neptune. Feng says that despite Gliese 65 being a pair of M-dwarfs, the system “shares similar mass ratios and orbital eccentricities".&nbsp;He ran simulations of the Centauri AB system to get a clear picture of whether the system can host an exoplanet.

“The similarities between GJ65AB and Alpha Centauri AB, together with the newly detected stable super Neptune in the GJ65 system, suggest the stability of the corresponding potential super Jupiter in Alpha Centauri AB,” Feng writes.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-2024-mt-1-makes-extremely-close-approach-to-earth-739111">Asteroid 2024 MT-1 makes extremely close approach to Earth</a>

<h2>Gliese 65 and the Alpha Centauri AB systems</h2>

He theorises that if Gliese 65 and the Alpha Centauri AB systems are similar, and if GJ65 can host a planet in a stable orbit, can the same be true for Centauri AB?

He then went on to find stable orbits for a planet orbiting Centauri AB. Feng identified Centauri A as the primary star and placed a planet with the mass of 350 Earths at a distance of 23.336 AU, keeping others parameters similar to GJ65. “We figured out the stable zone spanning from 0.1 to ~ 2.2 au, and ranges from 0 to 0.5,” Feng writes.

“From this hypothesis, together with the newly detected Neptune-mass planet in the GJ65 system, which is similar to Alpha Centauri AB, we assume the existence of a potential Jupiter-mass planet with corresponding orbital parameters in Alpha Centauri AB should also be possible,” Feng writes.

So far, no planets have been found around Centauri AB, but Proxima Centauri, which lies near it, has two confirmed exoplanets. Notably, scientists have noticed signs of a planet being in Alpha Centauri A.

New research suggests that Alpha Centauri could host a Super Jupiter in a stable orbit. The research into it has been done by Tinglong Feng, an undergraduate at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China.

New research suggests that Alpha Centauri could host a Super Jupiter in a stable orbit. The research into it has been done by Tinglong Feng, an undergraduate at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. Feng took up the three-body problem which has been a cosmic issue. The problem causes gravitational interactions between the bodies causing instability, and making the movements of the three bodies extremely difficult to predict. When a planet orbits two stars, it creates a three-body problem, but one that can also be called a “restricted three-body problem". Some potential stable orbits can exist in such a scenario for a planet. Feng studied Centauri AB, the nearest binary neighbour to our world and tried to understand whether a super Jupiter can exist in the system and the orbit it might have. “The three-body problem, which seeks stable orbit configurations among gravitating bodies, is a longstanding challenge in celestial mechanics,” Feng writes. “As the closest triple stellar system to Earth, Alpha Centauri system has attracted diverse studies in astronomy, including exoplanet stability,” Feng writes. Even though the entire Alpha Centauri system is a triple star system, the third star is far enough from Centauri AB to let them qualify as a binary system, Feng writes. Feng compared the Centauri AB system with a similar star system named GJ65AB (Gliese 65) only about 8.8 light-years away from Earth. This star system is binary and hosts an exoplanet of the mass of Neptune. Feng says that despite Gliese 65 being a pair of M-dwarfs, the system “shares similar mass ratios and orbital eccentricities". He ran simulations of the Centauri AB system to get a clear picture of whether the system can host an exoplanet. “The similarities between GJ65AB and Alpha Centauri AB, together with the newly detected stable super Neptune in the GJ65 system, suggest the stability of the corresponding potential super Jupiter in Alpha Centauri AB,” Feng writes. Also Read: Asteroid 2024 MT-1 makes extremely close approach to Earth Gliese 65 and the Alpha Centauri AB systems He theorises that if Gliese 65 and the Alpha Centauri AB systems are similar, and if GJ65 can host a planet in a stable orbit, can the same be true for Centauri AB? He then went on to find stable orbits for a planet orbiting Centauri AB. Feng identified Centauri A as the primary star and placed a planet with the mass of 350 Earths at a distance of 23.336 AU, keeping others parameters similar to GJ65. “We figured out the stable zone spanning from 0.1 to ~ 2.2 au, and ranges from 0 to 0.5,” Feng writes. “From this hypothesis, together with the newly detected Neptune-mass planet in the GJ65 system, which is similar to Alpha Centauri AB, we assume the existence of a potential Jupiter-mass planet with corresponding orbital parameters in Alpha Centauri AB should also be possible,” Feng writes. So far, no planets have been found around Centauri AB, but Proxima Centauri, which lies near it, has two confirmed exoplanets. Notably, scientists have noticed signs of a planet being in Alpha Centauri A.

Is the three-star system Alpha Centauri hosting a Super Jupiter?

World's first study on common food aromas may help scientists understand why astronauts report that meals taste bland in space even as they struggle for their normal nutritional intake.&nbsp;

Scientists from RMIT University have led a study, which was published on Tuesday (Jul 16) in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.&nbsp;

"Previous astronauts or space travellers have reported that food doesn’t taste the same in space as it does on Earth," first author Grace Loke, a PhD candidate at RMIT, told COSMOS.&nbsp;

"Imagine having your meals pre-planned months ahead because they tasted good on Earth, only to dislike them in space. Usually, flavour is lost," Loke added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-are-becoming-longer-as-climate-change-altering-earths-axis-of-rotation-741428">Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation</a>&nbsp;

This research serves the purpose of how changes can be implemented in order to improve the diets of isolated people. Not just astronauts, the research might help people including nursing home residents by personalising aromas to enhance the flavour of their food.&nbsp;

For the study, the researchers examined how the participants perceived&nbsp;vanilla and almond extracts. They also studied how lemon essential oil changed from everyday Earth settings to the conditions on the International Space Station (ISS).&nbsp;

As quoted by phys.org, lead researcher Dr Julia Low from the School of Science said vanilla and almond aromas were more intense in the ISS-simulated environment. Meanwhile, the lemon scent remained unchanged.&nbsp;

According to the researchers, benzaldehyde, which is a sweet chemical in the aromas of vanilla and almond, could explain the change in perceptions. Besides, an individual's sensitivity to a particular smell can also be the reason.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/starlinks-20-doomed-satellites-fall-from-space-burn-in-earths-atmosphere-741335">Starlink's 20 doomed satellites fall from space, burn in Earth's atmosphere</a>&nbsp;

"A greater sense of loneliness and isolation may also play a role, and there are implications from this study around how isolated people smell and taste food," Low said.

The study involved a&nbsp;sample size as it included 54 adults. "One of the long-term aims of the research is to make better tailored foods for astronauts, as well as other people who are in isolated environments, to increase their nutritional intake closer to 100%," Low said.&nbsp;

The researchers also studied the phenomenon of fluid shift and complemented results from other studies based on eating experiences in space.&nbsp;

The study mentioned that fluid moves from the lower to the higher regions of the body while one is weightless, causing swelling in the face and congestion in the nose. This eventually impacts taste and smell. However, these symptoms vanish a few weeks after entering the space station in most cases.&nbsp;

"Astronauts are still not enjoying their food even after fluid shift effects have gone, suggesting that there's something more to this," Low said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World's first study on common food aromas may help scientists understand why astronauts report that meals taste bland in space even as they struggle for their normal nutritional intake.

World's first study on common food aromas may help scientists understand why astronauts report that meals taste bland in space even as they struggle for their normal nutritional intake. Scientists from RMIT University have led a study, which was published on Tuesday (Jul 16) in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology. "Previous astronauts or space travellers have reported that food doesn’t taste the same in space as it does on Earth," first author Grace Loke, a PhD candidate at RMIT, told COSMOS. "Imagine having your meals pre-planned months ahead because they tasted good on Earth, only to dislike them in space. Usually, flavour is lost," Loke added. Also read: Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation This research serves the purpose of how changes can be implemented in order to improve the diets of isolated people. Not just astronauts, the research might help people including nursing home residents by personalising aromas to enhance the flavour of their food. For the study, the researchers examined how the participants perceived vanilla and almond extracts. They also studied how lemon essential oil changed from everyday Earth settings to the conditions on the International Space Station (ISS). As quoted by phys.org, lead researcher Dr Julia Low from the School of Science said vanilla and almond aromas were more intense in the ISS-simulated environment. Meanwhile, the lemon scent remained unchanged. According to the researchers, benzaldehyde, which is a sweet chemical in the aromas of vanilla and almond, could explain the change in perceptions. Besides, an individual's sensitivity to a particular smell can also be the reason. Also read: Starlink's 20 doomed satellites fall from space, burn in Earth's atmosphere "A greater sense of loneliness and isolation may also play a role, and there are implications from this study around how isolated people smell and taste food," Low said. The study involved a sample size as it included 54 adults. "One of the long-term aims of the research is to make better tailored foods for astronauts, as well as other people who are in isolated environments, to increase their nutritional intake closer to 100%," Low said. The researchers also studied the phenomenon of fluid shift and complemented results from other studies based on eating experiences in space. The study mentioned that fluid moves from the lower to the higher regions of the body while one is weightless, causing swelling in the face and congestion in the nose. This eventually impacts taste and smell. However, these symptoms vanish a few weeks after entering the space station in most cases. "Astronauts are still not enjoying their food even after fluid shift effects have gone, suggesting that there's something more to this," Low said. (With inputs from agencies)

First-of-a-kind study investigates why food tastes bland in space

An exoplanet has differences between its eternal morning and eternal evening atmosphere - this model was previously predicted and researchers have finally confirmed it using the James Webb Space Telescope.&nbsp;

Researchers are talking about WASP-39 b, which is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass WASP-39 b is 0.28 Jupiter and it takes 4.1 days to complete one orbit of its star, NASA revealed. WASP-39 b has a similar mass to Saturn. It orbits a star about 700 light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;

The discovery of WASP-39 b was announced in 2011 and in July 2022, it became the first exoplanet to be studied by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-underground-cave-on-moon-that-could-be-prime-location-for-future-lunar-base-741166">Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base</a>&nbsp;

Researchers have established that WASP-39 b is tidally locked to its parent star, which means it has a constant dayside and a constant nightside. One side of the planet is always exposed to its star, while the other is always covered in darkness.&nbsp;

NASA in its reports said that astronomers confirmed a temperature difference between the eternal morning and eternal evening on WASP-39 b using Webb's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph).&nbsp;

The astronomers found that evening appeared hotter by about 200 degrees Celsius and there is evidence for different cloud cover, with the "forever morning portion of the planet being likely cloudier than the evening".&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-stunning-images-of-a-space-get-away-captured-by-webb-and-chandra-741018">NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra</a>

As quoted by nasa.gov, Néstor Espinoza, who is an exoplanet researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute and lead author on the study, said,&nbsp;"WASP-39 b has become a sort of benchmark planet in studying the atmosphere of exoplanets with Webb."&nbsp;

"It has an inflated, puffy atmosphere, so the signal coming from starlight filtered through the planet’s atmosphere is quite strong," Espinoza added.&nbsp;

The complete day/night boundary is represented by the previously published Webb spectra of the atmosphere of WASP-39b, which showed the presence of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and sodium. But there was no detailed attempt to differentiate between one side and the other.&nbsp;

However, the day/night boundary is now divided into two semicircles, one from the evening and one from the morning, by the new methodology, which constructs two distinct spectra from the terminator region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/our-sun-has-been-emanating-mysterious-radio-signals-for-decades-nasa-plans-to-find-the-exact-source-740983">Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source</a>&nbsp;

"Data reveals the evening as significantly hotter, a searing 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit (800 degrees Celsius), and the morning a relatively cooler 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius)," NASA said in its report.&nbsp;

"It's really stunning that we are able to parse this small difference out, and it’s only possible due Webb's sensitivity across near-infrared wavelengths and its extremely stable photometric sensors," said Espinoza. &nbsp;

"Any tiny movement in the instrument or with the observatory while collecting data would have severely limited our ability to make this detection. It must be extraordinarily precise, and Webb is just that," he added.&nbsp;

The findings were published on Monday (Jul 15) in Nature, titled, "Inhomogeneous terminators on the exoplanet WASP-39 b".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An exoplanet has differences between its eternal morning and eternal evening atmosphere - this model was previously predicted and researchers have finally confirmed it using the James Webb Space Telescope.

An exoplanet has differences between its eternal morning and eternal evening atmosphere - this model was previously predicted and researchers have finally confirmed it using the James Webb Space Telescope. Researchers are talking about WASP-39 b, which is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass WASP-39 b is 0.28 Jupiter and it takes 4.1 days to complete one orbit of its star, NASA revealed. WASP-39 b has a similar mass to Saturn. It orbits a star about 700 light-years away from Earth. The discovery of WASP-39 b was announced in 2011 and in July 2022, it became the first exoplanet to be studied by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space. Also read: Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base Researchers have established that WASP-39 b is tidally locked to its parent star, which means it has a constant dayside and a constant nightside. One side of the planet is always exposed to its star, while the other is always covered in darkness. NASA in its reports said that astronomers confirmed a temperature difference between the eternal morning and eternal evening on WASP-39 b using Webb's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph). The astronomers found that evening appeared hotter by about 200 degrees Celsius and there is evidence for different cloud cover, with the "forever morning portion of the planet being likely cloudier than the evening". Also read: NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra As quoted by nasa.gov, Néstor Espinoza, who is an exoplanet researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute and lead author on the study, said, "WASP-39 b has become a sort of benchmark planet in studying the atmosphere of exoplanets with Webb." "It has an inflated, puffy atmosphere, so the signal coming from starlight filtered through the planet’s atmosphere is quite strong," Espinoza added. The complete day/night boundary is represented by the previously published Webb spectra of the atmosphere of WASP-39b, which showed the presence of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and sodium. But there was no detailed attempt to differentiate between one side and the other. However, the day/night boundary is now divided into two semicircles, one from the evening and one from the morning, by the new methodology, which constructs two distinct spectra from the terminator region. Also read: Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source "Data reveals the evening as significantly hotter, a searing 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit (800 degrees Celsius), and the morning a relatively cooler 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius)," NASA said in its report. "It's really stunning that we are able to parse this small difference out, and it’s only possible due Webb's sensitivity across near-infrared wavelengths and its extremely stable photometric sensors," said Espinoza. "Any tiny movement in the instrument or with the observatory while collecting data would have severely limited our ability to make this detection. It must be extraordinarily precise, and Webb is just that," he added. The findings were published on Monday (Jul 15) in Nature, titled, "Inhomogeneous terminators on the exoplanet WASP-39 b". (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers using James Webb to probe eternal sunrises and sunsets on distant world

Adult-on-adult cannibalism is rare in amphibians. Now, an ecologist from Australia has blamed the declining population of green and golden bell frogs on Kooragang Island, north of Sydney, on female cannibal members of the same species.&nbsp;

A scientist from the University of Newcastle claims&nbsp;to have witnessed a large female frog trying to eat an adult male counterpart while slowly pulling him into a hole. John Gould couldn't believe what he saw and immediately captured the rare moment with his camera.

“The male frog was trying really hard to prevent this from happening,” Gould was quoted as saying by the New York Times. It was the first time that Gould witnessed an act of apparent cannibalism among two adults of the frog species.

The females “are almost the ultimate predators for males,” the ecologist said.

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Generally, smaller members of the species are targeted by adults in common cases of cannibalism in amphibians. For instance, smaller siblings, eggs or larvae end up as dinner.&nbsp;

Gould said in a study published last month in the journal Ecology and Evolution that it's extremely rare that an adult frog ends up eating another adult frog. He says he has heard about such cases only happening in labs.&nbsp;

Almost all such cases happened when female frogs were larger than males.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi14aKt-auHAxVARmwGHWBOAl8QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-underground-cave-on-moon-that-could-be-prime-location-for-future-lunar-base-741166" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-underground-cave-on-moon-that-could-be-prime-location-for-future-lunar-base-741166&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi14aKt-auHAxVARmwGHWBOAl8QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base</a>&nbsp;

In green and golden bell frogs, while females can grow to about 2.75 inches in size, males languish at a mere 2 inches.&nbsp;

So, what exactly helps females determine which male frog to mate with and which one to eat? It depends on the strength of their singing.&nbsp;

Males thus obviously take huge risk while trying to attract females for sex. If all goes fine, males know they are going to get laid. But if females happen to dislike their singing, they may end up becoming their supper.

“You’ve really got to give props to the male frogs out there, that they are putting their lives on the line to reproduce,” Gould said. “Maybe there’s a reason why, males and females, you don’t often find them next to each other in ponds.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Adult-on-adult cannibalism is rare in amphibians. Now, an ecologist from Australia has blamed the declining population of green and golden bell frogs on Kooragang Island, north of Sydney, on female cannibal members of the same species.

Adult-on-adult cannibalism is rare in amphibians. Now, an ecologist from Australia has blamed the declining population of green and golden bell frogs on Kooragang Island, north of Sydney, on female cannibal members of the same species. A scientist from the University of Newcastle claims to have witnessed a large female frog trying to eat an adult male counterpart while slowly pulling him into a hole. John Gould couldn't believe what he saw and immediately captured the rare moment with his camera. “The male frog was trying really hard to prevent this from happening,” Gould was quoted as saying by the New York Times. It was the first time that Gould witnessed an act of apparent cannibalism among two adults of the frog species. The females “are almost the ultimate predators for males,” the ecologist said. Also read: Scientists pinpoint brain area responsible for curiosity Generally, smaller members of the species are targeted by adults in common cases of cannibalism in amphibians. For instance, smaller siblings, eggs or larvae end up as dinner. Gould said in a study published last month in the journal Ecology and Evolution that it's extremely rare that an adult frog ends up eating another adult frog. He says he has heard about such cases only happening in labs. Almost all such cases happened when female frogs were larger than males. Also read: Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base In green and golden bell frogs, while females can grow to about 2.75 inches in size, males languish at a mere 2 inches. So, what exactly helps females determine which male frog to mate with and which one to eat? It depends on the strength of their singing. Males thus obviously take huge risk while trying to attract females for sex. If all goes fine, males know they are going to get laid. But if females happen to dislike their singing, they may end up becoming their supper. “You’ve really got to give props to the male frogs out there, that they are putting their lives on the line to reproduce,” Gould said. “Maybe there’s a reason why, males and females, you don’t often find them next to each other in ponds.” (With inputs from agencies)

These female frogs refuse sex, eat up males if they don’t like their singing

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