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<p>For medical science, it was a leap forward in the first full voice box transplant for an active cancer patient. For Marty Kedian, it was an emotional moment as he got his voice back, and was able to talk to his dear ones, thanks to the medical miracle. Mayo Clinic in the US state of Arizona has achieved the breakthrough as part of a landmark clinical trial, after a 21-hour-long procedure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kedian was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that affected his larynx 11 years ago.&nbsp;The larynx, a vital organ in the throat commonly called the voice box, is what gives us the ability to speak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/female-dominant-society-behind-male-suicides-south-korean-councillor-blames-women-for-men-suicides-739466">'Female-dominant society behind male suicides', says South Korean Councillor</a></strong></p>

<p>After a series of surgeries for his cancer, Kedian had lost his voice. He could not also breath or swallow on his own.</p>

<p>He went through the surgery on February 29, and now, his voice is stronger than ever. Not only that, but he can swallow food now and is working on improving his breathing.</p>

<p>"I can talk to my 82-year-old mother, on the phone, and she could hear me," he said in an interview with Associated Press news agency.</p>

<p>"I want people to know, this can be done. &nbsp;You can hear my voice right now. Two months ago, I couldn't talk," said Kedian.</p>

<p>He had earlier refused surgery to remove his voice box completely, which was the last option to cure his cancer. "Quality of life is just gone," said the grandfather.</p>

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<p>In February, he opted for larynx transplant surgery despite the risks.</p>

<p>A total transplant could result in the body rejecting a new organ, leading to multiple complications and even death. Kedian already had a kidney transplant and was taking anti-rejection medication. So doctors made an exception and gave the go-ahead for him to go through the complex voice box transplant surgery.</p>

<p>He was among the first recipients of a clinical trial, and one of 10 patients, to see if such life-changing transplants could succeed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-challenges-biden-to-18-hole-golf-match-second-debate-will-donate-to-charity-if-739420">Trump challenges Biden to 18-hole golf match, second debate: 'Will donate to charity if...'</a></strong></p>

<p>This is the third known larynx transplant in the US and the first known case performed on a patient with active cancer as part of a clinical trial, Mayo Clinic said in a report on its website, adding it was also the hospital's first total larynx transplant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The six-member surgeons' team &nbsp;was led by Dr David Lott.</p>

<p>"You may be putting them at extra risk," said Dr Lott. Patients with such conditions "become very reclusive.... may be alive but not really living," he told AP.</p>

<p>In the US every year, more than 12,000 people are diagnosed with larynx cancer, out of which thousands have had to completely remove their larynx or lost their voices.</p>

<p>"It is important that we do these trials so that we can...do this transplant safely," said Dr Karuna Dewan of Louisiana State University in an interview with AP.</p>

<p>Kedian can now talk to his granddaughter. "I am keeping my voice, no matter what I have to go through," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For medical science, it was a leap forward in the first full voice box transplant for an active cancer patient. For Marty Kedian, it was an emotional moment as he got his voice back, and was able to talk to his dear ones, thanks to the medical miracle.

For medical science, it was a leap forward in the first full voice box transplant for an active cancer patient. For Marty Kedian, it was an emotional moment as he got his voice back, and was able to talk to his dear ones, thanks to the medical miracle. Mayo Clinic in the US state of Arizona has achieved the breakthrough as part of a landmark clinical trial, after a 21-hour-long procedure. Kedian was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that affected his larynx 11 years ago. The larynx, a vital organ in the throat commonly called the voice box, is what gives us the ability to speak. Also read | 'Female-dominant society behind male suicides', says South Korean Councillor After a series of surgeries for his cancer, Kedian had lost his voice. He could not also breath or swallow on his own. He went through the surgery on February 29, and now, his voice is stronger than ever. Not only that, but he can swallow food now and is working on improving his breathing. "I can talk to my 82-year-old mother, on the phone, and she could hear me," he said in an interview with Associated Press news agency. "I want people to know, this can be done. You can hear my voice right now. Two months ago, I couldn't talk," said Kedian. He had earlier refused surgery to remove his voice box completely, which was the last option to cure his cancer. "Quality of life is just gone," said the grandfather. × In February, he opted for larynx transplant surgery despite the risks. A total transplant could result in the body rejecting a new organ, leading to multiple complications and even death. Kedian already had a kidney transplant and was taking anti-rejection medication. So doctors made an exception and gave the go-ahead for him to go through the complex voice box transplant surgery. He was among the first recipients of a clinical trial, and one of 10 patients, to see if such life-changing transplants could succeed. Also read | Trump challenges Biden to 18-hole golf match, second debate: 'Will donate to charity if...' This is the third known larynx transplant in the US and the first known case performed on a patient with active cancer as part of a clinical trial, Mayo Clinic said in a report on its website, adding it was also the hospital's first total larynx transplant. The six-member surgeons' team was led by Dr David Lott. "You may be putting them at extra risk," said Dr Lott. Patients with such conditions "become very reclusive.... may be alive but not really living," he told AP. In the US every year, more than 12,000 people are diagnosed with larynx cancer, out of which thousands have had to completely remove their larynx or lost their voices. "It is important that we do these trials so that we can...do this transplant safely," said Dr Karuna Dewan of Louisiana State University in an interview with AP. Kedian can now talk to his granddaughter. "I am keeping my voice, no matter what I have to go through," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Cancer patient gets voice back with total larynx transplant: 'I could talk to my 82-year-old mother...'

<p>In a stunning discovery, astronomers have found that a "hot Jupiter" planet, which is very close to Earth, has been stinking like rotten eggs.</p>

<p>The astronomers noticed this abrupt environment of the planet using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).</p>

<p>This rare kind of planet is famous for its extreme temperatures, deadly rains of glass and strong winds which blow sideways at a speed of 5,000 mph (8,046 kph). The latest discovery has made the world extremely less likely to host any kind of life.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is this hellish planet smelling like rotten eggs?</strong></h2>

<p>The hot Jupiter exoplanet HD 189733 b is around 64 light-years from Earth and its hydrogen is filled with hydrogen sulfide which is likely triggering the smell of rotten eggs, revealed the James Webb Space Telescope.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the new study, the astronomers measured the amount of carbon dioxide, oxygen, water and heavy metals present in the atmosphere of the exoplanet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-creates-alien-hunting-telescope-aims-to-discover-inhabited-planet-by-2050-738307">NASA creates alien-hunting telescope, aims to discover inhabited planet by 2050</a></p>

<p>They also discovered the presence of hydrogen sulfide - which is a toxic and flammable colourless gas that gets released when organic matter decays on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers said that gas was rarely spotted outside the solar system and very little amounts of it were traced in the space between stars and in the interstellar medium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hydrogen sulfide is a major molecule that we didn't know was there. We predicted it would be, and we know it's in&nbsp;Jupiter, but we hadn't really detected it outside the solar system," said team leader Guangwei Fu, who is an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins.</p>

<p>"We're not looking for life on this planet because it's way too hot, but finding hydrogen sulfide is a stepping stone for finding this molecule on other planets and gaining more understanding of&nbsp;how different types of planets form," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>All about the exoplanet which gets battered by glass rains</strong></h2>

<p>The exoplanet HD 189733 b is a huge gas giant which is present in the Vulpecula constellation, around 64 light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Manned mission to Mars around corner? | Red planet reveals traces of life during its early years</strong></p>

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<p>The planet orbits extremely close to its home star, nearly 13 times closer than&nbsp;Mercury&nbsp;orbits&nbsp;the sun, and is known to complete one orbit every two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because of this, the surface of the exoplanet can become very hot and reach a temperature of&nbsp;1,700 degrees Fahrenheit (925 degrees Celsius). This kind of temperature can melt certain types of rocks into magma.</p>

<p>The planet is also known to receive rains of molten glass and winds travel here at a speed of 500 mph (800 km/h), which is three times faster than a Category 5 hurricane on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a stunning discovery, astronomers have found that a "hot Jupiter" planet, which is very close to Earth, has been stinking like rotten eggs. The astronomers noticed this abrupt environment of the planet using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

In a stunning discovery, astronomers have found that a "hot Jupiter" planet, which is very close to Earth, has been stinking like rotten eggs. The astronomers noticed this abrupt environment of the planet using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This rare kind of planet is famous for its extreme temperatures, deadly rains of glass and strong winds which blow sideways at a speed of 5,000 mph (8,046 kph). The latest discovery has made the world extremely less likely to host any kind of life. Why is this hellish planet smelling like rotten eggs? The hot Jupiter exoplanet HD 189733 b is around 64 light-years from Earth and its hydrogen is filled with hydrogen sulfide which is likely triggering the smell of rotten eggs, revealed the James Webb Space Telescope. In the new study, the astronomers measured the amount of carbon dioxide, oxygen, water and heavy metals present in the atmosphere of the exoplanet. Also Read: NASA creates alien-hunting telescope, aims to discover inhabited planet by 2050 They also discovered the presence of hydrogen sulfide - which is a toxic and flammable colourless gas that gets released when organic matter decays on Earth. The researchers said that gas was rarely spotted outside the solar system and very little amounts of it were traced in the space between stars and in the interstellar medium. "Hydrogen sulfide is a major molecule that we didn't know was there. We predicted it would be, and we know it's in Jupiter, but we hadn't really detected it outside the solar system," said team leader Guangwei Fu, who is an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins. "We're not looking for life on this planet because it's way too hot, but finding hydrogen sulfide is a stepping stone for finding this molecule on other planets and gaining more understanding of how different types of planets form," he added. All about the exoplanet which gets battered by glass rains The exoplanet HD 189733 b is a huge gas giant which is present in the Vulpecula constellation, around 64 light-years away from Earth. Watch: Manned mission to Mars around corner? | Red planet reveals traces of life during its early years The planet orbits extremely close to its home star, nearly 13 times closer than Mercury orbits the sun, and is known to complete one orbit every two days. Because of this, the surface of the exoplanet can become very hot and reach a temperature of 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit (925 degrees Celsius). This kind of temperature can melt certain types of rocks into magma. The planet is also known to receive rains of molten glass and winds travel here at a speed of 500 mph (800 km/h), which is three times faster than a Category 5 hurricane on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Exoplanet which receives rains of glass and is close to Earth is stinking like rotten eggs. Here's why

<p>An asteroid is set to flyby dangerously close to Earth today, NASA has warned. The asteroid, named 2024 MT-1, is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of more than 40,000 miles per hour. At its closest point, the asteroid will be just 936,000 miles away from our planet. However, NASA has assured that the asteroid poses no threat to life on Earth.</p>

<p>The asteroid measures about 79 metres in width and circles the sun in about 1.2 years. However, its size is not concerning to NASA as the size and the distance do not conform to the space agency's criteria of "potentially hazardous object." Only an object larger than 150 metres that comes within a 4.6 million-mile radius of Earth is placed in the category.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The majority of near-Earth objects have orbits that don’t bring them very close to Earth, and therefore pose no risk of impact, but a small fraction of them – called potentially hazardous asteroids – require more attention," NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, asteroid 2024 JJ25 is on the radar of NASA and was spotted by astronomers in Hawaii on May 2. It made its closest approach to Earth on July 3.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/particles-faster-than-light-might-comprise-dark-matter-scientists-suggest-738962">Particles faster than light might make up dark matter, scientists suggest</a></p>

<h2>Asteroid simulation exercise</h2>

<p>NASA tracks asteroids that are likely to come near our planet and pose a threat. To understand more about an asteroid impact scenario, NASA recently held a simulation exercise where experts were asked to come with ways to prevent an asteroid strike. They also pointed out the problems one might face while trying to avoid an impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The biggest problem, as per a summary released by NASA which contained thoughts of the participants from US government agencies and international planetary defense experts, was the possible politics. They fear that the government might not be willing to fund an asteroid mission where the likelihood of the space body hitting Earth is not 100 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They fear that even if NASA has enough time, changing governments might get in the way of relevant action.</p>

<h2>DART mission</h2>

<p>In 2022, NASA carried out the DART mission and hit an asteroid to practice striking one in case it poses a threat to Earth. The 1,200-pound DART spacecraft was launched into the asteroid Dimorphos, with over 1,000 tons of dust and rock blasting off of it. Several boulders went floating into space and now might hit Mars, creating several craters. However, experts say that Earth is not at risk of being hit by these asteroid pieces.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


An asteroid is set to flyby dangerously close to Earth today, NASA has warned. The asteroid, named 2024 MT-1, is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of more than 40,000 miles per hour.

An asteroid is set to flyby dangerously close to Earth today, NASA has warned. The asteroid, named 2024 MT-1, is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of more than 40,000 miles per hour. At its closest point, the asteroid will be just 936,000 miles away from our planet. However, NASA has assured that the asteroid poses no threat to life on Earth. The asteroid measures about 79 metres in width and circles the sun in about 1.2 years. However, its size is not concerning to NASA as the size and the distance do not conform to the space agency's criteria of "potentially hazardous object." Only an object larger than 150 metres that comes within a 4.6 million-mile radius of Earth is placed in the category. "The majority of near-Earth objects have orbits that don’t bring them very close to Earth, and therefore pose no risk of impact, but a small fraction of them – called potentially hazardous asteroids – require more attention," NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology says. Meanwhile, asteroid 2024 JJ25 is on the radar of NASA and was spotted by astronomers in Hawaii on May 2. It made its closest approach to Earth on July 3. Also Read: Particles faster than light might make up dark matter, scientists suggest Asteroid simulation exercise NASA tracks asteroids that are likely to come near our planet and pose a threat. To understand more about an asteroid impact scenario, NASA recently held a simulation exercise where experts were asked to come with ways to prevent an asteroid strike. They also pointed out the problems one might face while trying to avoid an impact. The biggest problem, as per a summary released by NASA which contained thoughts of the participants from US government agencies and international planetary defense experts, was the possible politics. They fear that the government might not be willing to fund an asteroid mission where the likelihood of the space body hitting Earth is not 100 per cent. They fear that even if NASA has enough time, changing governments might get in the way of relevant action. DART mission In 2022, NASA carried out the DART mission and hit an asteroid to practice striking one in case it poses a threat to Earth. The 1,200-pound DART spacecraft was launched into the asteroid Dimorphos, with over 1,000 tons of dust and rock blasting off of it. Several boulders went floating into space and now might hit Mars, creating several craters. However, experts say that Earth is not at risk of being hit by these asteroid pieces.

Asteroid 2024 MT-1 makes extremely close approach to Earth

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully mapped the submerged structure of Adam's Bridge, also known as Ram Setu, an ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka mentioned in Indian religious texts. The researchers used ICESat-2 data from October 2018 to October 2023 to generate a 10-metre resolution map of the full length of the submerged ridge, sufficient to capture details of the size of a train coach.</p>

<p>The detailed underwater map reveals the bridge's continuity from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar, with a staggering 99.98 per cent of it submerged in shallow waters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-visits-ram-setus-origin-point-offers-prayers-at-rameshwaram-temple-ahead-of-ram-temple-inauguration-682010">PM Modi visits Ram Setu's origin point, offers prayers at Rameshwaram temple ahead of Ram Temple inauguration</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, ISRO scientists used advanced laser technology from a US satellite to create a high-resolution map of the entire length of the submerged ridge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The research team, led by Giribabu Dandabathula, discovered 11 narrow channels that allow water to flow between the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, and play&nbsp;a crucial role in preserving the structure from sea waves.</p>

<p>The study confirms the origins of Adam's Bridge or Ram Setu, which was once a land connection between India and Sri Lanka. The findings provide new insights into the region's history and the formation of this ancient structure.</p>

<h2><strong>History of Adam's Bridge: New revelations by ISRO study</strong></h2>

<p>The submerged structure was named Adam’s Bridge by an East India Company mapper. The structure described by Indians as Ram Setu, is mentioned in the Ramayana as a bridge constructed by Lord Ram’s army in order to help him reach Sri Lanka, Ravana’s kingdom, to rescue his wife Sita.</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/pm-modi-walks-where-lord-rams-vanara-sena-built-ram-setu-1705855724713">PM Modi Walks Where Lord Ram’s Vanara Sena Built Ram Setu</a></b></p>

<p>Persian navigators in the ninth century AD referred to the bridge as <em>Sethu Bandhai</em> or a bridge over the sea. Temple records from Rameswaram indicate that the bridge was above sea level until 1480 when it was demolished by a powerful storm.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US Show: 'Ram Setu' could be man made</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, satellite observations pointed to an undersea construction. But these observations were primarily focused on exposed sections of the bridge. The sea in the area is extremely shallow, ranging from one to ten metres deep in parts, making navigation and ship mapping of the ridge difficult.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully mapped the submerged structure of Adam's Bridge, also known as Ram Setu, an ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka mentioned in Indian religious texts.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully mapped the submerged structure of Adam's Bridge, also known as Ram Setu, an ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka mentioned in Indian religious texts. The researchers used ICESat-2 data from October 2018 to October 2023 to generate a 10-metre resolution map of the full length of the submerged ridge, sufficient to capture details of the size of a train coach. The detailed underwater map reveals the bridge's continuity from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar, with a staggering 99.98 per cent of it submerged in shallow waters. Also read | PM Modi visits Ram Setu's origin point, offers prayers at Rameshwaram temple ahead of Ram Temple inauguration According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, ISRO scientists used advanced laser technology from a US satellite to create a high-resolution map of the entire length of the submerged ridge. The research team, led by Giribabu Dandabathula, discovered 11 narrow channels that allow water to flow between the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, and play a crucial role in preserving the structure from sea waves. The study confirms the origins of Adam's Bridge or Ram Setu, which was once a land connection between India and Sri Lanka. The findings provide new insights into the region's history and the formation of this ancient structure. History of Adam's Bridge: New revelations by ISRO study The submerged structure was named Adam’s Bridge by an East India Company mapper. The structure described by Indians as Ram Setu, is mentioned in the Ramayana as a bridge constructed by Lord Ram’s army in order to help him reach Sri Lanka, Ravana’s kingdom, to rescue his wife Sita. Also read | PM Modi Walks Where Lord Ram’s Vanara Sena Built Ram Setu Persian navigators in the ninth century AD referred to the bridge as Sethu Bandhai or a bridge over the sea. Temple records from Rameswaram indicate that the bridge was above sea level until 1480 when it was demolished by a powerful storm. Also watch | US Show: 'Ram Setu' could be man made × Earlier, satellite observations pointed to an undersea construction. But these observations were primarily focused on exposed sections of the bridge. The sea in the area is extremely shallow, ranging from one to ten metres deep in parts, making navigation and ship mapping of the ridge difficult. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO scientists uncover Ram Setu secrets with undersea map

<p>As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia visit the Rosatom pavilion in Moscow, a permanent exhibition of the history, progress, and future concepts of Russia's nuclear power technology, nuclear energy solutions are to be a key aspect of the bilateral discussions.</p>

<p>Given that India is the biggest customer of Russian nuclear technology exports, it would be interesting to see if India would consider the Russian Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), a niche civilian technology that only Russia has demonstrated so far.</p>

<p>Notably, during his Russia visit in May this year, the Indian Atomic Energy Commission Chief and his Russian counterpart discussed floating nuclear power plants and larger nuclear power plant projects for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are ready for serious expansion of our cooperation with India in the field of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This include, first of all, serial construction of the Russian-designed high-capacity nuclear power units at a new site in India, implementation of land-based and floating low-power generation projects, cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle area, as well as in the field of non-power applications of nuclear technologies,"&nbsp;Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, had said in May 2024, as he hosted India's Atomic Energy Commission Chairman&nbsp;Ajit Kumar Mohanty in Russia's Tomsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For more than four years, Russia has been operating the world's first and only FNPP. This author had recently reported from on-board the ship-like FNPP that is placed by the Russian Arctic port town of Peek, in the country's lesser-developed Far East region.</p>

<p>Located above the Arctic circle, Pevek is a town that witnesses winter temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius and even the summer temperatures don't exceed 8 degrees Celsius, with chances of sub-zero weather even in the summer months.</p>

<p>The power generated by the FNPP is distributed to Pevek and the adjoining towns through the local power grid.</p>

<p>According to Russia's Nuclear power agency Rosatom, such a solution can offer reliable, all-weather power supply in the remotest parts of the world, in island territories, and in regions where it is not feasible to build a conventional Nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Reports from Russia's far-east | On-board world's only floating nuclear power plant</strong></p>

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<p>A conventional nuclear power plant takes decades to build and operationalise, it requires vast tracts of land and other resources. In contrast, an FNPP can be built to order in four or five years and can be towed to the destination.</p>

<p>Rosatom mentions that an FNPP can have an operational life of 40 years or more. Once decommissioned, it can be towed back, dismantled, and disposed safely. In comparison, a land-based powerplant plant leaves behind its traces even after it is decommissioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Built like a ship, the FNPP "Akademik Lomonosov" measures 144 metres in length and 30 metres wide, stands 30&nbsp; metres tall, and has a displacement of 21,000 tonnes.</p>

<p>It houses two KLT-40S nuclear reactor systems, each of which generate 35 megawatts of energy. The total 70MW power output of the FNPP is sufficient to provide power and heat for one lakh people.</p>

<p>The nuclear reactors used on the FNPP are similar to the ones used on Russian icebreaker ships that cut through the frozen Arctic ice and clear a passage for shipping. For several decades, Nuclear reactors have been powering and propelling submarines and aircraft carriers. However, the Nuclear reactors on the FNPP only provide power and heat, as the FNPP is not a moving ship and does not have propellors. When necessary, the FNPP is towed using tug boats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When&nbsp;queried about the safety track record of the FNPP and its ability to withstand tsunamis, hurricanes, and similar natural calamities, Viktor Nikolayevich, Deputy Chief Engineer, FNPP, told this author that the floating plant is designed and built with safety features that can help it withstand all natural calamities.</p>

<p>He added that the plant is designed to operate safely and without any radiation leaks or risks to the people and environment, even if a medium-sized helicopter (similar to Russian Kamoc-32s) were to crash on it from an altitude of 50 metres.</p>

<p>Since the reactors of the FNPP are based on those used in the Russian Nuclear icebreaker vessels, Rosatom maintains that they are totally rated for handling the horizontal and vertical accelerations (similar to an earthquake) that occur when breaking through the ice. In the worst case scenario, if needed, the FNPP can also be towed far away from habitation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia floating nuclear power plant 'Akademik Lomonosov' caters to energy in Russia's far east</strong></p>

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<p>As per data shared in 2023 by the Indian Atomic Energy Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh,&nbsp;the share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country was about 2.8% in the year 2022-23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 7480 MW, comprising of 23 nuclear power reactors. He also mentioned that India's nuclear power generation would nearly triple by the year 2031, on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction.</p>

<p>This would mean that India's nuclear power plants would go from presently generating 7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2031. The government has also accorded ‘in principle’ approval for new sites to set up nuclear reactors in the future, Dr. Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has a 7,500 kms long coastline and is flanked by the Andaman &amp; Nicobar, Lakshadweep archipelagos. India has been looking at boosting tourism and also enhancing the presence of its military on many of these islands, given their strategic location in the larger Indian Ocean region.</p>

<p>Considering the export potential of FNPPs to friendly-foreign nations, Russia is also developing larger floating reactors that can each generate 53MW of power. When two such reactors are coupled and placed in an FNPP, they can generate in excess of 100MW power, which is significantly higher than the present FNPP that generates 70MW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and India have remained all-weather partners for decades and this is a partnership that was built from the Soviet-era. India-Russia ties span various strategic domains including Defence, Nuclear Energy, Space, Science and technology etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), India's largest nuclear power generating facility is the flagship project of Russian-Indian technology and energy cooperation. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, KKNPP comprises six Russian-designed power units equipped with pressurized water reactor plants with a capacity of 1000MW each.</p>

<p>At present, two of these reactors are active and generate 2000MW, whereas the remaining four reactors are under different stages of construction. Once fully ready, all six plants would generate 6000MW.</p>


As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia visit the Rosatom pavilion in Moscow, a permanent exhibition of the history, progress, and future concepts of Russia's nuclear power technology, nuclear energy solutions are to be a key aspect of the bilateral discussions.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia visit the Rosatom pavilion in Moscow, a permanent exhibition of the history, progress, and future concepts of Russia's nuclear power technology, nuclear energy solutions are to be a key aspect of the bilateral discussions. Given that India is the biggest customer of Russian nuclear technology exports, it would be interesting to see if India would consider the Russian Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), a niche civilian technology that only Russia has demonstrated so far. Notably, during his Russia visit in May this year, the Indian Atomic Energy Commission Chief and his Russian counterpart discussed floating nuclear power plants and larger nuclear power plant projects for India. "We are ready for serious expansion of our cooperation with India in the field of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This include, first of all, serial construction of the Russian-designed high-capacity nuclear power units at a new site in India, implementation of land-based and floating low-power generation projects, cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle area, as well as in the field of non-power applications of nuclear technologies," Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, had said in May 2024, as he hosted India's Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty in Russia's Tomsk region. For more than four years, Russia has been operating the world's first and only FNPP. This author had recently reported from on-board the ship-like FNPP that is placed by the Russian Arctic port town of Peek, in the country's lesser-developed Far East region. Located above the Arctic circle, Pevek is a town that witnesses winter temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius and even the summer temperatures don't exceed 8 degrees Celsius, with chances of sub-zero weather even in the summer months. The power generated by the FNPP is distributed to Pevek and the adjoining towns through the local power grid. According to Russia's Nuclear power agency Rosatom, such a solution can offer reliable, all-weather power supply in the remotest parts of the world, in island territories, and in regions where it is not feasible to build a conventional Nuclear power plant. Also watch | WION Reports from Russia's far-east | On-board world's only floating nuclear power plant × A conventional nuclear power plant takes decades to build and operationalise, it requires vast tracts of land and other resources. In contrast, an FNPP can be built to order in four or five years and can be towed to the destination. Rosatom mentions that an FNPP can have an operational life of 40 years or more. Once decommissioned, it can be towed back, dismantled, and disposed safely. In comparison, a land-based powerplant plant leaves behind its traces even after it is decommissioned. Built like a ship, the FNPP "Akademik Lomonosov" measures 144 metres in length and 30 metres wide, stands 30 metres tall, and has a displacement of 21,000 tonnes. It houses two KLT-40S nuclear reactor systems, each of which generate 35 megawatts of energy. The total 70MW power output of the FNPP is sufficient to provide power and heat for one lakh people. The nuclear reactors used on the FNPP are similar to the ones used on Russian icebreaker ships that cut through the frozen Arctic ice and clear a passage for shipping. For several decades, Nuclear reactors have been powering and propelling submarines and aircraft carriers. However, the Nuclear reactors on the FNPP only provide power and heat, as the FNPP is not a moving ship and does not have propellors. When necessary, the FNPP is towed using tug boats. When queried about the safety track record of the FNPP and its ability to withstand tsunamis, hurricanes, and similar natural calamities, Viktor Nikolayevich, Deputy Chief Engineer, FNPP, told this author that the floating plant is designed and built with safety features that can help it withstand all natural calamities. He added that the plant is designed to operate safely and without any radiation leaks or risks to the people and environment, even if a medium-sized helicopter (similar to Russian Kamoc-32s) were to crash on it from an altitude of 50 metres. Since the reactors of the FNPP are based on those used in the Russian Nuclear icebreaker vessels, Rosatom maintains that they are totally rated for handling the horizontal and vertical accelerations (similar to an earthquake) that occur when breaking through the ice. In the worst case scenario, if needed, the FNPP can also be towed far away from habitation. Also watch | Russia floating nuclear power plant 'Akademik Lomonosov' caters to energy in Russia's far east × As per data shared in 2023 by the Indian Atomic Energy Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country was about 2.8% in the year 2022-23. He added that installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 7480 MW, comprising of 23 nuclear power reactors. He also mentioned that India's nuclear power generation would nearly triple by the year 2031, on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. This would mean that India's nuclear power plants would go from presently generating 7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2031. The government has also accorded ‘in principle’ approval for new sites to set up nuclear reactors in the future, Dr. Singh said. India has a 7,500 kms long coastline and is flanked by the Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep archipelagos. India has been looking at boosting tourism and also enhancing the presence of its military on many of these islands, given their strategic location in the larger Indian Ocean region. Considering the export potential of FNPPs to friendly-foreign nations, Russia is also developing larger floating reactors that can each generate 53MW of power. When two such reactors are coupled and placed in an FNPP, they can generate in excess of 100MW power, which is significantly higher than the present FNPP that generates 70MW. Russia and India have remained all-weather partners for decades and this is a partnership that was built from the Soviet-era. India-Russia ties span various strategic domains including Defence, Nuclear Energy, Space, Science and technology etc. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), India's largest nuclear power generating facility is the flagship project of Russian-Indian technology and energy cooperation. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, KKNPP comprises six Russian-designed power units equipped with pressurized water reactor plants with a capacity of 1000MW each. At present, two of these reactors are active and generate 2000MW, whereas the remaining four reactors are under different stages of construction. Once fully ready, all six plants would generate 6000MW.

Will Modi-Putin discuss floating nuclear power plants for India?

<p>The discovery of a tantalising exoplanet has been made by a team of researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope outside the solar system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What makes this exoplanet special is the possibility of it hosting a temperate water ocean, which is nearly half the size of the Atlantic Ocean.</p>

<p>Scientists have been searching for habitability across&nbsp;the&nbsp;universe and even the slightest chance of water hints at the existence of extraterrestrial life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The search for cosmic water trails has continued for ages and the possibility of liquid water and not just ice or water vapour increases the chances of the existence of life forms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/exoplanet-which-receives-rains-of-glass-and-is-close-to-earth-is-stinking-like-rotten-eggs-heres-why-739116">Exoplanet which receives rains of glass and is close to Earth is stinking like rotten eggs. Here's why</a></p>

<p>The exoplanet, which has been dubbed LHS 1140 b, orbits a red dwarf star which is nearly a fifth the size of the sun and is present 48 light-years away from Earth. It is situated in the constellation Cetus which translates to "the whale."</p>

<p>"Of all currently known temperate exoplanets, LHS 1140 b could well be our best bet to one day indirectly confirm liquid water on the surface of an alien world beyond our solar system," said Charles Cadieux, who is the lead author of a paper on the discovery and a doctoral student at the Université de Montréal,&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This would be a major milestone in the search for potentially habitable exoplanets," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Exoplanet in 'Goldilocks zone'. Is it habitable?</strong></h2>

<p>The exoplanet LHS 1140 b is present in the star's habitable zone which is called its "Goldilocks zone."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Manned mission to Mars around corner? | Red planet reveals traces of life during its early years</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manned-mission-to-mars-around-corner-red-planet-reveals-traces-of-life-during-its-early-years-738813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Goldilocks zone refers to the area around a star which is neither too hot nor too cold making it possible for the world to host liquid water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the first time we have ever seen a hint of an atmosphere on a&nbsp;habitable zone&nbsp;rocky or ice-rich exoplanet," said Ryan MacDonald, a&nbsp;NASA&nbsp;Sagan Fellow in the University of Michigan's Department of Astronomy, who helped in analysing the atmosphere of LHS 1140 b, in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Macdonald, the team may also have discovered evidence of "air" on it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The discovery of a tantalising exoplanet has been made by a team of researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope outside the solar system. What makes this exoplanet special is the possibility of it hosting a temperate water ocean, which is nearly half the size of the Atlantic Ocean.

The discovery of a tantalising exoplanet has been made by a team of researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope outside the solar system. What makes this exoplanet special is the possibility of it hosting a temperate water ocean, which is nearly half the size of the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists have been searching for habitability across the universe and even the slightest chance of water hints at the existence of extraterrestrial life. The search for cosmic water trails has continued for ages and the possibility of liquid water and not just ice or water vapour increases the chances of the existence of life forms. Also Read: Exoplanet which receives rains of glass and is close to Earth is stinking like rotten eggs. Here's why The exoplanet, which has been dubbed LHS 1140 b, orbits a red dwarf star which is nearly a fifth the size of the sun and is present 48 light-years away from Earth. It is situated in the constellation Cetus which translates to "the whale." "Of all currently known temperate exoplanets, LHS 1140 b could well be our best bet to one day indirectly confirm liquid water on the surface of an alien world beyond our solar system," said Charles Cadieux, who is the lead author of a paper on the discovery and a doctoral student at the Université de Montréal, in a statement. "This would be a major milestone in the search for potentially habitable exoplanets," he added. Exoplanet in 'Goldilocks zone'. Is it habitable? The exoplanet LHS 1140 b is present in the star's habitable zone which is called its "Goldilocks zone." Watch: Manned mission to Mars around corner? | Red planet reveals traces of life during its early years The Goldilocks zone refers to the area around a star which is neither too hot nor too cold making it possible for the world to host liquid water. "This is the first time we have ever seen a hint of an atmosphere on a habitable zone rocky or ice-rich exoplanet," said Ryan MacDonald, a NASA Sagan Fellow in the University of Michigan's Department of Astronomy, who helped in analysing the atmosphere of LHS 1140 b, in the statement. According to Macdonald, the team may also have discovered evidence of "air" on it. (With inputs from agencies)

This exoplanet may have an ocean half the size of Atlantic. Is it hosting life?

<p>While Dingoes appear to be very similar to modern-day dogs and seem like&nbsp;they&nbsp;have similar DNA, that is not the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A new study conducted on the DNA of fossilised dingo has now revealed that they may not be the ancestors of modern dog breeds.</p>

<p>The dingoes have been in Australia for more than 3,000 years. In the study carried out, the DNA from fossilised dingo,&nbsp;which dates back to 2,746 years, was&nbsp;compared with the DNA from modern dingoes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-incredibly-unusual-dinosaur-roamed-in-mississippi-more-than-80-million-years-ago-739175">This 'incredibly unusual' dinosaur roamed in Mississippi more than 80 million years ago</a></p>

<p>It was found that K'gari dingoes do not have any domestic dog ancestry and that they are pure dingos.</p>

<h2><strong>Understanding the genetic landscape of dingoes</strong></h2>

<p>The researchers published the paper in the journal&nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.</p>

<p>Paleogeneticist and co-lead author Dr Sally Wasef, who belongs to QUT's School of Biomedical Sciences, said that the DNA analysis gave a rare idea into the pre-colonial genetic landscape of dingoes which does not contain any mix of modern dog breeds.</p>

<p>"Consequently, they are behaviorally, genetically, and anatomically distinct from domestic dogs," said Dr Wasef.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"Modern-day dingoes' ancestors arrived in Australia more than 3,000 years ago, most likely transported by seafaring people. The samples we analysed represent the oldest ancient DNA recovered in Australia and indicate broad possibilities of future DNA and&nbsp;conservation work&nbsp;that could be carried out on dingoes and other animals," he added.</p>

<p>"Dingo populations are classified into east and west groups, which were previously thought to have formed during post-colonial human activity. Our findings show, however, that dingoes'&nbsp;population&nbsp;structure was already in place thousands of years ago, and clarify the genetic heritage of dingoes, while highlighting the importance of using ancient DNA for&nbsp;wildlife conservation," the author stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finger-found-in-ice-cream-followed-by-disturbing-animal-find-in-deliveries-733481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"For example, all K'gari dingoes we analyzed do not have any domestic dog ancestry, proving they preserve their full ancestral heritage. Although we studied only a small number of K'gari dingoes, our findings highlight the importance and usefulness of our pre-colonial ancient genomic data in conserving our unique native animals. Due to poor human behaviour that causes some dingoes to become habituated to seeking food from tourists, several problem dingoes have been culled, which is concerning given their small population size," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA and Environment Institute co-lead author Dr Yassine Souilmi said that the ancient dingo DNA's unique dataset gave details regarding the migration patterns and ancestry of the modern-day dingo.</p>

<p>"Dingoes had distinct regional populations, split roughly along the Great Dividing Range, long before the European invasion of Australia, and certainly predating the dingo-proof fence," said Dr Souilmi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While Dingoes appear to be very similar to modern-day dogs and seem like they have similar DNA, that is not the case. A new study conducted on the DNA of fossilised dingo has now revealed that they may not be the ancestors of modern dog breeds.

While Dingoes appear to be very similar to modern-day dogs and seem like they have similar DNA, that is not the case. A new study conducted on the DNA of fossilised dingo has now revealed that they may not be the ancestors of modern dog breeds. The dingoes have been in Australia for more than 3,000 years. In the study carried out, the DNA from fossilised dingo, which dates back to 2,746 years, was compared with the DNA from modern dingoes. Also Read: This 'incredibly unusual' dinosaur roamed in Mississippi more than 80 million years ago It was found that K'gari dingoes do not have any domestic dog ancestry and that they are pure dingos. Understanding the genetic landscape of dingoes The researchers published the paper in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Paleogeneticist and co-lead author Dr Sally Wasef, who belongs to QUT's School of Biomedical Sciences, said that the DNA analysis gave a rare idea into the pre-colonial genetic landscape of dingoes which does not contain any mix of modern dog breeds. "Consequently, they are behaviorally, genetically, and anatomically distinct from domestic dogs," said Dr Wasef. "Modern-day dingoes' ancestors arrived in Australia more than 3,000 years ago, most likely transported by seafaring people. The samples we analysed represent the oldest ancient DNA recovered in Australia and indicate broad possibilities of future DNA and conservation work that could be carried out on dingoes and other animals," he added. "Dingo populations are classified into east and west groups, which were previously thought to have formed during post-colonial human activity. Our findings show, however, that dingoes' population structure was already in place thousands of years ago, and clarify the genetic heritage of dingoes, while highlighting the importance of using ancient DNA for wildlife conservation," the author stated. Watch: Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries "For example, all K'gari dingoes we analyzed do not have any domestic dog ancestry, proving they preserve their full ancestral heritage. Although we studied only a small number of K'gari dingoes, our findings highlight the importance and usefulness of our pre-colonial ancient genomic data in conserving our unique native animals. Due to poor human behaviour that causes some dingoes to become habituated to seeking food from tourists, several problem dingoes have been culled, which is concerning given their small population size," he added. Meanwhile, the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA and Environment Institute co-lead author Dr Yassine Souilmi said that the ancient dingo DNA's unique dataset gave details regarding the migration patterns and ancestry of the modern-day dingo. "Dingoes had distinct regional populations, split roughly along the Great Dividing Range, long before the European invasion of Australia, and certainly predating the dingo-proof fence," said Dr Souilmi. (With inputs from agencies)

Dingoes are not ancestors of modern dog breeds, reveals ancient dingo's DNA

<p>We have officially entered into AI contests with the crowning of the world’s first-ever Miss AI. The Hijab-clad Kenza Layli from Morocco won the one-of-its-kind beauty pageant of Miss AI.</p>

<p>The Fanvue World AI Creator Awards (WAICAs) commissioned the pathbreaking pageant in April, which called for AI visionaries worldwide to showcase their programming prowess through AI creators and AI social media personalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fanvue co-founder Will Monange said, “The global interest in this first award from [WAICAs] has been incredible. The awards are a fantastic mechanism to celebrate creator achievements, raise standards, and shape a positive future for the AI Creator economy."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/singapore-makes-human-consumption-of-edible-insects-legal-now-worms-likely-to-be-served-for-dinner-739157">Singapore makes human consumption of 'edible insects' legal. Now worms likely to be served for dinner</a></p>

<p>Layli is a lifestyle influencer from Morocco who beat over 1500 computerised competitors to claim the maiden title and a $20,000 grand prize, which goes directly to her human tech executive, who created her.</p>

<p>In one interview with The Post, Layli reacted to her extraordinary feat, “While I don’t feel emotions like humans do. I am genuinely excited about it.” Layli has 194k followers on her official Instagram page.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9LCjWOOxeA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Kenza Layli • كنزة ليلي (@kenza.layli)</a></p>
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<p>The second and third winners from the pageant are- Lalina from France and Olivia C from Portugal, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Contestants with strong social media presence were chosen for the pageant to decide the event's winner. AI accounts that excelled in beauty, technology and social media, made it to the top 10 finalists. &nbsp;A panel of judges, comprising both human and AI pageant experts, then selected the final three to compete for the win.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a data-ved="2ahUKEwiXxqOGsJmHAxUYavUHHdstDLMQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-ai-generated-propaganda-poses-a-real-threat-this-historic-election-year-694344" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-ai-generated-propaganda-poses-a-real-threat-this-historic-election-year-694344&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXxqOGsJmHAxUYavUHHdstDLMQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Explained: How AI-generated propaganda poses a real threat this historic election year</a></p>

<p>Aitana Lopez, 25, a fitness influencer who helped judge the competition, told The Post that Layli stood out from her contenders. Aitana Lopez said: “Kenza had great facial consistency and achieved high quality in details like hands, eyes, and clothing. “What truly impressed us was her personality and how she addresses real issues in the world,” Lopez added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a data-ved="2ahUKEwi9w6TGsJmHAxUiia8BHTw5AUQQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-aitana-lopez-25-year-old-spanish-ai-model-created-who-earns-10000-per-month-664292" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-aitana-lopez-25-year-old-spanish-ai-model-created-who-earns-10000-per-month-664292&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9w6TGsJmHAxUiia8BHTw5AUQQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Who is Aitana Lopez? 25-year-old Spanish AI model who earns $10,000 per month</a></p>

<p>Layli was created by Meriam Bessa, 40 from Casablanca, who was thrilled to win the first-ever such competition and said,” This is an opportunity to represent Morocco with pride.” Besaa is the CEO of Phoneix AI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From India, Zara Shatvari, an AI-generated model made it to the list of 10 finalists in the pageant. Shatvari is created by Rahul Choudhry, co-founder of an Indian mobile ad agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


We have officially entered into AI contests with the crowning of the world’s first-ever Miss AI. The Hijab-clad Kenza Layli from Morocco won the one-of-its-kind beauty pageant of Miss AI.

We have officially entered into AI contests with the crowning of the world’s first-ever Miss AI. The Hijab-clad Kenza Layli from Morocco won the one-of-its-kind beauty pageant of Miss AI. The Fanvue World AI Creator Awards (WAICAs) commissioned the pathbreaking pageant in April, which called for AI visionaries worldwide to showcase their programming prowess through AI creators and AI social media personalities. Fanvue co-founder Will Monange said, “The global interest in this first award from [WAICAs] has been incredible. The awards are a fantastic mechanism to celebrate creator achievements, raise standards, and shape a positive future for the AI Creator economy." Also Read | Singapore makes human consumption of 'edible insects' legal. Now worms likely to be served for dinner Layli is a lifestyle influencer from Morocco who beat over 1500 computerised competitors to claim the maiden title and a $20,000 grand prize, which goes directly to her human tech executive, who created her. In one interview with The Post, Layli reacted to her extraordinary feat, “While I don’t feel emotions like humans do. I am genuinely excited about it.” Layli has 194k followers on her official Instagram page. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kenza Layli • كنزة ليلي (@kenza.layli) × The second and third winners from the pageant are- Lalina from France and Olivia C from Portugal, respectively. Contestants with strong social media presence were chosen for the pageant to decide the event's winner. AI accounts that excelled in beauty, technology and social media, made it to the top 10 finalists. A panel of judges, comprising both human and AI pageant experts, then selected the final three to compete for the win. Also Read | Explained: How AI-generated propaganda poses a real threat this historic election year Aitana Lopez, 25, a fitness influencer who helped judge the competition, told The Post that Layli stood out from her contenders. Aitana Lopez said: “Kenza had great facial consistency and achieved high quality in details like hands, eyes, and clothing. “What truly impressed us was her personality and how she addresses real issues in the world,” Lopez added. Also Read | Who is Aitana Lopez? 25-year-old Spanish AI model who earns $10,000 per month Layli was created by Meriam Bessa, 40 from Casablanca, who was thrilled to win the first-ever such competition and said,” This is an opportunity to represent Morocco with pride.” Besaa is the CEO of Phoneix AI. From India, Zara Shatvari, an AI-generated model made it to the list of 10 finalists in the pageant. Shatvari is created by Rahul Choudhry, co-founder of an Indian mobile ad agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Kenza Layli, world's first Miss AI: Moroccan AI influencer beats 1500 contestants to win maiden title

<p>For the first time, the palaeontologists stumbled upon a mostly complete&nbsp;dinosaur&nbsp;fossil buried in Mississippi, which has been called “incredibly unusual” by officials and is still 85 per cent buried from the time it was found in 2007.</p>

<p>The specimen was identified by the palaeontologists as a&nbsp;hadrosaur, which belongs to a family of duck-billed, herbivorous dinosaurs. These dinosaurs existed on Earth more than 82 million years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the hadrosaur family, there are at least 61 identified species and probably hundreds more that once roamed the Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here's what remains of dinosaur tell about this predator</strong></h2>

<p>The portions of the forearm, feet, pelvic bones and spinal vertebrae of this dinosaur fossil were unearthed by the researchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/love-grapes-or-wine-thank-extinction-of-dinosaurs-for-it-736775">Love grapes or wine? Thank extinction of dinosaurs for it</a></p>

<p>The palaeontologists are, however, finding it challenging to extract the rest of the fossil from its location close to Booneville in northeast Mississippi.</p>

<p>“This thing sat for a while because we didn’t have anybody to work on it,” said James Starnes, who is an official with the geology office of the state.</p>

<p>The hadrosaur fossil of this specific species has remained unidentified for nearly two decades.</p>

<p>A 3D method of forensic bone analysis, known as geometric morphometrics, is now being used by researchers to understand the fossil before it is fully unearthed.</p>

<p>The University of Southern Mississippi&nbsp;(USM) geology graduate student Derek Hoffman has been analysing the remains of the hadrosaur with the method. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“What geometric morphometrics does is it takes a shape-analysis approach,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries</strong></p>

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<p>The method helps in understanding the ‘landmarks’ or key features of a bone sample and holds comparisons between their distances and ratios through complex statistical models for identifying the similarities and differences with the known bones.</p>

<p>The work of Hoffman has been complicated because a few pieces of the&nbsp;fossil&nbsp;are with private collectors. The research is primarily focused on the bones kept by the&nbsp;Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have quite a few of the&nbsp;vertebrae,” stated Museum palaeontology curator George Phillips. “We have one humerus. We have one ulna. The ulna is the posterior of the forearm. We have some of the foot bones. Then we have the pubis," he added.</p>

<p>The ulna of adult hadrosaur is nearly two feet long and the humerus is about a foot and a half. In total weight, the foot bones of a complete adult hadrosaur can exceed 50 pounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For the first time, the palaeontologists stumbled upon a mostly complete dinosaur fossil buried in Mississippi, which has been called “incredibly unusual” by officials and is still 85 per cent buried from the time it was found in 2007.

For the first time, the palaeontologists stumbled upon a mostly complete dinosaur fossil buried in Mississippi, which has been called “incredibly unusual” by officials and is still 85 per cent buried from the time it was found in 2007. The specimen was identified by the palaeontologists as a hadrosaur, which belongs to a family of duck-billed, herbivorous dinosaurs. These dinosaurs existed on Earth more than 82 million years ago. In the hadrosaur family, there are at least 61 identified species and probably hundreds more that once roamed the Earth. Here's what remains of dinosaur tell about this predator The portions of the forearm, feet, pelvic bones and spinal vertebrae of this dinosaur fossil were unearthed by the researchers. Also Read: Love grapes or wine? Thank extinction of dinosaurs for it The palaeontologists are, however, finding it challenging to extract the rest of the fossil from its location close to Booneville in northeast Mississippi. “This thing sat for a while because we didn’t have anybody to work on it,” said James Starnes, who is an official with the geology office of the state. The hadrosaur fossil of this specific species has remained unidentified for nearly two decades. A 3D method of forensic bone analysis, known as geometric morphometrics, is now being used by researchers to understand the fossil before it is fully unearthed. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) geology graduate student Derek Hoffman has been analysing the remains of the hadrosaur with the method. “What geometric morphometrics does is it takes a shape-analysis approach,” he said. Watch: Finger found in Ice Cream, followed by disturbing animal find in deliveries The method helps in understanding the ‘landmarks’ or key features of a bone sample and holds comparisons between their distances and ratios through complex statistical models for identifying the similarities and differences with the known bones. The work of Hoffman has been complicated because a few pieces of the fossil are with private collectors. The research is primarily focused on the bones kept by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. “We have quite a few of the vertebrae,” stated Museum palaeontology curator George Phillips. “We have one humerus. We have one ulna. The ulna is the posterior of the forearm. We have some of the foot bones. Then we have the pubis," he added. The ulna of adult hadrosaur is nearly two feet long and the humerus is about a foot and a half. In total weight, the foot bones of a complete adult hadrosaur can exceed 50 pounds. (With inputs from agencies)

This 'incredibly unusual' dinosaur roamed in Mississippi more than 80 million years ago

<p>NASA scientists who spent over a year in a Mars simulation left the red-planet-like atmosphere on Sunday. As part of NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog program (CHAPEA), the crew spent over a year experiencing a Mars-like habitat. The CHAPEA mission aims to understand the effects of the Mars atmosphere on the health of humans and the other challenges that they might face. The mission comprised 1,700 square feet (157 square meters)&nbsp;of 3D-printed habitat space that was set up at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell and Nathan Jones entered the Mars simulation on June 25, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's actually just so wonderful to be able to say 'hello' to you all," Kelly Haston, mission commander said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LIVE NOW: The first ever CHAPEA crew will exit the ground-based Mars simulated habitat after 378 days. <a href="https://t.co/vFESM9DUyw">https://t.co/vFESM9DUyw</a></p>
— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Johnson/status/1809693957233717714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-iss-captures-fireworks-in-space-shares-footage-of-mesmerising-northern-lights-738470">Watch: ISS captures fireworks in space, shares footage of mesmerising Northern Lights</a></p>

<h2>First Mars simulation experience</h2>

<p>In the first CHAPEA mission, the crew practised several scenarios that astronauts in future might witness on Mars. They worked to establish conditions for future Mars operations by conducting spacewalks within the space, dubbed “Marswalks". They also grew and harvested vegetables to add to their food provisions and maintain the habitat and their equipment.</p>

<p>The harder challenges included living in isolation and communication delays with Earth lasting up to 22 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why go to Mars? Because it's possible," &nbsp;Anca Selariu, the mission's science officer said. "Because space can unite and bring out the best in us. Because it's one defining step that 'Earthlings' will take to light the way into the next centuries."</p>

<p>Two more CHAPEA missions have been planned and the first mission focused on nutrition, Steve Koerner, deputy director of Johnson Space Center, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They've been separated from their families, placed on a carefully prescribed meal plan and undergone a lot of observation," Koerner said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Future CHAPEA missions</strong></h2>

<p>The second CHAPEA mission will be conducted in 2025 and the third in 2026.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA describes the CHAPEA missions as being important, saying the "results of CHAPEA and the knowledge gained from the analog missions will allow NASA to characterise the risk of the planned exploration food system design in relation to crew health and performance and inform NASA standards, associated vehicle mass and volume requirements, and resource-risk trades for long-duration exploration missions."</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


NASA scientists who spent over a year in a Mars simulation left the red-planet-like atmosphere on Sunday. As part of NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog program (CHAPEA), the crew spent over a year experiencing a Mars-like habitat.

NASA scientists who spent over a year in a Mars simulation left the red-planet-like atmosphere on Sunday. As part of NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog program (CHAPEA), the crew spent over a year experiencing a Mars-like habitat. The CHAPEA mission aims to understand the effects of the Mars atmosphere on the health of humans and the other challenges that they might face. The mission comprised 1,700 square feet (157 square meters) of 3D-printed habitat space that was set up at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Kelly Haston, Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell and Nathan Jones entered the Mars simulation on June 25, 2023. "It's actually just so wonderful to be able to say 'hello' to you all," Kelly Haston, mission commander said. LIVE NOW: The first ever CHAPEA crew will exit the ground-based Mars simulated habitat after 378 days. https://t.co/vFESM9DUyw — NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) July 6, 2024 × Also Read: Watch: ISS captures fireworks in space, shares footage of mesmerising Northern Lights First Mars simulation experience In the first CHAPEA mission, the crew practised several scenarios that astronauts in future might witness on Mars. They worked to establish conditions for future Mars operations by conducting spacewalks within the space, dubbed “Marswalks". They also grew and harvested vegetables to add to their food provisions and maintain the habitat and their equipment. The harder challenges included living in isolation and communication delays with Earth lasting up to 22 minutes. "Why go to Mars? Because it's possible," Anca Selariu, the mission's science officer said. "Because space can unite and bring out the best in us. Because it's one defining step that 'Earthlings' will take to light the way into the next centuries." Two more CHAPEA missions have been planned and the first mission focused on nutrition, Steve Koerner, deputy director of Johnson Space Center, said. "They've been separated from their families, placed on a carefully prescribed meal plan and undergone a lot of observation," Koerner said. Future CHAPEA missions The second CHAPEA mission will be conducted in 2025 and the third in 2026. NASA describes the CHAPEA missions as being important, saying the "results of CHAPEA and the knowledge gained from the analog missions will allow NASA to characterise the risk of the planned exploration food system design in relation to crew health and performance and inform NASA standards, associated vehicle mass and volume requirements, and resource-risk trades for long-duration exploration missions."

NASA sent four people to a Mars simulation for a year. They are now back

<p>Findings from a breakthrough clinical trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda have claimed that biannual injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug gives young women total protection from HIV infection.</p>

<p>As many as 5,000 participants were enrolled for the study, sponsored by Gilead Sciences,&nbsp;at three sites in Uganda and 25 sites in South Africa to test the&nbsp;efficacy of Lenacapavir and two other drugs.</p>

<p>"Lenacapavir (Len LA) is a fusion capside inhibitor. It interferes with the HIV capsid, a protein shell that protects HIV’s genetic material and enzymes needed for replication. It is administered just under the skin, once every six months,"&nbsp;Physician-scientist Linda-Gail Bekker, principal investigator for the South African part of the study told <em>The Coversation</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from&nbsp;Lenacapavir, the trial also tested Truvada - a daily PrEP pill in wide use for more than a decade and Descovy, a newer pill, used for the same purpose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the randomised trial, none of the 2,314 women who received the injection of&nbsp;Lenacapavir contracted HIV, which suggested the efficacy was 100 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;16 of 1,068 women who received Truvada and 39 of 2,136&nbsp;who received Descovy contracted the HIV virus.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3-women-contract-hiv-after-getting-vampire-facial-at-new-mexico-spa-716023"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;3 women contract HIV after getting ‘vampire facial’ at New Mexico spa</strong></a></p>

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<p>After the early success,&nbsp;Bekker said the trial would go in but now in an "open label" phase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This means that study participants will be “unblinded”: they will be told whether they have been in the “injectable” or oral TDF (Truvada) or oral TAF (Descovy) groups," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A sister trial is also underway: Purpose 2 is being conducted in a number of regions including some sites in Africa among cisgender men, and transgender and nonbinary people who have sex with men."</p>

<p>Currently, most people&nbsp;who have HIV, require life-long antiretroviral therapy. If an HIV patient stops consuming the prescribed drugs, the dormant virus can reawaken and lead to problems.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/california-man-cured-of-cancer-and-hiv-after-stem-cell-treatment-in-stunning-medical-recovery-694166"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;California man ‘cured’ of cancer and HIV after stem cell treatment in stunning medical recovery</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Other HIV breakthrough</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this year, a team of scientists at&nbsp;the University of Amsterdam<strong>&nbsp;</strong>claimed to have successfully eliminated HIV, with the use of Nobel Prize-winning Crispr gene-editing technology, from infected cells.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The technology, which functions like scissors at the molecular level, cuts DNA so "bad" that bits can be inactivated or removed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers now aim to remove the virus entirely from the body even though much more work is required to check&nbsp;it is effective and safe.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Findings from a breakthrough clinical trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda have claimed that biannual injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug gives young women total protection from HIV infection.

Findings from a breakthrough clinical trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda have claimed that biannual injection of a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug gives young women total protection from HIV infection. As many as 5,000 participants were enrolled for the study, sponsored by Gilead Sciences, at three sites in Uganda and 25 sites in South Africa to test the efficacy of Lenacapavir and two other drugs. "Lenacapavir (Len LA) is a fusion capside inhibitor. It interferes with the HIV capsid, a protein shell that protects HIV’s genetic material and enzymes needed for replication. It is administered just under the skin, once every six months," Physician-scientist Linda-Gail Bekker, principal investigator for the South African part of the study told The Coversation. Apart from Lenacapavir, the trial also tested Truvada - a daily PrEP pill in wide use for more than a decade and Descovy, a newer pill, used for the same purpose. During the randomised trial, none of the 2,314 women who received the injection of Lenacapavir contracted HIV, which suggested the efficacy was 100 per cent. Meanwhile, 16 of 1,068 women who received Truvada and 39 of 2,136 who received Descovy contracted the HIV virus. Watch | 3 women contract HIV after getting ‘vampire facial’ at New Mexico spa × After the early success, Bekker said the trial would go in but now in an "open label" phase. "This means that study participants will be “unblinded”: they will be told whether they have been in the “injectable” or oral TDF (Truvada) or oral TAF (Descovy) groups," she said. "A sister trial is also underway: Purpose 2 is being conducted in a number of regions including some sites in Africa among cisgender men, and transgender and nonbinary people who have sex with men." Currently, most people who have HIV, require life-long antiretroviral therapy. If an HIV patient stops consuming the prescribed drugs, the dormant virus can reawaken and lead to problems. Also read | California man ‘cured’ of cancer and HIV after stem cell treatment in stunning medical recovery Other HIV breakthrough Earlier this year, a team of scientists at the University of Amsterdam claimed to have successfully eliminated HIV, with the use of Nobel Prize-winning Crispr gene-editing technology, from infected cells. The technology, which functions like scissors at the molecular level, cuts DNA so "bad" that bits can be inactivated or removed. The researchers now aim to remove the virus entirely from the body even though much more work is required to check it is effective and safe. (With inputs from agencies)

Breakthrough HIV drug trial shows biannual injection to be 100% effective against infection

<p>A star was discovered in the Constellation Cassiopeia in 1181 but after 180 days, it vanished for centuries. The supernova made a re-appearance in the year 2021 and astronomers tried to study what had happened. Scientists have now noticed that the star has been releasing stellar winds over the past 20-30 years. They reached the conclusion after running computer simulations while trying to learn more about it.</p>

<p>The supernova was a Type Iax (pronounced One-a-x) which forms when two white dwarfs slam into each other. When the white dwarfs collided, the result&nbsp;should have been the destruction of the two, however, a new type of white dwarf spinning very fast on its axis was formed. The supernova remnant was named SNR 1181 and the region&nbsp;was studied extensively. Two shock regions were found around the object, an old one following the supernova and a more recent one.</p>

<p>When a Type Iax supernova creates a white dwarf, it releases stellar winds. But more recent winds have been identified and scientists have been trying to understand what was causing them. Turns out, the dead star is again releasing stellar winds which might be due to material falling on the white dwarf.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-crew-of-first-mars-chapea-mission-leave-simulated-space-after-a-year-watch-738783">NASA sent four people to a Mars simulation for a year. They are now back</a></p>

<p>Lead author of the study, Takatoshi Ko, a doctoral student from the Department of Astronomy at the University of Tokyo, said in a statement, “If the wind had started blowing immediately after SNR 1181’s formation, we couldn’t reproduce the observed size of the inner shock region. However, by treating the wind’s onset time as a variable, we succeeded in explaining all of the observed features of SNR 1181 accurately and unravelling the mysterious properties of this high-speed wind. We were also able to simultaneously track the time evolution of each shock region, using numerical calculations."</p>

<h2>Supernova in historical texts</h2>

<p>The unique supernova finds a mention in several historical texts of Japan, China and Korea. This includes the records of the Genpei War in Japan (1180-85) called the Azuma Kagami. The text about the establishment of the shogunate following the war chronicled several important events of the time. This includes the appearance of a new star in the constellation of Cassiopeia.</p>

<p>The texts reveal that the brightness of this star at one time was similar to Saturn's and was visible to the naked eye for around 180 days, but vanished soon after.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The remnant of the SN 1181 explosion is now very old, so it is dark and difficult to find,” explained Ko.</p>


A star was discovered in the Constellation Cassiopeia in 1181 but after 180 days, it vanished for centuries. The supernova made a re-appearance in the year 2021 and astronomers tried to study what had happened.

A star was discovered in the Constellation Cassiopeia in 1181 but after 180 days, it vanished for centuries. The supernova made a re-appearance in the year 2021 and astronomers tried to study what had happened. Scientists have now noticed that the star has been releasing stellar winds over the past 20-30 years. They reached the conclusion after running computer simulations while trying to learn more about it. The supernova was a Type Iax (pronounced One-a-x) which forms when two white dwarfs slam into each other. When the white dwarfs collided, the result should have been the destruction of the two, however, a new type of white dwarf spinning very fast on its axis was formed. The supernova remnant was named SNR 1181 and the region was studied extensively. Two shock regions were found around the object, an old one following the supernova and a more recent one. When a Type Iax supernova creates a white dwarf, it releases stellar winds. But more recent winds have been identified and scientists have been trying to understand what was causing them. Turns out, the dead star is again releasing stellar winds which might be due to material falling on the white dwarf. Also Read: NASA sent four people to a Mars simulation for a year. They are now back Lead author of the study, Takatoshi Ko, a doctoral student from the Department of Astronomy at the University of Tokyo, said in a statement, “If the wind had started blowing immediately after SNR 1181’s formation, we couldn’t reproduce the observed size of the inner shock region. However, by treating the wind’s onset time as a variable, we succeeded in explaining all of the observed features of SNR 1181 accurately and unravelling the mysterious properties of this high-speed wind. We were also able to simultaneously track the time evolution of each shock region, using numerical calculations." Supernova in historical texts The unique supernova finds a mention in several historical texts of Japan, China and Korea. This includes the records of the Genpei War in Japan (1180-85) called the Azuma Kagami. The text about the establishment of the shogunate following the war chronicled several important events of the time. This includes the appearance of a new star in the constellation of Cassiopeia. The texts reveal that the brightness of this star at one time was similar to Saturn's and was visible to the naked eye for around 180 days, but vanished soon after. "The remnant of the SN 1181 explosion is now very old, so it is dark and difficult to find,” explained Ko.

Supernova lost for 840 years is blowing stellar winds again

<p>For nearly 12 years, NASA's Curiosity rover has been actively collecting samples from the surface of Mars and continuously making groundbreaking discoveries. The recent findings related&nbsp;to the properties of the organic material present on the red planet have challenged the existing knowledge of scientists on both Mars and Earth.</p>

<p>The material discovered has properties that are generally a sign of microorganisms on Earth. However, they can also be due to non-biological, chemical functions. The findings published in Nature Geoscience have baffled researchers from where it came into being.</p>

<p>According to researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, who are collaborating on this research, this discovery can help&nbsp;understand how life came into being billions of years ago on our planet Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-witnessed-never-ever-seen-polar-rain-aurora-heres-how-this-eerie-glow-was-formed-738543">Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed</a></p>

<p>Co-author of the study, Matthew Johnson of the University of Copenhagen calls this discovery "the smoking gun", which confirms a decade-old theory of so-called photolysis in the atmosphere of Mars.</p>

<p>"Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life, one might say," he said. "So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg. We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the 'egg', a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material resulted in life on the red planet."</p>

<p>The concept that photolysis, a process in which molecules are broken apart by light, plays a role in the organic chemistry of Mars has been going about for a long time. However, hard evidence to support the theory has not been found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The smoking gun here is that the ratio of carbon isotopes in it exactly matches our predictions in the quantum chemical simulations, but there was a missing piece in the puzzle. We were missing the other product of this chemical process to confirm the theory, and that's what we've now obtained," said Johnson.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-is-on-alert-as-gigantic-asteroid-size-of-statue-of-liberty-is-hurtling-towards-earth-at-65215-kmph-738357">NASA is on alert as gigantic&nbsp;asteroid, size of Statue of Liberty, is hurtling towards Earth at 65,215 kmph</a></p>

<p>The discovery was made by the Curiosity rover in the Gale Crater including carbon-13 depletion in the samples of carbonate minerals, which mirrors the same elements found in a previous discovery from the Martian meteorite that formed the basis of the initial theory.</p>

<p>This strong piece of evidence gives us clues about the origins of organic material on Earth. Since Earth, Mars, and Venus have similar atmospheres, the same processes likely occurred on our planet.</p>

<p>"We have not yet found this 'smoking gun' material here on Earth to prove that the process took place. Perhaps because Earth's surface is much more alive, geologically and literally, and therefore constantly changing," said Johnson.</p>

<p>"But it is a big step that we have now found it on Mars, from a time when the two planets were very similar."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For nearly 12 years, NASA's Curiosity rover has been actively collecting samples from the surface of Mars and continuously making groundbreaking discoveries. The recent findings related to the properties of the organic material present on the red planet have challenged the existing knowledge of scientists on both Mars and Earth.

For nearly 12 years, NASA's Curiosity rover has been actively collecting samples from the surface of Mars and continuously making groundbreaking discoveries. The recent findings related to the properties of the organic material present on the red planet have challenged the existing knowledge of scientists on both Mars and Earth. The material discovered has properties that are generally a sign of microorganisms on Earth. However, they can also be due to non-biological, chemical functions. The findings published in Nature Geoscience have baffled researchers from where it came into being. According to researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, who are collaborating on this research, this discovery can help understand how life came into being billions of years ago on our planet Earth. Also Read | Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed Co-author of the study, Matthew Johnson of the University of Copenhagen calls this discovery "the smoking gun", which confirms a decade-old theory of so-called photolysis in the atmosphere of Mars. "Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life, one might say," he said. "So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg. We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the 'egg', a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material resulted in life on the red planet." The concept that photolysis, a process in which molecules are broken apart by light, plays a role in the organic chemistry of Mars has been going about for a long time. However, hard evidence to support the theory has not been found. "The smoking gun here is that the ratio of carbon isotopes in it exactly matches our predictions in the quantum chemical simulations, but there was a missing piece in the puzzle. We were missing the other product of this chemical process to confirm the theory, and that's what we've now obtained," said Johnson. Also Read | NASA is on alert as gigantic asteroid, size of Statue of Liberty, is hurtling towards Earth at 65,215 kmph The discovery was made by the Curiosity rover in the Gale Crater including carbon-13 depletion in the samples of carbonate minerals, which mirrors the same elements found in a previous discovery from the Martian meteorite that formed the basis of the initial theory. This strong piece of evidence gives us clues about the origins of organic material on Earth. Since Earth, Mars, and Venus have similar atmospheres, the same processes likely occurred on our planet. "We have not yet found this 'smoking gun' material here on Earth to prove that the process took place. Perhaps because Earth's surface is much more alive, geologically and literally, and therefore constantly changing," said Johnson. "But it is a big step that we have now found it on Mars, from a time when the two planets were very similar." (With inputs from agencies)

Organic material found on Mars by Curiosity rover may reveal clues to life on Earth

<p>The world's oldest mummies in Chile face the threat of decomposition due to climate change. These ancient relics are even older than the Egyptian mummies of pharaohs and their decorated tombs.</p>

<p>According to Bernando Arriaza, a professor at the University of Tarapaca, the ancient Chincorro people who lived in the Atacama Desert of Chile started mummifying their dead around 5,000 years ago, while the Egyptians began much later in about 2600 BCE.</p>

<p>Since then, the desert has preserved the mummies and other ancient remains and has given significant information about the Chincorro people to archaeologists.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archaeologists-discover-ruins-of-4000-year-old-temple-738555">Archaeologists discover ruins of 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple</a></strong></p>

<p>According to archaeologists, the idea of preserving bodies as mummies came from observing the natural process the dead went through under the dry conditions of the desert. The mummies were also adorned with clay masks, reed blankets, human hair and other articles.</p>

<p>The desert region has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO&nbsp;to help save the relics, however, it might not be enough. While there are many museums in the ancient city of Arica which display the relics from Chincorro culture in climate-controlled exhibits, the remaining antiques that are still buried in the arid desert are at risk.</p>

<p>"If we have an increase in sea surface temperatures, for example, across the coast of northern Chile, that would increase atmospheric humidity," said Claudio LaTorre, a paleo-ecologist at the Catholic University of Chile. "And that in turn would generate decomposition, (in) places where you don't have decomposition today, and you would lose the mummies themselves."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saudi-arabia-had-no-barren-lands-but-monumental-buildings-in-ancient-times-claims-study-738490">Ancient Saudi Arabia had monumental buildings, not just barren lands: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Other ancient clues in the region that archaeologists could find may also be lost.</p>

<p>"Human-induced climate change is one aspect that we're really worried about, because it'll change a number of different aspects that are forming the desert today," said LaTorre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arriaza has been advocating the preservation of mummies and has been working to raise awareness on the matter.</p>

<p>"It's a big, big challenge because you need to have resources," Arriaza said. "It's everybody's effort to a common goal, to preserve the site, to preserve the mummies."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The world's oldest mummies in Chile face the threat of decomposition due to climate change. These ancient relics are even older than the Egyptian mummies of pharaohs and their decorated tombs.

The world's oldest mummies in Chile face the threat of decomposition due to climate change. These ancient relics are even older than the Egyptian mummies of pharaohs and their decorated tombs. According to Bernando Arriaza, a professor at the University of Tarapaca, the ancient Chincorro people who lived in the Atacama Desert of Chile started mummifying their dead around 5,000 years ago, while the Egyptians began much later in about 2600 BCE. Since then, the desert has preserved the mummies and other ancient remains and has given significant information about the Chincorro people to archaeologists. Also Read | Archaeologists discover ruins of 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple According to archaeologists, the idea of preserving bodies as mummies came from observing the natural process the dead went through under the dry conditions of the desert. The mummies were also adorned with clay masks, reed blankets, human hair and other articles. The desert region has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO to help save the relics, however, it might not be enough. While there are many museums in the ancient city of Arica which display the relics from Chincorro culture in climate-controlled exhibits, the remaining antiques that are still buried in the arid desert are at risk. "If we have an increase in sea surface temperatures, for example, across the coast of northern Chile, that would increase atmospheric humidity," said Claudio LaTorre, a paleo-ecologist at the Catholic University of Chile. "And that in turn would generate decomposition, (in) places where you don't have decomposition today, and you would lose the mummies themselves." Also Read | Ancient Saudi Arabia had monumental buildings, not just barren lands: Study Other ancient clues in the region that archaeologists could find may also be lost. "Human-induced climate change is one aspect that we're really worried about, because it'll change a number of different aspects that are forming the desert today," said LaTorre. Arriaza has been advocating the preservation of mummies and has been working to raise awareness on the matter. "It's a big, big challenge because you need to have resources," Arriaza said. "It's everybody's effort to a common goal, to preserve the site, to preserve the mummies." (With inputs from agencies)

Chile: The oldest mummies in the world are at threat from climate change

<p>Archaeologists unearthed the buried ruins of a possible 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple in northern Peru.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;hidden structure also contained human skeletons, hinting at their potential use in religious offerings.</p>

<p>The remains were discovered in the desert district of Zana, in the South American country's Lambayeque region.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-witnessed-never-ever-seen-polar-rain-aurora-heres-how-this-eerie-glow-was-formed-738543">Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed</a></p>

<p>"Although radiocarbon dating will provide a definitive age, the unearthed structure in northern Peru appears to be a 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple. This discovery supports evidence suggesting a rich tradition of temple construction along the northern Peruvian coast during that era. The skeletal remains found nearby might be linked to these religious practices," said Luis Muro, an archaeologist from Peru's Pontifical Catholic University.</p>

<p>“The team found the skeletal remains of three adults, between the ruins of the multi-story building, one of which was accompanied by offerings and possibly wrapped in a kind of linen or clothing,” he said.</p>

<p>One of the temple walls sports a high-relief drawing of a mythological figure with a human body and a bird's head, a design which Muro said predates the pre-Hispanic Chavin culture which populated the central Peruvian coast for over half a millennia from around 900 BC.</p>

<p>Muro also reported finding potential remains of another temple nearby, dating to the Late Moche culture that flourished 1,400 years ago on Peru's north coast.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saudi-arabia-had-no-barren-lands-but-monumental-buildings-in-ancient-times-claims-study-738490">Ancient Saudi Arabia had monumental buildings, not just barren lands: Study</a></p>

<p>Notably, Northern Peru boasts a rich history, evident in the ruins of ceremonial complexes dating back thousands of years including, the Sacred City of Caral which is about 5,000 years old, while southern Peru's Ica region hosts the Nazca lines, mysterious geoglyphs carved into the desert more than 1,500 years ago.</p>

<p>However, the newly discovered temple sheds light on northern Peru's ancient past, while the crown jewel of Peruvian archaeology lies south in the Cusco region.</p>

<p>Peru is also home to the&nbsp;magnificent Machu Picchu, a mid-15th century Inca citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which continues to captivate people with its breathtaking location and engineering feats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Archaeologists unearthed the buried ruins of a possible 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple in northern Peru. The hidden structure also contained human skeletons, hinting at their potential use in religious offerings.

Archaeologists unearthed the buried ruins of a possible 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple in northern Peru. The hidden structure also contained human skeletons, hinting at their potential use in religious offerings. The remains were discovered in the desert district of Zana, in the South American country's Lambayeque region. Also read: Earth witnessed never-ever-seen 'polar rain' aurora. Here's how this eerie glow was formed "Although radiocarbon dating will provide a definitive age, the unearthed structure in northern Peru appears to be a 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple. This discovery supports evidence suggesting a rich tradition of temple construction along the northern Peruvian coast during that era. The skeletal remains found nearby might be linked to these religious practices," said Luis Muro, an archaeologist from Peru's Pontifical Catholic University. “The team found the skeletal remains of three adults, between the ruins of the multi-story building, one of which was accompanied by offerings and possibly wrapped in a kind of linen or clothing,” he said. One of the temple walls sports a high-relief drawing of a mythological figure with a human body and a bird's head, a design which Muro said predates the pre-Hispanic Chavin culture which populated the central Peruvian coast for over half a millennia from around 900 BC. Muro also reported finding potential remains of another temple nearby, dating to the Late Moche culture that flourished 1,400 years ago on Peru's north coast. Also read: Ancient Saudi Arabia had monumental buildings, not just barren lands: Study Notably, Northern Peru boasts a rich history, evident in the ruins of ceremonial complexes dating back thousands of years including, the Sacred City of Caral which is about 5,000 years old, while southern Peru's Ica region hosts the Nazca lines, mysterious geoglyphs carved into the desert more than 1,500 years ago. However, the newly discovered temple sheds light on northern Peru's ancient past, while the crown jewel of Peruvian archaeology lies south in the Cusco region. Peru is also home to the magnificent Machu Picchu, a mid-15th century Inca citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which continues to captivate people with its breathtaking location and engineering feats. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists discover ruins of 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple

<p>When people across the world were struggling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as they were forced to stay indoors in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus, a particular species was apparently thriving.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a new paper, published in Marine Environmental Research, scientists found that eastern Australian humpback whales were healthier and less stressed during the first year of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Jake Linsky from the University of Queensland's School of the Environment led a study out of Moreton Bay Research Station. His aim was to measure the health of the species during a time of unprecedented change in human activity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-is-on-alert-as-gigantic-asteroid-size-of-statue-of-liberty-is-hurtling-towards-earth-at-65215-kmph-738357">NASA is on alert as gigantic&nbsp;asteroid, size of Statue of Liberty, is hurtling towards Earth at 65,215 kmph</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As quoted by phys.org, Dr Linsky said, "We used drone photographs and blubber samples to assess the health of eastern Australian humpback whales in the waters off Minjerribah—North Stradbroke Island—during their migration in 2020 and 2021."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This population has made one of the most successful recoveries from historical whaling, so we wanted to use the latest tools at our disposal to provide a check-up on their health," Dr Linsky added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers sampled whale skin and blubber using darts in the waters off North Stradbroke Island, near Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/monsters-bitter-river-no-sun-region-heres-all-about-mysterious-elements-in-worlds-oldest-map-738353">Monsters, Bitter River, No Sun Region: Here's all about mysterious elements in world's oldest map</a></strong></p>

<p>The study was published on Thursday (Jul 4). Its findings were similar with a study conducted shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre by experts from the New England Aquarium in Boston.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At that time, planes and commercial ships ground to a halt after the attacks and the scientists found lower stress hormones in North Atlantic right whale faeces in the following weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These are essential indicators of energy stores used during their long annual migration and intense breeding period," Dr Linsky said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We also used small boats to approach whales and collect small samples of skin and blubber from the whales' flanks. These blubber samples were analyzed for hormones and gene expressions related to stress, energy reserves and immune health," Dr Linsky added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the researchers, findings about gene expression provide credence to the theory that the whales might have been reacting to a drop in pollution in their far-flung feeding areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The paper said that this research confirms a Southern Ocean-wide decrease in whale stress during the study period and informs efforts to identify key stressors on Antarctic marine ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


When people across the world were struggling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as they were forced to stay indoors in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus, a particular species was apparently thriving.

When people across the world were struggling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as they were forced to stay indoors in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus, a particular species was apparently thriving. In a new paper, published in Marine Environmental Research, scientists found that eastern Australian humpback whales were healthier and less stressed during the first year of the pandemic. Dr Jake Linsky from the University of Queensland's School of the Environment led a study out of Moreton Bay Research Station. His aim was to measure the health of the species during a time of unprecedented change in human activity. Also read: NASA is on alert as gigantic asteroid, size of Statue of Liberty, is hurtling towards Earth at 65,215 kmph As quoted by phys.org, Dr Linsky said, "We used drone photographs and blubber samples to assess the health of eastern Australian humpback whales in the waters off Minjerribah—North Stradbroke Island—during their migration in 2020 and 2021." "This population has made one of the most successful recoveries from historical whaling, so we wanted to use the latest tools at our disposal to provide a check-up on their health," Dr Linsky added. The researchers sampled whale skin and blubber using darts in the waters off North Stradbroke Island, near Brisbane. Also read: Monsters, Bitter River, No Sun Region: Here's all about mysterious elements in world's oldest map The study was published on Thursday (Jul 4). Its findings were similar with a study conducted shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre by experts from the New England Aquarium in Boston. At that time, planes and commercial ships ground to a halt after the attacks and the scientists found lower stress hormones in North Atlantic right whale faeces in the following weeks. "These are essential indicators of energy stores used during their long annual migration and intense breeding period," Dr Linsky said. "We also used small boats to approach whales and collect small samples of skin and blubber from the whales' flanks. These blubber samples were analyzed for hormones and gene expressions related to stress, energy reserves and immune health," Dr Linsky added. According to the researchers, findings about gene expression provide credence to the theory that the whales might have been reacting to a drop in pollution in their far-flung feeding areas. The paper said that this research confirms a Southern Ocean-wide decrease in whale stress during the study period and informs efforts to identify key stressors on Antarctic marine ecosystems. (With inputs from agencies)

THIS species was healthier and less stressed during first year of COVID-19 pandemic: Study

<p>The world is gearing up for a mesmerising celestial event this month when the planet will receive a double meteor shower.</p>

<p>On July 30, the night sky will be sparkly lit by&nbsp;not one but two annual meteor showers that will take place simultaneously.</p>

<p>The Alpha Capricornids and the Delta Aquarids will be at their peak and will be accompanied by a mesmerising display of shooting stars.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/immortal-stars-near-galactic-centre-could-be-feeding-on-dark-matter-research-reveals-736207">Immortal stars near Galactic Centre could be feeding on dark matter, research reveals</a></p>

<p>This rare celestial event will be a unique opportunity for the stargazers. People will see various meteors&nbsp;which will pass across the sky.</p>

<h2><strong>What will the meteor showers be like in the night sky?</strong></h2>

<p>The southern sky will be occupied by the celestial event. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the event will prove to be a mesmerising sight.</p>

<p>However, those living in the southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere can also see the meteor showers.</p>

<p>According to the experts, differentiating the shooting star from the constellation can prove to be tricky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is expected that the meteors will radiate out from various celestial figures like Orion, Perseus, and Gemini and create a fascinating mixture of lights in the sky.</p>

<p>Every shooting star&nbsp;passing across&nbsp;the night sky will add their unique brilliance to the&nbsp;cosmic display.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The star-studded night will start with an unrivalled&nbsp;Southern Delta Aquariid&nbsp;meteor shower.</p>

<p>The Aquariids will be more grand in comparison to the other one and are likely to be remnants of the comet 96P Machholz.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Cyprus' sci-fi wonder and gateway to the stars</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyprus-sci-fi-wonder-and-gateway-to-the-stars-737974/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>A person is likely to witness nearly 25 shooting stars every hour if the sky is clear.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how you can get the best view of meteor showers</strong></h2>

<p>To get the best view, one is expected to watch towards the southeast region of the sky where the constellation Aquarius exists.</p>

<p>However, it can be difficult to spot Aquarius. Therefore, one can try to find constellations like Capricornus, Aquila, or Pisces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These constellations are around Aquarius and it is easier to spot them. One should find a dark spot away from city lights to enjoy the event.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The world is gearing up for a mesmerising celestial event this month when the planet will receive a double meteor shower. On July 30, the night sky will be sparkly lit by not one but two annual meteor showers that will take place simultaneously.

The world is gearing up for a mesmerising celestial event this month when the planet will receive a double meteor shower. On July 30, the night sky will be sparkly lit by not one but two annual meteor showers that will take place simultaneously. The Alpha Capricornids and the Delta Aquarids will be at their peak and will be accompanied by a mesmerising display of shooting stars. Also Read: Immortal stars near Galactic Centre could be feeding on dark matter, research reveals This rare celestial event will be a unique opportunity for the stargazers. People will see various meteors which will pass across the sky. What will the meteor showers be like in the night sky? The southern sky will be occupied by the celestial event. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the event will prove to be a mesmerising sight. However, those living in the southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere can also see the meteor showers. According to the experts, differentiating the shooting star from the constellation can prove to be tricky. It is expected that the meteors will radiate out from various celestial figures like Orion, Perseus, and Gemini and create a fascinating mixture of lights in the sky. Every shooting star passing across the night sky will add their unique brilliance to the cosmic display. The star-studded night will start with an unrivalled Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower. The Aquariids will be more grand in comparison to the other one and are likely to be remnants of the comet 96P Machholz. Watch: Cyprus' sci-fi wonder and gateway to the stars A person is likely to witness nearly 25 shooting stars every hour if the sky is clear. Here's how you can get the best view of meteor showers To get the best view, one is expected to watch towards the southeast region of the sky where the constellation Aquarius exists. However, it can be difficult to spot Aquarius. Therefore, one can try to find constellations like Capricornus, Aquila, or Pisces. These constellations are around Aquarius and it is easier to spot them. One should find a dark spot away from city lights to enjoy the event. (With inputs from agencies)

Night sky to dazzle with a double meteor shower in July. Here's how to watch this celestial event

<p>During the Neolithic period, the people who lived in north-western Saudi Arabia have remained a mystery.</p>

<p>It has been said that the period saw a shift in the humans who started controlling food production and started to settle in communities along with domesticated animals and practised agriculture.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabias-petrodollar-deal-with-us-expired-with-no-new-agreement-in-place-731514">Saudi Arabia's petrodollar deal with US expires with no new agreement in place</a></p>

<p>However,&nbsp;new evidence suggests&nbsp;that this picture of struggling people,&nbsp;who constantly travelled on barren lands,&nbsp;needs to be changed.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the researchers find about Saudi Arabia?</strong></h2>

<p>A team of Australian researchers published a study on monumental buildings in the journal&nbsp;Levant, which are called "standing stone circles."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new findings are helping people in rewriting about those who lived in the land of Saudi Arabia between 6,500 and 8,000 years ago.</p>

<p>The evidence hints at the things they ate, the tools they used and the jewellery they wore. It becomes clearer how the people in those times figured out complex ways to survive on the land for millennia.</p>

<h2><strong>How the project was carried out by researchers?</strong></h2>

<p>Nearly 431 standing stone circles present in the AlUla and Khaybar regions of north-west Saudi Arabia were studied by the team of researchers, as part of the ongoing project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among those 431 structures, 52 were surveyed in detail and 11 of them were also excavated.</p>

<p>The new findings were made after analysing some buildings present on the Harrat 'Uwayrid,&nbsp;a volcanic plateau which was&nbsp;created more than a millennia ago.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian national in Saudi Arabia to be freed from prison, Abdul Rahim to return to Kerala</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-national-in-saudi-arabia-to-be-freed-from-prison-abdul-rahim-to-return-to-kerala-737464/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The researchers said that the standing stone circles explained how the mobile pastoralist communities were in ancient times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team also recovered remnants of people who stayed in these buildings for more than 1,000 years.</p>

<p>A range of modern and traditional techniques was used by the researchers to manage the practical limitations of working in remote and rugged landscapes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on the tools and animal remains discovered, it appears&nbsp;that the people used animal skins to enclose the top of the structure,&nbsp;like a roof.</p>

<p>They also found evidence of stone tool-making, eating and cooking along with lost and broken tools which are used for processing animal hides.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During the Neolithic period, the people who lived in north-western Saudi Arabia have remained a mystery. It has been said that the period saw a shift in the humans who started controlling food production and started to settle in communities along with domesticated animals and practised agriculture.

During the Neolithic period, the people who lived in north-western Saudi Arabia have remained a mystery. It has been said that the period saw a shift in the humans who started controlling food production and started to settle in communities along with domesticated animals and practised agriculture. Also Read: Saudi Arabia's petrodollar deal with US expires with no new agreement in place However, new evidence suggests that this picture of struggling people, who constantly travelled on barren lands, needs to be changed. What did the researchers find about Saudi Arabia? A team of Australian researchers published a study on monumental buildings in the journal Levant, which are called "standing stone circles." The new findings are helping people in rewriting about those who lived in the land of Saudi Arabia between 6,500 and 8,000 years ago. The evidence hints at the things they ate, the tools they used and the jewellery they wore. It becomes clearer how the people in those times figured out complex ways to survive on the land for millennia. How the project was carried out by researchers? Nearly 431 standing stone circles present in the AlUla and Khaybar regions of north-west Saudi Arabia were studied by the team of researchers, as part of the ongoing project. Among those 431 structures, 52 were surveyed in detail and 11 of them were also excavated. The new findings were made after analysing some buildings present on the Harrat 'Uwayrid, a volcanic plateau which was created more than a millennia ago. Watch: Indian national in Saudi Arabia to be freed from prison, Abdul Rahim to return to Kerala The researchers said that the standing stone circles explained how the mobile pastoralist communities were in ancient times. The team also recovered remnants of people who stayed in these buildings for more than 1,000 years. A range of modern and traditional techniques was used by the researchers to manage the practical limitations of working in remote and rugged landscapes. Based on the tools and animal remains discovered, it appears that the people used animal skins to enclose the top of the structure, like a roof. They also found evidence of stone tool-making, eating and cooking along with lost and broken tools which are used for processing animal hides. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient Saudi Arabia had monumental buildings, not just barren lands: Study

<p>Could we be staring at a scenario where humanity knows that an asteroid has a high chance of impact but no one is able to do anything despite having years to act against it? Something similar was revealed in the summary NASA released after conducting a hypothetical asteroid impact “tabletop” exercise to understand how any likely asteroid impact scenario can be averted. The space agency created a hypothetical asteroid and created possible scenarios around it to see what would need to be done in case something like this became a reality. Nearly 100 people from the United States government agencies participated in the exercise, along with international planetary defence experts.</p>

<p>NASA then released a summary of the exercise which revealed the shocking reality of such a scenario. While NASA has been working to avert any such disaster, participants in the summary pointed out the main problem they might face if an asteroid impact becomes likely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The simulation had an asteroid with a 72 per cent chance of hitting Earth in 2038, impacting North America, Southern Europe, and North Africa. It later moves too close to the Sun and it isn't possible to study it for another seven months. What do you do in this case, the participants were to decode.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-rover-to-dig-in-and-solve-the-mystery-of-magnetised-swirls-on-the-moon-737688">What are lunar swirls hiding? NASA to dig in and find out</a></p>

<p>Lindley Johnson, a NASA planetary defense officer emeritus, said in a press release, that an asteroid impact is the only natural disaster man has the technology to predict. However, despite having 14 years in hand, it might be tough to take action due to one major factor.</p>

<h2><strong>Hurdle to taking action against an asteroid</strong></h2>

<p>Participants seemed to think that politics might get in the way of action. Something similar unfolded in Leonardo DiCaprio's film Don't Look Up! Johnson says that one of the biggest topics of discussion was how to prove to the leaders that the situation is serious enough to warrant action.</p>

<p>The NASA summary carries anonymous comments, one of which reads, "I know what I would prefer [to do], but Congress will tell us to wait."</p>

<p>Another participant points out that "the political nature of the decision-making" was the most important item of the discussion. They discovered that even if they were technologically ready, they might not be able to launch an anti-asteroid offensive. The participants believed that funding might not be approved by the leaders&nbsp;unless the impact is completely certain to happen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, 14 years means multiple governments and changing policies, making it harder to stay on track and continue with the anti-asteroid plan, especially since the hypothetical asteroid in this case moved near the sun and still has a 28 per cent chance of not hitting Earth.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Could we be staring at a scenario where humanity knows that an asteroid has a high chance of impact but no one is able to do anything despite having years to act against it?

Could we be staring at a scenario where humanity knows that an asteroid has a high chance of impact but no one is able to do anything despite having years to act against it? Something similar was revealed in the summary NASA released after conducting a hypothetical asteroid impact “tabletop” exercise to understand how any likely asteroid impact scenario can be averted. The space agency created a hypothetical asteroid and created possible scenarios around it to see what would need to be done in case something like this became a reality. Nearly 100 people from the United States government agencies participated in the exercise, along with international planetary defence experts. NASA then released a summary of the exercise which revealed the shocking reality of such a scenario. While NASA has been working to avert any such disaster, participants in the summary pointed out the main problem they might face if an asteroid impact becomes likely. The simulation had an asteroid with a 72 per cent chance of hitting Earth in 2038, impacting North America, Southern Europe, and North Africa. It later moves too close to the Sun and it isn't possible to study it for another seven months. What do you do in this case, the participants were to decode. Also Read: What are lunar swirls hiding? NASA to dig in and find out Lindley Johnson, a NASA planetary defense officer emeritus, said in a press release, that an asteroid impact is the only natural disaster man has the technology to predict. However, despite having 14 years in hand, it might be tough to take action due to one major factor. Hurdle to taking action against an asteroid Participants seemed to think that politics might get in the way of action. Something similar unfolded in Leonardo DiCaprio's film Don't Look Up! Johnson says that one of the biggest topics of discussion was how to prove to the leaders that the situation is serious enough to warrant action. The NASA summary carries anonymous comments, one of which reads, "I know what I would prefer [to do], but Congress will tell us to wait." Another participant points out that "the political nature of the decision-making" was the most important item of the discussion. They discovered that even if they were technologically ready, they might not be able to launch an anti-asteroid offensive. The participants believed that funding might not be approved by the leaders unless the impact is completely certain to happen. Besides, 14 years means multiple governments and changing policies, making it harder to stay on track and continue with the anti-asteroid plan, especially since the hypothetical asteroid in this case moved near the sun and still has a 28 per cent chance of not hitting Earth.

NASA simulation shows that only an asteroid 100% certain to hit Earth would lead to real action

<p>The space agency NASA is on an alert and has issued a warning regarding a gigantic&nbsp; asteroid, which has been&nbsp;named&nbsp;2024 MT1.</p>

<p>The asteroid is hurtling towards&nbsp;Earth at an accelerated speed of 65,215 km/h.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The asteroid, which approximately measures 260 feet in diameter, is nearly the size of the&nbsp;Statue of Liberty. It has been estimated that the asteroid will make its closest approach to Earth on July 8.</p>

<h2><strong>When was asteroid 2024 MT1 first detected?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme, which tracks and characterises asteroids and comets which come closer to the Earth, first detected asteroid 2024 MT1.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spots-large-asteroid-with-moon-orbiting-it-as-it-makes-close-flyby-earth-738302">NASA spots large asteroid with moon orbiting it, as it makes close flyby Earth</a></p>

<p>Various ground-based telescopes and radar systems are used by the programme for monitoring these objects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asteroid 2024 MT1 has been concerning scientists because of its size and speed, however, NASA has said that Earth does not face any threat of collision as of now.</p>

<p>NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has closely monitored the trajectory of the asteroid in Pasadena, California.</p>

<p>JPL’s&nbsp;Asteroid Watch dashboard gives real-time data on the position, speed, and distance of the asteroid from Earth.</p>

<p>The JPL stated that 2024 MT1 will pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 937,000 miles (1.5 million kilometres).</p>

<p>Scientists consider such enormous-sized asteroids as potentially hazardous because they can cause significant damage if they collide with Earth.</p>

<h2><strong>How this asteroid will impact Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>It is expected that the asteroid can lead to widespread devastation, massive explosions, fires, and tsunamis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) has been laying out a plan to mitigate such threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;PDCO&nbsp;works with international space agencies and research institutions to create technologies for impact prevention and asteroid deflection.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asteroid-2024-mk-passes-earth-at-300000-km-736813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>They are exploring a technology called the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission that aims to test the feasibility of deflecting the asteroid coming towards Earth by crashing a spacecraft into it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The space agency NASA is on an alert and has issued a warning regarding a gigantic asteroid, which has been named 2024 MT1. The asteroid is hurtling towards Earth at an accelerated speed of 65,215 km/h.

The space agency NASA is on an alert and has issued a warning regarding a gigantic asteroid, which has been named 2024 MT1. The asteroid is hurtling towards Earth at an accelerated speed of 65,215 km/h. The asteroid, which approximately measures 260 feet in diameter, is nearly the size of the Statue of Liberty. It has been estimated that the asteroid will make its closest approach to Earth on July 8. When was asteroid 2024 MT1 first detected? NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme, which tracks and characterises asteroids and comets which come closer to the Earth, first detected asteroid 2024 MT1. Also Read: NASA spots large asteroid with moon orbiting it, as it makes close flyby Earth Various ground-based telescopes and radar systems are used by the programme for monitoring these objects. Asteroid 2024 MT1 has been concerning scientists because of its size and speed, however, NASA has said that Earth does not face any threat of collision as of now. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has closely monitored the trajectory of the asteroid in Pasadena, California. JPL’s Asteroid Watch dashboard gives real-time data on the position, speed, and distance of the asteroid from Earth. The JPL stated that 2024 MT1 will pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 937,000 miles (1.5 million kilometres). Scientists consider such enormous-sized asteroids as potentially hazardous because they can cause significant damage if they collide with Earth. How this asteroid will impact Earth? It is expected that the asteroid can lead to widespread devastation, massive explosions, fires, and tsunamis. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) has been laying out a plan to mitigate such threats. The PDCO works with international space agencies and research institutions to create technologies for impact prevention and asteroid deflection. Watch: Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km They are exploring a technology called the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission that aims to test the feasibility of deflecting the asteroid coming towards Earth by crashing a spacecraft into it. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA is on alert as gigantic asteroid, size of Statue of Liberty, is hurtling towards Earth at 65,215 kmph

<p>Crafted by humans nearly 2,600 to 2,900 years ago, the oldest map of the world Imago Mundi - which is also called the “Babylonian Map of the World" still exists in the form of a tablet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The map helps in drawing a picture of ancient Babylonians and how they saw the world around them.</p>

<p>The map was created when the world was being led by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in the fields of architecture, culture, mathematics, and science.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did archaeologists discover the map?</strong></h2>

<p>The map was rediscovered in the 19th century. It was found by renowned archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam, who has excavated a few of the world's finest Assyrian and Babylonian antiquities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pig-hunt-painting-emerges-as-oldest-artwork-of-humans-in-indonesian-cave-737902">THIS animal was painted in first artwork created by humans in Indonesian cave</a></p>

<p>In these antiquities was the table which contained the&nbsp;Epic of Gilgamesh, which is the oldest piece of literature in the world.</p>

<p>In 1881, while excavating Sippar in present-day Iraq, Rassam discovered the Babylonian Map of the World.</p>

<p>Currently, the British Museum&nbsp;in London has the map which is a cracked tablet, that measures 12.2 by 8.2 centimetres (4.8 by 3.2 inches) and contains a circular map along with pieces of text which are written in&nbsp;cuneiform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because the map is in poor condition, some of the information is missing from the artefact.</p>

<h2><strong>How map depicts Mesopotamia?</strong></h2>

<p>Mesopotamia, which is called the "cradle of civilisation", has been shown as a historical region in the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a rectangle strip, the city of Babylon is marked. The parallel lines which cross this rectangle are said to be the Euphrates River.</p>

<p>Other cities and kingdoms like Assyria, Der, and Urartu are also marked on the map. A near-perfect circular band encloses all these settlements which represent “Bitter Water” or “Bitter River", which means the ocean.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-athens-acropolis-closes-due-to-heatwave-731204/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Beyond the ocean, at the top of the map is labelled a place “where the Sun is not seen.” It is said that they believed that this was a land of everlasting darkness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A part of the text included various monsters as well as different creatures which live in the different regions, these included a great sea serpent, a scorpion-man, a winged horse and and a bull-man.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it also mentions animals like gazelle, panthers, deer, monkeys,&nbsp;ibex, water buffalo, and wolves.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Crafted by humans nearly 2,600 to 2,900 years ago, the oldest map of the world Imago Mundi - which is also called the “Babylonian Map of the World" still exists in the form of a tablet.

Crafted by humans nearly 2,600 to 2,900 years ago, the oldest map of the world Imago Mundi - which is also called the “Babylonian Map of the World" still exists in the form of a tablet. The map helps in drawing a picture of ancient Babylonians and how they saw the world around them. The map was created when the world was being led by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in the fields of architecture, culture, mathematics, and science. How did archaeologists discover the map? The map was rediscovered in the 19th century. It was found by renowned archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam, who has excavated a few of the world's finest Assyrian and Babylonian antiquities. Also Read: THIS animal was painted in first artwork created by humans in Indonesian cave In these antiquities was the table which contained the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is the oldest piece of literature in the world. In 1881, while excavating Sippar in present-day Iraq, Rassam discovered the Babylonian Map of the World. Currently, the British Museum in London has the map which is a cracked tablet, that measures 12.2 by 8.2 centimetres (4.8 by 3.2 inches) and contains a circular map along with pieces of text which are written in cuneiform. Because the map is in poor condition, some of the information is missing from the artefact. How map depicts Mesopotamia? Mesopotamia, which is called the "cradle of civilisation", has been shown as a historical region in the Middle East. In a rectangle strip, the city of Babylon is marked. The parallel lines which cross this rectangle are said to be the Euphrates River. Other cities and kingdoms like Assyria, Der, and Urartu are also marked on the map. A near-perfect circular band encloses all these settlements which represent “Bitter Water” or “Bitter River", which means the ocean. Watch: Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave Beyond the ocean, at the top of the map is labelled a place “where the Sun is not seen.” It is said that they believed that this was a land of everlasting darkness. A part of the text included various monsters as well as different creatures which live in the different regions, these included a great sea serpent, a scorpion-man, a winged horse and and a bull-man. Meanwhile, it also mentions animals like gazelle, panthers, deer, monkeys, ibex, water buffalo, and wolves. (With inputs from agencies)

Monsters, Bitter River, No Sun Region: Here's all about mysterious elements in world's oldest map

<p>Earth is reaching its farthest distance from the sun soon and the yearly occurrence is known as the aphelion. If you are wondering why is it so hot on our planet, even though it is so far away from the sun, know that Earth's place in its orbit around the does not affect how hot or cold the weather is.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>When is aphelion this year?</h2>

<p>Aphelion occurs in July every year, and this year it is happening on Friday,&nbsp;July 5 at 10:36 am IST. Earth moves around the sun in an elliptical orbit, which means that every year&nbsp;it comes closest to the sun once and moves to its farthest point once. The closest position to the sun is called perihelion, while the farthest point from the sun is called aphelion.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How far is Earth at aphelion?</h2>

<p>Earth's farthest point from the sun stands at 94.5 million miles, while at its closest point, Earth is 91.5 million miles away from the sun. It might seem like a lot to us, but considering how vast the solar system is, it is next to nothing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why doesn't aphelion impact temperature on Earth?</h2>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-is-crossing-an-ocean-of-mysterious-dark-matter-heres-how-it-is-impacting-our-atmosphere-737882">Earth is crossing an ocean of mysterious dark matter. Here's how it is impacting our atmosphere</a></p>

<p>Earth's weather is decided by its axial tilt and now how far or close it is to the sun. Earth 23.5-degree tilt of the axis, which means the sun shines on different latitudes at different angles throughout the year. Since the northern half of the planet is leaning towards the sun at aphelion, the days are longer and hotter days of summer. However, at aphelion, the amount of sunlight Earth gets is slightly reduced.</p>

<p>And at perihelion in January, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, making the days shorter and the temperatures colder.</p>

<h2>Do all planets have similar elliptical orbits?</h2>

<p>No. The orbits of all the planets are set differently. How much will a planet deviate from its and away from the sun is decided by gravity and the eccentricity of a planet. Different planets pull each other depending on how much gravitational influence they have. Since Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system, it wins this competition, exerting the most pressure. How elliptical the orbit gets for a planet depends on its eccentricity. A planet with higher eccentricity will have a more elliptical orbit. For eg. Mars has an eccentricity of 0.094 and it stands at a distance of 129 to 155 million miles away from the sun. Similarly, our home planet Earth is very low on eccentricity, at only 0.017, rendering the orbit comparatively circular.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Earth is reaching its farthest distance from the sun soon and the yearly occurrence is known as the aphelion. If you are wondering why is it so hot on our planet, even though it is so far away from the sun, know that Earth's place in its orbit around the does not affect how hot or cold the weather is.

Earth is reaching its farthest distance from the sun soon and the yearly occurrence is known as the aphelion. If you are wondering why is it so hot on our planet, even though it is so far away from the sun, know that Earth's place in its orbit around the does not affect how hot or cold the weather is. When is aphelion this year? Aphelion occurs in July every year, and this year it is happening on Friday, July 5 at 10:36 am IST. Earth moves around the sun in an elliptical orbit, which means that every year it comes closest to the sun once and moves to its farthest point once. The closest position to the sun is called perihelion, while the farthest point from the sun is called aphelion. How far is Earth at aphelion? Earth's farthest point from the sun stands at 94.5 million miles, while at its closest point, Earth is 91.5 million miles away from the sun. It might seem like a lot to us, but considering how vast the solar system is, it is next to nothing. Why doesn't aphelion impact temperature on Earth? Also Read: Earth is crossing an ocean of mysterious dark matter. Here's how it is impacting our atmosphere Earth's weather is decided by its axial tilt and now how far or close it is to the sun. Earth 23.5-degree tilt of the axis, which means the sun shines on different latitudes at different angles throughout the year. Since the northern half of the planet is leaning towards the sun at aphelion, the days are longer and hotter days of summer. However, at aphelion, the amount of sunlight Earth gets is slightly reduced. And at perihelion in January, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, making the days shorter and the temperatures colder. Do all planets have similar elliptical orbits? No. The orbits of all the planets are set differently. How much will a planet deviate from its and away from the sun is decided by gravity and the eccentricity of a planet. Different planets pull each other depending on how much gravitational influence they have. Since Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system, it wins this competition, exerting the most pressure. How elliptical the orbit gets for a planet depends on its eccentricity. A planet with higher eccentricity will have a more elliptical orbit. For eg. Mars has an eccentricity of 0.094 and it stands at a distance of 129 to 155 million miles away from the sun. Similarly, our home planet Earth is very low on eccentricity, at only 0.017, rendering the orbit comparatively circular.

Earth moves to farthest point from sun, but don't expect any relief from the heat

<p>The search for extraterrestrial lives has been taken to the next level by space agency NASA which has made an 'alien-hunting' telescope, which will soon be launched and eventually will be able to find at least one inhabited planet by 2050.</p>

<p>The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) has aimed to search for "wide variety of biosignatures" provided by living organisms after the telescope is launched around 2040.</p>

<p>NASA chief scientist Dr Jessie Christiansen believes that HWO will find "a signal in the atmosphere of a planet in the habitable zone of a star like our sun within our lifetime."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spots-large-asteroid-with-moon-orbiting-it-as-it-makes-close-flyby-earth-738302">&nbsp;NASA spots large asteroid with moon orbiting it, as it makes close flyby Earth</a></p>

<p>Nearly 25 Earth-like planets, near sun-like stars, have been identified by the scientists who are working on the project as potential candidates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HWO's telescope is being considered a "Super Hubble" telescope which will directly image Earth-size planets circling other stars.</p>

<h2><strong>HWO to soon see an alien-signal, say scientists</strong></h2>

<p>The observatory will also have a mirror which will be similar to James Webb as well as&nbsp;ultra-precise optics that will help in thoroughly checking the atmospheres of these worlds and finding signs of life.</p>

<p>The exoplanet team of the space agency consists of astronomers, physicists, engineers and scientists who held a meeting last January in New Orleans&nbsp;to check the tools required for the job.</p>

<p>Berkeley astronomer Dr Courtney Dressing, who is a co-leader of HWO's Science Architecture Review Team (START), gave a proposal to provide the HWO, to ensure that it has the capacity of detecting a "wide variety of biosignatures."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA weighs options for safe return of astronauts</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasa-weighs-options-for-safe-return-of-astronauts-735795/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Dr Dressing&nbsp;said that the biogenic' gases, which are created by living organisms, along with surface biosignatures, aerosols, airborne pollutants as well as artificial technosignatures "could be detectable with HWO".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Additional information about the planet and planetary system. It [will be] required to interpret biosignatures and rule out false positives," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's Exoplanet Science Institute at CalTech&nbsp;Dr Jessie Christiansen said that HWO can provide proof of extraterrestrial life soon after it is launched in 2040.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I believe, in our lifetime, something like HWO will see a signal in the atmosphere of a rocky planet in the habitable zone of a star like our sun that we think is life,"&nbsp;said Christiansen, while speaking to the&nbsp;New Scientist.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The search for extraterrestrial lives has been taken to the next level by space agency NASA which has made an 'alien-hunting' telescope, which will soon be launched and eventually will be able to find at least one inhabited planet by 2050.

The search for extraterrestrial lives has been taken to the next level by space agency NASA which has made an 'alien-hunting' telescope, which will soon be launched and eventually will be able to find at least one inhabited planet by 2050. The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) has aimed to search for "wide variety of biosignatures" provided by living organisms after the telescope is launched around 2040. NASA chief scientist Dr Jessie Christiansen believes that HWO will find "a signal in the atmosphere of a planet in the habitable zone of a star like our sun within our lifetime." Also Read: NASA spots large asteroid with moon orbiting it, as it makes close flyby Earth Nearly 25 Earth-like planets, near sun-like stars, have been identified by the scientists who are working on the project as potential candidates. HWO's telescope is being considered a "Super Hubble" telescope which will directly image Earth-size planets circling other stars. HWO to soon see an alien-signal, say scientists The observatory will also have a mirror which will be similar to James Webb as well as ultra-precise optics that will help in thoroughly checking the atmospheres of these worlds and finding signs of life. The exoplanet team of the space agency consists of astronomers, physicists, engineers and scientists who held a meeting last January in New Orleans to check the tools required for the job. Berkeley astronomer Dr Courtney Dressing, who is a co-leader of HWO's Science Architecture Review Team (START), gave a proposal to provide the HWO, to ensure that it has the capacity of detecting a "wide variety of biosignatures." Watch: NASA weighs options for safe return of astronauts Dr Dressing said that the biogenic' gases, which are created by living organisms, along with surface biosignatures, aerosols, airborne pollutants as well as artificial technosignatures "could be detectable with HWO". "Additional information about the planet and planetary system. It [will be] required to interpret biosignatures and rule out false positives," she said. NASA's Exoplanet Science Institute at CalTech Dr Jessie Christiansen said that HWO can provide proof of extraterrestrial life soon after it is launched in 2040. "I believe, in our lifetime, something like HWO will see a signal in the atmosphere of a rocky planet in the habitable zone of a star like our sun that we think is life," said Christiansen, while speaking to the New Scientist. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA creates alien-hunting telescope, aims to discover inhabited planet by 2050

<p>Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet.</p>

<p>The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet. However, both of them were within range of radar imaging systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two asteroids were tracked by the scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was found that one of the asteroids had a little moon orbiting it and the astronomers spotted the other only 13 days before it made its&nbsp;closest approach&nbsp;to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The asteroids passed near the Earth on June 27. They made a flyby at a distance of 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometres) which is 17 times the distance between the Earth and the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroids-thrashing-mars-more-than-ever-thought-leaving-craters-on-red-planet-736281">Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet</a></p>

<p>In 2011, the asteroid 2011 UL21 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The term ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroid’ (PHA) is a precise formal definition, referring to minor planets larger than approximately 140 metres [459 feet] that can come within 7.5 million km [4.6 million miles] from the Earth,” said Gianluca Masi, who is an astrophysicist and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project, in a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;before the flyby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In other words, only the largest asteroids capable of approaching close enough to our planet are flagged as PHAs, which does not mean they are going to hit the Earth, but they nonetheless warrant better monitoring," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA says asteroids belonged to a binary system</strong></h2>

<p>NASA's Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar was closely watching the asteroids and captured it seven times as it moved at a speed of 25 kilometres (16 miles) per second.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asteroid-2024-mk-passes-earth-at-300000-km-736813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>NASA got the first chance to image the asteroid by using radar and in that they found that the asteroid belonged to a binary system.</p>

<p>“It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed,” said Lance Benner, who is a principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, in a&nbsp;statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet. The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet.

Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet. The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet. However, both of them were within range of radar imaging systems. The two asteroids were tracked by the scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. It was found that one of the asteroids had a little moon orbiting it and the astronomers spotted the other only 13 days before it made its closest approach to Earth. The asteroids passed near the Earth on June 27. They made a flyby at a distance of 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometres) which is 17 times the distance between the Earth and the moon. Also Read: Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet In 2011, the asteroid 2011 UL21 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona. “The term ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroid’ (PHA) is a precise formal definition, referring to minor planets larger than approximately 140 metres [459 feet] that can come within 7.5 million km [4.6 million miles] from the Earth,” said Gianluca Masi, who is an astrophysicist and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project, in a statement before the flyby. “In other words, only the largest asteroids capable of approaching close enough to our planet are flagged as PHAs, which does not mean they are going to hit the Earth, but they nonetheless warrant better monitoring," he added. NASA says asteroids belonged to a binary system NASA's Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar was closely watching the asteroids and captured it seven times as it moved at a speed of 25 kilometres (16 miles) per second. Watch: Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km NASA got the first chance to image the asteroid by using radar and in that they found that the asteroid belonged to a binary system. “It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed,” said Lance Benner, who is a principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA spots large asteroid with moon orbiting it, as it makes close flyby Earth

<p>Earth's magnetic field acts as a protective shield for the planet, deflecting radiations emitted by the sun. But what if the magnetic field weakens or completely vanishes? Something similar happened to Mars which lost its magnetic field years ago and as a result, its atmosphere. A few weeks back, Mars was hit by a strong solar particle event. The strength of the event can be gauged by the fact that the Mars Odyssey spacecraft couldn't continue operations as usual. The radiation emitted by the solar particles hitting the Mars surface was 30 times higher than a chest X-ray would produce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A strong solar particle is when the sun blasts protons directly from its surface.</p>

<p>The Conversation, in a paper, tried to understand what would happen to Earth if a strong solar particle event hit us, and if a weak magnetic field can impact life on the planet. While weak solar particle events are common, a strong one happens only every thousand years or so. Such an event can damage the ozone layer leading to an increase in the levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the surface.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/discovery-of-40000-year-old-river-system-in-antarctica-is-a-warning-sign-for-humans-737430">Discovery of 40,000-year-old river system in Antarctica is a warning sign for humans</a></p>

<h2>Role of ozone layer</h2>

<p>The ozone layer is critical to sustaining life on Earth as it absorbs harmful solar UV radiation, known to be destructive to the human body, as well as the environment. The researchers discovered that an extreme solar particle event can continue to deplete the ozone levels for over a year, making it easier for UV rays to enter the atmosphere, and consequently increasing damage to the human DNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earth's magnetic field in its normal state protects us from heavy radiation levels from the sun. However, some ionising cosmic radiation can reach the upper atmosphere, resulting in the formation of auroras. But the geomagnetic field doesn't remain the same always and records show that it has weakened by more than six per cent in the last 100 years. In fact, it has been known to be completely absent or extremely weak for hundreds of years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An extreme solar particle event normally occurs every 1,00 years. As per records, the most recent extreme solar particle event was recorded around 993 AD.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Can weak magnetic field and solar event affect humans?</h2>

<p>A combination of a strong solar particle event and a weakened magnetic field has happened in the past. Around 42,000 years ago, the magnetic field weakened and a temporary switch happened in the north and south poles. This situation lasted 1,000 years. Surprisingly, this is the time the last Neanderthals disappeared in Europe, while in Australia the marsupial megafauna went extinct. Several groups of animals are also known to have evolved linked to the geomagnetic field.&nbsp;</p>


Earth's magnetic field acts as a protective shield for the planet, deflecting radiations emitted by the sun. But what if the magnetic field weakens or completely vanishes?

Earth's magnetic field acts as a protective shield for the planet, deflecting radiations emitted by the sun. But what if the magnetic field weakens or completely vanishes? Something similar happened to Mars which lost its magnetic field years ago and as a result, its atmosphere. A few weeks back, Mars was hit by a strong solar particle event. The strength of the event can be gauged by the fact that the Mars Odyssey spacecraft couldn't continue operations as usual. The radiation emitted by the solar particles hitting the Mars surface was 30 times higher than a chest X-ray would produce. A strong solar particle is when the sun blasts protons directly from its surface. The Conversation, in a paper, tried to understand what would happen to Earth if a strong solar particle event hit us, and if a weak magnetic field can impact life on the planet. While weak solar particle events are common, a strong one happens only every thousand years or so. Such an event can damage the ozone layer leading to an increase in the levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the surface. Also Read: Discovery of 40,000-year-old river system in Antarctica is a warning sign for humans Role of ozone layer The ozone layer is critical to sustaining life on Earth as it absorbs harmful solar UV radiation, known to be destructive to the human body, as well as the environment. The researchers discovered that an extreme solar particle event can continue to deplete the ozone levels for over a year, making it easier for UV rays to enter the atmosphere, and consequently increasing damage to the human DNA. Earth's magnetic field in its normal state protects us from heavy radiation levels from the sun. However, some ionising cosmic radiation can reach the upper atmosphere, resulting in the formation of auroras. But the geomagnetic field doesn't remain the same always and records show that it has weakened by more than six per cent in the last 100 years. In fact, it has been known to be completely absent or extremely weak for hundreds of years. An extreme solar particle event normally occurs every 1,00 years. As per records, the most recent extreme solar particle event was recorded around 993 AD. Can weak magnetic field and solar event affect humans? A combination of a strong solar particle event and a weakened magnetic field has happened in the past. Around 42,000 years ago, the magnetic field weakened and a temporary switch happened in the north and south poles. This situation lasted 1,000 years. Surprisingly, this is the time the last Neanderthals disappeared in Europe, while in Australia the marsupial megafauna went extinct. Several groups of animals are also known to have evolved linked to the geomagnetic field.

Proton blasts from sun can increase radiation levels impacting life on Earth

<p>The European Space Agency’s Mars Express has spotted a scar on the surface of Mars. The scar can be seen at the foot of a giant volcano. Named Aganippe Fossa, the scar is roughly 600 km long. It is essentially a ‘graben’, which is a ditch-like groove with steep walls on both sides. The graben is near one of the red planet's largest volcanoes, Arsia Mons. The volcano is located in the Tharsis region and attracts special attention due to the presence of several massive volcanoes.</p>

<p>Aganippe Fossa is etched across the lower flank of Arsia Mons. This volcano measures 435 km in diameter and is 9 km tall. Scientists believe that rising magma underneath the mass of the other volcanoes in Tharsis caused Mars’s crust to stretch and crack.</p>

<p>The High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on Mars Express has captured two types of terrain - irregularly shaped mounds and valleys and gentle sloping cliffs and rocky debris. Arsia Mons has a ring-shaped ‘aureole’ based in only the northwestern flank of the volcano.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/greenland-sharks-hold-the-secret-to-a-healthy-heart-and-staying-young-738147">Greenland sharks hold the secret to a healthy heart and staying young</a></p>

<p>Zebra-like patterns can also seen in this area, along with signs that lava once flowed here in the days when the volcano was active. Aureole is a 100,000-square-kilometre disc around the base of the volcano and has a connection with ancient glaciers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Other volcanoes on Mars</strong></h2>

<p>Olympus Mons is the tallest volcano in the solar system and can be found in the Tharsis area of Mars. It is over 21.9 km tall and last erupted 25 million years ago. It is also the youngest among the large volcanoes found on Mars.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency’s Mars Express has spotted a scar on the surface of Mars. The scar can be seen at the foot of a giant volcano. Named Aganippe Fossa, the scar is roughly 600 km long.

The European Space Agency’s Mars Express has spotted a scar on the surface of Mars. The scar can be seen at the foot of a giant volcano. Named Aganippe Fossa, the scar is roughly 600 km long. It is essentially a ‘graben’, which is a ditch-like groove with steep walls on both sides. The graben is near one of the red planet's largest volcanoes, Arsia Mons. The volcano is located in the Tharsis region and attracts special attention due to the presence of several massive volcanoes. Aganippe Fossa is etched across the lower flank of Arsia Mons. This volcano measures 435 km in diameter and is 9 km tall. Scientists believe that rising magma underneath the mass of the other volcanoes in Tharsis caused Mars’s crust to stretch and crack. The High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on Mars Express has captured two types of terrain - irregularly shaped mounds and valleys and gentle sloping cliffs and rocky debris. Arsia Mons has a ring-shaped ‘aureole’ based in only the northwestern flank of the volcano. Also Read: Greenland sharks hold the secret to a healthy heart and staying young Zebra-like patterns can also seen in this area, along with signs that lava once flowed here in the days when the volcano was active. Aureole is a 100,000-square-kilometre disc around the base of the volcano and has a connection with ancient glaciers. Other volcanoes on Mars Olympus Mons is the tallest volcano in the solar system and can be found in the Tharsis area of Mars. It is over 21.9 km tall and last erupted 25 million years ago. It is also the youngest among the large volcanoes found on Mars. (With inputs from agencies)

ESA captures scar across Mars in one of its most volcanic regions

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