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<p>Palaeontologists have discovered a new species of ancient crocodile-like reptile, which lived around 237 million years ago during the Triassic Period. The fossils were found in a fossiliferous locality named "Linha Várzea 2" in southern Brazil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a paper published in Scientific Reports on Thursday (Jun 20), the fossils have now been dubbed Parvosuchus aurelioi, which is a new ancient species of small predatory reptiles. The new species is part of a group of reptiles that resemble crocodiles called pseudosuchians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the lead author of the paper, Rodrigo Muller, who is a palaeontologist at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, said that the new species is the first "unequivocal" gracilisuchid, an extinct genus of small pseudosuchians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-jebel-irhoud-scientists-reveal-face-of-first-homo-sapien-from-300000-years-ago-733426">Meet 'Jebel Irhoud': Scientists reveal face of first homo sapien from 300,000 years ago</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Muller added, "The Gracilisuchidae are rare organisms in the fossil registry. Up to now, we had only seen three species: two in China and one in Argentina. So the discovery of the Parvosuchus aurelioi brings the number of known species in the world to four. It is the first uncontested Gracilisuchidae in Brazil."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that when dinosaurs appeared, at a later moment in the evolution history of Earth, the Gracilisuchidae were completely extinct, with some of the fossils showing how they became smaller than 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) in length. There are also other descendants that later became alligators and crocodiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-uncover-universal-formula-for-bird-wing-flapping-frequencies-732870">Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing-flapping frequencies</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He said that the fossil remains covered by a thick layer of rock and only a few vertebrae were initially apparent. He further mentioned that portions of the cranium emerged from the rock, showing a whole skull, following the use of acid solutions and pneumatic hammers during the preparation procedure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muller said that as per estimate, the animal was about 6.5 feet long and had a long tail. The animal probably had four legs that were designed for walking on land. It had fangs that resembled blades that could rip through flesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palaeontologists have discovered a new species of ancient crocodile-like reptile, which lived around 237 million years ago during the Triassic Period. The fossils were found in a fossiliferous locality named "Linha Várzea 2" in southern Brazil.

Palaeontologists have discovered a new species of ancient crocodile-like reptile, which lived around 237 million years ago during the Triassic Period. The fossils were found in a fossiliferous locality named "Linha Várzea 2" in southern Brazil. According to a paper published in Scientific Reports on Thursday (Jun 20), the fossils have now been dubbed Parvosuchus aurelioi, which is a new ancient species of small predatory reptiles. The new species is part of a group of reptiles that resemble crocodiles called pseudosuchians. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the lead author of the paper, Rodrigo Muller, who is a palaeontologist at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, said that the new species is the first "unequivocal" gracilisuchid, an extinct genus of small pseudosuchians. Also read: Meet 'Jebel Irhoud': Scientists reveal face of first homo sapien from 300,000 years ago Muller added, "The Gracilisuchidae are rare organisms in the fossil registry. Up to now, we had only seen three species: two in China and one in Argentina. So the discovery of the Parvosuchus aurelioi brings the number of known species in the world to four. It is the first uncontested Gracilisuchidae in Brazil." He added that when dinosaurs appeared, at a later moment in the evolution history of Earth, the Gracilisuchidae were completely extinct, with some of the fossils showing how they became smaller than 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) in length. There are also other descendants that later became alligators and crocodiles. Also read: Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing-flapping frequencies He said that the fossil remains covered by a thick layer of rock and only a few vertebrae were initially apparent. He further mentioned that portions of the cranium emerged from the rock, showing a whole skull, following the use of acid solutions and pneumatic hammers during the preparation procedure. Muller said that as per estimate, the animal was about 6.5 feet long and had a long tail. The animal probably had four legs that were designed for walking on land. It had fangs that resembled blades that could rip through flesh. (With inputs from agencies)

Palaeontologists discover rare pre-dinosaur era crocodile-like species

<p>The face of one of the earliest known homo sapiens, the oldest known human, has been revealed 300,000 years after his death.</p>

<p>The discovery of Jebel Irhoud remains, named after the Moroccan site where they were discovered, revolutionised our understanding of human history.</p>

<h2><strong>What is so important about the discovery?</strong></h2>

<p>It helped push back the lineage of Homo sapiens by 100,000 years. This finding showed that our ancestors left the "cradle of mankind" in East Africa far earlier than previously thought, spreading across the continent.</p>

<p>Scientists have reconstructed the face of our oldest known ancestor using the shape of their skull and donor data.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gift-of-life-debunking-myths-around-blood-donation-and-why-it-matters-733457">Gift of life: Debunking myths around blood donation and why it matters</a></strong></p>

<p>This discovery and reconstruction provide a fascinating glimpse into the appearance of our ancient ancestors. The study has been published in 3D computer graphics journal OrtogOnLineMag.</p>

<p>Brazilian graphics expert Cicero Moraes, who led the recreation, described the resulting face as "strong and serene."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He explained, "Initially, I scanned the skull in 3D, using data provided by the researchers of Max Planck Institute. Then I proceeded with the facial approximation, which consisted of crossing several approaches, such as anatomical deformation."</p>

<p>Moraes used tomography from a modern human, adapting it, so the donor's skull matched the Jebel Irhoud skull. This process involved predicting soft tissue thickness and the projection of facial features.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/walking-three-times-a-week-almost-halves-back-pain-flare-up-study-733371">Walking three times a week almost halves back pain flare up: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>An adult male with a low body mass index contributed the donor data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the scientists aren't sure about the first human's gender, Moraes said that he chose to give the skeleton a male face due to the robust and masculine features of the skull.</p>

<p>"The final face is the interpolation of all this data, which generates two groups of images, one objective, with more technical elements, without hair and in greyscale. The other is artistic, with pigmentation of the skin and hair," said Cicero.</p>

<p>Moraes said that the Jebel Irhoud skull itself is a composite of various fossils, and an "excellent and quite coherent, anatomically speaking."</p>

<p>According to the Max Planck Institute, the Jebel Irhoud remains present a "modern-looking face and teeth, and a large but more archaic-looking braincase."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The face of one of the earliest known homo sapiens, the oldest known human, has been revealed 300,000 years after his death. The discovery of Jebel Irhoud remains, named after the Moroccan site where they were discovered, revolutionised our understanding of human history.

The face of one of the earliest known homo sapiens, the oldest known human, has been revealed 300,000 years after his death. The discovery of Jebel Irhoud remains, named after the Moroccan site where they were discovered, revolutionised our understanding of human history. What is so important about the discovery? It helped push back the lineage of Homo sapiens by 100,000 years. This finding showed that our ancestors left the "cradle of mankind" in East Africa far earlier than previously thought, spreading across the continent. Scientists have reconstructed the face of our oldest known ancestor using the shape of their skull and donor data. Also read | Gift of life: Debunking myths around blood donation and why it matters This discovery and reconstruction provide a fascinating glimpse into the appearance of our ancient ancestors. The study has been published in 3D computer graphics journal OrtogOnLineMag. Brazilian graphics expert Cicero Moraes, who led the recreation, described the resulting face as "strong and serene." He explained, "Initially, I scanned the skull in 3D, using data provided by the researchers of Max Planck Institute. Then I proceeded with the facial approximation, which consisted of crossing several approaches, such as anatomical deformation." Moraes used tomography from a modern human, adapting it, so the donor's skull matched the Jebel Irhoud skull. This process involved predicting soft tissue thickness and the projection of facial features. Also read | Walking three times a week almost halves back pain flare up: Study An adult male with a low body mass index contributed the donor data. While the scientists aren't sure about the first human's gender, Moraes said that he chose to give the skeleton a male face due to the robust and masculine features of the skull. "The final face is the interpolation of all this data, which generates two groups of images, one objective, with more technical elements, without hair and in greyscale. The other is artistic, with pigmentation of the skin and hair," said Cicero. Moraes said that the Jebel Irhoud skull itself is a composite of various fossils, and an "excellent and quite coherent, anatomically speaking." According to the Max Planck Institute, the Jebel Irhoud remains present a "modern-looking face and teeth, and a large but more archaic-looking braincase." (With inputs from agencies)

Meet 'Jebel Irhoud': Scientists reveal face of first homo sapien from 300,000 years ago

<p>In yet another shocking discovery, scientists have found microplastics in human penises for the first time as concerns over the proliferation of these tiny particles and their potential impact on health mount. The recently published study came nearly a month after researchers at the University of New Mexico found microplastics in human testicles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a number of recent studies, it was found that microplastics are detected virtually everywhere, from rain&nbsp;and snow to even human blood and hearts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the study</strong></h2>

<p>The study published in the IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal on Wednesday (Jun 19) said seven different types of microplastics were found in the penile tissue of six men who had undergone surgery treating erectile dysfunction (ED).</p>

<p>“The detection of microplastics in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health,” the study noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-shows-how-microplastics-are-affecting-the-world-730957/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Scientists from the University of Miami, the University of Colorado, and the research institution Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany found that among the seven different types of microplastics found, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (47.8 per cent) and polypropylene (PP) (34.7 per cent) were the most prevalent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The analysis of the penile tissue samples collected from six individuals was done using a technique called Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) microspectroscopy, which not only detects the presence of microplastics but also the size and quantity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Microplastics were&nbsp;found in 80 per cent of the samples, ranging from 20 to 500 micrometres, according to the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ranjith Ramasamy, lead author of the study and an expert in reproductive urology from the University of Miami told CNN that his research was based on the findings of another study which found evidence of microplastics in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-scientists-detect-microplastics-in-human-hearts-study-625084">human hearts</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that&nbsp;the samples were taken from study participants who had been diagnosed with ED and had been in the hospital for penile implants to treat the condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-baffled-after-discovery-of-microplastics-in-human-testicles-heres-why-you-should-be-worried-723441">Scientists baffled after discovery of microplastics in human testicles. Here's why you should be worried</a></strong></p>

<p>Ramasamy noted that further research was needed to be done to investigate the potential links between the presence of microplastics to conditions such as ED.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Microplastics are everywhere</strong></h2>

<p>Microplastics have been defined as tiny chunks of less than five millimetres long pieces of plastic and microfibres from clothes that get caught in the Earth’s atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previous studies have also confirmed the worst fears that microplastics are being carried all around the world, including remote areas such as Antarctica where microplastics were found in the fresh snowfall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Studies have also found that they can enter the human body through mouth, nose and other body cavities. However, scientists have yet to find&nbsp;the potential effects of microplastics on the human body.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In yet another shocking discovery, scientists have found microplastics in human penises for the first time as concerns over the proliferation of these tiny particles and their potential impact on health mount.

In yet another shocking discovery, scientists have found microplastics in human penises for the first time as concerns over the proliferation of these tiny particles and their potential impact on health mount. The recently published study came nearly a month after researchers at the University of New Mexico found microplastics in human testicles. In a number of recent studies, it was found that microplastics are detected virtually everywhere, from rain and snow to even human blood and hearts. About the study The study published in the IJIR: Your Sexual Medicine Journal on Wednesday (Jun 19) said seven different types of microplastics were found in the penile tissue of six men who had undergone surgery treating erectile dysfunction (ED). “The detection of microplastics in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health,” the study noted. Scientists from the University of Miami, the University of Colorado, and the research institution Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany found that among the seven different types of microplastics found, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (47.8 per cent) and polypropylene (PP) (34.7 per cent) were the most prevalent. The analysis of the penile tissue samples collected from six individuals was done using a technique called Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) microspectroscopy, which not only detects the presence of microplastics but also the size and quantity. Microplastics were found in 80 per cent of the samples, ranging from 20 to 500 micrometres, according to the study. Ranjith Ramasamy, lead author of the study and an expert in reproductive urology from the University of Miami told CNN that his research was based on the findings of another study which found evidence of microplastics in human hearts. He also said that the samples were taken from study participants who had been diagnosed with ED and had been in the hospital for penile implants to treat the condition. Also Read | Scientists baffled after discovery of microplastics in human testicles. Here's why you should be worried Ramasamy noted that further research was needed to be done to investigate the potential links between the presence of microplastics to conditions such as ED. Microplastics are everywhere Microplastics have been defined as tiny chunks of less than five millimetres long pieces of plastic and microfibres from clothes that get caught in the Earth’s atmosphere. Previous studies have also confirmed the worst fears that microplastics are being carried all around the world, including remote areas such as Antarctica where microplastics were found in the fresh snowfall. Studies have also found that they can enter the human body through mouth, nose and other body cavities. However, scientists have yet to find the potential effects of microplastics on the human body. (With inputs from agencies)

After human testicles, microplastics discovered in human penises for first time

<p>Palaeontologists have identified a new dinosaur species named Lokiceratops. Measuring about 22 feet (6.7 meters) in length and weighing around 11,000 pounds (5 metric tonnes), Lokiceratops stand out due to their crown-like elaborate headgear.</p>

<p>The plant-eating dinosaur belonged to the centrosaurines group and dates back 78 million years ago.</p>

<p>The findings are based on specimens&nbsp;excavated from the badlands of northern Montana and will be displayed at the Natural History Museum of Utah. They&nbsp;were&nbsp;published in PeerJ.</p>

<p>The species has been officially named <em>Lokiceratops rangiformis</em>, translating to "Loki’s horned face that looks like a caribou."</p>

<p>The name pays homage to the Norse god Loki, known for his horned helmet, and references the asymmetrical horn lengths on each side of its frill.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played key role in dominance of dinosaurs</strong></p>

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<p>Lokiceratops is part of the ceratopsid family, which first evolved around 92 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A new horned dinosaur found in the Cretaceous badlands of northern Montana reveals unexpectedly high diversity, suggesting elevated speciation rates and regional endemism in members of the group," Dr Mark Loewen, co-lead of the study and professor at the University of Utah told IFLScience.</p>

<p>The fossils suggest that horned dinosaurs were evolving within a small geographic area along the US-Canada border.</p>

<h2><b>Dinosaur's crown</b></h2>

<p>Lokiceratops' headgear is one of the largest frill horns among ceratopsians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Having a giant head like Lokiceratops required massive neck muscles to balance it on the body and lots of calories to grow as the animal matured," explained Dr Loewen.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/palaeontologists-discover-rare-pre-dinosaur-era-crocodile-like-species-733659">Palaeontologists discover rare pre-dinosaur era crocodile-like species</a></strong></p>

<p>"At the same time, it must have been so impressive to potential mates that it really was worth having such a huge head!"</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The discovery of <em>Lokiceratops</em> challenges previous assumptions that no more than two species of horned dinosaurs could co-exist.</p>

<p>Unlike many of its relatives, <em>Lokiceratops</em> did not have a nose horn, it has emerged.</p>


Palaeontologists have identified a new dinosaur species named Lokiceratops. Measuring about 22 feet (6.7 meters) in length and weighing around 11,000 pounds (5 metric tonnes), Lokiceratops stand out due to their crown-like elaborate headgear.

Palaeontologists have identified a new dinosaur species named Lokiceratops. Measuring about 22 feet (6.7 meters) in length and weighing around 11,000 pounds (5 metric tonnes), Lokiceratops stand out due to their crown-like elaborate headgear. The plant-eating dinosaur belonged to the centrosaurines group and dates back 78 million years ago. The findings are based on specimens excavated from the badlands of northern Montana and will be displayed at the Natural History Museum of Utah. They were published in PeerJ. The species has been officially named Lokiceratops rangiformis, translating to "Loki’s horned face that looks like a caribou." The name pays homage to the Norse god Loki, known for his horned helmet, and references the asymmetrical horn lengths on each side of its frill. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played key role in dominance of dinosaurs × Lokiceratops is part of the ceratopsid family, which first evolved around 92 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. "A new horned dinosaur found in the Cretaceous badlands of northern Montana reveals unexpectedly high diversity, suggesting elevated speciation rates and regional endemism in members of the group," Dr Mark Loewen, co-lead of the study and professor at the University of Utah told IFLScience. The fossils suggest that horned dinosaurs were evolving within a small geographic area along the US-Canada border. Dinosaur's crown Lokiceratops' headgear is one of the largest frill horns among ceratopsians. "Having a giant head like Lokiceratops required massive neck muscles to balance it on the body and lots of calories to grow as the animal matured," explained Dr Loewen. Also read | Palaeontologists discover rare pre-dinosaur era crocodile-like species "At the same time, it must have been so impressive to potential mates that it really was worth having such a huge head!" What does it mean? The discovery of Lokiceratops challenges previous assumptions that no more than two species of horned dinosaurs could co-exist. Unlike many of its relatives, Lokiceratops did not have a nose horn, it has emerged.

Jurassic king with a crown? Scientists discover fancy headgear on 78-million-year-old dinosaur

<p>Remember Corsica,&nbsp;the French island made famous by popular comic book character Asterix?&nbsp;Well, for the lovers of Hindi cinema, it's the island Ved and Tara went holidaying in Imtiaz Ali's 2015 film Tamasha.</p>

<p>Corsica is back in the news&nbsp;with a bang, quite literally, as the authorities reported a sonic boom on the picturesque island on Thursday (June 20).</p>

<p>Experts said that the sonic boom heard in Italy's Tuscany and the French island of Corsica may have been a meteorite. The sonic boom was initially mistaken by holidaymakers, locals and officials for an earthquake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The town of Campo nell’Elba, on the Italian tourist island of Elba, said on its Facebook page that a nearby tracking station had “captured a seismic, acoustic event felt by everyone” at 4:30 pm (1430 GMT).</p>

<p>Later, reports in the Corsican media said it was also felt on the island.</p>

<p>Tuscany regional government president Eugenio Giani initially said it was an earthquake. But Giani later backtracked from his comments as Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) ruled out an earthquake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Italian Air Force told Giani it had nothing to do with the sonic boom.</p>

<p>"The type of event which caused the tremor, felt by many as an earthquake over the entire coast of Tuscany and in some inland areas, is currently unconfirmed," Giani wrote on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Explosion in Punjab province: Authorities suspect 'Sonic Boom'</strong></p>

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<p>The region's Geophysics Institute and the University of Florence said in a joint statement that whatever caused the boom was travelling at 400 miles per second.</p>

<p>"A meteorite entering the atmosphere seems the most likely and in line with the data registered".</p>

<p>The Corriere della Sera daily quoted an unnamed person from Italy's civil protection agency saying "the impact would have been registered by seismographs. The most likely hypothesis is still an airplane".</p>

<p>Notably, it's not the first time a mysterious sonic boom has been registered. Similar events in 2012, 2016 and 2023 have yet to be explained.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Remember Corsica, the French island made famous by popular comic book character Asterix? Well, for the lovers of Hindi cinema, it's the island Ved and Tara went holidaying in Imtiaz Ali's 2015 film Tamasha.

Remember Corsica, the French island made famous by popular comic book character Asterix? Well, for the lovers of Hindi cinema, it's the island Ved and Tara went holidaying in Imtiaz Ali's 2015 film Tamasha. Corsica is back in the news with a bang, quite literally, as the authorities reported a sonic boom on the picturesque island on Thursday (June 20). Experts said that the sonic boom heard in Italy's Tuscany and the French island of Corsica may have been a meteorite. The sonic boom was initially mistaken by holidaymakers, locals and officials for an earthquake. The town of Campo nell’Elba, on the Italian tourist island of Elba, said on its Facebook page that a nearby tracking station had “captured a seismic, acoustic event felt by everyone” at 4:30 pm (1430 GMT). Later, reports in the Corsican media said it was also felt on the island. Tuscany regional government president Eugenio Giani initially said it was an earthquake. But Giani later backtracked from his comments as Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) ruled out an earthquake. The Italian Air Force told Giani it had nothing to do with the sonic boom. "The type of event which caused the tremor, felt by many as an earthquake over the entire coast of Tuscany and in some inland areas, is currently unconfirmed," Giani wrote on social media. Also watch | Explosion in Punjab province: Authorities suspect 'Sonic Boom' × The region's Geophysics Institute and the University of Florence said in a joint statement that whatever caused the boom was travelling at 400 miles per second. "A meteorite entering the atmosphere seems the most likely and in line with the data registered". The Corriere della Sera daily quoted an unnamed person from Italy's civil protection agency saying "the impact would have been registered by seismographs. The most likely hypothesis is still an airplane". Notably, it's not the first time a mysterious sonic boom has been registered. Similar events in 2012, 2016 and 2023 have yet to be explained. (With inputs from agencies)

Remember Corsica from Tamasha? A mysterious sonic boom has rattled French island

<p>Walking three times a week can nearly halve the risk of recurrent back pain, a study has revealed. This research, the first of its kind, offers hope to the approximately 800 million people worldwide who suffer from low back pain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, seven out of ten individuals who recover from an episode of back pain experience recurrence within a year.</p>

<p>The findings, published in The Lancet, point out the potential of walking to significantly impact the leading cause of disability globally.</p>

<p>"You don’t need to be walking 5 or 10 kilometres every day to get these benefits," Mark Hancock, the study’s senior author and a professor of physiotherapy at Macquarie University in Australia was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/health-and-wellness/6-reasons-why-walking-daily-is-essential-for-wellbeing-1706604558547">6 Reasons Why Walking Daily is Essential for Well-Being</a></strong></p>

<p>"The key is to start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and intensity as your fitness improves."</p>

<p>Researchers in the study added that walking is a low-cost, accessible exercise that can be incorporated into nearly anyone's routine, regardless of geographic location, age, or socioeconomic status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Participants who walked three to five times a week, averaging 130 minutes per week, remained pain-free for nearly twice as long compared to those who did not engage in any treatment. Regular walking also enhanced their quality of life and significantly reduced the time they needed to take off work.</p>

<h2><strong>Walking it out: How the study was conducted?</strong></h2>

<p>This research has been described as the world’s first randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of walking in preventing low back pain recurrence. It tracked 701 adults over three years. All participants had recently experienced an episode of low back pain. Half of the participants were enrolled in a walking scheme combined with educational sessions from a physiotherapist, while the other half received no specific intervention.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Tech helps Parkinson's patient walk again</strong></p>

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<p>"The intervention group experienced fewer episodes of activity-limiting pain and had a longer average period before a recurrence, with a median of 208 days compared to 112 days for the control group," Hancock said. "The risk of a recurrence that required seeking care was nearly halved for those in the intervention group."</p>

<h2><strong>How much walking is enough to prevent back pain?</strong></h2>

<p>Participants were encouraged to gradually build up to walking 30 minutes, five times a week, over six months. After three months, most participants were walking three to five days a week, averaging a total of 130 minutes.</p>

<p>While the exact reasons walking is effective in preventing back pain are not fully understood, Hancock suggested that the benefits likely stem from a combination of gentle movements, loading and strengthening of spinal structures and muscles, relaxation and stress relief, and the release of endorphins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Walking also offers numerous other health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, bone density, weight management, and mental health.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Walking three times a week can nearly halve the risk of recurrent back pain, a study has revealed. This research, the first of its kind, offers hope to the approximately 800 million people worldwide who suffer from low back pain.

Walking three times a week can nearly halve the risk of recurrent back pain, a study has revealed. This research, the first of its kind, offers hope to the approximately 800 million people worldwide who suffer from low back pain. Notably, seven out of ten individuals who recover from an episode of back pain experience recurrence within a year. The findings, published in The Lancet, point out the potential of walking to significantly impact the leading cause of disability globally. "You don’t need to be walking 5 or 10 kilometres every day to get these benefits," Mark Hancock, the study’s senior author and a professor of physiotherapy at Macquarie University in Australia was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Also read | 6 Reasons Why Walking Daily is Essential for Well-Being "The key is to start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and intensity as your fitness improves." Researchers in the study added that walking is a low-cost, accessible exercise that can be incorporated into nearly anyone's routine, regardless of geographic location, age, or socioeconomic status. Participants who walked three to five times a week, averaging 130 minutes per week, remained pain-free for nearly twice as long compared to those who did not engage in any treatment. Regular walking also enhanced their quality of life and significantly reduced the time they needed to take off work. Walking it out: How the study was conducted? This research has been described as the world’s first randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of walking in preventing low back pain recurrence. It tracked 701 adults over three years. All participants had recently experienced an episode of low back pain. Half of the participants were enrolled in a walking scheme combined with educational sessions from a physiotherapist, while the other half received no specific intervention. Also watch | Tech helps Parkinson's patient walk again × "The intervention group experienced fewer episodes of activity-limiting pain and had a longer average period before a recurrence, with a median of 208 days compared to 112 days for the control group," Hancock said. "The risk of a recurrence that required seeking care was nearly halved for those in the intervention group." How much walking is enough to prevent back pain? Participants were encouraged to gradually build up to walking 30 minutes, five times a week, over six months. After three months, most participants were walking three to five days a week, averaging a total of 130 minutes. While the exact reasons walking is effective in preventing back pain are not fully understood, Hancock suggested that the benefits likely stem from a combination of gentle movements, loading and strengthening of spinal structures and muscles, relaxation and stress relief, and the release of endorphins. Walking also offers numerous other health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, bone density, weight management, and mental health. (With inputs from agencies)

Walking three times a week almost halves back pain flare up: Study

<p>Space enthusiasts are not crazy about popular tourist destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but they wish to travel outside of Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Space tourism, which is not limited to astronauts only, has become a new norm in the recent past with several companies having come up with this concept, which is attracting people worldwide. But no doubt it is costly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some companies in the aviation industry are aiming at&nbsp;giving tourists the ability to become astronauts and experience space travel for recreational or leisure purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But at what cost? Some studies have highlighted how space travel and altered gravity might impact the human body.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-11th-century-guest-star-revealed-as-spectacular-crab-nebula-733428">China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The latest study, titled - "Ocular perfusion pressure is not reduced in response to lower body negative pressure", focused on some of the impacts, specifically effects on the eye. The study, published in the journal npj Microgravity, was led by Dr Ana Diaz Artiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts have already established the fact that body fluids can change as a result of the gravitational changes astronauts experience while in space. The latest study suggests that the cardiovascular system, especially the vessels in and around the eyes, may be affected by this.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturns-massive-energy-imbalance-challenges-planetary-science-733283">Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"When we experience microgravity conditions, we see changes in the cardiovascular system because gravity is not pulling down all these fluids as it typically does on Earth when we are in an upright position," said Diaz Artiles as quoted by Phys.org. Artiles is an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and a Williams Brothers Construction Company Faculty Fellow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When we're upright, a large part of our fluids are stored in our legs, but in microgravity, we get a redistribution of fluids into the upper body," Artiles added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Is this "Black Hole Awakening" the biggest find in Astronomy?</strong></p>

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<p>The study mentioned that lower body negative pressure (LBNP) has been proposed as a countermeasure to mitigate the fluid shift occurring during spaceflight, which may be associated with the development of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diaz Artiles and her team hope to explain the underlying mechanism behind this issue as researchers are unsure of the exact cause of SANS. The team is also probing potential countermeasures to help counteract the headward fluid shifts of SANS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This research is just one experiment of a three-part study to better understand the effects of fluid shift in the body and its relationship to SANS. Previous experiments in this study included the use of a tilt table for researchers to understand the cardiovascular effects of fluid shifts at different altered gravity levels, recreated by using different tilt angles," said Artiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Space enthusiasts are not crazy about popular tourist destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but they wish to travel outside of Earth. Space tourism, which is not limited to astronauts only, has become a new norm in the recent past with several companies having come up with this concept, which is attracting people worldwide.

Space enthusiasts are not crazy about popular tourist destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but they wish to travel outside of Earth. Space tourism, which is not limited to astronauts only, has become a new norm in the recent past with several companies having come up with this concept, which is attracting people worldwide. But no doubt it is costly. Some companies in the aviation industry are aiming at giving tourists the ability to become astronauts and experience space travel for recreational or leisure purposes. But at what cost? Some studies have highlighted how space travel and altered gravity might impact the human body. Also read: China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula The latest study, titled - "Ocular perfusion pressure is not reduced in response to lower body negative pressure", focused on some of the impacts, specifically effects on the eye. The study, published in the journal npj Microgravity, was led by Dr Ana Diaz Artiles. Experts have already established the fact that body fluids can change as a result of the gravitational changes astronauts experience while in space. The latest study suggests that the cardiovascular system, especially the vessels in and around the eyes, may be affected by this. Also read: Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science "When we experience microgravity conditions, we see changes in the cardiovascular system because gravity is not pulling down all these fluids as it typically does on Earth when we are in an upright position," said Diaz Artiles as quoted by Phys.org. Artiles is an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and a Williams Brothers Construction Company Faculty Fellow. "When we're upright, a large part of our fluids are stored in our legs, but in microgravity, we get a redistribution of fluids into the upper body," Artiles added. Watch: Gravitas: Is this "Black Hole Awakening" the biggest find in Astronomy? × The study mentioned that lower body negative pressure (LBNP) has been proposed as a countermeasure to mitigate the fluid shift occurring during spaceflight, which may be associated with the development of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). Diaz Artiles and her team hope to explain the underlying mechanism behind this issue as researchers are unsure of the exact cause of SANS. The team is also probing potential countermeasures to help counteract the headward fluid shifts of SANS. "This research is just one experiment of a three-part study to better understand the effects of fluid shift in the body and its relationship to SANS. Previous experiments in this study included the use of a tilt table for researchers to understand the cardiovascular effects of fluid shifts at different altered gravity levels, recreated by using different tilt angles," said Artiles. (With inputs from agencies)

Does space travel impact eye health? Researchers investigate

<p><strong>Summer Solstice 2024:</strong> The summer solstice will occur on June 20, 2024, at 8:50 pm UTC. The summer solstice is occurring so early after 228 years. The last time this happened was back in 1796.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earth is tilted at an axis of 23.5 degrees, which contributes to the phenomenon of summer solstice. Usually, the summer solstice occurs on June 21 every year. It is a day when the Earth's north pole is closest to the sun. This results in longer days and shorter nights in the northern hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-slams-republicans-over-deceptive-cheapfake-videos-of-bidens-mental-decline-732657">&nbsp;White House slams Republicans over deceptive 'cheapfake' videos of Biden's alleged mental decline</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the opposite phenomenon is observed in the southern hemisphere at this point, the winter solstice.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why is the summer solstice happening early this year? (Summer Solstice 2024)&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earth's journey around the sun does not take 356 days precisely. It takes 365.242189 days to complete one revolution around the sun. Thus, according to the Gregorian calendar, a leap year occurs every four years with 366 days in total and an extra day added in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hence, according to calculations every year the expected dates for solstice and equinox are 18 hours, 11 minutes, and 14.87 seconds earlier than the preceding year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another factor contributing to the summer solstice occurring early this year is how the Gregorian calendar accounts for leap years. Every year that is divisible by four is considered a leap year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong>Australia's Albanese in China, hold talks on trade, rights with Premier Li Qiang</p>

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<p>However, a special rule applies in cases of years that end with a "00". For example, 1800, 1900, and 2000 are considered leap years only when divisible by 400.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every 400 years three leap years are dropped which helps correct the actual speed of the planet. This leads to us keeping time “too fast” by around 45 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, every four years that don't begin with a leap year, 365.25 days are counted and not 365.242189 days per year. As a result, the summer solstice will occur 45 minutes earlier than 2020 this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/passenger-burned-crew-member-catapulted-into-roof-as-new-zealand-flight-face-extreme-turbulence-732585">&nbsp;Passenger burned, crew member catapulted into roof as New Zealand flight faces extreme turbulence</a></strong></p>

<p>It also indicates that this tendency will persist until 2096, and the solstice will happen on June 20 at 06:32 am that year. The cycle will then reset, with the solstice falling later in the year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Summer Solstice 2024: The summer solstice will occur on June 20, 2024, at 8:50 pm UTC. The summer solstice is occurring so early after 228 years. The last time this happened was back in 1796.

Summer Solstice 2024: The summer solstice will occur on June 20, 2024, at 8:50 pm UTC. The summer solstice is occurring so early after 228 years. The last time this happened was back in 1796. Earth is tilted at an axis of 23.5 degrees, which contributes to the phenomenon of summer solstice. Usually, the summer solstice occurs on June 21 every year. It is a day when the Earth's north pole is closest to the sun. This results in longer days and shorter nights in the northern hemisphere. Also read | White House slams Republicans over deceptive 'cheapfake' videos of Biden's alleged mental decline Meanwhile, the opposite phenomenon is observed in the southern hemisphere at this point, the winter solstice. Why is the summer solstice happening early this year? (Summer Solstice 2024) Earth's journey around the sun does not take 356 days precisely. It takes 365.242189 days to complete one revolution around the sun. Thus, according to the Gregorian calendar, a leap year occurs every four years with 366 days in total and an extra day added in February. Hence, according to calculations every year the expected dates for solstice and equinox are 18 hours, 11 minutes, and 14.87 seconds earlier than the preceding year. Another factor contributing to the summer solstice occurring early this year is how the Gregorian calendar accounts for leap years. Every year that is divisible by four is considered a leap year. Watch | Australia's Albanese in China, hold talks on trade, rights with Premier Li Qiang However, a special rule applies in cases of years that end with a "00". For example, 1800, 1900, and 2000 are considered leap years only when divisible by 400. Every 400 years three leap years are dropped which helps correct the actual speed of the planet. This leads to us keeping time “too fast” by around 45 minutes. Therefore, every four years that don't begin with a leap year, 365.25 days are counted and not 365.242189 days per year. As a result, the summer solstice will occur 45 minutes earlier than 2020 this year. Also read | Passenger burned, crew member catapulted into roof as New Zealand flight faces extreme turbulence It also indicates that this tendency will persist until 2096, and the solstice will happen on June 20 at 06:32 am that year. The cycle will then reset, with the solstice falling later in the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Summer Solstice 2024: After 228 years, summer solstice is coming earlier than usual due to this simple reason

<p>Can seismic activities change the course of rivers? Well, a study reveals that a major earthquake that occurred 2,500 years ago caused one of the biggest rivers on the planet to change its course abruptly. That river was none other than the Ganges.</p>

<p>This breakthrough discovery about changing courses of rivers is known as avulsions in scientific terminology. Rivers have always been changing their courses, but it was never confirmed that earthquakes could be the driving force behind them. Certainly, no study has ever linked seismic activity with the Ganges’ course before, which makes this study one-of-a-kind.</p>

<p>Today the Ganges flows for over 2,575 kilometres (1,600 miles) from the Himalayas down to the Bay of Bengal. It forms the world’s second-largest river system as it teams up with other rivers.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scorching-heatwave-set-to-sear-northeastern-us-break-records-and-spark-health-concerns-732975">Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns</a></p>

<p>It is hard to gather that such a massive water body system can change its course due to an earthquake. But course changes take decades and a lifetime. It is because sediments washed from upstream can change the lay of the land, raising the riverbed until the water finds a path of less resistance by flowing in a slightly different direction.</p>

<h2><strong>Earthquake changed&nbsp;the course of the Ganges</strong></h2>

<p>Avulsions need not require time of decades or even years to make a change. As per the new study, earthquakes can lead to changes in rivers that happen almost instantaneously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking at satellite imagery, the team discovered what appeared to be a former main channel for the Ganges running parallel to the river as it runs today for around 100 kilometres (62 miles).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-jebel-irhoud-scientists-reveal-face-of-first-homo-sapien-from-300000-years-ago-733426">Meet 'Jebel Irhoud': Scientists reveal face of first homo sapien from 300,000 years ago</a></p>

<p>They were exploring the area in 2018 when they spotted something interesting along the retired river’s flank- sand volcanoes. Also known as seismites, they’re characterised by strips of sand emerging vertically through horizontal layers of mud and are a known side effect of earthquakes.</p>

<p>They also found seismites across a large expanse of land and all of them seemed to have similar patterns, indicating they were created at the same time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chemical analysis of the seismites revealed they date back 2,500 years, when, as per researchers, a magnitude 7 or 8 earthquake reshaped the landscape.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-11th-century-guest-star-revealed-as-spectacular-crab-nebula-733428">China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula</a></p>

<p>The source of the Ganges-shifting earthquake could have originated from a subduction zone to the south and east where part of the oceanic crust is working its way underneath Bangladesh, Myanmar, and northeastern India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the large splay faults at the base of the Himalayas may have been the driving force, which is a concerning possibility as research suggests these zones could be due to another earthquake similar in magnitude to that which changed the course of the Ganges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Can seismic activities change the course of rivers? Well, a study reveals that a major earthquake that occurred 2,500 years ago caused one of the biggest rivers on the planet to change its course abruptly.

Can seismic activities change the course of rivers? Well, a study reveals that a major earthquake that occurred 2,500 years ago caused one of the biggest rivers on the planet to change its course abruptly. That river was none other than the Ganges. This breakthrough discovery about changing courses of rivers is known as avulsions in scientific terminology. Rivers have always been changing their courses, but it was never confirmed that earthquakes could be the driving force behind them. Certainly, no study has ever linked seismic activity with the Ganges’ course before, which makes this study one-of-a-kind. Today the Ganges flows for over 2,575 kilometres (1,600 miles) from the Himalayas down to the Bay of Bengal. It forms the world’s second-largest river system as it teams up with other rivers. Also Read | Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns It is hard to gather that such a massive water body system can change its course due to an earthquake. But course changes take decades and a lifetime. It is because sediments washed from upstream can change the lay of the land, raising the riverbed until the water finds a path of less resistance by flowing in a slightly different direction. Earthquake changed the course of the Ganges Avulsions need not require time of decades or even years to make a change. As per the new study, earthquakes can lead to changes in rivers that happen almost instantaneously. Looking at satellite imagery, the team discovered what appeared to be a former main channel for the Ganges running parallel to the river as it runs today for around 100 kilometres (62 miles). Also Read | Meet 'Jebel Irhoud': Scientists reveal face of first homo sapien from 300,000 years ago They were exploring the area in 2018 when they spotted something interesting along the retired river’s flank- sand volcanoes. Also known as seismites, they’re characterised by strips of sand emerging vertically through horizontal layers of mud and are a known side effect of earthquakes. They also found seismites across a large expanse of land and all of them seemed to have similar patterns, indicating they were created at the same time. The chemical analysis of the seismites revealed they date back 2,500 years, when, as per researchers, a magnitude 7 or 8 earthquake reshaped the landscape. Also Read | China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula The source of the Ganges-shifting earthquake could have originated from a subduction zone to the south and east where part of the oceanic crust is working its way underneath Bangladesh, Myanmar, and northeastern India. Also, the large splay faults at the base of the Himalayas may have been the driving force, which is a concerning possibility as research suggests these zones could be due to another earthquake similar in magnitude to that which changed the course of the Ganges. (With inputs from agencies)

River Ganges changed its course after massive earthquake hit its shores 2500 years ago: Study

<p>Over a millennium ago, in July 1054, when Chinese astronomers documented a remarkable "guest star" that shone as brightly as Jupiter for nearly a month, it sparked curiosity and speculations in equal proportions. But the two quickly went into oblivion as the guest star faded from sight. This celestial phenomenon was later identified as a cloud of debris from a dying star, located approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Named the Crab Nebula in the 19th century by Irish astronomer Lord Rosse, it was so called due to its appearance of "streams running out like claws in every direction."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/supernova-hunter-james-webb-spots-most-distant-star-explosion-731106">Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion</a></strong></p>

<p>Now in the twenty first century, the James Webb Space Telescope has provided an unprecedented mosaic of the Crab Nebula. For the first time, astronomers can observe the cage-like formations created by countless dust grains, prominently displayed as fluffy magenta material in the upper right and lower left regions of the image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike other supernova remnants, where dust is concentrated in the central regions, the Crab Nebula’s dust is largely contained within the filaments of its outer shell.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe | Science News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"The Crab Nebula lives up to a tradition in astronomy: The nearest, brightest, and best-studied objects tend to be bizarre," Nathan Smith, co-author of the study from the Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These observations have been detailed in a paper accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes this 'guest star' mysterious?</strong></h2>

<p>Since its explosion as a supernova, the star's shell has been expanding at a staggering rate of approximately 900 miles (1,500 kilometres) per second and now spans about 11 light-years across. Despite its well-documented history and proximity, many details of the explosion have remained a mystery.</p>

<p>The star at the centre&nbsp;of the Crab Nebula likely initiated its demise by producing iron, a process that consumes more energy than it releases, causing the star to collapse under its own gravity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the heart of the nebula now lies a rapidly spinning pulsar, visible in Webb's image as a bright white dot at the centre.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over a millennium ago, in July 1054, when Chinese astronomers documented a remarkable "guest star" that shone as brightly as Jupiter for nearly a month, it sparked curiosity and speculations in equal proportions.

Over a millennium ago, in July 1054, when Chinese astronomers documented a remarkable "guest star" that shone as brightly as Jupiter for nearly a month, it sparked curiosity and speculations in equal proportions. But the two quickly went into oblivion as the guest star faded from sight. This celestial phenomenon was later identified as a cloud of debris from a dying star, located approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus. Named the Crab Nebula in the 19th century by Irish astronomer Lord Rosse, it was so called due to its appearance of "streams running out like claws in every direction." Also read | Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion Now in the twenty first century, the James Webb Space Telescope has provided an unprecedented mosaic of the Crab Nebula. For the first time, astronomers can observe the cage-like formations created by countless dust grains, prominently displayed as fluffy magenta material in the upper right and lower left regions of the image. Unlike other supernova remnants, where dust is concentrated in the central regions, the Crab Nebula’s dust is largely contained within the filaments of its outer shell. Also watch | NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe | Science News | WION × "The Crab Nebula lives up to a tradition in astronomy: The nearest, brightest, and best-studied objects tend to be bizarre," Nathan Smith, co-author of the study from the Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona, said in a statement. These observations have been detailed in a paper accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. What makes this 'guest star' mysterious? Since its explosion as a supernova, the star's shell has been expanding at a staggering rate of approximately 900 miles (1,500 kilometres) per second and now spans about 11 light-years across. Despite its well-documented history and proximity, many details of the explosion have remained a mystery. The star at the centre of the Crab Nebula likely initiated its demise by producing iron, a process that consumes more energy than it releases, causing the star to collapse under its own gravity. At the heart of the nebula now lies a rapidly spinning pulsar, visible in Webb's image as a bright white dot at the centre. (With inputs from agencies)

China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula

<p><em>"With every heart beat we live to see the sunset, with each drop of blood donated; another precious life will live to see the sunrise."</em></p>

<p>In a world where kindness is becoming a rarity, your one simple act of donating blood can save multiple lives. Unfortunately, the noblest of donations has a few takers because of a number of myths and fears.</p>

<p>As per <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blood-safety-and-availability">World Health Donation data</a>, in high-income countries, only 31.5 out of 1000 people donate blood. In upper-middle-income countries, it's 16.4 out of 1000, in lower-middle-income countries 6.6 out of 1000 and in low-income countries, it's 5.0 out of 1000.</p>

<p>To understand why blood donation is important and to bust the many myths around it, WION connected with Dr Kavitha Sudheendran, Family Medicine Physician, Apollo Clinic, Chennai.</p>

<p>"Blood donation is an important part of global healthcare, with over 100 million units contributed annually. Blood donation is crucial for patients undergoing surgery, coping with trauma, managing chronic illness, and battling cancer," says Dr Sudheendran.</p>

<h2><strong>Busting myths about donating blood</strong></h2>

<p>One of the primary concerns that people have when it comes to blood donations is safety, and that giving blood can result in infections.</p>

<p>However, according to Dr Sudheendran, "For donors, it is ensured that blood donation is safe as using sterile single-use needles and equipment ensures no such infections can occur."</p>

<p>Furthermore, she said that the discomfort is minimal and donation has no long-term effect on a donor's immunity or strength.</p>

<p>"The discomfort is slightly noticeable, comparable to a pinch, and the entire process of donation usually lasts less than an hour, which means that it's fast and simple but with minimum inconvenience to an individual."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Another common myth is that people with tattoos are not eligible to donate blood. However, as per the&nbsp;expert, "If your tattoo was made by a registered person, healed well and your condition meets the requirements,&nbsp;then after a while, which can range from 3 to 12 months as stipulated in the said laws, one can donate blood."</p>

<h2><strong>The lives you save</strong></h2>

<p>When you donate blood, it is separated into different components —&nbsp;red blood cells, plasma, and platelets —&nbsp;each of which can save a separate life.</p>

<p>Dr Sudheendran explains that red blood cells are extremely important for treating anaemia and supporting surgeries.&nbsp;Platelets are crucial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with low platelet counts, helping to prevent excessive bleeding and promote wound healing.</p>

<p>Plasma, which is rich in protein and helps with clotting, can aid in treating trauma, burns, and liver diseases. Cryoprecipitate, a component of plasma, is used to manage bleeding disorders like haemophilia by providing essential clotting factors.</p>

<p>By donating blood, not only do you save lives, but it is actually good for your health. "Giving blood regularly is well-tolerated when performed in appropriate intervals (commonly every 8–12 weeks), which promotes good levels of iron for body functioning and is, therefore, conducive to an improved state of heart," stated the family physician.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


"With every heart beat we live to see the sunset, with each drop of blood donated; another precious life will live to see the sunrise." In a world where kindness is becoming a rarity, your one simple act of donating blood can save multiple lives.

"With every heart beat we live to see the sunset, with each drop of blood donated; another precious life will live to see the sunrise." In a world where kindness is becoming a rarity, your one simple act of donating blood can save multiple lives. Unfortunately, the noblest of donations has a few takers because of a number of myths and fears. As per World Health Donation data, in high-income countries, only 31.5 out of 1000 people donate blood. In upper-middle-income countries, it's 16.4 out of 1000, in lower-middle-income countries 6.6 out of 1000 and in low-income countries, it's 5.0 out of 1000. To understand why blood donation is important and to bust the many myths around it, WION connected with Dr Kavitha Sudheendran, Family Medicine Physician, Apollo Clinic, Chennai. "Blood donation is an important part of global healthcare, with over 100 million units contributed annually. Blood donation is crucial for patients undergoing surgery, coping with trauma, managing chronic illness, and battling cancer," says Dr Sudheendran. Busting myths about donating blood One of the primary concerns that people have when it comes to blood donations is safety, and that giving blood can result in infections. However, according to Dr Sudheendran, "For donors, it is ensured that blood donation is safe as using sterile single-use needles and equipment ensures no such infections can occur." Furthermore, she said that the discomfort is minimal and donation has no long-term effect on a donor's immunity or strength. "The discomfort is slightly noticeable, comparable to a pinch, and the entire process of donation usually lasts less than an hour, which means that it's fast and simple but with minimum inconvenience to an individual." Another common myth is that people with tattoos are not eligible to donate blood. However, as per the expert, "If your tattoo was made by a registered person, healed well and your condition meets the requirements, then after a while, which can range from 3 to 12 months as stipulated in the said laws, one can donate blood." The lives you save When you donate blood, it is separated into different components — red blood cells, plasma, and platelets — each of which can save a separate life. Dr Sudheendran explains that red blood cells are extremely important for treating anaemia and supporting surgeries. Platelets are crucial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with low platelet counts, helping to prevent excessive bleeding and promote wound healing. Plasma, which is rich in protein and helps with clotting, can aid in treating trauma, burns, and liver diseases. Cryoprecipitate, a component of plasma, is used to manage bleeding disorders like haemophilia by providing essential clotting factors. By donating blood, not only do you save lives, but it is actually good for your health. "Giving blood regularly is well-tolerated when performed in appropriate intervals (commonly every 8–12 weeks), which promotes good levels of iron for body functioning and is, therefore, conducive to an improved state of heart," stated the family physician.

Gift of life: Debunking myths around blood donation and why it matters

<p>Researchers from the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Saturn's energy dynamics by revealing a seasonal imbalance that could reshape our understanding of planetary climates.</p>

<p>Led by physics professor Liming Li and doctoral student Xinyue Wang, the study, published in Nature Communications, utilised data from the Cassini probe mission to uncover previously unknown variations in Saturn's energy absorption and emission.</p>

<p>Wang explained, "This is the first time that a global energy imbalance on a seasonal scale has been observed on a gas giant."</p>

<p>"In current models and theories of the atmosphere, climate and evolution of the gas giants, the global energy budget is assumed to be balanced," Wang said. "But we believe our discovery of this seasonal energy imbalance necessitates a reevaluation of those models and theories."</p>

<p>Saturn, like other gas giants, receives energy from both solar radiation and internal heat.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-becomes-second-leading-risk-factor-of-deaths-globally-finds-study-733247">Air pollution becomes second leading risk factor of deaths globally, finds study</a></p>

<p>However, its large orbital eccentricity causes dramatic shifts in absorbed solar energy throughout its orbit. This imbalance differs greatly from Earth, which experiences minimal seasonal energy variations due to its nearly circular orbit.</p>

<p>The findings suggested that Saturn's irregular energy budget plays a crucial role in the formation of its intense storms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To our knowledge, the role of energy budget in the development of moist, convective storms on Earth has not been fully examined, so we plan to investigate that as well to see if there's a connection," Wang noted.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-alert-several-plane-sized-objects-hurtling-towards-earth-this-week-733154">Asteroid alert! Several plane-sized objects hurtling towards Earth this week</a></p>

<p>The study challenged existing planetary models that assume a balanced energy budget across gas giants.</p>

<p>Xun Jiang, an atmospheric sciences professor, said that Earth's energy budget is primarily influenced by solar radiation and thermal emission, with internal heat being negligible. However, Saturn's internal heat complicates its seasonal energy dynamics.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Looking ahead, the research team plans to extend their findings to other gas giants like Uranus, anticipating similarly profound energy imbalances.</p>

<p>"Our data suggests these planets will have significant energy imbalances as well, especially Uranus, which we predict will have the strongest imbalance due to its orbital eccentricity and very high obliquity," Wang said.</p>

<p>"What we're investigating now will identify limitations in current observations and formulate testable hypotheses which will benefit that future flagship mission," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers from the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Saturn's energy dynamics by revealing a seasonal imbalance that could reshape our understanding of planetary climates.

Researchers from the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding Saturn's energy dynamics by revealing a seasonal imbalance that could reshape our understanding of planetary climates. Led by physics professor Liming Li and doctoral student Xinyue Wang, the study, published in Nature Communications, utilised data from the Cassini probe mission to uncover previously unknown variations in Saturn's energy absorption and emission. Wang explained, "This is the first time that a global energy imbalance on a seasonal scale has been observed on a gas giant." "In current models and theories of the atmosphere, climate and evolution of the gas giants, the global energy budget is assumed to be balanced," Wang said. "But we believe our discovery of this seasonal energy imbalance necessitates a reevaluation of those models and theories." Saturn, like other gas giants, receives energy from both solar radiation and internal heat. Also Read | Air pollution becomes second leading risk factor of deaths globally, finds study However, its large orbital eccentricity causes dramatic shifts in absorbed solar energy throughout its orbit. This imbalance differs greatly from Earth, which experiences minimal seasonal energy variations due to its nearly circular orbit. The findings suggested that Saturn's irregular energy budget plays a crucial role in the formation of its intense storms. "To our knowledge, the role of energy budget in the development of moist, convective storms on Earth has not been fully examined, so we plan to investigate that as well to see if there's a connection," Wang noted. Also Read | Asteroid alert! Several plane-sized objects hurtling towards Earth this week The study challenged existing planetary models that assume a balanced energy budget across gas giants. Xun Jiang, an atmospheric sciences professor, said that Earth's energy budget is primarily influenced by solar radiation and thermal emission, with internal heat being negligible. However, Saturn's internal heat complicates its seasonal energy dynamics. × Looking ahead, the research team plans to extend their findings to other gas giants like Uranus, anticipating similarly profound energy imbalances. "Our data suggests these planets will have significant energy imbalances as well, especially Uranus, which we predict will have the strongest imbalance due to its orbital eccentricity and very high obliquity," Wang said. "What we're investigating now will identify limitations in current observations and formulate testable hypotheses which will benefit that future flagship mission," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science

<p>A recent study from the University of Southern California suggests that the rapid expansion of internet satellite networks, exemplified by Elon Musk's Starlink, could pose a significant threat to the Earth's ozone layer.</p>

<p>The research, published in the Geophysical Research Letters journal, highlighted&nbsp;concerns over the potential environmental impact of the growing number of low-earth orbit satellites.</p>

<p>According to the study, which examined data from 2016 to 2022, the presence of aluminum oxide in the atmosphere has increased dramatically due to the re-entry of satellites like those in the Starlink constellation.</p>

<p>These satellites, designed with a short lifespan of about five years, contain significant amounts of aluminum that, upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, produce aluminum oxide.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturns-massive-energy-imbalance-challenges-planetary-science-733283">Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science</a></p>

<p>This compound, the scientists warned, triggers chemical reactions that can lead to ozone depletion. Study said that the oxides could last for decades as the particles drift down.</p>

<p>“Only in recent years have people started to think this might become a problem,” one of the study’s authors Joseph Wang said. “We were one of the first teams to look at what the implication of these facts might be."</p>

<p>Nearly 18.7 tons of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, , in 2022 alone, were released into the atmosphere through satellite burn-up.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-becomes-second-leading-risk-factor-of-deaths-globally-finds-study-733247">Air pollution becomes second leading risk factor of deaths globally, finds study</a></p>

<p>With plans to launch thousands more satellites annually, this number could skyrocket to 397 tonnes per year posing a serious risk of "significant ozone depletion."</p>

<p>While earlier satellites operated at higher altitudes, sacrificing speed for longevity, the new approach is to meet the soaring demand for global internet connectivity.</p>

<p>Elon Musk's SpaceX, the driving force behind Starlink, has already launched thousands of satellites since 2019, forming a dense web in low-earth orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-this-black-hole-awakening-the-biggest-find-in-astronomy-733297">Gravitas: Is this "Black Hole Awakening" the biggest find in Astronomy?</a></strong></p>

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<p>“The environmental impacts from the reentry of satellites are currently poorly understood,” the scientists say adding,&nbsp;“As reentry rates increase, it is crucial to further explore the concerns highlighted in this study."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the European Space Agency noted a significant ozone hole over Antarctica in 2023, citing its size, the role of satellite emissions in exacerbating such phenomena remains under scrutiny.</p>

<p>"Unanticipated growth of aluminum oxides may push pause on the ozone success story in decades to come," the scientists wrote.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A recent study from the University of Southern California suggests that the rapid expansion of internet satellite networks, exemplified by Elon Musk's Starlink, could pose a significant threat to the Earth's ozone layer.

A recent study from the University of Southern California suggests that the rapid expansion of internet satellite networks, exemplified by Elon Musk's Starlink, could pose a significant threat to the Earth's ozone layer. The research, published in the Geophysical Research Letters journal, highlighted concerns over the potential environmental impact of the growing number of low-earth orbit satellites. According to the study, which examined data from 2016 to 2022, the presence of aluminum oxide in the atmosphere has increased dramatically due to the re-entry of satellites like those in the Starlink constellation. These satellites, designed with a short lifespan of about five years, contain significant amounts of aluminum that, upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, produce aluminum oxide. Also Read | Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science This compound, the scientists warned, triggers chemical reactions that can lead to ozone depletion. Study said that the oxides could last for decades as the particles drift down. “Only in recent years have people started to think this might become a problem,” one of the study’s authors Joseph Wang said. “We were one of the first teams to look at what the implication of these facts might be." Nearly 18.7 tons of aluminum oxide nanoparticles, , in 2022 alone, were released into the atmosphere through satellite burn-up. Also Read | Air pollution becomes second leading risk factor of deaths globally, finds study With plans to launch thousands more satellites annually, this number could skyrocket to 397 tonnes per year posing a serious risk of "significant ozone depletion." While earlier satellites operated at higher altitudes, sacrificing speed for longevity, the new approach is to meet the soaring demand for global internet connectivity. Elon Musk's SpaceX, the driving force behind Starlink, has already launched thousands of satellites since 2019, forming a dense web in low-earth orbit. Watch | Gravitas: Is this "Black Hole Awakening" the biggest find in Astronomy? × “The environmental impacts from the reentry of satellites are currently poorly understood,” the scientists say adding, “As reentry rates increase, it is crucial to further explore the concerns highlighted in this study." While the European Space Agency noted a significant ozone hole over Antarctica in 2023, citing its size, the role of satellite emissions in exacerbating such phenomena remains under scrutiny. "Unanticipated growth of aluminum oxides may push pause on the ozone success story in decades to come," the scientists wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's Starlink satellites could deplete Earth’s ozone layer, warns study

<p>A number of asteroids, each about the size of an airplane, are expected to make close approaches to Earth this week, NASA said in a statement earlier this week. Among the five asteroids, the largest is estimated to be 110 feet in diameter, while the closest will come within 447,000 miles of our planet.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>While it is common for large asteroids to pass by Earth at a safe distance, this week’s cluster is notable for the number of such encounters. Asteroid 2024 LU1, which is about 71 feet in diameter, made its closest approach on Monday (June 17), passing within 1,150,000 miles of Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | The impact of NASA asteroid deflection</strong></p>

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<p>The next close approach is scheduled for June 19, featuring the largest of the group, which will still be the farthest at a distance of 447,000 miles.</p>

<h2><strong>Which asteroids can be hazardous?</strong></h2>

<p>Asteroids are typically composed of rocky, dusty, and metallic materials. Most asteroids orbit within the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but some follow paths that bring them closer to Earth. These near-Earth asteroids are part of a larger category known as near-Earth objects (NEOs), which also includes comets. NEOs are defined as celestial objects that come within 1.3 astronomical units of the Sun, and within 0.3 astronomical units of Earth’s orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>0.3 astronomical units is approximately 28 million miles.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fastest-spinning-asteroid-recently-hit-earths-atmosphere-and-crashed-in-berlin-716624">Fastest-spinning asteroid recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin</a></strong></p>

<p>For an asteroid to be classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA), it must be at least 140 metres in diameter and come within 7.48 million kilometres of Earth. An asteroid of this size that enters Earth's atmosphere and does not completely burn up could cause significant damage, especially if it were to strike a populated area.</p>

<h2><strong>Difference between asteroids and meteoroids</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Asteroids are different from meteoroids. The former are smaller Sun-orbiting rocks or particles less than three feet in size. When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it creates a light phenomenon known as a meteor. If any part of a meteoroid or asteroid survives the atmospheric entry and lands on Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite.</p>

<p>To monitor and prepare for potential asteroid threats, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) plays a crucial role. The PDCO is responsible for coordinating efforts and creating plans to protect Earth from the potential impacts of hazardous space objects.</p>


A number of asteroids, each about the size of an airplane, are expected to make close approaches to Earth this week, NASA said in a statement earlier this week. Among the five asteroids, the largest is estimated to be 110 feet in diameter, while the closest will come within 447,000 miles of our planet.

A number of asteroids, each about the size of an airplane, are expected to make close approaches to Earth this week, NASA said in a statement earlier this week. Among the five asteroids, the largest is estimated to be 110 feet in diameter, while the closest will come within 447,000 miles of our planet. What does it mean? While it is common for large asteroids to pass by Earth at a safe distance, this week’s cluster is notable for the number of such encounters. Asteroid 2024 LU1, which is about 71 feet in diameter, made its closest approach on Monday (June 17), passing within 1,150,000 miles of Earth. Also watch | Gravitas | The impact of NASA asteroid deflection × The next close approach is scheduled for June 19, featuring the largest of the group, which will still be the farthest at a distance of 447,000 miles. Which asteroids can be hazardous? Asteroids are typically composed of rocky, dusty, and metallic materials. Most asteroids orbit within the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but some follow paths that bring them closer to Earth. These near-Earth asteroids are part of a larger category known as near-Earth objects (NEOs), which also includes comets. NEOs are defined as celestial objects that come within 1.3 astronomical units of the Sun, and within 0.3 astronomical units of Earth’s orbit. 0.3 astronomical units is approximately 28 million miles. Also read | Fastest-spinning asteroid recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin For an asteroid to be classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA), it must be at least 140 metres in diameter and come within 7.48 million kilometres of Earth. An asteroid of this size that enters Earth's atmosphere and does not completely burn up could cause significant damage, especially if it were to strike a populated area. Difference between asteroids and meteoroids Asteroids are different from meteoroids. The former are smaller Sun-orbiting rocks or particles less than three feet in size. When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it creates a light phenomenon known as a meteor. If any part of a meteoroid or asteroid survives the atmospheric entry and lands on Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite. To monitor and prepare for potential asteroid threats, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) plays a crucial role. The PDCO is responsible for coordinating efforts and creating plans to protect Earth from the potential impacts of hazardous space objects.

Asteroid alert! Several plane-sized objects hurtling towards Earth this week

<p>The scientists on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) who are in the midst of a research expedition in the Atacama Trench found Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps at the depth of 2,836 metres. During their research, they also spotted a type of odd-looking sea cucumber.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the researchers find?</strong></h2>

<p>During their expedition in the Atacama Trench, an 8,000-metre-deep formation that stretches along the length of Peru and Chile, the scientists discovered the record-breaking cold seeps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cold seeps, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are locations where hydrocarbon-rich fluid like methane or hydrogen sulphide seeps up from below the seafloor.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/freshwater-and-key-conditions-for-life-first-appeared-on-earth-4-billion-years-ago-study-suggests-732846">Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests</a></strong></p>

<p>These areas which get more difficult to find as you go deeper were discovered by the team on board the R/V Falkor (too) after more than 12 hours using seafloor mapping data.</p>

<p>At 2,836 metres deep, the seeps provide chemical energy for deep-sea animals living without sunlight and offer insights as to how these conditions led to the development of life on Earth, said the team in a press release, on Tuesday (Jun 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The microbes that live on these seeps have amazing strategies for producing food without sunlight,” said expedition lead Dr Lauren Seyler of Stockton University, in the statement. &nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “Here on Earth, life in the dark is alien in its own right and provides critical information for understanding how organisms persist under the most extreme conditions.”</p>

<p>Seyler noted that we are still to figure out how life started on Earth and environments like these “might offer clues about the spark that ignited all the biodiversity on our beautiful planet.”</p>

<h2><strong>Creatures found&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, the researchers said that visual evidence “strongly suggests” that the seeps found are methane seeps, chemosynthetic ecosystems where naturally occurring bubbles of the gas emerge from fissures in the seafloor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They noted that the methane on the seafloor not only provides energy for the bacteria but also acts as a food source for animals like clams, squat lobsters, and tube worms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/atoco-point-nasas-rover-spots-strikingly-mysterious-rock-never-seen-before-on-mars-732906">‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>The team reportedly collected 70 specimens during their expedition and even spotted a sea pig, one of the planet’s strangest deep sea cucumbers, snuffling along the seafloor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sea pig may have gotten its name due to its pink-coloured body and love of the muddy seafloor as it is known for sifting out organic morsels to feed on.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The scientists on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) who are in the midst of a research expedition in the Atacama Trench found Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps at the depth of 2,836 metres.

The scientists on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) who are in the midst of a research expedition in the Atacama Trench found Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps at the depth of 2,836 metres. During their research, they also spotted a type of odd-looking sea cucumber. What did the researchers find? During their expedition in the Atacama Trench, an 8,000-metre-deep formation that stretches along the length of Peru and Chile, the scientists discovered the record-breaking cold seeps. Cold seeps, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are locations where hydrocarbon-rich fluid like methane or hydrogen sulphide seeps up from below the seafloor. Also Read | Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests These areas which get more difficult to find as you go deeper were discovered by the team on board the R/V Falkor (too) after more than 12 hours using seafloor mapping data. At 2,836 metres deep, the seeps provide chemical energy for deep-sea animals living without sunlight and offer insights as to how these conditions led to the development of life on Earth, said the team in a press release, on Tuesday (Jun 18). “The microbes that live on these seeps have amazing strategies for producing food without sunlight,” said expedition lead Dr Lauren Seyler of Stockton University, in the statement. She added, “Here on Earth, life in the dark is alien in its own right and provides critical information for understanding how organisms persist under the most extreme conditions.” Seyler noted that we are still to figure out how life started on Earth and environments like these “might offer clues about the spark that ignited all the biodiversity on our beautiful planet.” Creatures found In a statement, the researchers said that visual evidence “strongly suggests” that the seeps found are methane seeps, chemosynthetic ecosystems where naturally occurring bubbles of the gas emerge from fissures in the seafloor. They noted that the methane on the seafloor not only provides energy for the bacteria but also acts as a food source for animals like clams, squat lobsters, and tube worms. Also Read | ‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars The team reportedly collected 70 specimens during their expedition and even spotted a sea pig, one of the planet’s strangest deep sea cucumbers, snuffling along the seafloor. The sea pig may have gotten its name due to its pink-coloured body and love of the muddy seafloor as it is known for sifting out organic morsels to feed on. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers spot sea pig in Chile’s deepest known cold seeps located 2,836 metres below the sea

<p>A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared&nbsp;origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune. The study, conducted by Kathleen Mandt at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and her colleagues, also suggested that both Triton and Pluto may have formed very close to each other before the solar system settled down.</p>

<p>“They probably formed in the same region, which wouldn’t be where the Kuiper belt is now – it would have been either closer or farther away,” said Mandt.</p>

<h2><strong>The composition</strong></h2>

<p>The team found similarities in the composition of both bodies. Both contain large amounts of nitrogen and carry a substantial amount of methane and carbon monoxide. According to the experts, these gasses may have accumulated in the outer regions of the young nebula that surrounded our sun 4.5 billion years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiwh8vOgOeGAxU_k1YBHXS-CkMQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/supernova-hunter-james-webb-spots-most-distant-star-explosion-731106" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/supernova-hunter-james-webb-spots-most-distant-star-explosion-731106&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiwh8vOgOeGAxU_k1YBHXS-CkMQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion</a></strong></p>

<p>This composition indicates that both bodies may have formed in cold outer regions of the early solar system, where nitrogen was present in abundance.</p>

<h2><strong>Their formation</strong></h2>

<p>According to Mandt, “Both bodies had to have formed beyond the water-ice." Water-ice line refers to the distance from the Sun beyond which water can't remain in a liquid state and freezes into ice.</p>

<p>She added the bodies may have formed within one to five astronomical units (AU), or sun-Earth distances, of each other.</p>

<p>Later for some reason, the scientists estimate, Triton may have ejected from the region and got pulled by Neptune.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiwh8vOgOeGAxU_k1YBHXS-CkMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/4000-year-old-minoan-stone-monument-discovered-in-greeces-crete-during-airport-excavation-732741" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/4000-year-old-minoan-stone-monument-discovered-in-greeces-crete-during-airport-excavation-732741&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiwh8vOgOeGAxU_k1YBHXS-CkMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">4,000-year-old Minoan stone monument discovered in Greece`s Crete during airport excavation</a></strong></p>

<p>"To truly understand where Triton and Pluto came from, we would need to visit the bodies again. However, that's unlikely to happen soon because it takes a long time to travel there,"&nbsp;Mandt added.</p>

<p>Notably, humans have visited both bodies once in the past.</p>

<p>Triton was visited by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989, and Pluto was visited by NASA's New Horizons probe in 2015. Both Triton and Pluto are icy bodies smaller than Earth's moon. They have similar densities and seem to have had underground oceans in the past.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune.

A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune. The study, conducted by Kathleen Mandt at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and her colleagues, also suggested that both Triton and Pluto may have formed very close to each other before the solar system settled down. “They probably formed in the same region, which wouldn’t be where the Kuiper belt is now – it would have been either closer or farther away,” said Mandt. The composition The team found similarities in the composition of both bodies. Both contain large amounts of nitrogen and carry a substantial amount of methane and carbon monoxide. According to the experts, these gasses may have accumulated in the outer regions of the young nebula that surrounded our sun 4.5 billion years ago. Also read: Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion This composition indicates that both bodies may have formed in cold outer regions of the early solar system, where nitrogen was present in abundance. Their formation According to Mandt, “Both bodies had to have formed beyond the water-ice." Water-ice line refers to the distance from the Sun beyond which water can't remain in a liquid state and freezes into ice. She added the bodies may have formed within one to five astronomical units (AU), or sun-Earth distances, of each other. Later for some reason, the scientists estimate, Triton may have ejected from the region and got pulled by Neptune. Also read: 4,000-year-old Minoan stone monument discovered in Greece`s Crete during airport excavation "To truly understand where Triton and Pluto came from, we would need to visit the bodies again. However, that's unlikely to happen soon because it takes a long time to travel there," Mandt added. Notably, humans have visited both bodies once in the past. Triton was visited by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989, and Pluto was visited by NASA's New Horizons probe in 2015. Both Triton and Pluto are icy bodies smaller than Earth's moon. They have similar densities and seem to have had underground oceans in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Pluto and Triton, Neptune's largest moon, originated from Kuiper Belt: Study

<p>Guillermo Söhnlein, the man who founded the company behind the Titan submersible that exploded in the ocean claiming five lives,&nbsp;is now setting his sights on a new frontier: Venus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a blog post in April, the 58-year-old co-founder of OceanGate argued that humans can safely visit and even live on Venus, despite its harsh, inhospitable conditions.</p>

<h2><strong>Mission Venus</strong></h2>

<p>Söhnlein believes that Venus's challenges, such as its high carbon dioxide levels and sulphuric acid clouds, "can be overcome with breathing apparatus and acid-resistant materials".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/atoco-point-nasas-rover-spots-strikingly-mysterious-rock-never-seen-before-on-mars-732906">‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>He suggests that humans could build a home in the Venusian atmosphere, approximately 50&nbsp;km above its surface, where conditions are more Earth-like — as compared to its surface temperature of 864 degrees Fahrenheit (462.22 °C).</p>

<p>"We could embark on our Venusian journey TODAY… and do it safely and cost-effectively," said the OceanGate co-founder.</p>

<p>He argues that Venus is a more accessible option than Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The reality is that Venus is much closer to Earth and has a much more similar orbit, which makes it much more accessible than Mars (lower cost, more frequent flight windows, shorter transit times, higher safety, etc.)"</p>

<p>"Also, we don't have to worry about conducting successful landings on the planet's surface, which is one of the biggest challenges awaiting us on Mars."</p>

<p>Söhnlein believes that sending humans to Venus before Mars could be a safer way to develop the capabilities needed for interplanetary travel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/freshwater-and-key-conditions-for-life-first-appeared-on-earth-4-billion-years-ago-study-suggests-732846">Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests</a></strong></p>

<p>"If anything, one could argue that sending humans to Venus BEFORE sending them to Mars might be a better way to safely develop the capabilities to create a Martian community," he added.</p>

<p>While experts currently believe human life on Venus is nearly impossible, Söhnlein remains undeterred, viewing Venus' colonisation as a feasible goal by 2050.</p>

<p>"[Sending humans to Venus] … is aspirational, but I think it's also very doable by 2050," he had told Business Insider previously.</p>

<h2><strong>Space Bridge Partners</strong></h2>

<p>Humans have never travelled beyond the Moon and Venus is a far-away dream, one which Söhnlein wants to make a reality.</p>

<p>Despite the tragic loss of his co-founder, Stockton Rush, in the Titan submersible incident last June, Söhnlein remains committed to his vision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He founded the Humans2Venus Foundation after leaving OceanGate in January 2020 and continues to advocate for Venus exploration through his new venture, Space Bridge Partners, which connects commercial investors with space exploration missions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Guillermo Söhnlein, the man who founded the company behind the Titan submersible that exploded in the ocean claiming five lives, is now setting his sights on a new frontier: Venus.

Guillermo Söhnlein, the man who founded the company behind the Titan submersible that exploded in the ocean claiming five lives, is now setting his sights on a new frontier: Venus. In a blog post in April, the 58-year-old co-founder of OceanGate argued that humans can safely visit and even live on Venus, despite its harsh, inhospitable conditions. Mission Venus Söhnlein believes that Venus's challenges, such as its high carbon dioxide levels and sulphuric acid clouds, "can be overcome with breathing apparatus and acid-resistant materials". Also read | ‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars He suggests that humans could build a home in the Venusian atmosphere, approximately 50 km above its surface, where conditions are more Earth-like — as compared to its surface temperature of 864 degrees Fahrenheit (462.22 °C). "We could embark on our Venusian journey TODAY… and do it safely and cost-effectively," said the OceanGate co-founder. He argues that Venus is a more accessible option than Mars. "The reality is that Venus is much closer to Earth and has a much more similar orbit, which makes it much more accessible than Mars (lower cost, more frequent flight windows, shorter transit times, higher safety, etc.)" "Also, we don't have to worry about conducting successful landings on the planet's surface, which is one of the biggest challenges awaiting us on Mars." Söhnlein believes that sending humans to Venus before Mars could be a safer way to develop the capabilities needed for interplanetary travel. Also read | Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests "If anything, one could argue that sending humans to Venus BEFORE sending them to Mars might be a better way to safely develop the capabilities to create a Martian community," he added. While experts currently believe human life on Venus is nearly impossible, Söhnlein remains undeterred, viewing Venus' colonisation as a feasible goal by 2050. "[Sending humans to Venus] … is aspirational, but I think it's also very doable by 2050," he had told Business Insider previously. Space Bridge Partners Humans have never travelled beyond the Moon and Venus is a far-away dream, one which Söhnlein wants to make a reality. Despite the tragic loss of his co-founder, Stockton Rush, in the Titan submersible incident last June, Söhnlein remains committed to his vision. He founded the Humans2Venus Foundation after leaving OceanGate in January 2020 and continues to advocate for Venus exploration through his new venture, Space Bridge Partners, which connects commercial investors with space exploration missions. (With inputs from agencies)

Co-founder of company behind Titan submersible wants to send humans to Venus

<p>Scientists&nbsp;have revealed a groundbreaking insight into the mechanics of animal flight by revealing a simple yet universal relationship between body mass, wing area, and flapping frequency across a diverse range of creatures.</p>

<p>These creatures range from birds to extinct pterosaurs, and even swimming mammals.</p>

<p>Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the&nbsp;Roskilde University study introduced a formula derived from fundamental physics principles, particularly dimensional analysis.</p>

<p>This formula established that the frequency at which animals flap their wings or fins is proportional to the square root of the animal’s body mass divided by the wing or fin area.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/freshwater-and-key-conditions-for-life-first-appeared-on-earth-4-billion-years-ago-study-suggests-732846">Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests</a></p>

<p>The researchers tested their equation by comparing it against data on wingbeat frequencies of various animals, including bees, dragonflies, bats, and numerous bird species.</p>

<p>Astonishingly, the formula held true across all these species, demonstrating its universal applicability.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/summer-triangle-of-three-stars-to-mark-the-beginning-of-summer-heres-how-to-spot-it-732764">'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it</a></p>

<p>The equation was also successfully applied to swimming creatures such as penguins and whales, indicating its versatility beyond just airborne animals.</p>

<p>According to the researchers, "the constant of proportionality is to a good approximation the same across all species; thus the equation is universal."</p>

<p>In a surprising finding, the formula even accurately predicted the wingbeat frequency of Quetzalcoatlus northropi, an extinct pterosaur known for its immense size during the dinosaur era.</p>

<p>With a wingspan exceeding 10 metres, the ancient creature would have flapped its wings at a frequency of approximately 0.7 Hertz, or about 42 times per minute.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>Commenting on their results, the scientists noted, "As physicists, we were surprised to see how well our simple prediction of the wing-beat formula works for such a diverse collection of animals."</p>

<p>This discovery shed light on the fundamental mechanics of flight and swimming but also offers a valuable tool for understanding the behaviors and energy dynamics of various animal species across evolutionary history.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have revealed a groundbreaking insight into the mechanics of animal flight by revealing a simple yet universal relationship between body mass, wing area, and flapping frequency across a diverse range of creatures.

Scientists have revealed a groundbreaking insight into the mechanics of animal flight by revealing a simple yet universal relationship between body mass, wing area, and flapping frequency across a diverse range of creatures. These creatures range from birds to extinct pterosaurs, and even swimming mammals. Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the Roskilde University study introduced a formula derived from fundamental physics principles, particularly dimensional analysis. This formula established that the frequency at which animals flap their wings or fins is proportional to the square root of the animal’s body mass divided by the wing or fin area. Also Read | Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests The researchers tested their equation by comparing it against data on wingbeat frequencies of various animals, including bees, dragonflies, bats, and numerous bird species. Astonishingly, the formula held true across all these species, demonstrating its universal applicability. Also Read | 'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it The equation was also successfully applied to swimming creatures such as penguins and whales, indicating its versatility beyond just airborne animals. According to the researchers, "the constant of proportionality is to a good approximation the same across all species; thus the equation is universal." In a surprising finding, the formula even accurately predicted the wingbeat frequency of Quetzalcoatlus northropi, an extinct pterosaur known for its immense size during the dinosaur era. With a wingspan exceeding 10 metres, the ancient creature would have flapped its wings at a frequency of approximately 0.7 Hertz, or about 42 times per minute. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × Commenting on their results, the scientists noted, "As physicists, we were surprised to see how well our simple prediction of the wing-beat formula works for such a diverse collection of animals." This discovery shed light on the fundamental mechanics of flight and swimming but also offers a valuable tool for understanding the behaviors and energy dynamics of various animal species across evolutionary history. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing-flapping frequencies

<p>There are innumerable proofs and theories regarding how Earth was formed but the timelines for the appearance of freshwater reservoirs on Earth remained uncertain, until now. Researchers now have found evidence of freshwater in a major breakthrough.</p>

<p>Freshwater from atmospheric sources appeared on Earth’s surface about 4 million years ago, which is 500 million years earlier than previously thought, as per a new study published in Nature Geoscience.</p>

<p>Researchers found the evidence for the same in ancient zircon crystals from Jack Hills situated in Western Australia. The team conducted oxygen isotope analysis on these crystals which determined when their hydrological cycle might have begun. These zircons were found to be resilient against weathering and environmental changes. The crystals, which are the oldest on Earth, provided rare and deep insights into the planet’s early history.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/4000-year-old-minoan-stone-monument-discovered-in-greeces-crete-during-airport-excavation-732741">4,000-year-old Minoan stone monument discovered in Greece's Crete during airport excavation</a></p>

<p>“We were able to date the origins of the hydrological cycle, which is the continuous movement of water between land, oceans, and the atmosphere through processes like evaporation and precipitation. This cycle is essential for sustaining ecosystems and life on our planet,” said Dr Hamed Gamaleldien, a lead researcher from Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Khalifa University in the UAE.</p>

<p>Dr Gamaleldien further explained that analysing the ancient zircons pushed back the timeline for the appearance of freshwater on Earth by 500 million years.</p>

<p>“By examining tiny zircon crystals, we found exceptionally light oxygen isotopic signatures, which are indicative of interaction with fresh water rather than salty ocean water, dating back 4 billion years,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-lost-city-of-pearls-off-uae-coast-732700">Lost city from 4th century famous for its pearls discovered near UAE</a></p>

<p>These light oxygen isotopes were typically the result of interactions between hot, fresh water and rock several kilometres below the Earth's surface.</p>

<p>“For the zircons we analyzed to have such light oxygen signatures, the rock must have been altered by freshwater, melted, and then solidified again. This evidence of freshwater 4 billion years ago challenges the theory that Earth was entirely covered by an ocean at that time,” Dr Gamaleldien added.</p>

<p>Dr. Hugo KH Olierook, another researcher from Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, emphasised the significance of this discovery for understanding Earth’s formation and the origin of life.</p>

<p>“Our research represents a significant advancement in understanding Earth’s early history and opens doors for future studies on the origins of life,” said Olierook.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There are innumerable proofs and theories regarding how Earth was formed but the timelines for the appearance of freshwater reservoirs on Earth remained uncertain, until now.

There are innumerable proofs and theories regarding how Earth was formed but the timelines for the appearance of freshwater reservoirs on Earth remained uncertain, until now. Researchers now have found evidence of freshwater in a major breakthrough. Freshwater from atmospheric sources appeared on Earth’s surface about 4 million years ago, which is 500 million years earlier than previously thought, as per a new study published in Nature Geoscience. Researchers found the evidence for the same in ancient zircon crystals from Jack Hills situated in Western Australia. The team conducted oxygen isotope analysis on these crystals which determined when their hydrological cycle might have begun. These zircons were found to be resilient against weathering and environmental changes. The crystals, which are the oldest on Earth, provided rare and deep insights into the planet’s early history. Also Read | 4,000-year-old Minoan stone monument discovered in Greece's Crete during airport excavation “We were able to date the origins of the hydrological cycle, which is the continuous movement of water between land, oceans, and the atmosphere through processes like evaporation and precipitation. This cycle is essential for sustaining ecosystems and life on our planet,” said Dr Hamed Gamaleldien, a lead researcher from Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Khalifa University in the UAE. Dr Gamaleldien further explained that analysing the ancient zircons pushed back the timeline for the appearance of freshwater on Earth by 500 million years. “By examining tiny zircon crystals, we found exceptionally light oxygen isotopic signatures, which are indicative of interaction with fresh water rather than salty ocean water, dating back 4 billion years,” he said. Also Read | Lost city from 4th century famous for its pearls discovered near UAE These light oxygen isotopes were typically the result of interactions between hot, fresh water and rock several kilometres below the Earth's surface. “For the zircons we analyzed to have such light oxygen signatures, the rock must have been altered by freshwater, melted, and then solidified again. This evidence of freshwater 4 billion years ago challenges the theory that Earth was entirely covered by an ocean at that time,” Dr Gamaleldien added. Dr. Hugo KH Olierook, another researcher from Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, emphasised the significance of this discovery for understanding Earth’s formation and the origin of life. “Our research represents a significant advancement in understanding Earth’s early history and opens doors for future studies on the origins of life,” said Olierook. (With inputs from agencies)

Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests

<p>Research that examined data from 55 US&nbsp;poison centres&nbsp;between 2013 and 2022 found that calls to poison control centres increased nationwide among teenagers and young people exposed to psychedelic psilocybin following the decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin in several states.</p>

<p>"Magic mushroom" which is popular as a recreational drug and was decriminalised in Denver, Colorado, in 2019, contains psilocybin.</p>

<p>Decriminalising shifts the attention of law enforcement to other offences, but it does not make psilocybin legal. Denver was also the first city to legalise small quantities of marijuana in 2005, and it continues to advocate for drug policy reform.</p>

<p>Only two states have made it legal to buy, possess, and even grow magic mushrooms: Colorado in 2022 and Oregon in 2020, both of which legalised psilocybin.</p>

<p>Psilocybin, which is present in magic mushrooms, causes a psychedelic experience that includes euphoria and changes in the way a person perceives time and space.</p>

<p>Psychosis, delusions, hallucinations&nbsp;and agitation can also result from psilocybin usage. According to the Controlled Substances Act, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no recognised medicinal value.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-dance-of-fire-and-ice-esa-unveils-marvellous-photos-of-mysterious-star-system-732593">‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the report, teenage psilocybin usage increased steadily starting in 2019. Serious medical consequences were encountered by several of these young individuals. In May 2019, Denver voters approved a ballot proposition to become the first city to decriminalise psilocybin, prompting a surge in calls.</p>

<p>Since then, psilocybin has also been decriminalised in a number of other places, including Seattle, Detroit, and Washington, DC. There is pending legislation in other states and cities.</p>

<p>The National Poison Data System recorded 4,055 cases of psilocybin-related exposures among youth aged 13 to 25 during the 10 years of the study.</p>

<p>Before legalisation in Denver took effect in 2018, there was little variation in the number of psilocybin-related cases across all age groups. The first legalisation occurred in 2019, coinciding with a significant annual increase in instances among 13 to 18-year-olds, and among 19 to 25-year-olds beginning in 2020.</p>

<p>In only two years, the number of psilocybin instances reported to American poison centres increased thrice among teenagers and twice among young adults when compared to 2018.</p>

<p>75.3% of the instances that were recorded for teenagers and 72.1% for young adults needed medical assistance, which included hospital or mental institution admissions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Research that examined data from 55 US poison centres between 2013 and 2022 found that calls to poison control centres increased nationwide among teenagers and young people exposed to psychedelic psilocybin following the decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin in several states.

Research that examined data from 55 US poison centres between 2013 and 2022 found that calls to poison control centres increased nationwide among teenagers and young people exposed to psychedelic psilocybin following the decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin in several states. "Magic mushroom" which is popular as a recreational drug and was decriminalised in Denver, Colorado, in 2019, contains psilocybin. Decriminalising shifts the attention of law enforcement to other offences, but it does not make psilocybin legal. Denver was also the first city to legalise small quantities of marijuana in 2005, and it continues to advocate for drug policy reform. Only two states have made it legal to buy, possess, and even grow magic mushrooms: Colorado in 2022 and Oregon in 2020, both of which legalised psilocybin. Psilocybin, which is present in magic mushrooms, causes a psychedelic experience that includes euphoria and changes in the way a person perceives time and space. Psychosis, delusions, hallucinations and agitation can also result from psilocybin usage. According to the Controlled Substances Act, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no recognised medicinal value. Also read: ‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system According to the report, teenage psilocybin usage increased steadily starting in 2019. Serious medical consequences were encountered by several of these young individuals. In May 2019, Denver voters approved a ballot proposition to become the first city to decriminalise psilocybin, prompting a surge in calls. Since then, psilocybin has also been decriminalised in a number of other places, including Seattle, Detroit, and Washington, DC. There is pending legislation in other states and cities. The National Poison Data System recorded 4,055 cases of psilocybin-related exposures among youth aged 13 to 25 during the 10 years of the study. Before legalisation in Denver took effect in 2018, there was little variation in the number of psilocybin-related cases across all age groups. The first legalisation occurred in 2019, coinciding with a significant annual increase in instances among 13 to 18-year-olds, and among 19 to 25-year-olds beginning in 2020. In only two years, the number of psilocybin instances reported to American poison centres increased thrice among teenagers and twice among young adults when compared to 2018. 75.3% of the instances that were recorded for teenagers and 72.1% for young adults needed medical assistance, which included hospital or mental institution admissions. (With inputs from agencies)

Legal highs, scary lows: Decriminalisation of 'magic mushrooms' linked to rise in calls for help

<p>NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago.</p>

<p>The rover discovered a striking light-coloured boulder that stood out among the dark rocks in its proximity while traversing Neretva Vallis on Mars, a region that was once an ancient river channel feeding into the Jezero crater.</p>

<p>"Every once in a while, you'll just see some strange thing in the Martian landscape, and the team is like, 'Oh, let's go over there,'" said Katie Stack Morgan, deputy project scientist for NASA's Mars 2020 mission.</p>

<p>"This was like the textbook definition of [chasing] the bright, shiny thing because it was so bright and white,” she added.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-uncover-universal-formula-for-bird-wing-flapping-frequencies-732870">Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing flapping frequencies</a></p>

<p>NASA described the boulder as belonging to "a type never observed before on Mars."</p>

<p>What is the mystery of the uncanny rock?</p>

<p>The strange boulder nicknamed ‘Atoco Point’ measured roughly 18 inches across and 14 inches tall, was speckled and conspicuously light-toned.</p>

<p>It was spotted among a field of darker boulders on the ‘Mount Washburn’ hill.</p>

<p>"The diversity of textures and compositions at Mount Washburn was an exciting discovery for the team, as these rocks represent a grab bag of geologic gifts brought down from the crater rim and potentially beyond," said Brad Garczynski of Western Washington University, who co-leads the current Perseverance mission, in a statement.</p>

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<p>A deeper examination of the rock using the rover's instruments suggested it is presumably an anorthosite, a type of rock commonly found on the moon and in some of Earth's mountain ranges.&nbsp;<br />
However, it was previously undetected on Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said that the boulder was composed of the minerals pyroxene and feldspar, raising speculations from some scientists about its origin possibly being linked to magma that originated below the surface of Mars and may have become exposed on the rim of the Jezero crater over time because of erosion.</p>

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<p>Meanwhile, other scientists suggested that in case the boulder belonged to a different part of the red planet, it may have moved with the ancient river channel to its present location on the rim and therefore appears out of place on Washburn Hill.</p>

<p>All of the Perseverance scientists believe that more rocks with a similar composition must exist elsewhere on Mars, NASA said.</p>

<p>Scientists believe that learning about the makeup of Mars and its past could help them figure out whether the planet's current landscape could ever be habitable for humans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It could also offer important clues about the origins and evolution of&nbsp;life&nbsp;on&nbsp;Earth.</p>


NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago.

NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago. The rover discovered a striking light-coloured boulder that stood out among the dark rocks in its proximity while traversing Neretva Vallis on Mars, a region that was once an ancient river channel feeding into the Jezero crater. "Every once in a while, you'll just see some strange thing in the Martian landscape, and the team is like, 'Oh, let's go over there,'" said Katie Stack Morgan, deputy project scientist for NASA's Mars 2020 mission. "This was like the textbook definition of [chasing] the bright, shiny thing because it was so bright and white,” she added. Also Read | Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing flapping frequencies NASA described the boulder as belonging to "a type never observed before on Mars." What is the mystery of the uncanny rock? The strange boulder nicknamed ‘Atoco Point’ measured roughly 18 inches across and 14 inches tall, was speckled and conspicuously light-toned. It was spotted among a field of darker boulders on the ‘Mount Washburn’ hill. "The diversity of textures and compositions at Mount Washburn was an exciting discovery for the team, as these rocks represent a grab bag of geologic gifts brought down from the crater rim and potentially beyond," said Brad Garczynski of Western Washington University, who co-leads the current Perseverance mission, in a statement. Also Read | 'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it A deeper examination of the rock using the rover's instruments suggested it is presumably an anorthosite, a type of rock commonly found on the moon and in some of Earth's mountain ranges. However, it was previously undetected on Mars. NASA said that the boulder was composed of the minerals pyroxene and feldspar, raising speculations from some scientists about its origin possibly being linked to magma that originated below the surface of Mars and may have become exposed on the rim of the Jezero crater over time because of erosion. Watch | Exhibition on civilisation of ancient Egypt to open at Shanghai Museum × Meanwhile, other scientists suggested that in case the boulder belonged to a different part of the red planet, it may have moved with the ancient river channel to its present location on the rim and therefore appears out of place on Washburn Hill. All of the Perseverance scientists believe that more rocks with a similar composition must exist elsewhere on Mars, NASA said. Scientists believe that learning about the makeup of Mars and its past could help them figure out whether the planet's current landscape could ever be habitable for humans. It could also offer important clues about the origins and evolution of life on Earth.

‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars

<p>The eastern sky is all set to throw hints that summer has officially begun. A group of distinct stars called the Summer Triangle is all set to make an elaborate appearance in the night sky.</p>

<p>The Summer Triangle is seen as a sign of the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere (where it is known as the Winter Triangle) by astronomers. The Summer Triangle also acts as a cue to spot the Milky Way if you are under dark skies this season.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-dance-of-fire-and-ice-esa-unveils-marvellous-photos-of-mysterious-star-system-732593">‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system</a></p>

<p>Though a pattern of three stars, the Summer Triangle is not a constellation, but an asterism which is a simple pattern formed by stars from different constellations. It includes one bright star from each of three constellations- Vega in Lyra, Deneb in Cygnus and Altair in Aquila.</p>

<h2><strong>How to spot Summer Triangle in the night sky?</strong></h2>

<p>Among the three stars in the triad, Vega is the easiest one to spot. After the Summer Triangle rises in the east, the Vega is the first one to become visible. It is one of the most famous and brightest stars because it is large and quite close to the Earth at only 25 light-years away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rising below and to the right of Vega on the horizon is Altair, the 12th brightest star in the night sky. Like Vega, it is bright because it is close, a mere 17 light-years&nbsp;from Earth. Like Vega, Altair is about twice the mass and radius of the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-spot-two-blazing-quasars-merging-together-in-cosmic-dawn-900-million-years-after-big-bang-732709">Scientists spot two blazing quasars merging together in Cosmic Dawn 900 million years after Big Bang</a></p>

<p>The third star, Deneb is a bit different when it comes to its spotting and composition. It is the 19th brightest star in the night sky but is much farther away than Vega and Altair- at 2,600 light years away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deneb is so bright because it is a supergiant star which is 20 times the mass and around 200 times the radius of the sun. It is one of the farther stars that can be seen with the naked eye.</p>

<p>The Summer Triangle is worth spotting and following throughout the summer. It will be situated across a rich field of the Milky Way, so if you're in a dark sky park or anywhere with low levels of light pollution, find the Summer Triangle, and you will see the Milky Way running through it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The eastern sky is all set to throw hints that summer has officially begun. A group of distinct stars called the Summer Triangle is all set to make an elaborate appearance in the night sky.

The eastern sky is all set to throw hints that summer has officially begun. A group of distinct stars called the Summer Triangle is all set to make an elaborate appearance in the night sky. The Summer Triangle is seen as a sign of the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere (where it is known as the Winter Triangle) by astronomers. The Summer Triangle also acts as a cue to spot the Milky Way if you are under dark skies this season. Also Read | ‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system Though a pattern of three stars, the Summer Triangle is not a constellation, but an asterism which is a simple pattern formed by stars from different constellations. It includes one bright star from each of three constellations- Vega in Lyra, Deneb in Cygnus and Altair in Aquila. How to spot Summer Triangle in the night sky? Among the three stars in the triad, Vega is the easiest one to spot. After the Summer Triangle rises in the east, the Vega is the first one to become visible. It is one of the most famous and brightest stars because it is large and quite close to the Earth at only 25 light-years away. Rising below and to the right of Vega on the horizon is Altair, the 12th brightest star in the night sky. Like Vega, it is bright because it is close, a mere 17 light-years from Earth. Like Vega, Altair is about twice the mass and radius of the sun. Also Read | Scientists spot two blazing quasars merging together in Cosmic Dawn 900 million years after Big Bang The third star, Deneb is a bit different when it comes to its spotting and composition. It is the 19th brightest star in the night sky but is much farther away than Vega and Altair- at 2,600 light years away. Deneb is so bright because it is a supergiant star which is 20 times the mass and around 200 times the radius of the sun. It is one of the farther stars that can be seen with the naked eye. The Summer Triangle is worth spotting and following throughout the summer. It will be situated across a rich field of the Milky Way, so if you're in a dark sky park or anywhere with low levels of light pollution, find the Summer Triangle, and you will see the Milky Way running through it. (With inputs from agencies)

'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it

<p>On the Greek island of Crete, archaeologists have made a remarkable find: a 4,000-year-old ring-shaped stone monument. Located on Papoura Hill, this 1,800-square-metre&nbsp;structure as per estimates belongs to the Bronze Age period. It was discovered during excavation for a big airport project.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What's so remarkable about it?</strong></h2>

<p>The monument is thought to have served a ritual or religious function and was built using eight concentric rings of stone, each 1.4 metres thick. Some of them still stand at a height of 1.7 metres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-lost-city-of-pearls-off-uae-coast-732700">Scientists discover lost city of pearls off UAE coast</a></strong></p>

<p>The architects of this ancient structure, as per Science Alert, were from the Minoan culture that built the peak sanctuaries&nbsp;— hill&nbsp;and mountaintop sites believed to have been used in ancient rituals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the purpose of the circular structure is a mystery, the researchers speculate that it was used for ritual ceremonies.</p>

<p>In an announcement, the Greek Culture Ministry said that "it may have been periodically used for possibly ritual ceremonies involving consumption of food, wine, and perhaps offerings," since the site has a large number of animal bones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main period of use for this monument, as per the report, was during the Middle Minoan period (2000 –1700 BCE).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/after-228-years-summer-solstice-is-coming-earlier-than-usual-due-to-this-simple-reason-732683">After 228 years, summer solstice is coming earlier than usual due to this simple reason</a></strong></p>

<p>The Greek Culture Ministry has assured that the site will be protected from modern construction so that it can continue to allow further archaeological research and preservation of this remarkable find.</p>

<p>"This is a unique find of great interest. There are solutions, so that the archaeological research of the monument is completed, and it is completely protected," said archaeologist Lina Mendoni, the Greek Minister of Culture.</p>

<p>"The priority of all of us is the protection of the monument… We all understand the importance and value of cultural heritage."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the Greek island of Crete, archaeologists have made a remarkable find: a 4,000-year-old ring-shaped stone monument. Located on Papoura Hill, this 1,800-square-metre structure as per estimates belongs to the Bronze Age period.

On the Greek island of Crete, archaeologists have made a remarkable find: a 4,000-year-old ring-shaped stone monument. Located on Papoura Hill, this 1,800-square-metre structure as per estimates belongs to the Bronze Age period. It was discovered during excavation for a big airport project. What's so remarkable about it? The monument is thought to have served a ritual or religious function and was built using eight concentric rings of stone, each 1.4 metres thick. Some of them still stand at a height of 1.7 metres. Also read | Scientists discover lost city of pearls off UAE coast The architects of this ancient structure, as per Science Alert, were from the Minoan culture that built the peak sanctuaries — hill and mountaintop sites believed to have been used in ancient rituals. Although the purpose of the circular structure is a mystery, the researchers speculate that it was used for ritual ceremonies. In an announcement, the Greek Culture Ministry said that "it may have been periodically used for possibly ritual ceremonies involving consumption of food, wine, and perhaps offerings," since the site has a large number of animal bones. The main period of use for this monument, as per the report, was during the Middle Minoan period (2000 –1700 BCE). Also read | After 228 years, summer solstice is coming earlier than usual due to this simple reason The Greek Culture Ministry has assured that the site will be protected from modern construction so that it can continue to allow further archaeological research and preservation of this remarkable find. "This is a unique find of great interest. There are solutions, so that the archaeological research of the monument is completed, and it is completely protected," said archaeologist Lina Mendoni, the Greek Minister of Culture. "The priority of all of us is the protection of the monument… We all understand the importance and value of cultural heritage." (With inputs from agencies)

4,000-year-old Minoan stone monument discovered in Greece's Crete during airport excavation

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid73wyNyB7cthK" /></p>

<p>Scientists have caught&nbsp;two blazing quasars- galaxies powered by supermassive black holes-&nbsp;in the act of merging in the Cosmic Dawn 900 million years after the Big Bang. A report by ScienceAlert on Tuesday (June 18) said that it was the first colliding&nbsp;quasar pair that scientists found.</p>

<p>A time of intense cosmic formation in the wake of the Big Bang, this period should be positively riddled with merging galaxies, but previous searches have only turned up loners, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Astronomer Yoshiki Matsuoka from Japan's&nbsp;Ehime University said that the existence of merging&nbsp;quasars in the Epoch of Reionization has been anticipated for a long time.&nbsp;"It has now been confirmed for the first time,"&nbsp;Matsuoka added.</p>

<h2><strong>One of the brightest objects in Universe</strong></h2>

<p>Quasars are one of the brightest objects in the Universe. Scientists believe that quasars&nbsp;can form when two galaxies merge, a process that results in a higher concentration of material in the galactic centre.</p>

<p>The discovery of the&nbsp;two blazing quasars was accidental, the report pointed out.</p>

<p>Matsuoka and his colleagues&nbsp;were poring over data collected using the Subaru Telescope when they found something unusual. The astronomer said that while screening images of quasar candidates, he noticed two similar&nbsp;and extremely red sources next to each other.</p>

<h2><strong>Separation by gap of 40,000 light-years</strong></h2>

<p>A pair of red blobs side-by-side could mean anything. ScienceAlert said that for example, the light&nbsp;of a single object can be split and duplicated by the gravitational warping of space-time between the source and the viewer, causing a single object to look like two or more.</p>

<p>So, scientists&nbsp;conducted follow-up observations using the Subaru Telescope and Gemini North, as well as the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array.</p>

<p>The observations revealed&nbsp;that not only were the objects real and very far away&nbsp;but were right next to each other, separated by a gap of 40,000 light years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team also found that a significant proportion of the light emitted by the galaxies is from star formation&nbsp;and that a bridge of gas connects them, revealing that the two were in the process of merging.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have caught two blazing quasars- galaxies powered by supermassive black holes- in the act of merging in the Cosmic Dawn 900 million years after the Big Bang.

Scientists have caught two blazing quasars- galaxies powered by supermassive black holes- in the act of merging in the Cosmic Dawn 900 million years after the Big Bang. A report by ScienceAlert on Tuesday (June 18) said that it was the first colliding quasar pair that scientists found. A time of intense cosmic formation in the wake of the Big Bang, this period should be positively riddled with merging galaxies, but previous searches have only turned up loners, the report said. Astronomer Yoshiki Matsuoka from Japan's Ehime University said that the existence of merging quasars in the Epoch of Reionization has been anticipated for a long time. "It has now been confirmed for the first time," Matsuoka added. One of the brightest objects in Universe Quasars are one of the brightest objects in the Universe. Scientists believe that quasars can form when two galaxies merge, a process that results in a higher concentration of material in the galactic centre. The discovery of the two blazing quasars was accidental, the report pointed out. Matsuoka and his colleagues were poring over data collected using the Subaru Telescope when they found something unusual. The astronomer said that while screening images of quasar candidates, he noticed two similar and extremely red sources next to each other. Separation by gap of 40,000 light-years A pair of red blobs side-by-side could mean anything. ScienceAlert said that for example, the light of a single object can be split and duplicated by the gravitational warping of space-time between the source and the viewer, causing a single object to look like two or more. So, scientists conducted follow-up observations using the Subaru Telescope and Gemini North, as well as the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array. The observations revealed that not only were the objects real and very far away but were right next to each other, separated by a gap of 40,000 light years. The team also found that a significant proportion of the light emitted by the galaxies is from star formation and that a bridge of gas connects them, revealing that the two were in the process of merging. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists spot two blazing quasars merging together in Cosmic Dawn 900 million years after Big Bang

<p>A long-lost ancient city famed for its pearl industry may have been identified by archaeologists on Siniyah Island, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Researchers have discovered a collection of ancient residential buildings believed to be part of the historical city of Tu'am, according to the Umm al-Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology.</p>

<p>Although Tu'am is documented in historical sources, its precise location was never precisely known. Previous theories placed Tu'am in other parts of the UAE, but recent findings on Siniyah Island suggest otherwise.</p>

<p>Michele Degli Esposti, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain and a researcher with the Polish Academy of Sciences, told The National newspaper that these findings are significant. "This is really exciting," he said. "This site is incredibly promising."</p>

<h2><strong>History of Tu'am</strong></h2>

<p>Tu'am is believed to date back to at least the fourth century, reaching its peak in the sixth century. The city is&nbsp;frequently referenced in ancient texts for its pearls. Scholars consider Tu'am to have been the capital of a coastal territory famous for its pearl fishing industry.</p>

<p>The city's decline is attributed to regional conflicts and a bubonic plague epidemic that swept through the Near East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Europe in the sixth century. Eventually, Tu'am faded into obscurity. However, the discovery of densely packed ancient residential units on Siniyah Island might be evidence of this lost settlement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ecuador: 2000-year-old cities found in Upano valley, Pre-Hispanic settlement discovered</strong></p>

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<p>In recent years, archaeologists also uncovered a pearling village and a Christian monastery in the same area on the island. This latest discovery suggests a much larger and significant settlement existed there.</p>

<p>Tim Power of United Arab Emirates University told The National, "Our archaeological work has discovered the largest settlement by far ever found on the Gulf coast of the Emirates. It's from the exact period described in early Islamic geographical sources. This is clearly a significant site that no one had previously identified."</p>

<p>The settlement on Siniyah Island appears to have drawn Christian monks, who established a monastery between the late sixth and early seventh centuries. Tu'am was believed to be a Christian settlement for around 200 years before the spread of Islam in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A long-lost ancient city famed for its pearl industry may have been identified by archaeologists on Siniyah Island, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A long-lost ancient city famed for its pearl industry may have been identified by archaeologists on Siniyah Island, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Researchers have discovered a collection of ancient residential buildings believed to be part of the historical city of Tu'am, according to the Umm al-Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology. Although Tu'am is documented in historical sources, its precise location was never precisely known. Previous theories placed Tu'am in other parts of the UAE, but recent findings on Siniyah Island suggest otherwise. Michele Degli Esposti, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain and a researcher with the Polish Academy of Sciences, told The National newspaper that these findings are significant. "This is really exciting," he said. "This site is incredibly promising." History of Tu'am Tu'am is believed to date back to at least the fourth century, reaching its peak in the sixth century. The city is frequently referenced in ancient texts for its pearls. Scholars consider Tu'am to have been the capital of a coastal territory famous for its pearl fishing industry. The city's decline is attributed to regional conflicts and a bubonic plague epidemic that swept through the Near East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Europe in the sixth century. Eventually, Tu'am faded into obscurity. However, the discovery of densely packed ancient residential units on Siniyah Island might be evidence of this lost settlement. Also watch | Ecuador: 2000-year-old cities found in Upano valley, Pre-Hispanic settlement discovered × In recent years, archaeologists also uncovered a pearling village and a Christian monastery in the same area on the island. This latest discovery suggests a much larger and significant settlement existed there. Tim Power of United Arab Emirates University told The National, "Our archaeological work has discovered the largest settlement by far ever found on the Gulf coast of the Emirates. It's from the exact period described in early Islamic geographical sources. This is clearly a significant site that no one had previously identified." The settlement on Siniyah Island appears to have drawn Christian monks, who established a monastery between the late sixth and early seventh centuries. Tu'am was believed to be a Christian settlement for around 200 years before the spread of Islam in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Lost city from 4th century famous for its pearls discovered near UAE

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) has shared the magnificent glimpses of an ‘enigmatic’ star system 3,400 light-years away, dubbing it a 'cosmic dance of fire and ice'.</p>

<p>The symbiotic star, located in the Sagitta constellation, comprises a red giant and its white dwarf companion, which are becoming increasingly hotter and dimmer.</p>

<p>''It's a tale of two stars: a red giant generously donates material to its white dwarf companion, creating a dazzling display. The red haze? That's the red giant's powerful wind! But Mira HM Sge is a real enigma,'' the ESA wrote in its Instagram post on Friday (June 14).</p>

<p>The post includes four images that piece the puzzle of the symbiotic star system Mira HM Sge together.</p>

<h2><strong>The Mira HM Sge star system</strong></h2>

<p>As per the ESA, the mysterious stars startled astronomers earlier in 1975 with a ''nova-like outburst''— growing some 250 times brighter between April and September of that year.<br />
However, unlike most novae, it has not faded in the ensuing decades.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-find-proof-of-biblical-battle-between-gods-angel-and-assyrian-soldiers-in-jerusalem-732394">A Biblical battle was fought 2,700 years ago in Jerusalem, and we now have proof</a></p>

<p>Recent observations indicate that the system has gotten hotter, but paradoxically faded a little.</p>

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<p>“This system first flared up as a nova in 1975. The red nebulosity is evidence of the stellar wind. The nebula is about one-quarter light-year across,” its profile on the NASA website explains.<br />
Infrared spectral data shows that the giant star, which produces copious amounts of dust returned to its normal behaviour within only a couple years of the explosion but dimmed in recent years.</p>

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<p>“Thanks to Hubble and the retired SOFIA telescope, we’re piecing together the puzzle. Hubble’s ultraviolet data reveals scorching temperatures around the white dwarf, while SOFIA detected water flowing at incredible speeds, hinting at a swirling disk of material,” the caption of the post reads.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>The estimated temperature of the white dwarf and accretion disk has increased from less than 220,000 degrees Celsius in 1989 to greater than 250,000 degrees Celsius, Ultraviolet data from the Hubble indicates.</p>

<p>The bridge of gas connecting the giant star to the white dwarf presently spans about 3.2 billion kilometres.</p>

<p>Reacting to the image, one user wrote, ''really amazing this dance of swapping material between the red giant and the white dwarf.''<br />
Another commented, ''This is so beautiful and enigmatic, love it.'' A third said, ''awesome&nbsp;shots.''</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency (ESA) has shared the magnificent glimpses of an ‘enigmatic’ star system 3,400 light-years away, dubbing it a 'cosmic dance of fire and ice'.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has shared the magnificent glimpses of an ‘enigmatic’ star system 3,400 light-years away, dubbing it a 'cosmic dance of fire and ice'. The symbiotic star, located in the Sagitta constellation, comprises a red giant and its white dwarf companion, which are becoming increasingly hotter and dimmer. ''It's a tale of two stars: a red giant generously donates material to its white dwarf companion, creating a dazzling display. The red haze? That's the red giant's powerful wind! But Mira HM Sge is a real enigma,'' the ESA wrote in its Instagram post on Friday (June 14). The post includes four images that piece the puzzle of the symbiotic star system Mira HM Sge together. The Mira HM Sge star system As per the ESA, the mysterious stars startled astronomers earlier in 1975 with a ''nova-like outburst''— growing some 250 times brighter between April and September of that year. However, unlike most novae, it has not faded in the ensuing decades. Also Read | A Biblical battle was fought 2,700 years ago in Jerusalem, and we now have proof Recent observations indicate that the system has gotten hotter, but paradoxically faded a little. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × “This system first flared up as a nova in 1975. The red nebulosity is evidence of the stellar wind. The nebula is about one-quarter light-year across,” its profile on the NASA website explains. Infrared spectral data shows that the giant star, which produces copious amounts of dust returned to its normal behaviour within only a couple years of the explosion but dimmed in recent years. Also Read | Maverick star, one of the oldest in Milky Way, spotted moving at insane speed “Thanks to Hubble and the retired SOFIA telescope, we’re piecing together the puzzle. Hubble’s ultraviolet data reveals scorching temperatures around the white dwarf, while SOFIA detected water flowing at incredible speeds, hinting at a swirling disk of material,” the caption of the post reads. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × The estimated temperature of the white dwarf and accretion disk has increased from less than 220,000 degrees Celsius in 1989 to greater than 250,000 degrees Celsius, Ultraviolet data from the Hubble indicates. The bridge of gas connecting the giant star to the white dwarf presently spans about 3.2 billion kilometres. Reacting to the image, one user wrote, ''really amazing this dance of swapping material between the red giant and the white dwarf.'' Another commented, ''This is so beautiful and enigmatic, love it.'' A third said, ''awesome shots.'' (With inputs from agencies)

‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system

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