Macron’s awkward embrace with Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir goes viral – What happened?

‘I hope you die…’: Jensen Huang told Indian-origin Nvidia VP in an outburst during meeting

Lakshya Sen becomes first Indian to clinch Kumamoto Masters title

‘I wanted to do justice to her performance’: Ami Trivedi reveals how she prepared to voice Sai Pallavi’s Sita in Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana

US flight chaos: Transport chief warns 'some delays, cancellations' to continue as thousands stranded after flight disruption

Why is the United States trying to control China's access to advanced AI chips?

Mumbai: 20-year-old arrested for allegedly surveying 26/11 target Chabad House, probe points to overseas links

Iran plotting to target Trump? Report claims Mossad shared intel with CIA

Panchayat 5 delayed? Prime Video's latest post leaves fans disappointed

US-Iran war | Iran: Targeted US early-warning radar in Bahrain

Why are liquid-cooled GPUs becoming important for modern AI data centres?

ASEAN Summit 2026: PM Modi to Grace 3-Day ASEAN-India & East Asia Summit in Manila

Shape-shifting UFO sighting in Oregon leaves mother-daughter sick: 'Fell like a dead bird'

'Currently has no role...': Megaspeed breaks silence on former boss Alice Huang and ex-Nvidia CEO's affair

'Democracy was destroyed in 2014': Rahul Gandhi questions legitimacy of elections at Bharat Summit in Hyderabad

'We are missing...': Copa jet loses left wingtip after collision with cargo plane at Miami airport, pilot's desperate call goes viral

Why do AI GPUs consume so much electricity?

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Pune after mid-air scare – What happened?

Indian ambassador to ASEAN Srinivas Gotru backs freedom of navigation in South China Sea, opposes isolating Myanmar

Netanyahu warns against Eisenkot's minority government plans

'I don’t negotiate with terrorists'- US school district faces lawsuit over teacher's remark to student

India backs death penalty at UN, says can't equate it with torture

AUS vs ENG: Perth hero Mahli Beardman rested for 2nd ODI; Nathan Ellis ruled out of T20I series

WPL 2027: BCCI moves Mumbai leg from Brabourne to Wankhede Stadium

How is China trying to build its own Nvidia to challenge the US chip industry?

Blasts, sirens rock Bahrain as Iran claims drone attack on US military base

Gurugram restaurant ordered to pay Rs 31,000 for forcing 10% service charge

Oak Ridge Boys' Richard Sterban dies at 83 after battle with cancer, tributes pour in

Jensen Huang seen with wife Lori in Paris in photos shared by daughter Madison

'No civic sense': Viral video shows family bursting crackers inside highway tunnel, sparks outrage | Watch

Why do Nvidia and Apple depend so heavily on Taiwan?

Paris protests | Interior Ministry: 106,000 take part in protests, 121 arrested

WATCH | SpaceX catches Starship spacecraft midair for first time after 22-hour orbital flight

Blinken says US ties with India, Pakistan are ‘fundamentally different’

Meta fined €805 million in Italy over alleged access to users’ phone galleries

Woman honey-trapped by Pak handler, associate arrested in Rajasthan rail track blast case

'He promised me a green card': Lebanese woman accuses Texas ICE officer of sexually assaulting her in detention

Aaryavir Sehwag chants ‘Sita Ram’ to stay calm during India-Pakistan U19 Asia Cup final | WATCH

Israel-Gaza war: Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital kills 6, wounds 20

Indian student sentenced to 30 years in UK for online grooming of over 70 children

Harry Potter: HBO series unveils new Hogwarts scene, Dumbledore's conversation with McGonagall grabs attention

Scientists have predicted when humankind will witness the "triple whammy extinction" event that will wipe out humans and what will cause it. Experts have warned humanity for years about the impact of global warming.

Scientists have predicted when humankind will witness the "triple whammy extinction" event that will wipe out humans and what will cause it. Experts have warned humanity for years about the impact of global warming. As the temperatures rise, there's a concern about the world food supply, rising sea levels and regions of Earth becoming too hot to live. According to a study published in Nature Geoscience, led by the University of Bristol, Earth might become a hot, dry and largely uninhabitable supercontinent with all land mass set to merge on one giant plot. Every year, scientific experts update the Doomsday Clock, which shows how close humanity is to a global catastrophe, with the world currently "profoundly unstable." The study used the first-ever supercomputer climate models of the distant future. It showed that the world will have more volcanic eruptions emitting huge plumes of carbon dioxide, increasing the temperature further. Sun might become hotter and brighter in the sky, warming Earth more than ever and bringing the average temperature between 40 and 50 degree Celsius. ALSO READ | First case of Walrus dying from bird flu recorded on Arctic island: Researcher Dr Alexander Farnsworth, the study's lead author and a senior research associate at the University of Bristol, told LadBible, "The newly-emerged supercontinent would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun and more CO2 in the atmosphere, of increasing heat for much of the planet." He continued, "The result is a hostile environment devoid of food and water sources for mammals. Widespread temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius and even greater daily extremes, compounded by high humidity, would ultimately seal our fate. Humans – along with many other species – would expire due to their inability to shed this heat through sweat, cooling their bodies." According to the study, even if humanity stops using fossil fuels, it would not stop the extinction. Even if humanity survives until the event, there'll be a total wipeout. The only silver lining is that the event is 250 million years away, per the prediction. Dr Eunice Lo, the study's co-author and a research fellow in Climate Change and Health at the University of Bristol, said, "It is vitally important not to lose sight of our current Climate Crisis, which is a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases. While we are predicting an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, today we are already experiencing extreme heat that is detrimental to human health. This is why it is crucial to reach net-zero emissions as soon as possible." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists forewarn timing of 'triple whammy extinction' that will eradicate all life from Earth

Asteroids are thought to have been the cause of demise of the mighty dinosaurs, and many theories suggest they would probably be the reason for humanity's downfall too. However, a groundbreaking algorithm has helped asteroid hunters identify a whopping 27,500 overlooked near-Earth objects, make or break information that could potentially help us avoid the doom.

<h2>The THOR-like technology</h2>

Known as Tracklet-less Heliocentric Orbit Recovery (THOR), the technology is revolutionising the way astronomers detect near-Earth asteroids, potentially enhancing our planetary defence capabilities.&nbsp;

THOR, which was developed by researchers at the University of Washington and the Asteroid Institute, THOR employs a novel approach by sifting through archival space photographs to identify celestial bodies.

Using the vast digital archives of the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), which contains millions of space images, and the help of Google Cloud technology, THOR processed the images in just five weeks, demonstrating its efficiency and scalability.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-rush-hour-traffic-jams-in-space-can-cause-black-holes-to-collide-716627">Cosmic vicious cycle: Black holes are crashing into each other due to 'traffic jams' in space</a>

This innovative method has led to the identification of the over 27,500 previously unnoticed near-Earth objects. This, as per the New York Post, surpasses the total number discovered by all global telescopes last year.&nbsp;

Among these are 100 asteroids that traverse within Earth's orbit, with the majority located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

As per the New York Post, while none of the identified objects were on collision course with earth, this proves vital data that could one day prevent potential cosmic threats.

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&nbsp;recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin</a>

<h2>'Sea change' in how astronomical research can be conducted</h2>

Unlike traditional observation techniques that track objects across multiple images over time, THOR connects isolated points of light from different images, inferring that they represent the same object. This approach, and the results as per Ed Lu, executive director of the Asteroid Institute, represent "a sea change" in how astronomical research can be conducted.&nbsp;

As Matthew Holman, dynamicist and search algorithm expert at the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard &amp; Smithsonian in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said in a 2022 press release, a comprehensive map of the solar system can give "astronomers critical insights both for science and planetary defence."

(With inputs from agencies)

Asteroids are thought to have been the cause of demise of the mighty dinosaurs, and many theories suggest they would probably be the reason for humanity's downfall too.

Asteroids are thought to have been the cause of demise of the mighty dinosaurs, and many theories suggest they would probably be the reason for humanity's downfall too. However, a groundbreaking algorithm has helped asteroid hunters identify a whopping 27,500 overlooked near-Earth objects, make or break information that could potentially help us avoid the doom. The THOR-like technology Known as Tracklet-less Heliocentric Orbit Recovery (THOR), the technology is revolutionising the way astronomers detect near-Earth asteroids, potentially enhancing our planetary defence capabilities. THOR, which was developed by researchers at the University of Washington and the Asteroid Institute, THOR employs a novel approach by sifting through archival space photographs to identify celestial bodies. Using the vast digital archives of the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), which contains millions of space images, and the help of Google Cloud technology, THOR processed the images in just five weeks, demonstrating its efficiency and scalability. Also read | Cosmic vicious cycle: Black holes are crashing into each other due to 'traffic jams' in space This innovative method has led to the identification of the over 27,500 previously unnoticed near-Earth objects. This, as per the New York Post, surpasses the total number discovered by all global telescopes last year. Among these are 100 asteroids that traverse within Earth's orbit, with the majority located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. As per the New York Post, while none of the identified objects were on collision course with earth, this proves vital data that could one day prevent potential cosmic threats. Also read | Fastest-spinning asteroid recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin 'Sea change' in how astronomical research can be conducted Unlike traditional observation techniques that track objects across multiple images over time, THOR connects isolated points of light from different images, inferring that they represent the same object. This approach, and the results as per Ed Lu, executive director of the Asteroid Institute, represent "a sea change" in how astronomical research can be conducted. As Matthew Holman, dynamicist and search algorithm expert at the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard & Smithsonian in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said in a 2022 press release, a comprehensive map of the solar system can give "astronomers critical insights both for science and planetary defence." (With inputs from agencies)

Over 27,500 previously unnoticed asteroids near Earth identified. Were they a threat?

James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space, has captured the sharpest infrared images to date of the Horsehead Nebula, which is one of the most distinctive objects in our skies.

James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space, has captured the sharpest infrared images to date of the Horsehead Nebula, which is one of the most distinctive objects in our skies. The images shared on the official website of the European Space Agency (ESA) show observations of a part of the iconic nebula in a whole new light. The latest images have captured the complexity of the nebula with "unprecedented spatial resolution", the official statement said. Also read: ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3’s launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space The observations show the top of the "horse's mane" or the edge of this iconic nebula. The images also show part of the sky in the constellation Orion (The Hunter), on the western side of a dense region known as the Orion B molecular cloud. Horsehead Nebula is seen rising from turbulent waves of dust and gas, which is otherwise known as Barnard 33. It resides roughly 1,300 light-years away. 🆕 The Horsehead Nebula as you've never seen it before... The NASA/ESA/CSA James #Webb Space Telescope has captured the sharpest infrared images to date of one of the most distinctive objects in our skies, showing a part of the iconic nebula in unprecedented spatial resolution. pic.twitter.com/1Gdwyzh5wI — European Space Agency (@esa) April 29, 2024 × 🐴⭐The Horsehead Nebula as seen by three space telescopes! 🤩 From @ESA_Euclid to @HUBBLE_space to @ESA_Webb, delve into the complementary views from these #BFFinSpace! Details 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/RdtzijNYdL — ESA Science (@esascience) April 29, 2024 × Also read: NASA confirms meteor crash created Luna crater, estimates impact happened 6,900 years ago Formation of Horsehead Nebula The nebula was formed from a collapsing interstellar cloud of material. The official statement revealed that it glows because it is illuminated by a nearby hot star. "The gas clouds surrounding the Horsehead have already dissipated, but the jutting pillar is made of thick clumps of material that is harder to erode," ESA said. According to the astronomers, the Horsehead has about five million years left before it too disintegrates. Thanks to the MIRI and NIRCam instruments of James Webb, a team of astronomers has revealed the small-scale structures of the illuminated edge of the Horsehead for the first time. (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb captures stunning Horsehead Nebula as ‘you’ve never seen it before...’

The livelihood of some families is dependent on animals and birds, especially, if we talk about the Andes Mountains, where alpaca rearing is one of the main economic activities of many households. Hence, the camelid mammals and their population become a vital part, making their "different" reproduction activity a matter of deeper analysis.&nbsp;

Reproduction strategy is quite interesting in alpacas as they are the only mammals known to science in which males deposit sperm directly into the uterus. This unusual reproductive method inflicts small internal injuries, but research has highlighted how the process may help improve&nbsp;pregnancy chances.&nbsp;

A team of scientists has&nbsp;studied alpacas' intense intercourse, which can last for up to an hour. It is also said that the process does not seem to cause the animals any pain. Patricia Brennan at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and her team studied the reproductive systems of 10 alpacas.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-deepest-blue-hole-discovered-in-mexico-during-scuba-diving-expedition-716685">World's deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico during scuba diving expedition</a>&nbsp;

A report published on April 17, 2024, highlighted how the reproductive organ of male alpacas travels through the entire female reproductive tract during copulation and deposits semen at the uterine papillae of the oviduct entrance.&nbsp;

The female alpacas, that were the subject of the study, were euthanised within 24 hours of mating. The scientists found bloody abrasions throughout the whole reproductive tract, suggesting that the male alpaca's organ had "thrust its way through the vagina, past the cervix and all the way into the horns of the uterus".&nbsp;

However, the study said that "mated females had much higher percentages of bloody pixels than receptive unmated females".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bodies-in-this-colombian-town-dont-decay-after-death-as-expected-heres-how-716316">Bodies in this Colombian town don’t decay after death as expected, and nobody knows why</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by New Scientist, Gregg Adams at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, said that these findings confirm something alpaca researchers have long informally known. He also suggested the wounds' purpose could be related to alpaca ovulation.&nbsp;

According to Brennan, a little bit of inflammation in the uterus helps the fertilised egg successfully stick to the uterus walls. This process is similar to what is being done during IVF treatments in humans when doctors often scrape the uterine lining. Similarly,&nbsp;alpaca pushing its way through the uterus may serve a similar purpose.&nbsp;

Brennan said, "We think that alpacas represent an extreme example of the 'good inflammation hypothesis'."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The livelihood of some families is dependent on animals and birds, especially, if we talk about the Andes Mountains, where alpaca rearing is one of the main economic activities of many households.

The livelihood of some families is dependent on animals and birds, especially, if we talk about the Andes Mountains, where alpaca rearing is one of the main economic activities of many households. Hence, the camelid mammals and their population become a vital part, making their "different" reproduction activity a matter of deeper analysis. Reproduction strategy is quite interesting in alpacas as they are the only mammals known to science in which males deposit sperm directly into the uterus. This unusual reproductive method inflicts small internal injuries, but research has highlighted how the process may help improve pregnancy chances. A team of scientists has studied alpacas' intense intercourse, which can last for up to an hour. It is also said that the process does not seem to cause the animals any pain. Patricia Brennan at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and her team studied the reproductive systems of 10 alpacas. Also read: World's deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico during scuba diving expedition A report published on April 17, 2024, highlighted how the reproductive organ of male alpacas travels through the entire female reproductive tract during copulation and deposits semen at the uterine papillae of the oviduct entrance. The female alpacas, that were the subject of the study, were euthanised within 24 hours of mating. The scientists found bloody abrasions throughout the whole reproductive tract, suggesting that the male alpaca's organ had "thrust its way through the vagina, past the cervix and all the way into the horns of the uterus". However, the study said that "mated females had much higher percentages of bloody pixels than receptive unmated females". Also read: Bodies in this Colombian town don’t decay after death as expected, and nobody knows why As quoted by New Scientist, Gregg Adams at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, said that these findings confirm something alpaca researchers have long informally known. He also suggested the wounds' purpose could be related to alpaca ovulation. According to Brennan, a little bit of inflammation in the uterus helps the fertilised egg successfully stick to the uterus walls. This process is similar to what is being done during IVF treatments in humans when doctors often scrape the uterine lining. Similarly, alpaca pushing its way through the uterus may serve a similar purpose. Brennan said, "We think that alpacas represent an extreme example of the 'good inflammation hypothesis'." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists study the reproductive strategy of alpacas, which directly inseminate uterus

A striking image of the La Cumbre volcano located on Fernandina Island – the third largest island in the Galápagos Islands – garnered a lot of attention when it first erupted last month. But as of late April, the lava is still flowing and making its way down the iguana-covered mountain which is affecting their habitat.&nbsp;

<h2>About the volcano and its eruption</h2>

The La Cumbre volcano is located around 1,125 kilometres off mainland Ecuador and erupted for the first time since 2020, on March 2, according to Live Science.&nbsp;

The images taken by NASA’s Earth Observatory&nbsp;last month, showed the lava slowly making its way out of a fissure near the summit of the volcano and into the mountain’s tree-covered slopes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bodies-in-this-colombian-town-dont-decay-after-death-as-expected-heres-how-716316">Bodies in this Colombian town don’t decay after death as expected, and nobody knows why</a>

As of early April, a report by the Galápagos Conservancy, a United States-based nonprofit dedicated to the protection and restoration of the islands, said that the lava had made its way to the ocean.&nbsp;

Notably, after more than a month of continuous activity the lava reached the sea after covering a distance of nearly 10 kilometres, said the organisation.&nbsp;

An image posted by the Galápagos Conservancy shows plumes of white smoke rising&nbsp;from the water as the lava falls into the ocean.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3pbg_De5V_g?si=NKpWWx74YgxZ1OuX" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Impact on Galápagos land iguanas</h2>

Since Fernandina – the most volcanically active island among the Galápagos Islands – is uninhabited, there is no risk to people or infrastructure, but the lava flow reportedly has proven to be a spectacle for people on passing ships.

The island is also home to a large population of rare land iguanas which nest and lay eggs on the rim of the volcano’s large crater or caldera and deep within it.&nbsp;

According to NASA, these yellow reptiles, which can grow to over one metre (3 feet) in length and weigh over 14 kilograms, mostly eat the fruit and leaves of the prickly pear cactus.

Since the eruption, the Galápagos National Park rangers and Geophysical Institute (IG) have been in touch to monitor this spectacle closely, reported the Galápagos Conservancy.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-artificial-brain-cell-using-mix-of-salt-and-water-716336">Scientists develop artificial brain cell using mix of salt and water</a>

Researchers who are monitoring this volcanic eruption, according to the US-based organisation, said that the lava flow has damaged the island’s endemic vegetation, including the habitat of the land iguanas.&nbsp;

They also reportedly warned that as the lava flows into the ocean, it could potentially damage marine life.&nbsp;

A report by Live Science citing data from the Smithsonian Institute’s Global Volcanism Program said that as of April 25, the lava is still flowing with no end in sight.&nbsp;

“Our mission at Galápagos Conservancy is to safeguard the distinctive wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago,” said Dr. Jorge Carrión, Director of Galápagos Conservancy, in a statement.&nbsp;

He added, “We are watchful and prepared to offer assistance if required, but we also comprehend that this is a natural occurrence, and our primary responsibility is to observe the alterations.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A striking image of the La Cumbre volcano located on Fernandina Island – the third largest island in the Galápagos Islands – garnered a lot of attention when it first erupted last month.

A striking image of the La Cumbre volcano located on Fernandina Island – the third largest island in the Galápagos Islands – garnered a lot of attention when it first erupted last month. But as of late April, the lava is still flowing and making its way down the iguana-covered mountain which is affecting their habitat. About the volcano and its eruption The La Cumbre volcano is located around 1,125 kilometres off mainland Ecuador and erupted for the first time since 2020, on March 2, according to Live Science. The images taken by NASA’s Earth Observatory last month, showed the lava slowly making its way out of a fissure near the summit of the volcano and into the mountain’s tree-covered slopes. Also Read | Bodies in this Colombian town don’t decay after death as expected, and nobody knows why As of early April, a report by the Galápagos Conservancy, a United States-based nonprofit dedicated to the protection and restoration of the islands, said that the lava had made its way to the ocean. Notably, after more than a month of continuous activity the lava reached the sea after covering a distance of nearly 10 kilometres, said the organisation. An image posted by the Galápagos Conservancy shows plumes of white smoke rising from the water as the lava falls into the ocean. × Impact on Galápagos land iguanas Since Fernandina – the most volcanically active island among the Galápagos Islands – is uninhabited, there is no risk to people or infrastructure, but the lava flow reportedly has proven to be a spectacle for people on passing ships. The island is also home to a large population of rare land iguanas which nest and lay eggs on the rim of the volcano’s large crater or caldera and deep within it. According to NASA, these yellow reptiles, which can grow to over one metre (3 feet) in length and weigh over 14 kilograms, mostly eat the fruit and leaves of the prickly pear cactus. Since the eruption, the Galápagos National Park rangers and Geophysical Institute (IG) have been in touch to monitor this spectacle closely, reported the Galápagos Conservancy. Also Read | Scientists develop artificial brain cell using mix of salt and water Researchers who are monitoring this volcanic eruption, according to the US-based organisation, said that the lava flow has damaged the island’s endemic vegetation, including the habitat of the land iguanas. They also reportedly warned that as the lava flows into the ocean, it could potentially damage marine life. A report by Live Science citing data from the Smithsonian Institute’s Global Volcanism Program said that as of April 25, the lava is still flowing with no end in sight. “Our mission at Galápagos Conservancy is to safeguard the distinctive wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago,” said Dr. Jorge Carrión, Director of Galápagos Conservancy, in a statement. He added, “We are watchful and prepared to offer assistance if required, but we also comprehend that this is a natural occurrence, and our primary responsibility is to observe the alterations.” (With inputs from agencies)

Lava spewing from volcano on Galápagos Islands destroying habitat of rare land iguanas

The fans of Plato may heave a sigh while reading 'The Republic' next time. Well, the place where he was buried has finally been found. Italian researchers suggest that after deciphering an ancient scroll, they have figured out where exactly the foundational thinker of Western philosophy was buried.

Graziano Ranocchia, a philosopher at the University of Pisa, and colleagues used artificial intelligence (AI) to decipher text preserved on charred pieces of papyrus recovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town located near Pompeii, located about 200 km south of Rome according to a translated statement from Italy's National Research Council.

Herculaneum&nbsp;was annihilated in 79 AD after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius volcano.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;South African company offers cuddling services

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-african-company-offers-cuddling-services-598486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

One of the scrolls carbonised by the eruption includes the writings of Philodemus of Gadara (lived circa 110 to 30 B.C.), an Epicurean philosopher who studied in Athens.. This text, known as the "History of the Academy," details the academy that Plato founded in the fourth century B.C. and gives details about Plato's life, including his burial place.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-athens-renews-campaign-to-get-back-stolen-pieces-of-greek-history-665837">The Capitals: Athens renews campaign to get back stolen pieces of Greek history</a>

While it was known that Plato, the famous student of Socrates, was buried at the Academy destroyed in 86 BC by a Roman general.

But it wasn't known where exactly was he buried.&nbsp;

With advancements in technology, researchers were able to employ a variety of cutting-edge techniques including infrared and ultraviolet optical imaging, thermal imaging and tomography to read the ancient papyrus. That papyrus is now part of the collection at the National Library of Naples.

So far, researchers have identified 1,000 words, or roughly 30 per cent of the text written by Philodemus.

"Among the most important news, we read that Plato was buried in the garden reserved for him (a private area intended for the Platonic school) of the Academy in Athens, near the so-called Museion or sacellum sacred to the Muses," researchers wrote in the statement. "Until now it was only known that he was buried generically in the Academy."

(With inputs from agencies)

The fans of Plato may heave a sigh while reading 'The Republic' next time. Well, the place where he was buried has finally been found. Italian researchers suggest that after deciphering an ancient scroll, they have figured out where exactly the foundational thinker of Western philosophy was buried.

The fans of Plato may heave a sigh while reading 'The Republic' next time. Well, the place where he was buried has finally been found. Italian researchers suggest that after deciphering an ancient scroll, they have figured out where exactly the foundational thinker of Western philosophy was buried. Graziano Ranocchia, a philosopher at the University of Pisa, and colleagues used artificial intelligence (AI) to decipher text preserved on charred pieces of papyrus recovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town located near Pompeii, located about 200 km south of Rome according to a translated statement from Italy's National Research Council. Herculaneum was annihilated in 79 AD after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius volcano. Also watch | South African company offers cuddling services × One of the scrolls carbonised by the eruption includes the writings of Philodemus of Gadara (lived circa 110 to 30 B.C.), an Epicurean philosopher who studied in Athens.. This text, known as the "History of the Academy," details the academy that Plato founded in the fourth century B.C. and gives details about Plato's life, including his burial place. Also read | The Capitals: Athens renews campaign to get back stolen pieces of Greek history While it was known that Plato, the famous student of Socrates, was buried at the Academy destroyed in 86 BC by a Roman general. But it wasn't known where exactly was he buried. With advancements in technology, researchers were able to employ a variety of cutting-edge techniques including infrared and ultraviolet optical imaging, thermal imaging and tomography to read the ancient papyrus. That papyrus is now part of the collection at the National Library of Naples. So far, researchers have identified 1,000 words, or roughly 30 per cent of the text written by Philodemus. "Among the most important news, we read that Plato was buried in the garden reserved for him (a private area intended for the Platonic school) of the Academy in Athens, near the so-called Museion or sacellum sacred to the Muses," researchers wrote in the statement. "Until now it was only known that he was buried generically in the Academy." (With inputs from agencies)

Charred piece of scroll holds answers to Plato's burial site

Hospital toilets might look clean, but they're highly contaminated and might be exposing people to drug-resistant superbugs. According to a new study presented at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona between April 27 and 30, patient toilets in UK hospitals have more contamination than staff toilets, of which women's bathrooms were the cleanest, while unisex and unisex-disabled toilets were the most contaminated.

Hospital toilets might look clean, but they're highly contaminated and might be exposing people to drug-resistant superbugs. According to a new study presented at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona between April 27 and 30, patient toilets in UK hospitals have more contamination than staff toilets, of which women's bathrooms were the cleanest, while unisex and unisex-disabled toilets were the most contaminated. The research team found harmful bacteria, fungi and multi-drug resistant germs lurking on the surfaces of toilets in UK hospitals, including floors, ceilings and door handles. They collected microbe samples from the toilets in three general hospitals in Lanarkshire in the United Kingdom. They swabbed several surfaces in six kinds of toilets - male and female for staff and patients and disabled and unisex, around four hours after being cleaned. These surfaces included the flush, handrails, door handles, faucets, floor, shelves, tops of doors and air vents. After testing these samples, the research team discovered that most of these surfaces hosted dangerous bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. They also had several species that cause infections in the bloodstream, chest, urinary tract and diseases like pneumonia. Most patient toilets had drug-resistant superbugs (strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that have grown resistant to medications commonly used to treat infections, like antibiotics). ALSO READ | 'Tiger stripes' may be hiding secrets of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus Due to this evolved resistance, infections caused by superbugs can cause prolonged illnesses and more hospitalisations. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus has developed resistance against Methicilin and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a multidrug-resistant superbug. Stephanie Dancer, a consultant biologist at NHS Lanarkshire and study researcher, said, "Every type of toilet in all three hospitals receives the same cleaning (type and frequency) every day but given our findings, we think that patient toilets should be cleaned more often." The unisex toilets were the most contaminated and had the highest levels of microbes on their surfaces. A common reason behind this can be that people, especially men, use those toilets more as the female-only toilets were significantly and consistently cleaner than the male-only toilets. "The move to convert traditional male and female facilities to unisex facilities in some hospitals raises concern that people might be exposed to higher risks of contamination," Dancer said. "For example, hand hygiene surveys show that women are more likely to clean their hands after bathroom use than men, so we decided to investigate which microbes were present on different surfaces in toilets and how many of them there were," she added. Researchers also found that surfaces like floors and tops of doors had lighter levels of bacteria than high-touch surfaces. (With inputs from agencies)

Hospital toilets may harbour drug-resistant superbugs, posing risk to patients, says study

Researchers have discovered the world’s deepest blue hole in Mexico, but the catch is they haven’t reached its bottom yet. The site named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) is now the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world. The measurements show TJBH extends at least 1,380 feet (420 metres) below sea level.&nbsp;

The newly found deepest blue hole, situated in Chetumal Bay off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is 480 feet deeper than what scientists documented in 2021.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hospital-toilets-may-harbour-drug-resistant-superbugs-posing-risk-to-patients-says-study-716666">Hospital toilets may harbour drug-resistant superbugs, posing risk to patients, says study</a>

In 2021, the first blue hole was discovered, which was found to be 390 feet (119 m) deeper than the previous record holder- the 990-foot-deep (301 m) Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also known as Dragon Hole in the South China Sea.

<h2>World’s deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico</h2>

TJBH was identified as the world’s deepest blue hole during a scuba diving expedition that took place on 6 December 2023. The expedition was conducted to analyse the environmental conditions prevailing at the site, as per the study published Monday in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal.&nbsp;

During the expedition, the researchers took measurements with a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) profiler- a device with a set of probes that read and transmit water properties to the surface in real time via a cable.

The data from the device revealed that Taam Ja’ Blue Hole is indeed the “world’s deepest known blue hole, with its bottom still not reached”, the researchers wrote in the study.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-rush-hour-traffic-jams-in-space-can-cause-black-holes-to-collide-716627">Cosmic vicious cycle: Black holes are crashing into each other due to 'traffic jams' in space</a>

The profiler also highlighted different layers of water within the blue hole, including a layer below 1,312 feet (400 m) where the temperature and salinity conditions resembled those of the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons. This suggests the TJBH may be connected to the ocean via a hidden network of tunnels and caves, according to the study.

Initial measurements of the TJBH were taken with an echo sounder- another instrument that sends sound waves down to the bottom of the water and measures the speed they come back to calculate distance. However, the instrument had its limitations when it came to measuring deep blue holes. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tiger-stripes-may-be-hiding-secrets-of-life-on-saturns-moon-enceladus-716629">'Tiger stripes' may be hiding secrets of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus</a>

The CTD instrument used for the recent work did not find the bottom of the blue hole either, as it could only operate down to depths of 1,640 feet (500 m). Scientists lowered the profiler down to that depth, but the cable it was attached to may have drifted on underwater currents or bumped into a ledge that stopped the device in its tracks 1,380 feet down, according to the study.

Next, the scientists plan to “decipher TJBH's "maximum depth and the possibilities of forming part of an underwater intricate and potentially interconnected system of caves and tunnels," the researchers wrote.

<h2>What is a blue hole?</h2>

Blue holes are water-filled vertical caverns, or sinkholes, found in coastal regions where the bedrock is made of soluble material, such as limestone, marble or gypsum. They are formed when water on the surface percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks, which eventually causes the rock to collapse.&nbsp;

Some famous examples include Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt and the Great Blue Hole in Belize.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have discovered the world’s deepest blue hole in Mexico, but the catch is they haven’t reached its bottom yet. The site named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) is now the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.

Researchers have discovered the world’s deepest blue hole in Mexico, but the catch is they haven’t reached its bottom yet. The site named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) is now the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world. The measurements show TJBH extends at least 1,380 feet (420 metres) below sea level. The newly found deepest blue hole, situated in Chetumal Bay off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is 480 feet deeper than what scientists documented in 2021. Also Read | Hospital toilets may harbour drug-resistant superbugs, posing risk to patients, says study In 2021, the first blue hole was discovered, which was found to be 390 feet (119 m) deeper than the previous record holder- the 990-foot-deep (301 m) Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also known as Dragon Hole in the South China Sea. World’s deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico TJBH was identified as the world’s deepest blue hole during a scuba diving expedition that took place on 6 December 2023. The expedition was conducted to analyse the environmental conditions prevailing at the site, as per the study published Monday in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal. During the expedition, the researchers took measurements with a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) profiler- a device with a set of probes that read and transmit water properties to the surface in real time via a cable. The data from the device revealed that Taam Ja’ Blue Hole is indeed the “world’s deepest known blue hole, with its bottom still not reached”, the researchers wrote in the study. Also Read | Cosmic vicious cycle: Black holes are crashing into each other due to 'traffic jams' in space The profiler also highlighted different layers of water within the blue hole, including a layer below 1,312 feet (400 m) where the temperature and salinity conditions resembled those of the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons. This suggests the TJBH may be connected to the ocean via a hidden network of tunnels and caves, according to the study. Initial measurements of the TJBH were taken with an echo sounder- another instrument that sends sound waves down to the bottom of the water and measures the speed they come back to calculate distance. However, the instrument had its limitations when it came to measuring deep blue holes. Also Read | 'Tiger stripes' may be hiding secrets of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus The CTD instrument used for the recent work did not find the bottom of the blue hole either, as it could only operate down to depths of 1,640 feet (500 m). Scientists lowered the profiler down to that depth, but the cable it was attached to may have drifted on underwater currents or bumped into a ledge that stopped the device in its tracks 1,380 feet down, according to the study. Next, the scientists plan to “decipher TJBH's "maximum depth and the possibilities of forming part of an underwater intricate and potentially interconnected system of caves and tunnels," the researchers wrote. What is a blue hole? Blue holes are water-filled vertical caverns, or sinkholes, found in coastal regions where the bedrock is made of soluble material, such as limestone, marble or gypsum. They are formed when water on the surface percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks, which eventually causes the rock to collapse. Some famous examples include Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt and the Great Blue Hole in Belize. (With inputs from agencies)

World's deepest blue hole discovered in Mexico during scuba diving expedition

"Traffic jams" caused by supermassive black holes in space might be causing collisions in other black holes. According to a new study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, the environment around a supermassive black hole is ideal for facilitating the growth of other black holes.

"Traffic jams" caused by supermassive black holes in space might be causing collisions in other black holes. According to a new study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, the environment around a supermassive black hole is ideal for facilitating the growth of other black holes. Supermassive black holes are giant voids in the heart of all large galaxies. They swirl around disks of matter, stars and their systems, and interestingly, other black holes, including the smaller, stellar mass ones. The swirly behaviour around supermassive black holes can lead to a cosmic "traffic jam," which is integral in slowing down the orbits of stellar-mass black holes. When no longer moving from place to place, these black holes can collide, merging into one enormous black hole. Moreover, the process repeats due to the immense gravitational influence of the supermassive black holes, resulting in even more black-hole collisions that create larger and larger stellar-mass black holes over time. ALSO READ | James Webb captures stunning Horsehead Nebula as ‘you’ve never seen it before...’ Furthermore, an accretion disk, made of gas and dust, surrounds the supermassive black hole and gradually feeds it. These accretion disks glow brightly, creating an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) caused by the powerful tidal force generated by the supermassive black hole. Scientists from Monash University conducted the research where they looked at the dynamics found in accretion disks and their embedded black holes. According to the study, when stellar-mass black holes interact with the gas in the accretion disk, they can migrate through the disk, resulting in several such black holes accumulating in regions called "migration traps." Here, the probability of two stellar-mass black holes colliding and merging due to traffic jams is higher than anywhere else in the surrounding galaxy. The study's lead author, Evgeni Grishin, said, "We looked at how many and where we'd have these busy intersections. Thermal effects play a crucial role in this process, influencing the location and stability of migration traps. One implication is that we don't see migration traps occurring in active galaxies with large luminosity." The findings give an understanding of how mergers between stellar-mass black holes proceed. They could also help advance gravitational wave astronomy in the future as these mergers create a burst of tiny ripples in spacetime known as gravitational waves. "We're thrilled with the results, and we are one step closer to discovering where and how black holes merge in galactic nuclei. The future of gravitational wave astronomy and active galactic nuclei research is exceptionally promising," Grishin stated. "Despite these significant findings, much about the physics of black holes and their surrounding environments remains unknown," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Cosmic vicious cycle: Black holes are crashing into each other due to 'traffic jams' in space

In the latest research, scientists have found that the distinctive "tiger stripes" as well as the sliding side-by-side motion of Saturn's moon Enceladus are related to jets of ice crystals which erupt from its icy shell.

In the latest research, scientists have found that the distinctive "tiger stripes" as well as the sliding side-by-side motion of Saturn's moon Enceladus are related to jets of ice crystals which erupt from its icy shell. The new findings will help scientists determine the characteristics of the subsurface ocean present on the icy moon of Saturn and also help determine if Enceladus is favourable to life. The tiger stripes, present on the surface of Enceladus, are filled with four parallel line fractures in the south pole of the moon, which were first observed by NASA's Cassini spacecraft in 2005. Also Read: Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life The ice crystals are created in this region due to "cryovolcanism" and are believed to originate from the fractures present in the buried oceans of Enceladus. Because of this, a lot of material gathers over the south pole of the moon. Both the jets which create it and the brightness of this plume seem to differ in a pattern which lines up with the nearly 33-hour orbit of Enceladus around Saturn, which is the second-most massive planet in the solar system. Scientists try to decode tiger stripes Because of this, scientists have theorised that there is an increase in the activity of the jets as the tidal stress impacts the tiger stripes. The theory has, however, failed to explain why there is a peak in jets of Enceladus peak in brightness hours after tidal stresses reach their maximum or why a second smaller peak takes place just after Enceladus makes its closest approach to Saturn. According to the scientists, a new numerical simulation of the tidal stresses on Enceladus and the motion of its tiger stripe fractures helps in identifying a phenomenon which is similar to what has been seen at the San Andreas fault, in correspondence with the jet activity's pattern. Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth Speaking to Space.com, leader of the team behind the simulation and a PhD Candidate at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Alexander Berne said, "We developed a sophisticated numerical model to simulate tidally-driven strike-slip motion along Enceladus' faults. These models consider the role of friction, which causes the amount of slip on the faults to be sensitive to both compressional and shearing stresses." "The numerical model was able to simulate slip along Enceladus's faults in a manner which matched observed variations in plume brightness as well as spatial variations in surface temperature, suggesting that the jets and plume brightness variations are controlled by strike-slip motion over Enceladus' orbit," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Tiger stripes' may be hiding secrets of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus

Scientists have found that an asteroid which crashed into the Earth’s atmosphere earlier this year was spinning at the highest rate ever known, which was one spin every 2.

Scientists have found that an asteroid which crashed into the Earth’s atmosphere earlier this year was spinning at the highest rate ever known, which was one spin every 2.6 seconds. The asteroid, known as 2024 BX1, is probably not more than one metre wide and entered the atmosphere of Earth on January 21 and fell into pieces over Berlin, Germany. However, some pieces survived the fireball and were later recovered. First asteroid to have been spotted before entering Earth's atmosphere It was a rare case where the scientists were able to track the fall of the asteroid and spot the celestial rock before it entered the atmosphere of the Earth. In this case, it was seen just three hours ahead of the asteroid's entry. The images of the asteroid were taken by Maxime Devogele and his colleagues at the European Space Agency’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre in Italy before impact. Also Read: "Hazardous asteroid" Apophis to make close flyby of Earth in five years; How are scientists prepping for it? The asteroid, which was moving at some 50,000 kilometres per hour, had an elongated shape which meant changes in its brightness due to rotation. Such changes in brightness corresponded with the rotation time of 2.588 seconds, which was roughly 30,000 rotations per day. “It’s the fastest [spin] we’ve ever observed,” Devogele said. The asteroids are known to spin due to various reasons, such as collisions they may have faced earlier in their life. The space rocks in general are bigger than a kilometre and cannot rotate more than once every 2.2 hours because they will break apart. However, smaller asteroids like 2024 BX1 can withstand much faster spins since they are more compact. “They have internal strength, so they can rotate faster,” Devogele said. Watch: Gravitas | The impact of NASA asteroid deflection Observing the spin of objects is more useful for planetary defence which helps scientists understand how strong a small asteroid is and how it is likely to survive its passage through the atmosphere of the Earth. “If it’s hard, it will react differently than if it’s a piece of snow that has no internal strength,” says Devogele. (With inputs from agencies)

Fastest-spinning asteroid recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin

A “rare” turtle statue was unearthed from an 800-year-old temple in Cambodia in a surprise development during escavation of&nbsp;a dried-up pond near the Bayon temple.

Bayon is an elaborate Buddhist temple built in the 12th century at the same complex that includes the iconic Angkor Wat temple.

The temple has always been a pilgrimage site for Buddhists&nbsp;but with the discovery of the statue last week, the pond site will also attract attention.

Bayon was built as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII and stands at the centre of Jayavaraman’s capital, Angkor Thom, as per Cambodia’s APSARA National Authority, which manages the complex.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-artificial-brain-cell-using-mix-of-salt-and-water-716336">Scientists develop artificial brain cell using mix of salt and&nbsp;water</a>

Recently, the pond situated at the Bayon temple caught the eye of archaeologists as they believe&nbsp;it holds many secrets.&nbsp;

<h2>“Rare” sandstone turtle statue found in 800-year-old temple</h2>

The sandstone turtle statue was found buried in the middle of the disappeared pond.

According to Cambodia’s Heritage Protection Police Department’s Facebook post on April 22, the statue was recovered from a depth of about five feet.

Take a closer look at the statue.
<img alt="Bayon Temple Statue" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca6be375-142e-4930-ad4d-ce23f94d2538" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bayon%20temple%20turtle%203.jpg" />
The photo shows the dusty stone creature with a turtle’s head poking out of its shell and looking upward.

The Cambodian police said the statue measured about 22 inches in length, 17 inches in width and eight inches in height.

The exact weight of the statue is not known, but photos showed that it took three people to lift the ancient statue from the site.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-captures-stunning-horsehead-nebula-as-youve-never-seen-it-before-716413">James Webb captures stunning Horsehead Nebula as ‘you’ve never seen it before...’</a>

The figure “is believed to be the symbol of happiness, prosperity, and development,” Long Kosal, a spokesperson for APSARA National Authority, told Khmer Times, a Cambodian news outlet.

Archaeologists did not provide an exact age of the statue, but Kosal told Khmer Times that the dried-up pond was also built in the 12th century as part of the Bayon temple, so they believe that the statue also belongs to the same timeline.&nbsp;

“While many believed there was nothing left to find, our archaeological research has uncovered evidence that Bayon temple actually boasted two ponds on its eastern side,” Kosal told the Phnom Penh Post.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/la-cumbre-volcano-continues-to-spew-lava-affecting-habitat-of-rare-land-iguanas-in-galapagos-islands-716430">Lava spewing from volcano on Galápagos Islands destroying habitat of rare land iguanas</a>

Excavations of the dry pond also uncovered “thousands of pieces of ancient stone, some of which are recognised to be part of some big statues,” Kosal told Khmer Times.

The project is ongoing.

The turtle statue has been moved to the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum in Siem Reap, police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A “rare” turtle statue was unearthed from an 800-year-old temple in Cambodia in a surprise development during escavation of a dried-up pond near the Bayon temple.

A “rare” turtle statue was unearthed from an 800-year-old temple in Cambodia in a surprise development during escavation of a dried-up pond near the Bayon temple. Bayon is an elaborate Buddhist temple built in the 12th century at the same complex that includes the iconic Angkor Wat temple. The temple has always been a pilgrimage site for Buddhists but with the discovery of the statue last week, the pond site will also attract attention. Bayon was built as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII and stands at the centre of Jayavaraman’s capital, Angkor Thom, as per Cambodia’s APSARA National Authority, which manages the complex. Also Read | Scientists develop artificial brain cell using mix of salt and water Recently, the pond situated at the Bayon temple caught the eye of archaeologists as they believe it holds many secrets. “Rare” sandstone turtle statue found in 800-year-old temple The sandstone turtle statue was found buried in the middle of the disappeared pond. According to Cambodia’s Heritage Protection Police Department’s Facebook post on April 22, the statue was recovered from a depth of about five feet. Take a closer look at the statue. The photo shows the dusty stone creature with a turtle’s head poking out of its shell and looking upward. The Cambodian police said the statue measured about 22 inches in length, 17 inches in width and eight inches in height. The exact weight of the statue is not known, but photos showed that it took three people to lift the ancient statue from the site. Also Read | James Webb captures stunning Horsehead Nebula as ‘you’ve never seen it before...’ The figure “is believed to be the symbol of happiness, prosperity, and development,” Long Kosal, a spokesperson for APSARA National Authority, told Khmer Times, a Cambodian news outlet. Archaeologists did not provide an exact age of the statue, but Kosal told Khmer Times that the dried-up pond was also built in the 12th century as part of the Bayon temple, so they believe that the statue also belongs to the same timeline. “While many believed there was nothing left to find, our archaeological research has uncovered evidence that Bayon temple actually boasted two ponds on its eastern side,” Kosal told the Phnom Penh Post. Also Read | Lava spewing from volcano on Galápagos Islands destroying habitat of rare land iguanas Excavations of the dry pond also uncovered “thousands of pieces of ancient stone, some of which are recognised to be part of some big statues,” Kosal told Khmer Times. The project is ongoing. The turtle statue has been moved to the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum in Siem Reap, police said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Rare' turtle statue unearthed from a dried-up pond at 800-year-old Cambodian temple

In a path-breaking study, researchers have created artificial neurological junctions called synapses using a mix of water and salt, paving the way for the development of advanced computers that mimic the performance of a human brain. The artificial brain cells, developed by the team from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea, use the same water and salt ingredients the brain uses.

The&nbsp;results of the study&nbsp;were published&nbsp;in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Scientists striving to develop energy efficient and high-performance computers&nbsp;often&nbsp;look up to human brains as a source of inspiration.

But guess what, human&nbsp;brains use water and dissolved salt particles called ions as their medium. On the other hand, current advanced computer systems rely on conventional solid materials for the same function.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Hamas says studying new Israeli truce proposal

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-hamas-says-studying-new-israeli-truce-proposal-715738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

So, the recent study can lead to further scientific development towards&nbsp;the ambition of&nbsp;creating an artificial human brain.

"It represents a crucial advancement toward computers not only capable of mimicking the communication patterns of the human brain but also utilising the same medium," says theoretical physicist Tim Kamsma from Utrecht University.

<h2>What is Iontronic memristor?</h2>

The device that scientists have created is called an Iontronic memristor, which carries water and salt inside. The cone-shaped device is just 150 by 200 micrometres wide, the same width as three or four human hairs put side-by-side.

It remembers how much electrical charge has previously flowed through it. Electrical impulses cause ions to move through the cone-shaped channel, with variations in the electrical charge leading to variations in the ion movement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjY3Zm-x-eFAxXh1TgGHVEZD9Q4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-crew-of-israel-linked-ship-which-includes-indians-will-be-freed-715635" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-crew-of-israel-linked-ship-which-includes-indians-will-be-freed-715635&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY3Zm-x-eFAxXh1TgGHVEZD9Q4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ">Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship which includes Indians will be freed</a>

"While artificial synapses capable of processing complex information already exist based on solid materials, we now show for the first time that this feat can also be accomplished using water and salt," says Kamsma.

"We are effectively replicating neuronal behaviour using a system that employs the same medium as the brain."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a path-breaking study, researchers have created artificial neurological junctions called synapses using a mix of water and salt, paving the way for the development of advanced computers that mimic the performance of a human brain.

In a path-breaking study, researchers have created artificial neurological junctions called synapses using a mix of water and salt, paving the way for the development of advanced computers that mimic the performance of a human brain. The artificial brain cells, developed by the team from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Sogang University in South Korea, use the same water and salt ingredients the brain uses. The results of the study were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Scientists striving to develop energy efficient and high-performance computers often look up to human brains as a source of inspiration. But guess what, human brains use water and dissolved salt particles called ions as their medium. On the other hand, current advanced computer systems rely on conventional solid materials for the same function. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Hamas says studying new Israeli truce proposal × So, the recent study can lead to further scientific development towards the ambition of creating an artificial human brain. "It represents a crucial advancement toward computers not only capable of mimicking the communication patterns of the human brain but also utilising the same medium," says theoretical physicist Tim Kamsma from Utrecht University. What is Iontronic memristor? The device that scientists have created is called an Iontronic memristor, which carries water and salt inside. The cone-shaped device is just 150 by 200 micrometres wide, the same width as three or four human hairs put side-by-side. It remembers how much electrical charge has previously flowed through it. Electrical impulses cause ions to move through the cone-shaped channel, with variations in the electrical charge leading to variations in the ion movement. Also read: Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship which includes Indians will be freed "While artificial synapses capable of processing complex information already exist based on solid materials, we now show for the first time that this feat can also be accomplished using water and salt," says Kamsma. "We are effectively replicating neuronal behaviour using a system that employs the same medium as the brain." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists develop artificial brain cell using mix of salt and water

In the mountainous Colombian town of San Bernardo, an unusual discovery has left residents and experts confused. Clovisnerys Bejarano kneels before a glass box containing her mother's body, a sight that defies the passage of 30 years. Saturnina Torres de Bejarano, dressed in the same attire she was buried in, appears remarkably preserved, as if in a peaceful sleep, with a faux red carnation clasped in her hands.

"She still has her little brown face, round, her braids, her hair," Bejarano, 63, told AFP at her mother's final resting place in a museum displaying her body&nbsp;

The phenomenon of spontaneous mummification has puzzled the people&nbsp;of San Bernardo for decades. Despite many&nbsp;attempts to unravel its mystery, the exact cause remains hidden. Some attribute it to divine intervention, viewing it as a reward or punishment from God. Others speculate that the town's healthy lifestyle and temperate climate play a role, but conclusive evidence is still lacks.

The town's cemetery, situated on a steep mountain slope, has become a focal point of scientific inquiry. Experts believe that the unique conditions within the burial vaults may contribute to the preservation process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-mummies-conference-takes-bizarre-turn-after-ufologist-unveils-pregnant-alien-711844">Also read |&nbsp;'Alien mummies' conference takes bizarre turn after a 'pregnant' alien is unveiled</a>

<h2>Like an oven</h2>

The constant wind and hot temperatures create an environment similar&nbsp;to an oven, dehydrating the bodies and preventing decomposition. However, further research is needed to validate this belief.

Despite the lack of clarity surrounding its cause, the phenomenon of spontaneous mummification has left an indelible mark on the town's culture and folklore.

Tales of preserved bodies have become woven into the fabric of San Bernardo's identity, with residents speculating about its significance and implications for the afterlife.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-make-dream-discovery-find-mummy-adorned-in-gold-leaf-556381">Also read |&nbsp;Archaeologists make 'dream discovery', find mummy adorned in gold leaf</a>

For families like the Bejaranos, the preservation of their loved ones' bodies serves as a reminder of life's mysteries and the enduring bonds of family. While some opt for cremation, others choose to keep their relatives' bodies intact, cherishing their memory for generations to come.

As scientists continue to study the phenomenon, the people of San Bernardo remain enchanted by its mystery.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the mountainous Colombian town of San Bernardo, an unusual discovery has left residents and experts confused. Clovisnerys Bejarano kneels before a glass box containing her mother's body, a sight that defies the passage of 30 years.

In the mountainous Colombian town of San Bernardo, an unusual discovery has left residents and experts confused. Clovisnerys Bejarano kneels before a glass box containing her mother's body, a sight that defies the passage of 30 years. Saturnina Torres de Bejarano, dressed in the same attire she was buried in, appears remarkably preserved, as if in a peaceful sleep, with a faux red carnation clasped in her hands. "She still has her little brown face, round, her braids, her hair," Bejarano, 63, told AFP at her mother's final resting place in a museum displaying her body The phenomenon of spontaneous mummification has puzzled the people of San Bernardo for decades. Despite many attempts to unravel its mystery, the exact cause remains hidden. Some attribute it to divine intervention, viewing it as a reward or punishment from God. Others speculate that the town's healthy lifestyle and temperate climate play a role, but conclusive evidence is still lacks. The town's cemetery, situated on a steep mountain slope, has become a focal point of scientific inquiry. Experts believe that the unique conditions within the burial vaults may contribute to the preservation process. Also read | 'Alien mummies' conference takes bizarre turn after a 'pregnant' alien is unveiled Like an oven The constant wind and hot temperatures create an environment similar to an oven, dehydrating the bodies and preventing decomposition. However, further research is needed to validate this belief. Despite the lack of clarity surrounding its cause, the phenomenon of spontaneous mummification has left an indelible mark on the town's culture and folklore. Tales of preserved bodies have become woven into the fabric of San Bernardo's identity, with residents speculating about its significance and implications for the afterlife. Also read | Archaeologists make 'dream discovery', find mummy adorned in gold leaf For families like the Bejaranos, the preservation of their loved ones' bodies serves as a reminder of life's mysteries and the enduring bonds of family. While some opt for cremation, others choose to keep their relatives' bodies intact, cherishing their memory for generations to come. As scientists continue to study the phenomenon, the people of San Bernardo remain enchanted by its mystery. (With inputs from agencies)

Bodies in this Colombian town don’t decay after death as expected, and nobody knows why

India’s&nbsp;historic mission to the Moon could have met a disastrous fate in the sky had scientists not been able to make a vital calculation to avoid a devastating collision, the&nbsp;Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed Monday (Apr 29). It was all because of&nbsp;ISRO’s&nbsp;proactive and decisive space management that&nbsp;the Chandrayaan-3 mission could be saved&nbsp;and successfully executed as a&nbsp;key&nbsp;decision&nbsp;was taken&nbsp;even before the rocket lifted&nbsp;off.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

It all happened on July 14, 2023,&nbsp;the day&nbsp;when&nbsp;ISRO’s&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3&nbsp;was scheduled&nbsp;for launch.&nbsp;Just when the&nbsp;scientists were about to press the launch button,&nbsp;a potential threat in space was detected.

ISRO’s&nbsp;mission control team observed that if&nbsp;the mission was launched&nbsp;at the scheduled time, it could intersect with the trajectory of a piece of space debris.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiRpur7p-eFAxUl2TgGHV9PBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-tie-up-with-elon-musks-spacex-to-launch-satellite-676290" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-tie-up-with-elon-musks-spacex-to-launch-satellite-676290&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRpur7p-eFAxUl2TgGHV9PBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">ISRO to tie up with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch satellite</a>

We&nbsp;know,&nbsp;that&nbsp;objects fly in space with high velocity&nbsp;and&nbsp;they&nbsp;can break spacecraft and satellites into pieces irrespective of their size upon collision.

<h2>The solution</h2>

The ISRO team came up with a simple yet effective solution.&nbsp;They decided to delay the launch by&nbsp;a mere four seconds, which was&nbsp;enough to steer clear of the potential collision.

This decision&nbsp;was based&nbsp;on a detailed Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) as part of&nbsp;ISRO's&nbsp;standard Launch Clearance Protocol.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiRpur7p-eFAxUl2TgGHV9PBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-new-year-gift-xposat-will-lift-off-on-january-1-will-study-black-holes-674375" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-new-year-gift-xposat-will-lift-off-on-january-1-will-study-black-holes-674375&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRpur7p-eFAxUl2TgGHV9PBYoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">ISRO’s New Year’s gift: XPoSat will lift off on January 1, will study black holes</a>

“For LVM3-M4/ Chandrayaan-3, the nominal lift-off had to be delayed by 4 seconds based on COLA analysis to avoid close approaches between a debris object and the injected satellites in their orbital phase due to overlapping operational altitudes,”&nbsp;ISRO revealed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/Indian_Space_Situational_Assessment_Report_ISSAR2023.html#:~:text=For%20LVM3%2DM4%2F%20Chandrayaan%2D,due%20to%20overlapping%20operational%20altitudes." target="_blank">a detailed blog post</a>&nbsp;on its website.

<h2>Significance</h2>

The last-minute manoeuvre&nbsp;not only&nbsp;showed the threats posed by space debris&nbsp;but also&nbsp;demonstrated&nbsp;ISRO’s&nbsp;ability to identify and overcome such challenges.

ISRO&nbsp;in&nbsp;its Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)&nbsp;revealed how it deploys advanced technologies and strategic planning to maintain such safety standards.

<img alt=" Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023" src="https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/image/index/issar2904242.jpg" />

In its report, the space agency said it carried out 23 such collision avoidance manoeuvres to safeguard its assets in the space. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India’s historic mission to the Moon could have met a disastrous fate in the sky had scientists not been able to make a vital calculation to avoid a devastating collision, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed Monday (Apr 29).

India’s historic mission to the Moon could have met a disastrous fate in the sky had scientists not been able to make a vital calculation to avoid a devastating collision, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed Monday (Apr 29). It was all because of ISRO’s proactive and decisive space management that the Chandrayaan-3 mission could be saved and successfully executed as a key decision was taken even before the rocket lifted off. What happened? It all happened on July 14, 2023, the day when ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 was scheduled for launch. Just when the scientists were about to press the launch button, a potential threat in space was detected. ISRO’s mission control team observed that if the mission was launched at the scheduled time, it could intersect with the trajectory of a piece of space debris. Also read: ISRO to tie up with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch satellite We know, that objects fly in space with high velocity and they can break spacecraft and satellites into pieces irrespective of their size upon collision. The solution The ISRO team came up with a simple yet effective solution. They decided to delay the launch by a mere four seconds, which was enough to steer clear of the potential collision. This decision was based on a detailed Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA) as part of ISRO's standard Launch Clearance Protocol. Also read: ISRO’s New Year’s gift: XPoSat will lift off on January 1, will study black holes “For LVM3-M4/ Chandrayaan-3, the nominal lift-off had to be delayed by 4 seconds based on COLA analysis to avoid close approaches between a debris object and the injected satellites in their orbital phase due to overlapping operational altitudes,” ISRO revealed in a detailed blog post on its website. Significance The last-minute manoeuvre not only showed the threats posed by space debris but also demonstrated ISRO’s ability to identify and overcome such challenges. ISRO in its Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) revealed how it deploys advanced technologies and strategic planning to maintain such safety standards. In its report, the space agency said it carried out 23 such collision avoidance manoeuvres to safeguard its assets in the space. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3’s launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space

Scientists have spotted a gas "only produced by life" on a distant planet that could ultimately prove that Earth is not the only planter in this vast cosmos to host life.

Scientists have spotted a gas "only produced by life" on a distant planet that could ultimately prove that Earth is not the only planter in this vast cosmos to host life. On Friday, NASA's James Webb Telescope went on a mission towards K2-18b to probe the most tantalising hints of alien life ever. The gas dimethyl sulphide (DMS) found on K2-18b has only one source on our planet - living beings. NASA explained that it mainly comes from "phytoplankton in marine environments". Dr Nikku Madhusudhan, an astrophysicist from the University of Cambridge leading the study, recalled when his analysis showed a possible hint of DMS in the planet's atmosphere last year. He told The Times, "It was a real shock, I had sleepless nights for a week. That week, I didn't even muster the courage to break it to my team." K2-18b Specifications Discovered: 2015 Star: K2-18 Orbital Duration: 33 days Constellation: Leo Mass: 8.6 times that of Earth Radius: 2.6 times that of Earth While the researchers could say with over 50 per cent confidence that DMS was present based on the data sent by the James Webb Telescope last year, Madhusudhan said it was far from "conclusive evidence." He is "super cautious" as any previous claims of discovery of alien life, like fossils on Martian meteorites and phosphine gas in Venetian clouds, have been debunked or challenged by studies offering more plausible explanations. ALSO READ | 'Grab your popcorn', NASA just released mesmerising celestial timelapses captured by Chandra observatory What's Next? Last year, NASA revealed there was the presence of "carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide" on K2-18b. These findings come after the previous discovery that the planet could be a "Hycean exoplanet," meaning it has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and an ocean-covered surface. Madhusudhan said, "Our findings underscore the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere. Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds are significantly more conducive to atmospheric observations." However, space enthusiasts will have to wait four to six months for the results while the "theoretical work" on the source of DMS continues. Madhusudhan said, "If we do detect DMS [on K2-18b] it does put it basically at the top for potential signs of habitability." "If you confirm the presence of life, whether or not through DMS, on any exoplanet that’s going to revolutionise scientific history," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

An Earth-like planet? Tantalising proof of life on THIS exoplanet has scientists in 'shock'

Climate change theoretically means long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which are very much visible in the form of scorching heat waves, incessant rains, subsequent floods, and more. The extreme weather patterns are now impacting the lives of species on the planet Earth.&nbsp;

The ozone hole which forms over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink in the past 25 years. The ozone layer is vital for obstructing UV radiation from the sun making it dangerous for Antarctic plant and animal species.&nbsp;

The new <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17283">study</a> titled, "Extended ozone depletion and reduced snow and ice cover—Consequences for Antarctic biota", published in the journal Global Change Biology, mentioned that even as the hole has shrunk it has persisted for an unusually long time over the last four years.&nbsp;

Also read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hazardous-asteroid-apophis-to-make-close-flyby-of-earth-in-five-years-how-are-scientists-prepping-for-it-715484">Hazardous asteroid'&nbsp;Apophis to make close flyby of Earth in five years; How are scientists prepping for it?</a>&nbsp;

Stratospheric ozone is critical for shielding the biosphere against ultraviolet-B radiation, but the study mentioned that it has been depleted in recent decades by the release of anthropogenic gases.&nbsp;

The hole over Antarctica continues to appear each year even though the estimate&nbsp;suggest that the ozone layer is expected to recover before the end of the 21st century.&nbsp;

The ozone depletion was not a big issue as it usually peaks between September and October - a time when most Antarctic terrestrial vegetation and soil biota are frozen and dormant. They remain protected under snow cover. Emperor Penguins and some seals breed on the sea ice over winter and into spring, respectively - but their lives are in danger.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-five-monuments-in-ireland-may-have-routes-for-dead-towards-afterlife-archaeologists-suggest-715301">THESE five monuments in Ireland may have 'routes for dead' into afterlife, archaeologists suggest</a>&nbsp;

The study highlighted that the ozone depletion has persisted until late December, which is concerning because high incident of UV-B radiation "coincide&nbsp;with snowmelt and emergence of vegetation will mean biota is more exposed".&nbsp;

"The implication that climate change may delay the recovery of one of our key planetary boundaries—the ozone layer, also reinforces the importance of immediate action to decarbonize the global economy," the study mentioned in its conclusion.&nbsp;

Climate change theoretically means long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which are very much visible in the form of scorching heat waves, incessant rains, subsequent floods, and more.

Climate change theoretically means long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which are very much visible in the form of scorching heat waves, incessant rains, subsequent floods, and more. The extreme weather patterns are now impacting the lives of species on the planet Earth. The ozone hole which forms over Antarctica each spring has started to shrink in the past 25 years. The ozone layer is vital for obstructing UV radiation from the sun making it dangerous for Antarctic plant and animal species. The new study titled, "Extended ozone depletion and reduced snow and ice cover—Consequences for Antarctic biota", published in the journal Global Change Biology, mentioned that even as the hole has shrunk it has persisted for an unusually long time over the last four years. Also read: 'Hazardous asteroid' Apophis to make close flyby of Earth in five years; How are scientists prepping for it? Stratospheric ozone is critical for shielding the biosphere against ultraviolet-B radiation, but the study mentioned that it has been depleted in recent decades by the release of anthropogenic gases. The hole over Antarctica continues to appear each year even though the estimate suggest that the ozone layer is expected to recover before the end of the 21st century. The ozone depletion was not a big issue as it usually peaks between September and October - a time when most Antarctic terrestrial vegetation and soil biota are frozen and dormant. They remain protected under snow cover. Emperor Penguins and some seals breed on the sea ice over winter and into spring, respectively - but their lives are in danger. Also read: THESE five monuments in Ireland may have 'routes for dead' into afterlife, archaeologists suggest The study highlighted that the ozone depletion has persisted until late December, which is concerning because high incident of UV-B radiation "coincide with snowmelt and emergence of vegetation will mean biota is more exposed". "The implication that climate change may delay the recovery of one of our key planetary boundaries—the ozone layer, also reinforces the importance of immediate action to decarbonize the global economy," the study mentioned in its conclusion.

Ozone depletion concerning for Antarctic organisms in their life cycles

Decades can sometimes pass in the blink of an eye, or about 20 seconds. NASA has released two dramatic time-lapses of two of the most famous objects in the sky, compressing 20 years into just 20 seconds.

The time-lapses are of Cassiopeia A and the Crab Nebula, both leftovers of massive stars going supernova in our galaxy.

<h2>'Grab your popcorn' for the mesmerising time-lapse videos</h2>

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory recorded the mesmerising time-lapse videos. Posting them on social media, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) wrote: "Grab your popcorn".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubble-space-telescope-temporarily-goes-off-duty-as-key-device-provides-faulty-reading-715992">Hubble space telescope temporarily goes off duty as key device provides faulty&nbsp;reading</a>

Watch the gorgeous videos here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Grab your popcorn 🍿 <a href="https://twitter.com/chandraxray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chandraxray</a> has released new timelapses of the Crab Nebula and Cassiopeia A! 
 
Each video includes X-ray data collected by Chandra over about two decades, showing dramatic changes from these two supernova remnants. 
 
READ MORE &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/jeEbIVKjHn">https://t.co/jeEbIVKjHn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Np7MsTZD1B">pic.twitter.com/Np7MsTZD1B</a>
— NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Marshall/status/1783197244528681102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Crab Nebula, as per NASA, was born from a supernova seen by Chinese astronomers and witnessed globally nearly a thousand years ago in 1054.&nbsp;

"At its centre is a neutron star, a super-dense star produced by the supernova. As it rotates at about 30 times per second, its beam of radiation passes over the Earth every orbit, like a cosmic lighthouse," explains NASA.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vampire-facials-lead-to-women-catching-hiv-cdc-reports-cases-of-transmission-via-cosmetic-procedures-715134">'Vampire facials' lead to women catching HIV; CDC reports cases of transmission via cosmetic procedures</a>

Chandra has been closely monitoring them from 2000 to 2022. This ongoing study is set to continue later this year.

On the other hand, Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a younger supernova remnant, estimated to have exploded about 340 years ago.&nbsp;

Chandra has been observing it for years. The time-lapse features data from 2000 to 2019. Chandra's discovery of a neutron star at the heart of Cassiopeia A shortly after its 1999 launch has been crucial in deepening our understanding of how stars explode and form neutron stars or pulsars.

<h2>Scientists race to save Chandra</h2>

These gorgeous time-lapses come as the craft which was launched in 1999 becomes the subject of pay cuts that X-ray astronomers in the US contend would effectively mean the end of the mission.

NASA claims that the craft "has been degrading over its mission lifetime to the extent that several systems require active management…increasing management costs beyond what NASA can afford." However, researchers contend that Chandra "has plenty of life left in it."

(With inputs from agencies)

Decades can sometimes pass in the blink of an eye, or about 20 seconds. NASA has released two dramatic time-lapses of two of the most famous objects in the sky, compressing 20 years into just 20 seconds.

Decades can sometimes pass in the blink of an eye, or about 20 seconds. NASA has released two dramatic time-lapses of two of the most famous objects in the sky, compressing 20 years into just 20 seconds. The time-lapses are of Cassiopeia A and the Crab Nebula, both leftovers of massive stars going supernova in our galaxy. 'Grab your popcorn' for the mesmerising time-lapse videos NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory recorded the mesmerising time-lapse videos. Posting them on social media, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) wrote: "Grab your popcorn". Also read | Hubble space telescope temporarily goes off duty as key device provides faulty reading Watch the gorgeous videos here: Grab your popcorn 🍿 @chandraxray has released new timelapses of the Crab Nebula and Cassiopeia A! Each video includes X-ray data collected by Chandra over about two decades, showing dramatic changes from these two supernova remnants. READ MORE >> https://t.co/jeEbIVKjHn pic.twitter.com/Np7MsTZD1B — NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) April 24, 2024 × The Crab Nebula, as per NASA, was born from a supernova seen by Chinese astronomers and witnessed globally nearly a thousand years ago in 1054. "At its centre is a neutron star, a super-dense star produced by the supernova. As it rotates at about 30 times per second, its beam of radiation passes over the Earth every orbit, like a cosmic lighthouse," explains NASA. Also read | 'Vampire facials' lead to women catching HIV; CDC reports cases of transmission via cosmetic procedures Chandra has been closely monitoring them from 2000 to 2022. This ongoing study is set to continue later this year. On the other hand, Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a younger supernova remnant, estimated to have exploded about 340 years ago. Chandra has been observing it for years. The time-lapse features data from 2000 to 2019. Chandra's discovery of a neutron star at the heart of Cassiopeia A shortly after its 1999 launch has been crucial in deepening our understanding of how stars explode and form neutron stars or pulsars. Scientists race to save Chandra These gorgeous time-lapses come as the craft which was launched in 1999 becomes the subject of pay cuts that X-ray astronomers in the US contend would effectively mean the end of the mission. NASA claims that the craft "has been degrading over its mission lifetime to the extent that several systems require active management…increasing management costs beyond what NASA can afford." However, researchers contend that Chandra "has plenty of life left in it." (With inputs from agencies)

'Grab your popcorn', NASA just released mesmerising Nebula timelapses captured by Chandra observatory

A potentially hazardous asteroid will swing by Earth at an eerily close distance of less than 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometres) in about five years. On 13 April 2029, Apophis will pass by Earth, coming ten times closer than the Moon.

A potentially hazardous asteroid will swing by Earth at an eerily close distance of less than 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometres) in about five years. On 13 April 2029, Apophis will pass by Earth, coming ten times closer than the Moon. Scientists first discovered it in 2004 and have designated the 1,100-foot-wide (335 metres) near-Earth object that could impact our planet as a "hazardous asteroid." However, later observations revealed that it has no chance of crashing into Earth for at least another century. Moreover, scientists wish to take full advantage of the upcoming event and explore the asteroid. They hope to document the potential changes by comparing observations of the asteroid before and after its encounter with Earth. Some researchers believe the physical changes to the asteroids could alter its orbital path. Private space companies have proposed missions to rendezvous with Apohpus ahead of its highly-awaited flyby, SpaceNews reported. One of these companies, Blue Origins, has proposed using the Blue Ring orbital platform to deliver payloads to the asteroid. Blue Ring will make its debut by the end of 2024. It provides end-to-end services for commercial and government customers and can host payloads of up to 6,600 pounds (3,000 kilograms). ALSO READ | Ultimate cure to cancer? World’s first personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for melanoma undergoing trials Meanwhile, Exabs proposed an idea that NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) had studied previously. They said the DROID (Distributed Radar Observations of Interior Distributions) would deploy two CubeSats to perform a "CAT" scan of Apophis' interior. The mission would launch in May 2028 and arrive at Apophis in February 2029. In February, NASA held a workshop to seek ideas from the private sector on "innovative approaches to conduct missions during the Earth flyby of the asteroid Apophis in 2029." NASA's OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft is already on its way to study the asteroid after dropping off samples from the Bennu asteroid in the Utah desert. The space agency also has a spare spacecraft, Psyche, designed to visit asteroids 1996 FG3 and 1991 VH. NASA also assigned it to the Janus mission. But that did not work out. However, this is just the beginning. Many space agencies and other private companies can announce space missions around the rare event in the upcoming years. (With inputs from agencies)

"Hazardous asteroid" Apophis to make close flyby of Earth in five years; How are scientists prepping for it?

NASA achieved a historic feat after its deep space communication technology aboard the Psyche spacecraft broke all records and showcased its capabilities in transmitting messages using lasers from deep space to Earth.

NASA achieved a historic feat after its deep space communication technology aboard the Psyche spacecraft broke all records and showcased its capabilities in transmitting messages using lasers from deep space to Earth. This success has now increased the possibility of future spacecraft utilising optical communications to enable more complex and faster data transmission. NASA's Psyche spacecraft, which is currently moving towards the main asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars, has been equipped with the Deep Space Optical Communications technology and was created by the scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Also Read: Voyager 1 ends 'radio silence' thanks to NASA's software repair 15 billion miles away from Earth Although the primary communication system of the spacecraft is dependent on radio frequency, the demo of optical communications has shown that it is a potential game-changer in deep space communication. A revolution in deep space communication? The optical communications demo which took place on April 8 ended successfully as a copy of engineering data was transmitted from over 140 million miles (226 million kilometres) away, which is 1½ times the distance between Earth and the Sun. Project’s operations lead at JPL Meera Srinivasan said, “We downlinked about 10 minutes of duplicated spacecraft data during a pass on April 8. Until then, we’d been sending test and diagnostic data in our downlinks from Psyche." “This represents a significant milestone for the project by showing how optical communications can interface with a spacecraft’s radio frequency comms system,” she added. The laser communications technology used in this demo has been used for transmitting messages from deep space at a speed which is 10 to 100 times faster in comparison to the current state-of-the-art radio frequency systems which is used by deep space missions. Watch: NASA restores contact with Voyager 1 after months of silence The experiment was able to achieve a maximum data transmission rate of 267 megabits per second (Mbps) on December 11, 2023, from the near-infrared downlink laser of the light laser transceiver. This was achieved when a 15-second ultra-high-definition video was beamed by the spacecraft to Earth from 19 million miles away. The data transmission is likely to decrease as the spacecraft ventures farther away from Earth. During the April 8 test, data was being transmitted by the spacecraft at a maximum rate of 25 Mbps, which is beyond the project’s goal of transmitting at least 1 Mbps from that distance. “After receiving the data from the DSN and Palomar, we verified the optically downlinked data at JPL. It was a small amount of data downlinked over a short time frame, but the fact we’re doing this now has surpassed all of our expectations,” said Ken Andrews, who is a project flight operations lead at JPL. (With inputs from agencies)

Another message from deep space! NASA spacecraft beams laser from 140mn miles away

The orbiting satellite of NASA Earth Observatory recorded an image of Luna crater which is located in the Kutch region of the Indian state of Gujarat. The US Space Agency's official site revealed that in a recent geochemical analysis, it was found that “it contains the characteristic signatures of a meteorite impact.

The orbiting satellite of NASA Earth Observatory recorded an image of Luna crater which is located in the Kutch region of the Indian state of Gujarat. The US Space Agency's official site revealed that in a recent geochemical analysis, it was found that “it contains the characteristic signatures of a meteorite impact.” According to the report, the OLI (Operational Land Imager) captured the footprint of the Luna impact crater on the Landsat 8 satellite on February 24. The new development gained the spotlight after a zoomed-in picture of the crater was posted by NASA on X. Also Read: Largest meteorite in history fell in India 4,000 years ago? Huge crater hints so NASA, sharing the image, wrote, “You've heard of Clair de Lune, but what about Crater de Luna? The #Landsat 8 satellite captured this image of a meteorite impact site—Luna crater—located in India's Gujarat state in the Banni Plains grassland in February 2024.” You've heard of Clair de Lune, but what about crater de Luna? 🪨 The #Landsat 8 satellite captured this image of a meteorite impact site—Luna crater—located in India's Gujarat state in the Banni Plains grassland in February 2024. https://t.co/EnV3LbCPsM pic.twitter.com/Z7xvSwZ4Xq — NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) April 27, 2024 × Meanwhile, it stated in its report, “In the Kutch district of northwest India, a vast desert where salt is harvested in colourful rectangular ponds stretches to the Arabian Sea. Scientists in India had suspected, but not confirmed, that an object from outer space made this mark on the landscape. Now, a geochemical analysis of the structure has revealed it contains the characteristic signatures of a meteorite impact.” Crater impacts very rare on Earth, says space agency The agency stated that it is very rare to find impact of craters on Earth and less than 200 of them are known to be there across the globe. NASA said that various meteorites, which journeyed through Earth's atmosphere, crashed into the water bodies. Speaking about the Luna crater, NASA said, “The footprint of the newly studied Luna impact crater—named for its proximity to a village of the same name—is visible in this image, acquired by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on the Landsat 8 satellite on February 24, 2024.” The crater measures approximately 1.8 kilometres (1.1 miles) in width, and the outer rim is slightly more than 6 meters (20 feet) above the crater floor. Watch: Gravitas | The impact of NASA asteroid deflection “The Luna structure is situated in India's Gujarat state in a grassland called the Banni Plains. The Great Rann of Kutch, an expansive white salt desert, lies just to the north. Parts of these low-lying areas are submerged for much of the year, and the Luna crater often contains water. Researchers took advantage of a dry period in May 2022 to collect samples from throughout the structure," NASA added. The space agency stated they carried out the radiocarbon dating of plant remnants - which were present in silt at the site - and found that the impact occurred nearly 6,900 years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA confirms meteor crash created Luna crater, estimates impact happened 6,900 years ago

The fans of ‘Breaking Bad’ TV show might remember Albuquerque in New Mexico as house of Walter White and his ‘Meth Lab’. But little did you know that this town in the United States was home to a day spa that used to perform ‘Vampire Facials’. Six years ago, that day spa was closed after the New Mexico health department began investigating the facility’s practice of these ‘Vampire Facials’.

Now a report by the US Centers for Disease Control, released this week, has found that the day spa contributed in transmitting HIV to five individuals due to unsanitary procedures at the facility.

<h2>What is ‘Vampire Facial’?</h2>

Commonly referred to as a vampire facial when applied to the face, the process involves separating platelets from blood drawn from a vein and reinjecting them using microneedling into areas of the skin such as scalp, cheeks, and brow.

Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Indian men are opting to grow their facial hair

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-men-are-opting-to-grow-their-facial-hair-664640/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While little scientific evidence exists, it is claimed the concentration of platelets accelerates healing and reduces wrinkles, scar visibility, and other blemishes associated with ageing.

<h2>What did the US CDC find?</h2>

The US CDC found that a woman in 2018 who tested positive for&nbsp;HIV without any history of drug use or sexual contact outside her relationship or blood transfusion, had a facial procedure at the Albuquerque spa.

"Incomplete spa client records posed a substantial challenge during this investigation, necessitating a large-scale outreach approach to identify potential cases, as opposed to direct communication with all clients," the CDC said in its report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archaeologists-used-ancient-dna-to-construct-the-face-of-the-sixth-century-chinese-emperor-705587">Archaeologists used ancient DNA to construct the face of the sixth-century Chinese emperor</a>

"Requiring maintenance of sufficient client records to ensure adequate traceback by regulated businesses that provide injection services could ensure adequate capability to conduct traceback."

Spa owner Maria de Lourdes Ramos De Ruiz pleaded guilty to five counts of practicing medicine without a license in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

The fans of ‘Breaking Bad’ TV show might remember Albuquerque in New Mexico as house of Walter White and his ‘Meth Lab’. But little did you know that this town in the United States was home to a day spa that used to perform ‘Vampire Facials’.

The fans of ‘Breaking Bad’ TV show might remember Albuquerque in New Mexico as house of Walter White and his ‘Meth Lab’. But little did you know that this town in the United States was home to a day spa that used to perform ‘Vampire Facials’. Six years ago, that day spa was closed after the New Mexico health department began investigating the facility’s practice of these ‘Vampire Facials’. Now a report by the US Centers for Disease Control, released this week, has found that the day spa contributed in transmitting HIV to five individuals due to unsanitary procedures at the facility. What is ‘Vampire Facial’? Commonly referred to as a vampire facial when applied to the face, the process involves separating platelets from blood drawn from a vein and reinjecting them using microneedling into areas of the skin such as scalp, cheeks, and brow. Also watch | Indian men are opting to grow their facial hair × While little scientific evidence exists, it is claimed the concentration of platelets accelerates healing and reduces wrinkles, scar visibility, and other blemishes associated with ageing. What did the US CDC find? The US CDC found that a woman in 2018 who tested positive for HIV without any history of drug use or sexual contact outside her relationship or blood transfusion, had a facial procedure at the Albuquerque spa. "Incomplete spa client records posed a substantial challenge during this investigation, necessitating a large-scale outreach approach to identify potential cases, as opposed to direct communication with all clients," the CDC said in its report. Also read | Archaeologists used ancient DNA to construct the face of the sixth-century Chinese emperor "Requiring maintenance of sufficient client records to ensure adequate traceback by regulated businesses that provide injection services could ensure adequate capability to conduct traceback." Spa owner Maria de Lourdes Ramos De Ruiz pleaded guilty to five counts of practicing medicine without a license in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

What is 'Vampire Facial', cosmetic procedure linked with HIV cases in the US?

The Hubble Space Telescope has malfunctioned, yet again. The researchers’ own eye in space has gone offline after it faced an issue with a gyroscope and has entered into what scientists call safe mode.

The Hubble Space Telescope has malfunctioned, yet again. The researchers’ own eye in space has gone offline after it faced an issue with a gyroscope and has entered into what scientists call safe mode. A gyroscope is a device used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular velocity. Its purpose is to determine where the telescope is pointing and how the pointing changes in relation to the telescope’s movement in space. There are three such gyroscopes aboard the spacecraft and only one of them is facing issues. NASA scientists are believed to be working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Third gyroscope reserved for future missions The Hubble telescope doesn’t work at its full capacity as the third gyroscope is reserved for future operations. As of now, it is guided and operated by just one of two gyroscopes. Also read: Tiangong space station damaged by space debris strike, China working on clean-up The telescope underwent the fifth and final servicing in 2009 by the Space Shuttle Atlantis during which six gyroscopes were fitted into the spacecraft. Three of them remain operational, including the one facing issues currently and providing inaccurate readings. Not the first time It’s not the first time that the faulty gyroscope has provided inaccurate readings to the researchers. The same gyro faced issues in December 2023 as well after NASA scientists reconfigured the telescope to operate in high-performance mode. Also read: Astronomers Fight to Save Chandra Space Telescope This prompted NASA to run some tests checking the usability of the gyroscope, following which the space agency decided against completely abandoning it. Hubble now off duty Owing to the faulty gyroscope, the Hubble telescope has now gone off duty and will remain non-operational till it’s fixed. All scheduled programmes and missions have been put on hold as researchers at NASA try to send instructions from ground stations and get the thing going. As per NASA’s plans, the telescope will remain operational for at least six more years and hopefully more. (With inputs from agency)

Hubble space telescope temporarily goes off duty as key device provides faulty reading

Researchers from Rockefeller University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a discovery regarding the effects of addictive drugs like cocaine and morphine on our brains. They analysed the brain's reward pathway, and tried to answer why these substances can takeover our natural desires for essential needs such as food and water.

Lead researcher Jeffrey Friedman said, "We've known for decades that natural rewards, like food, and drugs can activate the same brain region. But what we've just learned is that they impact neural activity in strikingly different ways."&nbsp;

"One of the big takeaways here is that addictive drugs have pathologic effects on these neural pathways, that's distinct from, say, the physiologic response to eating a meal when you are hungry or drinking a glass of water when you are thirsty," he added.

<h2>How did they perform this study?</h2>

Using mouse models, the research team employed a comprehensive approach to study the impact of cocaine and morphine on the brain's reward circuits. By mapping brain activity, imaging neurons, and analysing genetic activity, they tried to understand how these drugs influence neural pathways.

The study reveals the crucial role of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in both typical brain functions and drug rewards. Neurons projecting to the NAc from the orbitofrontal cortex are implicated in reducing natural reward responses when activated by drug use.

"The NAc is a key node where the underlying dopaminoceptive neurons direct and refine animals' behaviours towards their goals," neuroscientist Bowen Tan told Science Alert. "What we hadn't been able to understand is how repeated exposure to drugs corrupts these neurons, resulting in escalated drug-seeking behaviors and a shift away from healthy goals," he added.

<h2>How do cocaine and morphine affect our brain differently?</h2>

While cocaine and morphine activate specific subsets of neurons in the NAc, their effects differ. Cocaine, a potent stimulant, and morphine, an opioid, elicit unique responses in the brain, ultimately altering behaviour and preference for these drugs over basic needs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vampire-facial-linked-with-hiv-cases-in-new-mexico-715848">What is 'Vampire Facial', cosmetic procedure linked with HIV cases in the US?</a>

"By tracking these cells, we show that not only are similar cells activated across reward classes, but also that cocaine and morphine elicit initially stronger responses than food or water, and this actually magnifies with increasing exposure," neuroscientist Caleb Browne said. "After withdrawal from the drugs, these same cells exhibit disorganized responses to natural rewards in a manner that may resemble some of the negative affective states seen in withdrawal in substance use disorder," he added.

Repeated exposure to cocaine and morphine leads to a shift in behaviour, with mice exhibiting increased interest in drugs and decreased interest in food and water. This change is accompanied by alterations in neuron communication, affecting how the brain processes rewards from natural stimuli.

The study identifies a protein encoded by the Rheb gene that interferes with typical neuron communication, contributing to addiction-related behaviors. Understanding these pathways opens avenues for developing targeted therapies to combat addiction.

Researchers from Rockefeller University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a discovery regarding the effects of addictive drugs like cocaine and morphine on our brains.

Researchers from Rockefeller University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a discovery regarding the effects of addictive drugs like cocaine and morphine on our brains. They analysed the brain's reward pathway, and tried to answer why these substances can takeover our natural desires for essential needs such as food and water. Lead researcher Jeffrey Friedman said, "We've known for decades that natural rewards, like food, and drugs can activate the same brain region. But what we've just learned is that they impact neural activity in strikingly different ways." "One of the big takeaways here is that addictive drugs have pathologic effects on these neural pathways, that's distinct from, say, the physiologic response to eating a meal when you are hungry or drinking a glass of water when you are thirsty," he added. How did they perform this study? Using mouse models, the research team employed a comprehensive approach to study the impact of cocaine and morphine on the brain's reward circuits. By mapping brain activity, imaging neurons, and analysing genetic activity, they tried to understand how these drugs influence neural pathways. The study reveals the crucial role of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in both typical brain functions and drug rewards. Neurons projecting to the NAc from the orbitofrontal cortex are implicated in reducing natural reward responses when activated by drug use. "The NAc is a key node where the underlying dopaminoceptive neurons direct and refine animals' behaviours towards their goals," neuroscientist Bowen Tan told Science Alert. "What we hadn't been able to understand is how repeated exposure to drugs corrupts these neurons, resulting in escalated drug-seeking behaviors and a shift away from healthy goals," he added. How do cocaine and morphine affect our brain differently? While cocaine and morphine activate specific subsets of neurons in the NAc, their effects differ. Cocaine, a potent stimulant, and morphine, an opioid, elicit unique responses in the brain, ultimately altering behaviour and preference for these drugs over basic needs. Also read: What is 'Vampire Facial', cosmetic procedure linked with HIV cases in the US? "By tracking these cells, we show that not only are similar cells activated across reward classes, but also that cocaine and morphine elicit initially stronger responses than food or water, and this actually magnifies with increasing exposure," neuroscientist Caleb Browne said. "After withdrawal from the drugs, these same cells exhibit disorganized responses to natural rewards in a manner that may resemble some of the negative affective states seen in withdrawal in substance use disorder," he added. Repeated exposure to cocaine and morphine leads to a shift in behaviour, with mice exhibiting increased interest in drugs and decreased interest in food and water. This change is accompanied by alterations in neuron communication, affecting how the brain processes rewards from natural stimuli. The study identifies a protein encoded by the Rheb gene that interferes with typical neuron communication, contributing to addiction-related behaviors. Understanding these pathways opens avenues for developing targeted therapies to combat addiction.

Cocaine and morphine trump food and water in brain’s reward hierarchy: Study

Over eight decades of epigenetics – the study of changes in the expression of genes over generations – scientists are now coming to terms with the notion that what your grandparents ate is affecting you and your kids. Quite precisely, the dietary preferences and expressions run in the family. The nutritional aspects of epigenetics is called nutritional epigenetics.

<h2>How our grandparents are affecting our dietary choices?</h2>

According to Nathaniel Johnson, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Dakota; Hasan Khatib, Associate Chair and Professor of Genetics and Epigenetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Thomas D Crenshaw, Professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — the dietary choices a person makes today affects the genetics of their future children.&nbsp;

The roots of epigenetics are in the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during the second World War. The Dutch were forced to live on the rations of 400 to 800 kilocalories against the typical diet of about 2,000 kilocalories. Some 20,000 people died and about 4.5 million were malnourished.

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian President Droupadi Murmu launches gene therapy for cancer

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-president-droupadi-murmu-launches-gene-therapy-for-cancer-708111/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It was found that dietary shifts in the Netherlands caused changes to a gene called IGF2 that is related to growth and development. This suppressed muscle growth in both the children and grandchildren of Dutch women who survived the dietary challenges posed by the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/genes-from-extinct-human-cousins-increase-risk-for-severe-covid-19-study-331670">Genes from extinct human cousins increase risk for severe COVID-19: Study</a>

Due to this exact reason, an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight was reported in the post World War-2 generations of the Netherlands, according to the findings of the&nbsp;'Dutch Hunger Winter'.&nbsp;

<h2>Scientific evidence for genetic effects of dietary choice</h2>

Human body, within the limits of its survival instinct, attempts to withstand the impact of external challenges.&nbsp;

The traits gained during these periods of challenge, are sometimes inherited to the future generations.

Recently a study in sheep showed that a paternal diet supplemented with the amino acid methionine given from birth to weaning affected the growth and reproductive traits of the next three generations.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Over eight decades of epigenetics – the study of changes in the expression of genes over generations – scientists are now coming to terms with the notion that what your grandparents ate is affecting you and your kids.

Over eight decades of epigenetics – the study of changes in the expression of genes over generations – scientists are now coming to terms with the notion that what your grandparents ate is affecting you and your kids. Quite precisely, the dietary preferences and expressions run in the family. The nutritional aspects of epigenetics is called nutritional epigenetics. How our grandparents are affecting our dietary choices? According to Nathaniel Johnson, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Dakota; Hasan Khatib, Associate Chair and Professor of Genetics and Epigenetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Thomas D Crenshaw, Professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — the dietary choices a person makes today affects the genetics of their future children. The roots of epigenetics are in the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during the second World War. The Dutch were forced to live on the rations of 400 to 800 kilocalories against the typical diet of about 2,000 kilocalories. Some 20,000 people died and about 4.5 million were malnourished. Also watch | Indian President Droupadi Murmu launches gene therapy for cancer × It was found that dietary shifts in the Netherlands caused changes to a gene called IGF2 that is related to growth and development. This suppressed muscle growth in both the children and grandchildren of Dutch women who survived the dietary challenges posed by the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Also read | Genes from extinct human cousins increase risk for severe COVID-19: Study Due to this exact reason, an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight was reported in the post World War-2 generations of the Netherlands, according to the findings of the 'Dutch Hunger Winter'. Scientific evidence for genetic effects of dietary choice Human body, within the limits of its survival instinct, attempts to withstand the impact of external challenges. The traits gained during these periods of challenge, are sometimes inherited to the future generations. Recently a study in sheep showed that a paternal diet supplemented with the amino acid methionine given from birth to weaning affected the growth and reproductive traits of the next three generations. (With inputs from agencies)

What your grandparents ate is affecting you; what you are eating will affect your grandkids: Research

New research by researchers at the University of Tübingen in Germany has revealed that brain activity in baby girls is more complex than that in baby boys. How did the researchers derive this conclusion?

New research by researchers at the University of Tübingen in Germany has revealed that brain activity in baby girls is more complex than that in baby boys. How did the researchers derive this conclusion? They came to this conclusion by measuring the magnetic fields produced by the brain's electrical currents in fetuses and babies to sound stimuli using an imaging technique called magnetoencephalography (MEG). Data from 20 newborns, ages 13 to 59 days, and 43 third-trimester fetuses, was analysed by the scientists. The sound stimuli included various arrangements of beeps. The sound was played to the fetuses using a "sound balloon" tucked between the pregnant woman's belly and the MEG sensors. Also read | Study: Lesbian and bisexual women at higher mortality risk due to 'toxic' social stigma The data analysis revealed that when the neurological system grows in fetuses and newborns, the complexity of signals in the brain appears to diminish, with boys developing this system substantially quicker than girls. The researchers then measured their magnetic brain activity in response to sound stimulation. They used algorithms to generate a variety of metrics that represent the complexity of the MEG signal. High brain complexity vs. low brain complexity Researchers found that people with greater degrees of brain complexity have superior performance and faster reaction time in essential executive tasks such as planning and decision-making. Low levels, on the other hand, are associated with states in which information processing ability is impaired, such as general anesthesia and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Surprising results, but why? The researchers expected the complexity of brain signals to increase as fetuses grew and babies aged. However, they found it decreased faster in males than females. The reason is uncertain, but it may be because the brain simplifies its processes during development by removing unnecessary cells and connections. Also read | 'Vampire facials' lead to women catching HIV; CDC reports cases of transmission via cosmetic procedures "As the brain matures, it moves toward ordered patterns of neural connections, which tell it how to respond to stimuli, such as the beeps in our experiment. A more developed brain has fewer ways of responding to that stimulus, and thus lower complexity. If we were to look at spontaneous activity, we might see something different," the lead author of the study, Joel Frohlich said. The researchers think that the differences between boys and girls might be because their nervous systems develop differently. However, they didn't continue studying the babies afterward, so it's not known if these differences persist.

New study finds baby girls' brain activity more complex than boys'

science

Science, News on Science, stories on Science, articles on Science, Science stories at Wion, Science news, Science latest news