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Electronic sensors, prosthetic limbs as well as wearables could be made from a special material that toughens up as it is hit or stretched, a property known as 'adaptive durability', research from the University of California has found.&nbsp;

<h2>What is this new material like?</h2>

The new material is inspired by the corn starch used in cooking, which can be stirred when water is added. The slurry nature of the corn starch acts like a solid when stirred or when&nbsp;punched quickly.&nbsp;

<h2>Understanding the science of adaptive durability</h2>

When you squish cornstarch, the tiny particles or its basic building blocks repel each other due to which they act like a fluid.&nbsp;

But if the surface is hit fast, the friction makes it act like a solid.&nbsp;

Researchers used two positively charged and two negatively charged polymers to create a material with super-small structures like miniature meatballs.

These 'meatballs' do not break apart, and the conductivity of the material is withheld right.

Scientists incorporated long molecules of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), short polyaniline molecules, and a highly efficient conductor – poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS).&nbsp;

<h2>Complex names, aren't they?</h2>

Well, all you need to know is that this combination created a material that deformed or stretched out when it was hit by rapid impacts.

The faster the impacts, the tougher the material became and added 10 per cent more to the adaptive durability and the conductivity of the material.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breakthrough-chinese-scientists-invent-new-porous-ceramic-that-can-be-used-in-making-hypersonic-aircraft-682833">Breakthrough: Chinese scientists invent new porous ceramic that can be used in making hypersonic aircraft</a>

There are applications for such material if it can be manufactured at scale.&nbsp;

Researchers have proposed smartwatch bands, wearable sensors and health monitors to be made with such material.&nbsp;

Eventually, artificial limbs could be 3D printed from this material.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Chinese scientists develop smart fibre | How does it work?

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"There are a number of potential applications, and we're excited to see where this new, unconventional property will take us," materials scientist Yue Wang was quoted as saying by Science Alert.

The research has been presented at the Spring 2024 meeting of the American Chemical Society.

(With inputs from agencies)

Electronic sensors, prosthetic limbs as well as wearables could be made from a special material that toughens up as it is hit or stretched, a property known as 'adaptive durability', research from the University of California has found.

Electronic sensors, prosthetic limbs as well as wearables could be made from a special material that toughens up as it is hit or stretched, a property known as 'adaptive durability', research from the University of California has found. What is this new material like? The new material is inspired by the corn starch used in cooking, which can be stirred when water is added. The slurry nature of the corn starch acts like a solid when stirred or when punched quickly. Understanding the science of adaptive durability When you squish cornstarch, the tiny particles or its basic building blocks repel each other due to which they act like a fluid. But if the surface is hit fast, the friction makes it act like a solid. Researchers used two positively charged and two negatively charged polymers to create a material with super-small structures like miniature meatballs. These 'meatballs' do not break apart, and the conductivity of the material is withheld right. Scientists incorporated long molecules of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), short polyaniline molecules, and a highly efficient conductor – poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Complex names, aren't they? Well, all you need to know is that this combination created a material that deformed or stretched out when it was hit by rapid impacts. The faster the impacts, the tougher the material became and added 10 per cent more to the adaptive durability and the conductivity of the material. Also read | Breakthrough: Chinese scientists invent new porous ceramic that can be used in making hypersonic aircraft There are applications for such material if it can be manufactured at scale. Researchers have proposed smartwatch bands, wearable sensors and health monitors to be made with such material. Eventually, artificial limbs could be 3D printed from this material. Also watch | Chinese scientists develop smart fibre | How does it work? × "There are a number of potential applications, and we're excited to see where this new, unconventional property will take us," materials scientist Yue Wang was quoted as saying by Science Alert. The research has been presented at the Spring 2024 meeting of the American Chemical Society. (With inputs from agencies)

Hit me baby one more time: Scientists invent new material that toughens up with rapid impacts

Scientists, after decoding different facets of how Earth and the Sun will eventually cease to exist, have now tried to understand how the universe will die.&nbsp;

The new observation hints that dark energy is likely getting weaker across the universe and so it will end with a "big crunch".&nbsp;

The "big crunch" event is most likely to occur after millions of years but experts working on a Dark Energy Spectroscopic vision warned that the world's future appears bleak.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-complex-than-we-thought-cosmologists-set-to-question-the-standards-of-how-we-view-the-universe-711506">More complex than we thought? Cosmologists set to question the standards of how we view the universe</a>

According to the research, since the universe is rapidly expanding, it is likely to weaken the energy which forms the atoms.

<h2>Universe will slowly grind to a halt and collapse</h2>

Scientists created one of the deepest&nbsp;maps&nbsp;of the cosmos using&nbsp;data collected by the&nbsp;Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)&nbsp;in just its first year.

Cosmologist at the Universidad ECCI in Columbia and former DESI team member, Luz Angela Garcia Penaloza confirmed that the dark energy's effect is "decreasing" over time.

Scientists have described this decrease in dark energy as the "big crunch". This observation of the cosmos implies that the universe will grind to a halt slowly and eventually collapse.&nbsp;

Speaking to Space.com, Luz said, "If what the first year of DESI results suggests is true, then the accelerated expansion of the universe will cease and eventually reverse, and the universe could begin drawing together under the influence of gravity."

"This could eventually lead to the universe ending in a 'Big Crunch' scenario," he added. Meanwhile, an expert said that the big crunch will be "initially" harmless, however, it will eventually develop into a life-killing experience.

Watch:&nbsp;Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole

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Pennsylvania State University's Martin Bojowald said, "The collapse initially would just be very harmless; the density of the universe would increase, but very slowly. But at some time, the collapse would lead to densities the same size as the Big Bang."&nbsp;

Till now, scientists have not been able to draw an entire picture of how the "big crunch" will appear.&nbsp;

According to Bojowald, the scientists are on the verge of comprehending the visual size of the "big crunch".

Explaining the magnitude of the "big crunch", Luz said, "We're going to have a very complementary vision of the universe from two completely different missions."

He said, "They are going to give us a completely brand new vision of how the universe is behaving and how dark energy is shaping the larger scale universal structure."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists, after decoding different facets of how Earth and the Sun will eventually cease to exist, have now tried to understand how the universe will die. The new observation hints that dark energy is likely getting weaker across the universe and so it will end with a "big crunch".

Scientists, after decoding different facets of how Earth and the Sun will eventually cease to exist, have now tried to understand how the universe will die. The new observation hints that dark energy is likely getting weaker across the universe and so it will end with a "big crunch". The "big crunch" event is most likely to occur after millions of years but experts working on a Dark Energy Spectroscopic vision warned that the world's future appears bleak. Also Read: More complex than we thought? Cosmologists set to question the standards of how we view the universe According to the research, since the universe is rapidly expanding, it is likely to weaken the energy which forms the atoms. Universe will slowly grind to a halt and collapse Scientists created one of the deepest maps of the cosmos using data collected by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) in just its first year. Cosmologist at the Universidad ECCI in Columbia and former DESI team member, Luz Angela Garcia Penaloza confirmed that the dark energy's effect is "decreasing" over time. Scientists have described this decrease in dark energy as the "big crunch". This observation of the cosmos implies that the universe will grind to a halt slowly and eventually collapse. Speaking to Space.com, Luz said, "If what the first year of DESI results suggests is true, then the accelerated expansion of the universe will cease and eventually reverse, and the universe could begin drawing together under the influence of gravity." "This could eventually lead to the universe ending in a 'Big Crunch' scenario," he added. Meanwhile, an expert said that the big crunch will be "initially" harmless, however, it will eventually develop into a life-killing experience. Watch: Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole Pennsylvania State University's Martin Bojowald said, "The collapse initially would just be very harmless; the density of the universe would increase, but very slowly. But at some time, the collapse would lead to densities the same size as the Big Bang." Till now, scientists have not been able to draw an entire picture of how the "big crunch" will appear. According to Bojowald, the scientists are on the verge of comprehending the visual size of the "big crunch". Explaining the magnitude of the "big crunch", Luz said, "We're going to have a very complementary vision of the universe from two completely different missions." He said, "They are going to give us a completely brand new vision of how the universe is behaving and how dark energy is shaping the larger scale universal structure." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists decode 'death' of our universe, say it will one day collapse and end with a 'big crunch'

Remember 'Hugsy'? Joey's friend other than his FRIENDS on NBC's legendary sitcom by the same name? Joey Tribbiani would hug Hugsy and be so possessive of it that he wouldn't even share it with infant Emma.&nbsp;<img alt="Actor Matt Le Blanc as Joey Tribbiani in NBC's FRIENDS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="427a7b5e-5db0-49fc-bc81-9310913dde9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/joey.png" />

Actor Matt Le Blanc as Joey Tribbiani in NBC's FRIENDS

Well, the science has it confirmed. Hugs are great for you.&nbsp;

A review of 212 previous studies has found that hugs and other forms of physical touch can help with physical and mental health in people of all ages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/the-amazing-benefits-of-hugs-1704533131958">The Amazing Benefits of Hugs</a>

Researchers combined the findings of all these studies to get a broader picture of how touch is beneficial.&nbsp;

The research team comprised Ruhr University Bochum in Germany and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience.

"We were aware of the importance of touch as a health intervention, but despite many studies, it remained unclear how to use it optimally, what effects can be expected specifically, and what the influencing factors are," neuroscientist Julian Packheiser from Ruhr University Bochum said in an official statement.

<h2>What did the study find?</h2>

The research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, showed that touch helps reduce feelings of pain, depression, and anxiety. Its positive effect was observed in both children and adults.

At the same time, touching on head or face appears to work best.

The touches from inanimate objects such as body pillows and weighted blankets can help in terms of physical health. Touches from humans and animals tend to be beneficial both physically and mentally.

At the same time, newborn infants benefit from touch as well. But the positive influence is more when the touch comes from a parent.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hugs over milk?

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As you get older, whether or not the touch is from a biological parent matters less.&nbsp;

"The study clearly shows that touch can indeed be optimised, but the most important factors are not necessarily those we suspect," neuroscientist Christian Keysers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Remember 'Hugsy'? Joey's friend other than his FRIENDS on NBC's legendary sitcom by the same name? Joey Tribbiani would hug Hugsy and be so possessive of it that he wouldn't even share it with infant Emma.

Remember 'Hugsy'? Joey's friend other than his FRIENDS on NBC's legendary sitcom by the same name? Joey Tribbiani would hug Hugsy and be so possessive of it that he wouldn't even share it with infant Emma. Actor Matt Le Blanc as Joey Tribbiani in NBC's FRIENDS Well, the science has it confirmed. Hugs are great for you. A review of 212 previous studies has found that hugs and other forms of physical touch can help with physical and mental health in people of all ages. Also read | The Amazing Benefits of Hugs Researchers combined the findings of all these studies to get a broader picture of how touch is beneficial. The research team comprised Ruhr University Bochum in Germany and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. "We were aware of the importance of touch as a health intervention, but despite many studies, it remained unclear how to use it optimally, what effects can be expected specifically, and what the influencing factors are," neuroscientist Julian Packheiser from Ruhr University Bochum said in an official statement. What did the study find? The research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, showed that touch helps reduce feelings of pain, depression, and anxiety. Its positive effect was observed in both children and adults. At the same time, touching on head or face appears to work best. The touches from inanimate objects such as body pillows and weighted blankets can help in terms of physical health. Touches from humans and animals tend to be beneficial both physically and mentally. At the same time, newborn infants benefit from touch as well. But the positive influence is more when the touch comes from a parent. Also watch | Gravitas: Hugs over milk? × As you get older, whether or not the touch is from a biological parent matters less. "The study clearly shows that touch can indeed be optimised, but the most important factors are not necessarily those we suspect," neuroscientist Christian Keysers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, said. (With inputs from agencies)

Feeling anxiety, pain or depression? Scientists want you to hug it out and see it all vanish

Scientists have discovered what they call “Milky Way's most massive" black hole yet. To put its size into perspective, it’s at least 33 times bigger than the Sun and located 2,000 light years away from us. Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory's Gaia mission spotted the gigantic black hole when they noticed a star wobbling as it orbited the area.

The black hole has been named Gaia BH3. It’s the second-closest black hole to Earth and sits in the Aquila constellation. Gaia is a Latin word which means “the eagle”.

"No one was expecting to find a high-mass black hole lurking nearby, undetected so far," said Pasquale Panuzzo, an astronomer from the National Centre for Scientific Research at the Observatoire de Paris. "This is the kind of discovery you make once in your research life," the astronomer added.

<h2>How are black holes formed?</h2>

Black holes are formed when stars reach the end of their lives. Most of these stars inflate, lose mass and cool down to become “white dwarfs” but others lose less mass that don’t contain heavy elements. These stars are called ‘metal-poor stars’ and instead of becoming white dwarfs, they collapse in on themselves and form a black hole.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller

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It indicates that the star that collapsed to form a Gaia BH3 black hole must have been a metal-poor star. More clues can be derived from the "wobbly" star orbiting it as stars in pairs tend to be similar.

Interestingly, the wobbly star is also a metal-poor star.

<h2>50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way</h2>

Scientists at NASA believe there are more than 50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way galaxy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwid7OjYyMaFAxW6VEEAHa4IBmQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid7OjYyMaFAxW6VEEAHa4IBmQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter</a>

Earlier in January, astronomers said they had discovered the oldest black hole ever, dating back to the early universe more than 13 billion years ago.

The black hole is located in an ancient galaxy called GN-z11, located 13.4 billion light years away, and was spotted using the James Webb Space Telescope.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered what they call “Milky Way's most massive" black hole yet. To put its size into perspective, it’s at least 33 times bigger than the Sun and located 2,000 light years away from us.

Scientists have discovered what they call “Milky Way's most massive" black hole yet. To put its size into perspective, it’s at least 33 times bigger than the Sun and located 2,000 light years away from us. Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory's Gaia mission spotted the gigantic black hole when they noticed a star wobbling as it orbited the area. The black hole has been named Gaia BH3. It’s the second-closest black hole to Earth and sits in the Aquila constellation. Gaia is a Latin word which means “the eagle”. "No one was expecting to find a high-mass black hole lurking nearby, undetected so far," said Pasquale Panuzzo, an astronomer from the National Centre for Scientific Research at the Observatoire de Paris. "This is the kind of discovery you make once in your research life," the astronomer added. How are black holes formed? Black holes are formed when stars reach the end of their lives. Most of these stars inflate, lose mass and cool down to become “white dwarfs” but others lose less mass that don’t contain heavy elements. These stars are called ‘metal-poor stars’ and instead of becoming white dwarfs, they collapse in on themselves and form a black hole. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller × It indicates that the star that collapsed to form a Gaia BH3 black hole must have been a metal-poor star. More clues can be derived from the "wobbly" star orbiting it as stars in pairs tend to be similar. Interestingly, the wobbly star is also a metal-poor star. 50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way Scientists at NASA believe there are more than 50 stellar black holes in the Milky Way galaxy. Also read: Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter Earlier in January, astronomers said they had discovered the oldest black hole ever, dating back to the early universe more than 13 billion years ago. The black hole is located in an ancient galaxy called GN-z11, located 13.4 billion light years away, and was spotted using the James Webb Space Telescope. (With inputs from agencies)

Milky Way’s ‘most massive’ stellar black hole , 33 times bigger than Sun, found lurking near Earth

The past of the iconic Winchcombe meteorite that landed in the UK in Feb 2021, has now been revealed. After detailed scrutiny of the space rock, scientists found it came from an asteroid that had been heavily altered by water as well as smashed apart and reformed multiple times.

The fragments of the 2021 meteorite were found scattered in fields near the village of Winchcombe. This was the first meteorite fall in the UK whose fragments were retrieved, since 1991. With the help of eyewitnesses’ reports and the UK Fireball Alliance’s network of cameras, scientists were able to locate the approximate area in which the meteorite had fallen.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-invent-new-material-that-toughens-up-when-hit-by-rapid-impacts-712137">Scientists invent new material that toughens up with rapid impacts</a>

The fragments were retrieved as quickly as possible, to save them from any kind of contamination. Though some parts of the fragments did have some terrestrial contamination, including from table salt, the Winchcombe fragments were the most pristine parts recovered from a fallen meteorite.

Since 2021, the history of the Winchcombe asteroid has remained a secret. The internal parts of the meteorite were teased out with sophisticated transmission electron microscopy and techniques such as electron backscatter diffraction, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and atom probe tomography.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/when-small-dinosaurs-roamed-earth-scientists-discover-smallest-ever-titanosaur-species-712164">A 6-foot-tall dinosaur? Smallest-ever Titanosaurs to have walked the Earth discovered in Argentina</a>

With the help of all these methods, scientists were able to retrieve the history of well-kept samples of the Winchcombe meteorite.

"This level of analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite is virtually unprecedented for materials that weren't directly returned to Earth from space missions, like moon rocks from the Apollo program or samples from the Ryugu asteroid collected by the Hayabusa 2 probe," said Leon Hicks of the University of Leicester in a statement.

<h2>What does the latest investigation show?</h2>

The latest analysis of the meteorite showed that fragments were made of breccia- where individual chunks of rock are cemented together. The Winchcombe meteorite is classified as a CM carbonaceous chondrite, which is a carbon-rich and stony rock.

The recent investigation, which probed the fragments at the nanometer scale, found that the Winchcombe breccia was formed from eight different types of CM chondrite, which are the most common variations of carbonaceous chondrite.

"We were fascinated to uncover just how fragmented the breccia was within the Winchcombe sample we analyzed," said Luke Daly of the University of Glasgow, who led the research.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bumblebee-species-can-survive-underwater-for-up-to-a-week-reveals-new-study-712268">Bumblebee species can survive underwater for up to a week, reveals new study</a>

"If you imagine the Winchcombe meteorite as a jigsaw, what we saw in the analysis was as if each of the jigsaw pieces themselves had also been cut into smaller pieces and then jumbled in a bag filled with fragments of seven other jigsaws."

This implies the Winchcombe meteorite’s parent asteroid had been smashed apart and reformed multiple times, probably following collisions with other asteroids early in the solar system.

Also, the meteorite fragments had clear evidence of being chemically altered by liquid water before getting smashed apart. In some cases, grains altered by water were found right next to unaltered grains, so much jumbled had the breccia become.

(With inputs from agencies)

The past of the iconic Winchcombe meteorite that landed in the UK in Feb 2021, has now been revealed. After detailed scrutiny of the space rock, scientists found it came from an asteroid that had been heavily altered by water as well as smashed apart and reformed multiple times.

The past of the iconic Winchcombe meteorite that landed in the UK in Feb 2021, has now been revealed. After detailed scrutiny of the space rock, scientists found it came from an asteroid that had been heavily altered by water as well as smashed apart and reformed multiple times. The fragments of the 2021 meteorite were found scattered in fields near the village of Winchcombe. This was the first meteorite fall in the UK whose fragments were retrieved, since 1991. With the help of eyewitnesses’ reports and the UK Fireball Alliance’s network of cameras, scientists were able to locate the approximate area in which the meteorite had fallen. Also Read | Scientists invent new material that toughens up with rapid impacts The fragments were retrieved as quickly as possible, to save them from any kind of contamination. Though some parts of the fragments did have some terrestrial contamination, including from table salt, the Winchcombe fragments were the most pristine parts recovered from a fallen meteorite. Since 2021, the history of the Winchcombe asteroid has remained a secret. The internal parts of the meteorite were teased out with sophisticated transmission electron microscopy and techniques such as electron backscatter diffraction, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and atom probe tomography. Also Read | A 6-foot-tall dinosaur? Smallest-ever Titanosaurs to have walked the Earth discovered in Argentina With the help of all these methods, scientists were able to retrieve the history of well-kept samples of the Winchcombe meteorite. "This level of analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite is virtually unprecedented for materials that weren't directly returned to Earth from space missions, like moon rocks from the Apollo program or samples from the Ryugu asteroid collected by the Hayabusa 2 probe," said Leon Hicks of the University of Leicester in a statement. What does the latest investigation show? The latest analysis of the meteorite showed that fragments were made of breccia- where individual chunks of rock are cemented together. The Winchcombe meteorite is classified as a CM carbonaceous chondrite, which is a carbon-rich and stony rock. The recent investigation, which probed the fragments at the nanometer scale, found that the Winchcombe breccia was formed from eight different types of CM chondrite, which are the most common variations of carbonaceous chondrite. "We were fascinated to uncover just how fragmented the breccia was within the Winchcombe sample we analyzed," said Luke Daly of the University of Glasgow, who led the research. Also Read | Bumblebee species can survive underwater for up to a week, reveals new study "If you imagine the Winchcombe meteorite as a jigsaw, what we saw in the analysis was as if each of the jigsaw pieces themselves had also been cut into smaller pieces and then jumbled in a bag filled with fragments of seven other jigsaws." This implies the Winchcombe meteorite’s parent asteroid had been smashed apart and reformed multiple times, probably following collisions with other asteroids early in the solar system. Also, the meteorite fragments had clear evidence of being chemically altered by liquid water before getting smashed apart. In some cases, grains altered by water were found right next to unaltered grains, so much jumbled had the breccia become. (With inputs from agencies)

Winchcombe meteorite is a ‘jigsaw of seven jigsaws’, finds latest analysis

A certain species of bumblebees can survive extreme water or flooding for several days, reveals a recent study that left scientists surprised.&nbsp;

The species of queen bumblebees, commonly found in eastern North America, can withstand increased floods brought on by climate change that threaten their winter hibernation burrows beneath the soil, reveals a study on Wednesday.

The study was led by Sabrina Rondeau, who is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa. The observations gathered from the study show that these pollinators can survive flood-like situations caused due to climate change, which is a sign of relief, as queen bumblebees are crucial to ecosystems.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-make-deadly-discovery-of-vampire-bacteria-which-feasts-on-human-blood-712171">Scientists make deadly discovery of 'vampire' bacteria which feasts on human blood</a>

With global warming prompting more frequent and extreme floods in regions around the world, it poses "an unpredictable challenge for soil-dwelling species, particularly bees nesting or overwintering underground", co-author Nigel Raine of the University of Guelph said in a statement.

<h2>Accidental discovery that led to surprising results</h2>

Rondeau said she first discovered queen bumblebees could withstand drowning by accident. She had been studying the effect of pesticide residues in soil on queen bumblebees that burrow underground for the winter when water accidentally entered the tubes of the bees.&nbsp;

At first, she got scared that she might lose all those queen bumblebees, but to her surprise, they survived the water. She concluded that might be because the water was quite less, which was of no harm to them.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-juno-captures-erupting-volcanoes-on-jupiters-moon-io-watch-712172">NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch!</a>

She then launched another experiment to better understand what happened.&nbsp;

She with a team of researchers placed 143 hibernating queen bumblebees in tubes, some with no water as a comparative group, some floating in water and some fully submerged using a plunger for a period ranging from eight hours to seven days, according to the study published in the journal Biology Letters.

Surprisingly, about 81 per cent of the hibernating queens that were submerged in the water not only survived seven days but also remained alive for eight weeks after being returned to a dry environment.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-pons-brooks-will-be-extremely-close-by-when-jupiter-and-uranus-come-in-conjunction-712197">Comet Pons-Brooks will be extremely close by when Jupiter and Uranus come in conjunction</a>

The common eastern bumblebees used in the study are found to be particularly able to survive bad weather conditions, not showing the same degree of population declines as other bee species, Rondeau said.

"So we are also wondering whether this resistance to flooding can be part of why they're doing so well," said Rondeau.

The study will now try to replicate other species of bumblebees to determine how common the trait is.

(With inputs from agencies)

A certain species of bumblebees can survive extreme water or flooding for several days, reveals a recent study that left scientists surprised. The species of queen bumblebees, commonly found in eastern North America, can withstand increased floods brought on by climate change that threaten their winter hibernation burrows beneath the soil, reveals a study on Wednesday.

A certain species of bumblebees can survive extreme water or flooding for several days, reveals a recent study that left scientists surprised. The species of queen bumblebees, commonly found in eastern North America, can withstand increased floods brought on by climate change that threaten their winter hibernation burrows beneath the soil, reveals a study on Wednesday. The study was led by Sabrina Rondeau, who is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa. The observations gathered from the study show that these pollinators can survive flood-like situations caused due to climate change, which is a sign of relief, as queen bumblebees are crucial to ecosystems. Also Read | Scientists make deadly discovery of 'vampire' bacteria which feasts on human blood With global warming prompting more frequent and extreme floods in regions around the world, it poses "an unpredictable challenge for soil-dwelling species, particularly bees nesting or overwintering underground", co-author Nigel Raine of the University of Guelph said in a statement. Accidental discovery that led to surprising results Rondeau said she first discovered queen bumblebees could withstand drowning by accident. She had been studying the effect of pesticide residues in soil on queen bumblebees that burrow underground for the winter when water accidentally entered the tubes of the bees. At first, she got scared that she might lose all those queen bumblebees, but to her surprise, they survived the water. She concluded that might be because the water was quite less, which was of no harm to them. Also Read | NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch! She then launched another experiment to better understand what happened. She with a team of researchers placed 143 hibernating queen bumblebees in tubes, some with no water as a comparative group, some floating in water and some fully submerged using a plunger for a period ranging from eight hours to seven days, according to the study published in the journal Biology Letters. Surprisingly, about 81 per cent of the hibernating queens that were submerged in the water not only survived seven days but also remained alive for eight weeks after being returned to a dry environment. Also Read | Comet Pons-Brooks will be extremely close by when Jupiter and Uranus come in conjunction The common eastern bumblebees used in the study are found to be particularly able to survive bad weather conditions, not showing the same degree of population declines as other bee species, Rondeau said. "So we are also wondering whether this resistance to flooding can be part of why they're doing so well," said Rondeau. The study will now try to replicate other species of bumblebees to determine how common the trait is. (With inputs from agencies)

Bumblebee species can survive underwater for up to a week, reveals new study

In a visual treat for stargazers and astronomers, the 'Devil Comet' or 12/P Pons-Brooks will reach its brightest this week.

The comet will also sparkle close to Jupiter and Uranus' conjunction when the “bulls-eye planet” and giant planet will meet to form an arc for 30 minutes on April 20.

On April 21, this twelfth comet - which is around the same size as Halley’s Comet, will be visible in the west after remaining in the dark for many months.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-devil-comet-with-horns-becomes-visible-to-human-eye-from-earth-706376">Devil Comet can now be spotted from Earth, but right now only in this region</a>

Stargazers will only need a clear sky and a pair of binoculars to see the green comet in the southwest.&nbsp;

<h2>Mother of Dragons comet reaches perihelion</h2>

The 10.5-mile-wide (17 kilometres) Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, which is also known as the "Mother of Dragons comet", will be at its closest point to the sun, called perihelion. It will be at a distance of about 144 million miles (232 million km) from our star. &nbsp;

This position will make the comet significantly brighter and easier to see with the naked eye in the western sky after sunset.

For stargazers, it will be best to see the comet on April 21 and a few nights before and after when it will be at its brightest.&nbsp;

The people trying to see the comet in northern latitudes may find it difficult since it will be positioned in the glow of sunset.

"In spite of the fact that the comet should be brightest because it is nearest to the sun, it is quite distant from us," said Frank Maloney, who is an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, while speaking to Live Science.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;First Indian to go to space - Rakesh Sharma - talks to WION, says 'hope youngsters get inspired'

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"Comets can exhibit major changes in brightness as the sun warms them, but unless something happens, the comet will be visible only in binoculars or a telescope," he added.&nbsp;

This may change if the comet has another outburst like the one it had in July 2023. This led to a pair of demonic horns, and thus the nickname&nbsp;"devil comet."&nbsp;

As per the latest observations, the comet does not sport horns any longer since it lost the "notch" of ice in its core which made the horns appear.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a visual treat for stargazers and astronomers, the 'Devil Comet' or 12/P Pons-Brooks will reach its brightest this week. The comet will also sparkle close to Jupiter and Uranus' conjunction when the “bulls-eye planet” and giant planet will meet to form an arc for 30 minutes on April 20.

In a visual treat for stargazers and astronomers, the 'Devil Comet' or 12/P Pons-Brooks will reach its brightest this week. The comet will also sparkle close to Jupiter and Uranus' conjunction when the “bulls-eye planet” and giant planet will meet to form an arc for 30 minutes on April 20. On April 21, this twelfth comet - which is around the same size as Halley’s Comet, will be visible in the west after remaining in the dark for many months. Also Read: Devil Comet can now be spotted from Earth, but right now only in this region Stargazers will only need a clear sky and a pair of binoculars to see the green comet in the southwest. Mother of Dragons comet reaches perihelion The 10.5-mile-wide (17 kilometres) Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, which is also known as the "Mother of Dragons comet", will be at its closest point to the sun, called perihelion. It will be at a distance of about 144 million miles (232 million km) from our star. This position will make the comet significantly brighter and easier to see with the naked eye in the western sky after sunset. For stargazers, it will be best to see the comet on April 21 and a few nights before and after when it will be at its brightest. The people trying to see the comet in northern latitudes may find it difficult since it will be positioned in the glow of sunset. "In spite of the fact that the comet should be brightest because it is nearest to the sun, it is quite distant from us," said Frank Maloney, who is an associate professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, while speaking to Live Science. Watch: First Indian to go to space - Rakesh Sharma - talks to WION, says 'hope youngsters get inspired' "Comets can exhibit major changes in brightness as the sun warms them, but unless something happens, the comet will be visible only in binoculars or a telescope," he added. This may change if the comet has another outburst like the one it had in July 2023. This led to a pair of demonic horns, and thus the nickname "devil comet." As per the latest observations, the comet does not sport horns any longer since it lost the "notch" of ice in its core which made the horns appear. (With inputs from agencies)

Comet Pons-Brooks will be extremely close by when Jupiter and Uranus come in conjunction

Erupting volcanoes are fascinating, and the countless volcano models children&nbsp;make in schools are a testament to that. But, if volcanoes on the Earth are so intriguing, how much more amazing would it be to be able to watch volcanoes erupting somewhere out in space?

This is now possible, all thanks to NASA's Juno. The probe which last week conducted a planned flyby near Jupiter's moon 'Io' has managed to capture fascinating visuals of the alien world teeming with volcanoes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-complex-than-we-thought-cosmologists-set-to-question-the-standards-of-how-we-view-the-universe-711506">More complex than we thought? Cosmologists set to question the standards of how we view the universe</a>

<h2>Astonishing visuals from space</h2>

Taking to X, Jason Perry, a professional photographer for CaSSIS, HiRISE, and Io Volcano Observer shared an animated GIF showing 13 images from "Juno's encounter with Io this week!".

Have a look here:

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Animated gif showing 13 of the images from Juno's encounter with Io this week! Great views of Pele, Xihe, and Io's south polar region. <a href="https://t.co/rh8zWfJiiI">pic.twitter.com/rh8zWfJiiI</a>
— Jason Perry (@volcanopele) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcanopele/status/1778946227700457728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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These images, as per Mashable, have been processed to remove noise and distortion. This, the publication reports, was done by both professional and amateur image processors, some of whom work for NASA or related space research programmes.&nbsp;

<h2>Jupiter's Io and the&nbsp;Juno probe&nbsp;</h2>

As per NASA, Jupiter's rocky moon Io is the "most volcanically active world in the solar system, with hundreds of volcanoes, some erupting lava fountains dozens of miles (or kilometres) high".

This, as per the US space agency, is due to a "tug-of-war between Jupiter's powerful gravity and smaller but precisely timed pulls from two neighbouring moons that orbit farther from Jupiter – Europa and Ganymede."

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Because of the constant volcanism and intense radiation, Io, which is a bit larger than Earth's moon, is an "unlikely destination for life". It is also the third largest of Jupiter's moons.

NASA's Juno spacecraft has been probing "beneath the dense, forbidding clouds encircling the giant planet" since it arrived there in 2016.&nbsp;

The spacecraft which is the first orbiter to peer so closely at Io has conducted around 60 flybys, of which the closest ones were made recently on&nbsp;Dec&nbsp;30, 2023, and Feb&nbsp;3, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

Erupting volcanoes are fascinating, and the countless volcano models children make in schools are a testament to that. But, if volcanoes on the Earth are so intriguing, how much more amazing would it be to be able to watch volcanoes erupting somewhere out in space?

Erupting volcanoes are fascinating, and the countless volcano models children make in schools are a testament to that. But, if volcanoes on the Earth are so intriguing, how much more amazing would it be to be able to watch volcanoes erupting somewhere out in space? This is now possible, all thanks to NASA's Juno. The probe which last week conducted a planned flyby near Jupiter's moon 'Io' has managed to capture fascinating visuals of the alien world teeming with volcanoes. Also read | More complex than we thought? Cosmologists set to question the standards of how we view the universe Astonishing visuals from space Taking to X, Jason Perry, a professional photographer for CaSSIS, HiRISE, and Io Volcano Observer shared an animated GIF showing 13 images from "Juno's encounter with Io this week!". Have a look here: Animated gif showing 13 of the images from Juno's encounter with Io this week! Great views of Pele, Xihe, and Io's south polar region. pic.twitter.com/rh8zWfJiiI — Jason Perry (@volcanopele) April 13, 2024 × These images, as per Mashable, have been processed to remove noise and distortion. This, the publication reports, was done by both professional and amateur image processors, some of whom work for NASA or related space research programmes. Jupiter's Io and the Juno probe As per NASA, Jupiter's rocky moon Io is the "most volcanically active world in the solar system, with hundreds of volcanoes, some erupting lava fountains dozens of miles (or kilometres) high". This, as per the US space agency, is due to a "tug-of-war between Jupiter's powerful gravity and smaller but precisely timed pulls from two neighbouring moons that orbit farther from Jupiter – Europa and Ganymede." Also read | US Space Force readies for first-of-its-kind military exercise in Earth orbit Because of the constant volcanism and intense radiation, Io, which is a bit larger than Earth's moon, is an "unlikely destination for life". It is also the third largest of Jupiter's moons. NASA's Juno spacecraft has been probing "beneath the dense, forbidding clouds encircling the giant planet" since it arrived there in 2016. The spacecraft which is the first orbiter to peer so closely at Io has conducted around 60 flybys, of which the closest ones were made recently on Dec 30, 2023, and Feb 3, 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io. Watch!

The world of palaeontology has found a new member. Palaeontologists in Argentina have unveiled a new species of Titanosaur&nbsp;named Titanomachya gimenezi from the late Cretaceous Epoch, a period between 66 to 145 million years ago.&nbsp;

The discovery took place in the Chubut province of Patagonian Argentina. The fossils of Titanomachya were found among forelimbs, hindlimbs, and fragments of ribs and vertebrae. This marks the first sauropod species recognised from this formation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/not-a-meteorite-but-indias-deccan-traps-led-to-extinction-of-dinosaurs-from-earth-study-664402">Not a meteorite, but India's Deccan Traps may have led to extinction of dinosaurs from Earth: Study</a>

"The morphology of the talus – the bone responsible for distributing the force coming from the tibia on the inside of the foot – was never seen before in other titanosaurs and shows intermediate traits between the Colossosauria and Saltasauroidea lineages, highlighting its evolutionary importance," first author Agustín Pérez Moreno from CONICET and Museo de La Plata in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Size of new Titanosaur species</h2>

Its size was 10 times smaller than its largest titanosaur relative. For instance, Patagotitan mayorum&nbsp;was about 130 feet in length and weighed a massive 70 tonnes.&nbsp;Titanomachya gimenez, on the other hand, weighed just about seven tonnes and was just as tall as a&nbsp;cow.

Scientists&nbsp;measured the tibia and fibula fossils that they found to conclude that this titanosaur&nbsp;was nothing like the commonly known beast that a&nbsp;titanosaur is.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;the Titanomachya gimenez&nbsp;stood at just 6 feet tall. That's quite some dip for a giant species like&nbsp;titanosaurs.&nbsp;

Their significance with respect to their smaller size, however,&nbsp;lies in the broader picture of dinosaur diversity during the late Cretaceous period.

<h2>What is the project about?</h2>

The discovery is part of an effort between the National Geographic Society and over 10 museums and universities in Argentina, including the Museo de La Plata.&nbsp;

The project aims to bridge the gap in humanity's knowledge of the final 15 million years of the Cretaceous Period. It focuses on the dinosaurs and vertebrates that thrived in Patagonia during this critical period.

Also watch |&nbsp;Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs

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"The discovery of Titanomachya, adds to previous data suggesting there was a major ecological change as the Cretaceous [Period] was coming to an end, marked by the downsizing of titanosaurs, a decrease in their abundance, and the predominance of other herbivorous dinosaurs, such as hadrosaurs on the landscape,"&nbsp;said National Geographic Explorer Diego Pol in a release. "This ecological shift in herbivorous dinosaurs occurred amidst changing climates and habitats, as well as the advance of the Atlantic Ocean over large parts of Patagonia."

(With inputs from agencies)

The world of palaeontology has found a new member. Palaeontologists in Argentina have unveiled a new species of Titanosaur named Titanomachya gimenezi from the late Cretaceous Epoch, a period between 66 to 145 million years ago.

The world of palaeontology has found a new member. Palaeontologists in Argentina have unveiled a new species of Titanosaur named Titanomachya gimenezi from the late Cretaceous Epoch, a period between 66 to 145 million years ago. The discovery took place in the Chubut province of Patagonian Argentina. The fossils of Titanomachya were found among forelimbs, hindlimbs, and fragments of ribs and vertebrae. This marks the first sauropod species recognised from this formation. Also read | Not a meteorite, but India's Deccan Traps may have led to extinction of dinosaurs from Earth: Study "The morphology of the talus – the bone responsible for distributing the force coming from the tibia on the inside of the foot – was never seen before in other titanosaurs and shows intermediate traits between the Colossosauria and Saltasauroidea lineages, highlighting its evolutionary importance," first author Agustín Pérez Moreno from CONICET and Museo de La Plata in a statement. Size of new Titanosaur species Its size was 10 times smaller than its largest titanosaur relative. For instance, Patagotitan mayorum was about 130 feet in length and weighed a massive 70 tonnes. Titanomachya gimenez, on the other hand, weighed just about seven tonnes and was just as tall as a cow. Scientists measured the tibia and fibula fossils that they found to conclude that this titanosaur was nothing like the commonly known beast that a titanosaur is. In fact, the Titanomachya gimenez stood at just 6 feet tall. That's quite some dip for a giant species like titanosaurs. Their significance with respect to their smaller size, however, lies in the broader picture of dinosaur diversity during the late Cretaceous period. What is the project about? The discovery is part of an effort between the National Geographic Society and over 10 museums and universities in Argentina, including the Museo de La Plata. The project aims to bridge the gap in humanity's knowledge of the final 15 million years of the Cretaceous Period. It focuses on the dinosaurs and vertebrates that thrived in Patagonia during this critical period. Also watch | Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs × "The discovery of Titanomachya, adds to previous data suggesting there was a major ecological change as the Cretaceous [Period] was coming to an end, marked by the downsizing of titanosaurs, a decrease in their abundance, and the predominance of other herbivorous dinosaurs, such as hadrosaurs on the landscape," said National Geographic Explorer Diego Pol in a release. "This ecological shift in herbivorous dinosaurs occurred amidst changing climates and habitats, as well as the advance of the Atlantic Ocean over large parts of Patagonia." (With inputs from agencies)

A 6-foot-tall dinosaur? Smallest-ever Titanosaurs to have walked the Earth discovered in Argentina

In a breakthrough that is set to ensure a definitive revision of Science textbooks across the world, scientists have now identified how our tongue's taste buds are activated at the molecular level to make us taste the bitter one.&nbsp;

According to a team of scientists from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, the bitter taste receptor — scientifically named TAS2R14 — has a defining role in helping our tongue identify one of the five different tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (or savoury).

The study was published in the journal Nature.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;COVID-19 Symptoms: Is loss of smell &amp; taste permanent?

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"Scientists know very little about the structural make-up of sweet, bitter, and umami taste receptors," pharmacologist Yoojoong Kim, from the UNC School of Medicine, said in an official statement.&nbsp;

"Using a combination of biochemical and computational methods, we now know the structure of the bitter taste receptor TAS2R14 and the mechanisms that initialize the sensation of bitter taste in our tongues."

<h2>The 'bitter' science</h2>

Scientists said that when bitter substances (or tastants) hit TAS2R14, they are wedged into a regulatory region called the allosteric site. This allows molecules to bind to a protein and influence its functional activity.

The mechanism hasn't been discovered before.&nbsp;

The subsequent connection of the tastant with the allosteric site changes the shape of the receptor and activates its &nbsp;G protein which sets off a chain reaction of signaling further down the line.

This is how the message gets sent to a part of the brain called the gustatory cortex, where we process and perceive the signals as the taste of bitterness.

<h2>How did scientists identify the science behind bitter taste?</h2>

Scientists deployed methods including cryogenic electron microscopy, which allows ultra-precise imaging of the 3D structural biology of molecules in their active state by rapidly preserving them at ultra-cold temperatures.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

Separately, this can also help medical professionals worldwide to study the function of molecules like proteins and viruses which can lead to more targeted treatments for conditions where molecules play a role.

In a breakthrough that is set to ensure a definitive revision of Science textbooks across the world, scientists have now identified how our tongue's taste buds are activated at the molecular level to make us taste the bitter one.

In a breakthrough that is set to ensure a definitive revision of Science textbooks across the world, scientists have now identified how our tongue's taste buds are activated at the molecular level to make us taste the bitter one. According to a team of scientists from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, the bitter taste receptor — scientifically named TAS2R14 — has a defining role in helping our tongue identify one of the five different tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (or savoury). The study was published in the journal Nature. Also watch | COVID-19 Symptoms: Is loss of smell & taste permanent? × "Scientists know very little about the structural make-up of sweet, bitter, and umami taste receptors," pharmacologist Yoojoong Kim, from the UNC School of Medicine, said in an official statement. "Using a combination of biochemical and computational methods, we now know the structure of the bitter taste receptor TAS2R14 and the mechanisms that initialize the sensation of bitter taste in our tongues." The 'bitter' science Scientists said that when bitter substances (or tastants) hit TAS2R14, they are wedged into a regulatory region called the allosteric site. This allows molecules to bind to a protein and influence its functional activity. The mechanism hasn't been discovered before. The subsequent connection of the tastant with the allosteric site changes the shape of the receptor and activates its G protein which sets off a chain reaction of signaling further down the line. This is how the message gets sent to a part of the brain called the gustatory cortex, where we process and perceive the signals as the taste of bitterness. How did scientists identify the science behind bitter taste? Scientists deployed methods including cryogenic electron microscopy, which allows ultra-precise imaging of the 3D structural biology of molecules in their active state by rapidly preserving them at ultra-cold temperatures. What does it mean? Separately, this can also help medical professionals worldwide to study the function of molecules like proteins and viruses which can lead to more targeted treatments for conditions where molecules play a role.

Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter

A recent research conducted at the University of Iowa has identified the brain region associated with how people manage their thoughts and focus amid distractions. This discovery is important&nbsp;as it throws&nbsp;light on the cognitive and behavioural side effects of a treatment used&nbsp;for Parkinson's disease patients.

Published on March 4 in the journal Brain, the study titled "The human subthalamic nucleus transiently inhibits active attentional processes" highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus, a small brain region responsible for regulating movements.

The study suggests that in Parkinson's patients, this brain area, which typically restrains sudden movements, might be overly active, contributing to tremors and other motor impairments associated with the disease.

In recent times, doctors have been using deep-brain stimulation to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. This involves implanting electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus, a brain area that regulates movement, to generate electrical signals and loosen its control, allowing for better movement. Similar to a pacemaker for the heart, once implanted, the deep brain stimulation system runs continuously.

Jan Wessel, an associate professor at the University of Iowa, described the technique as "truly miraculous." It often results in immediate relief from tremors, enabling patients to carry out tasks like playing golf steadily.

However, some patients treated with deep brain stimulation experience challenges with attention and impulse control, leading to risky behaviours like gambling and substance abuse. Researchers began to wonder if the subthalamic nucleus, involved in movement, also influences thoughts and impulse control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-worlds-first-3d-printed-brain-tissue-that-functions-like-human-brain-686891">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists develop world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that functions like human brain</a>

To explore this, Wessel's team conducted experiments on Parkinson's patients with and without deep brain stimulation. Participants were asked to focus on a computer screen while their brain waves were monitored. When they heard a chirping sound, meant to distract their attention, their brain waves in the visual cortex dropped, indicating a diversion of attention.

In a 2021 study, Wessel's team found that distractions caused a drop in attention in the visual cortex. In this recent study, they observed similar results in Parkinson's patients, suggesting that the subthalamic nucleus plays a role in regulating attention and impulse control

However, when the chirp was presented to Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation active, they did not shift their visual attention.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sleep-triggers-built-in-garbage-disposal-system-in-our-brains-startling-study-shows-711608">Also read |&nbsp;Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows</a>

The team observed that they were unable to redirect or suppress their focus of attention as they did before. Despite the unexpected sound, they remained fully engaged with their visual system without diverting their attention.

This finding highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus in not only coordinating movement, as previously understood, but also in regulating thoughts and attention.

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent research conducted at the University of Iowa has identified the brain region associated with how people manage their thoughts and focus amid distractions.

A recent research conducted at the University of Iowa has identified the brain region associated with how people manage their thoughts and focus amid distractions. This discovery is important as it throws light on the cognitive and behavioural side effects of a treatment used for Parkinson's disease patients. Published on March 4 in the journal Brain, the study titled "The human subthalamic nucleus transiently inhibits active attentional processes" highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus, a small brain region responsible for regulating movements. The study suggests that in Parkinson's patients, this brain area, which typically restrains sudden movements, might be overly active, contributing to tremors and other motor impairments associated with the disease. In recent times, doctors have been using deep-brain stimulation to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. This involves implanting electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus, a brain area that regulates movement, to generate electrical signals and loosen its control, allowing for better movement. Similar to a pacemaker for the heart, once implanted, the deep brain stimulation system runs continuously. Jan Wessel, an associate professor at the University of Iowa, described the technique as "truly miraculous." It often results in immediate relief from tremors, enabling patients to carry out tasks like playing golf steadily. However, some patients treated with deep brain stimulation experience challenges with attention and impulse control, leading to risky behaviours like gambling and substance abuse. Researchers began to wonder if the subthalamic nucleus, involved in movement, also influences thoughts and impulse control. Also read | Scientists develop world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that functions like human brain To explore this, Wessel's team conducted experiments on Parkinson's patients with and without deep brain stimulation. Participants were asked to focus on a computer screen while their brain waves were monitored. When they heard a chirping sound, meant to distract their attention, their brain waves in the visual cortex dropped, indicating a diversion of attention. In a 2021 study, Wessel's team found that distractions caused a drop in attention in the visual cortex. In this recent study, they observed similar results in Parkinson's patients, suggesting that the subthalamic nucleus plays a role in regulating attention and impulse control However, when the chirp was presented to Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation active, they did not shift their visual attention. Also read | Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows The team observed that they were unable to redirect or suppress their focus of attention as they did before. Despite the unexpected sound, they remained fully engaged with their visual system without diverting their attention. This finding highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus in not only coordinating movement, as previously understood, but also in regulating thoughts and attention. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers identify brain region crucial for attention control

In Australia's hot Pilbara region, researchers have found a mysterious new ant species called Leptanilla voldemort, or L. voldemort for short. It's a pale ant with thin legs and long, sharp mandibles.

The name pays tribute to the Harry Potter series' dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, reflecting the ant's ghostly appearance and the underground environment it comes from.

Dr&nbsp;Mark Wong from the University of Western Australia and Jane McRae from Bennelongia Environmental Consultants describe this new species in a paper published in ZooKeys.

Researchers found Leptanilla voldemort during a study to document underground animals in Australia's dry Pilbara region. They only found two of these strange ants.

They caught them using a net lowered down a 25-metre&nbsp;drill hole and retrieved them by scraping against the hole's inner surface. This technique, called 'subterranean scraping,' is used&nbsp;for collecting underground creatures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chagas-disease-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-illness-from-kissing-bugs-711614">Also read |&nbsp;Chagas disease: What you need to know about the illness from 'kissing bugs'</a>

<h2>Distinctive traits and theories</h2>

L voldemort stands out among other Leptanilla ants with its exceptionally slim body, along with long, thin antennae and legs.

Its discovery in a 25-metre-deep drill hole has intrigued experts, leading to speculation about its habitat. Some wonder if it lives in soil like other Leptanilla species or if it inhabits different underground spaces, such as air-filled gaps and cracks in deeper rock layers.

However, the ant's long, sharp jaws leave little doubt about its capabilities.

The specific prey of L&nbsp;voldemort remains unknown. However, various other underground invertebrates, such as centipedes, beetles, and flies, were discovered in the same location.

Also watch |&nbsp;Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop?

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There are over 14,000 ant species worldwide, but only about 60 are part of the mysterious Leptanilla group. Unlike most ants, all Leptanilla species live underground, with small colonies usually made up of a queen and around a hundred workers. To survive in the dark, Leptanilla ants are blind and colourless.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Australia's hot Pilbara region, researchers have found a mysterious new ant species called Leptanilla voldemort, or L. voldemort for short. It's a pale ant with thin legs and long, sharp mandibles.

In Australia's hot Pilbara region, researchers have found a mysterious new ant species called Leptanilla voldemort, or L. voldemort for short. It's a pale ant with thin legs and long, sharp mandibles. The name pays tribute to the Harry Potter series' dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, reflecting the ant's ghostly appearance and the underground environment it comes from. Dr Mark Wong from the University of Western Australia and Jane McRae from Bennelongia Environmental Consultants describe this new species in a paper published in ZooKeys. Researchers found Leptanilla voldemort during a study to document underground animals in Australia's dry Pilbara region. They only found two of these strange ants. They caught them using a net lowered down a 25-metre drill hole and retrieved them by scraping against the hole's inner surface. This technique, called 'subterranean scraping,' is used for collecting underground creatures. Also read | Chagas disease: What you need to know about the illness from 'kissing bugs' Distinctive traits and theories L voldemort stands out among other Leptanilla ants with its exceptionally slim body, along with long, thin antennae and legs. Its discovery in a 25-metre-deep drill hole has intrigued experts, leading to speculation about its habitat. Some wonder if it lives in soil like other Leptanilla species or if it inhabits different underground spaces, such as air-filled gaps and cracks in deeper rock layers. However, the ant's long, sharp jaws leave little doubt about its capabilities. The specific prey of L voldemort remains unknown. However, various other underground invertebrates, such as centipedes, beetles, and flies, were discovered in the same location. Also watch | Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop? There are over 14,000 ant species worldwide, but only about 60 are part of the mysterious Leptanilla group. Unlike most ants, all Leptanilla species live underground, with small colonies usually made up of a queen and around a hundred workers. To survive in the dark, Leptanilla ants are blind and colourless. (With inputs from agencies)

'Ghostly’ ant species discovered in Australia named after this infamous Harry Potter character

Stonehenge, which is a prehistoric megalithic structure in England, might be linked to the Moon and the Sun, archaeologists and astronomers believe. The experts think that it could have been designed to align with the Moon, as well as the Sun.&nbsp;

English Heritage, which is a charity that manages historic monuments, buildings and places, announced that it will investigate if the landmark’s stones align with the Moon during the upcoming "major lunar standstill".&nbsp;

The charity will work with experts at four other leading institutions on the project.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chagas-disease-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-illness-from-kissing-bugs-711614">Chagas disease: What you need to know about the illness from 'kissing bugs'</a>&nbsp;

The major lunar standstill is when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart along Earth's horizon - a phenomenon, which occurs every 18.6 years. The northernmost and southernmost positions of the moon are at their furthest apart along the horizon during a major lunar standstill.&nbsp;

The experts are trying to analyse whether or not Stonehenge’s design and purpose were a result of the lunar movements.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sleep-triggers-built-in-garbage-disposal-system-in-our-brains-startling-study-shows-711608">Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the University of Leicester, Jennifer Wexler, English Heritage historian for Stonehenge said, "We're excited to be working with a brilliant team of archaeoastronomers to explore the fascinating link between Stonehenge and the major lunar standstill."&nbsp;

"Rarer even than once in a blue moon, this opportunity allows us to delve deeper into the monument's ancient mysteries and its relationship with celestial phenomena," Wexler added.&nbsp;

"We'll be inviting the public to join us through a series of events this year as we take one more small step towards unravelling the secrets of Stonehenge," she added.&nbsp;

History tells us that the Stonehenge was built in several stages. The first monument was an early henge monument, built about 5,000 years ago, and the unique stone circle was erected in the late Neolithic period about 2500 BC. And, many burial mounds were built nearby in the early Bronze Age.&nbsp;

There are several mysteries linked to the origin of Stonehenge. But in 2022, some researchers claimed to have solved the mystery of Stonehenge as they concluded that the site was created based on a solar year of 365.25 days to help people keep track of days, weeks and months.

Stonehenge, which is a prehistoric megalithic structure in England, might be linked to the Moon and the Sun, archaeologists and astronomers believe. The experts think that it could have been designed to align with the Moon, as well as the Sun.

Stonehenge, which is a prehistoric megalithic structure in England, might be linked to the Moon and the Sun, archaeologists and astronomers believe. The experts think that it could have been designed to align with the Moon, as well as the Sun. English Heritage, which is a charity that manages historic monuments, buildings and places, announced that it will investigate if the landmark’s stones align with the Moon during the upcoming "major lunar standstill". The charity will work with experts at four other leading institutions on the project. Also read: Chagas disease: What you need to know about the illness from 'kissing bugs' The major lunar standstill is when moonrise and moonset are furthest apart along Earth's horizon - a phenomenon, which occurs every 18.6 years. The northernmost and southernmost positions of the moon are at their furthest apart along the horizon during a major lunar standstill. The experts are trying to analyse whether or not Stonehenge’s design and purpose were a result of the lunar movements. Also read: Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows As quoted by the University of Leicester, Jennifer Wexler, English Heritage historian for Stonehenge said, "We're excited to be working with a brilliant team of archaeoastronomers to explore the fascinating link between Stonehenge and the major lunar standstill." "Rarer even than once in a blue moon, this opportunity allows us to delve deeper into the monument's ancient mysteries and its relationship with celestial phenomena," Wexler added. "We'll be inviting the public to join us through a series of events this year as we take one more small step towards unravelling the secrets of Stonehenge," she added. History tells us that the Stonehenge was built in several stages. The first monument was an early henge monument, built about 5,000 years ago, and the unique stone circle was erected in the late Neolithic period about 2500 BC. And, many burial mounds were built nearby in the early Bronze Age. There are several mysteries linked to the origin of Stonehenge. But in 2022, some researchers claimed to have solved the mystery of Stonehenge as they concluded that the site was created based on a solar year of 365.25 days to help people keep track of days, weeks and months.

Experts believe rare lunar event may be linked to Stonehenge's alignment

The mystery of a heart-shaped feature on Pluto’s surface finally saw the light of the day. The curiosity over the existence of an unusual giant shape on the ex-planet has left many astronomers and scientists perplexed. But thanks to recent research by an international team of astrophysicists, the mystery of the heart on Pluto has finally been unravelled.

Astrophysicists at&nbsp;the University of Bern and members of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, is the first team ever to successfully produce the unusual shape with numerical simulations, which are the result of giant and slow oblique-angle impact.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705">Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter</a>

The team of researchers investigated the origins of Sputnik Planitia, which is the western teardrop-shaped part of Pluto’s heart surface feature. As per the research, Pluto’s early history was marked by a cataclysmic event that formed the Sputnik Planitia, the western portion of the heart seen on Pluto.&nbsp;This was a collision with a planetary body about 700 km in diameter. The team also concluded the inner structure of Pluto is different from what was assumed previously.&nbsp;

<h2>When was the heart-shaped feature on Pluto discovered?</h2>

The unusual heart shape on Pluto was first discovered in 2015 when NASA’s New Horizons mission spotted a large structure on the surface of the dwarf planet. Since then, it has puzzled scientists for not only its unique shape but also for its geological composition and elevation.

The heart shape on Pluto is scientifically known as the Tombaugh Regio which is covered in a high-albedo material that reflects more light than its surroundings, creating its white colour. However, the heart is not composed of a single element.&nbsp;

Take a closer look at the heart-shaped feature on Pluto
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&nbsp;

"The bright appearance of Sputnik Planitia is due to it being predominantly filled with white nitrogen ice that moves and convects to constantly smooth out the surface. This nitrogen most likely accumulated quickly after the impact due to the lower altitude," explains Dr Harry Ballantyne from the University of Bern, lead author of the study.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-reveals-mystery-behind-metal-chunk-which-fell-from-space-into-floridas-home-heres-what-they-found-711752">NASA reveals mystery behind metal chunk which fell from space into Florida's home. Here's what they found</a>

The eastern side of the heart is also covered by a similar but much thinner layer of nitrogen ice. Its origin is also not known but it is probably related to Sputnik Planitia.&nbsp;

"The elongated shape of Sputnik Planitia strongly suggests that the impact was not a direct head-on collision but rather an oblique one," points out Dr Martin Jutzi of the University of Bern, who initiated the study.

The team used the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulation software to digitally recreate such impacts, varying both the composition of Pluto and its impactor, as well as the velocity and angle of the impactor. These simulations confirmed the scientists' suspicions about the oblique angle of impact and determined the composition of the impactor.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-study-identifies-potential-link-between-moons-phases-and-menstrual-cycle-711761">New study identifies potential link between Moon's phases and menstrual cycle</a>

"Pluto's core is so cold that the rocks remained very hard and did not melt despite the heat of the impact, and thanks to the angle of impact and the low velocity, the core of the impactor did not sink into Pluto's core but remained intact as a splat on it," explains Ballantyne.

The team's findings were recently published in Nature Astronomy.

(With inputs from agencies)

The mystery of a heart-shaped feature on Pluto’s surface finally saw the light of the day. The curiosity over the existence of an unusual giant shape on the ex-planet has left many astronomers and scientists perplexed.

The mystery of a heart-shaped feature on Pluto’s surface finally saw the light of the day. The curiosity over the existence of an unusual giant shape on the ex-planet has left many astronomers and scientists perplexed. But thanks to recent research by an international team of astrophysicists, the mystery of the heart on Pluto has finally been unravelled. Astrophysicists at the University of Bern and members of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, is the first team ever to successfully produce the unusual shape with numerical simulations, which are the result of giant and slow oblique-angle impact. Also Read | Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter The team of researchers investigated the origins of Sputnik Planitia, which is the western teardrop-shaped part of Pluto’s heart surface feature. As per the research, Pluto’s early history was marked by a cataclysmic event that formed the Sputnik Planitia, the western portion of the heart seen on Pluto. This was a collision with a planetary body about 700 km in diameter. The team also concluded the inner structure of Pluto is different from what was assumed previously. When was the heart-shaped feature on Pluto discovered? The unusual heart shape on Pluto was first discovered in 2015 when NASA’s New Horizons mission spotted a large structure on the surface of the dwarf planet. Since then, it has puzzled scientists for not only its unique shape but also for its geological composition and elevation. The heart shape on Pluto is scientifically known as the Tombaugh Regio which is covered in a high-albedo material that reflects more light than its surroundings, creating its white colour. However, the heart is not composed of a single element. Take a closer look at the heart-shaped feature on Pluto "The bright appearance of Sputnik Planitia is due to it being predominantly filled with white nitrogen ice that moves and convects to constantly smooth out the surface. This nitrogen most likely accumulated quickly after the impact due to the lower altitude," explains Dr Harry Ballantyne from the University of Bern, lead author of the study. Also Read | NASA reveals mystery behind metal chunk which fell from space into Florida's home. Here's what they found The eastern side of the heart is also covered by a similar but much thinner layer of nitrogen ice. Its origin is also not known but it is probably related to Sputnik Planitia. "The elongated shape of Sputnik Planitia strongly suggests that the impact was not a direct head-on collision but rather an oblique one," points out Dr Martin Jutzi of the University of Bern, who initiated the study. The team used the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulation software to digitally recreate such impacts, varying both the composition of Pluto and its impactor, as well as the velocity and angle of the impactor. These simulations confirmed the scientists' suspicions about the oblique angle of impact and determined the composition of the impactor. Also Read | New study identifies potential link between Moon's phases and menstrual cycle "Pluto's core is so cold that the rocks remained very hard and did not melt despite the heat of the impact, and thanks to the angle of impact and the low velocity, the core of the impactor did not sink into Pluto's core but remained intact as a splat on it," explains Ballantyne. The team's findings were recently published in Nature Astronomy. (With inputs from agencies)

An icy space rock collided with Pluto and jabbed a heart on its surface

Radar images of a 2,000-foot-wide asteroid were captured by NASA astronomers as the "potentially hazardous" asteroid safely passed by Earth on April 15.

The asteroid, which has been named 2013 NK4, was snapped by scientists using the Goldstone Radar in California on April 13.

"Radar narrow echoes probably establish that 2013 NK4 rotates very slowly, and the shape is bifurcated," said NASA.

According to the observations, asteroid 2013 NK4 is most likely a binary contact, which means the asteroid is made up of two bodies or asteroids which gravitated towards each other till they touched and hence, created the elongated shape.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/car-sized-asteroid-has-super-close-encounter-with-earth-flies-30-times-closer-than-moon-710374">Car-sized asteroid comes eerily close to Earth, much closer than even the Moon</a>

The closest approach to the Earth was made by the space rock at 10:50 am&nbsp;EDT on Monday (April 15), when the asteroid was just around 2 million miles (3.2 million kilometres) away from our planet, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).&nbsp;

<h2>What's new about the asteroid?</h2>

This "city-killer" asteroid, which safely passed across Earth after making its closest approach, was classified as "potentially hazardous" because of its size, even though it did not pose any threat to our planet.&nbsp;

The asteroid, which has been named 2013 NK4, is nearly 2,000 feet (610 meters) wide which makes it twice the size of the "god of chaos" asteroid Apophis which is expected to make a super-close approach to Earth in 2029.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | The impact of NASA asteroid deflection

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The asteroid is so large that it can destroy a large city and also lead to serious environmental impacts if it hits the Earth.

However, as per NASA's calculations, this asteroid will never have an impact on the Earth. The new thing about the asteroid is that for the first time, it is visible through amateur telescopes from April 15 to April 17.

One does not need a professional astronomer to see the space rock zooming in space. Anyone, who has a decent astronomy telescope, will be able to see the asteroid till April 17.

However, because of the asteroid's orientation relative to Earth, it will be more clearly seen on April 16 and April 17, according to EarthSky.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Radar images of a 2,000-foot-wide asteroid were captured by NASA astronomers as the "potentially hazardous" asteroid safely passed by Earth on April 15. The asteroid, which has been named 2013 NK4, was snapped by scientists using the Goldstone Radar in California on April 13.

Radar images of a 2,000-foot-wide asteroid were captured by NASA astronomers as the "potentially hazardous" asteroid safely passed by Earth on April 15. The asteroid, which has been named 2013 NK4, was snapped by scientists using the Goldstone Radar in California on April 13. "Radar narrow echoes probably establish that 2013 NK4 rotates very slowly, and the shape is bifurcated," said NASA. According to the observations, asteroid 2013 NK4 is most likely a binary contact, which means the asteroid is made up of two bodies or asteroids which gravitated towards each other till they touched and hence, created the elongated shape. Also Read: Car-sized asteroid comes eerily close to Earth, much closer than even the Moon The closest approach to the Earth was made by the space rock at 10:50 am EDT on Monday (April 15), when the asteroid was just around 2 million miles (3.2 million kilometres) away from our planet, as per NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). What's new about the asteroid? This "city-killer" asteroid, which safely passed across Earth after making its closest approach, was classified as "potentially hazardous" because of its size, even though it did not pose any threat to our planet. The asteroid, which has been named 2013 NK4, is nearly 2,000 feet (610 meters) wide which makes it twice the size of the "god of chaos" asteroid Apophis which is expected to make a super-close approach to Earth in 2029. Watch: Gravitas | The impact of NASA asteroid deflection The asteroid is so large that it can destroy a large city and also lead to serious environmental impacts if it hits the Earth. However, as per NASA's calculations, this asteroid will never have an impact on the Earth. The new thing about the asteroid is that for the first time, it is visible through amateur telescopes from April 15 to April 17. One does not need a professional astronomer to see the space rock zooming in space. Anyone, who has a decent astronomy telescope, will be able to see the asteroid till April 17. However, because of the asteroid's orientation relative to Earth, it will be more clearly seen on April 16 and April 17, according to EarthSky. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA snaps 2,000-foot-wide asteroid, visible through amateur telescopes, as it zips past Earth

The association between human menstrual cycle and lunar phases goes back several centuries. While a definitive scientific link between the two was missing, a recent study has indicated that the menstrual cycle rhythms are regulated by the body's internal clock. But at the same time, there is a subtle association with the lunar orbital period.&nbsp;

The French and American researchers analysed data from nearly 27,000 menstrual cycles of over 3,000 women across Europe and North America. They discovered patterns referred to as "phase jumps", the way in which the menstrual phases can adjust to align with the body's internal clock.

"If the cycle lengthens, for any reason, this clock-based process adapts to quickly shorten it," neuroscientist Claude Gronfier, from The University of Lyon in France, told BBC Science Focus.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

It simply means that if the Moon did have any role in the length of human menstrual cycles, it would be more of a backseat driver with the body's own internal clock firmly at the wheel, the new study, reported in the Science Alert, suggests.&nbsp;

The human body's circadian rhythm, with a period slightly over 24 hours, remains stable regardless of external factors like sunlight exposure. However, disruptions such as jetlag can cause this rhythm to drift out of sync.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-stress-have-a-bearing-on-the-menstrual-cycle-expert-explains-586950">Can stress have a bearing on the menstrual cycle? Expert explains</a>

The study notably identified a weak yet statistically significant relationship between menstrual and lunar cycles, varying by geographical location.

For instance, menstrual cycles in Europe often began during the waxing crescent phase, whereas in North America, they tended to coincide with the full moon.

Also watch |&nbsp;Menstruation: Study maps brain changes during periods

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This is also because of the geographical difference in lifestyle variances, such as sleep-wake cycles, between populations on different continents.&nbsp;

The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that understanding how genes regulate the menstrual cycle's chronobiology could pave the way for novel approaches to treating ovulation disorders. However, the researchers acknowledge the need for larger-scale studies to confirm these findings and explore their clinical applications fully.

<h2>What is the bottom line?</h2>

The study does not produce anything conclusive about Moon's role in determining the human menstrual cycle. But statistically, there is a link between geography as well as the body's internal clock in governing menstrual rhythm.

(With inputs from agencies)

The association between human menstrual cycle and lunar phases goes back several centuries. While a definitive scientific link between the two was missing, a recent study has indicated that the menstrual cycle rhythms are regulated by the body's internal clock.

The association between human menstrual cycle and lunar phases goes back several centuries. While a definitive scientific link between the two was missing, a recent study has indicated that the menstrual cycle rhythms are regulated by the body's internal clock. But at the same time, there is a subtle association with the lunar orbital period. The French and American researchers analysed data from nearly 27,000 menstrual cycles of over 3,000 women across Europe and North America. They discovered patterns referred to as "phase jumps", the way in which the menstrual phases can adjust to align with the body's internal clock. "If the cycle lengthens, for any reason, this clock-based process adapts to quickly shorten it," neuroscientist Claude Gronfier, from The University of Lyon in France, told BBC Science Focus. What does it mean? It simply means that if the Moon did have any role in the length of human menstrual cycles, it would be more of a backseat driver with the body's own internal clock firmly at the wheel, the new study, reported in the Science Alert, suggests. The human body's circadian rhythm, with a period slightly over 24 hours, remains stable regardless of external factors like sunlight exposure. However, disruptions such as jetlag can cause this rhythm to drift out of sync. Also read | Can stress have a bearing on the menstrual cycle? Expert explains The study notably identified a weak yet statistically significant relationship between menstrual and lunar cycles, varying by geographical location. For instance, menstrual cycles in Europe often began during the waxing crescent phase, whereas in North America, they tended to coincide with the full moon. Also watch | Menstruation: Study maps brain changes during periods × This is also because of the geographical difference in lifestyle variances, such as sleep-wake cycles, between populations on different continents. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that understanding how genes regulate the menstrual cycle's chronobiology could pave the way for novel approaches to treating ovulation disorders. However, the researchers acknowledge the need for larger-scale studies to confirm these findings and explore their clinical applications fully. What is the bottom line? The study does not produce anything conclusive about Moon's role in determining the human menstrual cycle. But statistically, there is a link between geography as well as the body's internal clock in governing menstrual rhythm. (With inputs from agencies)

New study identifies potential link between Moon's phases and menstrual cycle

NASA's quest to bring back rock samples from Mars to Earth to study traces of any existence of life is going through a huge overhaul.

The US space agency has said that the mission which has been currently planned won't be able to bring the rocks before 2040 on the basis of the existing funds and the $11 billion needed to make the plan successful sooner is not sustainable.

Hence, now the space agency is looking for cheaper and faster alternatives and they are planning to have a solution on their drawing board by the end of the year.

In planetary exploration, the return of rock samples from Mars is seen as an important step.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-set-to-make-massive-announcement-about-mars-sample-return-mission-check-date-and-time-711391">What will happen to Mars Sample Return mission? NASA is set to tell us soon</a>

Similar to how the rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts&nbsp;from the Moon helped scientists revolutionise the early Solar System's understanding, the rocks from the Red Planet may help understand the possibilities of life beyond Earth.&nbsp;

NASA has now accepted that its plan to bring back the samples from Mars is simply unrealistic in the current fiscal environment.

Speaking to the reporters during a Monday teleconference, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said, "The bottom line is that $11bn is too expensive, and not returning samples until 2040 is unacceptably too long."

The former US senator stated that he will not let other agency science missions be "cannibalised" by the ongoing Mars project.

<h2>NASA in search of 'out-of-the-box possibilities'&nbsp;</h2>

Hence, NASA administrator Bill Nelson is now finding fresh ways to bring back rock samples from Mars.

The Mars Sample Return (MSR) programme is NASA's joint endeavour with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The programme is already carried out and the rock samples to be brought back to Earth are being collected and catalogued on Mars by NASA's Perseverance rover.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA's Dart mission asteroid: Asteroid Dimorphos debris may rain on Mars

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Later this decade, a follow-up mission was due to be launched which will carry a rocket to the surface of Mars.&nbsp;

Director of NASA's science directorate Dr Nicola Fox said, "We are looking at out-of-the-box possibilities that could return the samples earlier and at a lower cost."

"This is definitely a very ambitious goal, and we're going to need to go after some very innovative new possibilities for design, and certainly leave no stone unturned. Those new possibilities could include a smaller, simpler rocket," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA's quest to bring back rock samples from Mars to Earth to study traces of any existence of life is going through a huge overhaul. The US space agency has said that the mission which has been currently planned won't be able to bring the rocks before 2040 on the basis of the existing funds and the $11 billion needed to make the plan successful sooner is not sustainable.

NASA's quest to bring back rock samples from Mars to Earth to study traces of any existence of life is going through a huge overhaul. The US space agency has said that the mission which has been currently planned won't be able to bring the rocks before 2040 on the basis of the existing funds and the $11 billion needed to make the plan successful sooner is not sustainable. Hence, now the space agency is looking for cheaper and faster alternatives and they are planning to have a solution on their drawing board by the end of the year. In planetary exploration, the return of rock samples from Mars is seen as an important step. Also Read: What will happen to Mars Sample Return mission? NASA is set to tell us soon Similar to how the rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts from the Moon helped scientists revolutionise the early Solar System's understanding, the rocks from the Red Planet may help understand the possibilities of life beyond Earth. NASA has now accepted that its plan to bring back the samples from Mars is simply unrealistic in the current fiscal environment. Speaking to the reporters during a Monday teleconference, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said, "The bottom line is that $11bn is too expensive, and not returning samples until 2040 is unacceptably too long." The former US senator stated that he will not let other agency science missions be "cannibalised" by the ongoing Mars project. NASA in search of 'out-of-the-box possibilities' Hence, NASA administrator Bill Nelson is now finding fresh ways to bring back rock samples from Mars. The Mars Sample Return (MSR) programme is NASA's joint endeavour with the European Space Agency (ESA). The programme is already carried out and the rock samples to be brought back to Earth are being collected and catalogued on Mars by NASA's Perseverance rover. Watch: NASA's Dart mission asteroid: Asteroid Dimorphos debris may rain on Mars Later this decade, a follow-up mission was due to be launched which will carry a rocket to the surface of Mars. Director of NASA's science directorate Dr Nicola Fox said, "We are looking at out-of-the-box possibilities that could return the samples earlier and at a lower cost." "This is definitely a very ambitious goal, and we're going to need to go after some very innovative new possibilities for design, and certainly leave no stone unturned. Those new possibilities could include a smaller, simpler rocket," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA working on a simpler, cheaper and quicker way to bring back samples from Mars

News about NASA: NASA on Monday (April 15) confirmed that an object which crashed through a Florida home's roof was actually a piece of space junk which was equipment discarded at the International Space Station.

On March 8, the cylindrical object that tore through the roof of the home in Naples was eventually taken to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral to carry out an analysis.

According to the space agency, the object was a metal support used for mounting old batteries on a cargo pallet for disposal.

"Based on the examination, the agency determined the debris to be a stanchion from the NASA flight support equipment used to mount the batteries on the cargo pallet," said agency officials in an update.

In 2021, the pallet was supposedly dropped from the space station, and it was expected that the load would eventually fully burn up after entering into the atmosphere of Earth. However, one piece survived.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-mars-sample-return-plan-faces-expense-issues-agency-looks-for-cheaper-plans-711710">NASA's Mars sample return plan faces expense issues, agency looks for 'cheaper plans'</a>

"The International Space Station will perform a detailed investigation of the jettison and reentry analysis to determine the cause of the debris survival and to update modelling and analysis, as needed," stated the NASA officials.&nbsp;

"NASA specialists use engineering models to estimate how objects heat up and break apart during atmospheric reentry. These models require detailed input parameters and are regularly updated when debris is found to have survived atmospheric reentry to the ground," they added.

<h2>Owner of house where metal chunk crashed awaits analysis result</h2>

The metal chunk weighed nearly 1.6 pounds (0.7 kilograms) and it was reported to be 4 inches (10 centimetres) tall and roughly 1 1/2 inches (4 centimetres) wide.

Meanwhile, homeowner Alejandro Otero, speaking to television station WINK, said that he had gone on a vacation when the incident occurred and was informed by his son about the crashing of the metal junk.

Otero hurried back home early to check what had happened.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Life beyond Earth? NASA probe bound for Jupiter's moon

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“I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage. I’m super grateful that nobody got hurt," Otero said.&nbsp;

The new analysis of NASA is likely to have financial consequences for the agency.

"I eagerly await communication from the responsible agencies, as their assistance is crucial in resolving the damages from this deliberate release. But more importantly how in the future to arrange the payload so it will burn in its entirety as it reenters," wrote Otero, on X, after his home was hit by the metal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

News about NASA: NASA on Monday (April 15) confirmed that an object which crashed through a Florida home's roof was actually a piece of space junk which was equipment discarded at the International Space Station.

News about NASA: NASA on Monday (April 15) confirmed that an object which crashed through a Florida home's roof was actually a piece of space junk which was equipment discarded at the International Space Station. On March 8, the cylindrical object that tore through the roof of the home in Naples was eventually taken to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral to carry out an analysis. According to the space agency, the object was a metal support used for mounting old batteries on a cargo pallet for disposal. "Based on the examination, the agency determined the debris to be a stanchion from the NASA flight support equipment used to mount the batteries on the cargo pallet," said agency officials in an update. In 2021, the pallet was supposedly dropped from the space station, and it was expected that the load would eventually fully burn up after entering into the atmosphere of Earth. However, one piece survived. Also Read: NASA's Mars sample return plan faces expense issues, agency looks for 'cheaper plans' "The International Space Station will perform a detailed investigation of the jettison and reentry analysis to determine the cause of the debris survival and to update modelling and analysis, as needed," stated the NASA officials. "NASA specialists use engineering models to estimate how objects heat up and break apart during atmospheric reentry. These models require detailed input parameters and are regularly updated when debris is found to have survived atmospheric reentry to the ground," they added. Owner of house where metal chunk crashed awaits analysis result The metal chunk weighed nearly 1.6 pounds (0.7 kilograms) and it was reported to be 4 inches (10 centimetres) tall and roughly 1 1/2 inches (4 centimetres) wide. Meanwhile, homeowner Alejandro Otero, speaking to television station WINK, said that he had gone on a vacation when the incident occurred and was informed by his son about the crashing of the metal junk. Otero hurried back home early to check what had happened. Watch: Gravitas: Life beyond Earth? NASA probe bound for Jupiter's moon “I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage. I’m super grateful that nobody got hurt," Otero said. The new analysis of NASA is likely to have financial consequences for the agency. "I eagerly await communication from the responsible agencies, as their assistance is crucial in resolving the damages from this deliberate release. But more importantly how in the future to arrange the payload so it will burn in its entirety as it reenters," wrote Otero, on X, after his home was hit by the metal. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA reveals identity of mystery object that crashed into Florida home. Here's what it was

The crybabies have a permanent place in the Animal Kingdom as full-fledged species. Researchers, for the first time, have identified ear-piercing 'screams' of a tiny amphibian in distress. But their frequency totally bypasses the human ear.&nbsp;

But the animals who can hear these frogs scream find it&nbsp;incredibly unpleasant.&nbsp;Interestingly, this crybaby aptitude is a survival skill for the&nbsp;leaf litter frog (Haddadus binotatus).&nbsp;

When they are attacked, they do not physically fight back but simply scream with a purported aim to repel the predators. Their screams are ultrasonic in wavelength and that's their way of defence.

Interesting, isn't it?

<h2>What are leaf litter frog?</h2>

The leaf litter frog (Haddadus binotatus) is the most abundant species of frog in the forest community in South America. They are tiny and the largest of the species are females. In size, they are barely up to 64 millimeters (2.5 inches) in length.

It is known that some frogs use their pipes to signal distress, warnings and alarms. A few studies have found frogs capable of emitting ultrasounds but now the new study has also confirmed it.&nbsp;

"Some potential predators of amphibians, such as bats, rodents, and small primates, are able to emit and hear sounds at this frequency, which humans can't," behavioural ecologist Ubiratã Ferreira Souza from the State University of Campina in Brazil said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-young-coloured-frogs-camouflage-themselves-as-poo-finds-study-646005">These young coloured frogs may camouflage themselves as poo, finds study</a>

"One of our hypotheses is that the distress call is addressed to some of these [animals], but it could also be the case that the broad frequency band is generalist in the sense that it's supposed to scare as many predators as possible," the researcher added.

<h2>How did the scientists hear leaf litter frog?</h2>

Humans can only hear sounds around 20 kilohertz and less. The software Souza, however, can sense the sounds ranged from seven through to 44 kilohertz.

Also watch |&nbsp;Colombian scientists save frog species from extinction

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"In light of the fact that amphibian diversity in Brazil is the highest in the world, with more than 2,000 species described, it wouldn't be surprising to find that other frogs also emit sounds at these frequencies," State University of Campina ecologist Mariana Retuci Pontes said.

The crybabies have a permanent place in the Animal Kingdom as full-fledged species. Researchers, for the first time, have identified ear-piercing 'screams' of a tiny amphibian in distress.

The crybabies have a permanent place in the Animal Kingdom as full-fledged species. Researchers, for the first time, have identified ear-piercing 'screams' of a tiny amphibian in distress. But their frequency totally bypasses the human ear. But the animals who can hear these frogs scream find it incredibly unpleasant. Interestingly, this crybaby aptitude is a survival skill for the leaf litter frog (Haddadus binotatus). When they are attacked, they do not physically fight back but simply scream with a purported aim to repel the predators. Their screams are ultrasonic in wavelength and that's their way of defence. Interesting, isn't it? What are leaf litter frog? The leaf litter frog (Haddadus binotatus) is the most abundant species of frog in the forest community in South America. They are tiny and the largest of the species are females. In size, they are barely up to 64 millimeters (2.5 inches) in length. It is known that some frogs use their pipes to signal distress, warnings and alarms. A few studies have found frogs capable of emitting ultrasounds but now the new study has also confirmed it. "Some potential predators of amphibians, such as bats, rodents, and small primates, are able to emit and hear sounds at this frequency, which humans can't," behavioural ecologist Ubiratã Ferreira Souza from the State University of Campina in Brazil said. Also read | These young coloured frogs may camouflage themselves as poo, finds study "One of our hypotheses is that the distress call is addressed to some of these [animals], but it could also be the case that the broad frequency band is generalist in the sense that it's supposed to scare as many predators as possible," the researcher added. How did the scientists hear leaf litter frog? Humans can only hear sounds around 20 kilohertz and less. The software Souza, however, can sense the sounds ranged from seven through to 44 kilohertz. Also watch | Colombian scientists save frog species from extinction × "In light of the fact that amphibian diversity in Brazil is the highest in the world, with more than 2,000 species described, it wouldn't be surprising to find that other frogs also emit sounds at these frequencies," State University of Campina ecologist Mariana Retuci Pontes said.

Screaming a defence mechanism? These frogs cry because they cannot physically fight predators

The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World Chagas Disease Day on April 14 to raise awareness about this often-ignored illness. They said it causes a lot of suffering and called for more people to know about it and for more money and support to help detect it early and provide proper care. The WHO made a special webpage about it, saying that Chagas disease mostly affects poor people in Latin America but is starting to be found in other places too.

<h2>What is Chagas disease?</h2>

Chagas Disease is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. It's named after a doctor from Brazil, Carlos Chagas, who found it in 1909.

People get Chagas Disease from the bite of infected bugs called triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs," because they often bite around the mouth. These bugs usually come out at night and feed on blood. Some experts think the disease can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or contaminated food and drinks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japanese-scientists-develop-technique-to-connect-brain-cells-grown-in-lab-711565">Also read |&nbsp;Japanese scientists develop technique to connect brain cells grown in lab</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls it a "silent and silenced disease" because most people who have it don't have any symptoms, or they have very mild ones.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 6 to 7 million people worldwide have Chagas disease. Every year, about 10,000 people die from it.

Johns Hopkins University has listed the main symptoms of Chagas Disease, but they caution that it can be difficult to tell apart from other illnesses.

Some of the symptoms are:

<ul>
	<li>Mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, body aches and headaches</li>
	<li>Rash</li>
	<li>Loss of appetite</li>
	<li>Diarrhoea</li>
	<li>Vomiting</li>
	<li>Swelling or a sore near the eye or on the side of the face where the bite or infection occurred</li>
	<li>Enlarged glands</li>
</ul>

The illness advances in two stages: Acute and chronic. During the initial stage, symptoms are either mild or absent altogether, making diagnosis challenging.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop?

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The chronic phase may appear many years or even decades after the initial infection. During this stage, the parasite enters the patient's heart muscle, as described by Johns Hopkins. This can result in irregular heartbeats and difficulties with eating or bowel movements.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World Chagas Disease Day on April 14 to raise awareness about this often-ignored illness. They said it causes a lot of suffering and called for more people to know about it and for more money and support to help detect it early and provide proper care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World Chagas Disease Day on April 14 to raise awareness about this often-ignored illness. They said it causes a lot of suffering and called for more people to know about it and for more money and support to help detect it early and provide proper care. The WHO made a special webpage about it, saying that Chagas disease mostly affects poor people in Latin America but is starting to be found in other places too. What is Chagas disease? Chagas Disease is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi. It's named after a doctor from Brazil, Carlos Chagas, who found it in 1909. People get Chagas Disease from the bite of infected bugs called triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs," because they often bite around the mouth. These bugs usually come out at night and feed on blood. Some experts think the disease can also spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or contaminated food and drinks. Also read | Japanese scientists develop technique to connect brain cells grown in lab The World Health Organization (WHO) calls it a "silent and silenced disease" because most people who have it don't have any symptoms, or they have very mild ones. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 6 to 7 million people worldwide have Chagas disease. Every year, about 10,000 people die from it. Johns Hopkins University has listed the main symptoms of Chagas Disease, but they caution that it can be difficult to tell apart from other illnesses. Some of the symptoms are: Mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, body aches and headaches Rash Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Vomiting Swelling or a sore near the eye or on the side of the face where the bite or infection occurred Enlarged glands The illness advances in two stages: Acute and chronic. During the initial stage, symptoms are either mild or absent altogether, making diagnosis challenging. Also watch | Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop? The chronic phase may appear many years or even decades after the initial infection. During this stage, the parasite enters the patient's heart muscle, as described by Johns Hopkins. This can result in irregular heartbeats and difficulties with eating or bowel movements. (With inputs from agencies)

Chagas disease: What you need to know about the illness from 'kissing bugs'

Scientists have just disclosed a built-in garbage disposal system in our brain that becomes super-active when we are asleep and pushes out all the junk, and debris from our brain tissues. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed how this system works in a new study, emphasising the need to get sleep at least eight hours every day.

<h2>Why do we need this system?</h2>

According to scientists, our brain tissues use energy, and fuel to help us solve problems and memorising things. As the process takes place, some sort of debris is left behind.

When we sleep, a process is triggered which ends up removing the debris from brain tissues. The neurons use rhythmic waves to help move cerebrospinal fluid through brain tissue, thus flushing away the debris with it. This process is called the glymphatic system. The debris is flushed away through channels located near blood vessels.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report

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So, if we want to take out the trash from our brains on regular basis, we must ensure we are sleeping for at least eight hours daily.

“Neurons serve as master organisers for brain clearance,” the WUSTL research team said in a study recently published in Nature.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

The scientists used engineered mice to experiment. The mice were engineered to eliminate neuronal activity so that no brain junk is formed in the tissues.

It was observed that slow brain waves were seen before being undetectable in these engineered mice. The fluid was not pushed to clear the metabolic waste as the glymphatic system didn’t start. It made clear that neurons had to be active in order for the brain’s self-cleaning cycle to work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiQh_WTzsSFAxWXzzgGHeAEAKcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-two-great-techniques-to-overcome-past-negative-events-710861" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-two-great-techniques-to-overcome-past-negative-events-710861&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQh_WTzsSFAxWXzzgGHeAEAKcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Scientists discover two great techniques to overcome past negative events</a>

On the other hand, non-engineered mice exhibited faster waves, in order to move the fluid to remove the metabolic waste.

The team also highlighted why previous studies on the same matter didn’t show the same results.

“The experimental methodologies we used here largely avoid acute damage to the brain parenchyma, thereby providing valuable strategies for further investigations into neural dynamics and brain clearance,” the team said in the same study.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have just disclosed a built-in garbage disposal system in our brain that becomes super-active when we are asleep and pushes out all the junk, and debris from our brain tissues.

Scientists have just disclosed a built-in garbage disposal system in our brain that becomes super-active when we are asleep and pushes out all the junk, and debris from our brain tissues. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed how this system works in a new study, emphasising the need to get sleep at least eight hours every day. Why do we need this system? According to scientists, our brain tissues use energy, and fuel to help us solve problems and memorising things. As the process takes place, some sort of debris is left behind. When we sleep, a process is triggered which ends up removing the debris from brain tissues. The neurons use rhythmic waves to help move cerebrospinal fluid through brain tissue, thus flushing away the debris with it. This process is called the glymphatic system. The debris is flushed away through channels located near blood vessels. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report × So, if we want to take out the trash from our brains on regular basis, we must ensure we are sleeping for at least eight hours daily. “Neurons serve as master organisers for brain clearance,” the WUSTL research team said in a study recently published in Nature. How was the study conducted? The scientists used engineered mice to experiment. The mice were engineered to eliminate neuronal activity so that no brain junk is formed in the tissues. It was observed that slow brain waves were seen before being undetectable in these engineered mice. The fluid was not pushed to clear the metabolic waste as the glymphatic system didn’t start. It made clear that neurons had to be active in order for the brain’s self-cleaning cycle to work. Also read: Scientists discover two great techniques to overcome past negative events On the other hand, non-engineered mice exhibited faster waves, in order to move the fluid to remove the metabolic waste. The team also highlighted why previous studies on the same matter didn’t show the same results. “The experimental methodologies we used here largely avoid acute damage to the brain parenchyma, thereby providing valuable strategies for further investigations into neural dynamics and brain clearance,” the team said in the same study. (With inputs from agencies)

Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows

Japanese scientists have reportedly developed a technique to connect lab-grown brain-mimicking tissue in a way that functions like circuits in our brain. Researchers at the University of Tokyo published a study in the journal Nature Communications, exploring materialising an idea always considered pretty far-fetched. The authors revealed that they found a new way to create physiological connections between lab-grown neural organoids. These organoids are experimental model tissue in which human stem cells are grown into 3D developmental brain-mimicking structures. The physiological connections were built via axonal bundles, which is similar to how regions are connected in the living human brain.

“Animal studies are limited by differences between species in brain structure and function, and brain cells grown in the lab tend to lack the characteristic connections of cells in the human brain,” said University of Tokyo’s Dr Yoshiho Ikeuchi and colleagues.

“What’s more, we are increasingly realizing that these interregional connections, and the circuits that they create, are important for many of the brain functions that define us as humans,” they added.

The researchers stimulated the axonal bundles using a technique known as optogenetics. It was observed that the organoids were affected by these changes for some time as the organoid activity was altered.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwid_vfTr8SFAxU-V0EAHZVfAqUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-land-in-australia-which-has-drowned-was-once-aboriginal-hotspot-in-ice-age-711399" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/a-land-in-australia-which-has-drowned-was-once-aboriginal-hotspot-in-ice-age-711399&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid_vfTr8SFAxU-V0EAHZVfAqUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">A land in Australia, which has drowned, was once Aboriginal hotspot in ice age</a>

“These findings suggest that axonal bundle connections are important for developing complex networks,” said Dr Ikeuchi.

He added that the complex brain networks command various actions of bodies, including speaking, hearing and emotions.

“Given that alterations in brain networks have been associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions, a better understanding of brain networks is important,” the researcher said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwid_vfTr8SFAxU-V0EAHZVfAqUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-two-great-techniques-to-overcome-past-negative-events-710861" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-two-great-techniques-to-overcome-past-negative-events-710861&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid_vfTr8SFAxU-V0EAHZVfAqUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Scientists discover two great techniques to overcome past negative events</a>

The study about lab-grown human neural circuits is slated to expand the scope of our understanding in the long run and add to previous studies on the concept.

“Previous studies have tried to create brain circuits under laboratory conditions, which have been advancing the field,” the researchers said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese scientists have reportedly developed a technique to connect lab-grown brain-mimicking tissue in a way that functions like circuits in our brain. Researchers at the University of Tokyo published a study in the journal Nature Communications, exploring materialising an idea always considered pretty far-fetched.

Japanese scientists have reportedly developed a technique to connect lab-grown brain-mimicking tissue in a way that functions like circuits in our brain. Researchers at the University of Tokyo published a study in the journal Nature Communications, exploring materialising an idea always considered pretty far-fetched. The authors revealed that they found a new way to create physiological connections between lab-grown neural organoids. These organoids are experimental model tissue in which human stem cells are grown into 3D developmental brain-mimicking structures. The physiological connections were built via axonal bundles, which is similar to how regions are connected in the living human brain. “Animal studies are limited by differences between species in brain structure and function, and brain cells grown in the lab tend to lack the characteristic connections of cells in the human brain,” said University of Tokyo’s Dr Yoshiho Ikeuchi and colleagues. “What’s more, we are increasingly realizing that these interregional connections, and the circuits that they create, are important for many of the brain functions that define us as humans,” they added. The researchers stimulated the axonal bundles using a technique known as optogenetics. It was observed that the organoids were affected by these changes for some time as the organoid activity was altered. Also read: A land in Australia, which has drowned, was once Aboriginal hotspot in ice age “These findings suggest that axonal bundle connections are important for developing complex networks,” said Dr Ikeuchi. He added that the complex brain networks command various actions of bodies, including speaking, hearing and emotions. “Given that alterations in brain networks have been associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions, a better understanding of brain networks is important,” the researcher said. Also read: Scientists discover two great techniques to overcome past negative events The study about lab-grown human neural circuits is slated to expand the scope of our understanding in the long run and add to previous studies on the concept. “Previous studies have tried to create brain circuits under laboratory conditions, which have been advancing the field,” the researchers said. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese scientists develop technique to connect brain cells grown in lab

A conference of leading cosmologists at London's Royal Society is set to challenge the conventional view that the universe is a vast, evenly speckled expanse with no notable features. This view, a fundamental pillar of the standard model of cosmology, has been the basis for understanding the Big Bang and the evolution of the universe over the past 13.7 billion years.

<h2>What if we're wrong?</h2>

This week, some of the world's leading cosmologists will come together at the Royal Society in London&nbsp;to evaluate the important question: what if this basic assumption is wrong?

The meeting will last two days, from April 15th (Monday) to April 16th&nbsp;(Tuesday).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-space-force-readies-for-first-of-its-kind-military-exercise-in-earth-orbit-711464">US Space Force readies for first-of-its-kind military exercise in Earth orbit</a>

Cosmologist Prof Subir Sarkar of the University of Oxford, a co-organiser of the meeting, as per the Guardian said that recent high-profile astronomical observations have cast doubt on this basic assumption of uniformity across the universe.

These observations include evidence suggesting that the universe is expanding more quickly in some regions than others. It also hints at megastructures in the night sky, and cosmic flows - vast celestial rivers of material that challenge conventional theories.

"We are, in cosmology, using a model that was first formulated in 1922," said Sarkar, adding that it is so deeply ingrained that it is treated as "the religion".

"We have great data, but the theoretical basis is past its sell-by date. More and more people are saying the same thing and these are respected astronomers," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/giant-kangaroo-double-the-size-of-animals-we-know-today-once-hopped-across-australia-study-711388">Giant kangaroo, double the size of animals we know today once 'hopped' across Australia: Study</a>

One finding presented at the conference by Dr Nathan Secrest of the US Naval Observatory suggests that the universe may be slightly lopsided. Analysing a catalogue of over 1 million quasars (extremely luminous galactic cores), his team found that one hemisphere of the sky appeared to host roughly 0.5 per cent more sources than the other.

If confirmed, this discrepancy could undermine the basis for dark energy, which is supposed to be the dominant component of the universe.

"It would mean that two-thirds of the universe has just disappeared," remarked Sarkar.

<h2>The expanding&nbsp;universe </h2>

Dr Konstantinos Migkas of Leiden University will also share findings that the rate at which the universe is expanding, known as the Hubble constant, appears to vary across space. This suggests that observations do not match predictions of the standard model at a local scale, adding "another problematic piece to the puzzle," said Migkas.

PhD student Alexia Lopez of the University of Central Lancashire has discovered cosmic megastructures, named Big Ring and Giant Arc, traced out by galaxies and galaxy clusters on a scale beyond which the universe should be smooth and featureless. These structures challenge the assumption that the universe is homogeneous on large scales.

"When we're finding a list of structures that are exceeding this scale, are they challenging this assumption that is so fundamental in cosmology?"&nbsp;

"Maybe there needs to be more of a critical analysis of our standard model," said Lopez.&nbsp;

However, some scientists, like Prof George Efstathiou of the University of Cambridge, remain sceptical of these findings. At the conference, he will present his take to the scientific community. He said that while people accuse him of defending the model "they don't realise is how much time I’ve spent trying to disprove it. I completely disagree that's there’s some kind of groupthink."

As Prof Wendy Freeman, presenting new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, puts it, there are "tantalising threads at varying levels of significance" that require further exploration to understand where, "if at all, the standard model breaks down."

(With inputs from agencies)

A conference of leading cosmologists at London's Royal Society is set to challenge the conventional view that the universe is a vast, evenly speckled expanse with no notable features.

A conference of leading cosmologists at London's Royal Society is set to challenge the conventional view that the universe is a vast, evenly speckled expanse with no notable features. This view, a fundamental pillar of the standard model of cosmology, has been the basis for understanding the Big Bang and the evolution of the universe over the past 13.7 billion years. What if we're wrong? This week, some of the world's leading cosmologists will come together at the Royal Society in London to evaluate the important question: what if this basic assumption is wrong? The meeting will last two days, from April 15th (Monday) to April 16th (Tuesday). Also read | US Space Force readies for first-of-its-kind military exercise in Earth orbit Cosmologist Prof Subir Sarkar of the University of Oxford, a co-organiser of the meeting, as per the Guardian said that recent high-profile astronomical observations have cast doubt on this basic assumption of uniformity across the universe. These observations include evidence suggesting that the universe is expanding more quickly in some regions than others. It also hints at megastructures in the night sky, and cosmic flows - vast celestial rivers of material that challenge conventional theories. "We are, in cosmology, using a model that was first formulated in 1922," said Sarkar, adding that it is so deeply ingrained that it is treated as "the religion". "We have great data, but the theoretical basis is past its sell-by date. More and more people are saying the same thing and these are respected astronomers," he added. Also read | Giant kangaroo, double the size of animals we know today once 'hopped' across Australia: Study One finding presented at the conference by Dr Nathan Secrest of the US Naval Observatory suggests that the universe may be slightly lopsided. Analysing a catalogue of over 1 million quasars (extremely luminous galactic cores), his team found that one hemisphere of the sky appeared to host roughly 0.5 per cent more sources than the other. If confirmed, this discrepancy could undermine the basis for dark energy, which is supposed to be the dominant component of the universe. "It would mean that two-thirds of the universe has just disappeared," remarked Sarkar. The expanding universe Dr Konstantinos Migkas of Leiden University will also share findings that the rate at which the universe is expanding, known as the Hubble constant, appears to vary across space. This suggests that observations do not match predictions of the standard model at a local scale, adding "another problematic piece to the puzzle," said Migkas. PhD student Alexia Lopez of the University of Central Lancashire has discovered cosmic megastructures, named Big Ring and Giant Arc, traced out by galaxies and galaxy clusters on a scale beyond which the universe should be smooth and featureless. These structures challenge the assumption that the universe is homogeneous on large scales. "When we're finding a list of structures that are exceeding this scale, are they challenging this assumption that is so fundamental in cosmology?" "Maybe there needs to be more of a critical analysis of our standard model," said Lopez. However, some scientists, like Prof George Efstathiou of the University of Cambridge, remain sceptical of these findings. At the conference, he will present his take to the scientific community. He said that while people accuse him of defending the model "they don't realise is how much time I’ve spent trying to disprove it. I completely disagree that's there’s some kind of groupthink." As Prof Wendy Freeman, presenting new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, puts it, there are "tantalising threads at varying levels of significance" that require further exploration to understand where, "if at all, the standard model breaks down." (With inputs from agencies)

More complex than we thought? Cosmologists set to question the standards of how we view the universe

NASA will host a media teleconference on April 12, 2024 at 01:00 pm EDT (10:30 pm IST in India) to announce what's happening with NASA's Mars Sample Return mission that's in a difficult situation.

NASA will host a media teleconference on April 12, 2024 at 01:00 pm EDT (10:30 pm IST in India) to announce what's happening with NASA's Mars Sample Return mission that's in a difficult situation. During the teleconference, NASA will set out its recommendations for moving forward. NASA's beleaguered mission has been ongoing for several years now. Perseverance rover, deployed in 2021, is also a part of this mission, whose aim was to gather intriguing samples of Martian rock collected by another mission and return to Earth. However, last year, an independent review stated that the Mars Sample Return (MSR) had an "unrealistic budget and schedule," an "unwieldy structure," and was "not arranged to be led effectively". Due to this review, the future of the MSR mission became shaky. Subsequently, the House and Senate appropriations committees suggested a budget that comprised a cut of $454,080,000 to NASA's 2024 budget. The Mars Sample Return Mission suffered heavily due to this. Moreover, NASA has lowered its overall spending on the mission. The space administration has also laid off several workers and contractors from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is leading the mission. ALSO READ | NASA's Webb Telescope found margarita, vinegar-like chemicals on protostar The budget cuts and layoffs have led to alarm that NASA might halt the mission and the canisters loaded by Perseverance might be left useless on the Martian surface. However, NASA's upcoming announcement offers a glimmer of hope for the mission. NASA states, "Mars Sample Return has been a major long-term goal of international planetary exploration for the past two decades. NASA's Perseverance rover is collecting compelling science samples that will help scientists understand the geological history of Mars, the evolution of its climate and prepare for future human explorers. The return of the samples will also help NASA's search for signs of ancient life." According to the incumbent plan, there's an orbiter launching in 2027, a lander in 2028 and unique Mars samples returning to Earth in 2033. (With inputs from agencies)

What will happen to Mars Sample Return mission? NASA is set to tell us soon

Archaeologists carried out an analysis of more than 4,000 stone artefacts which have been found on an island off northwestern Australia. The findings&nbsp;helped in creating a picture of the kind of life the Aboriginals lived tens of thousands of years ago.

In the discovery, it was revealed that the Indigenous people&nbsp;had "long-term connections" with modern-day Australia, according to David Zeanah, who is an anthropologist at California State University, Sacramento. Zeanah is also the lead author of a new study which described the analysis.

As per the study, which was published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews on April 1, the diverse artefacts discovered on the island also found intriguing insights regarding the movement of people between the mainland and the island of Australia, especially when the last ice age peaked between 29,000 and 19,000 years ago.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/giant-kangaroo-double-the-size-of-animals-we-know-today-once-hopped-across-australia-study-711388">Giant kangaroo, double the size of animals we know today once 'hopped' across Australia: Study</a>

In those times, the sea levels were very low and exposed the continental shelf between Australia and what is today called Barrow Island.

Speaking to Live Science, Zeanah said that thousands of years ago it would have created the high plateau of a vast, continuous plain which runs across 4,200 square miles (10,800 square km).

The archaeologists were already aware of the people who once lived on the island because of a trove of archaeological evidence which was left behind in rock shelters,&nbsp;once known as Boodie Cave. &nbsp;

<h2>Scientists explore open-air deposits in Barrow Island</h2>

However, for the new research, the scientists tried to understand beyond the island's caves and explore various open-air deposits present across Barrow Island.&nbsp;

In the next three years, the scientists looked into 4,400 slicing, cutting and grinding tools from a mix of sites. The researchers were surprised by the variety in the compositions of the artefacts.

Most of the tools discovered in the caves were made out of limestone which is found in abundance on the island.

Those found at the open-air sites were mostly made from rocks, which included igneous and sandstone, and matched sources found on mainland Australia.

Watch:&nbsp;Sydney attack: Australia PM calls incident 'horrific act of violence' | Attacker shot dead by cops

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sydney-attack-australia-pm-calls-incident-horrific-act-of-violence-attacker-shot-dead-by-cops-710926/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An archaeologist at The University of Queensland in Australia Tiina Manne said that the findings showed "a surprising amount of diversity in stone tool composition over a relatively small area."

Zeanah said that diversity is significant since it gives more details regarding the people who went to Barrow Island.&nbsp;

"The open sites provide clear links to the mainland geologies, and that infers that people were using the coastal plain that's underwater now," said Zeanah.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists carried out an analysis of more than 4,000 stone artefacts which have been found on an island off northwestern Australia. The findings helped in creating a picture of the kind of life the Aboriginals lived tens of thousands of years ago.

Archaeologists carried out an analysis of more than 4,000 stone artefacts which have been found on an island off northwestern Australia. The findings helped in creating a picture of the kind of life the Aboriginals lived tens of thousands of years ago. In the discovery, it was revealed that the Indigenous people had "long-term connections" with modern-day Australia, according to David Zeanah, who is an anthropologist at California State University, Sacramento. Zeanah is also the lead author of a new study which described the analysis. As per the study, which was published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews on April 1, the diverse artefacts discovered on the island also found intriguing insights regarding the movement of people between the mainland and the island of Australia, especially when the last ice age peaked between 29,000 and 19,000 years ago. Also Read: Giant kangaroo, double the size of animals we know today once 'hopped' across Australia: Study In those times, the sea levels were very low and exposed the continental shelf between Australia and what is today called Barrow Island. Speaking to Live Science, Zeanah said that thousands of years ago it would have created the high plateau of a vast, continuous plain which runs across 4,200 square miles (10,800 square km). The archaeologists were already aware of the people who once lived on the island because of a trove of archaeological evidence which was left behind in rock shelters, once known as Boodie Cave. Scientists explore open-air deposits in Barrow Island However, for the new research, the scientists tried to understand beyond the island's caves and explore various open-air deposits present across Barrow Island. In the next three years, the scientists looked into 4,400 slicing, cutting and grinding tools from a mix of sites. The researchers were surprised by the variety in the compositions of the artefacts. Most of the tools discovered in the caves were made out of limestone which is found in abundance on the island. Those found at the open-air sites were mostly made from rocks, which included igneous and sandstone, and matched sources found on mainland Australia. Watch: Sydney attack: Australia PM calls incident 'horrific act of violence' | Attacker shot dead by cops An archaeologist at The University of Queensland in Australia Tiina Manne said that the findings showed "a surprising amount of diversity in stone tool composition over a relatively small area." Zeanah said that diversity is significant since it gives more details regarding the people who went to Barrow Island. "The open sites provide clear links to the mainland geologies, and that infers that people were using the coastal plain that's underwater now," said Zeanah. (With inputs from agencies)

A land in Australia, which has drowned, was once Aboriginal hotspot in ice age

Giant Kangaroos, double the weight of the animal we know today, once roamed Australia, but "hopped" on to the pages of history, becoming an enigma scientists are still exploring today.

Till now, while we knew about them, due to isolated bones, it was difficult to distinguish species. However, a recent research has pegged the number of now-extinct giant marsupial species at three.

As per a team of Paleontologists from Flinders University, the three species — Protemnodon viator, Protemnodon mamkurra and Protemnodon dawsonae, lived around 5 million to 40,000 years ago.

<h2>A Kangaroo bigger than any we know</h2>

The extinct&nbsp;genus Protemnodon, as per experts, looks like today's grey kangaroo, but the animal was generally more squat and muscular. Some species, they say, were only around 45-50 kg, while the rest were much bigger than any living kangaroo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-study-suggests-fox-buried-with-hunter-gatherers-1500-years-ago-had-a-strong-bond-with-humans-710083">Guess which wild animal was used to be man's pet 1,500 years ago. Hint: Not dogs</a>

As per the scientists, of the three recently identified species, Protemnodon viator weighed somewhere around 170kg, double the weight of the heaviest present-day red males, which can weigh up to 90&nbsp;kg.

Viator which in Latin stands for "traveller" or "wayfarer" were long-limbed kangaroo that could hop fairly quickly and efficiently. The research team says that the giant kangaroo lived in similar areas as the red kangaroos of today and was well-adapted to the arid central Australian habitat.

The other two — Protemnodon mamkurra and Protemnodon dawsonae — are new.

"The newly described Protemnodon mamkurra is likely one of these. A large but thick-boned and robust kangaroo, it was probably fairly slow-moving and inefficient. It may have hopped only rarely, perhaps just when startled," said Kerr.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/screaming-a-defence-mechanism-these-frogs-cry-because-they-cannot-physically-fight-predators-711352">Screaming a defence mechanism? These frogs cry because they cannot physically fight predators</a>

Earlier, experts believed that these Protemnodon moved on all four legs. However, the research led by Isaac Kerr suggests that this was only true for about three or four species. Others, they believe, moved like a quokka or potoroo "bounding on four legs at times, and hopping on two legs at others".

<h2>Evidence</h2>

The research, as per an article in Phys.org, follows the discovery of multiple complete fossilised Kangaroo skeletons from Lake Callabonna in arid South Australia in 2013, 2018 and 2019.

The findings have been published in journal Megataxa under the title: "Systematics and palaeobiology of kangaroos of the late Cenozoic genus Protemnodon (Marsupialia, Macropodidae)".

(With inputs from agencies)

Giant Kangaroos, double the weight of the animal we know today, once roamed Australia, but "hopped" on to the pages of history, becoming an enigma scientists are still exploring today.

Giant Kangaroos, double the weight of the animal we know today, once roamed Australia, but "hopped" on to the pages of history, becoming an enigma scientists are still exploring today. Till now, while we knew about them, due to isolated bones, it was difficult to distinguish species. However, a recent research has pegged the number of now-extinct giant marsupial species at three. As per a team of Paleontologists from Flinders University, the three species — Protemnodon viator, Protemnodon mamkurra and Protemnodon dawsonae, lived around 5 million to 40,000 years ago. A Kangaroo bigger than any we know The extinct genus Protemnodon, as per experts, looks like today's grey kangaroo, but the animal was generally more squat and muscular. Some species, they say, were only around 45-50 kg, while the rest were much bigger than any living kangaroo. Also read | Guess which wild animal was used to be man's pet 1,500 years ago. Hint: Not dogs As per the scientists, of the three recently identified species, Protemnodon viator weighed somewhere around 170kg, double the weight of the heaviest present-day red males, which can weigh up to 90 kg. Viator which in Latin stands for "traveller" or "wayfarer" were long-limbed kangaroo that could hop fairly quickly and efficiently. The research team says that the giant kangaroo lived in similar areas as the red kangaroos of today and was well-adapted to the arid central Australian habitat. The other two — Protemnodon mamkurra and Protemnodon dawsonae — are new. "The newly described Protemnodon mamkurra is likely one of these. A large but thick-boned and robust kangaroo, it was probably fairly slow-moving and inefficient. It may have hopped only rarely, perhaps just when startled," said Kerr. Also read | Screaming a defence mechanism? These frogs cry because they cannot physically fight predators Earlier, experts believed that these Protemnodon moved on all four legs. However, the research led by Isaac Kerr suggests that this was only true for about three or four species. Others, they believe, moved like a quokka or potoroo "bounding on four legs at times, and hopping on two legs at others". Evidence The research, as per an article in Phys.org, follows the discovery of multiple complete fossilised Kangaroo skeletons from Lake Callabonna in arid South Australia in 2013, 2018 and 2019. The findings have been published in journal Megataxa under the title: "Systematics and palaeobiology of kangaroos of the late Cenozoic genus Protemnodon (Marsupialia, Macropodidae)". (With inputs from agencies)

Giant kangaroo, double the size of animals we know today once 'hopped' across Australia: Study

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