Genetic adaptations from humans who lived tens of thousands of years ago might have made modern-day humans prone to mental health issues like depression, says a new study.

Genetic adaptations from humans who lived tens of thousands of years ago might have made modern-day humans prone to mental health issues like depression, says a new study. According to a study published in PLOS Genetics, modern humans have received a part of their genetic heritage from Denisovans, which makes them more vulnerable to mental health problems. Researchers in Spain followed the prior study that focused on a variant of the gene SLC30A9 that might have evolved through positive selection, especially in East Asian populations. The gene regulates zinc by transporting it across cell membranes in the body. Zinc is essential for the healthy growth and functioning of our neurological and immune systems. It is also crucial to maintain the excitability of the nervous system and has a connection to mental health. However, the adaptation of these genes in modern humans tweaks the regulation. ALSO READ | 'Gods of chaos': Jupiter protects us, but similar gas giants do THIS to Earth-like planets Although previous studies also indicated the association of the SLC30A9 genetic variant with a greater risk of depression and mental health issues, researchers are yet to make solid claims about the connections. Rubén Vicente, a molecular biologist from Pompeu Fabra University, said, "In the future, expanding this study to animal models could shed light on this predisposition to suffering from mental illnesses." Although the gene did not match with Neanderthals, a close comparison with the Denisovan gene revealed a match for the gene SLC30A9. Ana Roca-Umbert, an evolutionary biologist from Pompeu Fabra University, said, "Through genomic analysis, we noted that the genetic variant observed came from our interbreeding with archaic humans in the past, possibly the Denisovans." ALSO READ | NISAR: In a first, NASA and ISRO to collaboratively launch earth-observing satellite in 2024 The team also carried out lab experiments, which showed how the variation connected to the differences in cellular structure, like mitochondria, regulated zinc and influenced metabolism. Researchers also suspect the Denisovan variant might have protected us against cold climates. Jorge Garcia-Calleja, another evolutionary biologist, said, "The change was beneficial and proved a selective advantage for humans." Thus, the SLC30A9 has reached the current population, she added. According to the researchers, there's more to dig into how our genes evolve and affect us. However, a recent study reveals the genetic links with the past and is one of the most widespread and significant. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

We can now blame our ancestors for our mental health issues, as per new study

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change. All this pieces together the puzzle of evolution nicely.

A study has revealed that some animals are 'shape shifting' and various parts of their bodies are transforming to better adapt global warming. Some of them are developing bigger tails. Others are developing different beaks and ears in order to survive in the changing conditions. Researchers have found that bigger body parts are developing so that these animals could lose body heat more effectively.

Climate change is heaping "a whole lot of pressure" on animals, said Sara Ryding of Deakin University in Australia, who led the study, in a press release.

"It's high time we recognised that animals also have to adapt to these changes, but this is occurring over a far shorter timescale than would have occurred through most of evolutionary time," she said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-shark-toothed-dinosaur-gave-tough-competition-to-t-rex-411826">This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex</a>

The study has been published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. The study reviewed previous research "where climatic warming is a potential hidden explanatory variable for the occurrence of shape-shifting" and found trends particularly noticeable in birds.

The Australian parrot, for example, had shown an average 4-10 percent increase in the size of its bill since 1871 and the authors said this positively correlated with the summer temperature each year.&nbsp;

Other birds, like North American dark-eyed juncos, thrushes and Galapagos finches also saw bill size increases. 
Meanwhile, the wings of the great roundleaf bat grew, the European rabbit developed bigger ears, while the tails and legs of masked shrews were found to be larger. &nbsp;

"Shape-shifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is 'fine'," said Ryding.&nbsp;

"It just means they are evolving to survive it -- but we're not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed that all species are capable of changing and surviving."

(With inputs from agencies)

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change.

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change. All this pieces together the puzzle of evolution nicely. A study has revealed that some animals are 'shape shifting' and various parts of their bodies are transforming to better adapt global warming. Some of them are developing bigger tails. Others are developing different beaks and ears in order to survive in the changing conditions. Researchers have found that bigger body parts are developing so that these animals could lose body heat more effectively. Climate change is heaping "a whole lot of pressure" on animals, said Sara Ryding of Deakin University in Australia, who led the study, in a press release. "It's high time we recognised that animals also have to adapt to these changes, but this is occurring over a far shorter timescale than would have occurred through most of evolutionary time," she said. Also Read: This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex The study has been published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. The study reviewed previous research "where climatic warming is a potential hidden explanatory variable for the occurrence of shape-shifting" and found trends particularly noticeable in birds. The Australian parrot, for example, had shown an average 4-10 percent increase in the size of its bill since 1871 and the authors said this positively correlated with the summer temperature each year. Other birds, like North American dark-eyed juncos, thrushes and Galapagos finches also saw bill size increases. Meanwhile, the wings of the great roundleaf bat grew, the European rabbit developed bigger ears, while the tails and legs of masked shrews were found to be larger. "Shape-shifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is 'fine'," said Ryding. "It just means they are evolving to survive it -- but we're not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed that all species are capable of changing and surviving." (With inputs from agencies)

As Earth warms up, animals are 'shape-shifting' to survive better: Study

Hundreds of cities have no climate adaptation plans in place despite rising threats like floods, heatwaves and pollution, according to a report on Wednesday that said this could put 400 million people at risk across the world.&nbsp;

Fast-expanding urban areas are home to more than half the population of the planet and are increasingly exposed to climate-fuelled disasters, economic shocks and health crises as the world warms, with fears that vulnerable communities will be hardest hit. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

CDP, a global non-profit that collects data disclosed by companies, cities, states and regions on environmental impact, analysed over 800 global cities and found that 43 per cent do not yet have a plan to adapt to the challenges of climate change. &nbsp;

With more and more people drawn to live in urban areas, CDP estimated that by 2030 around 400 million people will be living in poorly prepared cities. &nbsp;

"The urgent need to act and have adaptation measures in place to keep the citizens safe, is increasing together with (the growing urban population)," said Mirjam Wolfrum, CDP's Policy Director for Europe. &nbsp;

She said that 93 per cent of the cities included in the report were facing 'significant threats', while 60 per cent highlighted 'substantive' water security issues. &nbsp;

The top five hazards are flash and surface flooding, including from rising sea levels, heat waves, rainstorms, extreme hot days and droughts, she said, adding that air pollution is also a major health concern. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ongoing adaptation strategies in the municipalities that reported to CDP include tree planting (20 percent), flood mapping (18 per cent) and developing crisis management plans like evacuation systems (14 per cent). &nbsp;&nbsp;

With cities responsible for some 70 per cent of global emissions, the report said urban centres are also looking at schemes like increasing the use of renewable energy and improving green spaces, transport infrastructure and recycling.&nbsp;

Hundreds of cities have no climate adaptation plans in place despite rising threats like floods, heatwaves and pollution, according to a report on Wednesday that said this could put 400 million people at risk across the world.

Hundreds of cities have no climate adaptation plans in place despite rising threats like floods, heatwaves and pollution, according to a report on Wednesday that said this could put 400 million people at risk across the world. Fast-expanding urban areas are home to more than half the population of the planet and are increasingly exposed to climate-fuelled disasters, economic shocks and health crises as the world warms, with fears that vulnerable communities will be hardest hit. CDP, a global non-profit that collects data disclosed by companies, cities, states and regions on environmental impact, analysed over 800 global cities and found that 43 per cent do not yet have a plan to adapt to the challenges of climate change. With more and more people drawn to live in urban areas, CDP estimated that by 2030 around 400 million people will be living in poorly prepared cities. "The urgent need to act and have adaptation measures in place to keep the citizens safe, is increasing together with (the growing urban population)," said Mirjam Wolfrum, CDP's Policy Director for Europe. She said that 93 per cent of the cities included in the report were facing 'significant threats', while 60 per cent highlighted 'substantive' water security issues. The top five hazards are flash and surface flooding, including from rising sea levels, heat waves, rainstorms, extreme hot days and droughts, she said, adding that air pollution is also a major health concern. Ongoing adaptation strategies in the municipalities that reported to CDP include tree planting (20 percent), flood mapping (18 per cent) and developing crisis management plans like evacuation systems (14 per cent). With cities responsible for some 70 per cent of global emissions, the report said urban centres are also looking at schemes like increasing the use of renewable energy and improving green spaces, transport infrastructure and recycling.

Millions at risk as cities fail to adapt to climate change: Report 

'The Modern Monk', a book about Swami Vivekananda's relevance to present-day life and times, is set to be made into a film.

Film producer Sunil Bohra has bought the rights of the book, written by Hindol Sengupta and published by Penguin Random House India.

"India has a great heritage and I want to make films on some of the people like Swami Vivekananda and Sardar Patel who have built this heritage. It`s my tribute to our country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Bohra said in a statement.

Bohra earlier had also bought the rights of 'The Man Who Saved India', a book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,&nbsp;for a web series.

"More than perhaps any other person in the last 200 years, Swami Vivekananda spoke most passionately of a vision of a renewed, reinvigorate Indian civilization which serves as a beacon of peace and prosperity to the world.''

"I wrote 'The Modern Monk' to explain in the most contemporary language the importance of Vivekananda's vision for the past, present and future of India and I am delighted to partner with Sunil Bohra, a visionary in the world of cinema, in bringing this story to millions of people," Sengupta said.

Apparently, the work on the project has begun to get the process started.

'The Modern Monk', a book about Swami Vivekananda's relevance to present-day life and times, is set to be made into a film. Film producer Sunil Bohra has bought the rights of the book, written by Hindol Sengupta and published by Penguin Random House India.

'The Modern Monk', a book about Swami Vivekananda's relevance to present-day life and times, is set to be made into a film. Film producer Sunil Bohra has bought the rights of the book, written by Hindol Sengupta and published by Penguin Random House India. "India has a great heritage and I want to make films on some of the people like Swami Vivekananda and Sardar Patel who have built this heritage. It`s my tribute to our country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Bohra said in a statement. Bohra earlier had also bought the rights of 'The Man Who Saved India', a book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, for a web series. "More than perhaps any other person in the last 200 years, Swami Vivekananda spoke most passionately of a vision of a renewed, reinvigorate Indian civilization which serves as a beacon of peace and prosperity to the world.'' "I wrote 'The Modern Monk' to explain in the most contemporary language the importance of Vivekananda's vision for the past, present and future of India and I am delighted to partner with Sunil Bohra, a visionary in the world of cinema, in bringing this story to millions of people," Sengupta said. Apparently, the work on the project has begun to get the process started.

'The Modern Monk' book inspired by Swami Vivekananda to get screen adaptation

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