The once nature-abundant country is now classified as one of the world's most nature-depleted countries. We are talking about the UK. As per the latest report, the UK has already lost more than half of its biodiversity due to human activity. According to the latest state of UK Nature report there has been no let-up in the decline of the UK’s wildlife. One in six species are at risk of being lost.

UK classified as one of world's most nature depleted countries

Nature is brutal. A gruesome, rare video captured recently is now going viral on the Internet. In it, a killer whale can be seen "slurping" the liver out of a live shark.

<h2>Gruesome scene</h2>

The gruesome video on YouTube shows the moment an orca tears into the stomach of a massive 30-foot (nine metres) long whale shark before removing its liver.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/move-over-blue-whale-scientists-discover-40-million-year-old-earths-biggest-animal-ever-621809">Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth</a>

In the video, other nearby orcas can be heard clicking excitedly in a frenzy as their fellow killer whale swims away from the now dead shark that sinks lifelessly to the depths of the ocean.

<h2>A matter of seconds</h2>

Talking to Live Science, James Moskito, CEO of the California-based ocean tour operator Ocean Safaris, who captured the video during an expedition to the Gulf of California, said: "The killer whales start coming in and next I know they're biting the bottom of it (the victim shark)".

"It's literally over in a matter of seconds," remarks Moskito, adding, "They came in, they bit the bottom of the whale shark. Looks like they slurped in the liver and then the whale shark just fell and descended down, with no movement — I'm assuming it was dead."&nbsp;

The video was captured back in April. You can watch it here&nbsp;— viewer discretion is advised:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WrrlF6NG07c" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As per Moskito, he and his companions later saw the orca pod attack and kill another whale shark. He recalls that they saw a whale shark "just thrashing at the surface with a killer whale attached to it."

<h2>Why is the video rare?</h2>

While, earlier, scientists have seen instances of orcas attacking juvenile whale sharks — there's also filmed evidence — this footage, as per Live Science, may be the first known video of killer whales attacking an adult whale shark.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-confirm-jellyfish-who-existed-about-500-million-years-before-early-human-beings-621617">Scientists confirm jellyfish who existed about 500 million years before early human beings</a>

Whale Sharks are the biggest species of Shark on this planet and can grow up to 60 feet or 18 metres long. Adults of the species have few natural predators. However, juvenile calves have been known to fall prey to orcas and tiger sharks.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Nature is brutal. A gruesome, rare video captured recently is now going viral on the Internet. In it, a killer whale can be seen "slurping" the liver out of a live shark.

Nature is brutal. A gruesome, rare video captured recently is now going viral on the Internet. In it, a killer whale can be seen "slurping" the liver out of a live shark. Gruesome scene The gruesome video on YouTube shows the moment an orca tears into the stomach of a massive 30-foot (nine metres) long whale shark before removing its liver. Also read | Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth In the video, other nearby orcas can be heard clicking excitedly in a frenzy as their fellow killer whale swims away from the now dead shark that sinks lifelessly to the depths of the ocean. A matter of seconds Talking to Live Science, James Moskito, CEO of the California-based ocean tour operator Ocean Safaris, who captured the video during an expedition to the Gulf of California, said: "The killer whales start coming in and next I know they're biting the bottom of it (the victim shark)". "It's literally over in a matter of seconds," remarks Moskito, adding, "They came in, they bit the bottom of the whale shark. Looks like they slurped in the liver and then the whale shark just fell and descended down, with no movement — I'm assuming it was dead." The video was captured back in April. You can watch it here — viewer discretion is advised: × As per Moskito, he and his companions later saw the orca pod attack and kill another whale shark. He recalls that they saw a whale shark "just thrashing at the surface with a killer whale attached to it." Why is the video rare? While, earlier, scientists have seen instances of orcas attacking juvenile whale sharks — there's also filmed evidence — this footage, as per Live Science, may be the first known video of killer whales attacking an adult whale shark. Also read | Scientists confirm jellyfish who existed about 500 million years before early human beings Whale Sharks are the biggest species of Shark on this planet and can grow up to 60 feet or 18 metres long. Adults of the species have few natural predators. However, juvenile calves have been known to fall prey to orcas and tiger sharks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rare video captures killer whale tearing into massive shark, 'slurping' its liver. Watch

Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The debt-for-nature swaps have recently gained some popularity among conservation finance, particularly after Ecuador struck the biggest deal of its kind and refinanced $1.6 billion of its commercial debt.&nbsp;

<h2>What are ‘debt-for-nature swaps’?</h2>

Debt-for-nature swap is when creditors provide debt relief for developing countries who commit to taking steps towards the conservation of the environment, like decarbonizing the economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, or protecting biodiverse forests or reefs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).&nbsp;

These so-called swaps can be useful for countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and often unable to afford investment to strengthen climate change-related resilience. Typically, a country’s debt, bought up by banks or specialist investors is replaced with cheaper ones with the help of a multilateral development bank “credit guarantee” or “risk insurance”.&nbsp;

Therefore, these debt-for-nature swaps free up fiscal resources for governments to improve resilience without triggering a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities, said the IMF.&nbsp;

The supporters of this concept, which was first ideated by the late “godfather of biodiversity,” Thomas Lovejoy,&nbsp;in the 1980s, call it a win-win for financiers, countries and conservationists, as per media reports.

<h2>About Gabon’s deal</h2>

The central African nation’s beaches and coastal waters are home to nearly a third of the global population and the world’s largest population of leatherback turtles, an endangered species.&nbsp;

Citing a regulatory filing, Reuters reported that Gabon on the London Stock Exchange had “launched invitations to tender for purchase by the Republic for cash its 2025 Notes and 2031 Notes”.&nbsp;

The filing has since prompted the three Eurobonds, that it referred, to rise as much as 2.2 cents on the dollar, reported the news agency. Furthermore, the February 2031 maturity rose 2.203 cents to 83.702 cents and the November 2031 maturity jumped 2.129 cents to 83.573 cents.&nbsp;

The Gabonese government offered to buy back the bonds for 85 cents per $1 of the bond. Meanwhile, the 2025 maturity, which rose 1.194 cents to 95.4 cents, is also lower than the offer price of 96.75 cents.

A report by Reuters citing industry sources also said that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would provide political risk insurance as it has for Ecuador and Belize.

Earlier this year, Ecuador sealed the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap on record amounting to $1.6 billion which has freed up as much as $18 million every year for the next two decades. The amount currently serves as a consistent revenue stream for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most precious ecosystems. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters.

Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters. The debt-for-nature swaps have recently gained some popularity among conservation finance, particularly after Ecuador struck the biggest deal of its kind and refinanced $1.6 billion of its commercial debt. What are ‘debt-for-nature swaps’? Debt-for-nature swap is when creditors provide debt relief for developing countries who commit to taking steps towards the conservation of the environment, like decarbonizing the economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, or protecting biodiverse forests or reefs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These so-called swaps can be useful for countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and often unable to afford investment to strengthen climate change-related resilience. Typically, a country’s debt, bought up by banks or specialist investors is replaced with cheaper ones with the help of a multilateral development bank “credit guarantee” or “risk insurance”. Therefore, these debt-for-nature swaps free up fiscal resources for governments to improve resilience without triggering a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities, said the IMF. The supporters of this concept, which was first ideated by the late “godfather of biodiversity,” Thomas Lovejoy, in the 1980s, call it a win-win for financiers, countries and conservationists, as per media reports. About Gabon’s deal The central African nation’s beaches and coastal waters are home to nearly a third of the global population and the world’s largest population of leatherback turtles, an endangered species. Citing a regulatory filing, Reuters reported that Gabon on the London Stock Exchange had “launched invitations to tender for purchase by the Republic for cash its 2025 Notes and 2031 Notes”. The filing has since prompted the three Eurobonds, that it referred, to rise as much as 2.2 cents on the dollar, reported the news agency. Furthermore, the February 2031 maturity rose 2.203 cents to 83.702 cents and the November 2031 maturity jumped 2.129 cents to 83.573 cents. The Gabonese government offered to buy back the bonds for 85 cents per $1 of the bond. Meanwhile, the 2025 maturity, which rose 1.194 cents to 95.4 cents, is also lower than the offer price of 96.75 cents. A report by Reuters citing industry sources also said that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would provide political risk insurance as it has for Ecuador and Belize. Earlier this year, Ecuador sealed the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap on record amounting to $1.6 billion which has freed up as much as $18 million every year for the next two decades. The amount currently serves as a consistent revenue stream for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most precious ecosystems. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon releases tender for Africa’s first 'debt-for-nature swap': What is it?

In Pics | Incredible geological wonders of India

Earthquakes are becoming deadlier; sea levels are rising at an alarming rate and the glaciers are melting. UN secretary-general has issued a stark warning. Should you be scared? Priyanka Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Is nature fighting back?

In today's time, taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical well-being. @alysonle tells you about a new study that suggests visiting green spaces like parks; three to four times a week can help in lowering your mental health drug use.

Nature can boost your mental health

In a major milestone, India has discovered 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium deposits in Jammu & Kashmir. Why is the discovery significant?

Gravitas: India discovers 5.9 million tonnes of lithium deposits

Britain's National Trust warned that extreme weather events could become the "new normal". The charitable trust said that in the past year, nature and wildlife at the sites managed by it had been harmed by extreme weather.

WION Climate Tracker: UK conservation group warns on extreme weather

China on Sunday (December 18) proposed a text that will likely shape any agreement on conserving the world's wild places and species. United Nations negotiations on a new global deal are in their final 48 hours.

The presidency of the Montreal summit is held by China, which is responsible for releasing the draft text, based on the last two weeks of negotiations, as the best compromise for parties to discuss going forward.

Ministers from nearly 200 governments are expected to hammer out the details of the global deal by Monday. There is a hope that this will provide a framework to conserve nature through 2030s.

The text contains 23 targets. It reflects consensus on protecting 30 per cent of land and coastal and marine areas by 2030. The target is informally known as 30-by-30.

Developing countries were pushing for half of that - $100 billion per year - to flow from wealthy countries to poorer nations.

It also notes that the money can come voluntarily from any country - a nod to developed nations' desire that countries with large economies, such as China and Brazil, also contribute funds.

One of the greatest points of contention among delegates has been whether a new fund should be established for that money. On Wednesday morning, developing country negotiators walked out of a financing meeting in protest. The draft does not mention setting up a new facility.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

China on Sunday (December 18) proposed a text that will likely shape any agreement on conserving the world's wild places and species. United Nations negotiations on a new global deal are in their final 48 hours.

China on Sunday (December 18) proposed a text that will likely shape any agreement on conserving the world's wild places and species. United Nations negotiations on a new global deal are in their final 48 hours. The presidency of the Montreal summit is held by China, which is responsible for releasing the draft text, based on the last two weeks of negotiations, as the best compromise for parties to discuss going forward. Ministers from nearly 200 governments are expected to hammer out the details of the global deal by Monday. There is a hope that this will provide a framework to conserve nature through 2030s. The text contains 23 targets. It reflects consensus on protecting 30 per cent of land and coastal and marine areas by 2030. The target is informally known as 30-by-30. Developing countries were pushing for half of that - $100 billion per year - to flow from wealthy countries to poorer nations. It also notes that the money can come voluntarily from any country - a nod to developed nations' desire that countries with large economies, such as China and Brazil, also contribute funds. One of the greatest points of contention among delegates has been whether a new fund should be established for that money. On Wednesday morning, developing country negotiators walked out of a financing meeting in protest. The draft does not mention setting up a new facility. (With inputs from agencies)

UN summit sees new draft of global deal that will protect nature

The effects of climate change are being felt around the world. Now, scientists call for renewable energy sources as they urge everyone to stop burning trees to make energy.

WION Climate Tracker | 'Stop burning trees': Scientists call for renewable energy sources

Canada will be hosting UN Biodiversity Summit this year. The Summit will be held to agree on a deal to safeguard nature. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Canada to host UN Biodiversity Summit to safeguard nature

The Arctic Ocean and Caribbean Sea will vanish in the next 200 to 300 million years, and Asia will collide with the Americas to form a new supercontinent named Amasia, according to scientists.

The Pacific Ocean is reportedly receding by almost an inch a year, according to researchers at Curtin University in Australia and Peking University in China. They therefore think that the Americas and Asia will eventually collide to form a new supercontinent called Amasia at some point in the future, perhaps within 200 million to 300 million years, when the Earth's landmasses would join together.

"Over the past two billion years, Earth's continents have collided together to form a supercontinent every 600 million years, known as the supercontinent cycle. This means that the current continents are due to come together again in a couple of hundred of million years' time," said Dr Chuan Huang, lead author of a study published in the journal&nbsp;National Science Review.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/36-years-after-catastrophic-event-chernobyl-disaster-spawns-mutant-frogs-523687">36 years after catastrophic event, Chernobyl nuclear disaster spawns 'mutant frogs'</a>

Researchers said that introversion and extroversion are two very different processes thought to have generated Earth's supercontinents. The Independent reports the study saying, "The latter entails the closure of the prior exterior superocean, whilst the former requires the closure of the interior oceans generated during the break-up of the previous supercontinent."

The new supercontinent, according to experts, will eventually form on top of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-an-isro-scientist-said-mangalyaan-was-running-really-low-on-fuel-522051">Earth</a> and sag south toward the equator. If this does occur, Antarctica may stay uninhabited at the bottom of the globe.

According to the study, Eurasia and the Americas are moving more slowly toward the Pacific Ocean whereas Australia is already drifting toward Asia at a rate of roughly 7 centimetres each year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/snoopy-is-going-to-space-again-nasa-shares-inside-details-about-his-moon-mission-via-a-new-video-watch-523257">Snoopy is going to space again! NASA shares BTS video of beagle's new Moon mission</a>

Our world will likely look very different from how it does today as a result of the birth of the new supercontinent, according to the researchers' findings.&nbsp;"Currently, Earth consists of seven continents with widely different ecosystems and human cultures, so it would be fascinating to think what the world might look like in 200 million to 300 million years' time," they said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Arctic Ocean and Caribbean Sea will vanish in the next 200 to 300 million years, and Asia will collide with the Americas to form a new supercontinent named Amasia, according to scientists.

The Arctic Ocean and Caribbean Sea will vanish in the next 200 to 300 million years, and Asia will collide with the Americas to form a new supercontinent named Amasia, according to scientists. The Pacific Ocean is reportedly receding by almost an inch a year, according to researchers at Curtin University in Australia and Peking University in China. They therefore think that the Americas and Asia will eventually collide to form a new supercontinent called Amasia at some point in the future, perhaps within 200 million to 300 million years, when the Earth's landmasses would join together. "Over the past two billion years, Earth's continents have collided together to form a supercontinent every 600 million years, known as the supercontinent cycle. This means that the current continents are due to come together again in a couple of hundred of million years' time," said Dr Chuan Huang, lead author of a study published in the journal National Science Review. Also read | 36 years after catastrophic event, Chernobyl nuclear disaster spawns 'mutant frogs' Researchers said that introversion and extroversion are two very different processes thought to have generated Earth's supercontinents. The Independent reports the study saying, "The latter entails the closure of the prior exterior superocean, whilst the former requires the closure of the interior oceans generated during the break-up of the previous supercontinent." The new supercontinent, according to experts, will eventually form on top of the Earth and sag south toward the equator. If this does occur, Antarctica may stay uninhabited at the bottom of the globe. According to the study, Eurasia and the Americas are moving more slowly toward the Pacific Ocean whereas Australia is already drifting toward Asia at a rate of roughly 7 centimetres each year. Also read | Snoopy is going to space again! NASA shares BTS video of beagle's new Moon mission Our world will likely look very different from how it does today as a result of the birth of the new supercontinent, according to the researchers' findings. "Currently, Earth consists of seven continents with widely different ecosystems and human cultures, so it would be fascinating to think what the world might look like in 200 million to 300 million years' time," they said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Scientists predict the formation of new supercontinent 'Amasia' when Pacific Ocean disappears

200 mn people could be displaced by Climate Change by 2050 Flooding alone accounts for half of all weather-related disasters 90% of soil could be degraded by 2050

WION Wideangle | Nature's Fury: What's at stake?

Pointing out the gaping gender dsicrimination with regards to giving credit to scientific publications, a new study has claimed that women in the scientific field are less likely to get authorship credit for their work than their male counterparts.

The study, published in Nature, said this discrepancy is ubiquitous in all fields, especially female-dominated fields such as health, as well as in male-dominated fields, such as engineering. It said that the gap was particularly evident during the earliest stages of women’s careers.

The researchers further revealed that the gender discrimination was pretty much skewed in patent-related projects where 60 per cent of men are credited even while sharing the work with women counterparts.

The findings were based on an analysis conducted on administrative data on research projects at 52 US colleges and universities between 2013 and 2016.

They matched information about 128,859 scientists to 39,426 journal articles and 7,675 patents, looking at which people who worked on individual projects received credit and which did not.

They said that only 15 out of 100 female graduate students were ever named as authors on documents, compared to 21 out of 100 male graduate students.

“We have known for a long time that women publish and patent at a lower rate than men. But because previous data never showed who participated in the research, no-one knew why,” said study co-author Julia Lane from NYU.

“There were anecdotes – like that of Rosalind Franklin,&nbsp;who was denied authorship&nbsp;in a famous&nbsp;Nature&nbsp;article by James Watson and Francis Crick despite correctly demonstrating the double helix structure of DNA – but there was no evidence,” explained Dr Lane.

About 43 per cent of women surveyed in the study said they had been excluded from a scientific paper to which they had contributed compared to 38 per cent of men.

“Being a woman [means] that quite often you contribute in one way or another to science but unless you shout or make a strong point, our contributions are often underestimated,” one survey respondent reportedly said.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Pointing out the gaping gender dsicrimination with regards to giving credit to scientific publications, a new study has claimed that women in the scientific field are less likely to get authorship credit for their work than their male counterparts.

Pointing out the gaping gender dsicrimination with regards to giving credit to scientific publications, a new study has claimed that women in the scientific field are less likely to get authorship credit for their work than their male counterparts. The study, published in Nature, said this discrepancy is ubiquitous in all fields, especially female-dominated fields such as health, as well as in male-dominated fields, such as engineering. It said that the gap was particularly evident during the earliest stages of women’s careers. The researchers further revealed that the gender discrimination was pretty much skewed in patent-related projects where 60 per cent of men are credited even while sharing the work with women counterparts. The findings were based on an analysis conducted on administrative data on research projects at 52 US colleges and universities between 2013 and 2016. They matched information about 128,859 scientists to 39,426 journal articles and 7,675 patents, looking at which people who worked on individual projects received credit and which did not. They said that only 15 out of 100 female graduate students were ever named as authors on documents, compared to 21 out of 100 male graduate students. “We have known for a long time that women publish and patent at a lower rate than men. But because previous data never showed who participated in the research, no-one knew why,” said study co-author Julia Lane from NYU. “There were anecdotes – like that of Rosalind Franklin, who was denied authorship in a famous Nature article by James Watson and Francis Crick despite correctly demonstrating the double helix structure of DNA – but there was no evidence,” explained Dr Lane. About 43 per cent of women surveyed in the study said they had been excluded from a scientific paper to which they had contributed compared to 38 per cent of men. “Being a woman [means] that quite often you contribute in one way or another to science but unless you shout or make a strong point, our contributions are often underestimated,” one survey respondent reportedly said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Women less likely to get authorship on scientific publications than men, finds study

Can a species of plant reemerge after going extinct or at least thought to be? Well, the answer to this tough question is really easy, and it is, yes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As a true gift of nature, a flower-bearing plant has come to life after almost 40 years. &nbsp;

The flower-bearing plant, which is named 'Gasteranthus extinctus', has been found by a team of scientists in Ecuador in November 2021, said a new study. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/letting-economic-inequality-flourish-in-a-nation-can-turn-its-citizens-unhappy-says-study-471628" hreflang="en">Letting economic inequality flourish in a nation can turn its citizens unhappy, says study &nbsp;</a>

The orange-petaled flower-bearing plant was discovered when the team visited the Centinela Ridge, the research published on Friday said. &nbsp;

"Rediscovering this flower shows that it's not too late to turn around even the worst-case biodiversity scenarios, and it shows that there's value in conserving even the smallest, most degraded areas," said Dawson White, postdoctoral researcher, Chicago's Field Museum and co-author of the paper on G extinctus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-it-too-early-to-go-back-to-pre-covid-life-471428/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"It's an important piece of evidence that it's not too late to be exploring and inventorying plants and animals in the heavily degraded forests of western Ecuador," White added. &nbsp;

To confirm the reemergence, the pictures of the flowers were shared with a taxonomic expert. He informed the flowers were of G extinctus, a press release of the Field Museum said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The flower-bearing plant is still highly endangered. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Can a species of plant reemerge after going extinct or at least thought to be? Well, the answer to this tough question is really easy, and it is, yes. As a true gift of nature, a flower-bearing plant has come to life after almost 40 years.

Can a species of plant reemerge after going extinct or at least thought to be? Well, the answer to this tough question is really easy, and it is, yes. As a true gift of nature, a flower-bearing plant has come to life after almost 40 years. The flower-bearing plant, which is named 'Gasteranthus extinctus', has been found by a team of scientists in Ecuador in November 2021, said a new study. Also Read: Letting economic inequality flourish in a nation can turn its citizens unhappy, says study The orange-petaled flower-bearing plant was discovered when the team visited the Centinela Ridge, the research published on Friday said. "Rediscovering this flower shows that it's not too late to turn around even the worst-case biodiversity scenarios, and it shows that there's value in conserving even the smallest, most degraded areas," said Dawson White, postdoctoral researcher, Chicago's Field Museum and co-author of the paper on G extinctus. Watch: Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life? "It's an important piece of evidence that it's not too late to be exploring and inventorying plants and animals in the heavily degraded forests of western Ecuador," White added. To confirm the reemergence, the pictures of the flowers were shared with a taxonomic expert. He informed the flowers were of G extinctus, a press release of the Field Museum said. The flower-bearing plant is still highly endangered. (With inputs from agencies)

Miracle of nature? ‘Gasteranthus extinctus’, plant once thought extinct, reemerges

Have you ever wondered why humans live a far longer life than the animals around us?

Surely, you must’ve thought about it at one time or another. Why is it that for our animal companions, our dogs or cats, a 20-year lifespan is quite long, but for us, a 50-60 years life is at times considered short?

Well, the simple reason behind that is that humans on average die at around 70-80 years of age. In 2017, the United Nations pegged the estimated global average life expectancy at 72.6 years.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-is-how-a-nasa-sample-of-lunar-dust-came-to-be-sold-at-a-public-auction-for-500000-470899" hreflang="en">This is how a NASA sample of lunar dust came to be sold at a public auction for $500,000</a>

But why do we have a longer lifespan?

Earlier scientists thought that this had something to do with our body size. Experts suggested that a smaller body size burns up energy quickly, which causes a speedier decline. For example, a mice has an average lifespan of 3.7 years while for a dog it can be anywhere from 10-13 years.

But then, how does a naked mole rat that is only five inches big have pretty much the same lifespan as a giraffe? While a giraffe typically lives for 24 years, the naked mole-rat lives for 25 years.&nbsp;

A new study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, which was published in the journal Nature suggests that the key to the logic behind the high or low lifespans might be in the rate of genetic decay and DNA mutations.

Watch |&nbsp;Emerging trends in the world of Robotics

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/emerging-trends-in-the-world-of-robotics-470878/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The study reports that animals with longer lives successfully slow down their DNA mutations, which contributes to their lengthy lifespans.&nbsp;

Somatic mutations are genetic alterations that occur in all cells and are mostly inconsequential, but some of them can set a cell on the route to cancer or affect normal function.

A report by the Telegraph quotes the study’s lead author saying that: “To find a similar pattern of genetic changes in animals as different from one another as a mouse and a tiger was surprising.&nbsp;

“But the most exciting aspect of the study has to be finding that lifespan is inversely proportional to the somatic mutation rate. This suggests that somatic mutations may play a role in ageing.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-find-sunscreen-lotion-chemical-accumulating-in-mediterranean-seagrass-470609" hreflang="en">Scientists find sunscreen lotion chemical accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass</a>

Going back to the giraffe and naked mole-rat example, the key to their almost similar lifespan lies in the number of genetic mutations; which is 99 for the former and 93 for the latter.

While we humans only face 47 mutations a year, mice which have a very short life span of 3.7 years experience suffer a massive number of 796 mutations every year.&nbsp;

The finding, according to the researchers, opens the door to a better knowledge of the ageing process, as well as the inevitability and timing of death.

(With inputs from agencies)

Have you ever wondered why humans live a far longer life than the animals around us? Surely, you must’ve thought about it at one time or another. Why is it that for our animal companions, our dogs or cats, a 20-year lifespan is quite long, but for us, a 50-60 years life is at times considered short?

Have you ever wondered why humans live a far longer life than the animals around us? Surely, you must’ve thought about it at one time or another. Why is it that for our animal companions, our dogs or cats, a 20-year lifespan is quite long, but for us, a 50-60 years life is at times considered short? Well, the simple reason behind that is that humans on average die at around 70-80 years of age. In 2017, the United Nations pegged the estimated global average life expectancy at 72.6 years. Also read | This is how a NASA sample of lunar dust came to be sold at a public auction for $500,000 But why do we have a longer lifespan? Earlier scientists thought that this had something to do with our body size. Experts suggested that a smaller body size burns up energy quickly, which causes a speedier decline. For example, a mice has an average lifespan of 3.7 years while for a dog it can be anywhere from 10-13 years. But then, how does a naked mole rat that is only five inches big have pretty much the same lifespan as a giraffe? While a giraffe typically lives for 24 years, the naked mole-rat lives for 25 years. A new study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, which was published in the journal Nature suggests that the key to the logic behind the high or low lifespans might be in the rate of genetic decay and DNA mutations. Watch | Emerging trends in the world of Robotics The study reports that animals with longer lives successfully slow down their DNA mutations, which contributes to their lengthy lifespans. Somatic mutations are genetic alterations that occur in all cells and are mostly inconsequential, but some of them can set a cell on the route to cancer or affect normal function. A report by the Telegraph quotes the study’s lead author saying that: “To find a similar pattern of genetic changes in animals as different from one another as a mouse and a tiger was surprising. “But the most exciting aspect of the study has to be finding that lifespan is inversely proportional to the somatic mutation rate. This suggests that somatic mutations may play a role in ageing.” Also read | Scientists find sunscreen lotion chemical accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass Going back to the giraffe and naked mole-rat example, the key to their almost similar lifespan lies in the number of genetic mutations; which is 99 for the former and 93 for the latter. While we humans only face 47 mutations a year, mice which have a very short life span of 3.7 years experience suffer a massive number of 796 mutations every year. The finding, according to the researchers, opens the door to a better knowledge of the ageing process, as well as the inevitability and timing of death. (With inputs from agencies)

Why do humans have a longer life span than our furry companions? Scientists have the answer

The Discovery of 212 'new' freshwater species&nbsp;has created joy in the scientific community. These species have found mention&nbsp;in 'New Species Report 2021', released by Shoal, a conservation organisation.

The discovery has underlined the fact that there is a lot that remains to be discovered in nature in spite of humankind's great strides of gain of knowledge.

The species that find mention in the report include a 'Wolverine fish' and a blind eel.

Wolverine fish, the species lucky enough to have been named after Wolverine from X-Men is truly unique. There's a reason why this fish has been named after the character.

The fish, Wolverine Pleco (Hopliancistrus wolverine) reportedly has what's being called a hidden weapon system.

The fish has lateral spikes which are normally tucked under the gills. But if anyone tries to mess with it, these spikes come out to take care of the enemy. This has a resemblance with&nbsp;Wolverine's retractable claws.

Another fascinating discovery is that of a blilnd eel. The eel was found at the bottom of a well situated in a school for the blind in Mumbai. The eel has fittingly been named Rakthamichthys mumba after the city. The eel has a bright red colour but no fins, scales or eyes.

These 212 species are sure to give scientists new directions and new insights to study life in freshwater.&nbsp;

The Discovery of 212 'new' freshwater species has created joy in the scientific community. These species have found mention in 'New Species Report 2021', released by Shoal, a conservation organisation.

The Discovery of 212 'new' freshwater species has created joy in the scientific community. These species have found mention in 'New Species Report 2021', released by Shoal, a conservation organisation. The discovery has underlined the fact that there is a lot that remains to be discovered in nature in spite of humankind's great strides of gain of knowledge. The species that find mention in the report include a 'Wolverine fish' and a blind eel. Wolverine fish, the species lucky enough to have been named after Wolverine from X-Men is truly unique. There's a reason why this fish has been named after the character. The fish, Wolverine Pleco (Hopliancistrus wolverine) reportedly has what's being called a hidden weapon system. The fish has lateral spikes which are normally tucked under the gills. But if anyone tries to mess with it, these spikes come out to take care of the enemy. This has a resemblance with Wolverine's retractable claws. Another fascinating discovery is that of a blilnd eel. The eel was found at the bottom of a well situated in a school for the blind in Mumbai. The eel has fittingly been named Rakthamichthys mumba after the city. The eel has a bright red colour but no fins, scales or eyes. These 212 species are sure to give scientists new directions and new insights to study life in freshwater.

Wolverine fish, blind eel among 212 new freshwater species found

Human activities impact the world in more ways than we know. We build roads through forests, build dams that submerge large tracts of land previously over the water-level and many more things. Fortunately, efforts have been on to recognise such threats and then petition governments to take preventive or curative petition.

Such efforts have again been visible in case of blue whale conservation in Indian Ocean off the southern tip of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Since 2008, researchers have discovered a population of blue whale, an endangered species, in Indian Ocean off southern Sri Lanka. What's special about population of these whales is that unlike other whales who travel vast distances in oceans during a year, this whale population lives roughly in the same area of the ocean. They thrive on shrimps.

What puts this whale population in danger is that its habitat falls in the way of one of world's busiest shipping routes. This part of the sea connects Southeast Asia to Suez Canal. Because of this, this part of the sea sees daily traffic of about 200 huge ships, each about 300 metres across. Whales risk collisions with these ships and noise pollution due to shipping traffic interferes with whales's communication through vacalisations.

Conservation groups are calling on Sri Lanka government to propose shifting of sea lanes 15 nautical miles to the south. Such a request by Sri Lanka to global authorities may help in conservation of these whales.

“Studies indicate that if a shipping lane were to be established 15 nautical miles to the south of the current lane, the risk of collisions with blue whales would be reduced by 95%,” reads the letter from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Great Whale Conservancy and OceanCare. The content from the letter was quoted by The Guardian.

Human activities impact the world in more ways than we know. We build roads through forests, build dams that submerge large tracts of land previously over the water-level and many more things.

Human activities impact the world in more ways than we know. We build roads through forests, build dams that submerge large tracts of land previously over the water-level and many more things. Fortunately, efforts have been on to recognise such threats and then petition governments to take preventive or curative petition. Such efforts have again been visible in case of blue whale conservation in Indian Ocean off the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Since 2008, researchers have discovered a population of blue whale, an endangered species, in Indian Ocean off southern Sri Lanka. What's special about population of these whales is that unlike other whales who travel vast distances in oceans during a year, this whale population lives roughly in the same area of the ocean. They thrive on shrimps. What puts this whale population in danger is that its habitat falls in the way of one of world's busiest shipping routes. This part of the sea connects Southeast Asia to Suez Canal. Because of this, this part of the sea sees daily traffic of about 200 huge ships, each about 300 metres across. Whales risk collisions with these ships and noise pollution due to shipping traffic interferes with whales's communication through vacalisations. Conservation groups are calling on Sri Lanka government to propose shifting of sea lanes 15 nautical miles to the south. Such a request by Sri Lanka to global authorities may help in conservation of these whales. “Studies indicate that if a shipping lane were to be established 15 nautical miles to the south of the current lane, the risk of collisions with blue whales would be reduced by 95%,” reads the letter from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Great Whale Conservancy and OceanCare. The content from the letter was quoted by The Guardian.

Conservation groups call for rerouting sea lanes for whale conservation

Tornadoes destroyed everything in their path as 30 tornadoes rip through 6 US states. The worst tornado strike in Kentucky history.

The worst tornado in Kentucky history

Forest fire due to poor farming practices takes a toll on San Matias Reserve. Fire ravages through 2.6 million hectares of the nature reserve.

Bolivia forest degradation: Poor farming practices take a toll on San Matias Reserve

In an effort by the Wildlife Trust in Pakistan to conserve green turtles, conservationists relocate eggs to a hatchery.

Pakistan green turtle conservation: Wildlife trust ramps up efforts to protect hatchlings

Visuals from the aftermath of Tornadoes emerge. A trail of destruction that battered several US states have now claimed over 100 lives.

Tornadoes leave a trail of destruction in US states as fatalities rise over 100

A swarm of tornadoes has ravaged 6 US states, with over 100 people feared dead. US President Joe Biden has approved the emergency declaration of aids for the affected states.

Over 100 feared dead as multiple tornadoes rip through 6 US states

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws.

A giant owl has been sighted for the first time in 150 years!.&nbsp;

Shelley's eagle owl, true to its name due to its similarities to an eagle, has been spotted by experts in jungles of Ghana in Africa. This is being hailed as fantastic and ecologists are over cloud nine.

A picture of the bird was taken by Dr Robert Williams, an ecologist from Somerset and Dr Joseph Tobias, of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London.

Shelley's eagle owl was first described by Richard Bowdler Sharpe, curator of the bird collection at the Natural History Museum. The specimen was taken from a hunter in Ghana.

There hasn't been a single confirmed sighting of the owl after that.

Shelley's Eagle Owl is known for its distinct black eyes and eagle-like appearance. Even Dr Tobias, who spotted the owl with Dr Williams mistook it to be an eagle first, as reported by The Independent.

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws.

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws. A giant owl has been sighted for the first time in 150 years!. Shelley's eagle owl, true to its name due to its similarities to an eagle, has been spotted by experts in jungles of Ghana in Africa. This is being hailed as fantastic and ecologists are over cloud nine. A picture of the bird was taken by Dr Robert Williams, an ecologist from Somerset and Dr Joseph Tobias, of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. Shelley's eagle owl was first described by Richard Bowdler Sharpe, curator of the bird collection at the Natural History Museum. The specimen was taken from a hunter in Ghana. There hasn't been a single confirmed sighting of the owl after that. Shelley's Eagle Owl is known for its distinct black eyes and eagle-like appearance. Even Dr Tobias, who spotted the owl with Dr Williams mistook it to be an eagle first, as reported by The Independent.

Giant owl, unseen for 150 years, spotted in wild

nature

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