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.

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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)

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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?

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"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

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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

Every animal and bird has a role to play in nature. It is part of the complex food chains and food webs. Even so, conservation of some species makes headlines and others generally don't.

Take owls for example, the bird plays an important part in nature and keeps population of rodents in check. But the bird isn't 'glamorous' so to speak. But Brendan and Danelle Murray, a couple from South Africa have made protecting birds, especially owls, their life's work.

The Murrays run an owl sanctuary in Hartbeesport. The town lies about 50 kilometres from Johannesburg. For Danelle and Brendan, protection of wildlife is a life-long passion. They secured this piece of habitat to protect decreasing number of owls and look after them.

“There’s a very high mortality rate on owls in South Africa," says Danelle Murray, underlining the need to protect owls.

There are 12 species of owls in South Africa and out of these there are few that are endangered and are rapidly decreasing in numbers.&nbsp;

"When owls disappear, rodents take over. The rodents of course all sorts of problems." Danelle says

"Every animal out there has got an important role they play to keep this structure together,” She says driving home the point of need to protect owls.

Every animal and bird has a role to play in nature. It is part of the complex food chains and food webs. Even so, conservation of some species makes headlines and others generally don't.

Every animal and bird has a role to play in nature. It is part of the complex food chains and food webs. Even so, conservation of some species makes headlines and others generally don't. Take owls for example, the bird plays an important part in nature and keeps population of rodents in check. But the bird isn't 'glamorous' so to speak. But Brendan and Danelle Murray, a couple from South Africa have made protecting birds, especially owls, their life's work. The Murrays run an owl sanctuary in Hartbeesport. The town lies about 50 kilometres from Johannesburg. For Danelle and Brendan, protection of wildlife is a life-long passion. They secured this piece of habitat to protect decreasing number of owls and look after them. “There’s a very high mortality rate on owls in South Africa," says Danelle Murray, underlining the need to protect owls. There are 12 species of owls in South Africa and out of these there are few that are endangered and are rapidly decreasing in numbers. "When owls disappear, rodents take over. The rodents of course all sorts of problems." Danelle says "Every animal out there has got an important role they play to keep this structure together,” She says driving home the point of need to protect owls.

Fifty kilometres from Johannesburg, a couple saves owls

The Dubai expo is a 182 day long extravaganza that began earlier this month and will last till the end of march next year. One of the key themes at the expo is the fragility of nature and the urgent need to protect the only planet that we have. Our next report gets you the details.

Need to protect nature becomes key theme at Dubai expo

Two people have survived days without water in Australia's hot and dusty outback, police said Monday, ending a frenzied five-day air and land rescue effort.

Twenty-one-year-old Shaun Emitja and 14-year-old Mahesh Patrick were reported missing on Tuesday in the Harts Range area of central Australia.

They had failed to return to the remote community of Hermannsburg after a weekend away.

After their blue Nissan Navara was found abandoned and bogged down in a dirt track, police scoured the countryside using a helicopter and expert trackers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-koalas-line-up-for-chlamydia-vaccine-in-new-trial-421354">Australian koalas line up for chlamydia vaccine in new trial</a>

The pair were feared to be in grave danger given a lack of water and the area's extreme temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in what is still the southern hemisphere's spring.

But Northern Territory police said Monday that the two men -- who had become separated -- were found alive and well by an "absolute miracle".

Officers said teenager Patrick was found in bushland late on Friday and was treated for dehydration and sore feet from walking in the remote environment.

Emitja was not found until a day later. "He is undergoing health checks but appears well," police said.

It is believed the pair survived without fresh water or provisions.

Two people have survived days without water in Australia's hot and dusty outback, police said Monday, ending a frenzied five-day air and land rescue effort. Twenty-one-year-old Shaun Emitja and 14-year-old Mahesh Patrick were reported missing on Tuesday in the Harts Range area of central Australia.

Two people have survived days without water in Australia's hot and dusty outback, police said Monday, ending a frenzied five-day air and land rescue effort. Twenty-one-year-old Shaun Emitja and 14-year-old Mahesh Patrick were reported missing on Tuesday in the Harts Range area of central Australia. They had failed to return to the remote community of Hermannsburg after a weekend away. After their blue Nissan Navara was found abandoned and bogged down in a dirt track, police scoured the countryside using a helicopter and expert trackers. Also Read | Australian koalas line up for chlamydia vaccine in new trial The pair were feared to be in grave danger given a lack of water and the area's extreme temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in what is still the southern hemisphere's spring. But Northern Territory police said Monday that the two men -- who had become separated -- were found alive and well by an "absolute miracle". Officers said teenager Patrick was found in bushland late on Friday and was treated for dehydration and sore feet from walking in the remote environment. Emitja was not found until a day later. "He is undergoing health checks but appears well," police said. It is believed the pair survived without fresh water or provisions.

'Miracle' pair found alive after days in Australian outback

In order to restore nature, as a part of a 30-year project, a large area of the Scottish Highlands stretching between the west coast and Loch Ness is to be rewilded.

The Affric Highlands initiative aims at increasing connected habitats and species diversity over an area of 200,000 hectares.&nbsp;

Also, it will incorporate the Kintail mountain range, and glens Cannich, Moriston and Shiel.&nbsp;

Various plans include planting trees, enhancing river corridors, restoring peat bogs and creating nature-friendly farming practices.

Alan McDonnell, a conservation manager at Trees for Life, and the project leader, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "This was once a much more peopled landscape that was rich with wildlife and we think we can find new ways to establish that connection again, today."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-greenlights-usd-1-billion-for-israels-iron-dome-415413">Also read |&nbsp;US House greenlights $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome</a>

“The idea of doing it at scale is that you get a much bigger natural response because you’ve got room for change and dynamism in that landscape.”

Launched after two years of conversations and meetings between local communities and conservationists from rewilding charity

Trees for Life, the project is similar to the WildEast project in East Anglia as it is a community-led effort to restore nature over a large area.

Native wildlife is said to benefit from this project.

It includes a range of river species such as salmon, trout, ospreys and otters, as well as montane species such as golden eagles, red grouse, short-eared owls and mountain hares. 
&nbsp;

In order to restore nature, as a part of a 30-year project, a large area of the Scottish Highlands stretching between the west coast and Loch Ness is to be rewilded.

In order to restore nature, as a part of a 30-year project, a large area of the Scottish Highlands stretching between the west coast and Loch Ness is to be rewilded. The Affric Highlands initiative aims at increasing connected habitats and species diversity over an area of 200,000 hectares. Also, it will incorporate the Kintail mountain range, and glens Cannich, Moriston and Shiel. Various plans include planting trees, enhancing river corridors, restoring peat bogs and creating nature-friendly farming practices. Alan McDonnell, a conservation manager at Trees for Life, and the project leader, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "This was once a much more peopled landscape that was rich with wildlife and we think we can find new ways to establish that connection again, today." Also read | US House greenlights $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome “The idea of doing it at scale is that you get a much bigger natural response because you’ve got room for change and dynamism in that landscape.” Launched after two years of conversations and meetings between local communities and conservationists from rewilding charity Trees for Life, the project is similar to the WildEast project in East Anglia as it is a community-led effort to restore nature over a large area. Native wildlife is said to benefit from this project. It includes a range of river species such as salmon, trout, ospreys and otters, as well as montane species such as golden eagles, red grouse, short-eared owls and mountain hares.

Area of Scottish Highlands to be rewilded for a project to restore nature

Indian authorities launched a probe Friday into the deaths of at least&nbsp;18&nbsp;elephants, as a leading conservationist raised doubts that the animals were killed by&nbsp;lightning.

The dead herd was found in the hilly Kandali Proposed Reserve Forest in the northeastern&nbsp;India&nbsp;state of Assam on Thursday.

Forest officials and a local lawmaker, Jitu Goswami, told AFP they believed the&nbsp;elephants&nbsp;died after&nbsp;lightning&nbsp;struck the forest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-tauktae-to-hit-southern-india-heavy-rains-predicted-in-3-states-384979" hreflang="en">Cyclone Tauktae to hit southern India, heavy rains predicted in 3 states</a>

But prominent conservationist Soumyadeep Datta, from environmental activist group Nature's Beckon, said that was unlikely based on social media images.

"Poisoning could be behind the&nbsp;death&nbsp;of the&nbsp;elephants," Datta told AFP. "We have to wait for the autopsy report, which the forest department will do soon."

A team of vets and officials headed to the site on Friday together with Parimal Shuklabaidya, Assam's forests and environment minister.

India&nbsp;is home to nearly 30,000&nbsp;elephants, around 60 per cent of the wild Asian elephant population.&nbsp;

In recent years there have been rising incidents of&nbsp;elephants&nbsp;killed by locals, and vice-versa,&nbsp;as humans encroach further into the forest area

Indian authorities launched a probe Friday into the deaths of at least 18 elephants, as a leading conservationist raised doubts that the animals were killed by lightning.

Indian authorities launched a probe Friday into the deaths of at least 18 elephants, as a leading conservationist raised doubts that the animals were killed by lightning. The dead herd was found in the hilly Kandali Proposed Reserve Forest in the northeastern India state of Assam on Thursday. Forest officials and a local lawmaker, Jitu Goswami, told AFP they believed the elephants died after lightning struck the forest. Also read | Cyclone Tauktae to hit southern India, heavy rains predicted in 3 states But prominent conservationist Soumyadeep Datta, from environmental activist group Nature's Beckon, said that was unlikely based on social media images. "Poisoning could be behind the death of the elephants," Datta told AFP. "We have to wait for the autopsy report, which the forest department will do soon." A team of vets and officials headed to the site on Friday together with Parimal Shuklabaidya, Assam's forests and environment minister. India is home to nearly 30,000 elephants, around 60 per cent of the wild Asian elephant population. In recent years there have been rising incidents of elephants killed by locals, and vice-versa, as humans encroach further into the forest area

India probes death of 18 elephants 'hit by lightning'

Remote-controlled Venus flytrap "robo-plants" and crops that tell farmers when they are hit by disease could become reality after scientists developed a high-tech system for communicating with vegetation.

Researchers in Singapore linked up plants to electrodes capable of monitoring the weak electrical pulses naturally emitted by the greenery.

The scientists used the technology to trigger a Venus flytrap to snap its jaws shut at the push of a button on a smartphone app.

They then attached one of its jaws to a robotic arm and got the contraption to pick up a piece of wire half a millimetre thick, and catch a small falling object.

The technology is in its early stages, but researchers believe it could eventually be used to build advanced "plant-based robots" that can pick up a host of fragile objects which are too delicate for rigid, robotic arms.

"These kinds of nature robots can be interfaced with other artificial robots (to make) hybrid systems," Chen Xiaodong, the lead author of a study on the research at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), said

There are still challenges to be overcome. Scientists can stimulate the flytrap's jaws to slam shut but can't yet reopen them -- a process that takes 10 or more hours to happen naturally.

The system can also pick up signals emitted by plants, raising the possibility that farmers will be able to detect problems with their crops at an early stage.

"By monitoring the plants' electrical signals, we may be able to detect possible distress signals and abnormalities," said Chen. &nbsp;

"Farmers may find out when a disease is in progress, even before full-blown symptoms appear on the crops."

Researchers believe such technology could be particularly useful as crops face increasing threats from climate change.&nbsp;

Scientists have long known that plants emit very weak electrical signals but their uneven and waxy surfaces makes it difficult to effectively mount sensors.

The NTU researchers developed film-like, soft electrodes that fit tightly to the plant's surface and can detect signals more accurately.&nbsp;

They are attached using a "thermogel", which is liquid at low temperatures but turns into a gel at room temperature. 
They are the latest to conduct research communicating with plants.

In 2016, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology team turned spinach leaves into sensors that can send an email alert to scientists when they detect explosive materials in groundwater.&nbsp;

The team embedded carbon nanotubes that emit a signal when plant roots detect nitroaromatics -- compounds often found in explosives. The signal is then read by an infrared camera that sends out a message to the scientists.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Remote-controlled Venus flytrap "robo-plants" and crops that tell farmers when they are hit by disease could become reality after scientists developed a high-tech system for communicating with vegetation.

Remote-controlled Venus flytrap "robo-plants" and crops that tell farmers when they are hit by disease could become reality after scientists developed a high-tech system for communicating with vegetation. Researchers in Singapore linked up plants to electrodes capable of monitoring the weak electrical pulses naturally emitted by the greenery. The scientists used the technology to trigger a Venus flytrap to snap its jaws shut at the push of a button on a smartphone app. They then attached one of its jaws to a robotic arm and got the contraption to pick up a piece of wire half a millimetre thick, and catch a small falling object. The technology is in its early stages, but researchers believe it could eventually be used to build advanced "plant-based robots" that can pick up a host of fragile objects which are too delicate for rigid, robotic arms. "These kinds of nature robots can be interfaced with other artificial robots (to make) hybrid systems," Chen Xiaodong, the lead author of a study on the research at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), said There are still challenges to be overcome. Scientists can stimulate the flytrap's jaws to slam shut but can't yet reopen them -- a process that takes 10 or more hours to happen naturally. The system can also pick up signals emitted by plants, raising the possibility that farmers will be able to detect problems with their crops at an early stage. "By monitoring the plants' electrical signals, we may be able to detect possible distress signals and abnormalities," said Chen. "Farmers may find out when a disease is in progress, even before full-blown symptoms appear on the crops." Researchers believe such technology could be particularly useful as crops face increasing threats from climate change. Scientists have long known that plants emit very weak electrical signals but their uneven and waxy surfaces makes it difficult to effectively mount sensors. The NTU researchers developed film-like, soft electrodes that fit tightly to the plant's surface and can detect signals more accurately. They are attached using a "thermogel", which is liquid at low temperatures but turns into a gel at room temperature. They are the latest to conduct research communicating with plants. In 2016, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology team turned spinach leaves into sensors that can send an email alert to scientists when they detect explosive materials in groundwater. The team embedded carbon nanotubes that emit a signal when plant roots detect nitroaromatics -- compounds often found in explosives. The signal is then read by an infrared camera that sends out a message to the scientists. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists fuse nature with tech as 'robo-plants' surge

The Pandemic has led to a shutdown of most places of leisure, from Shopping complexes to restaurants, to gaming lounges. But Ukrainian took this time to embrace nature.

Ukrainians Embrace nature amid Pandemic

A hummingbird sanctuary is providing a picturesque respite from the stresses of big city living for people in the Colombian capital Bogota.

Colourful hummingbirds provide relief from urban blues for Bogota residents

Like every winter, the red-crowned Eurasian birds are back on Israel's Hula Lake - some for a stop-over en route from Russia, Finland and Estonia to Ethiopia's Lake Tana, and others here for the entire cold season. This year, however, some of the 100,000 cranes flew in a little late, with global warming a possible reason for the delay.

Flight delayed: Crane winter migration arrives late in Israel

A student in Siberia is being forced to do the unthinkable to attend online classes. On usual days, Alexei Dudoladov climbs up a tree to get internet access in order to successfully attend his classes.

His climbs up a birch tree in the remote Siberian village every time he requires internet, Reuters reported.

The 21-year-old Alexei Dudoladov is a popular blogger and studies at the Omsk Institute of Water Transport, which is 2,225 kilometres east of Moscow. The student has pleaded with authorities for better internet coverage while sitting atop the snow-covered birch tree.

<img alt="Alexei Dudoladov, student and popular blogger, is seen on a birch tree for better cellular network coverage in his remote Siberian village of Stankevichi, Russia November 13, 2020. Picture taken November 13, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="737271fc-0144-4fa0-b794-fe2e1593b247" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_138.jpg" />

<h6>Alexei Dudoladov, student and popular blogger, is seen on a birch tree for better cellular network coverage in his remote Siberian village of Stankevichi, Russia November 13, 2020. Picture taken November 13, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

This plea has gone viral on TikTok, where it has gained over 1.9 million views. On Instagram, it has been seen over 56,000 times over the last week.

In his plea, Dudoladov told regional governor Alexander Burkov that his home internet lacks strength, forcing him to go to such extreme ends.

"I need to go into the forest 300 metres from the village and climb a birch tree that is eight-metres high... and I get on Zoom to speak to professors and prove that I am not skipping class for no reason," he told Reuters.

To counter the surge in COVID-19, Russian authorities have moved university classes online.

Over 80 per cent Russians regularly access and use the internet, but internet coverage in many far off places is rather non-existent.

<img alt="v" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4138023-0381-4e06-83ff-419195e680e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_115.jpg" />

<h6>Alexei Dudoladov, student and popular blogger, checks his phone as he walks in a remote Siberian village of Stankevichi, Russia November 13, 2020&nbsp;| Reuters</h6>

According to RBC business daily, the Omsk region’s education ministry is preparing an individualised study plan for him, enabling him to study in Stankevichi.

Dudoladov claims he is dissatisfied with the reaction of authorities, and that officials had urged to find a stronger internet connection by the highway.

"I was put on an individual study plan, but do they (authorities) not care about other students from other universities," he on Instagram post on Monday.

"Why can people from the city use the internet in their apartments while villagers can only do so from highways, rooftops and trees”, he added.

A student in Siberia is being forced to do the unthinkable to attend online classes. On usual days, Alexei Dudoladov climbs up a tree to get internet access in order to successfully attend his classes.

A student in Siberia is being forced to do the unthinkable to attend online classes. On usual days, Alexei Dudoladov climbs up a tree to get internet access in order to successfully attend his classes. His climbs up a birch tree in the remote Siberian village every time he requires internet, Reuters reported. The 21-year-old Alexei Dudoladov is a popular blogger and studies at the Omsk Institute of Water Transport, which is 2,225 kilometres east of Moscow. The student has pleaded with authorities for better internet coverage while sitting atop the snow-covered birch tree. Alexei Dudoladov, student and popular blogger, is seen on a birch tree for better cellular network coverage in his remote Siberian village of Stankevichi, Russia November 13, 2020. Picture taken November 13, 2020 | Reuters This plea has gone viral on TikTok, where it has gained over 1.9 million views. On Instagram, it has been seen over 56,000 times over the last week. In his plea, Dudoladov told regional governor Alexander Burkov that his home internet lacks strength, forcing him to go to such extreme ends. "I need to go into the forest 300 metres from the village and climb a birch tree that is eight-metres high... and I get on Zoom to speak to professors and prove that I am not skipping class for no reason," he told Reuters. To counter the surge in COVID-19, Russian authorities have moved university classes online. Over 80 per cent Russians regularly access and use the internet, but internet coverage in many far off places is rather non-existent. Alexei Dudoladov, student and popular blogger, checks his phone as he walks in a remote Siberian village of Stankevichi, Russia November 13, 2020 | Reuters According to RBC business daily, the Omsk region’s education ministry is preparing an individualised study plan for him, enabling him to study in Stankevichi. Dudoladov claims he is dissatisfied with the reaction of authorities, and that officials had urged to find a stronger internet connection by the highway. "I was put on an individual study plan, but do they (authorities) not care about other students from other universities," he on Instagram post on Monday. "Why can people from the city use the internet in their apartments while villagers can only do so from highways, rooftops and trees”, he added.

Russian student forced to go to 'great heights' to attend online classes - literally!

Have zoo animals become so used to the sound of humanity that they no longer prefer natural noises? A group of researchers seem to think so. In Finland, a group of monkeys exhibited a preference for the sounds of traffic over the sound of nature.

At the Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki, a monkey enclosure was fitted with sensors. The white-faced saki monkeys were then given the option to choose between a playlist loaded with traffic noises, nature, rain, and dance music among many.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/8-animals-you-didnt-know-could-sing-312908" hreflang="en">8 animals you didn't know could sing!</a>

Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, a researcher at the Aalto University in&nbsp;Finland, told Sky News that they were surprised to find that the monkeys preferred traffic sounds more than the apperceived calming sounds.

Among monkeys, the traffic playlist was the top hit. While the playlist played, monkeys groomed themselves, and even slept with he sounds on. This is peculiar because they did not perform any of these activities while listening to other playlists.

According to the zoo’s research coordinator - Kirsi Pynnonen, the noise on roads mimics patterns and mechanisms in which animals communicate with each other.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-just-developed-spray-on-bandages-342166" hreflang="en">Scientists just developed spray-on bandages!</a>

She told Sky News that animals employ “high-pitched hissing, squeaking, and croaking to stay in contact with each other”.

The experiment was done as part of an ongoing research which intends to understand how technology can be employed to improve the condition of animals that live in captivity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-spreads-fake-news-about-oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-claims-it-turns-humans-into-monkeys-335768" hreflang="en">Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys</a>

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas signalled that this is just the beginning, and that later animals could control lighting and temperature settings, and even play games on their own.

Next up, the team of researchers will set up screens to offer monkeys the chance to watch what they wish to see on the big screen.

Have zoo animals become so used to the sound of humanity that they no longer prefer natural noises? A group of researchers seem to think so. In Finland, a group of monkeys exhibited a preference for the sounds of traffic over the sound of nature.

Have zoo animals become so used to the sound of humanity that they no longer prefer natural noises? A group of researchers seem to think so. In Finland, a group of monkeys exhibited a preference for the sounds of traffic over the sound of nature. At the Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki, a monkey enclosure was fitted with sensors. The white-faced saki monkeys were then given the option to choose between a playlist loaded with traffic noises, nature, rain, and dance music among many. In pics: 8 animals you didn't know could sing! Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, a researcher at the Aalto University in Finland, told Sky News that they were surprised to find that the monkeys preferred traffic sounds more than the apperceived calming sounds. Among monkeys, the traffic playlist was the top hit. While the playlist played, monkeys groomed themselves, and even slept with he sounds on. This is peculiar because they did not perform any of these activities while listening to other playlists. According to the zoo’s research coordinator - Kirsi Pynnonen, the noise on roads mimics patterns and mechanisms in which animals communicate with each other. Also read: Scientists just developed spray-on bandages! She told Sky News that animals employ “high-pitched hissing, squeaking, and croaking to stay in contact with each other”. The experiment was done as part of an ongoing research which intends to understand how technology can be employed to improve the condition of animals that live in captivity. Also read: Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys Dr Hirskyj-Douglas signalled that this is just the beginning, and that later animals could control lighting and temperature settings, and even play games on their own. Next up, the team of researchers will set up screens to offer monkeys the chance to watch what they wish to see on the big screen.

Monkeys in a Finnish zoo preferred noise of traffic over nature, ongoing study finds

Extreme weather changes triggered by climate change continue to get intenser over time. According to the United Nations, this acceleration has&nbsp;fastened in the last 20 years.&nbsp;

Owing to such drastic changes in weather patterns, countries around the globe are paying a heavy human and economic toll. This pattern is expected to intensify over the coming years, according to the UN. Asia remains the hardest-hit by extreme weather changes, the agency added.

China had the highest instances of natural disasters at 577. The United States followed suit with 467 disaster events. India stood at number 3 with 321 disaster events, followed by Philippines (304) and Indonesia at 278. The numbers take into account the time period between 2000 and 2019.

Out of the top 10 countries on the list, eight are from Asia. Over the course of 20 years, 7,348 disaster events shook the globe, killing over 1.23 million people, and affecting 4.2 billion people. This also caused economic losses amounting upto $2.97 trillion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/double-crisis-natural-disasters-dont-stop-for-coronavirus-308890" hreflang="en">Double crisis: Natural disasters don't stop for coronavirus</a>

In the last 20 years, the number of major floods also doubled to 3,254. Additionally, wildfires, droughts, and extreme temperatures plagued the globe.&nbsp;

"More people are being affected by the expanding climate emergency," Mami Mizutori, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, said during a briefing.&nbsp;

Additionally, Mizutori urged governments to invest in detection systems that spot disasters early, and to also work on risk reduction strategies for disasters.

The statistics for the report were provided by Debarati Guha-Sapir from the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, the University of Louvain, Belgium.

Guha-Sapir told Reuters, "If this level of growth in extreme weather events continues over the next twenty years, the future of mankind looks very bleak indeed”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/un-unveils-concept-of-new-floating-cities-that-can-withstand-natural-disasters-house-10000-residents-207952" hreflang="en">UN unveils concept of floating cities that can withstand natural disasters, house 10,000 residents</a>

"Heatwaves are going to be our biggest challenge in the next 10 years, especially in the poor countries," Guha-Sapir added.

Events such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes have killed more people than any other natural disasters that were taken into account for the report.

According to the report, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which killed more than a quarter of a million people, remains the deadliest on record.

Extreme weather changes triggered by climate change continue to get intenser over time. According to the United Nations, this acceleration has fastened in the last 20 years.

Extreme weather changes triggered by climate change continue to get intenser over time. According to the United Nations, this acceleration has fastened in the last 20 years. Owing to such drastic changes in weather patterns, countries around the globe are paying a heavy human and economic toll. This pattern is expected to intensify over the coming years, according to the UN. Asia remains the hardest-hit by extreme weather changes, the agency added. China had the highest instances of natural disasters at 577. The United States followed suit with 467 disaster events. India stood at number 3 with 321 disaster events, followed by Philippines (304) and Indonesia at 278. The numbers take into account the time period between 2000 and 2019. Out of the top 10 countries on the list, eight are from Asia. Over the course of 20 years, 7,348 disaster events shook the globe, killing over 1.23 million people, and affecting 4.2 billion people. This also caused economic losses amounting upto $2.97 trillion. Also read: Double crisis: Natural disasters don't stop for coronavirus In the last 20 years, the number of major floods also doubled to 3,254. Additionally, wildfires, droughts, and extreme temperatures plagued the globe. "More people are being affected by the expanding climate emergency," Mami Mizutori, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, said during a briefing. Additionally, Mizutori urged governments to invest in detection systems that spot disasters early, and to also work on risk reduction strategies for disasters. The statistics for the report were provided by Debarati Guha-Sapir from the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, the University of Louvain, Belgium. Guha-Sapir told Reuters, "If this level of growth in extreme weather events continues over the next twenty years, the future of mankind looks very bleak indeed”. Also read: UN unveils concept of floating cities that can withstand natural disasters, house 10,000 residents "Heatwaves are going to be our biggest challenge in the next 10 years, especially in the poor countries," Guha-Sapir added. Events such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes have killed more people than any other natural disasters that were taken into account for the report. According to the report, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which killed more than a quarter of a million people, remains the deadliest on record.

20 years witnessed rise in natural disasters, especially in Asia: United Nations

A whale shark can live up to 100 years, or even more, scientists have realised!

Researchers employed a technique unheard until now: using a Cold War bomb isotope.

By analysing and measuring the amount of Carbon-14, an isotope used in Cold War bombs, the scientists were able to ascertain the age.

So it goes something like this: The isotope was placed in a shark’s "hard parts" naturally due to its release in the atmosphere during the Cold War. Based on this, the age was decrypted.

The older the whale shark, the lesser Carbon-14 scientists were likely to find.

After collating the study, scientists realised that whale sharks can live for over a century.

During the arms race between 1955-1963, the use of atomic bombs doubled, and this Carbon-14 was then released into the atmosphere - twice the regular amount. This isotope was absorbed by every living being on the planet.

<h6><img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3b392fc-a307-4b6f-9473-b570035f2170" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_27.jpg" /> 
Indian residents stands next to a whale shark that washed ashore and was lifted out by a crane for inspection by officials at Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai on July 27, 2019 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

It is used by archaeologists and historians to date ancient bones and artefacts.

The new study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, was headed by Dr Mark Meekan from the Australian Institute of Marine Science in Perth.

In conversation with BBC, he said "So any animal that was alive then incorporated that spike in Carbon-14 into their hard parts. That means we’ve got a time marker within the vertebrae that means we can work out the periodicity at which those isotopes decay".

However, this wasn’t easy, as whale sharks are endangered creatures, making it harder for scientists to even trace them.

Two dead specimens were held in Taiwan and Pakistan, where the tests were then conducted.

Even though it might be a stretch, Dr Meekan also believes that the sharks could go on living for as many as 150 years!

“The absolute longevity of these animals could be very, very old, possibly as much as 100-150 years old”, he told BBC.

“This has huge implications for the species. It suggests that these things are probably intensely vulnerable to over-harvesting”, he added.

As the largest fish in the world, whale sharks can weigh 20.6 tonnes (20,000&nbsp;kgs) and can grow up to 32 feet!

A whale shark can live up to 100 years, or even more, scientists have realised! Researchers employed a technique unheard until now: using a Cold War bomb isotope.

A whale shark can live up to 100 years, or even more, scientists have realised! Researchers employed a technique unheard until now: using a Cold War bomb isotope. By analysing and measuring the amount of Carbon-14, an isotope used in Cold War bombs, the scientists were able to ascertain the age. So it goes something like this: The isotope was placed in a shark’s "hard parts" naturally due to its release in the atmosphere during the Cold War. Based on this, the age was decrypted. The older the whale shark, the lesser Carbon-14 scientists were likely to find. After collating the study, scientists realised that whale sharks can live for over a century. During the arms race between 1955-1963, the use of atomic bombs doubled, and this Carbon-14 was then released into the atmosphere - twice the regular amount. This isotope was absorbed by every living being on the planet. Indian residents stands next to a whale shark that washed ashore and was lifted out by a crane for inspection by officials at Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai on July 27, 2019 | AFP It is used by archaeologists and historians to date ancient bones and artefacts. The new study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, was headed by Dr Mark Meekan from the Australian Institute of Marine Science in Perth. In conversation with BBC, he said "So any animal that was alive then incorporated that spike in Carbon-14 into their hard parts. That means we’ve got a time marker within the vertebrae that means we can work out the periodicity at which those isotopes decay". However, this wasn’t easy, as whale sharks are endangered creatures, making it harder for scientists to even trace them. Two dead specimens were held in Taiwan and Pakistan, where the tests were then conducted. Even though it might be a stretch, Dr Meekan also believes that the sharks could go on living for as many as 150 years! “The absolute longevity of these animals could be very, very old, possibly as much as 100-150 years old”, he told BBC. “This has huge implications for the species. It suggests that these things are probably intensely vulnerable to over-harvesting”, he added. As the largest fish in the world, whale sharks can weigh 20.6 tonnes (20,000 kgs) and can grow up to 32 feet!

Cold war bombs help scientists discover whale sharks can live up to a century!

We have an alarming problem! Not the ongoing coronavirus pandemic or the political upheavals across the globe, but the increasingly dying populations of bees.

Due to the disappearing numbers of bees, crop yields for apples, cherries, and blueberries across the US has crumbled. And this is not just a US-phenomenon, but is pan-Earth.

The end?

It has been long believed that if bees disappear, humans will too. Many scientists have vouched for the scientific truth in this claim.&nbsp;Without honeybees and wild bees, most of the world’s crops will suffer and face major declines.

What sounds like a passing issue right now could trigger a food crisis across the globe, unless we artificially pollinate the crops.

<h6><img alt="This picture taken on November 13, 2019 shows bees on a piece of honeycomb with honey at Chinese farmer Ma Gongzuo's apiary in Songyang county in China's Zhejiang province. Once a modest beekeeper, Ma Gongzuo has been driving a BMW since he started selling his honey using a technique increasingly popular with Chinese farmers: video clips that show the origins of his product and open a window onto rural life. The videos let increasingly discerning Chinese consumers see how the honey is made and have helped farmers like Ma out of poverty, which the ruling Communist party hopes to eradicate by 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ddf0c56f-bf59-4e3e-986b-0d628bab219e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_126.jpg" /> 
This picture taken on November 13, 2019 shows bees on a piece of honeycomb with honey at Chinese farmer Ma Gongzuo's apiary in Songyang county in China's Zhejiang province. Once a modest beekeeper, Ma Gongzuo has been driving a BMW since he started selling his honey using a technique increasingly popular with Chinese farmers: video clips that show the origins of his product and open a window onto rural life. | AFP</h6>

World Economic Forum spoke to Rachael Winfree, a professor in the ecology, evolution, and natural resources department of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at the Rutgers University-New Brunswich, and the senior author of the study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

Winfree said the following - “We found that many crops are pollination-limited, meaning crop production would be higher if crop flowers received more pollination. We also found that honey bees and wild bees provided similar amounts of pollination overall” .

Losses in bound

Without pollination undertaken by wild insects, many crops will lose essential micronutrients, and will cause shortages of food.&nbsp;In the US alone, crops that depend on natural pollinators generate over $50 billion a year.

Winfree also suggested improving and creating habitats for native bee species everywhere. “Managing habitat for native bee species and/or stocking more honey bees would boost pollination levels and could increase crop production,” Winfree added.

Recent evidence suggests that European honey bees and native wild bee species are on the decline.&nbsp;Scientists ascertained this after collecting data from 131 farms across the US, British Columbia, and Canada. They took into account the yield for apples, blueberries, cherries, tart cherries, almonds, watermelons, and pumpkins.

Apples, sweet cherries, tart cherries, and blueberries showed signs of limited pollination, suggesting that the crop generation is lower than ideal.

“Our findings show that pollinator declines could translate directly into decreased yields for most of the crops studied,” the study says.

We have an alarming problem! Not the ongoing coronavirus pandemic or the political upheavals across the globe, but the increasingly dying populations of bees. Due to the disappearing numbers of bees, crop yields for apples, cherries, and blueberries across the US has crumbled.

We have an alarming problem! Not the ongoing coronavirus pandemic or the political upheavals across the globe, but the increasingly dying populations of bees. Due to the disappearing numbers of bees, crop yields for apples, cherries, and blueberries across the US has crumbled. And this is not just a US-phenomenon, but is pan-Earth. The end? It has been long believed that if bees disappear, humans will too. Many scientists have vouched for the scientific truth in this claim. Without honeybees and wild bees, most of the world’s crops will suffer and face major declines. What sounds like a passing issue right now could trigger a food crisis across the globe, unless we artificially pollinate the crops. This picture taken on November 13, 2019 shows bees on a piece of honeycomb with honey at Chinese farmer Ma Gongzuo's apiary in Songyang county in China's Zhejiang province. Once a modest beekeeper, Ma Gongzuo has been driving a BMW since he started selling his honey using a technique increasingly popular with Chinese farmers: video clips that show the origins of his product and open a window onto rural life. | AFP World Economic Forum spoke to Rachael Winfree, a professor in the ecology, evolution, and natural resources department of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at the Rutgers University-New Brunswich, and the senior author of the study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. Winfree said the following - “We found that many crops are pollination-limited, meaning crop production would be higher if crop flowers received more pollination. We also found that honey bees and wild bees provided similar amounts of pollination overall” . Losses in bound Without pollination undertaken by wild insects, many crops will lose essential micronutrients, and will cause shortages of food. In the US alone, crops that depend on natural pollinators generate over $50 billion a year. Winfree also suggested improving and creating habitats for native bee species everywhere. “Managing habitat for native bee species and/or stocking more honey bees would boost pollination levels and could increase crop production,” Winfree added. Recent evidence suggests that European honey bees and native wild bee species are on the decline. Scientists ascertained this after collecting data from 131 farms across the US, British Columbia, and Canada. They took into account the yield for apples, blueberries, cherries, tart cherries, almonds, watermelons, and pumpkins. Apples, sweet cherries, tart cherries, and blueberries showed signs of limited pollination, suggesting that the crop generation is lower than ideal. “Our findings show that pollinator declines could translate directly into decreased yields for most of the crops studied,” the study says.

Bee populations are declining drastically: Find out how this phenomenon can wreak havoc globally

A small glasshouse hanging over the river Amata flowing through the Gauja National Park in Latvia is the latest attraction for Latvian tourists seeking a quiet place close to nature.

Latvia lures tourists with mirror house hanging over river 

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