&nbsp;Scientists at McMaster University in Canada have developed an inhaled form of COVID-19 vaccine that can offer broad and long-lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, a preclinical study has found.

The study, published recently in <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)00145-3">Cell</a>, discusses the immune mechanisms and the benefits of delivering vaccines directly to the respiratory tract rather than by injection.

Inhaled vaccines are far more effective at inducing a protective immune response since they target the lungs and upper airways, where respiratory viruses first enter the body,&nbsp;claim&nbsp;researchers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/science-fiction-or-reality-a-coating-for-clothes-that-can-decrease-covid-infectibility-by-90-452442" hreflang="en">Science fiction or reality?: A coating for clothes, that can decrease Covid infectibility by 90%</a>

Researchers conducted an animal model study to provide critical proof of concept that will enable Phase 1 clinical trials currently being conducted to evaluate inhaled aerosol vaccines in healthy adults who have already had two doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

The strategy was built upon a robust tuberculosis vaccine research programme established by Zhou Xing, a co-lead author of the study.

"What we have discovered from many years' research is that the vaccine delivered into the lung induces all-around protective respiratory mucosal immunity, a property that the injected vaccine is lacking," said Xing, professor at McMaster University.

The new vaccine,&nbsp;which targets parts of the virus, is effective against highly transmissible variants because it targets parts that are highly conserved among coronaviruses and do not mutate as quickly as a spike.

According to the researchers, all COVID-19 vaccines approved today target only the spike protein, which has shown remarkable mutating capabilities. SARS-CoV-2 enters and infects human cells using the spike protein.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-outbreak-caused-due-to-covid-transmission-from-hamsters-says-study-451521" hreflang="en">Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study</a>

"This vaccine might also provide pre-emptive protection against a future pandemic, and that is really important because as we have seen during this pandemic -- and as we saw in 2009 with the swine flu -- even when we are able to rapidly make a vaccine for a pandemic virus, it's already way too late," said Miller.

In addition to neutralising antibodies and T cell immunity, the researchers discovered that the vaccine stimulated a form of immunity known as trained innate immunity.

They said this type of immunity provides very broad protection against many lung pathogens, besides SARS-CoV-2.

Watch |&nbsp;United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-reaches-a-grim-milestone-in-fight-against-covid-19-450650/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Researchers said an inhaled vaccine is so effective at targeting the lungs and upper airways that it can deliver maximum protection without needles or pain. Researchers said the protection could be achieved with a fraction of the dose of current vaccines - as little as 1 per cent&nbsp;- meaning a single batch of vaccine could go 100 times farther.

"This pandemic has shown us that vaccine supply can be a huge challenge," said associate professor Brian Lichty, who co-led the preclinical study.

"Demonstrating that this alternative delivery method can significantly extend vaccine supply could be a game changer, particularly in a pandemic setting," Lichty added.

Scientists at McMaster University in Canada have developed an inhaled form of COVID-19 vaccine that can offer broad and long-lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, a preclinical study has found.

Scientists at McMaster University in Canada have developed an inhaled form of COVID-19 vaccine that can offer broad and long-lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, a preclinical study has found. The study, published recently in Cell, discusses the immune mechanisms and the benefits of delivering vaccines directly to the respiratory tract rather than by injection. Inhaled vaccines are far more effective at inducing a protective immune response since they target the lungs and upper airways, where respiratory viruses first enter the body, claim researchers. Also read | Science fiction or reality?: A coating for clothes, that can decrease Covid infectibility by 90% Researchers conducted an animal model study to provide critical proof of concept that will enable Phase 1 clinical trials currently being conducted to evaluate inhaled aerosol vaccines in healthy adults who have already had two doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The strategy was built upon a robust tuberculosis vaccine research programme established by Zhou Xing, a co-lead author of the study. "What we have discovered from many years' research is that the vaccine delivered into the lung induces all-around protective respiratory mucosal immunity, a property that the injected vaccine is lacking," said Xing, professor at McMaster University. The new vaccine, which targets parts of the virus, is effective against highly transmissible variants because it targets parts that are highly conserved among coronaviruses and do not mutate as quickly as a spike. According to the researchers, all COVID-19 vaccines approved today target only the spike protein, which has shown remarkable mutating capabilities. SARS-CoV-2 enters and infects human cells using the spike protein. Also read | Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study "This vaccine might also provide pre-emptive protection against a future pandemic, and that is really important because as we have seen during this pandemic -- and as we saw in 2009 with the swine flu -- even when we are able to rapidly make a vaccine for a pandemic virus, it's already way too late," said Miller. In addition to neutralising antibodies and T cell immunity, the researchers discovered that the vaccine stimulated a form of immunity known as trained innate immunity. They said this type of immunity provides very broad protection against many lung pathogens, besides SARS-CoV-2. Watch | United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19 Researchers said an inhaled vaccine is so effective at targeting the lungs and upper airways that it can deliver maximum protection without needles or pain. Researchers said the protection could be achieved with a fraction of the dose of current vaccines - as little as 1 per cent - meaning a single batch of vaccine could go 100 times farther. "This pandemic has shown us that vaccine supply can be a huge challenge," said associate professor Brian Lichty, who co-led the preclinical study. "Demonstrating that this alternative delivery method can significantly extend vaccine supply could be a game changer, particularly in a pandemic setting," Lichty added.

Future of Covid vaccines: Scientists develop a vaccine that can be inhaled, won't need needles

Researchers in the US developed an inexpensive, nontoxic coating for fabrics that decreases the infectivity of COVID-19 by up to 90 per cent.

Researchers may develop an antiviral spray for fabrics using the coating described in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.1c14178">ACS Applied Materials &amp; Interfaces.</a>

"When you are walking into a hospital, you want to know that pillow you are putting your head onto is clean," said study lead author Taylor Wright, a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada.

"This coating could take a little bit of the worry off frontline workers to have personal protection equipment (PPE) with antimicrobial properties," Wright said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-outbreak-caused-due-to-covid-transmission-from-hamsters-says-study-451521" hreflang="en">Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study</a>

During the research, scientists soaked a piece of fabric in a solution containing a bacteria-killing polymer containing a molecule that releases sterilising forms of oxygen when exposed to light.

An ultraviolet (UV) light was then used to turn the solution into a solid, which fixed the coating to the fabric.

"This coating has both passive and active antimicrobial properties, killing microbes immediately upon contact, which is then amped up when sunlight hits the cloth," said senior study author Michael Wolf, a professor at UBC.

According to researchers, both components are safe for human use, and the entire process takes about an hour at room temperature. Additionally, the fabric becomes hydrophobic, meaning microbes are less likely to stick to it. The treatment does not appear to affect the strength of the fabric, the researchers said.

As well as cotton, polyester, denim, and silk, the coating can be applied to almost any fabric, such as hospital fabrics, masks, and activewear, according to the researchers.

The new method does not require chemical waste, high energy consumption, or expensive equipment, unlike other similar technologies, it is relatively easy and affordable, they claim.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-have-a-new-neighbour-scientists-discover-a-new-planet-near-our-solar-system-452345" hreflang="en">We have a new neighbour! Scientists discover a new planet near our solar system</a>

"All we need is a beaker and a light bulb. I am fairly certain I could do the whole process on a stove," Wright said.

The researchers tested the coating's bug-killing capabilities by immersing the treated fabric in bacterial soups containing Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), both major causes of hospital-acquired infections.

After 30 minutes, 85 per cent of E Coli bacteria remained viable, but that dropped to 3 per cent when the cloth was exposed to green light for the same period of time.&nbsp;The number of viable MRSA bacteria remained at 95 per cent, dropping to 35 per cent under green light. There were no bacteria left after four hours.

They also examined whether the coating reduced the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by immersing the treated fabrics in a solution of the virus particles and then adding them to living cells to see if they could infect them.

Watch |&nbsp;United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-reaches-a-grim-milestone-in-fight-against-covid-19-450650/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They found that passive properties were not effective against the virus, but that exposure to green light for two hours decreased the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by up to 90 per cent.

"In other words, only one tenth of the amount of virus signal was detected on cells infected with the UV-fabric and light treated virus," said study co-author Francois Jean, a professor at UBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in the US developed an inexpensive, nontoxic coating for fabrics that decreases the infectivity of COVID-19 by up to 90 per cent. Researchers may develop an antiviral spray for fabrics using the coating described in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Researchers in the US developed an inexpensive, nontoxic coating for fabrics that decreases the infectivity of COVID-19 by up to 90 per cent. Researchers may develop an antiviral spray for fabrics using the coating described in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. "When you are walking into a hospital, you want to know that pillow you are putting your head onto is clean," said study lead author Taylor Wright, a doctoral student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. "This coating could take a little bit of the worry off frontline workers to have personal protection equipment (PPE) with antimicrobial properties," Wright said. Also read | Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study During the research, scientists soaked a piece of fabric in a solution containing a bacteria-killing polymer containing a molecule that releases sterilising forms of oxygen when exposed to light. An ultraviolet (UV) light was then used to turn the solution into a solid, which fixed the coating to the fabric. "This coating has both passive and active antimicrobial properties, killing microbes immediately upon contact, which is then amped up when sunlight hits the cloth," said senior study author Michael Wolf, a professor at UBC. According to researchers, both components are safe for human use, and the entire process takes about an hour at room temperature. Additionally, the fabric becomes hydrophobic, meaning microbes are less likely to stick to it. The treatment does not appear to affect the strength of the fabric, the researchers said. As well as cotton, polyester, denim, and silk, the coating can be applied to almost any fabric, such as hospital fabrics, masks, and activewear, according to the researchers. The new method does not require chemical waste, high energy consumption, or expensive equipment, unlike other similar technologies, it is relatively easy and affordable, they claim. Also read | We have a new neighbour! Scientists discover a new planet near our solar system "All we need is a beaker and a light bulb. I am fairly certain I could do the whole process on a stove," Wright said. The researchers tested the coating's bug-killing capabilities by immersing the treated fabric in bacterial soups containing Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), both major causes of hospital-acquired infections. After 30 minutes, 85 per cent of E Coli bacteria remained viable, but that dropped to 3 per cent when the cloth was exposed to green light for the same period of time. The number of viable MRSA bacteria remained at 95 per cent, dropping to 35 per cent under green light. There were no bacteria left after four hours. They also examined whether the coating reduced the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by immersing the treated fabrics in a solution of the virus particles and then adding them to living cells to see if they could infect them. Watch | United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19 They found that passive properties were not effective against the virus, but that exposure to green light for two hours decreased the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 by up to 90 per cent. "In other words, only one tenth of the amount of virus signal was detected on cells infected with the UV-fabric and light treated virus," said study co-author Francois Jean, a professor at UBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Science fiction or reality?: A coating for clothes, that can decrease Covid infectibility by 90%

The world is bringing in new solutions and treatments for deadly diseases every day and Cancer, undoubtedly, is one of the deadliest diseases.&nbsp;

Scientists at UCL have created a breakthrough cancer therapy that guides magnetic seeds inside the brain to heat up and destroy tumours using an MRI scanner.

The study has been published in the journal 'Advanced Science`'

This therapy, which was shown to work in mice, is called "minimally invasive image-guided ablation" or MINIMA. It includes a ferromagnetic thermoseed that is navigated to a tumour using magnetic propulsion gradients generated by an MRI scanner, before being heated remotely to kill cancer cells nearby.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-life-began-study-explains-how-a-moon-helps-create-life-on-a-planet-450068" hreflang="en">'How life began': Study explains how a moon helps create life on a planet</a>

The findings are a "proof-of-concept" for precise and effective treatment of hard-to-reach cancers such as glioblastoma, along with other cancers such as prostate that would benefit from less invasive treatment.

Senior author, Professor Mark Lythgoe (UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging) said: "MINIMA is a new MRI-guided therapy that has the potential to avoid traditional side effects by precisely treating the tumour without harming healthy tissues. Because the heating seed is magnetic, the magnetic fields in the MRI scanner can be used to remotely steer the seed through tissue to the tumour. Once at the tumour, the seed can then be heated, destroying the cancer cells, while causing limited damage to surrounding healthy tissues."

In their study, the UCL team demonstrated the three key elements of MINIMA to a high degree of accuracy: precise seed imaging; navigation of brain tissue using a tailored MRI system; and eradication of a tumour by heating it in a mouse model.

Magnetic thermoseeds are round with a diameter of 2 millimeters; made of metal alloy, and are implanted superficially before they are navigated to the tumour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/extreme-heating-in-oceans-becoming-new-normal-as-it-passed-point-of-no-return-years-ago-449872" hreflang="en">Extreme heating in oceans becoming 'new normal' as it 'passed point of no return' years ago</a>

Lead author, Rebecca Baker, (UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging) said: "Using an MRI scanner to deliver a therapy in this way allows the therapeutic seed and the tumour to be imaged throughout the procedure, ensuring the treatment is delivered with precision and without having to perform open surgery. This could be beneficial to patients by reducing recovery times and minimising the chance of side effects."

Around the world, MRI scanners are commonly available in hospitals for the diagnosis of diseases like cancer. Researchers at UCL demonstrated that MINIMA has the potential to elevate MRI scanners from diagnostic devices to therapeutic platforms.

Professor Lythgoe added: "We are now able to image and navigate a thermoseed in real-time through the brain using an MRI scanner. As MRI is already used to detect the boundaries of cancers, the seed can be moved precisely to ensure it does not stray into surrounding healthy tissue. As the seed is guided through the tissue it can be heated to destroy the cancer. This combines therapy and diagnosis into a single device, creating a completely new class of imaging therapy."

Watch |&nbsp;Taiwanese company finds innovative way to deal with medical waste

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwanese-company-finds-innovative-way-to-deal-with-medical-waste-449941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Co-author Dr Lewis Thorne, a consultant neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, said: "I treat patients with the most common form of brain cancer, glioblastoma. Following surgery, the average survival time is 12-18 months. MINIMA can successfully destroy cancer in a mouse and has the potential to extend survival and limit damage to adjacent brain tissues in patients."

Professor Mark Emberton (UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science), lead cancer clinician in the study, said: "Improving the precision of our cancer treatments is arguably one of the greatest unmet needs we have today."

Prostate cancer is diagnosed in one out of eight men. Incontinence and impotence are two of the debilitating side effects commonly associated with treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery.

By targeting and destroying prostate tumour tissue precisely, MINIMA may reduce damage to normal cells.

"In the longer term", Professor Lythgoe added, "we will change the shape of the seed to act as a tiny cutting scalpel that could be guided through tissue, which would allow surgeons to perform remotely controlled operations, revolutionising non-invasive surgery."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The world is bringing in new solutions and treatments for deadly diseases every day and Cancer, undoubtedly, is one of the deadliest diseases. Scientists at UCL have created a breakthrough cancer therapy that guides magnetic seeds inside the brain to heat up and destroy tumours using an MRI scanner.

The world is bringing in new solutions and treatments for deadly diseases every day and Cancer, undoubtedly, is one of the deadliest diseases. Scientists at UCL have created a breakthrough cancer therapy that guides magnetic seeds inside the brain to heat up and destroy tumours using an MRI scanner. The study has been published in the journal 'Advanced Science`' This therapy, which was shown to work in mice, is called "minimally invasive image-guided ablation" or MINIMA. It includes a ferromagnetic thermoseed that is navigated to a tumour using magnetic propulsion gradients generated by an MRI scanner, before being heated remotely to kill cancer cells nearby. Also read | 'How life began': Study explains how a moon helps create life on a planet The findings are a "proof-of-concept" for precise and effective treatment of hard-to-reach cancers such as glioblastoma, along with other cancers such as prostate that would benefit from less invasive treatment. Senior author, Professor Mark Lythgoe (UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging) said: "MINIMA is a new MRI-guided therapy that has the potential to avoid traditional side effects by precisely treating the tumour without harming healthy tissues. Because the heating seed is magnetic, the magnetic fields in the MRI scanner can be used to remotely steer the seed through tissue to the tumour. Once at the tumour, the seed can then be heated, destroying the cancer cells, while causing limited damage to surrounding healthy tissues." In their study, the UCL team demonstrated the three key elements of MINIMA to a high degree of accuracy: precise seed imaging; navigation of brain tissue using a tailored MRI system; and eradication of a tumour by heating it in a mouse model. Magnetic thermoseeds are round with a diameter of 2 millimeters; made of metal alloy, and are implanted superficially before they are navigated to the tumour. Also read | Extreme heating in oceans becoming 'new normal' as it 'passed point of no return' years ago Lead author, Rebecca Baker, (UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging) said: "Using an MRI scanner to deliver a therapy in this way allows the therapeutic seed and the tumour to be imaged throughout the procedure, ensuring the treatment is delivered with precision and without having to perform open surgery. This could be beneficial to patients by reducing recovery times and minimising the chance of side effects." Around the world, MRI scanners are commonly available in hospitals for the diagnosis of diseases like cancer. Researchers at UCL demonstrated that MINIMA has the potential to elevate MRI scanners from diagnostic devices to therapeutic platforms. Professor Lythgoe added: "We are now able to image and navigate a thermoseed in real-time through the brain using an MRI scanner. As MRI is already used to detect the boundaries of cancers, the seed can be moved precisely to ensure it does not stray into surrounding healthy tissue. As the seed is guided through the tissue it can be heated to destroy the cancer. This combines therapy and diagnosis into a single device, creating a completely new class of imaging therapy." Watch | Taiwanese company finds innovative way to deal with medical waste Co-author Dr Lewis Thorne, a consultant neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, said: "I treat patients with the most common form of brain cancer, glioblastoma. Following surgery, the average survival time is 12-18 months. MINIMA can successfully destroy cancer in a mouse and has the potential to extend survival and limit damage to adjacent brain tissues in patients." Professor Mark Emberton (UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science), lead cancer clinician in the study, said: "Improving the precision of our cancer treatments is arguably one of the greatest unmet needs we have today." Prostate cancer is diagnosed in one out of eight men. Incontinence and impotence are two of the debilitating side effects commonly associated with treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery. By targeting and destroying prostate tumour tissue precisely, MINIMA may reduce damage to normal cells. "In the longer term", Professor Lythgoe added, "we will change the shape of the seed to act as a tiny cutting scalpel that could be guided through tissue, which would allow surgeons to perform remotely controlled operations, revolutionising non-invasive surgery." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover a way to target and destroy cancer cells: Here's how the ground-breaking therapy works

Scientists discover a way to target & destroy cancer cells: Here's how the ground-breaking therapy works

A meteorite from Mars that caused a splash here on Earth decades ago contains no sign of ancient, primitive life on Mars, after all, say scientists.

NASA announced in 1996 that organic compounds in rocks may have been deposited by living organisms.&nbsp;Many scientists were sceptical, and researchers have been chipping away at it over the past few decades, most recently by a team led by Andrew Steele of the Carnegie Institution for Science.

According to Steele, tiny samples from the meteorite show the carbon-rich compounds were actually produced by water flowing over the rock for a prolonged period. The research was published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abg7905">Science</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-potato-in-space-in-unique-discovery-oblong-shaped-planet-found-444593" hreflang="en">A potato in space? In unique discovery, oblong-shaped planet found</a>

In 1984, a 4lb (2kg) rock was discovered in Antarctica. During Mars' early, wet past, at least two impacts near the rock heated the surrounding surface, before a third impact bounced the rock away from the planet millions of years ago.&nbsp;

The meteorite drifted through space for millions of years before landing on an ice field in Antarctica thousands of years ago. This small grey-green fragment was named Allan Hills 84001 after the hill where it was found.

<img alt="This high-resolution scanning electron microscope image released by NASA 19 March 1999, shows an unusual tube-like structural form that is less than 1/100th the width of a human hair in size found in meteorite ALH84001, a meteorite believed to be of Martian origin. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10f0416d-2f72-49b1-bb0b-940790d9da4a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_SAWH990319538340.jpg" />

This high-resolution scanning electron microscope image released by NASA 19 March 1999, shows an unusual tube-like structural form that is less than 1/100th the width of a human hair in size found in meteorite ALH84001.

Researchers believe tiny globs of carbon are the result of groundwater moving through cracks in the rock, while it was still on Mars. They said that the same thing can happen on Earth and could explain the presence of methane on Mars.

However, two scientists who were involved in the original study disagree with the current findings, calling them "disappointing". According to an email exchange, they are sticking with their 1996 findings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/solar-system-is-at-the-center-of-giant-space-bubble-now-we-know-why-444491" hreflang="en">Solar system is at the center of giant space bubble, now we know why</a>

In spite of the fact that the data presented incrementally add to our knowledge about (the meteorite), the interpretation presented is neither new nor supported by the research, wrote astromaterial researchers at Nasa's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Kathie Thomas-Keprta and Simon Clemett.

They said unsupported speculation does little to clarify the origin of organic matter in the meteorite.

Steele says his team's research findings are possible as a result of advances in technology.&nbsp;In his view, the measurements by the original researchers were commendable and their life-claiming hypothesis was a reasonable interpretation&nbsp;at the time.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pig's heart transplanted into a human

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pigs-heart-transplanted-into-a-human-444001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The team, which includes NASA, German, and British scientists, took care to present the findings as an exciting discovery about Mars&nbsp;rather than a study to disprove the original premise, he added.

Bringing samples back to Earth for analysis is the only way to prove if Mars had microbial life in the past or if it does now, according to Steele.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A meteorite from Mars that caused a splash here on Earth decades ago contains no sign of ancient, primitive life on Mars, after all, say scientists. NASA announced in 1996 that organic compounds in rocks may have been deposited by living organisms.

A meteorite from Mars that caused a splash here on Earth decades ago contains no sign of ancient, primitive life on Mars, after all, say scientists. NASA announced in 1996 that organic compounds in rocks may have been deposited by living organisms. Many scientists were sceptical, and researchers have been chipping away at it over the past few decades, most recently by a team led by Andrew Steele of the Carnegie Institution for Science. According to Steele, tiny samples from the meteorite show the carbon-rich compounds were actually produced by water flowing over the rock for a prolonged period. The research was published in Science. Also read | A potato in space? In unique discovery, oblong-shaped planet found In 1984, a 4lb (2kg) rock was discovered in Antarctica. During Mars' early, wet past, at least two impacts near the rock heated the surrounding surface, before a third impact bounced the rock away from the planet millions of years ago. The meteorite drifted through space for millions of years before landing on an ice field in Antarctica thousands of years ago. This small grey-green fragment was named Allan Hills 84001 after the hill where it was found. This high-resolution scanning electron microscope image released by NASA 19 March 1999, shows an unusual tube-like structural form that is less than 1/100th the width of a human hair in size found in meteorite ALH84001. Researchers believe tiny globs of carbon are the result of groundwater moving through cracks in the rock, while it was still on Mars. They said that the same thing can happen on Earth and could explain the presence of methane on Mars. However, two scientists who were involved in the original study disagree with the current findings, calling them "disappointing". According to an email exchange, they are sticking with their 1996 findings. Also read | Solar system is at the center of giant space bubble, now we know why In spite of the fact that the data presented incrementally add to our knowledge about (the meteorite), the interpretation presented is neither new nor supported by the research, wrote astromaterial researchers at Nasa's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Kathie Thomas-Keprta and Simon Clemett. They said unsupported speculation does little to clarify the origin of organic matter in the meteorite. Steele says his team's research findings are possible as a result of advances in technology. In his view, the measurements by the original researchers were commendable and their life-claiming hypothesis was a reasonable interpretation at the time. Watch | Gravitas: Pig's heart transplanted into a human The team, which includes NASA, German, and British scientists, took care to present the findings as an exciting discovery about Mars rather than a study to disprove the original premise, he added. Bringing samples back to Earth for analysis is the only way to prove if Mars had microbial life in the past or if it does now, according to Steele. (With inputs from agencies)

Is there life on Mars?: Study of decades-old meteorite casts doubt on presence of life on the planet

Researchers say global warming might be responsible for albatrosses, one of the most monogamous birds in the world, divorcing more often.<o:p></o:p>

A recent Royal Society study shows that climate change and warming waters are leading to higher break-up rates among black-browed albatrosses.<o:p></o:p>

Albatrosses&nbsp;are anthropomorphic creatures, i.e., they exhibit traits or behaviours typically associated with humans. As they mature, they embark on years-long trips away from home, have a long, awkward teenage phase during which they learn how to seduce a mate through dance, and live for 50-60 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/internet-outrage-as-ukraine-clinic-offers-black-friday-discounts-on-babies-431545" hreflang="en">Internet outrage as Ukraine clinic offers Black Friday discounts on babies</a>

They mate for life, and they also celebrate loudly when reunited with a partner after a long time.<o:p></o:p>

Sadly, today, more and more of these creatures share another rite of passage with young humans. Under stress from the climate crisis, working longer hours to eat, and juggling the logistical challenges of travelling together, they are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain relationships.<o:p></o:p>

While earlier, it was estimated that only 1-3 per cent of couples who choose a partner will separate to find a better one, the study found that this increases significantly in years with unusually warm water temperatures, as many as 8 per cent of couples are splitting up.<o:p></o:p>

To reach these numbers an investigation was conducted into a wild population of 15,500 breeding pairs in the Falkland Islands over the course of 15 years.<o:p></o:p>

Warmer waters mean less fish, less food and harsher conditions for seabirds. Their stress hormones increase, they must hunt farther afield, fewer chicks survive.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/albert-einsteins-notes-on-theory-of-relativity-sold-at-this-record-price-431524" hreflang="en">Albert Einstein's notes on theory of relativity sold at this record price</a>

Albatross love lives have long been a subject of scientific study, as they are among the most loyal members of the animal kingdom.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Co-author Francesco Ventura of the Royal Society study reported that&nbsp;even after adjusting for the scarcity of fish,&nbsp;researchers were surprised to find that warm waters led to unusually high levels of albatross couples splitting up.<o:p></o:p>

Usually, the birds divorce after facing a reproductive failure. A couple is more likely to split up when they do not produce a chick. While food shortages might result in more failures, they were surprised, however, to discover that higher water temperatures had an additional effect. It pushes up divorce rates even in instances where reproduction was successful.<o:p></o:p>

According to Ventura, one explanation could be that warming waters were forcing birds to hunt for longer and fly farther. A bird's partner may move on to someone else if he or she fails to return for a breeding season.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Additionally, albatross stress hormones increase when waters are warmer and in harsher environments. Ventura indicated the birds might blame their partner for this.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;</o:p>Climate change affects Albatross mating, leading to 'break-ups'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-affects-albatross-mating-leading-to-break-ups-431660/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The partner-blaming hypothesis suggests that stressed women might experience higher stress levels and blame their male partners or attribute it to the male's poor performance.<o:p></o:p>

The number of albatrosses is declining, says Dr Graeme Elliot, principal science adviser at New Zealand’s department of conservation, who has been studying albatrosses in the country’s waters for three decades.<o:p></o:p>

He reports that wandering albatross populations are declining at rates of 5-10 per cent every year, and have been dropping since 2005.&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Because of this, increasingly homosexual couplings are occurring. There are now male-male pairs among the birds on Antipodes Island, which has never happened before. Only a few per cent of the boys can find a female partner, so they pair up with another boy.<o:p></o:p>

According to Elliott, we need a global campaign to save these birds, because if we do nothing, they will become extinct.<o:p></o:p>

Researchers say global warming might be responsible for albatrosses, one of the most monogamous birds in the world, divorcing more often. A recent Royal Society study shows that climate change and warming waters are leading to higher break-up rates among black-browed albatrosses.

Researchers say global warming might be responsible for albatrosses, one of the most monogamous birds in the world, divorcing more often. A recent Royal Society study shows that climate change and warming waters are leading to higher break-up rates among black-browed albatrosses. Albatrosses are anthropomorphic creatures, i.e., they exhibit traits or behaviours typically associated with humans. As they mature, they embark on years-long trips away from home, have a long, awkward teenage phase during which they learn how to seduce a mate through dance, and live for 50-60 years. Also read | Internet outrage as Ukraine clinic offers Black Friday discounts on babies They mate for life, and they also celebrate loudly when reunited with a partner after a long time. Sadly, today, more and more of these creatures share another rite of passage with young humans. Under stress from the climate crisis, working longer hours to eat, and juggling the logistical challenges of travelling together, they are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain relationships. While earlier, it was estimated that only 1-3 per cent of couples who choose a partner will separate to find a better one, the study found that this increases significantly in years with unusually warm water temperatures, as many as 8 per cent of couples are splitting up. To reach these numbers an investigation was conducted into a wild population of 15,500 breeding pairs in the Falkland Islands over the course of 15 years. Warmer waters mean less fish, less food and harsher conditions for seabirds. Their stress hormones increase, they must hunt farther afield, fewer chicks survive. Also read | Albert Einstein's notes on theory of relativity sold at this record price Albatross love lives have long been a subject of scientific study, as they are among the most loyal members of the animal kingdom. Co-author Francesco Ventura of the Royal Society study reported that even after adjusting for the scarcity of fish, researchers were surprised to find that warm waters led to unusually high levels of albatross couples splitting up. Usually, the birds divorce after facing a reproductive failure. A couple is more likely to split up when they do not produce a chick. While food shortages might result in more failures, they were surprised, however, to discover that higher water temperatures had an additional effect. It pushes up divorce rates even in instances where reproduction was successful. According to Ventura, one explanation could be that warming waters were forcing birds to hunt for longer and fly farther. A bird's partner may move on to someone else if he or she fails to return for a breeding season. Additionally, albatross stress hormones increase when waters are warmer and in harsher environments. Ventura indicated the birds might blame their partner for this. Watch | Climate change affects Albatross mating, leading to 'break-ups' The partner-blaming hypothesis suggests that stressed women might experience higher stress levels and blame their male partners or attribute it to the male's poor performance. The number of albatrosses is declining, says Dr Graeme Elliot, principal science adviser at New Zealand’s department of conservation, who has been studying albatrosses in the country’s waters for three decades. He reports that wandering albatross populations are declining at rates of 5-10 per cent every year, and have been dropping since 2005. Because of this, increasingly homosexual couplings are occurring. There are now male-male pairs among the birds on Antipodes Island, which has never happened before. Only a few per cent of the boys can find a female partner, so they pair up with another boy. According to Elliott, we need a global campaign to save these birds, because if we do nothing, they will become extinct.

Global warming affecting one of the most monogamous birds, leading to 'break-ups'

An analysis of ancient rocks suggests that the Earth's first continents might have emerged from the ocean around 700 million years earlier than previously thought.

The findings were published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 
&nbsp; 
According to sedimentary evidence from Singhbhum near Kolkata, the first stable continents, known as 'cratons', emerged above sea level between 3.3 and 3.2 billion years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-this-device-translates-the-thoughts-of-paralysed-people-into-text-with-94-accuracy-427927" hreflang="en">Watch | This device translates the thoughts of paralysed people into text with 94% accuracy</a>

Rock sediments taken from eastern India have led researchers to believe the discovery may explain the growth of glaciers at that time, as well as an increase in oxygen in the atmosphere.

Based on features such as ripple marks, which are similar to the marks left by wind and waves on a sandy beach, the study's lead author, Dr Priyadarshi Chowdhury, said the rocks must have formed on land.

He explained that the rocks were formed in rivers and estuaries during ancient times.

Chowdhury explained that the formation of the first continents likely occurred before plate tectonics existed, which is the major mechanism responsible for increasing the elevation of landmasses today.

Today, plate tectonics controls elevation. The Himalayas and the Alps are formed when the plates of two continents collide, but that was not the case three billion years ago, he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/third-of-human-population-to-be-displaced-if-climate-change-not-curbed-427759" hreflang="en">Third of human population to be displaced if climate change not curbed</a>

Researchers believe the earliest continents emerged from the global ocean after hundreds to thousands of years (300 to 400 million years) of volcanic activity.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

3.1 billion-year-old sandstone layers formed on top of the Singhbhum craton as soon as it rose above sea level.

According to Chowdhury, the Singhbhum craton may have been formed by a gradual accumulation of lava over time so that the crust about 50km beneath the surface becomes so thick it floats up from the water like a floating iceberg.

Zircon minerals were extracted from Singhbhum sediments by the team. Lasers were fired at zircon, and then the relative amounts of elements released were measured to determine the age of the rocks.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-reveals-only-2-of-australias-great-barrier-reef-escaped-bleaching-426886" hreflang="en">Research reveals only 2% of Australia's Great Barrier Reef escaped bleaching</a>

Several similarities in the geology of the Singhbhum craton have been found with those in South Africa and Western Australia.

The researchers further speculate that weathering of the cratons could have caused nutrient runoff, providing phosphorus to the ocean as well as other building blocks for early life.

When land is created, it also creates shallow seas, like lagoons, which in turn accelerates the growth of oxygen-producing life forms that may have boosted oxygen levels in the atmosphere and ocean.

Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere would also have been drawn down by early continents, causing localised cold climate pockets and glaciation, according to Chowdhury. The result was an Earth that was more habitable.

An analysis of ancient rocks suggests that the Earth's first continents might have emerged from the ocean around 700 million years earlier than previously thought.

An analysis of ancient rocks suggests that the Earth's first continents might have emerged from the ocean around 700 million years earlier than previously thought. The findings were published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. According to sedimentary evidence from Singhbhum near Kolkata, the first stable continents, known as 'cratons', emerged above sea level between 3.3 and 3.2 billion years ago. Also read | Watch | This device translates the thoughts of paralysed people into text with 94% accuracy Rock sediments taken from eastern India have led researchers to believe the discovery may explain the growth of glaciers at that time, as well as an increase in oxygen in the atmosphere. Based on features such as ripple marks, which are similar to the marks left by wind and waves on a sandy beach, the study's lead author, Dr Priyadarshi Chowdhury, said the rocks must have formed on land. He explained that the rocks were formed in rivers and estuaries during ancient times. Chowdhury explained that the formation of the first continents likely occurred before plate tectonics existed, which is the major mechanism responsible for increasing the elevation of landmasses today. Today, plate tectonics controls elevation. The Himalayas and the Alps are formed when the plates of two continents collide, but that was not the case three billion years ago, he added. Also read | Third of human population to be displaced if climate change not curbed Researchers believe the earliest continents emerged from the global ocean after hundreds to thousands of years (300 to 400 million years) of volcanic activity. 3.1 billion-year-old sandstone layers formed on top of the Singhbhum craton as soon as it rose above sea level. According to Chowdhury, the Singhbhum craton may have been formed by a gradual accumulation of lava over time so that the crust about 50km beneath the surface becomes so thick it floats up from the water like a floating iceberg. Zircon minerals were extracted from Singhbhum sediments by the team. Lasers were fired at zircon, and then the relative amounts of elements released were measured to determine the age of the rocks. Also read | Research reveals only 2% of Australia's Great Barrier Reef escaped bleaching Several similarities in the geology of the Singhbhum craton have been found with those in South Africa and Western Australia. The researchers further speculate that weathering of the cratons could have caused nutrient runoff, providing phosphorus to the ocean as well as other building blocks for early life. When land is created, it also creates shallow seas, like lagoons, which in turn accelerates the growth of oxygen-producing life forms that may have boosted oxygen levels in the atmosphere and ocean. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere would also have been drawn down by early continents, causing localised cold climate pockets and glaciation, according to Chowdhury. The result was an Earth that was more habitable.

What if scientists are wrong about the age of continents? New study says they are 700 million years older

In a study conducted by researchers in South Africa, it was found that tuberculosis (TB) is also spread by inhaling virus-laden aerosols more than coughing, as was previously believed.

A team from the University of Cape Town presented the study at the 52nd Union World Conference on Lung Health, which is being held online from October 19-22.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiywayZitnzAhXlmeYKHVrwDcsQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw06qqXp-otJBp_EEKbe3Pqp" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490" target="_blank">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting&nbsp;coronavirus:&nbsp;Study</a>

As per a New York Times report, researchers found that about 90 per cent of TB bacteria are carried in tiny droplets known as aerosols, which are expelled by an infected person as they exhale deeply.

The study confirms recent findings that SARS-CoV-2, the virus cause of COVID-19, as well as MERS-CoV, influenza, measles, and the rhinoviruses that cause the common cold all spread via aerosols that linger in indoor air. 
Ryan Dinkele, a graduate student at the University of Cape Town who presented the findings, was quoted by the NYT as saying that their model suggests that aerosol generation and TB can happen independently of symptoms.

Despite this, the new study does not change the fact that TB is in fact transmitted through droplets; and that a single cough is capable of expelling more bacteria than a single breath.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-study-finds-fully-vaccinated-are-60-less-likely-to-get-covid-19-402779">British study finds fully vaccinated are 60% less likely to get COVID-19</a>

"But if an infected person breathes 22,000 times per day while coughing up to 500 times, then coughing accounts for as little as 7 per cent of the total bacteria emitted by an infected patient," Dinkele said.

These findings explain why cramped indoor spaces, like prisons, are breeding grounds for diseases like TB and Covid.

Furthermore, the study also suggests that measures such as masks, open windows and open doors, which are important to curb Covid transmission, can also contribute to limiting TB.

The bacterium responsible for TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically attacks the lungs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-claiming-smokers-less-vulnerable-to-covid-19-retracted-as-authors-linked-to-tobacco-industry-379255">Study claiming smokers less vulnerable to COVID-19 retracted as authors linked to tobacco industry</a>

The World Health Organization's 2021 Global TB report published last week shows that it is the world's deadliest infectious disease after Covid-19, claiming over 1.5 million lives in 2020.

As the pandemic disrupted healthcare and supply chains around the world, COVID-19 has also halted progress made on TB. More than 5.8 million people were diagnosed with TB in 2020, but according to the WHO, about 10 million people could have been infected.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a study conducted by researchers in South Africa, it was found that tuberculosis (TB) is also spread by inhaling virus-laden aerosols more than coughing, as was previously believed.

In a study conducted by researchers in South Africa, it was found that tuberculosis (TB) is also spread by inhaling virus-laden aerosols more than coughing, as was previously believed. A team from the University of Cape Town presented the study at the 52nd Union World Conference on Lung Health, which is being held online from October 19-22. Also read | Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study As per a New York Times report, researchers found that about 90 per cent of TB bacteria are carried in tiny droplets known as aerosols, which are expelled by an infected person as they exhale deeply. The study confirms recent findings that SARS-CoV-2, the virus cause of COVID-19, as well as MERS-CoV, influenza, measles, and the rhinoviruses that cause the common cold all spread via aerosols that linger in indoor air. Ryan Dinkele, a graduate student at the University of Cape Town who presented the findings, was quoted by the NYT as saying that their model suggests that aerosol generation and TB can happen independently of symptoms. Despite this, the new study does not change the fact that TB is in fact transmitted through droplets; and that a single cough is capable of expelling more bacteria than a single breath. Also read | British study finds fully vaccinated are 60% less likely to get COVID-19 "But if an infected person breathes 22,000 times per day while coughing up to 500 times, then coughing accounts for as little as 7 per cent of the total bacteria emitted by an infected patient," Dinkele said. These findings explain why cramped indoor spaces, like prisons, are breeding grounds for diseases like TB and Covid. Furthermore, the study also suggests that measures such as masks, open windows and open doors, which are important to curb Covid transmission, can also contribute to limiting TB. The bacterium responsible for TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically attacks the lungs. Also read | Study claiming smokers less vulnerable to COVID-19 retracted as authors linked to tobacco industry The World Health Organization's 2021 Global TB report published last week shows that it is the world's deadliest infectious disease after Covid-19, claiming over 1.5 million lives in 2020. As the pandemic disrupted healthcare and supply chains around the world, COVID-19 has also halted progress made on TB. More than 5.8 million people were diagnosed with TB in 2020, but according to the WHO, about 10 million people could have been infected. (With inputs from agencies)

Study suggests that Tuberculosis, like Covid, spreads through aerosols

new-research

New Research, News on New Research, stories on New Research, articles on New Research, New Research stories at Wion, New Research news, New Research latest news

new research