An expert has predicted that within five years, rare diseases in children would be much easier to spot.&nbsp;Professor Matt Brown, the Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England has predicted that very soon parents will be able to have it checked if their baby is at a higher risk of illnesses. He said that for this, parents could have their children’s genetic code read by the NHS.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-how-you-can-beat-health-hazards-of-sitting-all-day-552608">Dread health hazards of sitting all day, take a five-minute walk every half an hour</a>

Currently, each year, about 3,000 children in Britain are born with rare conditions and on average it takes up to five years, countless tests and visits to doctors for them to get a diagnosis. The delays can cause irreparable damage, which, thanks to this genome, sequencing could be avoided.

Last month, Genomic England and NHS announced the ‘Newborn Genomes Programme’. The pilot scheme which was announced last month will sequence the genomes of 100,000 babies over the next two years.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hormone-replacement-therapy-may-help-reduce-risk-of-alzheimers-disease-in-women-study-552570">Hormone replacement therapy may help reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women: Study</a>

As per the vision document, if the £105 million ($128.2 million) pilot is successful, it will be added to the NHS routine care. However, Brown remarked that the programme would never be compulsory and people will have to consent to have their baby’s genome sequenced by NHS.

Currently, whole genome sequencing (WGS) as per Daily Mail costs the NHS £800 ($978) to £1,000 ($1,223) every time, however with the programme it would cost around £150 ($183).

(With inputs from agencies)

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An expert has predicted that within five years, rare diseases in children would be much easier to spot. Professor Matt Brown, the Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England has predicted that very soon parents will be able to have it checked if their baby is at a higher risk of illnesses.

An expert has predicted that within five years, rare diseases in children would be much easier to spot. Professor Matt Brown, the Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England has predicted that very soon parents will be able to have it checked if their baby is at a higher risk of illnesses. He said that for this, parents could have their children’s genetic code read by the NHS. Also read | Dread health hazards of sitting all day, take a five-minute walk every half an hour Currently, each year, about 3,000 children in Britain are born with rare conditions and on average it takes up to five years, countless tests and visits to doctors for them to get a diagnosis. The delays can cause irreparable damage, which, thanks to this genome, sequencing could be avoided. Last month, Genomic England and NHS announced the ‘Newborn Genomes Programme’. The pilot scheme which was announced last month will sequence the genomes of 100,000 babies over the next two years. Also read | Hormone replacement therapy may help reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women: Study As per the vision document, if the £105 million ($128.2 million) pilot is successful, it will be added to the NHS routine care. However, Brown remarked that the programme would never be compulsory and people will have to consent to have their baby’s genome sequenced by NHS. Currently, whole genome sequencing (WGS) as per Daily Mail costs the NHS £800 ($978) to £1,000 ($1,223) every time, however with the programme it would cost around £150 ($183). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK's NHS and Genomics England to use genome sequencing to identify rare diseases in babies

A sedentary lifestyle invites many diseases. This much is fairly known. But even sitting long hours on a chair in itself causes various health problems. Now, a study published in Medicine &amp; Science in Sports &amp; Exercise gives us a solution for this.&nbsp;In this research, 11 healthy middle-aged and older adults were asked to sit in a lab for eight hours. This represented a standard workday. They were asked to sit like this over the course of five separate days.

On one of those days, participants sat for the entire eight hours with only short breaks to use the bathroom.

On the other days, the participants were asked to walk. They walked for one minute every half an hour on one day and five minutes every half an hour. The aim was to find minimum amount of exercise to offset health problems caused due to long hours of sitting on a chair.

It was found that a five-minute light walk every half-hour was the only strategy that reduced blood sugar levels substantially compared with sitting all day. In particular, five-minute walks every half-hour reduced the blood sugar spike after eating by almost 60%.

So the solution is simple. If you want to be the health hazards of sitting for longer duration, take a short walk of five minutes every half an hour.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A sedentary lifestyle invites many diseases. This much is fairly known. But even sitting long hours on a chair in itself causes various health problems. Now, a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise gives us a solution for this.

A sedentary lifestyle invites many diseases. This much is fairly known. But even sitting long hours on a chair in itself causes various health problems. Now, a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise gives us a solution for this. In this research, 11 healthy middle-aged and older adults were asked to sit in a lab for eight hours. This represented a standard workday. They were asked to sit like this over the course of five separate days. On one of those days, participants sat for the entire eight hours with only short breaks to use the bathroom. On the other days, the participants were asked to walk. They walked for one minute every half an hour on one day and five minutes every half an hour. The aim was to find minimum amount of exercise to offset health problems caused due to long hours of sitting on a chair. It was found that a five-minute light walk every half-hour was the only strategy that reduced blood sugar levels substantially compared with sitting all day. In particular, five-minute walks every half-hour reduced the blood sugar spike after eating by almost 60%. So the solution is simple. If you want to be the health hazards of sitting for longer duration, take a short walk of five minutes every half an hour. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Dread health hazards of sitting all day, take a five-minute walk every half an hour

Over the past three decades (circa 1991-2023), the death rate from cancer in the US has declined by a startling 30 per cent. This amounts to about 3.8 million lives saved since 1991, according to research that was published in <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21763">CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians</a>. Even better, the studies show that the death rate from cancer decreased from 2019 to 2020 by 1.5 per cent, which contrasts sharply with other major illnesses.

Researchers have shown that cancer is not only a major issue affecting worldwide health but also the second-worst killer in the US, after heart disease. COVID-19 takes the third spot.

<h2>Decline in cancer cases: What exactly happened?</h2>

Over the course of the three decades (circa 1991-2023), researchers estimated that 2.6 million deaths in men and 1.2 million in women from cancer were averted. Men saw a 2.6 per cent&nbsp;annual decline in lung cancer incidence from 2015 to 2019 compared to women's 1.1 per cent&nbsp;yearly decline.

Young women's (20–24-year-olds) risk of developing cervical cancer has dramatically decreased, falling by 11.4 per cent between 2012 and 2019 and by a staggering 65 per cent&nbsp;overall within the same time frame.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-the-chocolaty-secret-to-chocolates-sweetness-552453">Scientists find the chocolaty secret to chocolate's sweetness</a>

Additionally, death rates for kidney cancer, melanoma, and leukemia decreased by two&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;year from 2016 to 2020.

<h2>How did the decline in cancer cases take place?</h2>

The study found that the death rate has dropped over the previous three decades as a result of a dip in smoking and advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The American Cancer Society's CEO, Karen Knudsen, told CNN that the drop in cancer mortality is "truly formidable."

“New revelations for prevention, for early detection, and for treatment have resulted in true, meaningful gains in many of the 200 diseases that we call cancer,” Knudsen added.

The first vaccination against the two strains of the human papillomavirus, according to researchers, is to credit for the drop in cervical cancer cases (which cause 70 per cent of such cancers).

The vaccination was originally permitted for use in females between the ages of 9 and 26 in 2006 by the US Food and Drug Administration, as per researchers.

“This totally follows the time when HPV vaccines were put into use,” Dr William Dahut, the society’s chief scientific officer, told&nbsp;CNN.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-scientists-use-artificial-dna-to-kill-cancer-cells-heres-what-you-need-to-know-547276">Explained: In a first, scientists use artificial DNA to kill cancer cells: Here’s what you need to know</a>

The report&nbsp;also stated that the first group who received these strains' immunisations are currently in their 20s.

Conclusively,&nbsp;these findings point to sharp future declines in HPV malignancies, the majority of which affect women.

“There are other cancers that are HPV-related – whether that’s head and neck cancers or anal cancers – so there’s optimism this will have importance beyond this,” Dahut added.

<h2>Some cancers are on the rise</h2>

The latest research points out that occurrences of breast, uterine, and prostate cancer have been "of concern" and growing in the US, despite the fact that the overall cancer mortality rate has been steadily declining.

Cancer among adults under 50 may be on the rise globally. The research states that since the middle of the 2000s, the incidence rates of breast cancer in women have been rising by roughly 0.5 per cent&nbsp;per year.

Incidence of uterine corpus cancer has increased around one per cent year since the mid-2000s among women 50 and older and roughly two&nbsp;per cent annually since at least the mid-1990s among younger women.

After two decades of reduction, the incidence rate of prostate cancer increased by three per cent&nbsp;year from 2014 to 2019.

<h2>What did the White House say?</h2>

White House Cancer Moonshot Coordinator Dr&nbsp;Danielle Carnival stated in a statement issued on Thursday that the latest study "shows great progress."

President Biden renewed the White House's "Cancer Moonshot" project last year, pledging the country to aim toward cutting the death rate from cancer by at least 50 per cent over the following 25 years.

“The report showing the US&nbsp;has cut cancer deaths by one-third over the last 30 years is great progress, which we’ve achieved through driving smoking rates down, improving early detection, and delivering better treatments for many cancers. It means millions of American families have been spared the immeasurable loss of a loved one,” Carnival said in a&nbsp;statement quoted by CNN.&nbsp;

“The report also underscores that there’s more work to do to save more lives,” she said. “President Biden’s vision for ending cancer as we know it is building on the progress we’ve made with an all-hands-on-deck effort to develop new ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer – and ensure that the tools we have and those we develop along the way reach all Americans.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Over the past three decades (circa 1991-2023), the death rate from cancer in the US has declined by a startling 30 per cent. This amounts to about 3.8 million lives saved since 1991, according to research that was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Over the past three decades (circa 1991-2023), the death rate from cancer in the US has declined by a startling 30 per cent. This amounts to about 3.8 million lives saved since 1991, according to research that was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Even better, the studies show that the death rate from cancer decreased from 2019 to 2020 by 1.5 per cent, which contrasts sharply with other major illnesses. Researchers have shown that cancer is not only a major issue affecting worldwide health but also the second-worst killer in the US, after heart disease. COVID-19 takes the third spot. Decline in cancer cases: What exactly happened? Over the course of the three decades (circa 1991-2023), researchers estimated that 2.6 million deaths in men and 1.2 million in women from cancer were averted. Men saw a 2.6 per cent annual decline in lung cancer incidence from 2015 to 2019 compared to women's 1.1 per cent yearly decline. Young women's (20–24-year-olds) risk of developing cervical cancer has dramatically decreased, falling by 11.4 per cent between 2012 and 2019 and by a staggering 65 per cent overall within the same time frame. Also read | Scientists find the chocolaty secret to chocolate's sweetness Additionally, death rates for kidney cancer, melanoma, and leukemia decreased by two per cent year from 2016 to 2020. How did the decline in cancer cases take place? The study found that the death rate has dropped over the previous three decades as a result of a dip in smoking and advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The American Cancer Society's CEO, Karen Knudsen, told CNN that the drop in cancer mortality is "truly formidable." “New revelations for prevention, for early detection, and for treatment have resulted in true, meaningful gains in many of the 200 diseases that we call cancer,” Knudsen added. The first vaccination against the two strains of the human papillomavirus, according to researchers, is to credit for the drop in cervical cancer cases (which cause 70 per cent of such cancers). The vaccination was originally permitted for use in females between the ages of 9 and 26 in 2006 by the US Food and Drug Administration, as per researchers. “This totally follows the time when HPV vaccines were put into use,” Dr William Dahut, the society’s chief scientific officer, told CNN. Also read | Explained: In a first, scientists use artificial DNA to kill cancer cells: Here’s what you need to know The report also stated that the first group who received these strains' immunisations are currently in their 20s. Conclusively, these findings point to sharp future declines in HPV malignancies, the majority of which affect women. “There are other cancers that are HPV-related – whether that’s head and neck cancers or anal cancers – so there’s optimism this will have importance beyond this,” Dahut added. Some cancers are on the rise The latest research points out that occurrences of breast, uterine, and prostate cancer have been "of concern" and growing in the US, despite the fact that the overall cancer mortality rate has been steadily declining. Cancer among adults under 50 may be on the rise globally. The research states that since the middle of the 2000s, the incidence rates of breast cancer in women have been rising by roughly 0.5 per cent per year. Incidence of uterine corpus cancer has increased around one per cent year since the mid-2000s among women 50 and older and roughly two per cent annually since at least the mid-1990s among younger women. After two decades of reduction, the incidence rate of prostate cancer increased by three per cent year from 2014 to 2019. What did the White House say? White House Cancer Moonshot Coordinator Dr Danielle Carnival stated in a statement issued on Thursday that the latest study "shows great progress." President Biden renewed the White House's "Cancer Moonshot" project last year, pledging the country to aim toward cutting the death rate from cancer by at least 50 per cent over the following 25 years. “The report showing the US has cut cancer deaths by one-third over the last 30 years is great progress, which we’ve achieved through driving smoking rates down, improving early detection, and delivering better treatments for many cancers. It means millions of American families have been spared the immeasurable loss of a loved one,” Carnival said in a statement quoted by CNN. “The report also underscores that there’s more work to do to save more lives,” she said. “President Biden’s vision for ending cancer as we know it is building on the progress we’ve made with an all-hands-on-deck effort to develop new ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer – and ensure that the tools we have and those we develop along the way reach all Americans.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: How did US cancer rates drop by 33% since 1991?

The United Nations estimates that women and girls make up half of the world's population, and as a result, half of its potential. However, gender inequality is a problem that persists in all nations. Women now put in more effort than males, according to an anthropological study of the gender division of labour in various countries, conducted by The Conversation.&nbsp;Males under duolocality and patrilocality exert far less effort than females, according to the report's results, which were published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(22)01963-7">scientific journal Current Biology</a>.&nbsp;

"Dispersing at marriage generates a disadvantage in bargaining over workload," the study said.&nbsp;In describing the terminology, it was stated that "dispersed" refers to a scenario in which women depart from their home country. The research refers to the practise of the men staying with their families as "patrilocality," while the women travel.

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The goal of the study was to determine the factors that effectively influence who works the hardest in a home and why, by analysing farming and herding groups in rural China's Tibetan borderlands, an area with a great deal of diversity.

Based on the survey, males took an average of little over 9,000 steps each day, compared to women's slightly over 12,000 steps. Men worked just as hard, if not harder, than women.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pets help to protect your brain as you get older

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Both sexes work&nbsp;hard, but the woman still puts in more hours per week when both sexes are dispersed and no one is living with their biological family.

Perfect sex equality in workload, according to the study, only happens when males disperse and women do not.

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The United Nations estimates that women and girls make up half of the world's population, and as a result, half of its potential. However, gender inequality is a problem that persists in all nations.

The United Nations estimates that women and girls make up half of the world's population, and as a result, half of its potential. However, gender inequality is a problem that persists in all nations. Women now put in more effort than males, according to an anthropological study of the gender division of labour in various countries, conducted by The Conversation. Males under duolocality and patrilocality exert far less effort than females, according to the report's results, which were published in the scientific journal Current Biology. "Dispersing at marriage generates a disadvantage in bargaining over workload," the study said. In describing the terminology, it was stated that "dispersed" refers to a scenario in which women depart from their home country. The research refers to the practise of the men staying with their families as "patrilocality," while the women travel. Also read | Nine-year-old girl 'looking for a Meg' finds megalodon shark tooth on Maryland beach The goal of the study was to determine the factors that effectively influence who works the hardest in a home and why, by analysing farming and herding groups in rural China's Tibetan borderlands, an area with a great deal of diversity. Based on the survey, males took an average of little over 9,000 steps each day, compared to women's slightly over 12,000 steps. Men worked just as hard, if not harder, than women. Also watch | Pets help to protect your brain as you get older Both sexes work hard, but the woman still puts in more hours per week when both sexes are dispersed and no one is living with their biological family. Perfect sex equality in workload, according to the study, only happens when males disperse and women do not. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Women work harder, put in more effort than men: Study

Do you want to have a brain that works fast and ages slowly? Get a pet!

People over 50 years of age who have been pet owners for more than five years had better cognitive memory than people who didn't own one.&nbsp;

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Research from the University of Michigan calls it 'the pet effect.' Having a pet not only protects your gut and heart but also slows down the ageing of your brain. Based on a national-level representative survey from 2010 to 2016, answers from more than 20,000 adults on their pet status prove that pet owners are happy, healthy, and intelligent.

The effect of owning pets was more prominent in people above 65 years of age when symptoms of dementia occur. People under this age bracket who have had a pet for more than five years showed better short-term and long-term memory for words than people who didn't.

Watch|&nbsp;Malaysia PM begins first state visit &amp; meets Indonesian President

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The researchers tested the participants over six years, and the pet owners achieved better results. However, the findings are only an association and 'the pet effect' is not an actual psychological phenomenon. It might be the opposite case suggesting that people with better cognitive abilities become better pet companions.&nbsp;

But the study does hook with other studies that say having a pet is good for you. Having a pet keeps you on your toes, keeping your brain and body active and healthy. Moreover, animals bring good gut bacteria into the house.

Or perhaps, pets make us happy with their furry tales and innocent eyes!

(With inputs from agencies)

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Do you want to have a brain that works fast and ages slowly? Get a pet! People over 50 years of age who have been pet owners for more than five years had better cognitive memory than people who didn't own one.

Do you want to have a brain that works fast and ages slowly? Get a pet! People over 50 years of age who have been pet owners for more than five years had better cognitive memory than people who didn't own one. Also Read| ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ becomes seventh-highest grossing film with $1.7 billion Research from the University of Michigan calls it 'the pet effect.' Having a pet not only protects your gut and heart but also slows down the ageing of your brain. Based on a national-level representative survey from 2010 to 2016, answers from more than 20,000 adults on their pet status prove that pet owners are happy, healthy, and intelligent. The effect of owning pets was more prominent in people above 65 years of age when symptoms of dementia occur. People under this age bracket who have had a pet for more than five years showed better short-term and long-term memory for words than people who didn't. Watch| Malaysia PM begins first state visit & meets Indonesian President The researchers tested the participants over six years, and the pet owners achieved better results. However, the findings are only an association and 'the pet effect' is not an actual psychological phenomenon. It might be the opposite case suggesting that people with better cognitive abilities become better pet companions. But the study does hook with other studies that say having a pet is good for you. Having a pet keeps you on your toes, keeping your brain and body active and healthy. Moreover, animals bring good gut bacteria into the house. Or perhaps, pets make us happy with their furry tales and innocent eyes! (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Want an agile, sharp brain even after 50, get a pet!

The structures made by ancient Romans have survived millennia, the fall of an empire, witnessed wars and are standing tall to this day as a testament to the genius of their engineers and architects, but how they managed to do so remained a mystery. However, research published on Friday (January 6) in the journal Science Advances has found the answer and it is in the material used to create these majestic structures.&nbsp;

The team, which included researchers from the United States, Italy and Switzerland, found that the technique used to make concrete durable might be due to its “self-healing” properties. Take Pantheon for example, which nearly 2,000 years later, still stands as the world’s largest dome of unreinforced concrete, which “would not have existed without the concrete as it was in the Roman time”, said Admir Masic, lead author of the paper and an Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor of civil and environmental engineering.&nbsp;

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The researchers analysed 2,000-year-old concrete samples collected from a wall at the archaeological site of Privernum, Italy, the structure which is said to have a similar composition to that of concrete found through the Roman Empire and found pozzolanic concrete. It is a durable building material which contributes to the strength of Roman architecture and the main ingredient of which is named after the Italian city of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples.&nbsp;

The study led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that the durability and “self-healing” properties of the concrete came from its ingredients, pozzolana from Pozzuoli which is a mix of volcanic ash found in the city and lime. According to the research, when mixed together with water they combined to form a strong concrete. “They knew that was a great material, but they probably didn’t know that it would last thousands of years,” said Masic.&nbsp;

Additionally, the team also found that the white chunks on the surface of Roman architecture which are not found in modern concrete formulations, originate from lime and are called “lime clasts” formed due to the composition of the concrete. Notably, what was previously dismissed as a consequence of sloppy mixing practices or low-quality raw materials is actually what contributes to the previously unknown self-healing capability of this type of concrete.&nbsp;

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“The idea that the presence of these lime clasts was simply attributed to low-quality control always bothered me,” said Masic. However, upon further inspection with high-resolution multiscale imaging and chemical mapping techniques, the team discovered different forms of calcium carbonate in these lime clasts which happen in places where water is not readily available.&nbsp;

They concluded that they arose because of the use of quicklime, which is the most reactive form of limestone and was created by limestone being heated at high temperatures. This would also be the most dangerous form of limestone, however, once mixed with water it produces slaked lime or calcium hydroxide which is a slightly less reactive form which the researchers first thought was mixed with pozzolana and then used by ancient Romans.&nbsp;

However, the team’s analysis later found that this was not the case and the method was inconsistent with their findings. Therefore, the research suggests that the Romans opted for a process called “hot mixing” which would use quicklime directly with the pozzolana and water at extremely high temperatures. “The benefits of hot mixing are twofold,”&nbsp;said Masic.&nbsp;

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He added, “First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form. Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction.”&nbsp;

This would be in addition to the lime clasts’ self-healing abilities. According to the study, when a crack in the structure occurs it travels through these lime clasts whose reaction with water leads them to form a calcium-rich solution which seals the damage and prevents it from spreading any further.&nbsp;

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The structures made by ancient Romans have survived millennia, the fall of an empire, witnessed wars and are standing tall to this day as a testament to the genius of their engineers and architects, but how they managed to do so remained a mystery.

The structures made by ancient Romans have survived millennia, the fall of an empire, witnessed wars and are standing tall to this day as a testament to the genius of their engineers and architects, but how they managed to do so remained a mystery. However, research published on Friday (January 6) in the journal Science Advances has found the answer and it is in the material used to create these majestic structures. The team, which included researchers from the United States, Italy and Switzerland, found that the technique used to make concrete durable might be due to its “self-healing” properties. Take Pantheon for example, which nearly 2,000 years later, still stands as the world’s largest dome of unreinforced concrete, which “would not have existed without the concrete as it was in the Roman time”, said Admir Masic, lead author of the paper and an Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor of civil and environmental engineering. ALSO READ | Scientists have found where scary memories 'live' in our brains The researchers analysed 2,000-year-old concrete samples collected from a wall at the archaeological site of Privernum, Italy, the structure which is said to have a similar composition to that of concrete found through the Roman Empire and found pozzolanic concrete. It is a durable building material which contributes to the strength of Roman architecture and the main ingredient of which is named after the Italian city of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples. The study led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that the durability and “self-healing” properties of the concrete came from its ingredients, pozzolana from Pozzuoli which is a mix of volcanic ash found in the city and lime. According to the research, when mixed together with water they combined to form a strong concrete. “They knew that was a great material, but they probably didn’t know that it would last thousands of years,” said Masic. Additionally, the team also found that the white chunks on the surface of Roman architecture which are not found in modern concrete formulations, originate from lime and are called “lime clasts” formed due to the composition of the concrete. Notably, what was previously dismissed as a consequence of sloppy mixing practices or low-quality raw materials is actually what contributes to the previously unknown self-healing capability of this type of concrete. ALSO WATCH | U.S. FDA approves new medicine for Alzheimer's “The idea that the presence of these lime clasts was simply attributed to low-quality control always bothered me,” said Masic. However, upon further inspection with high-resolution multiscale imaging and chemical mapping techniques, the team discovered different forms of calcium carbonate in these lime clasts which happen in places where water is not readily available. They concluded that they arose because of the use of quicklime, which is the most reactive form of limestone and was created by limestone being heated at high temperatures. This would also be the most dangerous form of limestone, however, once mixed with water it produces slaked lime or calcium hydroxide which is a slightly less reactive form which the researchers first thought was mixed with pozzolana and then used by ancient Romans. However, the team’s analysis later found that this was not the case and the method was inconsistent with their findings. Therefore, the research suggests that the Romans opted for a process called “hot mixing” which would use quicklime directly with the pozzolana and water at extremely high temperatures. “The benefits of hot mixing are twofold,” said Masic. ALSO READ | Defying odds, mother with rare heart-shaped uterus delivers 'one-in-500-million' twins He added, “First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form. Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction.” This would be in addition to the lime clasts’ self-healing abilities. According to the study, when a crack in the structure occurs it travels through these lime clasts whose reaction with water leads them to form a calcium-rich solution which seals the damage and prevents it from spreading any further. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Researchers find ancient Roman architecture’s ‘self-healing’ properties which made it survive for so long

A Russian hacking team known as Cold River targeted three nuclear research laboratories in the United States this past summer, according to internet records reviewed by Reuters and five cyber security experts.

Russian hackers reportedly targeted three U.S. nuclear research laboratories

All of us encounter scary events at some point in our lives. Some events affect us deeply and we are unable to do anything that reminds us of the traumatic event.&nbsp;Effects of excessive fear on our mind were known but it wasn't&nbsp;conclusively known where exactly these scary memories 'hide' in our brain.&nbsp;A new study carried out by researchers at University of California, Riverside has thrown light on where do these especially fearsome memories physically get stored in our brains.&nbsp;

In their study, the researchers used mice that were engineered for nerve cells that could be easily identified in case of a fear response. They also used viruses that were able to sever specific nervous connections. These connections were important for memory consolidation.&nbsp;

An electric shock was used as a fearful event for the mice. It was found that when the mice returned to the same spot after one month, they froze, indicating that they were remembering the traumatic event (electric shock). Analysis of their brains showed strengthening connections in the area of the brain known as Prefrontal Cortex (PFC). Human brain has PFC as well. This area is involved in decision making and cognitive behaviour.

When the researchers severed the nervous connection to the PFC, it was found that the mice were no longer able to recall distant traumatic event but were able to form new connections in the PFC, where memories of fearful events were being stored.

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All of us encounter scary events at some point in our lives. Some events affect us deeply and we are unable to do anything that reminds us of the traumatic event.

All of us encounter scary events at some point in our lives. Some events affect us deeply and we are unable to do anything that reminds us of the traumatic event. Effects of excessive fear on our mind were known but it wasn't conclusively known where exactly these scary memories 'hide' in our brain. A new study carried out by researchers at University of California, Riverside has thrown light on where do these especially fearsome memories physically get stored in our brains. In their study, the researchers used mice that were engineered for nerve cells that could be easily identified in case of a fear response. They also used viruses that were able to sever specific nervous connections. These connections were important for memory consolidation. An electric shock was used as a fearful event for the mice. It was found that when the mice returned to the same spot after one month, they froze, indicating that they were remembering the traumatic event (electric shock). Analysis of their brains showed strengthening connections in the area of the brain known as Prefrontal Cortex (PFC). Human brain has PFC as well. This area is involved in decision making and cognitive behaviour. When the researchers severed the nervous connection to the PFC, it was found that the mice were no longer able to recall distant traumatic event but were able to form new connections in the PFC, where memories of fearful events were being stored. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Scientists have found where scary memories 'live' in our brains

A surgical knife can detect cancer tissue in seconds, say experts. The breakthrough could save the lives of thousands of women. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas:  A knife which can detect cancer in seconds

Researchers have found what may be the first-ever “virovore” or an organism which eats viruses. The study was published last week, in the PNAS journal by scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States, which found two plankton organisms named Halteria and Paramecium, can not only feed on viruses but also thrive by consuming them.&nbsp;

According to ScienceDirect, there are several other organisms which incidentally consume viruses, to be accounted for in the food chain and be described as virovory, the consumption should contribute a significant amount of energy and nutrients to its consumer which a species of Halteria does.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hybrid-virus-capable-of-evading-immune-system-observed-for-first-time-528320">Hybrid virus capable of evading immune system observed for first time</a>

The research, which has been three years in the making, was looking to find if any microbes actively ate viruses and whether such a diet could support the physiological and population growth of a community which in this case it did.&nbsp;

The microbe in question, Halteria, is a microscopic ciliate that lives in freshwater. “They are made up of really good stuff: nucleic acids, a lot of nitrogen and phosphorous”, said John DeLong, an ecologist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who with his team made the discovery.&nbsp;

He added, “Everything should want to eat them. So many things will eat anything they can get ahold of. Surely something would have learned how to eat these really good raw materials.” As mentioned earlier, since viruses are omnipresent, they are incidentally eaten all the time, however, for this study, the researchers chose ‘chlorovirus’ which is widespread in freshwater with algae.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-sample-collection-risks-bringing-to-earth-deadly-alien-virus-heres-what-you-should-know-478730">Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know</a>

Additionally, the research also notes the different patterns of consumption between Halteria and Paramecium as the former used chlorovirus as a source of nutrients and while the latter did consume viruses it did not grow much in population.&nbsp;

Additionally, the consumption of chloroviruses could have a profound impact on the carbon cycle, “If you multiply a crude estimate of how many viruses there are, how many ciliates there are and how much water there is, it comes out to this massive amount of energy movement up the food chain,” said DeLong, reported ScienceDirect.&nbsp;

He added, “If this is happening at the scale that we think it could be, it should completely change our view on global carbon cycling.”&nbsp; 
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Researchers have found what may be the first-ever “virovore” or an organism which eats viruses. The study was published last week, in the PNAS journal by scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States, which found two plankton organisms named Halteria and Paramecium, can not only feed on viruses but also thrive by consuming them.

Researchers have found what may be the first-ever “virovore” or an organism which eats viruses. The study was published last week, in the PNAS journal by scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States, which found two plankton organisms named Halteria and Paramecium, can not only feed on viruses but also thrive by consuming them. According to ScienceDirect, there are several other organisms which incidentally consume viruses, to be accounted for in the food chain and be described as virovory, the consumption should contribute a significant amount of energy and nutrients to its consumer which a species of Halteria does. ALSO READ | Hybrid virus capable of evading immune system observed for first time The research, which has been three years in the making, was looking to find if any microbes actively ate viruses and whether such a diet could support the physiological and population growth of a community which in this case it did. The microbe in question, Halteria, is a microscopic ciliate that lives in freshwater. “They are made up of really good stuff: nucleic acids, a lot of nitrogen and phosphorous”, said John DeLong, an ecologist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who with his team made the discovery. He added, “Everything should want to eat them. So many things will eat anything they can get ahold of. Surely something would have learned how to eat these really good raw materials.” As mentioned earlier, since viruses are omnipresent, they are incidentally eaten all the time, however, for this study, the researchers chose ‘chlorovirus’ which is widespread in freshwater with algae. ALSO READ | Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know Additionally, the research also notes the different patterns of consumption between Halteria and Paramecium as the former used chlorovirus as a source of nutrients and while the latter did consume viruses it did not grow much in population. Additionally, the consumption of chloroviruses could have a profound impact on the carbon cycle, “If you multiply a crude estimate of how many viruses there are, how many ciliates there are and how much water there is, it comes out to this massive amount of energy movement up the food chain,” said DeLong, reported ScienceDirect. He added, “If this is happening at the scale that we think it could be, it should completely change our view on global carbon cycling.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Virovore’: Scientists discover an organism that eats viruses

A new study by the Queen's University Belfast has further clarified that nitrite-cured meat increases the risk of cancer. The W.H.O. has already classified processed meat as a carcinogen, but consumers continue to eat it. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: New study says processed meat increases risk of cancer

South Korean authorities on Monday reported the nation's first death from a "brain-eating amoeba". The &nbsp;Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as per Yonhap news agency confirmed that a 50-year-old Korean man who had recently returned from Thailand died from the disease.

Here's all you need to know about the "brain-eating amoeba":

<h2>What is it?</h2>

The scientific name for this brain-eating amoeba is 'Naegleria fowleri', and it is a microscopic single-celled organism found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and hot springs.

<h2>How does it infect people?</h2>

Naegleria fowleri can enter the body via infected water. This can happen when people go swimming, diving or dunk their heads in water contaminated by this amoeba.

The amoeba as per the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) travels up your nose and enters the brain cavity where it slowly destroys brain tissue and causes a rare but usually fatal infection called Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Even if people don't go swimming in the above-mentioned water bodies they can still risk infection if they use Naegleria fowleri-contaminated water to cleanse their noses and clear sinuses.

In rare instances, people have been infected by chlorine-free pool water and water parks etc.

<h2>Geographically, where is this brain-eating amoeba found?</h2>

It was first discovered in the United States in the year 1937 and the CDC warns that in warmer months of July, August and September, it may be present in any freshwater body in the US. It is not present in salt, or brackish water.

The organism mainly thrives in warm water and heat and grows best in high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) but can at times survive warmer temperatures.

<h2>How common are infections from this amoeba?</h2>

The case reported on Monday (December 26th) is South Korea's first case of the brain-eating amoeba. In the US between the period, 2012-2021 on an average zero to five cases were diagnosed annually. As of 2018, a total of 381 cases have been reported from across the world, mainly from US, India and Thailand.

<h2>Who is most vulnerable to the disease?</h2>

Mostly young boys of ages 14 years or younger. However, as per CDC, this could mainly be due to the fact that boys this age are more prone to participate in activities that leave people vulnerable to the organism and the resulting disease.

<h2>Is it contagious?</h2>

No, it isn't. An infected person cannot pass the disease on to another.

<h2>What are the symptoms of brain infection?</h2>

Common symptoms that usually start after about five days of infection include fever, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms that happen at a later stage of infection are a stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Ultimately it destroys brain tissue, causing swelling in the brain and ultimately death.

The disease progresses rapidly and generally, death happens between one to five days after the infection. In almost 97 per cent of cases, the infection turns fatal.

<h2>What are the treatment options for Naegleria fowleri?</h2>

Currently, no set treatment for the amoeba exists. This is mainly due to the rare nature of this infection. However, a number of drugs were found to be beneficial in the treatment.

While currently reported cases of this deadly amoeba are rare, as climate change and global warming heat up the planet, this heat-loving amoeba may thrive making infections common.

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South Korean authorities on Monday reported the nation's first death from a "brain-eating amoeba". The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as per Yonhap news agency confirmed that a 50-year-old Korean man who had recently returned from Thailand died from the disease.

South Korean authorities on Monday reported the nation's first death from a "brain-eating amoeba". The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as per Yonhap news agency confirmed that a 50-year-old Korean man who had recently returned from Thailand died from the disease. Here's all you need to know about the "brain-eating amoeba": What is it? The scientific name for this brain-eating amoeba is 'Naegleria fowleri', and it is a microscopic single-celled organism found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and hot springs. How does it infect people? Naegleria fowleri can enter the body via infected water. This can happen when people go swimming, diving or dunk their heads in water contaminated by this amoeba. The amoeba as per the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) travels up your nose and enters the brain cavity where it slowly destroys brain tissue and causes a rare but usually fatal infection called Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Even if people don't go swimming in the above-mentioned water bodies they can still risk infection if they use Naegleria fowleri-contaminated water to cleanse their noses and clear sinuses. In rare instances, people have been infected by chlorine-free pool water and water parks etc. Geographically, where is this brain-eating amoeba found? It was first discovered in the United States in the year 1937 and the CDC warns that in warmer months of July, August and September, it may be present in any freshwater body in the US. It is not present in salt, or brackish water. The organism mainly thrives in warm water and heat and grows best in high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) but can at times survive warmer temperatures. How common are infections from this amoeba? The case reported on Monday (December 26th) is South Korea's first case of the brain-eating amoeba. In the US between the period, 2012-2021 on an average zero to five cases were diagnosed annually. As of 2018, a total of 381 cases have been reported from across the world, mainly from US, India and Thailand. Who is most vulnerable to the disease? Mostly young boys of ages 14 years or younger. However, as per CDC, this could mainly be due to the fact that boys this age are more prone to participate in activities that leave people vulnerable to the organism and the resulting disease. Is it contagious? No, it isn't. An infected person cannot pass the disease on to another. What are the symptoms of brain infection? Common symptoms that usually start after about five days of infection include fever, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms that happen at a later stage of infection are a stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Ultimately it destroys brain tissue, causing swelling in the brain and ultimately death. The disease progresses rapidly and generally, death happens between one to five days after the infection. In almost 97 per cent of cases, the infection turns fatal. What are the treatment options for Naegleria fowleri? Currently, no set treatment for the amoeba exists. This is mainly due to the rare nature of this infection. However, a number of drugs were found to be beneficial in the treatment. While currently reported cases of this deadly amoeba are rare, as climate change and global warming heat up the planet, this heat-loving amoeba may thrive making infections common. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

S.Korea reports first death by Naegleria fowleri. Here's all you need to know about the 'brain-eating amoeba'

Researchers have found a new way to kill cancer cells by using artificial DNA which could pave the way for a cure of&nbsp;the disease in future. The existing methods of treating cancer have their limitations, however, scientists believe that RNA and DNA-based drugs could potentially help beat the deadly disease.&nbsp;The findings published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, last week, show that researchers at the University of Tokyo have used the chemically-synthesised, hairpin-shaped, cancer-killing DNA to target and kill human cervical cancer and breast cancer-derived cells. The DNA pairs were also used against malignant melanoma cells in mice.&nbsp;

The team of researchers at the University of Tokyo, led by Assistant Professor Kunihiko Morihiro and Professor Akimitsu Okamoto from the Graduate School of Engineering, indicated that they were inspired to move away from conventional anti-cancer drug treatments by using artificial DNA.&nbsp;

Notably, nucleic acids&nbsp;(namely DNA and RNA) drugs are not typically used for cancer treatment&nbsp;and have been challenging in the past given that it is difficult for them to distinguish between cancer cells and other healthy cells.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revolutionary-gene-therapy-treats-patients-incurable-cancer-gives-hope-to-others-542264">Revolutionary gene therapy treats patient's incurable cancer, gives hope to others</a>

Therefore, there has been a risk of adversely affecting the patient’s immune system if the healthy cells are accidentally attacked. “We thought that if we can create new drugs that work by a different mechanism of action from that of conventional drugs, they may be effective against cancers that have been untreatable up to now,” said Okamoto.&nbsp;

This led the team of researchers, for the first time, to develop the&nbsp;hairpin-shaped DNA strand which can activate a natural immune response to target and kill specific cancerous cells.&nbsp;

How does it work?

Cancer cells can overexpress, which means creating too many copies of a protein like RNA, DNA or other substance, causing them not to function normally and potentially contributing to cancer development. Therefore, to mitigate this growth as well as prevent it, the team from Tokyo created something called artificial oncolytic which are the aforementioned DNA pairs called oHPs.

The hairpin-shaped DNA was injected into the cancer cell, subsequently, oHPs were triggered to form longer DNA strands when they encountered microRNA called miR-21, which is overproduced in certain cancers, these molecules then began to unravel and joined together creating an immune response. Furthermore, these long chains of DNA not only killed the cancer cells, but they were also able to prevent further growth of the cancerous tissue.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-how-music-can-help-cancer-patients-547161">WION Fineprint: How music can help cancer patients</a>

Typically, oHPs don't form longer strands due to their curved hairpin shape, but in this case, the artificial oHPs were able to overcome this limitation and opened up to combine with target microRNA and form a longer strand. According to the study, this causes the immune system to recognise the presence of the overexpressed miR-21 as dangerous and trigger its innate immune response which results in the death of the cancer cells.&nbsp;

What type of cancers was it effective against?

The study found that the test was effective against overexpressed miR-21 found in human cervical cancer-derived cells, human triple-negative breast cancer-derived cells, and mouse malignant melanoma-derived cells.&nbsp;

What next?

In a statement, Okamoto said that the formation of DNA strands due to interaction between short DNA oHPs and overexpressed miR-21 are the first examples of its use as a “selective immune amplification response which can target tumour regression”. &nbsp;

The researcher also noted how the interaction found by the research team provides, “a new class of nucleic acid drug candidates with a mechanism that is completely different from known nucleic acid drugs.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/uk-couple-battling-cancer-in-pregnancy-gives-birth-to-miracle-baby-545840">UK couple, battling cancer in pregnancy, gives birth to perfectly healthy ‘miracle’ baby</a>

Furthermore, the research is expected to transform the future of medicine through the use of a similar method to treat illnesses caused by viruses and genetic diseases. However, they still have a long way to go before the method can actually be used as a treatment and made available for the general public, but the team is confident about the benefits of nucleic acids for new drug discovery.&nbsp;

“The results of this study are good news for doctors, drug discovery researchers and cancer patients, as we believe it will give them new options for drug development and medication policies. Next, we will aim for drug discovery based on the results of this research, and examine in detail the drug efficacy, toxicity and potential administration methods,” Okamoto noted.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Researchers have found a new way to kill cancer cells by using artificial DNA which could pave the way for a cure of the disease in future. The existing methods of treating cancer have their limitations, however, scientists believe that RNA and DNA-based drugs could potentially help beat the deadly disease.

Researchers have found a new way to kill cancer cells by using artificial DNA which could pave the way for a cure of the disease in future. The existing methods of treating cancer have their limitations, however, scientists believe that RNA and DNA-based drugs could potentially help beat the deadly disease. The findings published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, last week, show that researchers at the University of Tokyo have used the chemically-synthesised, hairpin-shaped, cancer-killing DNA to target and kill human cervical cancer and breast cancer-derived cells. The DNA pairs were also used against malignant melanoma cells in mice. The team of researchers at the University of Tokyo, led by Assistant Professor Kunihiko Morihiro and Professor Akimitsu Okamoto from the Graduate School of Engineering, indicated that they were inspired to move away from conventional anti-cancer drug treatments by using artificial DNA. Notably, nucleic acids (namely DNA and RNA) drugs are not typically used for cancer treatment and have been challenging in the past given that it is difficult for them to distinguish between cancer cells and other healthy cells. ALSO READ | Revolutionary gene therapy treats patient's incurable cancer, gives hope to others Therefore, there has been a risk of adversely affecting the patient’s immune system if the healthy cells are accidentally attacked. “We thought that if we can create new drugs that work by a different mechanism of action from that of conventional drugs, they may be effective against cancers that have been untreatable up to now,” said Okamoto. This led the team of researchers, for the first time, to develop the hairpin-shaped DNA strand which can activate a natural immune response to target and kill specific cancerous cells. How does it work? Cancer cells can overexpress, which means creating too many copies of a protein like RNA, DNA or other substance, causing them not to function normally and potentially contributing to cancer development. Therefore, to mitigate this growth as well as prevent it, the team from Tokyo created something called artificial oncolytic which are the aforementioned DNA pairs called oHPs. The hairpin-shaped DNA was injected into the cancer cell, subsequently, oHPs were triggered to form longer DNA strands when they encountered microRNA called miR-21, which is overproduced in certain cancers, these molecules then began to unravel and joined together creating an immune response. Furthermore, these long chains of DNA not only killed the cancer cells, but they were also able to prevent further growth of the cancerous tissue. ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint: How music can help cancer patients Typically, oHPs don't form longer strands due to their curved hairpin shape, but in this case, the artificial oHPs were able to overcome this limitation and opened up to combine with target microRNA and form a longer strand. According to the study, this causes the immune system to recognise the presence of the overexpressed miR-21 as dangerous and trigger its innate immune response which results in the death of the cancer cells. What type of cancers was it effective against? The study found that the test was effective against overexpressed miR-21 found in human cervical cancer-derived cells, human triple-negative breast cancer-derived cells, and mouse malignant melanoma-derived cells. What next? In a statement, Okamoto said that the formation of DNA strands due to interaction between short DNA oHPs and overexpressed miR-21 are the first examples of its use as a “selective immune amplification response which can target tumour regression”. The researcher also noted how the interaction found by the research team provides, “a new class of nucleic acid drug candidates with a mechanism that is completely different from known nucleic acid drugs.” ALSO READ | UK couple, battling cancer in pregnancy, gives birth to perfectly healthy ‘miracle’ baby Furthermore, the research is expected to transform the future of medicine through the use of a similar method to treat illnesses caused by viruses and genetic diseases. However, they still have a long way to go before the method can actually be used as a treatment and made available for the general public, but the team is confident about the benefits of nucleic acids for new drug discovery. “The results of this study are good news for doctors, drug discovery researchers and cancer patients, as we believe it will give them new options for drug development and medication policies. Next, we will aim for drug discovery based on the results of this research, and examine in detail the drug efficacy, toxicity and potential administration methods,” Okamoto noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: In a first, scientists use artificial DNA to kill cancer cells: Here’s what you need to know

We are well aware that foods having spiked rates of calories, fats and sugars are detrimental to our health even if their taste is very good. Despite knowing this, overeating is a common tendency among many. What triggers this tendency in the brain?

According to research published in 'The FASEB Journal', it is now known that a gene termed CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1 (CRTC1) is connected to obesity in humans. Mice lacking CRTC1 develop obesity, which suggests that CRTC1 in normal operation prevents obesity.

The precise neurons that reduce obesity and the mechanism they contain are yet unclear, though, because CRTC1 is found in all brain neurons.

To elucidate the mechanism by which CRTC1 suppresses obesity, a research group led by Associate Professor Shigenobu Matsumura from the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University focused on neurons expressing the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R).

They hypothesized that CRTC1 expression in MC4R-expressing neurons suppressed obesity because mutations in the MC4R gene are known to cause obesity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-cuddle-weather-makes-people-crave-love-546479">Cuddle weather makes people crave love</a>

Consequently, they created a strain of mice that expresses CRTC1 normally except in MC4R-expressing neurons where it is blocked to examine the effect that losing CRTC1 in those neurons had on obesity and diabetes.

When fed a standard diet, the mice without CRTC1 in MC4R-expressing neurons showed no changes in body weight compared to control mice. However, when the CRTC1-deficient mice were raised on a high-fat diet, they overate, then became significantly more obese than the control mice and developed diabetes.

“This study has revealed the role that the CRTC1 gene plays in the brain, and part of the mechanism that stops us from overeating high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods,” said Professor Matsumura. “We hope this will lead to a better understanding of what causes people to overeat.

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We are well aware that foods having spiked rates of calories, fats and sugars are detrimental to our health even if their taste is very good. Despite knowing this, overeating is a common tendency among many.

We are well aware that foods having spiked rates of calories, fats and sugars are detrimental to our health even if their taste is very good. Despite knowing this, overeating is a common tendency among many. What triggers this tendency in the brain? According to research published in 'The FASEB Journal', it is now known that a gene termed CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1 (CRTC1) is connected to obesity in humans. Mice lacking CRTC1 develop obesity, which suggests that CRTC1 in normal operation prevents obesity. The precise neurons that reduce obesity and the mechanism they contain are yet unclear, though, because CRTC1 is found in all brain neurons. To elucidate the mechanism by which CRTC1 suppresses obesity, a research group led by Associate Professor Shigenobu Matsumura from the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University focused on neurons expressing the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). They hypothesized that CRTC1 expression in MC4R-expressing neurons suppressed obesity because mutations in the MC4R gene are known to cause obesity. Also read: Cuddle weather makes people crave love Consequently, they created a strain of mice that expresses CRTC1 normally except in MC4R-expressing neurons where it is blocked to examine the effect that losing CRTC1 in those neurons had on obesity and diabetes. When fed a standard diet, the mice without CRTC1 in MC4R-expressing neurons showed no changes in body weight compared to control mice. However, when the CRTC1-deficient mice were raised on a high-fat diet, they overate, then became significantly more obese than the control mice and developed diabetes. “This study has revealed the role that the CRTC1 gene plays in the brain, and part of the mechanism that stops us from overeating high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods,” said Professor Matsumura. “We hope this will lead to a better understanding of what causes people to overeat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japanese research reveals what triggers our brain to indulge in binge-eating

Humanity's knowledge of the universe is a constant effort to reach the farthest edges of what's out "there", but the search is constantly limited by the dearth of technology that can peer into the murky depths of the far reaches of space.

The current technology we have is amazing, it can scan the sky within hours but it can only "see" the brightest sources, or focus on specific sources.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The Pillars of Creation through the eyes of NASA'S James Webb telescope

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However, China has now developed a space telescope that can do a wider and deeper x-ray of the universe.

The nation successfully tested the world's first "lobster eye" space telescope that will be able to capture x-ray images of the universe with unprecedented efficiency.

As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the device called Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy or LEIA has successfully clicked high-quality images of X-ray sources of the centre of our galaxy, the Magellanic Clouds and the Scorpius constellation. The achievement was reported in the peer-reviewed journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-insight-lander-officially-retires-ending-a-four-year-mission-545315">Mars InSight lander officially retires, ending a four-year mission</a>

The mission's chief scientist, astrophysicist &nbsp;Yuan Weimin of Beijing's National Astronomical Observatory said that his team was excited about LEIA's results and that the results have "shown that our technology works and the observation precision exceeded our expectation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/with-soyuz-ship-damaged-russia-may-send-rescue-vehicle-for-iss-crew-545886">With Soyuz spacecraft damaged, Russia may send vehicle to rescue International Space Station crew</a>

The so-called 'lobster eye' telescope gains its name from crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp who have evolved to develop a way to adapt their eyes to murky depths underwater.

LEIA's technology will reportedly be part of the Einstein Probe that is being developed by Chinese and European scientists and is scheduled to be sent into orbit late next year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Humanity's knowledge of the universe is a constant effort to reach the farthest edges of what's out "there", but the search is constantly limited by the dearth of technology that can peer into the murky depths of the far reaches of space.

Humanity's knowledge of the universe is a constant effort to reach the farthest edges of what's out "there", but the search is constantly limited by the dearth of technology that can peer into the murky depths of the far reaches of space. The current technology we have is amazing, it can scan the sky within hours but it can only "see" the brightest sources, or focus on specific sources. Watch | Gravitas: The Pillars of Creation through the eyes of NASA'S James Webb telescope However, China has now developed a space telescope that can do a wider and deeper x-ray of the universe. The nation successfully tested the world's first "lobster eye" space telescope that will be able to capture x-ray images of the universe with unprecedented efficiency. As per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the device called Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy or LEIA has successfully clicked high-quality images of X-ray sources of the centre of our galaxy, the Magellanic Clouds and the Scorpius constellation. The achievement was reported in the peer-reviewed journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters last week. Also read | Mars InSight lander officially retires, ending a four-year mission The mission's chief scientist, astrophysicist Yuan Weimin of Beijing's National Astronomical Observatory said that his team was excited about LEIA's results and that the results have "shown that our technology works and the observation precision exceeded our expectation." Also read | With Soyuz spacecraft damaged, Russia may send vehicle to rescue International Space Station crew The so-called 'lobster eye' telescope gains its name from crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp who have evolved to develop a way to adapt their eyes to murky depths underwater. LEIA's technology will reportedly be part of the Einstein Probe that is being developed by Chinese and European scientists and is scheduled to be sent into orbit late next year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China develops 'lobster eye' telescope to scan the murky depths of the universe

A new study finds a key piece of the puzzle about how human speech and language evolved to be what it is today. This comes after researchers spent decades studying non-human primates and might have found the answer in tree-dwelling apes like orangutans, rather than ground-dwelling apes (gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees).&nbsp;

Published in the Trends in Cognitive Sciences on Tuesday, the study was conducted by a researcher from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. The study found that orangutans produce consonant-like calls more often and of a greater variety than their ground-dwelling cousins, which could also be because&nbsp;humans and orangutans share at least 97 per cent of their DNA.&nbsp;

While the study attributes this to&nbsp;the orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle which has seemingly driven them to develop different vocal repertoires, with large and varied inventories of consonant-like calls. Therefore, the study also suggests that our ancestors were more tree-dwelling than previously thought.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/to-show-coolness-orangutans-like-humans-use-slang-says-study-464507">To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study &nbsp;</a>

In a statement, the author of the study and associate professor of psychology at the University of Warwick, Dr Adriano Lameira, said, “Existing theories of speech evolution have thus far, focused exclusively on the connection between primate laryngeal anatomy and human use of vowels.” He added, “This doesn’t explain, though, how voice-less, consonant-like sounds became a fundamental component of every language spoken around the globe.”&nbsp;

This is of course in reference to how all spoken languages are composed of both vowels and consonants, while the former is always produced by the larynx, a cartilaginous segment of the throat, while the latter is typically more voiceless and produced moving lips, tongue, and mandible (lower jaw).&nbsp;

Therefore, in order to understand the origins of speech and the root-cause of consonant sounds in humans, the researcher compared patterns of consonant-like vocal production in the three aforementioned major great ape lineages. Additionally, unlike most primates and similar to human languages the great ape communication also consisted of both consonant-like and vowel-like calls, said the study.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/orangutans-struggle-to-breathe-health-affected-by-toxic-haze-250413">Orangutans struggle to breathe; health affected by toxic haze</a>

“Wild gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos don’t use a huge variety of consonant-like calls…Gorillas for example, have been found to use a particular consonant-like call, but this is only prevalent in some gorilla populations and not others,” Lameria noted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, some chimpanzee populations produce one or two consonant-like calls associated with a single behaviour, like grooming, he added. &nbsp;However, these same grooming calls are uncommon in other chimpanzee populations.&nbsp;

On the other hand, wild orangutans use “consonant-like calls universally and consistently across different populations and for multiple behaviours, much like humans do with speech”, said the researcher. He also describes the orangutans’ vocal repertoire as a “rich display of smacking, clicks, kiss-sounds, splutters and raspberries.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-scarlet-fever-on-significant-rise-with-10000-new-cases-what-is-scarlet-fever-and-its-symptoms-545009">UK: Scarlet fever on 'significant rise' with 10,000 new cases, what is scarlet fever and its symptoms?</a>

The author also believes that orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle and their limitation of using at least one limb constantly to provide stability among the trees to them overtime developing “greater control over their lips, tongue and jaw and can use their mouths as a fifth hand to hold food and manoeuvre tools.”&nbsp;

He also gives an example of how arboreal-dwelling apes can peel an orange using just their lips, “so their oral neuro-motoric control is far superior to that of African apes which evolved to become an integral part of their biology”. Therefore,&nbsp;research suggests that living in trees could have been a preadaptation for&nbsp;orangutans’ consonant-like calls which eventually led to&nbsp;speech evolution in our human ancestors.&nbsp;

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A new study finds a key piece of the puzzle about how human speech and language evolved to be what it is today. This comes after researchers spent decades studying non-human primates and might have found the answer in tree-dwelling apes like orangutans, rather than ground-dwelling apes (gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees).

A new study finds a key piece of the puzzle about how human speech and language evolved to be what it is today. This comes after researchers spent decades studying non-human primates and might have found the answer in tree-dwelling apes like orangutans, rather than ground-dwelling apes (gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees). Published in the Trends in Cognitive Sciences on Tuesday, the study was conducted by a researcher from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. The study found that orangutans produce consonant-like calls more often and of a greater variety than their ground-dwelling cousins, which could also be because humans and orangutans share at least 97 per cent of their DNA. While the study attributes this to the orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle which has seemingly driven them to develop different vocal repertoires, with large and varied inventories of consonant-like calls. Therefore, the study also suggests that our ancestors were more tree-dwelling than previously thought. ALSO READ | To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study In a statement, the author of the study and associate professor of psychology at the University of Warwick, Dr Adriano Lameira, said, “Existing theories of speech evolution have thus far, focused exclusively on the connection between primate laryngeal anatomy and human use of vowels.” He added, “This doesn’t explain, though, how voice-less, consonant-like sounds became a fundamental component of every language spoken around the globe.” This is of course in reference to how all spoken languages are composed of both vowels and consonants, while the former is always produced by the larynx, a cartilaginous segment of the throat, while the latter is typically more voiceless and produced moving lips, tongue, and mandible (lower jaw). Therefore, in order to understand the origins of speech and the root-cause of consonant sounds in humans, the researcher compared patterns of consonant-like vocal production in the three aforementioned major great ape lineages. Additionally, unlike most primates and similar to human languages the great ape communication also consisted of both consonant-like and vowel-like calls, said the study. ALSO WATCH | Orangutans struggle to breathe; health affected by toxic haze “Wild gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos don’t use a huge variety of consonant-like calls…Gorillas for example, have been found to use a particular consonant-like call, but this is only prevalent in some gorilla populations and not others,” Lameria noted. Meanwhile, some chimpanzee populations produce one or two consonant-like calls associated with a single behaviour, like grooming, he added. However, these same grooming calls are uncommon in other chimpanzee populations. On the other hand, wild orangutans use “consonant-like calls universally and consistently across different populations and for multiple behaviours, much like humans do with speech”, said the researcher. He also describes the orangutans’ vocal repertoire as a “rich display of smacking, clicks, kiss-sounds, splutters and raspberries.” ALSO READ | UK: Scarlet fever on 'significant rise' with 10,000 new cases, what is scarlet fever and its symptoms? The author also believes that orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle and their limitation of using at least one limb constantly to provide stability among the trees to them overtime developing “greater control over their lips, tongue and jaw and can use their mouths as a fifth hand to hold food and manoeuvre tools.” He also gives an example of how arboreal-dwelling apes can peel an orange using just their lips, “so their oral neuro-motoric control is far superior to that of African apes which evolved to become an integral part of their biology”. Therefore, research suggests that living in trees could have been a preadaptation for orangutans’ consonant-like calls which eventually led to speech evolution in our human ancestors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Study finds evolution of human speech by studying orangutan communication

The UK has conducted a one-of-its-kind surgery using stem cells from a placenta bank. The operation was conducted on a baby who was born with a congenital heart defect. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: World-first stem cell surgery saves baby's life

Researchers are now hoping for a new treatment of Ketamine and Psychological therapy to help people overcome alcoholism.&nbsp;

To explore the use of ketamine in treating alcohol, researchers are set to lay out a phase three trial worth $2.8 million (£2.4 million), the Guardian reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/at-what-age-you-should-start-taking-care-of-your-heart-heres-what-experts-have-to-say-520972">Also read |&nbsp;At what age you should start taking care of your heart? Here's what experts have to say</a>

The team known as Ketamine for Reduction of Alcohol Relapse (Kare) has previously completed a similar concept which stated that individuals with alcohol disorders given ketamine and therapy together were more likely to remain abstinent than those given a placebo.&nbsp;

Team lead, Prof Celia Morgan said that people with alcohol problems can find difficulty in engaging with psychological interventions which Ketamine would help.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;All alcohol beverages increase cancer risk, study confirms

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The new trial will take place at seven NHS units in the UK and is expected to test 280 patients with severe alcohol disorders.&nbsp;

Participants will be divided into two groups. The first group will be given a 0.01 mg/kg dose of Ketamine and the other group will have 0.08 mg/kg with seven psychological&nbsp;therapy sessions for each group for three to six months.&nbsp;

Morgan said that it will provide proof for their concept study. Their alcohol intakes will be measured through self-report, smartphone-mounted breathalysers and wearable devices.&nbsp;

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Researchers are now hoping for a new treatment of Ketamine and Psychological therapy to help people overcome alcoholism. To explore the use of ketamine in treating alcohol, researchers are set to lay out a phase three trial worth $2.

Researchers are now hoping for a new treatment of Ketamine and Psychological therapy to help people overcome alcoholism. To explore the use of ketamine in treating alcohol, researchers are set to lay out a phase three trial worth $2.8 million (£2.4 million), the Guardian reported. Also read | At what age you should start taking care of your heart? Here's what experts have to say The team known as Ketamine for Reduction of Alcohol Relapse (Kare) has previously completed a similar concept which stated that individuals with alcohol disorders given ketamine and therapy together were more likely to remain abstinent than those given a placebo. Team lead, Prof Celia Morgan said that people with alcohol problems can find difficulty in engaging with psychological interventions which Ketamine would help. Watch | All alcohol beverages increase cancer risk, study confirms The new trial will take place at seven NHS units in the UK and is expected to test 280 patients with severe alcohol disorders. Participants will be divided into two groups. The first group will be given a 0.01 mg/kg dose of Ketamine and the other group will have 0.08 mg/kg with seven psychological therapy sessions for each group for three to six months. Morgan said that it will provide proof for their concept study. Their alcohol intakes will be measured through self-report, smartphone-mounted breathalysers and wearable devices. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Researchers say Ketamine with psychological therapies will help treat alcoholism, trial underway 

The entire DNA of 100,000 newborns is to be sequenced as a part of a 105 million pound ($128.7 million) research programme in England, paving the way for better diagnosis and early treatment for rare genetic conditions. The government-funded research will be the first time that whole genome sequencing (WGS) would be offered to healthy babies.&nbsp;

The research led by Genomics England with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) may also be the biggest of its kind. In addition to the current heel prick blood test which looks for nine rare disorders which include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, the project will analyse the full DNA of the baby as well as the parents if required.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-nurses-in-uk-to-go-on-strike-for-first-time-in-history-532972">Thousands of nurses in UK to go on strike for the first time ever in history</a>

The Newborn Genomes Programme will begin next year to check the feasibility of the test and if successful could be rolled out across the country for diagnosing conditions that affect thousands of newborn babies each year. The research would look at genes which are known to connect around 200 rare diseases which begin within five years of life, however, adult-onset illnesses will not be assessed.&nbsp;

Notably, there are 7,000 single gene disorders most of which develop in early childhood. The Department of Health and Social Care, on Tuesday, said the programme is a part of the 175 million pound boost to “cutting-edge genomics research” out of which at least 26 million pounds is also allocated to improving the accuracy and speed of cancer diagnoses.&nbsp;

“Our goal in the Newborn Genomes Programme is to do more for the thousands of children born every year in the UK with a treatable genetic condition,” said Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Genomics England, Dr Rich Scott. He added, “We want to be able to say to parents that we’ve done the best we can to identify and do something about these life-changing illnesses, in a timely way before the damage these conditions can cause has been done.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-medical-students-train-with-life-like-holographic-patients-in-the-world-first-492635">WATCH | UK medical students train with life-like holographic patients in world-first</a>

Meanwhile, echoing a similar sentiment, the clinical advisor for the programme David Bick said “We can prevent a condition which if it arises could damage a child permanently and take years to sort out…For the families this is enormously important and very gratifying.” He also noted that some of these conditions can be treated much more easily and effectively if caught early to improve health as well as save the NHS money.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The entire DNA of 100,000 newborns is to be sequenced as a part of a 105 million pound ($128.7 million) research programme in England, paving the way for better diagnosis and early treatment for rare genetic conditions.

The entire DNA of 100,000 newborns is to be sequenced as a part of a 105 million pound ($128.7 million) research programme in England, paving the way for better diagnosis and early treatment for rare genetic conditions. The government-funded research will be the first time that whole genome sequencing (WGS) would be offered to healthy babies. The research led by Genomics England with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) may also be the biggest of its kind. In addition to the current heel prick blood test which looks for nine rare disorders which include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, the project will analyse the full DNA of the baby as well as the parents if required. ALSO READ: Thousands of nurses in UK to go on strike for the first time ever in history The Newborn Genomes Programme will begin next year to check the feasibility of the test and if successful could be rolled out across the country for diagnosing conditions that affect thousands of newborn babies each year. The research would look at genes which are known to connect around 200 rare diseases which begin within five years of life, however, adult-onset illnesses will not be assessed. Notably, there are 7,000 single gene disorders most of which develop in early childhood. The Department of Health and Social Care, on Tuesday, said the programme is a part of the 175 million pound boost to “cutting-edge genomics research” out of which at least 26 million pounds is also allocated to improving the accuracy and speed of cancer diagnoses. “Our goal in the Newborn Genomes Programme is to do more for the thousands of children born every year in the UK with a treatable genetic condition,” said Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Genomics England, Dr Rich Scott. He added, “We want to be able to say to parents that we’ve done the best we can to identify and do something about these life-changing illnesses, in a timely way before the damage these conditions can cause has been done.” ALSO READ: WATCH | UK medical students train with life-like holographic patients in world-first Meanwhile, echoing a similar sentiment, the clinical advisor for the programme David Bick said “We can prevent a condition which if it arises could damage a child permanently and take years to sort out…For the families this is enormously important and very gratifying.” He also noted that some of these conditions can be treated much more easily and effectively if caught early to improve health as well as save the NHS money. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: DNA of 100,000 babies to be sequenced for identification of rare genetic conditions

A new study suggests that learning a musical instrument like the piano may help people deal with mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety.&nbsp;A research by the University of Bath had 31 adults participate in a randomised control study. They were divided into either a music training, music listening, or control group.

As per a PTI report, people who had no prior musical instruction or expertise were told to complete weekly one-hour sessions. The control group either listened to music or used the time to accomplish schoolwork while the intervention groups engaged in musical activity.

Dr Karin Petrini of the University of Bath, one of the authors, said, "We know that playing and listening to music often brings joy to our lives, but with this study we were interested in learning more about the direct effects a short period of music learning can have on our cognitive abilities."

Each music training session had two portions. Finger exercises took up the first 20 minutes of the programme.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jaw-dropping-study-of-toothed-bird-fossil-leads-to-insight-into-structure-of-birds-beaks-539103">Jaw-dropping: Study of toothed bird fossil leads to insight into structure of birds' beaks</a>

For the second part, students spent 40 minutes studying songs from the ABRSM piano grade one test list for the 2017–2018 academic year. Each training session was conducted in a one-on-one setting.

These compositions were taught to participants in the following order: William Gillock A Stately Sarabande, Classic Piano Repertoire (Elementary), Johann Christian Bach Aria in F, BWV Anh. II 131, Giuseppe Verdi La donna è mobile (from Rigoletto), Bryan Kelly Gypsy Song: No. 6 from A Baker's Dozen and, finally the traditional American folk song, 'When the saints go marching in', said the PTI report.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/experimental-drug-slows-down-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers-patients-heres-what-you-need-to-know-538818">Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know</a>

Once they were able to play the previous song accurately and fluidly, they moved on to the next one.

According to Petrini, the results of the study indicate that this has a considerable, favourable impact on how the brain interprets audio-visual information even in adulthood when brain plasticity is decreased.

Therefore, the authors speculate that learning music might be helpful for those who are struggling with mental health issues. However, additional research is needed to verify this.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new study suggests that learning a musical instrument like the piano may help people deal with mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety. A research by the University of Bath had 31 adults participate in a randomised control study.

A new study suggests that learning a musical instrument like the piano may help people deal with mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety. A research by the University of Bath had 31 adults participate in a randomised control study. They were divided into either a music training, music listening, or control group. As per a PTI report, people who had no prior musical instruction or expertise were told to complete weekly one-hour sessions. The control group either listened to music or used the time to accomplish schoolwork while the intervention groups engaged in musical activity. Dr Karin Petrini of the University of Bath, one of the authors, said, "We know that playing and listening to music often brings joy to our lives, but with this study we were interested in learning more about the direct effects a short period of music learning can have on our cognitive abilities." Each music training session had two portions. Finger exercises took up the first 20 minutes of the programme. Also read | Jaw-dropping: Study of toothed bird fossil leads to insight into structure of birds' beaks For the second part, students spent 40 minutes studying songs from the ABRSM piano grade one test list for the 2017–2018 academic year. Each training session was conducted in a one-on-one setting. These compositions were taught to participants in the following order: William Gillock A Stately Sarabande, Classic Piano Repertoire (Elementary), Johann Christian Bach Aria in F, BWV Anh. II 131, Giuseppe Verdi La donna è mobile (from Rigoletto), Bryan Kelly Gypsy Song: No. 6 from A Baker's Dozen and, finally the traditional American folk song, 'When the saints go marching in', said the PTI report. Also read | Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know Once they were able to play the previous song accurately and fluidly, they moved on to the next one. According to Petrini, the results of the study indicate that this has a considerable, favourable impact on how the brain interprets audio-visual information even in adulthood when brain plasticity is decreased. Therefore, the authors speculate that learning music might be helpful for those who are struggling with mental health issues. However, additional research is needed to verify this. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Playing piano may help deal with mental health issues, overcome depression: Study

Whether it's editorial leadership or role&nbsp;in news coverage, women continue to be severely under-represented in the media industry and taking the brunt of this are women of colour, shows a new report.&nbsp;The report titled 'From Outrage to Opportunity: How to Include the Missing Perspectives of Women of All Colors in News Leadership and Coverage' says that the media industry is persistently dominated by men and "While women in news have it hard, women of colour have it even harder."

"Women are significantly under-represented in editorial leadership roles and news coverage and their voices remain muted in a global news industry still dominated by men. However, substantive opportunities to reshape the status quo are emerging."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-inequality-has-cost-world-usd-70-trillion-since-1990-report-finds-368469">Gender inequality has cost world USD 70 trillion since 1990, report finds</a>

The report authored by Luba Kassova had been commissioned by the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation and it "examines the harsh realities facing women of all colours in news leadership and coverage" in six countries: India, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, UK, and the USA.

It found that only one in four or 26 per cent of editors-in-chief across the six counties are women. The figure has fallen from the global average more than a decade ago. Additionally, for every woman, there are between two to 12 male editors-in-chief.&nbsp;

The proportion of female editors-in-chief is highest in South Africa and the UK at 37 per cent and lowest in India:&nbsp;11 per cent nationally and 8 per cent regionally). In the US the figure stands at 35 per cent, while for Nigeria, and Kenya, they are 18 per cent, and 19 per cent respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unesco-reports-persistent-gender-bias-in-cultural-creative-industries-389608">UNESCO reports persistent gender bias in cultural, creative industries</a>

Even in high-profile beats like politics, business, foreign affairs, and health the disparity is still there. In health five out of six nations have achieved gender parity, while in business beat only one in every three senior editors is a woman. For politics beat this figure stands at one in every four.

In the UK, no women of colour occupied the most senior editorial decision-making positions in the key high-profile news beats of politics, foreign affairs, and health.

The lack of representation as per the report means that a lot of important stories are being missed. There's a lack of gender angles and low perceived importance of gender stories.&nbsp; Additionally, the perspective of people of colour and micro (human) stories within big political, economic, or health stories are often missed out. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-the-pronoun-punch-why-hostility-against-gender-neutral-identity-433028">The Pronoun punch: Why hostility against gender-neutral identity?</a>

A dominos effect of this disparity is the declining news consumption of women; the report pegs it at about 11-12 per cent lower than men's.

The author Kassova writes that "organisations and leaders often expect to identify a silver bullet, a quick fix that can&nbsp;solve the problem. The truth is: there is no silver bullet". The report instead suggests a series of changes at various news levels like organizational, leadership, and sector levels that can help deal with the issue.

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Whether it's editorial leadership or role in news coverage, women continue to be severely under-represented in the media industry and taking the brunt of this are women of colour, shows a new report.

Whether it's editorial leadership or role in news coverage, women continue to be severely under-represented in the media industry and taking the brunt of this are women of colour, shows a new report. The report titled 'From Outrage to Opportunity: How to Include the Missing Perspectives of Women of All Colors in News Leadership and Coverage' says that the media industry is persistently dominated by men and "While women in news have it hard, women of colour have it even harder." "Women are significantly under-represented in editorial leadership roles and news coverage and their voices remain muted in a global news industry still dominated by men. However, substantive opportunities to reshape the status quo are emerging." Watch | Gender inequality has cost world USD 70 trillion since 1990, report finds The report authored by Luba Kassova had been commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and it "examines the harsh realities facing women of all colours in news leadership and coverage" in six countries: India, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, UK, and the USA. It found that only one in four or 26 per cent of editors-in-chief across the six counties are women. The figure has fallen from the global average more than a decade ago. Additionally, for every woman, there are between two to 12 male editors-in-chief. The proportion of female editors-in-chief is highest in South Africa and the UK at 37 per cent and lowest in India: 11 per cent nationally and 8 per cent regionally). In the US the figure stands at 35 per cent, while for Nigeria, and Kenya, they are 18 per cent, and 19 per cent respectively. Also read | UNESCO reports persistent gender bias in cultural, creative industries Even in high-profile beats like politics, business, foreign affairs, and health the disparity is still there. In health five out of six nations have achieved gender parity, while in business beat only one in every three senior editors is a woman. For politics beat this figure stands at one in every four. In the UK, no women of colour occupied the most senior editorial decision-making positions in the key high-profile news beats of politics, foreign affairs, and health. The lack of representation as per the report means that a lot of important stories are being missed. There's a lack of gender angles and low perceived importance of gender stories. Additionally, the perspective of people of colour and micro (human) stories within big political, economic, or health stories are often missed out. Also read | The Pronoun punch: Why hostility against gender-neutral identity? A dominos effect of this disparity is the declining news consumption of women; the report pegs it at about 11-12 per cent lower than men's. The author Kassova writes that "organisations and leaders often expect to identify a silver bullet, a quick fix that can solve the problem. The truth is: there is no silver bullet". The report instead suggests a series of changes at various news levels like organizational, leadership, and sector levels that can help deal with the issue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gender disparity in news: Women, especially of colour, grossly under-represented in leadership and coverage

Chinese researchers have discovered that having better developed frontal lobes keeps certain people's minds sharp as they age and may have evolved naturally over the course of human development. Their study focused on the differences between the brains of older adults with outstanding cognitive function and those with modest cognitive impairment (MCI).

The study, which was released on November 11 in the peer-reviewed Chinese journal Science Bulletin, found that people with mild cognitive impairment showed structural deterioration in one area of the brain, the temporal region, while those with successful cognitive ageing (SCA) had a better preserved brain structure in the frontal region, as reported by the South China Morning Post.&nbsp;

Processing auditory data and maintaining memory are two of the key functions of the temporal lobes. The researchers found a connection between structural anomalies in the area and pathological cognitive ageing and its accompanying disorders, such dementia.

The study included three groups of older adults, aged between 70 and 88: 66 cognitively healthy controls, 68 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 64 people who successfully age cognitively.

The different forms of brain tissue were evaluated, and the characteristics of the three groups' grey matter volume, grey matter networks, and white matter networks were compared.

The main purpose of grey matter, which is made up mostly of neuronal cell bodies, is to process information in the brain. Axons that make up the majority of white matter are used to conduct and deliver nerve impulses to different parts of the brain and spinal cord.

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Chinese researchers have discovered that having better developed frontal lobes keeps certain people's minds sharp as they age and may have evolved naturally over the course of human development.

Chinese researchers have discovered that having better developed frontal lobes keeps certain people's minds sharp as they age and may have evolved naturally over the course of human development. Their study focused on the differences between the brains of older adults with outstanding cognitive function and those with modest cognitive impairment (MCI). The study, which was released on November 11 in the peer-reviewed Chinese journal Science Bulletin, found that people with mild cognitive impairment showed structural deterioration in one area of the brain, the temporal region, while those with successful cognitive ageing (SCA) had a better preserved brain structure in the frontal region, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Processing auditory data and maintaining memory are two of the key functions of the temporal lobes. The researchers found a connection between structural anomalies in the area and pathological cognitive ageing and its accompanying disorders, such dementia. The study included three groups of older adults, aged between 70 and 88: 66 cognitively healthy controls, 68 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 64 people who successfully age cognitively. The different forms of brain tissue were evaluated, and the characteristics of the three groups' grey matter volume, grey matter networks, and white matter networks were compared. The main purpose of grey matter, which is made up mostly of neuronal cell bodies, is to process information in the brain. Axons that make up the majority of white matter are used to conduct and deliver nerve impulses to different parts of the brain and spinal cord. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese brain research uncovers evolutionary tip for maintaining mental sharpness in old age

It is only a recent development that weed has been made legal in different parts of the world. Habitual users and marijuana connoisseurs have long claimed that the recreational drug is far less harmful than the tobacco products you can obtain easily. However, a new study has revealed that compared to cigarettes, the drug may be tougher on the lungs.

The co-author of the study, Dr Giselle Revah, a cardiothoracic radiologist and assistant professor at the Canada's University of Ottawa, says there isn't much research into marijuana's impact due to the fact that weed wasn't legal until recently.

Watch |&nbsp;'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages?

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She added that this study is "sort of just the opening" and that she wants people "to be aware that it may cause problems."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-first-evidence-of-cooking-which-maybe-over-600000-years-earlier-than-previously-thought-534508" hreflang="en">Study shows first evidence of cooking which maybe over 600,000 years earlier than previously thought</a>

Revah said that the fact that you can judge if a person is a longtime or heavy cigarette smoker just by looking at their CT scan, made her wonder if marijuana which is commonly the second most smoked substance will show similar results.

However, she was surprised to discover that not much information exists on this.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chimpanzees-show-objects-to-others-just-like-humans-to-simply-grab-attention-study-534256" hreflang="en">Chimpanzees show objects to others, just like humans to simply grab attention: Study</a>

The study included more than 100 people, including those who smoked weed, cigarettes and even some non-smokers. Of these, 56 marijuana smokers some of which also smoked tobacco, 33 who only smoked tobacco and 57 non-smokers.

It was discovered that of the weed smokers 75 per cent had emphysema, a lung condition that causes shortness of breath, while the figure was less at 67 per cent for tobacco-only smokers and just five per cent for non-smokers.

"The main message is that it may not be as safe as people think it is, and we need more information," said Revah as per US news.

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It is only a recent development that weed has been made legal in different parts of the world. Habitual users and marijuana connoisseurs have long claimed that the recreational drug is far less harmful than the tobacco products you can obtain easily.

It is only a recent development that weed has been made legal in different parts of the world. Habitual users and marijuana connoisseurs have long claimed that the recreational drug is far less harmful than the tobacco products you can obtain easily. However, a new study has revealed that compared to cigarettes, the drug may be tougher on the lungs. The co-author of the study, Dr Giselle Revah, a cardiothoracic radiologist and assistant professor at the Canada's University of Ottawa, says there isn't much research into marijuana's impact due to the fact that weed wasn't legal until recently. Watch | 'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages? She added that this study is "sort of just the opening" and that she wants people "to be aware that it may cause problems." Also read | Study shows first evidence of cooking which maybe over 600,000 years earlier than previously thought Revah said that the fact that you can judge if a person is a longtime or heavy cigarette smoker just by looking at their CT scan, made her wonder if marijuana which is commonly the second most smoked substance will show similar results. However, she was surprised to discover that not much information exists on this. Also read | Chimpanzees show objects to others, just like humans to simply grab attention: Study The study included more than 100 people, including those who smoked weed, cigarettes and even some non-smokers. Of these, 56 marijuana smokers some of which also smoked tobacco, 33 who only smoked tobacco and 57 non-smokers. It was discovered that of the weed smokers 75 per cent had emphysema, a lung condition that causes shortness of breath, while the figure was less at 67 per cent for tobacco-only smokers and just five per cent for non-smokers. "The main message is that it may not be as safe as people think it is, and we need more information," said Revah as per US news. With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Smoking weed is more harmful to your lungs than smoking cigarettes, finds study

A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs). The damage can be a result of attending loud music venues and the use of headphones, earphones and earbuds.&nbsp;

The study looked at individuals aged 12-34 years and estimates that at least 24 per cent are listening to music on their PLDs at an “unsafe level”. The international team of researchers also called for governments across the world to “prioritise policy focused on safe listening” habits to promote hearing loss prevention. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-has-the-pandemic-led-to-a-cancer-epidemic-in-europe-534722">Has the repurposing of health services during pandemic led to a 'cancer epidemic' in Europe?</a>

Furthermore, it suggests that young people in particular are vulnerable due to the use of such devices and attending loud music venues, amid poor regulations. “Recurrent or even single instances of unsafe listening may cause physiological damage to the auditory system, presenting as transient or permanent tinnitus and/or changes to hearing,” said the researchers.&nbsp;

The damage from unsafe listening practices can lead to a lifetime impairment, while noise exposure earlier in life may make people more vulnerable to age-related hearing loss, they added. The study led by researchers from the University of South Carolina in the United States, citing World Health Organisation statistics, says that an estimated 430 million people across the world currently have a disabling hearing loss.&nbsp;

Previous studies suggest that PLD users often keep the volume as high as 105 decibels (dB) while the average range of loud music venues ranges from 104 to 112 dB, which exceeds the permissible sound levels which are 80 dB for adults and 75 dB for children.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/toro-jubilo-fiesta-or-grotesque-tradition-from-the-stone-ages-534702">'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages?&nbsp;</a>

Researchers for this study analysed 33 existing studies with more than 19,000 people based on personal listening devices as well as venues with loud music that took place between the years 2000 and 2021. Furthermore, they used the data from a total of 35 records out of which 17 focused on PLD while 18 focused on entertainment venues.&nbsp;

They estimated that at least 23 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of “minors” studied were exposed to excessive noise. Therefore, the report projects that at least, 0.67 billion to 1.35 billion teenagers and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, the authors said that they did not account for the demographic factors and the policies implemented in some countries for safe listening.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs).

A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs). The damage can be a result of attending loud music venues and the use of headphones, earphones and earbuds. The study looked at individuals aged 12-34 years and estimates that at least 24 per cent are listening to music on their PLDs at an “unsafe level”. The international team of researchers also called for governments across the world to “prioritise policy focused on safe listening” habits to promote hearing loss prevention. ALSO READ: Has the repurposing of health services during pandemic led to a 'cancer epidemic' in Europe? Furthermore, it suggests that young people in particular are vulnerable due to the use of such devices and attending loud music venues, amid poor regulations. “Recurrent or even single instances of unsafe listening may cause physiological damage to the auditory system, presenting as transient or permanent tinnitus and/or changes to hearing,” said the researchers. The damage from unsafe listening practices can lead to a lifetime impairment, while noise exposure earlier in life may make people more vulnerable to age-related hearing loss, they added. The study led by researchers from the University of South Carolina in the United States, citing World Health Organisation statistics, says that an estimated 430 million people across the world currently have a disabling hearing loss. Previous studies suggest that PLD users often keep the volume as high as 105 decibels (dB) while the average range of loud music venues ranges from 104 to 112 dB, which exceeds the permissible sound levels which are 80 dB for adults and 75 dB for children. ALSO WATCH: 'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages? Researchers for this study analysed 33 existing studies with more than 19,000 people based on personal listening devices as well as venues with loud music that took place between the years 2000 and 2021. Furthermore, they used the data from a total of 35 records out of which 17 focused on PLD while 18 focused on entertainment venues. They estimated that at least 23 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of “minors” studied were exposed to excessive noise. Therefore, the report projects that at least, 0.67 billion to 1.35 billion teenagers and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, the authors said that they did not account for the demographic factors and the policies implemented in some countries for safe listening. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

More than one billion young people are at risk of losing their hearing due to loud music: Study

Burning, drifting, and being devoured by insects, Canada’s Boreal forest is shrinking and climate change is to blame.

Second&nbsp;only to the South American Amazon forest, the Boreal forest is vital to ensuring the future of planet Earth, reports AFP.&nbsp;The forest which encircles the arctic and stretches across Canada, Scandinavia, Russia and Alaska has in recent times been weakened by forest fires, the melting of permafrost, an insect infestation, warming temperatures and drifting trees.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Next pandemic to come from melting glaciers? New virus threat as Arctic melts

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As per AFP experts have categorically warned that “the forest is encroaching on the tundra, and the prairies are slowly taking the place of the trees.”

With the rising temperatures “drunken trees” have become a common phenomenon; trees are tilted sideways due to the melting permafrost. Eventually, the soil will completely erode and the fauna will tumble down.

Edmonton-based researcher for the natural resources ministry warns "You have the potential for large shifts," adding that some areas might be flooded and even lose forests, which can eventually turn into bogs or swamps, and lakes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-effect-snow-white-alps-turning-green-says-study-after-analysing-satellite-data-484609">Climate change effect: ‘Snow-white' Alps turning green, says study after analysing satellite data</a>

The degradation of permafrost is behind this “buckling and sinking”, ground which for the past two years has remained frozen is thawing.

With it, bacteria are eating away at the biomass collected over thousands of years, generating carbon, and methane emissions which are then contributing to the acceleration of global warming.

Data collected by Global Forest Watch, the World Resources Institute, and the University of Maryland also revealed that extreme heat waves are five times more likely today than 150 years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-climate-change-will-impact-the-worlds-regions-differently-457772">How climate change will impact the world's regions differently</a>

The higher temperatures have also brought on another problem: insect infestations, which are quickly eating away at the trees.

Fauna, already weakened by the droughts brought on by heatwaves struggle to fend off bugs that exploit the longer summers and warmer winters.

Scientists as per AFP say that for now there’s still hope for the ecosystem's continued resilience, even as they ponder whether the forest’s “tipping point”, a threshold after which emissions will be inevitable and changes to the ecosystem irreversible is approaching.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Burning, drifting, and being devoured by insects, Canada’s Boreal forest is shrinking and climate change is to blame. Second only to the South American Amazon forest, the Boreal forest is vital to ensuring the future of planet Earth, reports AFP.

Burning, drifting, and being devoured by insects, Canada’s Boreal forest is shrinking and climate change is to blame. Second only to the South American Amazon forest, the Boreal forest is vital to ensuring the future of planet Earth, reports AFP. The forest which encircles the arctic and stretches across Canada, Scandinavia, Russia and Alaska has in recent times been weakened by forest fires, the melting of permafrost, an insect infestation, warming temperatures and drifting trees. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Next pandemic to come from melting glaciers? New virus threat as Arctic melts As per AFP experts have categorically warned that “the forest is encroaching on the tundra, and the prairies are slowly taking the place of the trees.” With the rising temperatures “drunken trees” have become a common phenomenon; trees are tilted sideways due to the melting permafrost. Eventually, the soil will completely erode and the fauna will tumble down. Edmonton-based researcher for the natural resources ministry warns "You have the potential for large shifts," adding that some areas might be flooded and even lose forests, which can eventually turn into bogs or swamps, and lakes. Also read | Climate change effect: ‘Snow-white' Alps turning green, says study after analysing satellite data The degradation of permafrost is behind this “buckling and sinking”, ground which for the past two years has remained frozen is thawing. With it, bacteria are eating away at the biomass collected over thousands of years, generating carbon, and methane emissions which are then contributing to the acceleration of global warming. Data collected by Global Forest Watch, the World Resources Institute, and the University of Maryland also revealed that extreme heat waves are five times more likely today than 150 years ago. Also read | How climate change will impact the world's regions differently The higher temperatures have also brought on another problem: insect infestations, which are quickly eating away at the trees. Fauna, already weakened by the droughts brought on by heatwaves struggle to fend off bugs that exploit the longer summers and warmer winters. Scientists as per AFP say that for now there’s still hope for the ecosystem's continued resilience, even as they ponder whether the forest’s “tipping point”, a threshold after which emissions will be inevitable and changes to the ecosystem irreversible is approaching. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Global warming slowly devastating Boreal forest a.k.a. Earth's second lung

A study published on Friday shows that a skill which was previously thought to be unique to humans, finding rhythmic beats irresistible, was observed in rats also and how they too instinctively bop their heads to music.&nbsp;

The paper titled&nbsp;“Spontaneous beat synchronisation in rats: Neural dynamics and motor entrainment”&nbsp;also offers further insight into not only the animal mind but the origins of our own dance and music, said the researchers. Furthermore, the study published in the journal Science Advances also demonstrates the innate beat synchronisation in animals for the first time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rats-replace-mice-as-main-vermin-in-edinburgh-as-strike-by-refuse-workers-drags-on-511176">Rats replace mice as main vermin in Edinburgh as strike by refuse workers drags on</a>

“Rats displayed innate – that is, without any training or prior exposure to music – beat synchronisation most distinctly within 120-140 bpm (beats per minute), to which humans also exhibit the clearest beat synchronisation,” said Dr Hirokazu Takahashi of the University of Tokyo.

He added, since the auditory cortex, the region of our brain that processes sound, is also within this range of bpm they were able to explain the phenomenon using their “mathematical model of brain adaptation.” He also went on to explain, “Music exerts a strong appeal to the brain and has profound effects on emotion and cognition.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rats-with-backpacks-could-help-rescue-earthquake-survivors-trapped-under-debris-528423">Rats with backpacks could help rescue earthquake survivors trapped under debris</a>

The researchers studied the patterns of 10 rats who were fitted with wireless, miniature accelerometers, which could measure the slightest head movements. Additionally, they also looked at 20 human participants who also wore accelerometers on headphones. They then played one-minute excerpts from Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448, at four different tempos: 75 per cent, 100 per cent, 200 per cent and 400 per cent of the original speed.

They found that while the original tempo is 132 bpm the rats’ beat synchronicity was clearest within the 120-140 bpm range and that both rats and human subjects moved their heads to the beat in a similar rhythm. Notably, the scientists also observed that the level of head jerking decreased when the speed of the music increased.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-successfully-implanted-and-integrated-human-brain-cells-into-newborn-rats-525434">Scientists have successfully implanted and integrated human brain cells into newborn rats</a>

Takahashi said, “Our results suggest that the optimal tempo for beat synchronisation depends on the time constant in the brain. This demonstrates that the animal brain can be useful in elucidating the perceptual mechanisms of music.” Moving forward the team also wants to look at how “other musical properties such as melody and harmony relate to the dynamics of the brain”, he added.

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A study published on Friday shows that a skill which was previously thought to be unique to humans, finding rhythmic beats irresistible, was observed in rats also and how they too instinctively bop their heads to music.

A study published on Friday shows that a skill which was previously thought to be unique to humans, finding rhythmic beats irresistible, was observed in rats also and how they too instinctively bop their heads to music. The paper titled “Spontaneous beat synchronisation in rats: Neural dynamics and motor entrainment” also offers further insight into not only the animal mind but the origins of our own dance and music, said the researchers. Furthermore, the study published in the journal Science Advances also demonstrates the innate beat synchronisation in animals for the first time. ALSO READ: Rats replace mice as main vermin in Edinburgh as strike by refuse workers drags on “Rats displayed innate – that is, without any training or prior exposure to music – beat synchronisation most distinctly within 120-140 bpm (beats per minute), to which humans also exhibit the clearest beat synchronisation,” said Dr Hirokazu Takahashi of the University of Tokyo. He added, since the auditory cortex, the region of our brain that processes sound, is also within this range of bpm they were able to explain the phenomenon using their “mathematical model of brain adaptation.” He also went on to explain, “Music exerts a strong appeal to the brain and has profound effects on emotion and cognition.” ALSO WATCH: Rats with backpacks could help rescue earthquake survivors trapped under debris The researchers studied the patterns of 10 rats who were fitted with wireless, miniature accelerometers, which could measure the slightest head movements. Additionally, they also looked at 20 human participants who also wore accelerometers on headphones. They then played one-minute excerpts from Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448, at four different tempos: 75 per cent, 100 per cent, 200 per cent and 400 per cent of the original speed. They found that while the original tempo is 132 bpm the rats’ beat synchronicity was clearest within the 120-140 bpm range and that both rats and human subjects moved their heads to the beat in a similar rhythm. Notably, the scientists also observed that the level of head jerking decreased when the speed of the music increased. ALSO READ: Scientists have successfully implanted and integrated human brain cells into newborn rats Takahashi said, “Our results suggest that the optimal tempo for beat synchronisation depends on the time constant in the brain. This demonstrates that the animal brain can be useful in elucidating the perceptual mechanisms of music.” Moving forward the team also wants to look at how “other musical properties such as melody and harmony relate to the dynamics of the brain”, he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Can't resist moving to a good beat? A new study shows rats cannot either

A study published on Wednesday shows that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) worked just as well as a standard drug prescribed for treating anxiety in people. The results were based on the daily use of a popular mindfulness programme by the participants while others were given a generic drug sold under the brand name Lexapro commonly used for treating anxiety and depression.&nbsp;

Anxiety disorders are quite common as well as highly distressing and can disrupt a person’s day-to-day life, the various types of disorders include social and generalised anxiety and panic attacks. On the other hand, mindfulness refers to a type of meditation which asks a person to focus only on the present moment and dismiss any and all intrusive thoughts. &nbsp;

The mindfulness programme included two and a half hours of classes every week and daily practising at home for at least 45 minutes, said the study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/listening-to-birds-can-reduce-stress-and-anxiety-in-humans-study-525624">Listening to birdsongs can help alleviate stress and anxiety in humans: Study</a>

According to Elizabeth Hoge, lead author and director of Georgetown University’s anxiety disorders research programme, practising mindfulness over time, “changes the relationship people have with their own thoughts when not meditating.”&nbsp;

The lead also spoke about how this study is the first of its kind, as previous studies have proven that mindfulness helps people deal with anxiety, depression and other mental woes better than no treatment at all. But this research uses mindfulness against a psychiatric drug to draw a direct comparison, said Hoge, to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-panel-recommends-screening-all-american-adults-for-anxiety-518527">Gravitas: U.S. panel recommends screening all American adults for anxiety</a>

Researchers also used a seven-point psychiatric scale with one being a sign of severe anxiety and seven being the lowest on the scale, to measure the severity of the participant’s anxiety. The average score, prior to the treatment was 4.5 which started to decline to nearly a three on the scale after only two months into the study. Notably, the two groups, one on medication and the other practising mindfulness were assigned at random.&nbsp;

The results were based on approximately 200 adults who suffered from anxiety with varying degrees of severity and took place over six months at three medical centres in Washington, Boston and New York. In the span of two months, the severity of people’s anxiety was reduced by nearly 30 per cent in the subjects from both groups and witnessed a steady decline thereafter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-fires-heat-waves-cause-climate-anxiety-in-youth-488683">Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth</a>

However, ten participants dropped out over the course of the study when they faced side effects which could be related to the anxiety drug and experienced symptoms like insomnia, nausea and fatigue. Meanwhile, at least 13 participants in the MBSR group reported an increase in their symptoms related to anxiety.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A study published on Wednesday shows that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) worked just as well as a standard drug prescribed for treating anxiety in people.

A study published on Wednesday shows that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) worked just as well as a standard drug prescribed for treating anxiety in people. The results were based on the daily use of a popular mindfulness programme by the participants while others were given a generic drug sold under the brand name Lexapro commonly used for treating anxiety and depression. Anxiety disorders are quite common as well as highly distressing and can disrupt a person’s day-to-day life, the various types of disorders include social and generalised anxiety and panic attacks. On the other hand, mindfulness refers to a type of meditation which asks a person to focus only on the present moment and dismiss any and all intrusive thoughts. The mindfulness programme included two and a half hours of classes every week and daily practising at home for at least 45 minutes, said the study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. ALSO READ: Listening to birdsongs can help alleviate stress and anxiety in humans: Study According to Elizabeth Hoge, lead author and director of Georgetown University’s anxiety disorders research programme, practising mindfulness over time, “changes the relationship people have with their own thoughts when not meditating.” The lead also spoke about how this study is the first of its kind, as previous studies have proven that mindfulness helps people deal with anxiety, depression and other mental woes better than no treatment at all. But this research uses mindfulness against a psychiatric drug to draw a direct comparison, said Hoge, to the Associated Press. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: U.S. panel recommends screening all American adults for anxiety Researchers also used a seven-point psychiatric scale with one being a sign of severe anxiety and seven being the lowest on the scale, to measure the severity of the participant’s anxiety. The average score, prior to the treatment was 4.5 which started to decline to nearly a three on the scale after only two months into the study. Notably, the two groups, one on medication and the other practising mindfulness were assigned at random. The results were based on approximately 200 adults who suffered from anxiety with varying degrees of severity and took place over six months at three medical centres in Washington, Boston and New York. In the span of two months, the severity of people’s anxiety was reduced by nearly 30 per cent in the subjects from both groups and witnessed a steady decline thereafter. ALSO READ: Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth However, ten participants dropped out over the course of the study when they faced side effects which could be related to the anxiety drug and experienced symptoms like insomnia, nausea and fatigue. Meanwhile, at least 13 participants in the MBSR group reported an increase in their symptoms related to anxiety. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Study shows practising mindfulness worked as well as medication prescribed for anxiety

A recent study shows that at least six supplements that people commonly take for heart health do not actually lower their “bad” cholesterol or even improve cardiovascular health when compared to the medicines prescribed for a statin, a cholesterol-lowering medication.&nbsp;

The participants of the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, on Sunday, as well as presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022, were given six common dietary supplements including, fish oil, red yeast rice, garlic, cinnamon, plant sterols and turmeric. As some people supposedly believe that these supplements will lower their “bad” cholesterol.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-predicts-risk-of-heart-disease-with-simple-eye-test-in-less-than-a-minute-says-study-523154">AI predicts risk of heart disease with simple eye test, in less than a minute, says study</a>

“Patients believe studies have been done and that they are as effective as statins and can save them because they’re natural, but natural doesn’t mean safe and it doesn’t mean they’re effective,” said Dr Steven Nissen, a co-author of the study as well as a cardiologist and researcher at the Cleveland Clinic. He also went on to call these supplements the “snake oil” of the 21st century.

The term “bad” cholesterol in the medical community refers to low-density lipoproteins or LDL, the build-up of which causes fatty deposits in the arteries. This build-up can block the flow of oxygen as well as blood causing a heart attack or stroke. The study is based on 190 adults between the age of 40 to 75 with no history of cardiovascular disease.

The comparison of the supplements and medicines was a randomized and single-blind clinical trial which involved different groups receiving a low-dose statin called rosuvastatin, a placebo, and common supplements including fish oil, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, plant sterols or red yeast rice.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-are-so-many-young-people-dying-of-heart-attacks-509585">Gravitas: Why are so many young people dying of heart attacks?</a>

At the end of the 28-day study, the average LDL of a person on a statin was reduced by at least 40%, additionally, the participant’s total cholesterol dropped by at least 24 per cent and the blood triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood) fell by 19 per cent.&nbsp;

Whereas the researchers observed that the volunteers who took supplements did not see any significant decrease in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol or blood triglycerides. In fact, their results were similar to those who took a placebo.&nbsp;

While all the groups witnessed similar adverse events the number of problems among those who took the plant sterols or red yeast rice was higher, said the study. The research was funded by an unrestricted grant from AstraZeneca, the company that makes rosuvastatin but had no input in the methodology of the research or otherwise, the study claims.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-heart-day-2022-theme-history-and-everything-you-need-to-know-520681">World Heart Day 2022: Theme, history, and everything you need to know&nbsp;</a>

On the other hand, a trade association for the dietary supplement industry, Council for Responsible Nutrition, in a statement, said that these “supplements are not intended to replace medications or other medical treatments.” It added that dietary supplements are not “quick fixes” and their effect may not show over the course of “a study that only spans four weeks.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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A recent study shows that at least six supplements that people commonly take for heart health do not actually lower their “bad” cholesterol or even improve cardiovascular health when compared to the medicines prescribed for a statin, a cholesterol-lowering medication.

A recent study shows that at least six supplements that people commonly take for heart health do not actually lower their “bad” cholesterol or even improve cardiovascular health when compared to the medicines prescribed for a statin, a cholesterol-lowering medication. The participants of the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, on Sunday, as well as presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022, were given six common dietary supplements including, fish oil, red yeast rice, garlic, cinnamon, plant sterols and turmeric. As some people supposedly believe that these supplements will lower their “bad” cholesterol. ALSO READ: AI predicts risk of heart disease with simple eye test, in less than a minute, says study “Patients believe studies have been done and that they are as effective as statins and can save them because they’re natural, but natural doesn’t mean safe and it doesn’t mean they’re effective,” said Dr Steven Nissen, a co-author of the study as well as a cardiologist and researcher at the Cleveland Clinic. He also went on to call these supplements the “snake oil” of the 21st century. The term “bad” cholesterol in the medical community refers to low-density lipoproteins or LDL, the build-up of which causes fatty deposits in the arteries. This build-up can block the flow of oxygen as well as blood causing a heart attack or stroke. The study is based on 190 adults between the age of 40 to 75 with no history of cardiovascular disease. The comparison of the supplements and medicines was a randomized and single-blind clinical trial which involved different groups receiving a low-dose statin called rosuvastatin, a placebo, and common supplements including fish oil, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, plant sterols or red yeast rice. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: Why are so many young people dying of heart attacks? At the end of the 28-day study, the average LDL of a person on a statin was reduced by at least 40%, additionally, the participant’s total cholesterol dropped by at least 24 per cent and the blood triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood) fell by 19 per cent. Whereas the researchers observed that the volunteers who took supplements did not see any significant decrease in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol or blood triglycerides. In fact, their results were similar to those who took a placebo. While all the groups witnessed similar adverse events the number of problems among those who took the plant sterols or red yeast rice was higher, said the study. The research was funded by an unrestricted grant from AstraZeneca, the company that makes rosuvastatin but had no input in the methodology of the research or otherwise, the study claims. ALSO READ: World Heart Day 2022: Theme, history, and everything you need to know On the other hand, a trade association for the dietary supplement industry, Council for Responsible Nutrition, in a statement, said that these “supplements are not intended to replace medications or other medical treatments.” It added that dietary supplements are not “quick fixes” and their effect may not show over the course of “a study that only spans four weeks.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Study shows that dietary supplements are ineffective for heart health

Laboratory-grown red blood cells have the potential to revolutionise certain treatments when it comes to patients suffering from sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The successful manufacture of the new kind of blood was hailed as a major step forward for medical science and scientists have taken the innovation further by carrying out the first clinical trial. The blood cells were transfused into volunteers in a study and it will potentially help scientists to understand their life spans and compatibility factors.&nbsp;

Ashley Toye, director of the NIHR Blood and Transplant Unit in red cell products, told reporters that the blood cells were developed from stem cells taken from donors and if the studies are successful, they can start the transfusion process with patients who require huge amounts of blood for their treatments.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-attack-register-fir-within-24-hours-pak-sc-tells-punjab-police-531811" hreflang="en">Imran Khan attack: Register FIR within 24 hours, Pak SC tells Punjab police</a>

"This challenging and exciting trial is a huge stepping stone for manufacturing blood from stem cells.”&nbsp;

"This is the first-time lab-grown blood from an allogeneic donor has been transfused and we are excited to see how well the cells perform at the end of the clinical trial," Toye was quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-british-activist-alaa-abd-el-fattahs-hunger-strike-may-dominate-cop27-warns-amnesty-chief-531749">Abd El-Fattah's hunger strike may dominate COP27, warns Amnesty chief</a>

According to the statement released by the scientists, the amount of blood used in these trials is between 5 and 10 milliliters and it was ensured that the donors did not have any diseases.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"If our trial, the first such in the world, is successful, it will mean that patients who currently require regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in future, helping transform their care," Cedric Ghevaert, professor in transfusion medicine and consultant hematologist at the University of Cambridge and&nbsp;NHS&nbsp;Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said.&nbsp;

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Laboratory-grown red blood cells have the potential to revolutionise certain treatments when it comes to patients suffering from sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Laboratory-grown red blood cells have the potential to revolutionise certain treatments when it comes to patients suffering from sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The successful manufacture of the new kind of blood was hailed as a major step forward for medical science and scientists have taken the innovation further by carrying out the first clinical trial. The blood cells were transfused into volunteers in a study and it will potentially help scientists to understand their life spans and compatibility factors. Ashley Toye, director of the NIHR Blood and Transplant Unit in red cell products, told reporters that the blood cells were developed from stem cells taken from donors and if the studies are successful, they can start the transfusion process with patients who require huge amounts of blood for their treatments. Also read | Imran Khan attack: Register FIR within 24 hours, Pak SC tells Punjab police "This challenging and exciting trial is a huge stepping stone for manufacturing blood from stem cells.” "This is the first-time lab-grown blood from an allogeneic donor has been transfused and we are excited to see how well the cells perform at the end of the clinical trial," Toye was quoted by The Guardian. Also read | Abd El-Fattah's hunger strike may dominate COP27, warns Amnesty chief According to the statement released by the scientists, the amount of blood used in these trials is between 5 and 10 milliliters and it was ensured that the donors did not have any diseases. "If our trial, the first such in the world, is successful, it will mean that patients who currently require regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in future, helping transform their care," Cedric Ghevaert, professor in transfusion medicine and consultant hematologist at the University of Cambridge and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said.

Lab-grown red blood cells transfused into humans in first-of-its-kind study

Indian Union minister for environment Bhupender&nbsp;Yadav on Wednesday reported that in the northern state of Punjab there has been a 19 per cent rise in the cases of stubble burning, while Haryana has witnessed a significant drop of 30.6 per cent.

Taking to Twitter Yadav lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government of Punjab and its Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for not providing ample relief to the farmers, reports IANS.

"As of today, Punjab, a state run by the AAP government, has seen an over 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021. Haryana has seen a 30.6 per cent drop. Just today, Punjab saw 3,634 fires. There is no doubt over who has turned Delhi into a gas chamber," he wrote.

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Sample this: As of today, Punjab, a state run by the AAP government, has seen an over 19% rise in farm fires over 2021. Haryana has seen a 30.6% drop. 
 
Just today, Punjab saw 3,634 fires. 
 
There is no doubt over who has turned Delhi into a gas chamber. 
 
Wondering how? Read on... <a href="https://t.co/Nh8fYN9gnf">pic.twitter.com/Nh8fYN9gnf</a>
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/byadavbjp/status/1587815334370648065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Mann questioned the central government and claimed that his recommendations on the issue of stubble burning were ignored by the centre.

This comes as reports of dismal AQI numbers are being reported. Air Quality in the national capital Delhi has been reported as "very poor" at 354 while in the adjoining area of Noida it is in the "severe" category at 406. Gurugram as per data from Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) stands at 346 in the "very poor" category.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-capital-delhi-suspends-construction-activities-as-air-quality-set-to-worsen-529890" hreflang="en">India’s capital Delhi suspends construction activities as air quality set to worsen</a>

Reports of people being admitted to the ICU due to pneumonia and chest infections have also come to light.&nbsp;

Health experts, as per ANI, have termed it a "medical emergency". Talking to the news agency, Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery at Medanta Hospital, Delhi said "This is a medical emergency as people are affected by short-term and long-term impacts of the pollution. You are immediately affected when the lungs are exposed to this air."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-saw-extreme-weather-disasters-on-241-of-273-days-of-2022-claiming-2577-lives-530255" hreflang="en">India saw extreme weather disasters on 241 of 273 days of 2022, claiming 2577 lives</a>

As per him, the common issues reported include sore throat and eyes, irritation/burning in eyes, burning sensation in the throat and metallic taste on the lips etc.

Kumar further added that pollution has long-term effects on children's brains and even raises the risk of stroke.

"Long-term effects on the brain make the children hyper-irritable. I think it`s neuro-inflammation because of the toxins from the pollutants. In elderly people, it can increase the risk of stroke by 10 times."

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Indian Union minister for environment Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday reported that in the northern state of Punjab there has been a 19 per cent rise in the cases of stubble burning, while Haryana has witnessed a significant drop of 30.

Indian Union minister for environment Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday reported that in the northern state of Punjab there has been a 19 per cent rise in the cases of stubble burning, while Haryana has witnessed a significant drop of 30.6 per cent. Taking to Twitter Yadav lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government of Punjab and its Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for not providing ample relief to the farmers, reports IANS. "As of today, Punjab, a state run by the AAP government, has seen an over 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021. Haryana has seen a 30.6 per cent drop. Just today, Punjab saw 3,634 fires. There is no doubt over who has turned Delhi into a gas chamber," he wrote. Sample this: As of today, Punjab, a state run by the AAP government, has seen an over 19% rise in farm fires over 2021. Haryana has seen a 30.6% drop. Just today, Punjab saw 3,634 fires. There is no doubt over who has turned Delhi into a gas chamber. Wondering how? Read on... pic.twitter.com/Nh8fYN9gnf — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) November 2, 2022 × Earlier in the day, Mann questioned the central government and claimed that his recommendations on the issue of stubble burning were ignored by the centre. This comes as reports of dismal AQI numbers are being reported. Air Quality in the national capital Delhi has been reported as "very poor" at 354 while in the adjoining area of Noida it is in the "severe" category at 406. Gurugram as per data from Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) stands at 346 in the "very poor" category. Also read | India’s capital Delhi suspends construction activities as air quality set to worsen Reports of people being admitted to the ICU due to pneumonia and chest infections have also come to light. Health experts, as per ANI, have termed it a "medical emergency". Talking to the news agency, Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery at Medanta Hospital, Delhi said "This is a medical emergency as people are affected by short-term and long-term impacts of the pollution. You are immediately affected when the lungs are exposed to this air." Also read | India saw extreme weather disasters on 241 of 273 days of 2022, claiming 2577 lives As per him, the common issues reported include sore throat and eyes, irritation/burning in eyes, burning sensation in the throat and metallic taste on the lips etc. Kumar further added that pollution has long-term effects on children's brains and even raises the risk of stroke. "Long-term effects on the brain make the children hyper-irritable. I think it`s neuro-inflammation because of the toxins from the pollutants. In elderly people, it can increase the risk of stroke by 10 times." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: As Delhi witnesses 'very poor' AQI, politicians trade barbs over rise in stubble burning

New research has led to a breakthrough extension of the shelf life of pasta. Scientists have achieved this through a special ingredient and a new form of packaging.

You may be wondering why is this even news. The answer is simple. Even though this may seem like insignificant research it can have noteworthy implications on the significantly problematic issue we call "food wastage".

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | Global food wastage poses major environmental problem

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How is that?

The research has successfully prolonged the shelf life of pasta by 30 days. Earlier its shelf life if stored properly was between 30 to 90 days and now thanks to the addition of "good" bacteria it has been extended to 120 days.&nbsp;

As per the research paper published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, this breakthrough can have "potential benefits on the economy and on the environment, spurring innovation in existing production models."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-wastes-much-more-food-than-it-imports-even-amid-cost-of-living-crisis-report-518078">EU wastes much more food than it imports, even amid cost of living crisis: Report</a>

How does the new technology work?

It uses a film that is less permeable to oxygen and with an atmosphere of 40 per cent carbon dioxide to 60 per cent nitrogen as opposed to the conventional packing that uses 20 per cent carbon dioxide to 80 nitrogen.&nbsp;

Additionally, a multi-strain probiotic mixture or bioprotective cultures (BCs) was added to the dough used to make the pasta.

The product when refrigerated at 4ºC outlasted pasta packaged conventionally, which over the 90 days storage period showed growth of visible mould, reports Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-a-fifth-of-all-food-reaching-consumers-wasted-un-368034">Nearly a fifth of all food reaching consumers wasted: UN</a>

Researchers report that the data obtained hints that the bioprotective cultures (BCs) can also be used in other types of cereal-based products and that this may even have possible implications that viable microorganisms in the food can have potentially positive effects on the gut microbiota of consumers, however, this would have to be explored.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New research has led to a breakthrough extension of the shelf life of pasta. Scientists have achieved this through a special ingredient and a new form of packaging.

New research has led to a breakthrough extension of the shelf life of pasta. Scientists have achieved this through a special ingredient and a new form of packaging. You may be wondering why is this even news. The answer is simple. Even though this may seem like insignificant research it can have noteworthy implications on the significantly problematic issue we call "food wastage". Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Global food wastage poses major environmental problem How is that? The research has successfully prolonged the shelf life of pasta by 30 days. Earlier its shelf life if stored properly was between 30 to 90 days and now thanks to the addition of "good" bacteria it has been extended to 120 days. As per the research paper published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, this breakthrough can have "potential benefits on the economy and on the environment, spurring innovation in existing production models." Also read | EU wastes much more food than it imports, even amid cost of living crisis: Report How does the new technology work? It uses a film that is less permeable to oxygen and with an atmosphere of 40 per cent carbon dioxide to 60 per cent nitrogen as opposed to the conventional packing that uses 20 per cent carbon dioxide to 80 nitrogen. Additionally, a multi-strain probiotic mixture or bioprotective cultures (BCs) was added to the dough used to make the pasta. The product when refrigerated at 4ºC outlasted pasta packaged conventionally, which over the 90 days storage period showed growth of visible mould, reports Guardian. Also read | Nearly a fifth of all food reaching consumers wasted: UN Researchers report that the data obtained hints that the bioprotective cultures (BCs) can also be used in other types of cereal-based products and that this may even have possible implications that viable microorganisms in the food can have potentially positive effects on the gut microbiota of consumers, however, this would have to be explored. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists successfully extend shelf life of pasta. Here's why it's an important breakthrough

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