In a ground-breaking research conducted at Cardiff University in Wales, a researcher has tried to figure out when the universe’s first continents were formed.

Jane Greaves, an astronomy professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy, recently published her new research, titled “When Were the First Exocontinents?”

She asserts that the search for other habitable planets in our solar system can become more effective if the relation between life and continents is better understood.

In her research, Greaves says that it should be possible to calculate when the first continents formed in the universe by analysing the radioactive elements present in the core of the Earth. She also asserts that those radioactive elements came from neutron star collisions, thus paving the way to better analyse the universe through analysing our Earth’s mantle.

<h2>Relation between life and continents on a planet</h2>

Plate tectonics, while not necessarily essential for life, hold a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature by dissipating heat from its core.

This thermal control prevents an excessive buildup of heat, which could harm Earth's protective magnetosphere. This also paves the way for the evolution of life.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Aliens: Are we looking in the wrong place?

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Furthermore, plate tectonics contribute to Earth's positioning in the habitable "Goldilocks Zone." Although early life on Earth emerged when plate tectonics were less active, they became vital for the persistence and evolution of complex life forms like humans.

Greaves's research aims to enhance the search for habitable exoplanets. If continents and the plate tectonics that give rise to them prove critical for life, then focusing our quest on rocky planets with plate tectonics can significantly improve our chances of discovering habitable worlds.&nbsp;

<h2>Understanding the core</h2>

Deep within Earth's core reside radioactive isotopes like Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40, which release heat as they undergo decay over geological timescales.&nbsp;

As per Greaves, we can dive into the details and history of our universe by analysing these elements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/breakthrough-google-develops-ai-tool-capable-of-predicting-harmful-genetic-mutations-637699">Also read:&nbsp;Breakthrough? Google develops AI tool capable of predicting harmful genetic mutations</a>

Her work provides a broader perspective in our quest to understand them. Her findings suggest that the appearance of continents on Earth represents the middle ground among various scenarios.

<h2>Tectonics on Earth</h2>

Earth's plate tectonics began roughly 3 billion years ago, about 9.5 billion years after the universe’s inception. Greaves indicates that continents formed on thin disk stars a staggering 2 billion years prior to Earth's appearance.&nbsp;

Additionally, her work suggests that, on most planets, the formation of continents occurs at a slower pace compared to Earth.&nbsp;

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In a ground-breaking research conducted at Cardiff University in Wales, a researcher has tried to figure out when the universe’s first continents were formed. Jane Greaves, an astronomy professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy, recently published her new research, titled “When Were the First Exocontinents?

In a ground-breaking research conducted at Cardiff University in Wales, a researcher has tried to figure out when the universe’s first continents were formed. Jane Greaves, an astronomy professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy, recently published her new research, titled “When Were the First Exocontinents?” She asserts that the search for other habitable planets in our solar system can become more effective if the relation between life and continents is better understood. In her research, Greaves says that it should be possible to calculate when the first continents formed in the universe by analysing the radioactive elements present in the core of the Earth. She also asserts that those radioactive elements came from neutron star collisions, thus paving the way to better analyse the universe through analysing our Earth’s mantle. Relation between life and continents on a planet Plate tectonics, while not necessarily essential for life, hold a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature by dissipating heat from its core. This thermal control prevents an excessive buildup of heat, which could harm Earth's protective magnetosphere. This also paves the way for the evolution of life. Watch: Aliens: Are we looking in the wrong place? × Furthermore, plate tectonics contribute to Earth's positioning in the habitable "Goldilocks Zone." Although early life on Earth emerged when plate tectonics were less active, they became vital for the persistence and evolution of complex life forms like humans. Greaves's research aims to enhance the search for habitable exoplanets. If continents and the plate tectonics that give rise to them prove critical for life, then focusing our quest on rocky planets with plate tectonics can significantly improve our chances of discovering habitable worlds. Understanding the core Deep within Earth's core reside radioactive isotopes like Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40, which release heat as they undergo decay over geological timescales. As per Greaves, we can dive into the details and history of our universe by analysing these elements. Also read: Breakthrough? Google develops AI tool capable of predicting harmful genetic mutations Her work provides a broader perspective in our quest to understand them. Her findings suggest that the appearance of continents on Earth represents the middle ground among various scenarios. Tectonics on Earth Earth's plate tectonics began roughly 3 billion years ago, about 9.5 billion years after the universe’s inception. Greaves indicates that continents formed on thin disk stars a staggering 2 billion years prior to Earth's appearance. Additionally, her work suggests that, on most planets, the formation of continents occurs at a slower pace compared to Earth. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

When was the universe's first continent formed? Scientist offers clues

Flowers, by default, evoke the image of sweet fragrances and meadows. But there is a type of flower which is known for its putrid, rotten-corpse smell, and is now on the verge of extinction.

You may be wondering why saving a stinking flower may be a big deal, but scientists are pushing for action to save this plant called the 'corpse flower'.&nbsp;

<h2>Corpse flower</h2>

The Rafflesia, or corpse flower, as it is commonly known, has fascinated the scientific community for ages.&nbsp;It is famous for its odour of decaying meat, that the flower produces to attract its prey — flesh-eating flies.

However, destruction of forest habitats in south-east Asia has put the genus at the threat of extinction.&nbsp;

This genus, as per The Guardian, has around 42 species and also includes the largest flowers in the world that are more than one metre across.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-a-brain-altering-parasite-turns-ants-into-zombies-637765">Zombie ants? Apparently, a parasite can do that by capturing the brains of ants</a>

As per the report, scientists have warned that all 42 species are under threat, 25 are classified as critically endangered, while 15 are endangered.

Only one species of the genus, Rafflesia magnifica, is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Researchers want all the Rafflesia species to come under the protection of the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

<h2>Iconic flower under threat</h2>

A new study published in the journal Plants, People, Planet claims that over two-thirds of the Rafflesia flowers are not protected under the current conservation strategies.

Dr Chris Thorogood, from the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the author of this study that happens to be the first assessment of threats faced by these plants, said that the assessment "highlights how the global conservation efforts geared towards plants – however iconic – have lagged behind those of animals".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/when-was-the-universes-first-continent-formed-scientist-offers-clues-637742">When was the universe's first continent formed? Scientist offers clues</a>

"We urgently need a joined-up, cross-regional approach to save some of the world’s most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost," he added as quoted by The Guardian.

Researchers warn that new species of these flowers are still being found and may be "eradicated before they are even known to science."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Flowers, by default, evoke the image of sweet fragrances and meadows. But there is a type of flower which is known for its putrid, rotten-corpse smell, and is now on the verge of extinction.

Flowers, by default, evoke the image of sweet fragrances and meadows. But there is a type of flower which is known for its putrid, rotten-corpse smell, and is now on the verge of extinction. You may be wondering why saving a stinking flower may be a big deal, but scientists are pushing for action to save this plant called the 'corpse flower'. Corpse flower The Rafflesia, or corpse flower, as it is commonly known, has fascinated the scientific community for ages. It is famous for its odour of decaying meat, that the flower produces to attract its prey — flesh-eating flies. However, destruction of forest habitats in south-east Asia has put the genus at the threat of extinction. This genus, as per The Guardian, has around 42 species and also includes the largest flowers in the world that are more than one metre across. Also read | Zombie ants? Apparently, a parasite can do that by capturing the brains of ants As per the report, scientists have warned that all 42 species are under threat, 25 are classified as critically endangered, while 15 are endangered. Only one species of the genus, Rafflesia magnifica, is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Researchers want all the Rafflesia species to come under the protection of the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Iconic flower under threat A new study published in the journal Plants, People, Planet claims that over two-thirds of the Rafflesia flowers are not protected under the current conservation strategies. Dr Chris Thorogood, from the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the author of this study that happens to be the first assessment of threats faced by these plants, said that the assessment "highlights how the global conservation efforts geared towards plants – however iconic – have lagged behind those of animals". Also read | When was the universe's first continent formed? Scientist offers clues "We urgently need a joined-up, cross-regional approach to save some of the world’s most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost," he added as quoted by The Guardian. Researchers warn that new species of these flowers are still being found and may be "eradicated before they are even known to science." (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.

Why are scientists pushing to save a flower that smells like dead bodies? Here's all you need to know

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), on Monday (September 18), said that humans are driving the loss of entire branches of the “Tree of Life,” warning of the threat of a sixth mass extinction.&nbsp;

What makes this study unique is that it looks beyond just the examination of the loss of a species and rather examines the extinction of entire genera. The genus is essentially a biological classification which lies between the rank of species and that of family.

<h2>What did the study find?</h2>

The study is largely based on the species listed as extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and focuses on vertebrate species (excluding fish), for which more data is available.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/limited-human-activity-amid-lockdown-improved-mediterranean-marine-life-312923/#regaining-lost-space-312919">Limited human activity amid lockdown improved Mediterranean marine life</a> 
 
The researchers found that out of some 5,400 genera – which comprises some 34,600 species – 73 had become extinct in the last 500 years with most of them disappearing in the last two centuries. This was also compared with the extinction rate estimated from the fossil record over the very long term.&nbsp;

Explaining the severity of the situation, the co-author of the study and professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Gerardo Ceballos told news agency AFP, “Based on the extinction rate in the previous million years we would have expected to lose two genera. But we lost 73.”&nbsp;

The study also gave a rough estimate – since not all species are known and the fossil record remains incomplete – that this process should have taken at least 18,000 years, not 500. “What is at stake is the future of mankind,” Ceballos said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/six-out-of-9-planetary-boundaries-breached-earth-increasingly-becoming-inhabitable-for-humans-scientists-635963">Six out of 9 planetary boundaries breached, Earth increasingly becoming uninhabitable for humans: Scientists</a>

<h2>Impact of human activity</h2>

Scientists have attributed this rapid change and loss to human activities like the destruction of habitats for crops or infrastructure, as well as overfishing, hunting and so on. Ceballos also warned how the loss of one genus can have consequences for an entire ecosystem.&nbsp;

“It is a really significant contribution, I think the first time anyone has attempted to assess modern extinction rates at a level above the species,” Robert Cowie, a biologist at the University of Hawaii who was not involved in the study, told AFP about the research.&nbsp;

“As such it really demonstrates the loss of entire branches of the Tree of Life,” a representation of living things first developed by Charles Darwin.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-what-is-anthropocene-the-new-epoch-marked-by-human-impact-614721">Explained | What is Anthropocene? The new epoch marked by damaging human impact</a> 
 
The study shows that “we aren’t just trimming terminal twigs, but rather are taking a chainsaw to get rid of big branches,” Anthony Barnosky, professor emeritus at the University of California, told AFP.&nbsp;

Scientists broadly define a mass extinction as the loss of 75 per cent of species over a short period of time and by that “arbitrary,” definition a sixth mass extinction has not yet occurred, said Cowie, but warned that if “species continue to go extinct at the current rate (or faster), then it will happen.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), on Monday (September 18), said that humans are driving the loss of entire branches of the “Tree of Life,” warning of the threat of a sixth mass extinction.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), on Monday (September 18), said that humans are driving the loss of entire branches of the “Tree of Life,” warning of the threat of a sixth mass extinction. What makes this study unique is that it looks beyond just the examination of the loss of a species and rather examines the extinction of entire genera. The genus is essentially a biological classification which lies between the rank of species and that of family. What did the study find? The study is largely based on the species listed as extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and focuses on vertebrate species (excluding fish), for which more data is available. ALSO READ | Limited human activity amid lockdown improved Mediterranean marine life The researchers found that out of some 5,400 genera – which comprises some 34,600 species – 73 had become extinct in the last 500 years with most of them disappearing in the last two centuries. This was also compared with the extinction rate estimated from the fossil record over the very long term. Explaining the severity of the situation, the co-author of the study and professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Gerardo Ceballos told news agency AFP, “Based on the extinction rate in the previous million years we would have expected to lose two genera. But we lost 73.” The study also gave a rough estimate – since not all species are known and the fossil record remains incomplete – that this process should have taken at least 18,000 years, not 500. “What is at stake is the future of mankind,” Ceballos said. ALSO READ | Six out of 9 planetary boundaries breached, Earth increasingly becoming uninhabitable for humans: Scientists Impact of human activity Scientists have attributed this rapid change and loss to human activities like the destruction of habitats for crops or infrastructure, as well as overfishing, hunting and so on. Ceballos also warned how the loss of one genus can have consequences for an entire ecosystem. “It is a really significant contribution, I think the first time anyone has attempted to assess modern extinction rates at a level above the species,” Robert Cowie, a biologist at the University of Hawaii who was not involved in the study, told AFP about the research. “As such it really demonstrates the loss of entire branches of the Tree of Life,” a representation of living things first developed by Charles Darwin. ALSO READ | Explained | What is Anthropocene? The new epoch marked by damaging human impact The study shows that “we aren’t just trimming terminal twigs, but rather are taking a chainsaw to get rid of big branches,” Anthony Barnosky, professor emeritus at the University of California, told AFP. Scientists broadly define a mass extinction as the loss of 75 per cent of species over a short period of time and by that “arbitrary,” definition a sixth mass extinction has not yet occurred, said Cowie, but warned that if “species continue to go extinct at the current rate (or faster), then it will happen.” (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.

Humans are driving loss of entire branches of ‘Tree of Life,’ warn scientists

Chin has reportedly approved clinical trials for a stem cell-based 'artificial liver'. This development offers hope for millions suffering from liver failure.&nbsp;

This bio-artificial liver, created by a team of Chinese researchers, operates outside the body, performing functions such as detoxification and protein synthesis typically carried out by the liver.&nbsp;

<h2>How does it work?</h2>

How the bioreactor system works is fascinating. South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports that blood flows through the bioreactor system, where a hollow fibre membrane cultivates stem cells and necessary substances.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skull-found-of-terrifying-predator-that-lived-long-before-the-dinosaurs-637100">A terrifying beast lived long before the dinosaurs, a newly found skull proves</a>

These substances are then introduced into the patient's bloodstream to help regenerate tissue and suppress liver damage caused by inflammation.&nbsp;

Similar membranes have been used in other medical processes, but this is the first time it is being used to culture stem cells.&nbsp;This method has shown promise in animal models, increasing survival rates significantly.

Gao Yi, executive director of the Translational Medicine Centre at Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University in Guangdong province said: "In animal models involving pigs and monkeys, we observed that our method increased the survival rate from 17 per cent, as seen with conventional treatments, to 87.5 per cent."

<h2>How will it help liver patients?</h2>

Currently, liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for liver failure.&nbsp;However, the treatment is often limited by a shortage of donors, complex surgeries, high cost, and finally, the need for lifelong immunosuppressants.&nbsp;

The stem cell-based artificial liver aims to support the diseased liver until it regenerates or a suitable graft for transplantation becomes available.

China, as per the report, has a high prevalence of liver failures, with about 500,000 to 1 million newly diagnosed cases reported every year. Despite that, conventional treatments offer only&nbsp;limited management, and till date, there is no cure.&nbsp;

<h2>When will the treatment be available to the public?</h2>

Clinical trials for this innovative device will determine its effectiveness in human patients. However, it represents a promising breakthrough in liver failure treatment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/severe-covid-infection-linked-to-genes-inherited-from-neanderthal-ancestors-637046">People with one particular line of gene more susceptible to severe Covid: Study</a>

The concept of artificial livers was first proposed in the 1950s. In the 1980s, the development of bio-artificial livers started. This research aimed to mimic the comprehensive functions of real livers without relying on extrinsic plasma and blood proteins.&nbsp;

While bio-artificial livers are still in the research and development phase, they offer potential as a game-changing therapy for liver failure in the future.&nbsp;Several biotech companies, both in China and internationally, are reportedly exploring bio-artificial liver technologies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chin has reportedly approved clinical trials for a stem cell-based 'artificial liver'. This development offers hope for millions suffering from liver failure. This bio-artificial liver, created by a team of Chinese researchers, operates outside the body, performing functions such as detoxification and protein synthesis typically carried out by the liver.

Chin has reportedly approved clinical trials for a stem cell-based 'artificial liver'. This development offers hope for millions suffering from liver failure. This bio-artificial liver, created by a team of Chinese researchers, operates outside the body, performing functions such as detoxification and protein synthesis typically carried out by the liver. How does it work? How the bioreactor system works is fascinating. South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports that blood flows through the bioreactor system, where a hollow fibre membrane cultivates stem cells and necessary substances. Also read | A terrifying beast lived long before the dinosaurs, a newly found skull proves These substances are then introduced into the patient's bloodstream to help regenerate tissue and suppress liver damage caused by inflammation. Similar membranes have been used in other medical processes, but this is the first time it is being used to culture stem cells. This method has shown promise in animal models, increasing survival rates significantly. Gao Yi, executive director of the Translational Medicine Centre at Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University in Guangdong province said: "In animal models involving pigs and monkeys, we observed that our method increased the survival rate from 17 per cent, as seen with conventional treatments, to 87.5 per cent." How will it help liver patients? Currently, liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for liver failure. However, the treatment is often limited by a shortage of donors, complex surgeries, high cost, and finally, the need for lifelong immunosuppressants. The stem cell-based artificial liver aims to support the diseased liver until it regenerates or a suitable graft for transplantation becomes available. China, as per the report, has a high prevalence of liver failures, with about 500,000 to 1 million newly diagnosed cases reported every year. Despite that, conventional treatments offer only limited management, and till date, there is no cure. When will the treatment be available to the public? Clinical trials for this innovative device will determine its effectiveness in human patients. However, it represents a promising breakthrough in liver failure treatment. Also read | People with one particular line of gene more susceptible to severe Covid: Study The concept of artificial livers was first proposed in the 1950s. In the 1980s, the development of bio-artificial livers started. This research aimed to mimic the comprehensive functions of real livers without relying on extrinsic plasma and blood proteins. While bio-artificial livers are still in the research and development phase, they offer potential as a game-changing therapy for liver failure in the future. Several biotech companies, both in China and internationally, are reportedly exploring bio-artificial liver technologies. (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 reportedly develops 'artificial liver' that works outside the human body

UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), or UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) as they are now known, have for decades been a subject of curiosity for humans. Do aliens exist? Are the frequent alien vehicle "sightings" real or not? These questions have long been a head-scratcher.&nbsp;

On Thursday (September 14th), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may provide us with answers to these questions.

Here's all you need to know.

<h2>A report unveiled</h2>

Back in 2022, NASA commissioned a study team to investigate reports of UAPs.&nbsp;

As per the space agency's website, the study team was commissioned "to examine UAP from a scientific perspective and create a roadmap for how to use data and the tools of science to move our understanding of UAP forward."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-landing-site-shiv-shakti-captured-by-south-koreas-dnauri-lunar-orbiter-635725">Chandrayaan-3 landing site 'Shiv Shakti' captured by South Korea's Danuri lunar orbiter</a>

In a statement released&nbsp;last year before the commencement of the study, NASA's Thomas Zurbuchen had stated: "We have the tools and team who can help us improve our understanding of the unknown. That's the very definition of what science is. That's what we do."

The highly anticipated findings of the team of 16 community experts with expertise in diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena will be unveiled on Thursday (September 14th) at 10 am EDT (14:00 pm GMT or 19:30 pm IST).

The report will be live-streamed across various NASA channels, including its official app, website, television and social media. You can join the telecast here:

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<h2>Why is this important?</h2>

Apart from the curiosity humanity maintains about life "out there," the importance of this report stems from the fact that UAPs aren't that well-documented.

This limited availability of well-documented observations of UAPs — which are usually defined as objects in the sky that do not align with known natural phenomena or conventional aircraft, and may or may not have extraterrestrial origins — makes it extremely challenging to draw scientific conclusions about their origin or nature.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archaeologists-angry-over-ancient-human-relative-remains-sent-to-edge-of-outer-space-report-635530">Some fossils of ancient human relatives have been sent to outer space &amp; archaeologists are not happy</a>

With these report's&nbsp;findings that do not merely rely on "grainy footage of UAPs," humanity should have a better understanding that can help guide our future analysis of extraterrestrial objects.

In an update meeting held in May, Daniel Evans, the NASA official in charge of the study, said: "The primary objective of this incredible team of experts is not to go back and look at grainy footage of UAPs but rather to give us a roadmap to guide us for future analysis."

(With inputs from agencies)

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UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), or UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) as they are now known, have for decades been a subject of curiosity for humans. Do aliens exist?

UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), or UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) as they are now known, have for decades been a subject of curiosity for humans. Do aliens exist? Are the frequent alien vehicle "sightings" real or not? These questions have long been a head-scratcher. On Thursday (September 14th), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may provide us with answers to these questions. Here's all you need to know. A report unveiled Back in 2022, NASA commissioned a study team to investigate reports of UAPs. As per the space agency's website, the study team was commissioned "to examine UAP from a scientific perspective and create a roadmap for how to use data and the tools of science to move our understanding of UAP forward." Also read | Chandrayaan-3 landing site 'Shiv Shakti' captured by South Korea's Danuri lunar orbiter In a statement released last year before the commencement of the study, NASA's Thomas Zurbuchen had stated: "We have the tools and team who can help us improve our understanding of the unknown. That's the very definition of what science is. That's what we do." The highly anticipated findings of the team of 16 community experts with expertise in diverse areas on matters relevant to potential methods of study for unidentified anomalous phenomena will be unveiled on Thursday (September 14th) at 10 am EDT (14:00 pm GMT or 19:30 pm IST). The report will be live-streamed across various NASA channels, including its official app, website, television and social media. You can join the telecast here: × Why is this important? Apart from the curiosity humanity maintains about life "out there," the importance of this report stems from the fact that UAPs aren't that well-documented. This limited availability of well-documented observations of UAPs — which are usually defined as objects in the sky that do not align with known natural phenomena or conventional aircraft, and may or may not have extraterrestrial origins — makes it extremely challenging to draw scientific conclusions about their origin or nature. Also read | Some fossils of ancient human relatives have been sent to outer space & archaeologists are not happy With these report's findings that do not merely rely on "grainy footage of UAPs," humanity should have a better understanding that can help guide our future analysis of extraterrestrial objects. In an update meeting held in May, Daniel Evans, the NASA official in charge of the study, said: "The primary objective of this incredible team of experts is not to go back and look at grainy footage of UAPs but rather to give us a roadmap to guide us for future analysis." (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.

The truth about UFOs: NASA to unveil important report on UAPs. Here's how you can watch it live

Mexican lawmakers heard testimony that we are not alone in the universe. The fossilised bodies presented in glass cases by journalist and UFO scientist Jaime Maussan at Mexico's parliament are said to be 1,000 years old. The hearing marked the Latin American country's first congressional event on UFOs. However several similar claims of Jaime Maussan have been debunked in the past. Watch the story to know the truth.

There is enough evidence that suggests of non-terrestrial presence, says expert

Aliens, conspiracies & abductions

Scientists have discovered potential signs of life on an exoplanet which they believe is covered with water and is currently orbiting a dim red star not too far from our solar system. The exoplanet in question is K2-18b which is some 120 light-years away and as scientists have previously predicted as an ocean planet with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, or Hycean world.&nbsp;

<h2>About the new finding</h2>

The research into K2-18b – the findings for which were accepted into The Astrophysical Journal Letters – reveals the presence of carbon dioxide and methane but it was the presence of a different chemical that drew the scientists'&nbsp;attention.&nbsp;

The exoplanet, as per the latest research, had hints of dimethyl sulphide, which is a signature of biology that the scientists have predicted may be detected on Hycean worlds. But here on Earth, dimethyl sulphide is only produced by life and a large part of it is attributed to marine phytoplankton.

“Our findings underscore the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere,” said Nikku Madhusudhanan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the paper, in a statement.&nbsp;

He added, “Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds are significantly more conducive to atmospheric observations.”

The recent findings were obtained after using the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) near-infrared NIRSpec and NIRISS instruments as it orbited between us and its host star, twice.&nbsp;

The researchers were trying to study several aspects, including the difference in the star’s light, the result of having travelled through and being changed by the composition of the exoplanet’s atmosphere.

It was after they analysed the data and dissected the changes that they found evidence of carbon molecules, carbon dioxide, and methane while the spectrum of light revealed hints of dimethyl sulphide.

“Upcoming Webb observations should be able to confirm if dimethyl sulphide is indeed present in the atmosphere of K2-18 b at significant levels,” said Madhusudhan. “Our findings are a promising step towards a deeper understanding of Hycean worlds in this quest,” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about K2-18b?</h2>

It is worth noting that the exoplanet is not very different from Earth but it is significantly heftier, with K2-18b being 2.6 times the radius and 8.6 times the mass of Earth. It also orbits its star within the habitable zone, where temperatures could allow liquid water to exist, the researchers said.&nbsp;

K2-18b orbits the red cool dwarf star K2-18 in the habitable zone and orbits it once every 33 days. It is also worth noting that it was Madhusudhan and his colleagues who found that habitability is possible on the K2-18b in 2020.&nbsp;

The year after that they also identified K2-18b as a potential Hycean. The planet was also the subject of significant media coverage in 2019, as two different teams reported the detection of water vapour in its hydrogen-rich atmosphere. 
 
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Scientists have discovered potential signs of life on an exoplanet which they believe is covered with water and is currently orbiting a dim red star not too far from our solar system.

Scientists have discovered potential signs of life on an exoplanet which they believe is covered with water and is currently orbiting a dim red star not too far from our solar system. The exoplanet in question is K2-18b which is some 120 light-years away and as scientists have previously predicted as an ocean planet with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, or Hycean world. About the new finding The research into K2-18b – the findings for which were accepted into The Astrophysical Journal Letters – reveals the presence of carbon dioxide and methane but it was the presence of a different chemical that drew the scientists' attention. The exoplanet, as per the latest research, had hints of dimethyl sulphide, which is a signature of biology that the scientists have predicted may be detected on Hycean worlds. But here on Earth, dimethyl sulphide is only produced by life and a large part of it is attributed to marine phytoplankton. “Our findings underscore the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere,” said Nikku Madhusudhanan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the paper, in a statement. He added, “Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds are significantly more conducive to atmospheric observations.” The recent findings were obtained after using the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) near-infrared NIRSpec and NIRISS instruments as it orbited between us and its host star, twice. The researchers were trying to study several aspects, including the difference in the star’s light, the result of having travelled through and being changed by the composition of the exoplanet’s atmosphere. It was after they analysed the data and dissected the changes that they found evidence of carbon molecules, carbon dioxide, and methane while the spectrum of light revealed hints of dimethyl sulphide. “Upcoming Webb observations should be able to confirm if dimethyl sulphide is indeed present in the atmosphere of K2-18 b at significant levels,” said Madhusudhan. “Our findings are a promising step towards a deeper understanding of Hycean worlds in this quest,” he added. What do we know about K2-18b? It is worth noting that the exoplanet is not very different from Earth but it is significantly heftier, with K2-18b being 2.6 times the radius and 8.6 times the mass of Earth. It also orbits its star within the habitable zone, where temperatures could allow liquid water to exist, the researchers said. K2-18b orbits the red cool dwarf star K2-18 in the habitable zone and orbits it once every 33 days. It is also worth noting that it was Madhusudhan and his colleagues who found that habitability is possible on the K2-18b in 2020. The year after that they also identified K2-18b as a potential Hycean. The planet was also the subject of significant media coverage in 2019, as two different teams reported the detection of water vapour in its hydrogen-rich atmosphere. 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 discover ‘hints of life’ on this distant alien planet: Study

Throughout history, humans have been known to spot familiar faces in the most unexpected and unrelated objects. This phenomenon, known as face pareidolia, has intrigued scientists for years.&nbsp;Recent research suggested that this tendency to perceive faces in inanimate objects may not be a fixed trait in adults. Instead, it appears to be heightened in women who have recently given birth. This intriguing observation has led researchers to explore a potential connection between this phenomenon and the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the "love" or "trust" hormone due to its role in social bonding.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/giant-cracks-appearing-across-southwestern-us-scientists-warn-it-as-national-crisis-635604">Giant cracks appearing across southwestern US, scientists warn it as national crisis</a>

“These data, collected online, suggest that our sensitivity to face-like patterns is not fixed and may change throughout adulthood,” the team reportedly wrote.&nbsp;

<h2>Role of Oxytocin</h2>

Previous studies have indicated that oxytocin administration can enhance the recognition of certain emotions in facial expressions. To investigate whether oxytocin plays a role in individuals' sensitivity to seeing faces in objects, researchers from Australia's University of Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast conducted a study.

<h2>Postpartum women</h2>

Using an online platform, the researchers recruited women, specifically targeting pregnant women and those who had just given birth, a period associated with elevated oxytocin levels.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-sleeping-late-at-night-study-warns-about-major-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-in-night-owls-635588">Sleeping late at night? Study warns about major risk of type 2 diabetes in night owls</a>

Participants were presented with 320 images in random order and asked to rate, on an 11-point scale, how easily they could perceive a face within each image.

These images included 32 human faces, 256 inanimate objects with patterns that could resemble faces, and 32 inanimate objects lacking facial patterns.

<h2>Key findings</h2>

The results of the study revealed that all participants easily recognised the images of human faces, while they struggled to perceive faces in the 32 images of inanimate objects without facial patterns.

However, women who had recently given birth reported a higher ease in perceiving the 256 illusionary faces compared to pregnant women.

This suggests that the sensitivity to perceiving faces in objects is not a stable trait throughout adulthood and may change during early parenthood, potentially as a mechanism to enhance social bonding, possibly influenced by higher oxytocin levels.

<h2>Future research</h2>

While these findings are intriguing, the study has its limitations. Notably, oxytocin levels were not measured in participants, leaving room for other factors such as anxiety or stress to potentially explain the results.

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Additionally, the study only captured participants' abilities at one point in time, and it did not track changes in their propensity to see faces in objects before and after becoming parents.

Further research is needed to replicate these findings and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the hormonal and psychological factors at play in face pareidolia.

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Throughout history, humans have been known to spot familiar faces in the most unexpected and unrelated objects. This phenomenon, known as face pareidolia, has intrigued scientists for years.

Throughout history, humans have been known to spot familiar faces in the most unexpected and unrelated objects. This phenomenon, known as face pareidolia, has intrigued scientists for years. Recent research suggested that this tendency to perceive faces in inanimate objects may not be a fixed trait in adults. Instead, it appears to be heightened in women who have recently given birth. This intriguing observation has led researchers to explore a potential connection between this phenomenon and the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the "love" or "trust" hormone due to its role in social bonding. Also Read | Giant cracks appearing across southwestern US, scientists warn it as national crisis “These data, collected online, suggest that our sensitivity to face-like patterns is not fixed and may change throughout adulthood,” the team reportedly wrote. Role of Oxytocin Previous studies have indicated that oxytocin administration can enhance the recognition of certain emotions in facial expressions. To investigate whether oxytocin plays a role in individuals' sensitivity to seeing faces in objects, researchers from Australia's University of Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast conducted a study. Postpartum women Using an online platform, the researchers recruited women, specifically targeting pregnant women and those who had just given birth, a period associated with elevated oxytocin levels. Also Read | Sleeping late at night? Study warns about major risk of type 2 diabetes in night owls Participants were presented with 320 images in random order and asked to rate, on an 11-point scale, how easily they could perceive a face within each image. These images included 32 human faces, 256 inanimate objects with patterns that could resemble faces, and 32 inanimate objects lacking facial patterns. Key findings The results of the study revealed that all participants easily recognised the images of human faces, while they struggled to perceive faces in the 32 images of inanimate objects without facial patterns. However, women who had recently given birth reported a higher ease in perceiving the 256 illusionary faces compared to pregnant women. This suggests that the sensitivity to perceiving faces in objects is not a stable trait throughout adulthood and may change during early parenthood, potentially as a mechanism to enhance social bonding, possibly influenced by higher oxytocin levels. Future research While these findings are intriguing, the study has its limitations. Notably, oxytocin levels were not measured in participants, leaving room for other factors such as anxiety or stress to potentially explain the results. Watch | Apple iPhone 15 Event: Most exciting takeaways from the Apple launch event × Additionally, the study only captured participants' abilities at one point in time, and it did not track changes in their propensity to see faces in objects before and after becoming parents. Further research is needed to replicate these findings and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the hormonal and psychological factors at play in face pareidolia. 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. ×

A hormonal connection? New mothers can see faces in objects where others don't

The remains of allegedly 'Non-Human' creatures were being presented in Mexico. Do 'Aliens' Really exist! Watch this video to know more.

Aliens? Mysterious non-human-like fossils revealed in Mexico

Science has proven what Indians have known since time immemorial. A recent study <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm112231">published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine</a> says that a natural compound called curcumin, which is present in turmeric, is as effective as the drug omeprazole in reducing excess stomach acid and treating indigestion.&nbsp;

Turmeric contains curcumin, a naturally active compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has long served as a medicinal remedy, including for indigestion, in the Indian subcontinent.

Previously, the extent of its effectiveness in comparison to traditional drugs remained unclear due to a lack of comparative studies.

The drug Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) commonly used for the treatment of indigestion.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-gigi-hadid-shows-off-her-kitchen-pantry-full-of-indian-spices-353187">Gigi Hadid shows off her kitchen pantry full of Indian spices</a>

Indigestion is clinically called dyspepsia and is a common condition among people all over the world.&nbsp;

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole has been associated with increased fracture risk, micronutrient deficiencies, and heightened infection risk.

The nice and humble turmeric found in the spice rack of your kitchen is not associated with any such risks.

The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4,000 years to the Vedic culture in India, when it was commonly used as a culinary spice. According to the US National Institute of Health, turmeric&nbsp;reached China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD, West Africa by 1200 AD, and Jamaica in the eighteenth century.

<h2>How the study was conducted?</h2>

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 206 patients aged 18 to 70 with recurrent upset stomachs, researchers assigned participants randomly from hospitals in Thailand to one of three treatment groups for 28 days. These groups received either turmeric, omeprazole, or a combination of both.

<h2>What's the bottom line?</h2>

At the study's outset, patients across all three groups had similar clinical characteristics and indigestion scores based on the severity of their symptoms. After 28 days and again after 56 days, patients showed similar symptom improvements in all three groups, indicating that oral curcumin was both safe and well-tolerated.

Also watch |&nbsp;The Good Life: Indian cuisine on the global stage

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The study has its limitations, including its small size, short intervention period, and lack of long-term monitoring data.

Researchers, however, concluded that their multi-centre, randomised controlled trial provides highly reliable evidence for functional dyspepsia treatment through curcumin found in turmeric.&nbsp;

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Science has proven what Indians have known since time immemorial. A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine says that a natural compound called curcumin, which is present in turmeric, is as effective as the drug omeprazole in reducing excess stomach acid and treating indigestion.

Science has proven what Indians have known since time immemorial. A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine says that a natural compound called curcumin, which is present in turmeric, is as effective as the drug omeprazole in reducing excess stomach acid and treating indigestion. Turmeric contains curcumin, a naturally active compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has long served as a medicinal remedy, including for indigestion, in the Indian subcontinent. Previously, the extent of its effectiveness in comparison to traditional drugs remained unclear due to a lack of comparative studies. The drug Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) commonly used for the treatment of indigestion. Also read | Gigi Hadid shows off her kitchen pantry full of Indian spices Indigestion is clinically called dyspepsia and is a common condition among people all over the world. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole has been associated with increased fracture risk, micronutrient deficiencies, and heightened infection risk. The nice and humble turmeric found in the spice rack of your kitchen is not associated with any such risks. The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4,000 years to the Vedic culture in India, when it was commonly used as a culinary spice. According to the US National Institute of Health, turmeric reached China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD, West Africa by 1200 AD, and Jamaica in the eighteenth century. How the study was conducted? In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 206 patients aged 18 to 70 with recurrent upset stomachs, researchers assigned participants randomly from hospitals in Thailand to one of three treatment groups for 28 days. These groups received either turmeric, omeprazole, or a combination of both. What's the bottom line? At the study's outset, patients across all three groups had similar clinical characteristics and indigestion scores based on the severity of their symptoms. After 28 days and again after 56 days, patients showed similar symptom improvements in all three groups, indicating that oral curcumin was both safe and well-tolerated. Also watch | The Good Life: Indian cuisine on the global stage × The study has its limitations, including its small size, short intervention period, and lack of long-term monitoring data. Researchers, however, concluded that their multi-centre, randomised controlled trial provides highly reliable evidence for functional dyspepsia treatment through curcumin found in turmeric. 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.

Turmeric power: Science proves what Indians have known since eternity about this Indian spice

A Parisian stray cat etched her name in&nbsp;the annals of space exploration nearly six decades ago. Félicette, a petite black-and-white "tuxedo" Persian cat, embarked on a remarkable adventure that would make her the first and only feline astronaut to ever grace space.&nbsp;The date was October 18, 1938, and the scientific community in France was abuzz.

A "Veronique" rocket was poised to launch, carrying a very special passenger. Félicette, who had once roamed the streets of Paris as a stray, was about to embark on a sub-orbital mission, soaring 96 miles above Earth's surface.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-astronauts-live-on-the-moon-scientists-reveal-how-its-possible-634363">Can astronauts live on the Moon? Scientists reveal how it's possible</a>

Felicette was not alone in this cosmic endeavor. She was one of several felines acquired by dedicated scientists for this groundbreaking mission.

To prevent emotional attachment, these cats were assigned numbers instead of names. Every cat, including Felicette, underwent astronaut training.

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Their preparations included enduring G-forces within a centrifuge and enduring extended periods of confinement within small containers. The scientists meticulously studied their reactions to these conditions, seeking to ensure the safety and well-being of their feline crew members.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/our-prehistoric-ancestors-turned-stones-into-spheres-for-a-reason-says-study-634046">Our prehistoric ancestors turned stones into spheres for a reason, says study</a>

<h2>Felicette's stellar ascent</h2>

Six cats stood out as the best candidates for the astronaut program. Ultimately, it was "C341" who emerged as the star of the show.

Surviving her out-of-this-world adventure, she was bestowed with the name "Felicette."

Her journey into the cosmos was a brief but pivotal 15-minute voyage to Earth’s sub-orbital space, during which her breathing and heart rate were carefully monitored through a series of implanted electrodes.

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Despite her historic achievement, Felicette's story took a bittersweet turn.

A few months after her space adventure, she was euthanised to enable scientists to examine her brain. Her noble sacrifice remained largely unnoticed for many years, overshadowed by the grandeur of human space exploration.

<h2>Honouring Felicette's legacy</h2>

In 2017, Felicette's contribution to science was finally acknowledged when over 1,100 individuals came together to donate $57,000 to a Kickstarter campaign. The goal?

To fund a memorial for the only cat ever sent into space. The result was a magnificent 5-foot-tall statue of Felicette, poised atop a globe, symbolising her pioneering journey beyond Earth's bounds.

In the world of space exploration, this feline will forever hold a special place as the beloved and unforgettable "Astrocat."

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A Parisian stray cat etched her name in the annals of space exploration nearly six decades ago. Félicette, a petite black-and-white "tuxedo" Persian cat, embarked on a remarkable adventure that would make her the first and only feline astronaut to ever grace space.

A Parisian stray cat etched her name in the annals of space exploration nearly six decades ago. Félicette, a petite black-and-white "tuxedo" Persian cat, embarked on a remarkable adventure that would make her the first and only feline astronaut to ever grace space. The date was October 18, 1938, and the scientific community in France was abuzz. A "Veronique" rocket was poised to launch, carrying a very special passenger. Félicette, who had once roamed the streets of Paris as a stray, was about to embark on a sub-orbital mission, soaring 96 miles above Earth's surface. Also Read | Can astronauts live on the Moon? Scientists reveal how it's possible Felicette was not alone in this cosmic endeavor. She was one of several felines acquired by dedicated scientists for this groundbreaking mission. To prevent emotional attachment, these cats were assigned numbers instead of names. Every cat, including Felicette, underwent astronaut training. × Their preparations included enduring G-forces within a centrifuge and enduring extended periods of confinement within small containers. The scientists meticulously studied their reactions to these conditions, seeking to ensure the safety and well-being of their feline crew members. Also Read | Our prehistoric ancestors turned stones into spheres for a reason, says study Felicette's stellar ascent Six cats stood out as the best candidates for the astronaut program. Ultimately, it was "C341" who emerged as the star of the show. Surviving her out-of-this-world adventure, she was bestowed with the name "Felicette." Her journey into the cosmos was a brief but pivotal 15-minute voyage to Earth’s sub-orbital space, during which her breathing and heart rate were carefully monitored through a series of implanted electrodes. Watch | G20 Summit 2023: How India forged consensus on declaration × Despite her historic achievement, Felicette's story took a bittersweet turn. A few months after her space adventure, she was euthanised to enable scientists to examine her brain. Her noble sacrifice remained largely unnoticed for many years, overshadowed by the grandeur of human space exploration. Honouring Felicette's legacy In 2017, Felicette's contribution to science was finally acknowledged when over 1,100 individuals came together to donate $57,000 to a Kickstarter campaign. The goal? To fund a memorial for the only cat ever sent into space. The result was a magnificent 5-foot-tall statue of Felicette, poised atop a globe, symbolising her pioneering journey beyond Earth's bounds. In the world of space exploration, this feline will forever hold a special place as the beloved and unforgettable "Astrocat." 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. ×

WATCH | World's first and only cat sent to space - 'Felicette'

In a major breakthrough, scientists in Israel have created 'artificial embryos'. They mimic all the features of a real human embryo. Will these embryos be used to create human life? Here's what Priyanka Sharma has to say.

Gravitas: 'Artificial embryos' created in Israel | Does this change the idea of life?

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have successfully created an "embryo model" that closely resembles a 14-day-old human embryo, all without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb, media reports said citing the research.&nbsp;This research marks a significant milestone in the field of embryo modeling, offering a powerful tool to study the earliest stages of human development safely. This groundbreaking achievement used stem cells and then chemicals to coax these cells into forming four distinct types of cells typically found in early human embryos: epiblast cells (which develop into the embryo proper), trophoblast cells (which form the placenta), hypoblast cells (supportive yolk sac), and extraembryonic mesoderm cells, as per reports.&nbsp;

<h2>A remarkable achievement&nbsp;</h2>

In order to achieve the astounding feat, a precise mixture of 120 of these cells was prepared, and intriguingly, approximately 1 percent&nbsp;of them self-assembled into a structure. But this does not resemble a human embryo.

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This process was observed until the model reached a stage comparable to a 14-day-old embryo, a crucial point in early development. "It's a black box and that's not a cliche — our knowledge is very limited," Weizmann Institute of Science Prof Jacob Hanna reportedly told a UK media outlet.&nbsp;

The resulting embryo models exhibited intricate details, including the trophoblast enveloping the embryo, cavities called lacuna that facilitate nutrient transfer from the mother's blood, a yolk sac with liver and kidney functions, and a bilaminar embryonic disc, a hallmark of this developmental stage, as per reports.&nbsp;

<h2>Unlocking the mysteries of early development</h2>

Researchers believe that these embryo models hold the potential to shed light on various aspects of early development, such as the emergence of different cell types, organ formation, and genetic diseases.

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Additionally, there's hope that they could contribute to improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates and testing the safety of medicines during pregnancy.

<h2>Challenges and ethical considerations</h2>

Despite the promising results, the current 99 percent failure rate in model development poses a challenge. Understanding the causes of miscarriages or infertility may be hindered if the model cannot reliably assemble itself.

The possibility of extending embryo development beyond the 14-day stage also raises ethical questions. 
In some countries, this would not be illegal, as these models are legally distinct from actual embryos. However, opinions on this matter are divided.

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Prof Alfonso Martinez Arias, from the department of experimental and health sciences at Pompeu Fabra University, reportedly said, "The work has, for the first time, achieved a faithful construction of the complete structure [of a human embryo] from stem cells" in the lab and opens "the door for studies of the events that lead to the formation of the human body plan".

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Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have successfully created an "embryo model" that closely resembles a 14-day-old human embryo, all without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb, media reports said citing the research.

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have successfully created an "embryo model" that closely resembles a 14-day-old human embryo, all without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb, media reports said citing the research. This research marks a significant milestone in the field of embryo modeling, offering a powerful tool to study the earliest stages of human development safely. This groundbreaking achievement used stem cells and then chemicals to coax these cells into forming four distinct types of cells typically found in early human embryos: epiblast cells (which develop into the embryo proper), trophoblast cells (which form the placenta), hypoblast cells (supportive yolk sac), and extraembryonic mesoderm cells, as per reports. A remarkable achievement In order to achieve the astounding feat, a precise mixture of 120 of these cells was prepared, and intriguingly, approximately 1 percent of them self-assembled into a structure. But this does not resemble a human embryo. Also Read | Russia uses car tyres to cover military aircraft to deter Ukrainian drone attacks: Report This process was observed until the model reached a stage comparable to a 14-day-old embryo, a crucial point in early development. "It's a black box and that's not a cliche — our knowledge is very limited," Weizmann Institute of Science Prof Jacob Hanna reportedly told a UK media outlet. The resulting embryo models exhibited intricate details, including the trophoblast enveloping the embryo, cavities called lacuna that facilitate nutrient transfer from the mother's blood, a yolk sac with liver and kidney functions, and a bilaminar embryonic disc, a hallmark of this developmental stage, as per reports. Unlocking the mysteries of early development Researchers believe that these embryo models hold the potential to shed light on various aspects of early development, such as the emergence of different cell types, organ formation, and genetic diseases. Also Read | 'Why won't he...': Musk questions Zuckerberg regarding cage fight Additionally, there's hope that they could contribute to improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates and testing the safety of medicines during pregnancy. Challenges and ethical considerations Despite the promising results, the current 99 percent failure rate in model development poses a challenge. Understanding the causes of miscarriages or infertility may be hindered if the model cannot reliably assemble itself. The possibility of extending embryo development beyond the 14-day stage also raises ethical questions. In some countries, this would not be illegal, as these models are legally distinct from actual embryos. However, opinions on this matter are divided. Watch | Kenya hosts maiden climate summit in Africa × Prof Alfonso Martinez Arias, from the department of experimental and health sciences at Pompeu Fabra University, reportedly said, "The work has, for the first time, achieved a faithful construction of the complete structure [of a human embryo] from stem cells" in the lab and opens "the door for studies of the events that lead to the formation of the human body plan". 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 grow human embryo model without sperm or egg, pave way to unravel mysteries of early development

China's new top Science and Technology Planner Communist Party body at the core of Beijing's tech competition with Washington went quietly. The central Science and Technology Commission reportedly held its first meeting in July who headed or attended the meeting that's still a mystery. No details have been revealed about where it took place or what was discussed.

China's new panel would probably even oversee the tech branch of the military

An exciting celestial event is set to unfold as the Moon and Jupiter come together in the night sky on Monday (September 4). Both, the Earth's natural satellite and the largest planet in our solar system, will be up close and one can witness this too. As per Space.com, both the Moon and Jupiter will be situated within the Aries constellation during this close approach and conjunction. The Moon will be in its waning gibbous phase. At this phase, 64 per cent of its lunar surface will be bathed in sunlight. Meanwhile, Jupiter will be remarkably close to the Moon, within a mere 3-degree separation, which is roughly equivalent to the width of two fingers held at arm's length.

<h2>How can you watch?&nbsp;</h2>

From New York City, this cosmic rendezvous will be visible starting shortly after they rise above the eastern horizon at around 10 pm EDT (0200 GMT) and will continue until just before they dip below the horizon at approximately 11:52 am EDT (1552 GMT) on Tuesday (September 5). Jupiter will position itself just above and to the right of the moon during this event.

<h2>Conjunction</h2>

This celestial alignment not only marks a close approach but also a conjunction, where the two celestial bodies share the same celestial longitude in the sky, known as right ascension.

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In terms of brightness, on Monday (September 4), the Moon will shine with a magnitude of -12.3, while Jupiter will have a magnitude of -2.7 (lower or negative values indicate brighter objects).

Consequently, the Moon will outshine Jupiter in the night sky and appear significantly larger due to its proximity to Earth. Jupiter, despite its massive size, will be dimmer in comparison.

While the Moon dominates the night sky during the close approach, it's important to note the vast size difference between the two.

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Jupiter boasts a width of approximately 89,000 miles (143,000 km), making it 11 times larger than Earth. The Moon, with a diameter of about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometres), is a fraction of Jupiter's size.

To span Jupiter's equator, it would take at least 44 Moons lined up.

<h2>Jupiter's impressive moons</h2>

Jupiter is home to some moons that surpass not only our moon but also some of the solar system's planets in size.

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Ganymede, the largest Jovian moon, boasts a diameter of 3,270 miles (5,268 km), surpassing even the planet Mercury, which has a diameter of 3,032 miles (4,879 km).

<h2>Observing the event</h2>

Although the Moon and Jupiter will have a close encounter, they will still appear too distant to be seen together in the narrow field of view of a telescope, as per Space.com. However, binoculars, with their wider field of view, will provide a great way to observe both the moon and Jupiter&nbsp;simultaneously.

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&nbsp;

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An exciting celestial event is set to unfold as the Moon and Jupiter come together in the night sky on Monday (September 4). Both, the Earth's natural satellite and the largest planet in our solar system, will be up close and one can witness this too.

An exciting celestial event is set to unfold as the Moon and Jupiter come together in the night sky on Monday (September 4). Both, the Earth's natural satellite and the largest planet in our solar system, will be up close and one can witness this too. As per Space.com, both the Moon and Jupiter will be situated within the Aries constellation during this close approach and conjunction. The Moon will be in its waning gibbous phase. At this phase, 64 per cent of its lunar surface will be bathed in sunlight. Meanwhile, Jupiter will be remarkably close to the Moon, within a mere 3-degree separation, which is roughly equivalent to the width of two fingers held at arm's length. How can you watch? From New York City, this cosmic rendezvous will be visible starting shortly after they rise above the eastern horizon at around 10 pm EDT (0200 GMT) and will continue until just before they dip below the horizon at approximately 11:52 am EDT (1552 GMT) on Tuesday (September 5). Jupiter will position itself just above and to the right of the moon during this event. Conjunction This celestial alignment not only marks a close approach but also a conjunction, where the two celestial bodies share the same celestial longitude in the sky, known as right ascension. Also Read | Microsoft's WordPad, launched in 1995, set to be removed from Windows In terms of brightness, on Monday (September 4), the Moon will shine with a magnitude of -12.3, while Jupiter will have a magnitude of -2.7 (lower or negative values indicate brighter objects). Consequently, the Moon will outshine Jupiter in the night sky and appear significantly larger due to its proximity to Earth. Jupiter, despite its massive size, will be dimmer in comparison. While the Moon dominates the night sky during the close approach, it's important to note the vast size difference between the two. Also Read | Convicted Proud Boys member claims Trump will pardon him in 2024 Jupiter boasts a width of approximately 89,000 miles (143,000 km), making it 11 times larger than Earth. The Moon, with a diameter of about 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometres), is a fraction of Jupiter's size. To span Jupiter's equator, it would take at least 44 Moons lined up. Jupiter's impressive moons Jupiter is home to some moons that surpass not only our moon but also some of the solar system's planets in size. Watch | Labour reshuffle: Sir Keir Starmer to shake up shadow cabinet × Ganymede, the largest Jovian moon, boasts a diameter of 3,270 miles (5,268 km), surpassing even the planet Mercury, which has a diameter of 3,032 miles (4,879 km). Observing the event Although the Moon and Jupiter will have a close encounter, they will still appear too distant to be seen together in the narrow field of view of a telescope, as per Space.com. However, binoculars, with their wider field of view, will provide a great way to observe both the moon and Jupiter simultaneously. 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. ×

Don't miss Moon and Jupiter's meet-up in night sky!

Amid the ongoing debate about the existence of a so-called ‘Planet Nine’ which scientists believe has been lurking around in the murky depths of our solar system for years now, two scientists from Japan have a new theory that suggests the existence of a more modestly sized, Earth-like planet closer than the disputed Planet Nine.&nbsp;

<h2>Argument around existence of ‘Planet Nine’</h2>

Scientists have been debating about the presence of the so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-mysterious-planet-may-be-lurking-around-in-our-solar-system-621243">Planet Nine</a>, the supposedly massive terrestrial planet for some time now, after Pluto was unceremoniously stripped of its planetary status and declared a dwarf planet.&nbsp;

So far, the most distant single object ever to be found in our solar system is some 132 astronomical units from the Sun, to put this into perspective, Pluto is at an average distance of about 40 astronomical units from the Sun.

<h2>About the new theory</h2>

Planetary scientists Patryk Sofia Lykawka of Kindai University in Japan and Takashi Ito of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, in a recent paper, published in The Astronomical Journal, have put forth an alternative explanation.&nbsp;

They suggest that there might be a more modestly sized, Earth-like planet revolving around the Sun, closer to the debated Planet Nine, on a tilted orbit.

Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) found beyond the orbit of Neptune, which scientists have recently taken note of due to their peculiar clustering behaviour have led them to suggest the presence of a hidden world and the idea of a 9th planet lurking beyond our range of visibility.

“We predict the existence of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-earth-like-exoplanet-in-habitable-zone-around-its-star-558568">Earth-like planet</a> and several trans-Neptunian objects on peculiar orbits in the outer solar system, which can serve as observationally testable signatures of the putative planet’s perturbations,” the duo wrote.&nbsp;

This comes as scientists have found a number of TNOs including icy rocks and dwarf planets beyond Neptune which are some 30 astronomical units from the Sun, which extend as far as we can see. This is the Kuiper belt and the objects it contains are called TNOs.

Lykawka and Ito said that they have found the properties of a hypothetical planet that could explain “three fundamental properties of the distant Kuiper Belt: a prominent population of TNOs with orbits beyond Neptune’s gravitational influence, a significant population of high-inclination objects, and the existence of some extreme objects with peculiar orbits.”&nbsp;

The two scientists suggested that the mass of this possible Earth-like planet would be between 1.5 and three times that of Earth. The most distant point from the Sun in this planet’s orbit would be between 250 and 500 astronomical units and an inclination of 30 degrees respective to the plane of the solar system.&nbsp; 
 
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Amid the ongoing debate about the existence of a so-called ‘Planet Nine’ which scientists believe has been lurking around in the murky depths of our solar system for years now, two scientists from Japan have a new theory that suggests the existence of a more modestly sized, Earth-like planet closer than the disputed Planet Nine.

Amid the ongoing debate about the existence of a so-called ‘Planet Nine’ which scientists believe has been lurking around in the murky depths of our solar system for years now, two scientists from Japan have a new theory that suggests the existence of a more modestly sized, Earth-like planet closer than the disputed Planet Nine. Argument around existence of ‘Planet Nine’ Scientists have been debating about the presence of the so-called Planet Nine, the supposedly massive terrestrial planet for some time now, after Pluto was unceremoniously stripped of its planetary status and declared a dwarf planet. So far, the most distant single object ever to be found in our solar system is some 132 astronomical units from the Sun, to put this into perspective, Pluto is at an average distance of about 40 astronomical units from the Sun. About the new theory Planetary scientists Patryk Sofia Lykawka of Kindai University in Japan and Takashi Ito of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, in a recent paper, published in The Astronomical Journal, have put forth an alternative explanation. They suggest that there might be a more modestly sized, Earth-like planet revolving around the Sun, closer to the debated Planet Nine, on a tilted orbit. Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) found beyond the orbit of Neptune, which scientists have recently taken note of due to their peculiar clustering behaviour have led them to suggest the presence of a hidden world and the idea of a 9th planet lurking beyond our range of visibility. “We predict the existence of an Earth-like planet and several trans-Neptunian objects on peculiar orbits in the outer solar system, which can serve as observationally testable signatures of the putative planet’s perturbations,” the duo wrote. This comes as scientists have found a number of TNOs including icy rocks and dwarf planets beyond Neptune which are some 30 astronomical units from the Sun, which extend as far as we can see. This is the Kuiper belt and the objects it contains are called TNOs. Lykawka and Ito said that they have found the properties of a hypothetical planet that could explain “three fundamental properties of the distant Kuiper Belt: a prominent population of TNOs with orbits beyond Neptune’s gravitational influence, a significant population of high-inclination objects, and the existence of some extreme objects with peculiar orbits.” The two scientists suggested that the mass of this possible Earth-like planet would be between 1.5 and three times that of Earth. The most distant point from the Sun in this planet’s orbit would be between 250 and 500 astronomical units and an inclination of 30 degrees respective to the plane of the solar system. 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 believe an Earth-like planet might be hiding in our solar system

Antarctica, an icy expanse of land often hailed as one of the world's last pristine places, hides a 'dirty' secret. Recent research published in PLOS One in August has revealed that portions of the seafloor near Australia's Casey research station are as polluted as some urban waterways.

What's more is that the contamination is likely to be widespread across older research stations in Antarctica, warns study co-author Jonathan Stark as per Nature.

<h2>Pollution findings</h2>

Stark, who is a marine ecologist from the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart, cautioned that these pollutants "accumulate over long time frames and don't just go away".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-researchers-develop-vegan-leather-that-can-repair-itself-630940">UK: Researchers develop vegan leather that can repair itself</a>

His team found high concentrations of hydrocarbons — which are typically found in fuels, as well as heavy metals like lead, copper, and zinc.&nbsp;

Many of the samples also contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are extremely carcinogenic chemical compounds that were banned internationally in 2001.

The team compared these samples to data from the World Harbour Project, an international initiative tracking large urban waterways. They found that some samples actually contained the same levels of lead, copper, and zinc as those recorded in parts of Sydney Harbour and Rio de Janeiro over the past two decades.

<h2>Widespread pollution across Antarctica</h2>

Ceisha Poirot, manager of policy, environment, and safety at Antarctica New Zealand in Christchurch, says that this pollution issue isn't unique to the Casey research station. She says that "All national programmes are dealing with this issue".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-cosmic-body-just-collided-with-jupiter-heres-what-happened-631171">A cosmic body bigger than the Earth just collided with Jupiter. Here's what happened</a>

As per her, with the Earth warming up, historical contamination is coming to the surface. "Things that were once frozen in the soil are now becoming more mobile," she said.

Historically, poor waste management is the primary source of Antarctica's contamination, says Terence Palmer, a marine scientist at Texas A&amp;M University–Corpus Christi.&nbsp;

Earlier studies of which Stark was a part have shown that polluted areas in Antarctica have&nbsp;less biodiversity as compared to&nbsp;control locations. These areas also have some resilient species emerging as&nbsp;dominant. "It will be interesting to see if these effects have persisted — or gotten worse — or if communities have adapted in any way,"&nbsp;asserts Stark.

As Antarctica becomes more crowded with over 100 research stations and national facilities, future pollution is a growing concern.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Antarctica, an icy expanse of land often hailed as one of the world's last pristine places, hides a 'dirty' secret. Recent research published in PLOS One in August has revealed that portions of the seafloor near Australia's Casey research station are as polluted as some urban waterways.

Antarctica, an icy expanse of land often hailed as one of the world's last pristine places, hides a 'dirty' secret. Recent research published in PLOS One in August has revealed that portions of the seafloor near Australia's Casey research station are as polluted as some urban waterways. What's more is that the contamination is likely to be widespread across older research stations in Antarctica, warns study co-author Jonathan Stark as per Nature. Pollution findings Stark, who is a marine ecologist from the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart, cautioned that these pollutants "accumulate over long time frames and don't just go away". Also read | UK: Researchers develop vegan leather that can repair itself His team found high concentrations of hydrocarbons — which are typically found in fuels, as well as heavy metals like lead, copper, and zinc. Many of the samples also contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are extremely carcinogenic chemical compounds that were banned internationally in 2001. The team compared these samples to data from the World Harbour Project, an international initiative tracking large urban waterways. They found that some samples actually contained the same levels of lead, copper, and zinc as those recorded in parts of Sydney Harbour and Rio de Janeiro over the past two decades. Widespread pollution across Antarctica Ceisha Poirot, manager of policy, environment, and safety at Antarctica New Zealand in Christchurch, says that this pollution issue isn't unique to the Casey research station. She says that "All national programmes are dealing with this issue". Also read | A cosmic body bigger than the Earth just collided with Jupiter. Here's what happened As per her, with the Earth warming up, historical contamination is coming to the surface. "Things that were once frozen in the soil are now becoming more mobile," she said. Historically, poor waste management is the primary source of Antarctica's contamination, says Terence Palmer, a marine scientist at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Earlier studies of which Stark was a part have shown that polluted areas in Antarctica have less biodiversity as compared to control locations. These areas also have some resilient species emerging as dominant. "It will be interesting to see if these effects have persisted — or gotten worse — or if communities have adapted in any way," asserts Stark. As Antarctica becomes more crowded with over 100 research stations and national facilities, future pollution is a growing concern. (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.

Pristine Antarctica is hiding a 'dirty' secret, says study

A new study review has revealed that teenagers, young adults, pregnant women, drivers and people who are mentally ill should avoid cannabis. The in-depth study was published in the BMJ.

The findings conducted by international experts are based on an umbrella review of cannabis. Experts and researchers from the UK analysed data from 101 meta-analyses&nbsp;on "cannabis use." The studies were published from 2002 to 2022 and looked at different combinations of cannabis and its medicines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-challenges-existence-of-beer-goggles-phenomenon-says-alcohol-doesnt-enhance-perceived-attractiveness-630493">Study challenges existence of 'Beer Goggles' phenomenon, says alcohol doesn't enhance perceived attractiveness</a>

However, cannabis helps in reducing seizures in epilepsy patients and cannabis-based medicines help in multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease and palliative care.

The review said that cannabis was linked to poor mental health and cognition, increased incidents of car crashes among drivers and led to poor outcomes for babies when pregnant mothers consumed the drug.

The authors added that young people should avoid consuming the drug while their brain is still developing.&nbsp;

They argued that the most affected were teenagers and young adults and it should be avoided as&nbsp;"cognition is paramount for optimising academic performance and learning."

The experts wrote, "Convincing or converging evidence recommends avoiding cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood in people prone to have or have mental health disorder, who are pregnant, and while driving."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-department-bats-for-loosening-cannabis-restrictions-630792">Also read |&nbsp;US: Health department bats for loosening cannabis restrictions</a>

However, they added that cannabidiol is beneficial for people with epilepsy as it helps them avoid seizures. "Cannabidiol is effective for epilepsy, notably in children, while other cannabinoids can be effective in use for multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, and palliative care."

Cannabis in general is not legal in the UK and is known as a class B drug. However, medicinal cannabis – or cannabis-based medicines – can be used.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new study review has revealed that teenagers, young adults, pregnant women, drivers and people who are mentally ill should avoid cannabis. The in-depth study was published in the BMJ.

A new study review has revealed that teenagers, young adults, pregnant women, drivers and people who are mentally ill should avoid cannabis. The in-depth study was published in the BMJ. The findings conducted by international experts are based on an umbrella review of cannabis. Experts and researchers from the UK analysed data from 101 meta-analyses on "cannabis use." The studies were published from 2002 to 2022 and looked at different combinations of cannabis and its medicines. Also read | Study challenges existence of 'Beer Goggles' phenomenon, says alcohol doesn't enhance perceived attractiveness However, cannabis helps in reducing seizures in epilepsy patients and cannabis-based medicines help in multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease and palliative care. The review said that cannabis was linked to poor mental health and cognition, increased incidents of car crashes among drivers and led to poor outcomes for babies when pregnant mothers consumed the drug. The authors added that young people should avoid consuming the drug while their brain is still developing. They argued that the most affected were teenagers and young adults and it should be avoided as "cognition is paramount for optimising academic performance and learning." The experts wrote, "Convincing or converging evidence recommends avoiding cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood in people prone to have or have mental health disorder, who are pregnant, and while driving." Also read | US: Health department bats for loosening cannabis restrictions However, they added that cannabidiol is beneficial for people with epilepsy as it helps them avoid seizures. "Cannabidiol is effective for epilepsy, notably in children, while other cannabinoids can be effective in use for multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, and palliative care." Cannabis in general is not legal in the UK and is known as a class B drug. However, medicinal cannabis – or cannabis-based medicines – can be used. (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 reveals teenagers, pregnant women & drivers should not consume cannabis. Know why

South Koreans are increasingly shunning marriage, shows a new government report.&nbsp;

As per the report released on Monday (August 28) only one-third of South Koreans had a positive perception about marriage. The trend, which has drastically accelerated over the past decade, spells demographic trouble for the already ageing nation.

<h2>Marriage, a thing of past?</h2>

The report by Statistics Korea found that only 36.4 per cent of South Koreans, between the ages of 19 and 34, wanted to get married. This is down from 56.5 per cent in 2012.

As per the report, the reason behind these plummeting numbers&nbsp;includes economic concerns over the rising costs of living and unaffordable housing.

Also read |&nbsp;South Korean cities play cupid, host blind-dating events to up fertility rate

Respondents who were polled last year also said that one reason they are not getting married is because they do not have enough money for marriage. Some reported feeling that marriage is simply not necessary.

<h2>How the genders responded?</h2>

Surprisingly, among those who had a positive perception towards marriage, a majority were men, and only 28 per cent of women responded positively.

In South Korea, there is even a word for women who chose to forego marriage, and remain single: "bihon".

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the reason more women are deciding to stay single could be because of their advancement in education and the workplace. This means that compared to earlier generations, the "opportunity cost of marriage" is higher for today's women.

Also read |&nbsp;Doctors in South Korea are giving up on paediatrics, sparking major health concern. Know why

Given the persistent gender stereotypes, getting married or having children might require women to make concessions concerning their careers or education, reports the OECD. This is especially true because of the challenges women face in returning to work after giving birth.

<h2>Child-free life</h2>

It's not just marriage, more and more people, as per the Statistics Korea report, are now dismissive towards childbirth. Since 2018, the number of those who choose to remain child-free is rising. More than half the people surveyed last year reportedly said they don't see the need to have a child.

The trend is a cause of concern for South Korea, where last year the fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.78. As per the OECD, 2.1 is the rate needed for a stable population, South Korea's fertility rate is the lowest in the world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Koreans are increasingly shunning marriage, shows a new government report. As per the report released on Monday (August 28) only one-third of South Koreans had a positive perception about marriage.

South Koreans are increasingly shunning marriage, shows a new government report. As per the report released on Monday (August 28) only one-third of South Koreans had a positive perception about marriage. The trend, which has drastically accelerated over the past decade, spells demographic trouble for the already ageing nation. Marriage, a thing of past? The report by Statistics Korea found that only 36.4 per cent of South Koreans, between the ages of 19 and 34, wanted to get married. This is down from 56.5 per cent in 2012. As per the report, the reason behind these plummeting numbers includes economic concerns over the rising costs of living and unaffordable housing. Also read | South Korean cities play cupid, host blind-dating events to up fertility rate Respondents who were polled last year also said that one reason they are not getting married is because they do not have enough money for marriage. Some reported feeling that marriage is simply not necessary. How the genders responded? Surprisingly, among those who had a positive perception towards marriage, a majority were men, and only 28 per cent of women responded positively. In South Korea, there is even a word for women who chose to forego marriage, and remain single: "bihon". According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the reason more women are deciding to stay single could be because of their advancement in education and the workplace. This means that compared to earlier generations, the "opportunity cost of marriage" is higher for today's women. Also read | Doctors in South Korea are giving up on paediatrics, sparking major health concern. Know why Given the persistent gender stereotypes, getting married or having children might require women to make concessions concerning their careers or education, reports the OECD. This is especially true because of the challenges women face in returning to work after giving birth. Child-free life It's not just marriage, more and more people, as per the Statistics Korea report, are now dismissive towards childbirth. Since 2018, the number of those who choose to remain child-free is rising. More than half the people surveyed last year reportedly said they don't see the need to have a child. The trend is a cause of concern for South Korea, where last year the fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.78. As per the OECD, 2.1 is the rate needed for a stable population, South Korea's fertility rate is the lowest in the world. (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.

South Koreans losing interest in marriage, spell trouble for ageing nation: Report

Recently, one of the world's leading astronomical observatories&nbsp;reported cyberattacks that temporarily shut down two of its telescopes. The United States-based National Science Foundation's National Optical-Infared Astronomy Research Laboratory or NOIRLab confirmed the news in its statement, Space.com reported.

NOIRLab&nbsp;on its website said, "Our staff are working with cybersecurity experts to get all the impacted telescopes and our website back online as soon as possible and are encouraged by the progress made thus far."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-mission-pragyan-rover-finds-sulphur-on-moons-south-pole-region-hunt-on-for-hydrogen-630305">Chandrayaan-3 mission: Pragyan rover finds sulphur on Moon's south pole region, hunt on for hydrogen</a>

The space company added that the cybersecurity incident occurred on August 1, which temporarily halted&nbsp;functions at its Gemini North Telescope and Gemini South Chile in Hawaii and Chile respectively.

The incident happened just days before the United States Nations Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) issued a two-page bulletin advising space agency companies and research organisations about the threat of espionage and cyberattacks.

The bulletin read, "Foreign spies and hackers recognise the importance of the commercial space industry to the US economy and national security, including the growing dependence of critical infrastructure on space-based assets. They see US space-related innovation and assets as potential threats as well as valuable opportunities to acquire vital technologies and expertise."

An official told the news agency Reuters, "We anticipate growing threats to this burgeoning sector of the US economy."

<h2>Motive not identified; probe on&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

The authorities are still unclear on the motive and place from where the cyberattack occurred. They added that the investigation is still on and the organisation will now be more cautious about what information it shares.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meteor-remnants-found-on-pacific-not-part-of-solar-system-could-be-alien-technology-harvard-scientist-630303">Meteor remnants found in Pacific not part of solar system, could be 'alien technology': Harvard scientist</a>

"We plan to provide the community with more information when we are able to, in alignment with our commitment to transparency as well as our dedication to the security of our infrastructure."

This isn't the first time that astronomical observatories have been the target of cyberattacks.&nbsp;

Back in October 2022, hackers disrupted operations at the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile and US NASA had also been a victim of cyberattacks for years. In 2021, it was affected by a worldwide SolarWinds breach.

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Recently, one of the world's leading astronomical observatories reported cyberattacks that temporarily shut down two of its telescopes. The United States-based National Science Foundation's National Optical-Infared Astronomy Research Laboratory or NOIRLab confirmed the news in its statement, Space.

Recently, one of the world's leading astronomical observatories reported cyberattacks that temporarily shut down two of its telescopes. The United States-based National Science Foundation's National Optical-Infared Astronomy Research Laboratory or NOIRLab confirmed the news in its statement, Space.com reported. NOIRLab on its website said, "Our staff are working with cybersecurity experts to get all the impacted telescopes and our website back online as soon as possible and are encouraged by the progress made thus far." Also read | Chandrayaan-3 mission: Pragyan rover finds sulphur on Moon's south pole region, hunt on for hydrogen The space company added that the cybersecurity incident occurred on August 1, which temporarily halted functions at its Gemini North Telescope and Gemini South Chile in Hawaii and Chile respectively. The incident happened just days before the United States Nations Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) issued a two-page bulletin advising space agency companies and research organisations about the threat of espionage and cyberattacks. The bulletin read, "Foreign spies and hackers recognise the importance of the commercial space industry to the US economy and national security, including the growing dependence of critical infrastructure on space-based assets. They see US space-related innovation and assets as potential threats as well as valuable opportunities to acquire vital technologies and expertise." An official told the news agency Reuters, "We anticipate growing threats to this burgeoning sector of the US economy." Motive not identified; probe on The authorities are still unclear on the motive and place from where the cyberattack occurred. They added that the investigation is still on and the organisation will now be more cautious about what information it shares. Also read | Meteor remnants found in Pacific not part of solar system, could be 'alien technology': Harvard scientist "We plan to provide the community with more information when we are able to, in alignment with our commitment to transparency as well as our dedication to the security of our infrastructure." This isn't the first time that astronomical observatories have been the target of cyberattacks. Back in October 2022, hackers disrupted operations at the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile and US NASA had also been a victim of cyberattacks for years. In 2021, it was affected by a worldwide SolarWinds breach. (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.

US: Mysterious hackers temporarily shut down 2 of the most advanced telescopes; probe on

Super Blue Moon 2023: The Super Blue Moon is just a few hours away. Skywatchers are preparing to see one of the biggest and brightest moons of the year will rise on Wednesday (August 30). Contrary to its name, the moon is not actually blue in colour but is referred to as per the definitions, which state the second of two full moons in a calendar month and its distance from Earth at the time of the full moon. &nbsp;

The Super Blue Moon 2023 is set to be seen on the night of August 30 and early morning of August 31.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/super-blue-moon-to-grace-skies-on-august-30-check-timings-all-you-need-to-know-629941">Also read |&nbsp;Super Blue Moon rises in the night sky. Here's when and how to watch it</a>

This comes as the month of August was full of extravagant celestial sights.&nbsp;

The Super Blue Moon will be at a distance of 3,57,344 kilometres from the Earth which will make it appear larger than average size.&nbsp;

The Sky and Telescope magazine reported that a blue moon happens about once in a two and half years.&nbsp;

Here's how you can watch the Super Blue Moon on time:

Super Blue Moon 2023: When and Where to Watch in India &amp; World

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skywatchers-alert-saturn-will-make-its-brightest-and-biggest-appearance-this-weekend-heres-how-to-watch-it-629648">Also read |&nbsp;Skywatchers alert! Saturn will make its brightest and biggest appearance this weekend. Here's how to watch it</a>

Moon enthusiasts can watch the Super Blue Moon after sunset during the dusk hours. The moon is expected to be at its peak around 8:37 pm EDT on Wednesday (Aug 30), Quint reported.

Skywatchers in Europe can see the Super Blue Moon slightly late and will get the chance to watch on Thursday (August 31).&nbsp; 
 
Individuals in London can watch at 8:08 pm BST.&nbsp;

Furthermore, New Yorkers can watch it at 7:45 pm EDT and at 7:36 pm PDT in Los Angeles.&nbsp;

Super Blue Moon 2023 Live Streaming: Where to watch it LIVE

People can also watch the live streaming of the celestial event on the Virtual Telescope Project at 3:30 GMT on Thursday (August 31) and in India can watch the event live at 9:00 am IST.&nbsp;

According to NASA, people can also spot Saturn in the sky, which will be visible near the moon. It will appear to swing clockwise around the moon as the evening progresses.

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Super Blue Moon 2023: The Super Blue Moon is just a few hours away. Skywatchers are preparing to see one of the biggest and brightest moons of the year will rise on Wednesday (August 30).

Super Blue Moon 2023: The Super Blue Moon is just a few hours away. Skywatchers are preparing to see one of the biggest and brightest moons of the year will rise on Wednesday (August 30). Contrary to its name, the moon is not actually blue in colour but is referred to as per the definitions, which state the second of two full moons in a calendar month and its distance from Earth at the time of the full moon. The Super Blue Moon 2023 is set to be seen on the night of August 30 and early morning of August 31. Also read | Super Blue Moon rises in the night sky. Here's when and how to watch it This comes as the month of August was full of extravagant celestial sights. The Super Blue Moon will be at a distance of 3,57,344 kilometres from the Earth which will make it appear larger than average size. The Sky and Telescope magazine reported that a blue moon happens about once in a two and half years. Here's how you can watch the Super Blue Moon on time: Super Blue Moon 2023: When and Where to Watch in India & World Also read | Skywatchers alert! Saturn will make its brightest and biggest appearance this weekend. Here's how to watch it Moon enthusiasts can watch the Super Blue Moon after sunset during the dusk hours. The moon is expected to be at its peak around 8:37 pm EDT on Wednesday (Aug 30), Quint reported. Skywatchers in Europe can see the Super Blue Moon slightly late and will get the chance to watch on Thursday (August 31). Individuals in London can watch at 8:08 pm BST. Furthermore, New Yorkers can watch it at 7:45 pm EDT and at 7:36 pm PDT in Los Angeles. Super Blue Moon 2023 Live Streaming: Where to watch it LIVE People can also watch the live streaming of the celestial event on the Virtual Telescope Project at 3:30 GMT on Thursday (August 31) and in India can watch the event live at 9:00 am IST. According to NASA, people can also spot Saturn in the sky, which will be visible near the moon. It will appear to swing clockwise around the moon as the evening progresses. (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.

Super Blue Moon 2023 Live: Here's how you can watch the brightest moon of the year in your country

Smoking as a habit is often frowned upon, it is horrible for your lungs and those of people around you. However, as per a new study, there's something even worse for your health - Air pollution.

The study released on Tuesday (August 29th) found that the global epicentre of this threat is South Asia.

<h2>Study findings</h2>

As per the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) findings, in spite of the massive threat, the funding set aside to confront the challenge of air pollution is just a fraction of the amount earmarked for fighting infectious diseases.

However, as per EPIC's annual Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report, fine particulate air pollution is the “greatest external threat to public health.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-the-fujiwhara-effect-what-happens-when-two-powerful-storms-collide-630152">Explained | The Fujiwhara Effect: What happens when two powerful storms collide?</a>

Fine particulate matter, which comes from vehicle and industrial emissions, wildfires and more, has been linked to lung disease, heart disease, strokes, and cancer.

<h2>South Asia suffers</h2>

Globally, South Asia is the worst affected, with India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal emerging as the top four countries with the highest levels of air pollution, specifically in terms of annualised, population-weighted averages of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These particles have a diameter of 2.5 microns or fewer.

<h2>How much air pollution takes from us</h2>

AFP reports that if the global air pollution levels were to be reduced to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels, on average, every person would add 2.3 years to their life expectancy. That means air pollution is stealing around 27.6 months from our lives.

In comparison, tobacco reduces a person's life expectancy by 2.2 years (26.4 months). Even maternal malnutrition, a major problem in itself, only cuts about 1.6 years (19.2 months) from a person's life.

As per the report, there is an international financing partnership called the Global Fund&nbsp;which annually disburses $4 billion to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. There is no equivalent initiative specifically targeting air pollution.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/from-snakes-to-humans-live-parasitic-roundworm-discovered-in-australian-womans-brain-629982">From snakes to humans: Live parasitic roundworm discovered in Australian woman's brain</a>

The report emphasises that “air pollution shaves off more years from the average person's life in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Cameroon than HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other health threats.”

Talking to AFP, Christa Hasenkopf, the director of air quality programmes at EPIC, highlighted the significant gap between the areas most affected by air pollution and the allocation of resources to address the issue and said, “There is a profound disconnect with where air pollution is the worst and where we, collectively and globally, are deploying resources to fix the problem.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Smoking as a habit is often frowned upon, it is horrible for your lungs and those of people around you. However, as per a new study, there's something even worse for your health - Air pollution.

Smoking as a habit is often frowned upon, it is horrible for your lungs and those of people around you. However, as per a new study, there's something even worse for your health - Air pollution. The study released on Tuesday (August 29th) found that the global epicentre of this threat is South Asia. Study findings As per the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) findings, in spite of the massive threat, the funding set aside to confront the challenge of air pollution is just a fraction of the amount earmarked for fighting infectious diseases. However, as per EPIC's annual Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report, fine particulate air pollution is the “greatest external threat to public health.” Also read | Explained | The Fujiwhara Effect: What happens when two powerful storms collide? Fine particulate matter, which comes from vehicle and industrial emissions, wildfires and more, has been linked to lung disease, heart disease, strokes, and cancer. South Asia suffers Globally, South Asia is the worst affected, with India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal emerging as the top four countries with the highest levels of air pollution, specifically in terms of annualised, population-weighted averages of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These particles have a diameter of 2.5 microns or fewer. How much air pollution takes from us AFP reports that if the global air pollution levels were to be reduced to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels, on average, every person would add 2.3 years to their life expectancy. That means air pollution is stealing around 27.6 months from our lives. In comparison, tobacco reduces a person's life expectancy by 2.2 years (26.4 months). Even maternal malnutrition, a major problem in itself, only cuts about 1.6 years (19.2 months) from a person's life. As per the report, there is an international financing partnership called the Global Fund which annually disburses $4 billion to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. There is no equivalent initiative specifically targeting air pollution. Also read | From snakes to humans: Live parasitic roundworm discovered in Australian woman's brain The report emphasises that “air pollution shaves off more years from the average person's life in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Cameroon than HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other health threats.” Talking to AFP, Christa Hasenkopf, the director of air quality programmes at EPIC, highlighted the significant gap between the areas most affected by air pollution and the allocation of resources to address the issue and said, “There is a profound disconnect with where air pollution is the worst and where we, collectively and globally, are deploying resources to fix the problem.” (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.

Air pollution: A silent threat deadlier than smoking and alcohol, reveals new study

Scientists may have uncovered a breakthrough strategy to aid in the&nbsp;slowing down of Alzheimer's progression in humans, as per the findings of one latest study.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) conducted a study using a mouse model of Alzheimer's. With the study, the researchers managed to regularise the circadian clocks of the mice effectively&nbsp;through an intermittent fasting regimen. It is worth noting that circadian clocks are disrupted by Alzheimer's leading to&nbsp;altered sleep patterns, increased cognitive impairment during evenings, and sleep-related difficulties.&nbsp;

The study's findings have been published in Cell Metabolism.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-idalia-lashes-western-cuba-as-it-intensifies-into-major-hurricane-630067">Storm Idalia lashes western Cuba as it intensifies into major hurricane</a>

<h2>The findings&nbsp;</h2>

The research team imposed a time-restricted feeding schedule on the mice, resulting in noticeable enhancements in their memory function. Furthermore, the accumulation of amyloid proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, was reduced in the brains of the fasting mice.

Mice adhering to the feeding schedule displayed more regular sleep patterns, reduced nighttime hyperactivity, and fewer sleep disruptions compared to mice with unrestricted eating times.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-turned-x-faced-another-outage-down-for-thousands-of-users-630065">Twitter turned 'X' faces another outage, platform down for thousands of users</a>

Neuroscientist Paula Desplats from UC San Diego reportedly said, "For many years, we assumed that the circadian disruptions seen in people with Alzheimer's are a result of neurodegeneration, but we're now learning it may be the other way around – circadian disruption may be one of the main drivers of Alzheimer's pathology."&nbsp;

"This makes circadian disruptions a promising target for new Alzheimer's treatments, and our findings provide the proof-of-concept for an easy and accessible way to correct these disruptions,"&nbsp;Desplats added.&nbsp;

The mice were confined to a six-hour eating window daily, equivalent to a 14-hour fasting period within a 24-hour cycle for humans. This fasting approach appeared to reset the natural circadian rhythms disrupted by Alzheimer's.

Watch | Gravitas: 'Don't Speak Japanese Loudly'; Tokyo Cautions Citizens Amid Harassment In China&nbsp;

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Intermittent fasting presents a practical and relatively straightforward regimen that individuals can adopt. If replicated in human trials, these findings hold promise as an additional avenue in the battle against this debilitating form of dementia.&nbsp;It paves the way for further research and potential breakthroughs in Alzheimer's.

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Scientists may have uncovered a breakthrough strategy to aid in the slowing down of Alzheimer's progression in humans, as per the findings of one latest study. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) conducted a study using a mouse model of Alzheimer's.

Scientists may have uncovered a breakthrough strategy to aid in the slowing down of Alzheimer's progression in humans, as per the findings of one latest study. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) conducted a study using a mouse model of Alzheimer's. With the study, the researchers managed to regularise the circadian clocks of the mice effectively through an intermittent fasting regimen. It is worth noting that circadian clocks are disrupted by Alzheimer's leading to altered sleep patterns, increased cognitive impairment during evenings, and sleep-related difficulties. The study's findings have been published in Cell Metabolism. Also Read | Storm Idalia lashes western Cuba as it intensifies into major hurricane The findings The research team imposed a time-restricted feeding schedule on the mice, resulting in noticeable enhancements in their memory function. Furthermore, the accumulation of amyloid proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, was reduced in the brains of the fasting mice. Mice adhering to the feeding schedule displayed more regular sleep patterns, reduced nighttime hyperactivity, and fewer sleep disruptions compared to mice with unrestricted eating times. Also Read | Twitter turned 'X' faces another outage, platform down for thousands of users Neuroscientist Paula Desplats from UC San Diego reportedly said, "For many years, we assumed that the circadian disruptions seen in people with Alzheimer's are a result of neurodegeneration, but we're now learning it may be the other way around – circadian disruption may be one of the main drivers of Alzheimer's pathology." "This makes circadian disruptions a promising target for new Alzheimer's treatments, and our findings provide the proof-of-concept for an easy and accessible way to correct these disruptions," Desplats added. The mice were confined to a six-hour eating window daily, equivalent to a 14-hour fasting period within a 24-hour cycle for humans. This fasting approach appeared to reset the natural circadian rhythms disrupted by Alzheimer's. Watch | Gravitas: 'Don't Speak Japanese Loudly'; Tokyo Cautions Citizens Amid Harassment In China × Intermittent fasting presents a practical and relatively straightforward regimen that individuals can adopt. If replicated in human trials, these findings hold promise as an additional avenue in the battle against this debilitating form of dementia. It paves the way for further research and potential breakthroughs in Alzheimer's. 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. ×

Intermittent fasting shows potential in slowing down Alzheimer's progression: Study

In Australia, a medical case has left doctors and neurosurgeons flabbergasted as a 64-year-old woman was found to have a live parasitic roundworm living in her brain. What's more surprising is that the worm, called Ophidascaris robertsi, is usually found in snakes, pythons to be exact, and this is actually the first documented case of it being present in a human.

<h2>'Alive and wriggling'</h2>

In the Canberra hospital, neurosurgeon, Dr Hari Priya Bandi, pulled an 8 cm-long parasitic roundworm out of her patient's brain, prompting her to call her colleagues and exclaim, "Oh my God, you wouldn’t believe what I just found in this lady’s brain – and it’s alive and wriggling."

As per The Guardian, since late 2021, the woman had been suffering from various symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, cough, fever, night sweats. More recently, by 2022, she started reporting symptoms like forgetfulness and depression.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-scientists-close-on-to-figure-out-male-infertility-after-full-sequencing-of-y-chromosome-629426">Explained | Scientists finally decipher enigmatic Y chromosome, feat to help study male infertility</a>

Upon conducting an MRI scan, doctors revealed abnormalities in her brain that required surgery.&nbsp;It was during this surgery that neurosurgeons discovered the 8-cm-long roundworm inside her brain.&nbsp;The roundworm, usually found in pythons, had never been reported in humans before.&nbsp;

<h2>How did the roundworm enter her brain?</h2>

The woman, as per The Guardian, lives near an area inhabited by carpet pythons, which are hosts of this worm.

It is believed that she may have come into contact with the parasite through native grasses she collected from around a nearby lake for cooking. It's hypothesised that a python may have shed the parasite via its faeces, which may have contaminated the grass.

Since this was the first such case, the medical team involved in the case had to move carefully, as they suspected that the woman may have larvae. To kill the larvae, they administered medication that could have harmful side effects.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hunt-for-loch-ness-monster-nessie-comes-to-an-end-mystery-remains-unsolved-629923">Hunt for Loch Ness monster 'Nessie' comes to an end; mystery remains unsolved</a>

As per the doctors, the patient's recovery has been successful. The case has been documented in the September edition of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The case has highlighted the potential dangers of diseases and infections transferring from animals to humans. As per Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, there "have been about 30 new infections in the world in the last 30 years."

"This Ophidascaris infection does not transmit between people, so this patient's case won’t cause a pandemic like COVID-19 or Ebola. However, the snake and parasite are found in other parts of the world, so it is likely that other cases will be recognised in coming years in other countries," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Australia, a medical case has left doctors and neurosurgeons flabbergasted as a 64-year-old woman was found to have a live parasitic roundworm living in her brain.

In Australia, a medical case has left doctors and neurosurgeons flabbergasted as a 64-year-old woman was found to have a live parasitic roundworm living in her brain. What's more surprising is that the worm, called Ophidascaris robertsi, is usually found in snakes, pythons to be exact, and this is actually the first documented case of it being present in a human. 'Alive and wriggling' In the Canberra hospital, neurosurgeon, Dr Hari Priya Bandi, pulled an 8 cm-long parasitic roundworm out of her patient's brain, prompting her to call her colleagues and exclaim, "Oh my God, you wouldn’t believe what I just found in this lady’s brain – and it’s alive and wriggling." As per The Guardian, since late 2021, the woman had been suffering from various symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, cough, fever, night sweats. More recently, by 2022, she started reporting symptoms like forgetfulness and depression. Also read | Explained | Scientists finally decipher enigmatic Y chromosome, feat to help study male infertility Upon conducting an MRI scan, doctors revealed abnormalities in her brain that required surgery. It was during this surgery that neurosurgeons discovered the 8-cm-long roundworm inside her brain. The roundworm, usually found in pythons, had never been reported in humans before. How did the roundworm enter her brain? The woman, as per The Guardian, lives near an area inhabited by carpet pythons, which are hosts of this worm. It is believed that she may have come into contact with the parasite through native grasses she collected from around a nearby lake for cooking. It's hypothesised that a python may have shed the parasite via its faeces, which may have contaminated the grass. Since this was the first such case, the medical team involved in the case had to move carefully, as they suspected that the woman may have larvae. To kill the larvae, they administered medication that could have harmful side effects. Also read | Hunt for Loch Ness monster 'Nessie' comes to an end; mystery remains unsolved As per the doctors, the patient's recovery has been successful. The case has been documented in the September edition of the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. The case has highlighted the potential dangers of diseases and infections transferring from animals to humans. As per Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, there "have been about 30 new infections in the world in the last 30 years." "This Ophidascaris infection does not transmit between people, so this patient's case won’t cause a pandemic like COVID-19 or Ebola. However, the snake and parasite are found in other parts of the world, so it is likely that other cases will be recognised in coming years in other countries," he added. (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.

From snakes to humans: Live parasitic roundworm discovered in Australian woman's brain

An astrobiology professor has claimed that life on Mars was discovered 50 years ago but quickly eradicated. Dirk Schulze-Makuch, a faculty member at the Technical University Berlin, has made the sensational claim, saying we may have got lucky with discovering extraterrestrial life, only to destroy it unintentionally.

An astrobiology professor has claimed that life on Mars was discovered 50 years ago but quickly eradicated. Dirk Schulze-Makuch, a faculty member at the Technical University Berlin, has made the sensational claim, saying we may have got lucky with discovering extraterrestrial life, only to destroy it unintentionally. Prior to the Curiosity rover, NASA had launched the Viking programme in the mid-1970s - sending two landers to the Martian surface. The mission, ahead of its time, managed to offer the first glimpses of the Martian surface to humankind. Not only that, but the mission also performed biological analysis of its soil, with the primary aim of unearthing indications of life. The findings in the mission contained numerous geological formations that were consistent with the effects of substantial water flows. The Martian volcanoes and the slopes on it bore close resemblances to those in Hawaii -hinting at their prior exposure to rain. The landers also identified small amounts of chlorinated organics, initially believed to be contamination from Earth. However, the subsequent Mars missions have confirmed the presence of native organic compounds on Mars, although in a chlorinated form. Watch | WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket One of the Viking experiments involved adding water to soil samples. Water infused with nutrients and radioactive carbon (carbon-14) was introduced to the red Martian soil. The hypothesis stated that if there were potential microorganisms on Mars, they would consume the nutrients and release radioactive carbon as a gas. Initial results indicated this radioactive gas' emission but the remaining results remained inconclusive. Schulze-Makuch posits that we might have overwhelmed these potential microbes, leading to their demise. "Many of the Viking experiments involved applying water to the soil samples, which may explain the puzzling results. Perhaps the putative Martian microbes collected for the labelled release experiments couldn’t deal with that amount of water and died off after a while," he wrote in a column in Big Think. "It would be as if an alien spaceship were to find you wandering half-dead in the desert, and your would-be saviours decide, 'Humans need water. Let’s put the human in the middle of the ocean to save it!' That wouldn’t work either," he explained. Also read | Alien toilet? Mars rover captures mysterious ‘doughnut’ on surface of the red planet Humanity's quest for life on Mars Humanity has been searching for life on planets other than our home base to see if we can become an interplanetary species. Mars has long been touted as a potential candidate where this could be possible. Currently, the Perseverance rover is traversing the rough terrain of Mars. It is part of an international, interplanetary relay team created to unravel the secrets of our neighbourhood planet. Around 2028, a Sample Retrieval Lander is expected to be launched from Earth, carrying a NASA-led Mars rocket and small Mars helicopters. The lander will land near a crater near the rover and the rocks collected by Perseverance will be loaded upon the rocket. Notably, the lander needs to be close to the Perseverance rover to facilitate the transfer of Mars samples. It must land within 66 yards (60 metres) of its target site. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

A scientist claims that humans found life on Mars 50 years ago, and then killed it accidentally

Scientists have now revealed 11 risk factors for dementia that can help you predict if someone will develop the condition in the coming years.

This comes as experts have forecast that almost triple to 153 million people by 2050 will be living with dementia globally. However, according to them, almost 40 per cent of cases can be reversed if they target key factors including lifestyle changes like losing weight, reduced alcohol consumption and smoking, the Guardian reported.&nbsp;

The findings were published in the journal BMJ Mental Health. The new dementia score drew 11 factors that could identify people who are at risk or are on the verge of developing it during mid-life. The study was led by the Univeristy of Oxford, which examined people aged 50 to 73 taking part in two long-term British studies — the UK Biobank Study and the Whitehall II study.&nbsp;

For the UK Biobank study, 220,762 people around the age&nbsp;of 60 were examined to develop the risk assessment tool while some 2,934 people&nbsp;aged&nbsp;57 helped to validate the Whiteball II study.&nbsp;

The researchers then compiled a list of 28 unknown factors linked to dementia risk and identified the strongest predictors. They produced 11 predictive factors or the UK Biobank Dementia Risk Score (UKBDRS) tool. These 11 factors are age, education, a history of diabetes, a history of depression, a history of stroke, parental history of dementia, levels of deprivation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, living alone and gender.

The scientist also examined a specific gene alongside these risk factors called the APOE gene. They found that UBDRS-APOE produced the highest predictive score of dementia.&nbsp;

They also identified those at risk, and how they can use preventive measures for people to avoid the illness.&nbsp;

Lead scientist, Raihaan Patel said, "The UKBDRS may best be used as an initial screening tool to stratify people into risk groups, and those identified as high risk could then benefit from the more time-intensive follow-up assessments described above for more detailed characterisation."

Furthermore, co-lead and associate professor Sana Suri said, "It’s important to remember that this risk score only tells us about our chances of developing dementia; it doesn’t represent a definitive outcome. The importance of each risk factor varies and given that some of the factors included in the score can be modified or treated, there are things we can all do to help reduce our risk of dementia."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Scientists have now revealed 11 risk factors for dementia that can help you predict if someone will develop the condition in the coming years. This comes as experts have forecast that almost triple to 153 million people by 2050 will be living with dementia globally.

Scientists have now revealed 11 risk factors for dementia that can help you predict if someone will develop the condition in the coming years. This comes as experts have forecast that almost triple to 153 million people by 2050 will be living with dementia globally. However, according to them, almost 40 per cent of cases can be reversed if they target key factors including lifestyle changes like losing weight, reduced alcohol consumption and smoking, the Guardian reported. The findings were published in the journal BMJ Mental Health. The new dementia score drew 11 factors that could identify people who are at risk or are on the verge of developing it during mid-life. The study was led by the Univeristy of Oxford, which examined people aged 50 to 73 taking part in two long-term British studies — the UK Biobank Study and the Whitehall II study. For the UK Biobank study, 220,762 people around the age of 60 were examined to develop the risk assessment tool while some 2,934 people aged 57 helped to validate the Whiteball II study. The researchers then compiled a list of 28 unknown factors linked to dementia risk and identified the strongest predictors. They produced 11 predictive factors or the UK Biobank Dementia Risk Score (UKBDRS) tool. These 11 factors are age, education, a history of diabetes, a history of depression, a history of stroke, parental history of dementia, levels of deprivation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, living alone and gender. The scientist also examined a specific gene alongside these risk factors called the APOE gene. They found that UBDRS-APOE produced the highest predictive score of dementia. They also identified those at risk, and how they can use preventive measures for people to avoid the illness. Lead scientist, Raihaan Patel said, "The UKBDRS may best be used as an initial screening tool to stratify people into risk groups, and those identified as high risk could then benefit from the more time-intensive follow-up assessments described above for more detailed characterisation." Furthermore, co-lead and associate professor Sana Suri said, "It’s important to remember that this risk score only tells us about our chances of developing dementia; it doesn’t represent a definitive outcome. The importance of each risk factor varies and given that some of the factors included in the score can be modified or treated, there are things we can all do to help reduce our risk of dementia." (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 reveal 11 dementia risk factors that could determine who all are at risk

Churning out top scientific talent for 11 years, the government-run Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram has contributed more than 1,300 scientists and engineers to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).&nbsp;

Functioning as an autonomous body under the Department of Space, Government of India, IIST is the first of its kind in the country and offers high-quality education at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels in areas with a special focus on space sciences, space technology and space applications.

Stepping into its 16th year, the IIST held its 11th Convocation on Friday (August 18).

On Friday, a total of 275 students conferred their degrees at the Institute, which comprises B.Tech, M.Tech and PhDs. The Convocation was presided over by top officials from the Indian space sector – Dr. B N Suresh, Chancellor, IIST, Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Member Space Commission and former Chairman ISRO, Dr. S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, Dr. V Narayanan, Director ISRO, LPSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director IIST&amp;VSSC, among others.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, Chairman ISRO, Dr. S. Somanath highlighted the top priorities of ISRO – reliably increase the throughput of production of rockets and satellites to meet market demand;&nbsp;reduce the cost of access to space;&nbsp;work on re-usable vertical take-off and landing rockets;&nbsp;build intelligent rockets and satellites; build more powerful rockets based on methane-liquid oxygen engines; and build multi-purpose spacecraft with miniaturised electronics and advanced technology.&nbsp;

He also touched upon the role of IIST in fostering the research and development culture in ISRO and transitioning the space agency to perform more technology development activities aimed at the future. “IIST is an integral part of ISRO and is the research canvas of ISRO” he urged the students and faculty to use the ISRO labs and centres for their research work.&nbsp;

As part of its International partnerships, IIST collaborates with the California Institute of Technology, the University of Colorado, Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, the University of Surrey (UK), Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Institute of Astronomy – University of Cambridge, Niigata University Japan and ISAE-SUPAERO France.&nbsp;

The main objectives of collaboration through the MoU mode is to provide for an exchange of students and faculty; initiate joint research on mutually accepted areas; and provide fellowships for training and research at doctoral and post-doctoral levels. 
 
Addressing the graduating students, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, shared his vision that IIST alumni must help ISRO leap forward and harness the resources of the Moon and Mars and help India play an active role in the interplanetary society that is expected to take shape by 2047.&nbsp;

Sharing the IIT model of industry-academia collaboration, he pointed out how industry experts with 15 years or more experience could join academia and teach there by taking us the role of Professor of Practice. Likewise, those who are in academia as professors or assistant professors could also take up roles in related industries as a vice-president or general manager and contribute to that sector.

Referring to how 80 per cent of medical equipment in use in India is being imported, he urged the students to use the know-how and know-why of the space medicine and medical engineering aspects of India’s astronaut mission ‘Gaganyaan,’ for the benefit of the common man.&nbsp; 
 
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Churning out top scientific talent for 11 years, the government-run Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram has contributed more than 1,300 scientists and engineers to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Churning out top scientific talent for 11 years, the government-run Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram has contributed more than 1,300 scientists and engineers to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Functioning as an autonomous body under the Department of Space, Government of India, IIST is the first of its kind in the country and offers high-quality education at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels in areas with a special focus on space sciences, space technology and space applications. Stepping into its 16th year, the IIST held its 11th Convocation on Friday (August 18). On Friday, a total of 275 students conferred their degrees at the Institute, which comprises B.Tech, M.Tech and PhDs. The Convocation was presided over by top officials from the Indian space sector – Dr. B N Suresh, Chancellor, IIST, Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Member Space Commission and former Chairman ISRO, Dr. S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, Dr. V Narayanan, Director ISRO, LPSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director IIST&VSSC, among others. Speaking at the event, Chairman ISRO, Dr. S. Somanath highlighted the top priorities of ISRO – reliably increase the throughput of production of rockets and satellites to meet market demand; reduce the cost of access to space; work on re-usable vertical take-off and landing rockets; build intelligent rockets and satellites; build more powerful rockets based on methane-liquid oxygen engines; and build multi-purpose spacecraft with miniaturised electronics and advanced technology. He also touched upon the role of IIST in fostering the research and development culture in ISRO and transitioning the space agency to perform more technology development activities aimed at the future. “IIST is an integral part of ISRO and is the research canvas of ISRO” he urged the students and faculty to use the ISRO labs and centres for their research work. As part of its International partnerships, IIST collaborates with the California Institute of Technology, the University of Colorado, Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, the University of Surrey (UK), Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Institute of Astronomy – University of Cambridge, Niigata University Japan and ISAE-SUPAERO France. The main objectives of collaboration through the MoU mode is to provide for an exchange of students and faculty; initiate joint research on mutually accepted areas; and provide fellowships for training and research at doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Addressing the graduating students, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, shared his vision that IIST alumni must help ISRO leap forward and harness the resources of the Moon and Mars and help India play an active role in the interplanetary society that is expected to take shape by 2047. Sharing the IIT model of industry-academia collaboration, he pointed out how industry experts with 15 years or more experience could join academia and teach there by taking us the role of Professor of Practice. Likewise, those who are in academia as professors or assistant professors could also take up roles in related industries as a vice-president or general manager and contribute to that sector. Referring to how 80 per cent of medical equipment in use in India is being imported, he urged the students to use the know-how and know-why of the space medicine and medical engineering aspects of India’s astronaut mission ‘Gaganyaan,’ for the benefit of the common man. 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.

India: In 11 years, more than 1,300 graduates from govt-run IIST have joined ISRO

A study published in the journal,&nbsp;Nature Medicine, shows how a form of gene therapy, which is already in the midst of being tested in patients with Parkinson’s disease, may also help provide a one-off treatment for severe alcohol addiction.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the study about?</h2>

The study was conducted on macaque monkeys who were predisposed to heavy drinking and like humans, some are more prone to heavy drinking than others.&nbsp;

Researchers noted how when the macaques were first offered a drink of their choice with five per cent alcohol alongside regular food and water, eventually, some of them almost always chose alcohol.

This is because, like most addictive substances, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter that gives a person feelings of pleasure and reward, which motivates them to repeat a specific behaviour.&nbsp;

However, with chronic drinking, the release of dopamine decreases over time, therefore people who are addicted to alcohol eventually don’t tend to feel pleasure in drinking it.&nbsp;

“It seems that they’re drinking more because they feel a need to maintain an intoxicated state,” said Professor Kathleen Grant, who co-led the study, at Oregon Health and Science University’s National Primate Research Centre in Beaverton, United States.&nbsp;

She added, “For months on end, these animals would choose to drink water and just avoid drinking alcohol altogether.” Grant and her team wanted to know if resetting these dopamine reward pathways might lower their desire to drink alcohol.&nbsp;

In order to do this, researchers introduced a harmless virus in four alcohol-addicted macaques to deliver the gene for a protein called glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). They used magnetic resonance imaging to guide the injection to the area of the brain that is responsible for addiction and reward.

“We targeted the cell bodies that produce dopamine with this gene to increase dopamine synthesis, thereby replenishing or restoring what chronic drinking has taken away,” said Grant, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

<h2>Alcohol consumption reduced by 90%</h2>

The study found that the macaques permanently started overexpressing dopamine which led to a dramatic decrease in their subsequent alcohol consumption by up to 90 per cent. “Drinking went down to almost zero,” said Grant.&nbsp;

The study also noted that the macaques that were injected with an inactive form of the gene continued drinking, while the ones that received GNDF, had their dopamine restored. According to Grant, the animals went from eight to 10 drinks a day to one to two drinks a day.&nbsp;

However, considering that gene therapy procedure involves brain surgery and is irreversible it would probably be used in the most severe cases of alcohol addiction, said co-lead of the study. But it might not be available for people just yet, as animal studies are needed before the technique could be tested on humans.&nbsp; 
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A study published in the journal, Nature Medicine, shows how a form of gene therapy, which is already in the midst of being tested in patients with Parkinson’s disease, may also help provide a one-off treatment for severe alcohol addiction.

A study published in the journal, Nature Medicine, shows how a form of gene therapy, which is already in the midst of being tested in patients with Parkinson’s disease, may also help provide a one-off treatment for severe alcohol addiction. What is the study about? The study was conducted on macaque monkeys who were predisposed to heavy drinking and like humans, some are more prone to heavy drinking than others. Researchers noted how when the macaques were first offered a drink of their choice with five per cent alcohol alongside regular food and water, eventually, some of them almost always chose alcohol. This is because, like most addictive substances, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter that gives a person feelings of pleasure and reward, which motivates them to repeat a specific behaviour. However, with chronic drinking, the release of dopamine decreases over time, therefore people who are addicted to alcohol eventually don’t tend to feel pleasure in drinking it. “It seems that they’re drinking more because they feel a need to maintain an intoxicated state,” said Professor Kathleen Grant, who co-led the study, at Oregon Health and Science University’s National Primate Research Centre in Beaverton, United States. She added, “For months on end, these animals would choose to drink water and just avoid drinking alcohol altogether.” Grant and her team wanted to know if resetting these dopamine reward pathways might lower their desire to drink alcohol. In order to do this, researchers introduced a harmless virus in four alcohol-addicted macaques to deliver the gene for a protein called glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). They used magnetic resonance imaging to guide the injection to the area of the brain that is responsible for addiction and reward. “We targeted the cell bodies that produce dopamine with this gene to increase dopamine synthesis, thereby replenishing or restoring what chronic drinking has taken away,” said Grant, as quoted by The Guardian. Alcohol consumption reduced by 90% The study found that the macaques permanently started overexpressing dopamine which led to a dramatic decrease in their subsequent alcohol consumption by up to 90 per cent. “Drinking went down to almost zero,” said Grant. The study also noted that the macaques that were injected with an inactive form of the gene continued drinking, while the ones that received GNDF, had their dopamine restored. According to Grant, the animals went from eight to 10 drinks a day to one to two drinks a day. However, considering that gene therapy procedure involves brain surgery and is irreversible it would probably be used in the most severe cases of alcohol addiction, said co-lead of the study. But it might not be available for people just yet, as animal studies are needed before the technique could be tested on humans. 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.

Form of gene therapy may offer ‘one-off’ treatment for severe alcohol addiction, finds study

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to Pfizer's therapy for the treatment of a challenging form of blood cancer, the company announced on Monday.

This approval, as per Reuters, hinges on compelling data from a mid-stage study, which revealed that 58 per cent of patients treated with Pfizer's therapy exhibited either no cancer presence or a significant reduction in cancer cells.

<h2>Elrexfio</h2>

This groundbreaking decision permits the use of Pfizer's therapy 'Elrexfio', in patients dealing with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that is often resistant to conventional treatment and reoccurs even after a patient undergoes four or more rounds of certain classes of treatments, reports Reuters.

The drug, which is administered subcutaneously, or under the skin, is also known as elranatamab, and belongs to the class of bi-specific antibodies — these boost the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancerous cells by bringing together immune cells with cancer cells.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-scientists-detect-microplastics-in-human-hearts-study-625084">In a worrisome first, scientists detect microplastics in human hearts: Study</a>

For patients in America, the therapy will be sold at $7,556 for the 44 mg vial and $13,051 for the 76 mg vial, according to Pfizer.&nbsp;

The therapy's initial list price, as per the company, is expected to be approximately $41,500 per month. However, Pfizer anticipates that the monthly cost will decrease to around $26,000 as patients transition to bi-weekly dosing.

<h2>When will it be available?</h2>

Mid-stage trial results indicate that Elrexfio has an average treatment duration of eight months. As per Pfizer, it should be available to patients in the weeks following the FDA approval.

<h2>Blood cancer</h2>

Multiple myeloma is a prevalent type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. It can metastasise throughout the body.&nbsp;

Patients often experience disease recurrence after discontinuing treatment. Elrexfio may help address this unmet medical need.

Similar antibody therapies in the market include Roche's Columvi, Abbvie's Epkinly, and Johnson &amp; Johnson's recently approved Talvey.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lakeside-fortresses-and-ancient-stilts-scientists-unearthing-europes-oldest-village-624577">Scientists unearth Europe’s oldest lakeside stilt village behind a fortress of defensive spikes</a>

A distinctive aspect of Elrexfio is its potential for "off-the-shelf" usage. Healthcare providers in hospitals and clinics can administer the therapy on an ongoing basis, enhancing accessibility for patients, said the company.

It is noteworthy that the therapy's approval comes with a boxed warning related to neurologic toxicity and cytokine release syndrome, a condition marked by an intensified immune system response.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to Pfizer's therapy for the treatment of a challenging form of blood cancer, the company announced on Monday.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to Pfizer's therapy for the treatment of a challenging form of blood cancer, the company announced on Monday. This approval, as per Reuters, hinges on compelling data from a mid-stage study, which revealed that 58 per cent of patients treated with Pfizer's therapy exhibited either no cancer presence or a significant reduction in cancer cells. Elrexfio This groundbreaking decision permits the use of Pfizer's therapy 'Elrexfio', in patients dealing with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that is often resistant to conventional treatment and reoccurs even after a patient undergoes four or more rounds of certain classes of treatments, reports Reuters. The drug, which is administered subcutaneously, or under the skin, is also known as elranatamab, and belongs to the class of bi-specific antibodies — these boost the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancerous cells by bringing together immune cells with cancer cells. Also read | In a worrisome first, scientists detect microplastics in human hearts: Study For patients in America, the therapy will be sold at $7,556 for the 44 mg vial and $13,051 for the 76 mg vial, according to Pfizer. The therapy's initial list price, as per the company, is expected to be approximately $41,500 per month. However, Pfizer anticipates that the monthly cost will decrease to around $26,000 as patients transition to bi-weekly dosing. When will it be available? Mid-stage trial results indicate that Elrexfio has an average treatment duration of eight months. As per Pfizer, it should be available to patients in the weeks following the FDA approval. Blood cancer Multiple myeloma is a prevalent type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. It can metastasise throughout the body. Patients often experience disease recurrence after discontinuing treatment. Elrexfio may help address this unmet medical need. Similar antibody therapies in the market include Roche's Columvi, Abbvie's Epkinly, and Johnson & Johnson's recently approved Talvey. Also read | Scientists unearth Europe’s oldest lakeside stilt village behind a fortress of defensive spikes A distinctive aspect of Elrexfio is its potential for "off-the-shelf" usage. Healthcare providers in hospitals and clinics can administer the therapy on an ongoing basis, enhancing accessibility for patients, said the company. It is noteworthy that the therapy's approval comes with a boxed warning related to neurologic toxicity and cytokine release syndrome, a condition marked by an intensified immune system response. (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.

Pfizer therapy for hard-to-treat blood cancer granted FDA accelerated approval 

A fascinating discovery that could change our understanding of modern science is underway. There are at least four fundamental forces in Nature: Gravity, the electromagnetic force, the strong force, in the weak force. But, scientists are now on the cusp of discovering the existence of a new force of nature. The curiosity in the scientific community has risen due to a peculiar wobble of a subatomic particle.

Scientists on the brink of discovering the fifth force of nature

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