Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago. On land, in water and even in sky, there was at least one dinosaur, or a distant relative ruling the food chains.

Then an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago and hell broke loose. Dominance of Dinosaurs ended along with 75 per cent of plants and animals. This paved way for mammals and then humans to be dominant.

But now researchers are saying that the catastrophic asteroid impact was responsible for formation of Amazon rainforests as they are now. The asteroid had struck near Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, close to Amazon rainforests.

We know that Amazon rainforests are extremely important for global ecosystem.

A research paper titled 'Extinction at the end-Cretaceous and the origin of modern Neotropical rainforests' produces result of analysis of thousands of fossils of pollen, spores and leaves. These fossils are 50 to 70 million years old.

The study has concluded that the asteroid impact has a huge effect on how tropical rainforest developed. One of the authors of the paper has been even quoted as saying the impact changed the "ecological and evolutionary trajectory" of these forests. The study has been published in the journal 'Science'

It's true what they say, life battles on even in the face of catastrophe.

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago. On land, in water and even in sky, there was at least one dinosaur, or a distant relative ruling the food chains.

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago. On land, in water and even in sky, there was at least one dinosaur, or a distant relative ruling the food chains. Then an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago and hell broke loose. Dominance of Dinosaurs ended along with 75 per cent of plants and animals. This paved way for mammals and then humans to be dominant. But now researchers are saying that the catastrophic asteroid impact was responsible for formation of Amazon rainforests as they are now. The asteroid had struck near Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, close to Amazon rainforests. We know that Amazon rainforests are extremely important for global ecosystem. A research paper titled 'Extinction at the end-Cretaceous and the origin of modern Neotropical rainforests' produces result of analysis of thousands of fossils of pollen, spores and leaves. These fossils are 50 to 70 million years old. The study has concluded that the asteroid impact has a huge effect on how tropical rainforest developed. One of the authors of the paper has been even quoted as saying the impact changed the "ecological and evolutionary trajectory" of these forests. The study has been published in the journal 'Science' It's true what they say, life battles on even in the face of catastrophe.

Dinosaur killing asteroid formed Amazon forests: Study

Earth has seen many 'Mass Extinctions'. These are events during which the majority of life forms suddenly perished. One such event was the impact of an asteroid that eliminated Dinosaurs and many many other plants and animals. Reasons behind most of these mass extinction events (except for the asteroid of course) were thought have been something that happened on Earth (Extremely huge volcanic eruptions etc).&nbsp;

But now, a team of researchers led by an Astrophysicist has put forward a theory that says that explosion of star was the reason why mass extinction took place 359 million years ago.

The study has been led by Astrophysicist Brian Fields from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The team says that a dying star, exploding far across the galaxy was the reason why mass extinction took place on Earth in the late Devonian period (359 million years ago).

The researchers say that the radiation from this supernova (explosion of a star) was responsible for depletion of the Ozone layer on Earth. As a result, harmful radiation was able to reach life on Earth, thus causing mass extinction.

This is yet a hypothesis that has been published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America)

Earth has seen many 'Mass Extinctions'. These are events during which the majority of life forms suddenly perished. One such event was the impact of an asteroid that eliminated Dinosaurs and many many other plants and animals.

Earth has seen many 'Mass Extinctions'. These are events during which the majority of life forms suddenly perished. One such event was the impact of an asteroid that eliminated Dinosaurs and many many other plants and animals. Reasons behind most of these mass extinction events (except for the asteroid of course) were thought have been something that happened on Earth (Extremely huge volcanic eruptions etc). But now, a team of researchers led by an Astrophysicist has put forward a theory that says that explosion of star was the reason why mass extinction took place 359 million years ago. The study has been led by Astrophysicist Brian Fields from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The team says that a dying star, exploding far across the galaxy was the reason why mass extinction took place on Earth in the late Devonian period (359 million years ago). The researchers say that the radiation from this supernova (explosion of a star) was responsible for depletion of the Ozone layer on Earth. As a result, harmful radiation was able to reach life on Earth, thus causing mass extinction. This is yet a hypothesis that has been published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America)

An exploding star may have killed life on Earth millions of years ago

Life is everywhere, but the absolute secret of life may still be a mystery. Science has leaped ahead at a breathtaking pace but for scientists, there are always new frontiers to conquer.

In what can be seen as a step in that direction, scientists developed an artificial cell that grows and divides like a natural one. The organism, named JCVI-syn3.0 possesses 473 genes in all - shorter than any self-sustaining living organism in nature. The artificial cell was developed five years ago but a solution to a problem this presented has been found now.

The synthetic cell that was developed did reproduce by multiplication, but it gave rise to new cells that had different shapes and sizes.

Now, J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Bits and Atoms was able to identify seven genes that could be added to 'tame' the 'unruly' behaviour of JCVI-syn3.0

The new cell thus developed is called JCVI-syn3A.

JCVI-syn3A has 19 new genes out of which 7 are thought to enable the artificial cell to reproduce in a more regular manner.

The researchers and scientists have published their findings in scientific journal Cell&nbsp;

Life is everywhere, but the absolute secret of life may still be a mystery. Science has leaped ahead at a breathtaking pace but for scientists, there are always new frontiers to conquer.

Life is everywhere, but the absolute secret of life may still be a mystery. Science has leaped ahead at a breathtaking pace but for scientists, there are always new frontiers to conquer. In what can be seen as a step in that direction, scientists developed an artificial cell that grows and divides like a natural one. The organism, named JCVI-syn3.0 possesses 473 genes in all - shorter than any self-sustaining living organism in nature. The artificial cell was developed five years ago but a solution to a problem this presented has been found now. The synthetic cell that was developed did reproduce by multiplication, but it gave rise to new cells that had different shapes and sizes. Now, J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Bits and Atoms was able to identify seven genes that could be added to 'tame' the 'unruly' behaviour of JCVI-syn3.0 The new cell thus developed is called JCVI-syn3A. JCVI-syn3A has 19 new genes out of which 7 are thought to enable the artificial cell to reproduce in a more regular manner. The researchers and scientists have published their findings in scientific journal Cell

Scientists developed artificial cell that grows like a natural one

Dark matter is something that has best scientific minds in the world a bit confused. After all, Dark Matter is extremely hard to spot. However, it is considered that most of the matter in the universe is Dark Matter.&nbsp;

Dark Matter can only be detected through the effect it has on celestial bodies. Now Physicists think that dark matter may be warming core of the planets.

Rebecca Leane, a theoretical particle physicist at MIT, and Juri Smirnov, an astroparticle physicist at the Ohio State University (OSU) think that Dark Matter particles are absorbed by planets and due to their gravity, reach the core where they have a warming effect. The researchers have published their study in Physical Review Letters.

They propose use of such exoplanets as 'Dark Matter detectors'. The Physicists say that if we see core of a planet for example, having 14 times the mass of Jupiter, heating up from 200 K to 500 K, we can assume it to be because of Dark Matter.

Not just any planet would do for this exercise, however. The planet must have cooled off after its birth as fiery mass. This means that it should be several billion years old. In addition, the planet must be sufficiently far from heat of the star around which it revolves.

It is considered that centre of a galaxy contains more Dark Matter. The researchers say if we detect a planet getting warmer as it comes closer to the centre. We can treat it as a 'smoking gun' for the effect of Dark Matter.

Dark matter is something that has best scientific minds in the world a bit confused. After all, Dark Matter is extremely hard to spot. However, it is considered that most of the matter in the universe is Dark Matter.

Dark matter is something that has best scientific minds in the world a bit confused. After all, Dark Matter is extremely hard to spot. However, it is considered that most of the matter in the universe is Dark Matter. Dark Matter can only be detected through the effect it has on celestial bodies. Now Physicists think that dark matter may be warming core of the planets. Rebecca Leane, a theoretical particle physicist at MIT, and Juri Smirnov, an astroparticle physicist at the Ohio State University (OSU) think that Dark Matter particles are absorbed by planets and due to their gravity, reach the core where they have a warming effect. The researchers have published their study in Physical Review Letters. They propose use of such exoplanets as 'Dark Matter detectors'. The Physicists say that if we see core of a planet for example, having 14 times the mass of Jupiter, heating up from 200 K to 500 K, we can assume it to be because of Dark Matter. Not just any planet would do for this exercise, however. The planet must have cooled off after its birth as fiery mass. This means that it should be several billion years old. In addition, the planet must be sufficiently far from heat of the star around which it revolves. It is considered that centre of a galaxy contains more Dark Matter. The researchers say if we detect a planet getting warmer as it comes closer to the centre. We can treat it as a 'smoking gun' for the effect of Dark Matter.

Dark matter in space may be heating up core of planets

The fear of COVID in itself is enough for people to move well beyond the minimum required social distance. The once-in-a-generation pandemic has had the world in its clutches for more than a year now. There are now vaccines available ofcourse. But the scare remains.

But what if we told that there is a microbe that is invisible to our immune system? In theory, if these microbes entered our body, the immune system will not be able to mount a defence.

Scared yet?

Researchers associated with Harvard Medical School and other institutions have collected sea microbes that exhibit 'immunosilence'. The findings have challenged the notion in Immunovbiology that human immune system has evolved to detect every micro-organism with a view to protect us.

The microbes were collected from a mile below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. For this, the scientists chose a spot in central Pacific Ocean in Phoenix Islands in Kiribati, 1650 miles (2655 kilometers) from Hawaii. One of the authors of the study has been quoted in media as saying that it was "most deep, ancient, remote, and protected part" of the ocean.

The researchers collected the bacteria and added human and mouse immune cells to the culture. It was found that 80 per cent of the microbes (prominently Moritella) escaped detection.

This has led scientists involved in the study to exclaim that immune system may be "locally defined" by pathogens in the local environment.

In spite of the spooky findings of the bacteria being invisible to human immune system, those observed in the study don't pose risk of infecting people, said the scientists.

They have published their findings in the journal Science Immunology.

The fear of COVID in itself is enough for people to move well beyond the minimum required social distance. The once-in-a-generation pandemic has had the world in its clutches for more than a year now.

The fear of COVID in itself is enough for people to move well beyond the minimum required social distance. The once-in-a-generation pandemic has had the world in its clutches for more than a year now. There are now vaccines available ofcourse. But the scare remains. But what if we told that there is a microbe that is invisible to our immune system? In theory, if these microbes entered our body, the immune system will not be able to mount a defence. Scared yet? Researchers associated with Harvard Medical School and other institutions have collected sea microbes that exhibit 'immunosilence'. The findings have challenged the notion in Immunovbiology that human immune system has evolved to detect every micro-organism with a view to protect us. The microbes were collected from a mile below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. For this, the scientists chose a spot in central Pacific Ocean in Phoenix Islands in Kiribati, 1650 miles (2655 kilometers) from Hawaii. One of the authors of the study has been quoted in media as saying that it was "most deep, ancient, remote, and protected part" of the ocean. The researchers collected the bacteria and added human and mouse immune cells to the culture. It was found that 80 per cent of the microbes (prominently Moritella) escaped detection. This has led scientists involved in the study to exclaim that immune system may be "locally defined" by pathogens in the local environment. In spite of the spooky findings of the bacteria being invisible to human immune system, those observed in the study don't pose risk of infecting people, said the scientists. They have published their findings in the journal Science Immunology.

You think COVID virus is bad? There's a sea microbe that's invisible to our immune system

The field of Astronomy has made progress&nbsp;by leaps and bounds. We not only peer deep into space but also theorise to find answers to questions such as how the universe came to be and what lies in future.

With the tremendous knowledge and technology we have today, it is hard to believe that there are things that are still unknown to us.

We think we know it all, but the universe always has something up its sleeve to surprise us every time.

A new analysis of Gaia satellite data has revealed that the closest star cluster to our Solar System is being torn apart due to some reason. Scientists believe that gravitational pull from something massive is causing this.

We do not know what this is.

Scientists think that dark matter is causing the star cluster to fall apart.

What is dark matter?

'Normal' matter is the one we can see, feel and so on. But dark matter is a tricky thing as is not possible to see or feel it. This becomes its detection very hard.

Scientists and researchers can only predict presence of dark matter by looking for effects of its gravitational pull on nearby 'visible' matter.

It has been said that dark matter makes up 80 per cent of all matter in the universe. Dark matter is considered to be important for the formation of galaxies.

It is possible, as per the scientists that dark matter may be the reason why the closest star structure to our solar system is being torn apart.

The field of Astronomy has made progress by leaps and bounds. We not only peer deep into space but also theorise to find answers to questions such as how the universe came to be and what lies in future.

The field of Astronomy has made progress by leaps and bounds. We not only peer deep into space but also theorise to find answers to questions such as how the universe came to be and what lies in future. With the tremendous knowledge and technology we have today, it is hard to believe that there are things that are still unknown to us. We think we know it all, but the universe always has something up its sleeve to surprise us every time. A new analysis of Gaia satellite data has revealed that the closest star cluster to our Solar System is being torn apart due to some reason. Scientists believe that gravitational pull from something massive is causing this. We do not know what this is. Scientists think that dark matter is causing the star cluster to fall apart. What is dark matter? 'Normal' matter is the one we can see, feel and so on. But dark matter is a tricky thing as is not possible to see or feel it. This becomes its detection very hard. Scientists and researchers can only predict presence of dark matter by looking for effects of its gravitational pull on nearby 'visible' matter. It has been said that dark matter makes up 80 per cent of all matter in the universe. Dark matter is considered to be important for the formation of galaxies. It is possible, as per the scientists that dark matter may be the reason why the closest star structure to our solar system is being torn apart.

Something is tearing apart star cluster closest to Solar System

Humans are closely related to other primates like Chimpanzees, Gorillas and so on. But what sets humans apart is intelligence. It is this alone that puts man at the top of global food chain&nbsp;and elevates the species&nbsp;to global dominance. We may lack the power, agility and speed of primates but with our intelligence, we have been able to overcome all these impediments.

Human brain is also larger than great apes. A healthy human brain reaches volume of 1500 cm3 in adulthood. Compare this with Gorillas (500cm3) and Chimpanzees (400 cm3) and we come to know the edge human intelligence has.

Scientists have now found the molecular reason behind why human brain is so big. Researchers at Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and others published their finding in the journal Cell.

To understand and compare brain development process, the researchers took cells from human, Gorilla and Chimpanzee brains. They were reprogrammed into stem cells. Then they were grown in a way that they formed respective brain organoids, that is, little lumps of brain.

After several weeks, human brain organoids showed the biggest growth. The neural progenitor cells in human brains divided more quickly than it did in Gorilla and Chimpanzee samples. Scientists found that a gene by the name of Zeb2 was responsible for quick growth of human brain.

This gene functions as a molecular switch, which when turned on, results in an increased division of cells and thereby more growth of human brains compared to great apes.

Humans are closely related to other primates like Chimpanzees, Gorillas and so on. But what sets humans apart is intelligence. It is this alone that puts man at the top of global food chain and elevates the species to global dominance.

Humans are closely related to other primates like Chimpanzees, Gorillas and so on. But what sets humans apart is intelligence. It is this alone that puts man at the top of global food chain and elevates the species to global dominance. We may lack the power, agility and speed of primates but with our intelligence, we have been able to overcome all these impediments. Human brain is also larger than great apes. A healthy human brain reaches volume of 1500 cm3 in adulthood. Compare this with Gorillas (500cm3) and Chimpanzees (400 cm3) and we come to know the edge human intelligence has. Scientists have now found the molecular reason behind why human brain is so big. Researchers at Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and others published their finding in the journal Cell. To understand and compare brain development process, the researchers took cells from human, Gorilla and Chimpanzee brains. They were reprogrammed into stem cells. Then they were grown in a way that they formed respective brain organoids, that is, little lumps of brain. After several weeks, human brain organoids showed the biggest growth. The neural progenitor cells in human brains divided more quickly than it did in Gorilla and Chimpanzee samples. Scientists found that a gene by the name of Zeb2 was responsible for quick growth of human brain. This gene functions as a molecular switch, which when turned on, results in an increased division of cells and thereby more growth of human brains compared to great apes.

Why is human brain big? Scientists discover the molecular reason

If you are movie fan and have watched Avengers: Endgame, you must have seen how a tiny mouse brings back Ant-Man just by coincidence. This leads to events that change everything. Butterfly effect? Maybe.

A similar thing has happened and though this does not involve stopping a galactic mass-murderer, it has indeed been a helpful development indeed.

The place? Skokholm Island off the Welsh coast in the UK. In this case, rabbits have been the helpful animal

Richard Brown and Giselle Eagle, two wardens who are in lockdown on the island chanced upon interesting objects in the dirt. One was a pebble and the other was a piece of pottery. Both these things were dug up by rabbits as they burrowed in the dirt.

When the images of these objects were sent to the mainland it created quite a stir!

One of the objects reportedly turned out to be “bevelled pebble” that was used by hunter-gatherers 9,000 years ago! The pottery shard was from a burial urn more than 3000 years old!

Both of these objects were picked up from near a rabbit hole.

These are first such objects found on Skokholm Islands. This has led experts to believe that this island was indeed occupied during Mesolithic period.

If you are movie fan and have watched Avengers: Endgame, you must have seen how a tiny mouse brings back Ant-Man just by coincidence. This leads to events that change everything.

If you are movie fan and have watched Avengers: Endgame, you must have seen how a tiny mouse brings back Ant-Man just by coincidence. This leads to events that change everything. Butterfly effect? Maybe. A similar thing has happened and though this does not involve stopping a galactic mass-murderer, it has indeed been a helpful development indeed. The place? Skokholm Island off the Welsh coast in the UK. In this case, rabbits have been the helpful animal Richard Brown and Giselle Eagle, two wardens who are in lockdown on the island chanced upon interesting objects in the dirt. One was a pebble and the other was a piece of pottery. Both these things were dug up by rabbits as they burrowed in the dirt. When the images of these objects were sent to the mainland it created quite a stir! One of the objects reportedly turned out to be “bevelled pebble” that was used by hunter-gatherers 9,000 years ago! The pottery shard was from a burial urn more than 3000 years old! Both of these objects were picked up from near a rabbit hole. These are first such objects found on Skokholm Islands. This has led experts to believe that this island was indeed occupied during Mesolithic period.

Rabbits dig up tool used by humans 9000 years ago

The ‘Hobbit’ species that lives in Southeast Asia 50,000 years ago may be closer to modern humans than previously thought, a new research reveals.

Published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, the new research suggests that the ‘Hobbits’ are closely related to Denisovans and Neanderthals, and based on this, also&nbsp;human beings. Fossils recovered of 'Homo Floresiensis'&nbsp;(‘Hobbits’) and another species 'Homo Luzonensis' revealed that both the species&nbsp;stood at 3 feet, 7 inches (109 cms).&nbsp;

Scientists say this dwarfism was a product of evolutionary processes over time which shrank the species due to unavailability of resources. Now, they have found that there was no inter-breeding among the two species.&nbsp;

The new research, led by João Teixeira from the University of Adelaide claims that interbreeding took place between Denisovans and modern human beings especially in Southeast Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/residents-of-pompeii-suffocated-within-15-minutes-after-volcanic-eruption-finds-study-372466" hreflang="en">Residents of Pompeii suffocated within 15 minutes after volcanic eruption, finds study</a>

Denisovans are closely related to Neanderthals who roamed the Earth 50,000 to 60,000 years ago. But no fossil remains of this species has been found, even though genetic similarities link them to the region.

The new study, co-authored by National History Museum’s Chris Stringers claims that moderns humans actually interbred with the Denisovans, but not the ‘Hobbit’ species. This suggests that both the ‘Hobbit’ species are closer to contemporary humans than previous thought, Gizmodo reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/new-findings-rewrite-time-frame-for-neanderthals-disappearance-from-europe-369291" hreflang="en">New findings rewrite time frame for Neanderthals' disappearance from Europe</a>

Turns out... Denisovans’ fossils have not been found so far because they’re in fact the so-called ‘Hobbit’ species!

Upon study, researchers also ascertained that humans interbred with Denisovans, which means humans inhabiting those areas may possess the DNA of these 'Hobbit' species.

The ‘Hobbit’ species that lives in Southeast Asia 50,000 years ago may be closer to modern humans than previously thought, a new research reveals. Published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, the new research suggests that the ‘Hobbits’ are closely related to Denisovans and Neanderthals, and based on this, also human beings.

The ‘Hobbit’ species that lives in Southeast Asia 50,000 years ago may be closer to modern humans than previously thought, a new research reveals. Published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, the new research suggests that the ‘Hobbits’ are closely related to Denisovans and Neanderthals, and based on this, also human beings. Fossils recovered of 'Homo Floresiensis' (‘Hobbits’) and another species 'Homo Luzonensis' revealed that both the species stood at 3 feet, 7 inches (109 cms). Scientists say this dwarfism was a product of evolutionary processes over time which shrank the species due to unavailability of resources. Now, they have found that there was no inter-breeding among the two species. The new research, led by João Teixeira from the University of Adelaide claims that interbreeding took place between Denisovans and modern human beings especially in Southeast Asia. Also read: Residents of Pompeii suffocated within 15 minutes after volcanic eruption, finds study Denisovans are closely related to Neanderthals who roamed the Earth 50,000 to 60,000 years ago. But no fossil remains of this species has been found, even though genetic similarities link them to the region. The new study, co-authored by National History Museum’s Chris Stringers claims that moderns humans actually interbred with the Denisovans, but not the ‘Hobbit’ species. This suggests that both the ‘Hobbit’ species are closer to contemporary humans than previous thought, Gizmodo reported. Also read: New findings rewrite time frame for Neanderthals' disappearance from Europe Turns out... Denisovans’ fossils have not been found so far because they’re in fact the so-called ‘Hobbit’ species! Upon study, researchers also ascertained that humans interbred with Denisovans, which means humans inhabiting those areas may possess the DNA of these 'Hobbit' species.

Scientists discover true origins of 'Hobbit' species that roamed Asia 50,000 years ago!

Russian Soyuz rocket blasts off with 38 satellites

Interstellar travel has always caught the imagination of humankind. Though our scientific knowledge and imagination have long conceptualised interstellar space travel, actual travel is a massive undertaking. Till date, only two spacecraft&nbsp;(Voyager 1 and 2) have crossed the solar system boundary. More spacecraft&nbsp;will surely follow in future.

The main issue in interstellar travel is that a person aboard the spacecraft sees a different starscape than that from Earth. The astronaut will see position and movement of stars differently than on Earth.&nbsp;

Why does this matter?

This may throw up problems while navigating the spacecraft. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are controlled from Earth. But for a man in space, it may get difficult to navigate accurately. This has potential of creating huge problem as the spacecraft may get lost in space.

Coryn A.L. Bailer-Jones, an astronomer working at Max Plack Institute in Germany, has come up with a navigation system. This may enable navigation of the spacecraft from space rather than from Earth.

He has presented his idea in a paper that has been published in Arxiv. The paper is awaiting peer review.

Bailer-Jones has proposed that by measuring the angular distance between pairs of stars and comparing it with star charts that we already have, the spacecraft will be able to determine its co-ordinates in space.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrophotographer-creates-a-remarkable-mosaic-of-the-milky-way-galaxy-372060">Astrophotographer creates a remarkable mosaic of the Milky Way galaxy</a>

In effect, the astronaut aboard the spacecraft will be able to determine where the spacecraft exactly is. And he/she will be able to do so without any help from Earth.

Interstellar space travel may really become independent of Earth's control after all!

Interstellar travel has always caught the imagination of humankind. Though our scientific knowledge and imagination have long conceptualised interstellar space travel, actual travel is a massive undertaking.

Interstellar travel has always caught the imagination of humankind. Though our scientific knowledge and imagination have long conceptualised interstellar space travel, actual travel is a massive undertaking. Till date, only two spacecraft (Voyager 1 and 2) have crossed the solar system boundary. More spacecraft will surely follow in future. The main issue in interstellar travel is that a person aboard the spacecraft sees a different starscape than that from Earth. The astronaut will see position and movement of stars differently than on Earth. Why does this matter? This may throw up problems while navigating the spacecraft. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are controlled from Earth. But for a man in space, it may get difficult to navigate accurately. This has potential of creating huge problem as the spacecraft may get lost in space. Coryn A.L. Bailer-Jones, an astronomer working at Max Plack Institute in Germany, has come up with a navigation system. This may enable navigation of the spacecraft from space rather than from Earth. He has presented his idea in a paper that has been published in Arxiv. The paper is awaiting peer review. Bailer-Jones has proposed that by measuring the angular distance between pairs of stars and comparing it with star charts that we already have, the spacecraft will be able to determine its co-ordinates in space. Also Read | Astrophotographer creates a remarkable mosaic of the Milky Way galaxy In effect, the astronaut aboard the spacecraft will be able to determine where the spacecraft exactly is. And he/she will be able to do so without any help from Earth. Interstellar space travel may really become independent of Earth's control after all!

Astronomer makes navigation system for interstellar space travel

Asteroids vary in sizes, some are negligible, others pack enough punch to wipe out life on Earth (remember dinosaurs?) The asteroid that will pass by Earth isn't as big as the one that killed dinosaurs but it is biggest space body to pass by Earth this year. What's more, the asteroid has been termed 'potentially hazardous asteroid'.

So this asteroid is called 2001 FO32 and it will pass by Earth at a distance of about two million kilometres from it. This distance may seem too much but in astronomical terms, it is not that much. One thing is certain about space is that though we know a good deal, there is always a lot we will still need to learn.

This asteroid is about 900 metres across. Again, this may make the asteroid a minion in our minds but this one packs a punch.

It is travelling through space at a mid boggling speed of 124,000 kilometres per hour.

Imagine the momentum this space rock must possess. A direct hit from this asteroid will certainly be stuff of nightmares.

The asteroid is set to fly by the Earth at 1600 GMT

Asteroids vary in sizes, some are negligible, others pack enough punch to wipe out life on Earth (remember dinosaurs?) The asteroid that will pass by Earth isn't as big as the one that killed dinosaurs but it is biggest space body to pass by Earth this year.

Asteroids vary in sizes, some are negligible, others pack enough punch to wipe out life on Earth (remember dinosaurs?) The asteroid that will pass by Earth isn't as big as the one that killed dinosaurs but it is biggest space body to pass by Earth this year. What's more, the asteroid has been termed 'potentially hazardous asteroid'. So this asteroid is called 2001 FO32 and it will pass by Earth at a distance of about two million kilometres from it. This distance may seem too much but in astronomical terms, it is not that much. One thing is certain about space is that though we know a good deal, there is always a lot we will still need to learn. This asteroid is about 900 metres across. Again, this may make the asteroid a minion in our minds but this one packs a punch. It is travelling through space at a mid boggling speed of 124,000 kilometres per hour. Imagine the momentum this space rock must possess. A direct hit from this asteroid will certainly be stuff of nightmares. The asteroid is set to fly by the Earth at 1600 GMT

Biggest asteroid of 2021 to pass by Earth tonight 

For those who remember, a comet striking&nbsp;Jupiter in the year 1994 was a huge headline. This was a never before seen event witnessed by mankind in our immediate neighbourhood in solar system. The comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 took a death plunge as it struck Jupiter, but not before putting up stellar fireworks.

<img alt="Shoemaker Levy-9" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f19506b-4bcf-4d3d-b6a1-1d8ff72edee8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9644EK.jpg" />

Even after more than two decades later, this space event is helping us reveal more secret of the cosmos. The collision made some changes in Jupiter's atmosphere using which researchers are finding new things about the planet.

The collision caused new molecules in Jupiter's atmosphere, those of Hydrogen Cyanide. These have been travelling through Jupiter's atmosphere. By tracking their movement, researchers have now been able to find that Jupiter's Stratosphere or the middle atmosphere have winds that travel at astonishing speeds of 1450 km per hour.

These scientists are associated with European Southern Observatory's facility in Chile. There findings were published in journal Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics.

The finding may appear run of the mill. But here's the best part.

It was previously not possible previously to track winds in Jupiter's middle atmosphere. This was even when scientists had been able to track winds in Jupiter's lower and upper atmosphere.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-beautiful-photo-of-fifth-brightest-galaxy-in-the-sky-371947">NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky</a>

But the spectacular space event that took place in 1994 paved way for us to gain new knowledge even after all these years.

Isn't this beautiful?

For those who remember, a comet striking Jupiter in the year 1994 was a huge headline. This was a never before seen event witnessed by mankind in our immediate neighbourhood in solar system.

For those who remember, a comet striking Jupiter in the year 1994 was a huge headline. This was a never before seen event witnessed by mankind in our immediate neighbourhood in solar system. The comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 took a death plunge as it struck Jupiter, but not before putting up stellar fireworks. Even after more than two decades later, this space event is helping us reveal more secret of the cosmos. The collision made some changes in Jupiter's atmosphere using which researchers are finding new things about the planet. The collision caused new molecules in Jupiter's atmosphere, those of Hydrogen Cyanide. These have been travelling through Jupiter's atmosphere. By tracking their movement, researchers have now been able to find that Jupiter's Stratosphere or the middle atmosphere have winds that travel at astonishing speeds of 1450 km per hour. These scientists are associated with European Southern Observatory's facility in Chile. There findings were published in journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. The finding may appear run of the mill. But here's the best part. It was previously not possible previously to track winds in Jupiter's middle atmosphere. This was even when scientists had been able to track winds in Jupiter's lower and upper atmosphere. Also Read | NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky But the spectacular space event that took place in 1994 paved way for us to gain new knowledge even after all these years. Isn't this beautiful?

A comet struck Jupiter in 1994, now it is revealing the planet's secrets

“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they’d live a lot differently”

Many of us know this iconic line from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. But it's not always possible for us to look at the infinite beauty of the universe each night.

In smartphone era, we are busier looking down at our phones rather than up in the sky.&nbsp;

But thanks to NASA, we can marvel at the beauty of stars and planets on our devices. NASA hasn't disappointed this time as well. It has posted yet another brilliant image of starscape far far away. It's a galaxy, and it's fifth brightest in the sky.

The name of the galaxy is Centaurus A. NASA has clicked the beautiful galaxy with the help of its James Webb Space telescope.

The galaxy is a beautiful splash of pink. But its colours tell a deeper story.

"...Each light wavelength tells us something different! Dark dust lanes and young blue star clusters, which crisscross its central region, can be seen in visible and near-infrared light. But by switching to X-ray and radio light views, a much more active scene unfolds: spectacular jets of material have erupted from its active supermassive black hole sending material into space well beyond the galaxy's limits," NASA has said in its Instagram post. 
⁣

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Centaurus-A galaxy is also known as NGC 5128. It is 10-16 million lightyears away from Earth. It is one of the closest radio galaxies to Earth. At the centre of the galaxy there is a supermassive black hole 55 million times the mass of the Sun.

“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they’d live a lot differently” Many of us know this iconic line from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes.

“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they’d live a lot differently” Many of us know this iconic line from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. But it's not always possible for us to look at the infinite beauty of the universe each night. In smartphone era, we are busier looking down at our phones rather than up in the sky. But thanks to NASA, we can marvel at the beauty of stars and planets on our devices. NASA hasn't disappointed this time as well. It has posted yet another brilliant image of starscape far far away. It's a galaxy, and it's fifth brightest in the sky. The name of the galaxy is Centaurus A. NASA has clicked the beautiful galaxy with the help of its James Webb Space telescope. The galaxy is a beautiful splash of pink. But its colours tell a deeper story. "...Each light wavelength tells us something different! Dark dust lanes and young blue star clusters, which crisscross its central region, can be seen in visible and near-infrared light. But by switching to X-ray and radio light views, a much more active scene unfolds: spectacular jets of material have erupted from its active supermassive black hole sending material into space well beyond the galaxy's limits," NASA has said in its Instagram post. ⁣ View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Centaurus-A galaxy is also known as NGC 5128. It is 10-16 million lightyears away from Earth. It is one of the closest radio galaxies to Earth. At the centre of the galaxy there is a supermassive black hole 55 million times the mass of the Sun.

NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky

Scientists have&nbsp;discovered what causes normal proteins to convert to a diseased form and how to block the process, in a recent study.

The research conducted by&nbsp;Imperial College London&nbsp;could lead to new drugs for combatting diseases like CJD and Kuru.

The research concerned prion diseases,&nbsp;a group of brain diseases caused by proteins called prions that malfunction and 'misfold', turning into a form that can accumulate and kill brain cells. These diseases can take decades to manifest but are then are aggressive and fatal.

They include Kuru, mad cow disease and its human equivalent Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and a heritable condition called fatal familial insomnia.

While the normal, healthy version of prions and the pathogenic (disease-causing) version have been characterised, the intermediate step, when one transforms to the other, was previously unknown.

Now, in a paper published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research team have isolated this intermediate step, determining the mechanism that turns normal prions into their pathogenic form. The research was supported by Alzheimer`s Research UK.

Lead researcher Professor Alfonso De Simone, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "Prion diseases are aggressive and devastating, and currently there is no cure."

''Discovering the mechanism by which prions become pathogenic is a crucial step in one day tackling these diseases, as it allows us to search for new drugs. Now we know what we`re targeting, we know what features drugs need to have to stop prions becoming pathogenic."

To investigate the misfolding of prions, the team worked with a mutant form of the prion protein that is found in people with inherited prion diseases.

The mutant form is more aggressive, causing prions to transition faster to their pathogenic form. This allows researchers to watch what happens more easily. However, prions are difficult to isolate and purify from other proteins in sufficient quantities to study in detail.

The lead author of the paper Dr Maximo Sanz-Hernandez began investigating the problem as an undergraduate at Imperial, continuing until successful in his PostDoc with Professor De Simone.

The team then used a technique called nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy combined with computational analysis to determine the structure of the intermediate step, identifying the molecular mechanism at work when the prion misfolds.

With this information, they also worked with the team at the University of Zurich who were able to produce antibodies that could target the mechanism. In a proof-of-concept study in the test tube, they were successfully able to block prions transitioning from the normal to the pathogenic form.

While in their current form, these antibodies would be too large to pass into the brain, the study shows it is possible to disrupt the mechanism, allowing researchers to move forward with designing new drugs.

Dr Sanz-Hernandez said: "The intermediate stage of prion pathogenesis is so transient it`s like a ghost -- almost impossible to imagine. But now we have a picture of what we`re dealing with, we can design more specific interventions that can one day potentially control these devastating diseases."

Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer`s Research UK, said: "This is early-stage research examining the short protein fragments, which can be highly unstable, short-lived, and notoriously difficult to study."

As the UK`s leading dementia research charity, we are pleased to fund this sophisticated work using biophysical and computational approaches to better understand the role fragments like this play in the development of the disease.

To identify new ways to reduce or combat these protein fragments in human disease we need to see sustained investment in dementia research.

The researchers hope the information will allow drug researchers and pharmaceutical companies to scan their libraries of drug compounds for formulations that might be able to block the mechanism.

Any drug compounds would need extensive lab testing first to make sure they would be effective, small enough to pass into the brain, and safe, but the team hope that now the target is known, the search can be accelerated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Scientists have discovered what causes normal proteins to convert to a diseased form and how to block the process, in a recent study. The research conducted by Imperial College London could lead to new drugs for combatting diseases like CJD and Kuru.

Scientists have discovered what causes normal proteins to convert to a diseased form and how to block the process, in a recent study. The research conducted by Imperial College London could lead to new drugs for combatting diseases like CJD and Kuru. The research concerned prion diseases, a group of brain diseases caused by proteins called prions that malfunction and 'misfold', turning into a form that can accumulate and kill brain cells. These diseases can take decades to manifest but are then are aggressive and fatal. They include Kuru, mad cow disease and its human equivalent Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), and a heritable condition called fatal familial insomnia. While the normal, healthy version of prions and the pathogenic (disease-causing) version have been characterised, the intermediate step, when one transforms to the other, was previously unknown. Now, in a paper published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research team have isolated this intermediate step, determining the mechanism that turns normal prions into their pathogenic form. The research was supported by Alzheimer`s Research UK. Lead researcher Professor Alfonso De Simone, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "Prion diseases are aggressive and devastating, and currently there is no cure." ''Discovering the mechanism by which prions become pathogenic is a crucial step in one day tackling these diseases, as it allows us to search for new drugs. Now we know what we`re targeting, we know what features drugs need to have to stop prions becoming pathogenic." To investigate the misfolding of prions, the team worked with a mutant form of the prion protein that is found in people with inherited prion diseases. The mutant form is more aggressive, causing prions to transition faster to their pathogenic form. This allows researchers to watch what happens more easily. However, prions are difficult to isolate and purify from other proteins in sufficient quantities to study in detail. The lead author of the paper Dr Maximo Sanz-Hernandez began investigating the problem as an undergraduate at Imperial, continuing until successful in his PostDoc with Professor De Simone. The team then used a technique called nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy combined with computational analysis to determine the structure of the intermediate step, identifying the molecular mechanism at work when the prion misfolds. With this information, they also worked with the team at the University of Zurich who were able to produce antibodies that could target the mechanism. In a proof-of-concept study in the test tube, they were successfully able to block prions transitioning from the normal to the pathogenic form. While in their current form, these antibodies would be too large to pass into the brain, the study shows it is possible to disrupt the mechanism, allowing researchers to move forward with designing new drugs. Dr Sanz-Hernandez said: "The intermediate stage of prion pathogenesis is so transient it`s like a ghost -- almost impossible to imagine. But now we have a picture of what we`re dealing with, we can design more specific interventions that can one day potentially control these devastating diseases." Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer`s Research UK, said: "This is early-stage research examining the short protein fragments, which can be highly unstable, short-lived, and notoriously difficult to study." As the UK`s leading dementia research charity, we are pleased to fund this sophisticated work using biophysical and computational approaches to better understand the role fragments like this play in the development of the disease. To identify new ways to reduce or combat these protein fragments in human disease we need to see sustained investment in dementia research. The researchers hope the information will allow drug researchers and pharmaceutical companies to scan their libraries of drug compounds for formulations that might be able to block the mechanism. Any drug compounds would need extensive lab testing first to make sure they would be effective, small enough to pass into the brain, and safe, but the team hope that now the target is known, the search can be accelerated.

Scientists discover how to halt conversion of proteins to diseases

Our red neighbour Mars hosted lakes and oceans for a long time billions of years ago. But where did all the water go? Turns out, scientists may finally have the answer to disappearance of water from the Red Planet.

It has been believed for long that the water was lost to space. But now, scientists claim that the water is trapped within minerals in Mars’ crust. The study, funded by NASA says that between 30-99 per cent of the initial water which was on Mars remains trapped inside minerals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-of-oumuamua-solved-find-out-where-the-foreign-space-object-came-from-371045" hreflang="en">Mystery of 'Oumuamua' solved: Find out where the foreign space object came from!</a>

Eva Scheller, lead author of the paper published in Science, told AFP that that the “crust forms what we call hydrated minerals”. These are minerals with water in their crystal structure. Earlier estimates suggest that Mars had at least 100 to 1,500 metres of ocean, covering different parts of the planet.

Over time, the planet lost its magnetic field due to which its atmosphere died off over time. Scientists believed that the water also perished during this time. Now, researchers claim that even though a lot of water was lost, majority of it remains&nbsp;on the planet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasa-discovers-three-microbes-that-may-help-grow-plants-on-mars-370933" hreflang="en">NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars</a>

They reached this conclusion by focusing on hydrogen - a key component of water. They observed the data of Mars rovers, supplementing it with information of meteorites from the planet. Scientists believe the water was lost to two mechanisms: the trapping of water in crust’s minerals, and loss of water to the atmosphere.

They say that the planet lost most of its water four to 3.7 billion years ago. This essentially means that Mars as we know it today has existed for the last three billion years.

Our red neighbour Mars hosted lakes and oceans for a long time billions of years ago. But where did all the water go? Turns out, scientists may finally have the answer to disappearance of water from the Red Planet.

Our red neighbour Mars hosted lakes and oceans for a long time billions of years ago. But where did all the water go? Turns out, scientists may finally have the answer to disappearance of water from the Red Planet. It has been believed for long that the water was lost to space. But now, scientists claim that the water is trapped within minerals in Mars’ crust. The study, funded by NASA says that between 30-99 per cent of the initial water which was on Mars remains trapped inside minerals. Also read: Mystery of 'Oumuamua' solved: Find out where the foreign space object came from! Eva Scheller, lead author of the paper published in Science, told AFP that that the “crust forms what we call hydrated minerals”. These are minerals with water in their crystal structure. Earlier estimates suggest that Mars had at least 100 to 1,500 metres of ocean, covering different parts of the planet. Over time, the planet lost its magnetic field due to which its atmosphere died off over time. Scientists believed that the water also perished during this time. Now, researchers claim that even though a lot of water was lost, majority of it remains on the planet. Also read: NASA discovers three microbes that may help grow plants on Mars They reached this conclusion by focusing on hydrogen - a key component of water. They observed the data of Mars rovers, supplementing it with information of meteorites from the planet. Scientists believe the water was lost to two mechanisms: the trapping of water in crust’s minerals, and loss of water to the atmosphere. They say that the planet lost most of its water four to 3.7 billion years ago. This essentially means that Mars as we know it today has existed for the last three billion years.

What really happened to water on Mars? Scientists finally have the answer!

Scientists have uncovered for the first time&nbsp;what happens in brains&nbsp;when they learn from the subconscious, visual stimuli.

The study published in Neuron is&nbsp;a collaboration between KU Leuven, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard University.

Previous research has shown that when people are rewarded during the presentation of visual stimuli that are not consciously perceivable, they can still perceive these stimuli afterwards.

Although this is a known phenomenon, researchers were unsure as to how exactly this unconscious perceptual learning comes about. To find out, Professor Wim Vanduffel and colleagues studied the brains of two rhesus monkeys before and after they were exposed to subconscious visual stimuli.

The researchers activated part of the reward system at the base of the brain stem, the ventral tegmental area. This includes cells that produce dopamine, a molecule that is also released when you receive a reward.

"Dopamine is a crucial messenger molecule of our motor and reward systems, and is extremely important for learning and enjoyment," says Vanduffel. Activating the ventral tegmental area released dopamine, among other things.

"By stimulating the brain area directly, we can causally link the activity in that area to perception or complex cognitive behaviour," explains Vanduffel.

While the brain area was activated, the monkeys were shown virtually invisible images of human faces and bodies. Because the images were very blurry and the monkeys had to perform a very different and difficult task at the same time, they could not consciously perceive these images. The same process was followed during the control tests, but the brain was not stimulated.

When the monkeys received subconscious visual stimuli while the ventral tegmental area was stimulated, they knew details about those images afterwards. For example, they knew whether the bodies shown were turned to the left or to the right. This was not the case when there had been no brain stimulation.

"Thanks to this experiment, we can demonstrate for the first time a direct causal relationship between this brain region and, as a result, also the likely link between dopamine and the subconscious learning of complex visual stimuli."

The parts in the darker colour regulate, among others, the production of dopamine. Disturbances in this region can lead to Parkinson`s disease and other conditions.

The researchers also made a brain scan of the animals before and after the test. "We can see the blood flow in the brain, which gives an indication of which neurons are active. The more blood flow, the more activity," explains Vanduffel.

The scans showed that the task caused activity in the visual cortex of the brain and in areas important for memory. "With this data, we can zoom in to find out what is happening exactly at a neuronal level in these brain areas, in future experiments."

"Since Freud`s insights in the 20th century, the scientific community has been wondering how subconscious sensations can affect us. Thanks to the present awareness that there is a strong resemblance between humans and monkeys, and new and advanced technologies, we can finally map such processes physiologically."

Disturbances in the dopaminergic system can lead to numerous psychiatric and motor disorders, such as depression, addiction and Parkinson`s disease. A better understanding of how this system works, in various forms of learning, is therefore crucial to developing targeted therapies for these conditions.

"Parkinson`s is a motor disorder and is caused by dopamine-producing neurons dying off. However, current dopamine treatments may produce side effects because they also trigger the entire reward system, which not only reduces motor symptoms but can also lead to addictive behaviour."

Fundamental research into the functioning of these brain areas will eventually lead to more targeted treatments with fewer side effects.

This insight is also useful in situations such as trauma, ageing or oncological problems where an increase in brain plasticity, that is,&nbsp;the ability to change, could be very useful.

"By stimulating areas of the brain that produce dopamine, we could, for example, enable people to regain their speech more quickly or improve their motor skills after an accident or illness. This could even be done through medication, although we are still a long way from that," explains Vanduffel.

Insights about our brain and the conditions under which we and other primates visually shape our world are therefore crucial, because, as Vanduffel concludes: "you have to know how a car`s engine works before you can fix a problem with it."&nbsp;

Scientists have uncovered for the first time what happens in brains when they learn from the subconscious, visual stimuli. The study published in Neuron is a collaboration between KU Leuven, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard University.

Scientists have uncovered for the first time what happens in brains when they learn from the subconscious, visual stimuli. The study published in Neuron is a collaboration between KU Leuven, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard University. Previous research has shown that when people are rewarded during the presentation of visual stimuli that are not consciously perceivable, they can still perceive these stimuli afterwards. Although this is a known phenomenon, researchers were unsure as to how exactly this unconscious perceptual learning comes about. To find out, Professor Wim Vanduffel and colleagues studied the brains of two rhesus monkeys before and after they were exposed to subconscious visual stimuli. The researchers activated part of the reward system at the base of the brain stem, the ventral tegmental area. This includes cells that produce dopamine, a molecule that is also released when you receive a reward. "Dopamine is a crucial messenger molecule of our motor and reward systems, and is extremely important for learning and enjoyment," says Vanduffel. Activating the ventral tegmental area released dopamine, among other things. "By stimulating the brain area directly, we can causally link the activity in that area to perception or complex cognitive behaviour," explains Vanduffel. While the brain area was activated, the monkeys were shown virtually invisible images of human faces and bodies. Because the images were very blurry and the monkeys had to perform a very different and difficult task at the same time, they could not consciously perceive these images. The same process was followed during the control tests, but the brain was not stimulated. When the monkeys received subconscious visual stimuli while the ventral tegmental area was stimulated, they knew details about those images afterwards. For example, they knew whether the bodies shown were turned to the left or to the right. This was not the case when there had been no brain stimulation. "Thanks to this experiment, we can demonstrate for the first time a direct causal relationship between this brain region and, as a result, also the likely link between dopamine and the subconscious learning of complex visual stimuli." The parts in the darker colour regulate, among others, the production of dopamine. Disturbances in this region can lead to Parkinson`s disease and other conditions. The researchers also made a brain scan of the animals before and after the test. "We can see the blood flow in the brain, which gives an indication of which neurons are active. The more blood flow, the more activity," explains Vanduffel. The scans showed that the task caused activity in the visual cortex of the brain and in areas important for memory. "With this data, we can zoom in to find out what is happening exactly at a neuronal level in these brain areas, in future experiments." "Since Freud`s insights in the 20th century, the scientific community has been wondering how subconscious sensations can affect us. Thanks to the present awareness that there is a strong resemblance between humans and monkeys, and new and advanced technologies, we can finally map such processes physiologically." Disturbances in the dopaminergic system can lead to numerous psychiatric and motor disorders, such as depression, addiction and Parkinson`s disease. A better understanding of how this system works, in various forms of learning, is therefore crucial to developing targeted therapies for these conditions. "Parkinson`s is a motor disorder and is caused by dopamine-producing neurons dying off. However, current dopamine treatments may produce side effects because they also trigger the entire reward system, which not only reduces motor symptoms but can also lead to addictive behaviour." Fundamental research into the functioning of these brain areas will eventually lead to more targeted treatments with fewer side effects. This insight is also useful in situations such as trauma, ageing or oncological problems where an increase in brain plasticity, that is, the ability to change, could be very useful. "By stimulating areas of the brain that produce dopamine, we could, for example, enable people to regain their speech more quickly or improve their motor skills after an accident or illness. This could even be done through medication, although we are still a long way from that," explains Vanduffel. Insights about our brain and the conditions under which we and other primates visually shape our world are therefore crucial, because, as Vanduffel concludes: "you have to know how a car`s engine works before you can fix a problem with it."

Scientists uncover how brain learns from subconscious stimuli

Scientists in Israel have unearthed&nbsp;pieces of a biblical scroll dating back some 2,000 years, describing the find as one of the most significant since the Dead Sea Scrolls. &nbsp;

"For the first time in approximately 60 years, archaeological excavations have uncovered fragments of a biblical scroll," the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said in a statement.

Following a years-long dig in caves and cliffs in the Judean desert, the authority said it had also discovered a cache of rare coins, a six-millennia-old skeleton of a child and basket it described as the oldest in the world, at over 10,000 years.

The finds are a result of survey of some 80 kilometres (50 miles) of cliffs in a desert area spanning southern Israel and the occupied West Bank.

Using drones, mountain climbing gear and rappelling equipment, Israeli archaeologists searched caves they said were used by Jews rebelling against the Romans during the failed second-century Bar Kochba revolt.&nbsp;

The fragments of the scroll include passages written in Greek from the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets, part of the Hebrew Bible, the IAA said.&nbsp;

One fragment from the book of Zechariah reads: "These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to one another, render true and perfect justice in your gates."&nbsp;

Although most of the text is in Greek, the name of God appears in ancient Hebrew script, the IAA said.&nbsp;

Israeli archaeological excavations in occupied Palestinian territory have sparked controversy, but the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities did not respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

The IAA cooperated on the project with the military branch responsible for civil affairs in the Palestinian territories (COGAT).

Spokeswoman Yoli Shwartz said it was one of the most significant discoveries of a Biblical text since the Dead Sea Scrolls.&nbsp;

Those scrolls include some 900 manuscripts found between 1947 and 1956 in the Qumran caves above the Dead Sea in the West Bank. They are some of the earliest biblical texts ever discovered. &nbsp;

IAA director Israel Hasson said the survey had begun in response to looters who slipped into the caves.&nbsp;

In a statement, he called the finds "a wakeup call" for devoting more resources to continue the project, which has only surveyed about half of all the cliffs in the desert.

"We must ensure that we recover all the data that has not yet been discovered in the caves, before the robbers do," Hasson said.

Scientists in Israel have unearthed pieces of a biblical scroll dating back some 2,000 years, describing the find as one of the most significant since the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Scientists in Israel have unearthed pieces of a biblical scroll dating back some 2,000 years, describing the find as one of the most significant since the Dead Sea Scrolls. "For the first time in approximately 60 years, archaeological excavations have uncovered fragments of a biblical scroll," the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said in a statement. Following a years-long dig in caves and cliffs in the Judean desert, the authority said it had also discovered a cache of rare coins, a six-millennia-old skeleton of a child and basket it described as the oldest in the world, at over 10,000 years. The finds are a result of survey of some 80 kilometres (50 miles) of cliffs in a desert area spanning southern Israel and the occupied West Bank. Using drones, mountain climbing gear and rappelling equipment, Israeli archaeologists searched caves they said were used by Jews rebelling against the Romans during the failed second-century Bar Kochba revolt. The fragments of the scroll include passages written in Greek from the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets, part of the Hebrew Bible, the IAA said. One fragment from the book of Zechariah reads: "These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to one another, render true and perfect justice in your gates." Although most of the text is in Greek, the name of God appears in ancient Hebrew script, the IAA said. Israeli archaeological excavations in occupied Palestinian territory have sparked controversy, but the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities did not respond to requests for comment. The IAA cooperated on the project with the military branch responsible for civil affairs in the Palestinian territories (COGAT). Spokeswoman Yoli Shwartz said it was one of the most significant discoveries of a Biblical text since the Dead Sea Scrolls. Those scrolls include some 900 manuscripts found between 1947 and 1956 in the Qumran caves above the Dead Sea in the West Bank. They are some of the earliest biblical texts ever discovered. IAA director Israel Hasson said the survey had begun in response to looters who slipped into the caves. In a statement, he called the finds "a wakeup call" for devoting more resources to continue the project, which has only surveyed about half of all the cliffs in the desert. "We must ensure that we recover all the data that has not yet been discovered in the caves, before the robbers do," Hasson said.

Scientists unearth fragments of 2,000-year-old biblical scroll

Researchers have identified&nbsp;surprising similarities to strange creatures from 550 million years ago, in a recent study.

The study published in&nbsp;the journal&nbsp;Proceedings of the Royal Society shows that&nbsp;oceanic creatures from the Ediacaran period share genes with today’s animals, including humans.&nbsp;

“None of them had heads or skeletons. Many of them probably looked like three-dimensional bathmats on the seafloor, round discs that stuck up,” said Mary Droser, a geology professor at UC Riverside.

“These animals are so weird and so different, it’s difficult to assign them to modern categories of living organisms just by looking at them, and it’s not like we can extract their DNA — we can’t.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-hunts-for-life-on-mars-369699">NASA's Perseverance rover hunts for life on Mars</a>

However, well-preserved fossil records have allowed Droser and the study’s first author, recent UCR doctoral graduate Scott Evans, to link the animals’ appearance and likely behaviours to genetic analysis of currently living things.

The researchers considered four animals representative of the more than 40 recognized species that have been identified from the Ediacaran era, for their analysis.

These creatures ranged in size from a few millimetres to nearly a meter in length.

Kimberella were teardrop-shaped creatures with one broad, rounded end and one narrow end that likely scraped the sea floor for food with a proboscis. Further, they could move around using a “muscular foot” like snails today. The study included flat, oval-shaped Dickinsonia with a series of raised bands on their surface, and Tribrachidium, who spent their lives immobilized at the bottom of the sea.

Also analyzed were Ikaria, animals recently discovered by a team including Evans and Droser. They were about the size and shape of a grain of rice, and represent the first bilaterians — organisms with a front, back, and openings at either end connected by a gut. Evans said it’s likely Ikaria had mouths, though those weren’t preserved in the fossil records, and they crawled through organic matter “eating as they went.”

All four of the animals were multicellular, with cells of different types. Most had symmetry on their left and right sides, as well as noncentralized nervous systems and musculature.&nbsp;

Additionally, they seem to have been able to repair damaged body parts through a process known as apoptosis. The same genes involved are key elements of human immune systems, which helps to eliminate virus-infected and pre-cancerous cells.&nbsp;

These animals likely had the genetic parts responsible for heads and the sensory organs usually found there. However, the complexity of interaction between these genes that would give rise to such features hadn’t yet been achieved.&nbsp;

“The fact that we can say these genes were operating in something that’s been extinct for half a billion years is fascinating to me,” Evans said.&nbsp;

The work was supported by a NASA Exobiology grant, and a Peter Buck postdoctoral fellowship. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Going forward, the team is planning to investigate muscle development and functional studies to further understand early animal evolution.

“Our work is a way to put these animals on the tree of life, in some respects,” Droser said. “And show they’re genetically linked to modern animals, and to us.”

Researchers have identified surprising similarities to strange creatures from 550 million years ago, in a recent study. The study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society shows that oceanic creatures from the Ediacaran period share genes with today’s animals, including humans.

Researchers have identified surprising similarities to strange creatures from 550 million years ago, in a recent study. The study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society shows that oceanic creatures from the Ediacaran period share genes with today’s animals, including humans. “None of them had heads or skeletons. Many of them probably looked like three-dimensional bathmats on the seafloor, round discs that stuck up,” said Mary Droser, a geology professor at UC Riverside. “These animals are so weird and so different, it’s difficult to assign them to modern categories of living organisms just by looking at them, and it’s not like we can extract their DNA — we can’t.” Also Read | NASA's Perseverance rover hunts for life on Mars However, well-preserved fossil records have allowed Droser and the study’s first author, recent UCR doctoral graduate Scott Evans, to link the animals’ appearance and likely behaviours to genetic analysis of currently living things. The researchers considered four animals representative of the more than 40 recognized species that have been identified from the Ediacaran era, for their analysis. These creatures ranged in size from a few millimetres to nearly a meter in length. Kimberella were teardrop-shaped creatures with one broad, rounded end and one narrow end that likely scraped the sea floor for food with a proboscis. Further, they could move around using a “muscular foot” like snails today. The study included flat, oval-shaped Dickinsonia with a series of raised bands on their surface, and Tribrachidium, who spent their lives immobilized at the bottom of the sea. Also analyzed were Ikaria, animals recently discovered by a team including Evans and Droser. They were about the size and shape of a grain of rice, and represent the first bilaterians — organisms with a front, back, and openings at either end connected by a gut. Evans said it’s likely Ikaria had mouths, though those weren’t preserved in the fossil records, and they crawled through organic matter “eating as they went.” All four of the animals were multicellular, with cells of different types. Most had symmetry on their left and right sides, as well as noncentralized nervous systems and musculature. Additionally, they seem to have been able to repair damaged body parts through a process known as apoptosis. The same genes involved are key elements of human immune systems, which helps to eliminate virus-infected and pre-cancerous cells. These animals likely had the genetic parts responsible for heads and the sensory organs usually found there. However, the complexity of interaction between these genes that would give rise to such features hadn’t yet been achieved. “The fact that we can say these genes were operating in something that’s been extinct for half a billion years is fascinating to me,” Evans said. The work was supported by a NASA Exobiology grant, and a Peter Buck postdoctoral fellowship. Going forward, the team is planning to investigate muscle development and functional studies to further understand early animal evolution. “Our work is a way to put these animals on the tree of life, in some respects,” Droser said. “And show they’re genetically linked to modern animals, and to us.”

Scientists identify surprising similarities between humans and strange creatures from 550 million years ago

Stars resemble twinkling dots in our night skies, but scientists now believe that the celestial bodies were way&nbsp;bigger earlier!

Scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taiwan recently found that supermassive black holes situated at the centre of galaxies were actually really gigantic stars - too big for our comprehension.

The researchers ascertained that black holes were left behind in the aftermath of large supernovas from these supermassive stars.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heres-why-scientists-want-to-send-millions-of-sperm-samples-to-the-moon-370339" hreflang="en">Here's why scientists want to send millions of sperm samples to the moon</a>

Supernovas are essentially large-scale explosions that take place once the star runs out of energy and collapses into itself. Supernovas are considered the largest explosions in space. Reported first by Phys[dot]org, the team published their findings in the journal titled “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society”.

But how big were these stars? 
Scientists posit that these historic stars could have been millions to billions times bigger than our sun!&nbsp;Black holes are difficult to research. Even then, there’s not much scientists know about the gigantic holes.

To gather evidence for this study, the researchers conducted a “radiation hydrodynamics simulation”. Based on their estimates, the team predicted that the James Webb Space Telescope will be successfully able to observe a supernova event once it launches this year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubble-space-telescope-beams-back-mesmerising-image-of-a-nebula-370330" hreflang="en">Hubble Space Telescope beams back mesmerising image of a nebula!</a>

If all goes well, then scientists may be able to understand not only the origins of these mega stars, but also of black holes as we know them today!

One of the researchers, Ke-Jung Chen’s earlier research posited that big stars are potentially “black hole seeds”, and are precursory to these fiery holes.

Stars resemble twinkling dots in our night skies, but scientists now believe that the celestial bodies were way bigger earlier! Scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taiwan recently found that supermassive black holes situated at the centre of galaxies were actually really gigantic stars - too big for our comprehension.

Stars resemble twinkling dots in our night skies, but scientists now believe that the celestial bodies were way bigger earlier! Scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taiwan recently found that supermassive black holes situated at the centre of galaxies were actually really gigantic stars - too big for our comprehension. The researchers ascertained that black holes were left behind in the aftermath of large supernovas from these supermassive stars. Also read: Here's why scientists want to send millions of sperm samples to the moon Supernovas are essentially large-scale explosions that take place once the star runs out of energy and collapses into itself. Supernovas are considered the largest explosions in space. Reported first by Phys[dot]org, the team published their findings in the journal titled “Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society”. But how big were these stars? Scientists posit that these historic stars could have been millions to billions times bigger than our sun! Black holes are difficult to research. Even then, there’s not much scientists know about the gigantic holes. To gather evidence for this study, the researchers conducted a “radiation hydrodynamics simulation”. Based on their estimates, the team predicted that the James Webb Space Telescope will be successfully able to observe a supernova event once it launches this year. Also read: Hubble Space Telescope beams back mesmerising image of a nebula! If all goes well, then scientists may be able to understand not only the origins of these mega stars, but also of black holes as we know them today! One of the researchers, Ke-Jung Chen’s earlier research posited that big stars are potentially “black hole seeds”, and are precursory to these fiery holes.

Do gigantic stars from the past hold secrets to black holes? Scientists say so!

The Hubble Space Telescope recently shared another marvel of the universe.&nbsp; In a picture, the Hubble captured a nebula situated around 4,900 light years away in the constellation of Gemini.

Named AFGL-5180, the nebula constitutes part of the vast cloud complex called “Gem OB1”. The molecular clouds are usually found near places where stars are born, same as this nebula.

<img alt="hubble" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e56e801-f07b-4ce1-a9ca-4061acda2e64" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%283%29.jpg" />

From the inside, the nebula is lit spectacularly by a young fiery star which is constantly changing its vicinity as it grows, making way for new cavities to exist in the gas cloud.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/hubble-telescope-shares-image-of-barred-spiral-galaxy-ngc-4535-357503" hreflang="en">Hubble telescope shares image of barred spiral galaxy NGC 4535</a>

Stars are created after cool molecular gas hosts a clump in cloudy form. For a star to form, the clump needs to collapse under its own gravity. As the star attempts to become a physical entity, it begins to spin. Owing to this movement, clouds around it form a disk which disappears into the star owing to its strong gravitational pull.

As visible in the picture, two beams of light can be seen coming from behind the cloud, situated in the top right and bottom left of the picture. These beams mean that the star is growing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasas-hubble-space-telescope-captures-cosmic-cinnamon-bun-344894" hreflang="en">NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic cinnamon bun'</a>

In November, The&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope by the&nbsp;National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had captured a cosmic cinnamon bun.

Unlike many spiral galaxies, UGC 12588&nbsp; (the cinnamon bun) displays neither a&nbsp;bar of stars across its centre&nbsp;nor the classic prominent&nbsp;spiral arm pattern. Instead, to a viewer, its circular, white and mostly unstructured centre&nbsp;makes this galaxy more reminiscent of a cinnamon bun than a megastructure of stars and gas in space.

(Image by Hubble/NASA/ESA)

The Hubble Space Telescope recently shared another marvel of the universe. In a picture, the Hubble captured a nebula situated around 4,900 light years away in the constellation of Gemini.

The Hubble Space Telescope recently shared another marvel of the universe. In a picture, the Hubble captured a nebula situated around 4,900 light years away in the constellation of Gemini. Named AFGL-5180, the nebula constitutes part of the vast cloud complex called “Gem OB1”. The molecular clouds are usually found near places where stars are born, same as this nebula. From the inside, the nebula is lit spectacularly by a young fiery star which is constantly changing its vicinity as it grows, making way for new cavities to exist in the gas cloud. Also read: Hubble telescope shares image of barred spiral galaxy NGC 4535 Stars are created after cool molecular gas hosts a clump in cloudy form. For a star to form, the clump needs to collapse under its own gravity. As the star attempts to become a physical entity, it begins to spin. Owing to this movement, clouds around it form a disk which disappears into the star owing to its strong gravitational pull. As visible in the picture, two beams of light can be seen coming from behind the cloud, situated in the top right and bottom left of the picture. These beams mean that the star is growing. Also read: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic cinnamon bun' In November, The Hubble Space Telescope by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had captured a cosmic cinnamon bun. Unlike many spiral galaxies, UGC 12588 (the cinnamon bun) displays neither a bar of stars across its centre nor the classic prominent spiral arm pattern. Instead, to a viewer, its circular, white and mostly unstructured centre makes this galaxy more reminiscent of a cinnamon bun than a megastructure of stars and gas in space. (Image by Hubble/NASA/ESA)

Hubble Space Telescope beams back mesmerising image of a nebula!

For the most part, our knowledge of the word 'planet' revolves around the idea is that its a huge space rock, cooler than the stars, deriving energy from the one it revolves around. We can't be blamed because Earth is one such space rock. It is (much) cooler than the Sun and derives all the life forming energy from it.

But universe, as infinite it is, has ways to surprise our minds and set ideas we tend to have about it.&nbsp;

Can you imagine a space body almost hot as our Sun all the while being a 'planet'? Well, there are such planets.

Meet Kelt-9 b! It's a planet 670 lightyears away from Earth. It was found in 2016.

It has been found that this planet has a temperature of 5000 K (4726 degree Celsius). This makes this planet hotter than 80 per cent of all individual&nbsp;stars in the universe.

Kelt-9 b is a gaseous planet and it is 1.8 times bigger than Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system. It revolves around its star that is twice as hot as the Sun. In addition, Kelt-9 b has a very very short radius of revolution. It means that it revolves around its star in a very close orbit that is smaller even than that of Mercury in our Solar System.

Kelt-9 b is tidally locked with its star. That means that one side of the planet always faces the star when it makes its revolution.

Why studying Kelt-9 b is important

Planets like Kelt-9 b are called 'hot Jupiters' because of their gaseous nature, gigantic size and extremely hot temperature. This means that behaviour of such planets gives us a brilliant opportunity to study Physics in conditions that are nearly impossible to reproduce on Earth.

In other words, these planets can roughly be called giant labs in space!

The universe truly has amazing secrets!

For the most part, our knowledge of the word 'planet' revolves around the idea is that its a huge space rock, cooler than the stars, deriving energy from the one it revolves around.

For the most part, our knowledge of the word 'planet' revolves around the idea is that its a huge space rock, cooler than the stars, deriving energy from the one it revolves around. We can't be blamed because Earth is one such space rock. It is (much) cooler than the Sun and derives all the life forming energy from it. But universe, as infinite it is, has ways to surprise our minds and set ideas we tend to have about it. Can you imagine a space body almost hot as our Sun all the while being a 'planet'? Well, there are such planets. Meet Kelt-9 b! It's a planet 670 lightyears away from Earth. It was found in 2016. It has been found that this planet has a temperature of 5000 K (4726 degree Celsius). This makes this planet hotter than 80 per cent of all individual stars in the universe. Kelt-9 b is a gaseous planet and it is 1.8 times bigger than Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system. It revolves around its star that is twice as hot as the Sun. In addition, Kelt-9 b has a very very short radius of revolution. It means that it revolves around its star in a very close orbit that is smaller even than that of Mercury in our Solar System. Kelt-9 b is tidally locked with its star. That means that one side of the planet always faces the star when it makes its revolution. Why studying Kelt-9 b is important Planets like Kelt-9 b are called 'hot Jupiters' because of their gaseous nature, gigantic size and extremely hot temperature. This means that behaviour of such planets gives us a brilliant opportunity to study Physics in conditions that are nearly impossible to reproduce on Earth. In other words, these planets can roughly be called giant labs in space! The universe truly has amazing secrets!

This planet is hotter than 80 per cent of stars in the universe

Human sperm may make its way to the moon very soon. Turns out, scientists are already preparing for repopulation after impending doom on Earth:=&nbsp;by starting off a sperm bank on our natural satellite, the moon.

Being referred to as a “modern global insurance policy”, the plan includes humans saving up sperms and ova from 6.7 million species on Earth including humans on the moon.

As part of these plans, the actual sperm bank, or what is being dubbed the “ark” would be situated beneath the surface of moon.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-planet-is-hotter-than-80-per-cent-of-stars-in-the-universe-370398">This planet is hotter than 80 per cent of stars in the universe</a>

Earth is being threatened by natural disasters, especially owing to changes in the planet’s climate. Owing to this fear, scientists believe now is the time to begin preserving the future of humanity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubble-space-telescope-beams-back-mesmerising-image-of-a-nebula-370330" hreflang="en">Hubble Space Telescope beams back mesmerising image of a nebula!</a>

The study, titled “Lunar Pits and Lava Tubes for a Modern Ark”, was undertaken by Jekan Thanga, from the University of Arizona. Thanga suggests storing human sperm in a sort of “seed vault”, which would be situated in lunar pits that&nbsp;were recently discovered by scientists.

In the event of global disaster, the “ark” would be able to preserve many species, including humans. Thanga believes that the pits on moon are ideal for storage. New York Post quoted him as saying that the pits run 80-100 metres underground, providing shelter from the surface of moon which is constantly undergoing changes in temperature, and would also offer protection from radiation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-confirm-conspiracy-theory-on-worlds-oldest-impact-crater-369955" hreflang="en">Astronomers confirm conspiracy theory on world's oldest 'impact crater'</a>

Thanga juxtaposed the ongoing events on Earth with previous acts of extinction on the planet, and added how the Earth has lost much of its diversity over the last few decades.

The concept of this “ark” is already in use - at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault which houses plant seeds on the island of Spitsbergen in the Artic Circle.

Human sperm may make its way to the moon very soon. Turns out, scientists are already preparing for repopulation after impending doom on Earth:= by starting off a sperm bank on our natural satellite, the moon.

Human sperm may make its way to the moon very soon. Turns out, scientists are already preparing for repopulation after impending doom on Earth:= by starting off a sperm bank on our natural satellite, the moon. Being referred to as a “modern global insurance policy”, the plan includes humans saving up sperms and ova from 6.7 million species on Earth including humans on the moon. As part of these plans, the actual sperm bank, or what is being dubbed the “ark” would be situated beneath the surface of moon. Also Read | This planet is hotter than 80 per cent of stars in the universe Earth is being threatened by natural disasters, especially owing to changes in the planet’s climate. Owing to this fear, scientists believe now is the time to begin preserving the future of humanity. Also read: Hubble Space Telescope beams back mesmerising image of a nebula! The study, titled “Lunar Pits and Lava Tubes for a Modern Ark”, was undertaken by Jekan Thanga, from the University of Arizona. Thanga suggests storing human sperm in a sort of “seed vault”, which would be situated in lunar pits that were recently discovered by scientists. In the event of global disaster, the “ark” would be able to preserve many species, including humans. Thanga believes that the pits on moon are ideal for storage. New York Post quoted him as saying that the pits run 80-100 metres underground, providing shelter from the surface of moon which is constantly undergoing changes in temperature, and would also offer protection from radiation. Also read: Astronomers confirm conspiracy theory on world's oldest 'impact crater' Thanga juxtaposed the ongoing events on Earth with previous acts of extinction on the planet, and added how the Earth has lost much of its diversity over the last few decades. The concept of this “ark” is already in use - at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault which houses plant seeds on the island of Spitsbergen in the Artic Circle.

Here's why scientists want to send millions of sperm samples to the moon

Astronomers on Friday confirmed a conspiracy theory about the&nbsp;world's oldest 'impact crater', in a recent study.

The research published in Science Direct states&nbsp;that Earth's earliest known impact structure is not a crater at all.

Meteorite impacts have shaped Earth's surface and caused instantaneous changes—some catastrophic—to planetary crusts as well as the atmosphere, oceans, climate and life.

The Maniitsoq region of West Greenland has been claimed to host the oldest impact structure on Earth.

In the study, field observations and chronology of key samples from the central area of the proposed Maniitsoq structure are used to determine the timing of magma crystallization and regional deformation&nbsp;

Zircon grains from 18 rock samples (2,256 grains) and 14 stream sediment samples (3,331 grains) collected across the Maniitsoq region were&nbsp;surveyed for the analysis.

Some grains show minor evidence of brittle deformation in the form of irregular fractures.&nbsp;Even modest amounts of strain would modify the shape of an originally circular structure in the crust.&nbsp;

In general, the vast majority (99.9%) of the&nbsp;comprehensive study of 5,587 zircons surveyed from the Maniitsoq region record no deformation. Less than ten zircon grains were identified that show evidence of crystal-plastic deformation,

The timing of fabric development, the absence of impact-related microstructures in zircon, and the primary oxygen isotope ratios of zircon all repudiate the hypothesis that the Maniitsoq structure in southern West Greenland formed as a consequence of meteorite impact.

To date, no diagnostic evidence of impact-related deformation has been presented, and moreover, the geologic features in the area are consistent with existing models of regional endogenic processes during polyphase magmatism, tectonism and metamorphism associated with Mesoarchean to Neoarchean growth, reworking and stabilization of the North Atlantic Craton.&nbsp;

The results conclusively rule out the proposal that much of the Archean rock mass in the Maniitsoq region formed by an Archean meteorite impact.

The source craters for Archean-aged impact ejecta remain elusive on Earth.&nbsp;

Astronomers on Friday confirmed a conspiracy theory about the world's oldest 'impact crater', in a recent study. The research published in Science Direct states that Earth's earliest known impact structure is not a crater at all.

Astronomers on Friday confirmed a conspiracy theory about the world's oldest 'impact crater', in a recent study. The research published in Science Direct states that Earth's earliest known impact structure is not a crater at all. Meteorite impacts have shaped Earth's surface and caused instantaneous changes—some catastrophic—to planetary crusts as well as the atmosphere, oceans, climate and life. The Maniitsoq region of West Greenland has been claimed to host the oldest impact structure on Earth. In the study, field observations and chronology of key samples from the central area of the proposed Maniitsoq structure are used to determine the timing of magma crystallization and regional deformation Zircon grains from 18 rock samples (2,256 grains) and 14 stream sediment samples (3,331 grains) collected across the Maniitsoq region were surveyed for the analysis. Some grains show minor evidence of brittle deformation in the form of irregular fractures. Even modest amounts of strain would modify the shape of an originally circular structure in the crust. In general, the vast majority (99.9%) of the comprehensive study of 5,587 zircons surveyed from the Maniitsoq region record no deformation. Less than ten zircon grains were identified that show evidence of crystal-plastic deformation, The timing of fabric development, the absence of impact-related microstructures in zircon, and the primary oxygen isotope ratios of zircon all repudiate the hypothesis that the Maniitsoq structure in southern West Greenland formed as a consequence of meteorite impact. To date, no diagnostic evidence of impact-related deformation has been presented, and moreover, the geologic features in the area are consistent with existing models of regional endogenic processes during polyphase magmatism, tectonism and metamorphism associated with Mesoarchean to Neoarchean growth, reworking and stabilization of the North Atlantic Craton. The results conclusively rule out the proposal that much of the Archean rock mass in the Maniitsoq region formed by an Archean meteorite impact. The source craters for Archean-aged impact ejecta remain elusive on Earth.

Astronomers confirm conspiracy theory on world's oldest 'impact crater'

Twilight zone in oceans is the part at the depth of 200 to 1000 metres. These depths are given such a name because water at these depths receive less sunlight. A study by Cardiff University has revealed that global warming is adversely affecting life in the twilight zone of oceans.

As one goes deeper in ocean, organisms obtain nutrition via different modes. One of them is the 'marine snow'. Marine snow is simply food and nutrient particles sinking deeper in water after they fall into it from air.

In a study conducted by Cardiff University, researchers found out that marine snow was important in evolution of marine life in the twilight zone.&nbsp;

During the study, researchers found that during the course of evolution, organisms moved from surface to deeper part of the ocean. This was later found to be due to marine snow gradually sinking to deeper parts of the oceans.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-planet-lost-its-atmosphere-and-regrew-it-369908">This planet lost its atmosphere and 'regrew' it</a> 
 
The researchers said that temperature of the water was a key factor in this process. Cooler water in the depths preserves the marine snow for long time and thus helps deliver food into the deep ocean.

Global warming may possible prove to be hindrance to this cycle. As temperatures rise, delivery of nutrients and food webs in the twilight zone may get affected.

The marine life in these zones and in the seas at large are essential to maintain health of the planet.

Twilight zone in oceans is the part at the depth of 200 to 1000 metres. These depths are given such a name because water at these depths receive less sunlight. A study by Cardiff University has revealed that global warming is adversely affecting life in the twilight zone of oceans.

Twilight zone in oceans is the part at the depth of 200 to 1000 metres. These depths are given such a name because water at these depths receive less sunlight. A study by Cardiff University has revealed that global warming is adversely affecting life in the twilight zone of oceans. As one goes deeper in ocean, organisms obtain nutrition via different modes. One of them is the 'marine snow'. Marine snow is simply food and nutrient particles sinking deeper in water after they fall into it from air. In a study conducted by Cardiff University, researchers found out that marine snow was important in evolution of marine life in the twilight zone. During the study, researchers found that during the course of evolution, organisms moved from surface to deeper part of the ocean. This was later found to be due to marine snow gradually sinking to deeper parts of the oceans. Also Read | This planet lost its atmosphere and 'regrew' it The researchers said that temperature of the water was a key factor in this process. Cooler water in the depths preserves the marine snow for long time and thus helps deliver food into the deep ocean. Global warming may possible prove to be hindrance to this cycle. As temperatures rise, delivery of nutrients and food webs in the twilight zone may get affected. The marine life in these zones and in the seas at large are essential to maintain health of the planet.

Global warming may endanger life in 'twilight zone' of oceans

There have been numerous cases of false convictions across the world. There have been people who have languished in jail for years without having committed any crime. Often, relief comes years after the sentence is handed to the 'convict'. Similar relief may possibly come for an Australian woman.

Kathleen Folbigg, the woman in question, was accused and convicted for killing her four children. She is a resident of New South Wales in Australia. Folbigg was handed a 30-year sentence for smothering her children for a period of 10 years. Her trial took place in 2003 and she was dubbed "Australia's worst female serial killer" during her trial. She has already served 18 years of her sentence.

But there's a new twist to the story.

At least 90 eminent scientists, science advocates and medical experts have petitioned New South Wales governor for Folbigg's release, as per BBC online.

The reason?

A possible fatal genetic mutation.

Scientists are saying that a genetic mutation in Folbigg and her two daughters may have been the reason behind their deaths. This argument is being based on a latest scientific discovery.

Scientists have reportedly detected mutation in Folbigg's two sons as well but they say that more research is needed to infer anything in these two particular cases.

If at all, Folbigg's conviction is overturned. It will mark worst miscarriage of justice in Australia's history.

There have been numerous cases of false convictions across the world. There have been people who have languished in jail for years without having committed any crime.

There have been numerous cases of false convictions across the world. There have been people who have languished in jail for years without having committed any crime. Often, relief comes years after the sentence is handed to the 'convict'. Similar relief may possibly come for an Australian woman. Kathleen Folbigg, the woman in question, was accused and convicted for killing her four children. She is a resident of New South Wales in Australia. Folbigg was handed a 30-year sentence for smothering her children for a period of 10 years. Her trial took place in 2003 and she was dubbed "Australia's worst female serial killer" during her trial. She has already served 18 years of her sentence. But there's a new twist to the story. At least 90 eminent scientists, science advocates and medical experts have petitioned New South Wales governor for Folbigg's release, as per BBC online. The reason? A possible fatal genetic mutation. Scientists are saying that a genetic mutation in Folbigg and her two daughters may have been the reason behind their deaths. This argument is being based on a latest scientific discovery. Scientists have reportedly detected mutation in Folbigg's two sons as well but they say that more research is needed to infer anything in these two particular cases. If at all, Folbigg's conviction is overturned. It will mark worst miscarriage of justice in Australia's history.

New scientific discovery may help acquit Aussie mom accused of killing own children

We have our eyes glued to the sky for possible signs of alien life. We look for planets with water, planets with atmosphere and other things that can be helpful to sustain life. There is an 'exciting' planet that had scientists cheering for it. It had an atmosphere and was once hailed as one of the most important planets outside Solar System.

The planet lost the atmosphere!

And 'regrew' it!

Planet GJ 1132 b was discovered in the year 2015. It's a rocky planet about 1.16 times the size of Earth. And it's situated at a sweet distance of just 41 lightyears away. Though this distance may appear to be a lot in human terms, it's nothing considering the size of space.

Scientists used a giant telescope in Chile to observe the planet as it revolved around its star and found out that it indeed had an atmosphere. It was found that the planet had an atmosphere made up of Hydrogen. The researchers made a computer model and found that "atmospheric loss" took place on the planet.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-hunts-for-life-on-mars-369699">NASA's Perseverance rover hunts for life on Mars</a>

But later, as more observations were made through Hubble space telescope, the planet was shown to have atmosphere containing hydrogen, hydrogen cyanide, methane, and ammonia. This was a surprise.

The planet appeared to have 'regrown' the atmosphere.

In their paper in The Astronomical Journal, the researchers said that it was possible that the Hydrogen in the atmosphere was absorbed by the magma on the surface. They also say that core of the planet is still hot and volcanic activity on the surface has resulted in formation of a new atmosphere but with a different composition.

We have our eyes glued to the sky for possible signs of alien life. We look for planets with water, planets with atmosphere and other things that can be helpful to sustain life.

We have our eyes glued to the sky for possible signs of alien life. We look for planets with water, planets with atmosphere and other things that can be helpful to sustain life. There is an 'exciting' planet that had scientists cheering for it. It had an atmosphere and was once hailed as one of the most important planets outside Solar System. The planet lost the atmosphere! And 'regrew' it! Planet GJ 1132 b was discovered in the year 2015. It's a rocky planet about 1.16 times the size of Earth. And it's situated at a sweet distance of just 41 lightyears away. Though this distance may appear to be a lot in human terms, it's nothing considering the size of space. Scientists used a giant telescope in Chile to observe the planet as it revolved around its star and found out that it indeed had an atmosphere. It was found that the planet had an atmosphere made up of Hydrogen. The researchers made a computer model and found that "atmospheric loss" took place on the planet. Also Read | NASA's Perseverance rover hunts for life on Mars But later, as more observations were made through Hubble space telescope, the planet was shown to have atmosphere containing hydrogen, hydrogen cyanide, methane, and ammonia. This was a surprise. The planet appeared to have 'regrown' the atmosphere. In their paper in The Astronomical Journal, the researchers said that it was possible that the Hydrogen in the atmosphere was absorbed by the magma on the surface. They also say that core of the planet is still hot and volcanic activity on the surface has resulted in formation of a new atmosphere but with a different composition.

This planet lost its atmosphere and 'regrew' it

Our universe is extremely complex, and there is perhaps a lot we might never be able to grasp. But understanding our own planet - the Earth is a good place to start! And while scientists recently attempted to pursue this goal, they were shocked to see that our planet has another layer locked deep inside its core.

What we usually call our “inner core” is usually perceived as the centre of our planet, and its innermost layer. But turns out, the inner core has an inner core of its own!

A challenge to traditional understanding

The traditional understanding of Earth puts forward four layers - the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. Each layer represents the history of our planet’s creation and evolution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-oldest-volcanic-rock-to-exist-on-earth-369109" hreflang="en">Scientists discover oldest volcanic rock to exist on Earth</a>

Most knowledge about the planet’s insides comes from what volcanoes around the globe have spewed out over the years, along with directions of seismic waves. Scientists believe with a temperature running upto 5,000 degrees Celsius (9,000 Fahrenheit), the inner core represents only a per cent of the planet’s volume.

Now, researchers think there are two layers within the inner core, something researchers believe would “rewrite textbooks”.&nbsp; The research was undertaken by a team from the Australian National University.

How did they do it?

Based on gatherings from the International Seismological Centre, the team used algorithms to go through various models of our planet’s inner core - taking into account data about how long seismic waves take to travel through the planet.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-just-spotted-most-distant-radio-blast-to-ever-reach-earth-369043" hreflang="en">Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth!</a>

Then, the scientists conducted an anisotropy, which essentially tracked how differences in core’s material changed the properties of seismic waves. They found that the depth of the inner core did not throw up many variations, but there was a change 54 degree angle change.&nbsp;

"We found evidence that may indicate a change in the structure of iron, which suggests perhaps two separate cooling events in Earth's history," Joanne Stephenson, the lead author of the study said told the University.

Our universe is extremely complex, and there is perhaps a lot we might never be able to grasp. But understanding our own planet - the Earth is a good place to start!

Our universe is extremely complex, and there is perhaps a lot we might never be able to grasp. But understanding our own planet - the Earth is a good place to start! And while scientists recently attempted to pursue this goal, they were shocked to see that our planet has another layer locked deep inside its core. What we usually call our “inner core” is usually perceived as the centre of our planet, and its innermost layer. But turns out, the inner core has an inner core of its own! A challenge to traditional understanding The traditional understanding of Earth puts forward four layers - the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. Each layer represents the history of our planet’s creation and evolution. Also read: Scientists discover oldest volcanic rock to exist on Earth Most knowledge about the planet’s insides comes from what volcanoes around the globe have spewed out over the years, along with directions of seismic waves. Scientists believe with a temperature running upto 5,000 degrees Celsius (9,000 Fahrenheit), the inner core represents only a per cent of the planet’s volume. Now, researchers think there are two layers within the inner core, something researchers believe would “rewrite textbooks”. The research was undertaken by a team from the Australian National University. How did they do it? Based on gatherings from the International Seismological Centre, the team used algorithms to go through various models of our planet’s inner core - taking into account data about how long seismic waves take to travel through the planet. Also read: Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth! Then, the scientists conducted an anisotropy, which essentially tracked how differences in core’s material changed the properties of seismic waves. They found that the depth of the inner core did not throw up many variations, but there was a change 54 degree angle change. "We found evidence that may indicate a change in the structure of iron, which suggests perhaps two separate cooling events in Earth's history," Joanne Stephenson, the lead author of the study said told the University.

Our planet Earth may have not one, but two inner cores!

Many species around the world possess the otherworldly capability to re-engineer their body - to essentially be able to grow new organs in place of old ones that may have been rendered unusable by injuries or natural factors.

Now, scientists believe that a particular species can actually grow a whole body out of severed heads, but they're unsure why.

For perspective - starfish are able to regenerate their arms, axolotls can reconfigure their spinal cords among many. But none of them compare&nbsp;to the newly found sea slugs that can grow a whole new body of their own.

According to researchers from the Nara Women's University in Japan, who published their study in Current Biology - a peer-reviewed journal, two species of sea slugs can regrow bodies that come equipped with a heart and other internal organs intact.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-just-spotted-most-distant-radio-blast-to-ever-reach-earth-369043" hreflang="en">Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth!</a>

Along with this, scientists witnessed the unthinkable as creatures were seen floating without their bodies. One of them moved around with a body twice!

Upon separation, the head was able to move on its own, and in a matter of a few days, the wound behind the head of the slug had healed and closed off.

Scientists also found that within hours of detachment, young sea slugs began feeding on algae. In less than a week, they were able to regenerate their hearts.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-detect-best-place-and-time-to-live-in-milky-way-368901" hreflang="en">Astronomers detect best place and time to live in Milky Way</a>

An adult's head lived for about ten days, after which researchers found a new body with new organs which was formed by the detached head within three weeks. 
 
Even then, there were some limitations for the old bodies were not able to regenerate body parts both among the young and old sea slugs. But even then, these cast-off bodies of slugs could feel sensation for days, and in some cases months.

Many species around the world possess the otherworldly capability to re-engineer their body - to essentially be able to grow new organs in place of old ones that may have been rendered unusable by injuries or natural factors.

Many species around the world possess the otherworldly capability to re-engineer their body - to essentially be able to grow new organs in place of old ones that may have been rendered unusable by injuries or natural factors. Now, scientists believe that a particular species can actually grow a whole body out of severed heads, but they're unsure why. For perspective - starfish are able to regenerate their arms, axolotls can reconfigure their spinal cords among many. But none of them compare to the newly found sea slugs that can grow a whole new body of their own. According to researchers from the Nara Women's University in Japan, who published their study in Current Biology - a peer-reviewed journal, two species of sea slugs can regrow bodies that come equipped with a heart and other internal organs intact. Also read: Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth! Along with this, scientists witnessed the unthinkable as creatures were seen floating without their bodies. One of them moved around with a body twice! Upon separation, the head was able to move on its own, and in a matter of a few days, the wound behind the head of the slug had healed and closed off. Scientists also found that within hours of detachment, young sea slugs began feeding on algae. In less than a week, they were able to regenerate their hearts. Also read: Astronomers detect best place and time to live in Milky Way An adult's head lived for about ten days, after which researchers found a new body with new organs which was formed by the detached head within three weeks. Even then, there were some limitations for the old bodies were not able to regenerate body parts both among the young and old sea slugs. But even then, these cast-off bodies of slugs could feel sensation for days, and in some cases months.

This sea slug species can regrow its whole body - out of its head!

Women who graced outer space and changed it forever

Scientists recently discovered the oldest volcanic rock on our planet.&nbsp; In 2020, the volcanic rock was discovered in the Sahara desert and can be dated back to a long time ago, precisely 2 million years after the creation of the solar system as we know it today, or simply 4.6&nbsp;billion years ago!

Based on this dateline, this is the oldest rock to be retrieved from Earth - a million years older than the previous record-holding rock.&nbsp;Volcanic rocks are considered building blocks of planets.

Jean-Alix Barrat from the University of Western Brittany in France claimed that they had been working on meteorites for over 20 years. NewScientists quoted Barrat saying - "This is possibly the most fantastic new meteorite I have ever seen''.&nbsp;

The meteorite is called Erg Chech 002 or EC 002 and was found to be unlike any other meteorite they had ever seen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-sea-slug-species-can-regrow-its-whole-body-out-of-its-head-369060" hreflang="en">This sea slug species can regrow its whole body - out of its head!</a>

The rock in question made of "andesite" is found mostly in subduction areas on Earth. These are places where tectonic plates collided, following which they were pushed beneath the other. This is rarely found among meteorites. Scientists conducted an analysis of the chemical make-up of the meteorite and found that it was once molten and that it solidified nearly 4.6 billion years ago.

What does this imply?&nbsp; 
The rock can be traced back to an ancient protoplanet that disintegrated early in the solar system's past.&nbsp; This relic is one of a kind, for no other asteroids resemble the make-up of the rock. Other remains of the ancient protoplanet have most likely perished by crashing or smashing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-just-spotted-most-distant-radio-blast-to-ever-reach-earth-369043" hreflang="en">Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth!</a>

Barratt believes they shall not be able to find a sample older than this one, adding that retrieving information becomes complicated as scientists attempt to move closer to understanding how the solar system came into being.

If further study of this rock and ones similar to it is undertaken, we may be able to ascertain how Earth and other planets in our solar system were formed.

Scientists recently discovered the oldest volcanic rock on our planet. In 2020, the volcanic rock was discovered in the Sahara desert and can be dated back to a long time ago, precisely 2 million years after the creation of the solar system as we know it today, or simply 4.

Scientists recently discovered the oldest volcanic rock on our planet. In 2020, the volcanic rock was discovered in the Sahara desert and can be dated back to a long time ago, precisely 2 million years after the creation of the solar system as we know it today, or simply 4.6 billion years ago! Based on this dateline, this is the oldest rock to be retrieved from Earth - a million years older than the previous record-holding rock. Volcanic rocks are considered building blocks of planets. Jean-Alix Barrat from the University of Western Brittany in France claimed that they had been working on meteorites for over 20 years. NewScientists quoted Barrat saying - "This is possibly the most fantastic new meteorite I have ever seen''. The meteorite is called Erg Chech 002 or EC 002 and was found to be unlike any other meteorite they had ever seen. Also read: This sea slug species can regrow its whole body - out of its head! The rock in question made of "andesite" is found mostly in subduction areas on Earth. These are places where tectonic plates collided, following which they were pushed beneath the other. This is rarely found among meteorites. Scientists conducted an analysis of the chemical make-up of the meteorite and found that it was once molten and that it solidified nearly 4.6 billion years ago. What does this imply? The rock can be traced back to an ancient protoplanet that disintegrated early in the solar system's past. This relic is one of a kind, for no other asteroids resemble the make-up of the rock. Other remains of the ancient protoplanet have most likely perished by crashing or smashing. Also read: Scientists just spotted most distant radio blast to ever reach Earth! Barratt believes they shall not be able to find a sample older than this one, adding that retrieving information becomes complicated as scientists attempt to move closer to understanding how the solar system came into being. If further study of this rock and ones similar to it is undertaken, we may be able to ascertain how Earth and other planets in our solar system were formed.

Scientists discover oldest volcanic rock to exist on Earth

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