Since the beginning of time, people have been interested in finding out how long people can live and what makes a long, healthy life. A new study that was published in GeroScience has shown certain common biomarkers in adults over 90, such as glucose and cholesterol levels.

By comparing the lifelong biomarker profiles of unusually long-lived individuals with those of others who have had shorter lives to date, the study establishes a correlation between the profiles and the likelihood of reaching centenarian age.

Data from 44,000 Swedes who had health evaluations between the ages of 64 and 99 were included in the study; these individuals were a sample of the so-called Amoris cohort.

After that, these individuals were monitored for up to 35 years using data from the Swedish Register. 1,224 (or 2.7%) of these individuals lived to be 100 years old. Eighty-five percent of the centenarians were women.

There were twelve blood-based indicators associated with metabolism, inflammation, liver and renal function, possible malnourishment, and anemia. In earlier research, each of these has been linked to death or ageing.

According to the study, those who lived to be 100 years old often had lower&nbsp;blood levels of uric acid, creatinine, and glucose starting in their 60s. Centenarians had very high or low levels seldom, even if the median values for most biomarkers did not differ significantly between them and non-centenarians.

Both centenarians and non-centenarians exhibited levels for several of the biomarkers that were outside of the range that clinical standards deemed normal. This is most likely a result of the recommendations' reliance on data from a population that is younger and healthier.

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All except two (albumin and alat) of the 12 biomarkers were associated with the chance of turning 100. Even after adjusting for illness burden, sex, and age, this remained the case.

Although the variations between some of the biomarkers were not very significant, they do point to a possible connection between longevity, diet, and metabolic health.

However, the study does not allow for any conclusions on whether lifestyle variables or genes are responsible for the biomarker readings.

(With inputs from agencies)

Since the beginning of time, people have been interested in finding out how long people can live and what makes a long, healthy life. A new study that was published in GeroScience has shown certain common biomarkers in adults over 90, such as glucose and cholesterol levels.

Since the beginning of time, people have been interested in finding out how long people can live and what makes a long, healthy life. A new study that was published in GeroScience has shown certain common biomarkers in adults over 90, such as glucose and cholesterol levels. By comparing the lifelong biomarker profiles of unusually long-lived individuals with those of others who have had shorter lives to date, the study establishes a correlation between the profiles and the likelihood of reaching centenarian age. Data from 44,000 Swedes who had health evaluations between the ages of 64 and 99 were included in the study; these individuals were a sample of the so-called Amoris cohort. After that, these individuals were monitored for up to 35 years using data from the Swedish Register. 1,224 (or 2.7%) of these individuals lived to be 100 years old. Eighty-five percent of the centenarians were women. There were twelve blood-based indicators associated with metabolism, inflammation, liver and renal function, possible malnourishment, and anemia. In earlier research, each of these has been linked to death or ageing. According to the study, those who lived to be 100 years old often had lower blood levels of uric acid, creatinine, and glucose starting in their 60s. Centenarians had very high or low levels seldom, even if the median values for most biomarkers did not differ significantly between them and non-centenarians. Both centenarians and non-centenarians exhibited levels for several of the biomarkers that were outside of the range that clinical standards deemed normal. This is most likely a result of the recommendations' reliance on data from a population that is younger and healthier. Also read: Researchers close in on centuries-old solar mystery of Sun's magnetic field All except two (albumin and alat) of the 12 biomarkers were associated with the chance of turning 100. Even after adjusting for illness burden, sex, and age, this remained the case. Although the variations between some of the biomarkers were not very significant, they do point to a possible connection between longevity, diet, and metabolic health. However, the study does not allow for any conclusions on whether lifestyle variables or genes are responsible for the biomarker readings. (With inputs from agencies)

Blood of those who live longer reveals vital differences

Did you know, there's a rule you should follow when it comes to peeing?

There are many ways to take care of our bodies, and this simple trick will help you monitor your bladder and keep it healthy.

Your pee can already be an indicator that something is wrong - for example, if there's blood in it, or if it's looking particularly cloudy.

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But this hack pertains to the duration of your urination, rather than what your urine looks like.

This rule was inspired by a study conducted by a group of mechanical engineering students at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

For the study, the team of researchers analysed high-speed videos of animals of all various sizes peeing and introduced the concept calling it ‘The Law of Urination'.

The study found that animals that are over three kilogrammes (6.6 pounds) empty their bladders in about 21 seconds, while smaller animals such as rats took just a fraction of a second to empty their tiny bladders.

Based on these findings, researchers confirmed that urination duration is not solely determined by bladder pressure; it is also influenced by gravity, as explained by IFL Science.

The team wrote in the paper, which was published back in 2014, "How can bladders of both 0.5 kg and 100 kg be emptied in nearly the same duration? Larger animals have longer urethras, and so greater gravitational force driving flow.

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"These elongated urethras enhance the flow rate in larger animals, allowing them to efficiently empty their sizable bladders in a relatively consistent duration."

As to how the study relates to humans, it has provided us with a general rule of thumb to follow in terms of how long we should be urinating.

The optimal time is around 21 seconds, and if you're peeing for much longer or much quicker, it could signify that you're either relieving yourself too often or holding in for too long.

If you pee too often, it could lead to you having what's known as an 'overactive bladder', while holding in your pee for too long can cause you to develop a UTI.&nbsp;

However, there's also an increased risk of kidney disease if you're an occasional toilet-goer, in addition to bladder rupture and your bladder becoming enlarged.

In addition to aiming for a duration of around 21 seconds when urinating, another ballpark figure to note is that we should be peeing around eight times a day if we drink eight cups of water, urologist Nicole Eisenbrown says.

(With inputs from agencies)

Did you know, there's a rule you should follow when it comes to peeing? There are many ways to take care of our bodies, and this simple trick will help you monitor your bladder and keep it healthy.

Did you know, there's a rule you should follow when it comes to peeing? There are many ways to take care of our bodies, and this simple trick will help you monitor your bladder and keep it healthy. Your pee can already be an indicator that something is wrong - for example, if there's blood in it, or if it's looking particularly cloudy. Watch: Italian MPs throw punches at each other in parliament as country hosts G7 Summit But this hack pertains to the duration of your urination, rather than what your urine looks like. This rule was inspired by a study conducted by a group of mechanical engineering students at the Georgia Institute of Technology. For the study, the team of researchers analysed high-speed videos of animals of all various sizes peeing and introduced the concept calling it ‘The Law of Urination'. The study found that animals that are over three kilogrammes (6.6 pounds) empty their bladders in about 21 seconds, while smaller animals such as rats took just a fraction of a second to empty their tiny bladders. Based on these findings, researchers confirmed that urination duration is not solely determined by bladder pressure; it is also influenced by gravity, as explained by IFL Science. The team wrote in the paper, which was published back in 2014, "How can bladders of both 0.5 kg and 100 kg be emptied in nearly the same duration? Larger animals have longer urethras, and so greater gravitational force driving flow. Also read: Remote Australian community unites to kill crocodile and prepare a grand meal out of it "These elongated urethras enhance the flow rate in larger animals, allowing them to efficiently empty their sizable bladders in a relatively consistent duration." As to how the study relates to humans, it has provided us with a general rule of thumb to follow in terms of how long we should be urinating. The optimal time is around 21 seconds, and if you're peeing for much longer or much quicker, it could signify that you're either relieving yourself too often or holding in for too long. If you pee too often, it could lead to you having what's known as an 'overactive bladder', while holding in your pee for too long can cause you to develop a UTI. However, there's also an increased risk of kidney disease if you're an occasional toilet-goer, in addition to bladder rupture and your bladder becoming enlarged. In addition to aiming for a duration of around 21 seconds when urinating, another ballpark figure to note is that we should be peeing around eight times a day if we drink eight cups of water, urologist Nicole Eisenbrown says. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientifically speaking, THIS is how much time one should spend peeing

There's no solid proof that can verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries, but enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth.&nbsp;

In the latest paper, a team of researchers from Harvard and Montana Technological University made a bizarre claim as they said that an unidentified and technologically advanced population could be living secretly among us.&nbsp;

The researchers have jotted down their hypothesis in a new paper published in June 2024 in ResearchGate, which is a European commercial social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/elephants-greet-each-other-using-distinctive-names-just-like-humans-study-730860">Elephants greet each other using distinctive names, just like humans: Study</a>&nbsp;

The abstract of the paper mentioned that "...the notion that UAP may reflect activities of intelligent beings concealed in stealth here on Earth (e.g., underground), and/or its near environs (e.g., the moon), and/or even "walking among us" (e.g., passing as humans)."&nbsp;

The researchers admitted that the idea is likely to be regarded "sceptically" by most scientists, but they argued that such is the nature of some UAP and hence, the possibility should not be dismissed. They said that the idea deserves "genuine consideration in a spirit of epistemic humility and openness".&nbsp;

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Researchers said that hypotheses for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) fall into two classes. First is a conventional terrestrial explanation, that is human-made technology). The second is an extraterrestrial explanation, that is advanced civilizations from elsewhere in the cosmos.&nbsp;

However, they said that they focused on a third hypothesis, which is an "unconventional terrestrial explanation" and present outside the prevailing consensus view of the universe.&nbsp;

"This is the ultraterrestrial hypothesis, which includes as a subset the "cryptoterrestrial" hypothesis," researchers said.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA and Boeing push back Starliner's crewed return to June 18

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<h2>News related to aliens and UFOs intrigues humans&nbsp;</h2>

Despite a lack of credible information, people across the world are intrigued by news or conspiracy theories related to aliens and UFOs. In fact, the United States government has taken a serious interest in UFOs. Earlier this year in March, the Pentagon released a report outlining the government's historical record of UAP.&nbsp;

The report was the first of an expected two volumes by the Department of Defense's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office that examine and analyse information gathered by the US government about UAP sightings.

However, the report states that the office found no evidence that any government investigation, academic research or official review panel has confirmed that any UAP sighting "represented extraterrestrial technology."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

There's no solid proof that can verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries, but enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth.

There's no solid proof that can verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries, but enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth. In the latest paper, a team of researchers from Harvard and Montana Technological University made a bizarre claim as they said that an unidentified and technologically advanced population could be living secretly among us. The researchers have jotted down their hypothesis in a new paper published in June 2024 in ResearchGate, which is a European commercial social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers. Also read: Elephants greet each other using distinctive names, just like humans: Study The abstract of the paper mentioned that "...the notion that UAP may reflect activities of intelligent beings concealed in stealth here on Earth (e.g., underground), and/or its near environs (e.g., the moon), and/or even "walking among us" (e.g., passing as humans)." The researchers admitted that the idea is likely to be regarded "sceptically" by most scientists, but they argued that such is the nature of some UAP and hence, the possibility should not be dismissed. They said that the idea deserves "genuine consideration in a spirit of epistemic humility and openness". Also read: Lost in space? NASA's Webb Telescope reveals the disappearance of dust around Beta Pictoris star Researchers said that hypotheses for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) fall into two classes. First is a conventional terrestrial explanation, that is human-made technology). The second is an extraterrestrial explanation, that is advanced civilizations from elsewhere in the cosmos. However, they said that they focused on a third hypothesis, which is an "unconventional terrestrial explanation" and present outside the prevailing consensus view of the universe. "This is the ultraterrestrial hypothesis, which includes as a subset the "cryptoterrestrial" hypothesis," researchers said. Watch: NASA and Boeing push back Starliner's crewed return to June 18 × News related to aliens and UFOs intrigues humans Despite a lack of credible information, people across the world are intrigued by news or conspiracy theories related to aliens and UFOs. In fact, the United States government has taken a serious interest in UFOs. Earlier this year in March, the Pentagon released a report outlining the government's historical record of UAP. The report was the first of an expected two volumes by the Department of Defense's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office that examine and analyse information gathered by the US government about UAP sightings. However, the report states that the office found no evidence that any government investigation, academic research or official review panel has confirmed that any UAP sighting "represented extraterrestrial technology." (With inputs from agencies)

'Aliens' and UFO civilisation could be living on Earth in 'stealth' mode: Report

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned against allowing any role for artificial intelligence in the decision to launch nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

He told a session of the Arms Control Association (ACA) that "humanity is on a knife's edge", with the risk of nuclear conflict at "heights not seen since the Cold War".&nbsp;

<h2>UN chief's warning</h2>

"States are engaged in a qualitative arms race," Guterres said.&nbsp;

"Technologies like artificial intelligence are multiplying the danger. Nuclear blackmail has re-emerged with some recklessly threatening nuclear catastrophe. Meanwhile, the regime designed to prevent the use, testing, and proliferation of nuclear weapons is weakening. Dear friends, we need disarmament now."

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He said countries should be disarmed, and nuclear-armed states need to give an example to the world. You can watch what he said here:

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In a statement, he urged the "United States and the Russian Federation to get back to the negotiating table, fully implement the new START treaty, and agree on its successor".

"Until these weapons are eliminated, all countries must agree that any decision on nuclear use is made by humans; not machines or algorithms."

Guterres' warning comes against the backdrop of recent concerns around the role of AI in the Gaza and the Ukraine wars.

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<h2>Automated nuclear weapons: A new thing?</h2>

As per IFL Science, while the idea of nuclear-armed AI may appear far off, historical precedent suggests these kinds of dangers are possible with any automated system.&nbsp;

The Soviet Union, during the Cold War, designed something they nicknamed "dead hand" as a way to ensure that nuclear retaliation would happen in the event a nuclear attack had destroyed the rest of their command structure.&nbsp;To do this, the system monitors various signs of a nuclear attack. If confirmed, the system would check communication lines between top Soviet officials and, in the absence of that, transfer launch authority to lower-level operators in a bunker.&nbsp;

Though it was never used, its risks were highlighted by a near miss on September 26, 1983: on that day, a Soviet missile detection system falsely reported an incoming nuclear strike from the United States. Fortunately, a Soviet military officer, Stanislav Petrov, averted a response at that time. Further analysis showed that sunlight glinted from high-altitude clouds and was misinterpreted by the satellite data.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned against allowing any role for artificial intelligence in the decision to launch nuclear weapons. He told a session of the Arms Control Association (ACA) that "humanity is on a knife's edge", with the risk of nuclear conflict at "heights not seen since the Cold War".

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned against allowing any role for artificial intelligence in the decision to launch nuclear weapons. He told a session of the Arms Control Association (ACA) that "humanity is on a knife's edge", with the risk of nuclear conflict at "heights not seen since the Cold War". UN chief's warning "States are engaged in a qualitative arms race," Guterres said. "Technologies like artificial intelligence are multiplying the danger. Nuclear blackmail has re-emerged with some recklessly threatening nuclear catastrophe. Meanwhile, the regime designed to prevent the use, testing, and proliferation of nuclear weapons is weakening. Dear friends, we need disarmament now." Also read | 'Convicted felon' Trump seeks freedom to speak, urges judge to lift gag order amid Biden attacks He said countries should be disarmed, and nuclear-armed states need to give an example to the world. You can watch what he said here: × In a statement, he urged the "United States and the Russian Federation to get back to the negotiating table, fully implement the new START treaty, and agree on its successor". "Until these weapons are eliminated, all countries must agree that any decision on nuclear use is made by humans; not machines or algorithms." Guterres' warning comes against the backdrop of recent concerns around the role of AI in the Gaza and the Ukraine wars. Also read | US says some changes proposed by Hamas in ceasefire deal 'unworkable', will try to 'close the deal' Automated nuclear weapons: A new thing? As per IFL Science, while the idea of nuclear-armed AI may appear far off, historical precedent suggests these kinds of dangers are possible with any automated system. The Soviet Union, during the Cold War, designed something they nicknamed "dead hand" as a way to ensure that nuclear retaliation would happen in the event a nuclear attack had destroyed the rest of their command structure. To do this, the system monitors various signs of a nuclear attack. If confirmed, the system would check communication lines between top Soviet officials and, in the absence of that, transfer launch authority to lower-level operators in a bunker. Though it was never used, its risks were highlighted by a near miss on September 26, 1983: on that day, a Soviet missile detection system falsely reported an incoming nuclear strike from the United States. Fortunately, a Soviet military officer, Stanislav Petrov, averted a response at that time. Further analysis showed that sunlight glinted from high-altitude clouds and was misinterpreted by the satellite data. (With inputs from agencies)

'Knife's edge': UN chief Guterres warns world leaders to keep AI out of nuclear decisions

Wild elephants call each other by names, just like humans. A new study published in Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution has revealed that elephants make distinctive, rumbling sounds when they address each other, making them the only non-human animals to possess such an ability to use language. This study was inspired by previous researches that showed bottlenose dolphins could be using signature whistles to call each other.

Mickey Pardo, a biologist at Cornell University, said, "Sometimes another bottlenose dolphin will imitate somebody else's signature whistle in order to get their attention, so effectively calling them by name."

He wanted to check whether elephants, who are known to be vocal mimics, also possess this ability.

“The idea from the outset of this project was to try to figure out if elephants have names,” said Pardo.

The researchers concluded that elephants use constant, low-frequency rumblings that are "highly structurally variable” to greet each other.

They use particular, distinctive noises for all kinds of communication, from greeting family members to comforting a calf to staying in close proximity to relatives over long distances. “There's quite a lot of variation in their acoustic structure,” he concluded.

To conduct the experiment, Pardo and colleagues analysed recordings of 469 rumbling calls that wild African elephants had made to each other. These sounds were recorded between 1986 and 2022 in the Amboseli National Park and Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves in Kenya.

The team also used machine learning to check whether the rumbles contained any information — precisely a “name”.

Through this model, the team was able to identify the correct elephant recipient of the call 27.5 per cent of the time.

This indicated that “there must be something in the calls that's allowing the model to figure out at least some of the time who that call was addressed to,” Pardo was quoted as saying by NPR.

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Then, researchers went a step ahead and made the elephants listen to the sound recordings that supposedly carried their names.

“We had to find a situation where a specific elephant was by herself, or at least not with the individual who made the recording,” Pardo said, explaining that the team then played the recording through a loudspeaker.

It turned out that elephants generally seemed to know that the sound recording was actually a message for them.

“The elephants responded much more strongly on average to playbacks of calls that were originally addressed to them relative to playbacks of calls from the same caller that were originally addressed to someone else,” the researcher said.

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However, it was not clear whether all elephants used the same name while addressing the same recipient. “People might assume that elephant names work in exactly the same way as human names, which is not necessarily true,” Pardo warned.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wild elephants call each other by names, just like humans. A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution has revealed that elephants make distinctive, rumbling sounds when they address each other, making them the only non-human animals to possess such an ability to use language.

Wild elephants call each other by names, just like humans. A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution has revealed that elephants make distinctive, rumbling sounds when they address each other, making them the only non-human animals to possess such an ability to use language. This study was inspired by previous researches that showed bottlenose dolphins could be using signature whistles to call each other. Mickey Pardo, a biologist at Cornell University, said, "Sometimes another bottlenose dolphin will imitate somebody else's signature whistle in order to get their attention, so effectively calling them by name." He wanted to check whether elephants, who are known to be vocal mimics, also possess this ability. “The idea from the outset of this project was to try to figure out if elephants have names,” said Pardo. The researchers concluded that elephants use constant, low-frequency rumblings that are "highly structurally variable” to greet each other. They use particular, distinctive noises for all kinds of communication, from greeting family members to comforting a calf to staying in close proximity to relatives over long distances. “There's quite a lot of variation in their acoustic structure,” he concluded. To conduct the experiment, Pardo and colleagues analysed recordings of 469 rumbling calls that wild African elephants had made to each other. These sounds were recorded between 1986 and 2022 in the Amboseli National Park and Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves in Kenya. The team also used machine learning to check whether the rumbles contained any information — precisely a “name”. Through this model, the team was able to identify the correct elephant recipient of the call 27.5 per cent of the time. This indicated that “there must be something in the calls that's allowing the model to figure out at least some of the time who that call was addressed to,” Pardo was quoted as saying by NPR. Also read: Alzheimer's drug donanemab gets unanimous backing from FDA advisory panel Then, researchers went a step ahead and made the elephants listen to the sound recordings that supposedly carried their names. “We had to find a situation where a specific elephant was by herself, or at least not with the individual who made the recording,” Pardo said, explaining that the team then played the recording through a loudspeaker. It turned out that elephants generally seemed to know that the sound recording was actually a message for them. “The elephants responded much more strongly on average to playbacks of calls that were originally addressed to them relative to playbacks of calls from the same caller that were originally addressed to someone else,” the researcher said. Also read: NASA develops breakthrough technology to hunt for habitable ‘water worlds’ However, it was not clear whether all elephants used the same name while addressing the same recipient. “People might assume that elephant names work in exactly the same way as human names, which is not necessarily true,” Pardo warned. (With inputs from agencies)

Elephants greet each other using distinctive names, just like humans: Study

Giraffes are one of the world's tallest animals, thanks to their extraordinarily long necks. Previous theories suggested that the need for sex or domination over other males to secure a mating partner may have led to the evolution of the long neck but a new study has dismissed this conclusion. Biologists from Pennsylvania State University have revealed that the need for nutritional needs may have driven this evolution.

<h2>'Female giraffes have proportionally longer necks'</h2>

The researchers in their analysis found that female giraffes have proportionally longer necks than their male counterparts. It led them to believe that the need for foraging deep into trees was behind the evolution of longer necks.

Males had wider necks and longer forelegs whereas females had proportionately larger trunks and necks. Both, giraffes in captivity and those in the wild, exhibited the same trend.&nbsp;

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“Rather than stretching out to eat leaves on the tallest branches, you often see giraffes – especially females – reaching deep into the trees,” said lead author Doug Cavener, a biologist at Penn State.

“Giraffes are picky eaters – they eat the leaves of only a few tree species, and longer necks allow them to reach deeper into the trees to get the leaves no one else can. Once females reach four or five years of age, they are almost always pregnant and lactating, so we think the increased nutritional demands of females drove the evolution of giraffes’ long necks,” he added.

<h2>Necks-for-sex theory</h2>

The "necks-for-sex" theory claimed that male competition—known as neck sparring—was the main reason why necks evolved to be longer. Neck sparring involves male giraffes swinging their necks and slamming into each other to exert dominance. Longer-necked males would have an advantage in these contests, which would encourage reproduction and the gene-passing of children.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj0m_imh8-GAxVpsFYBHbuHHbYQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-giant-viruses-that-eat-ice-melting-algae-in-the-arctic-729116" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-giant-viruses-that-eat-ice-melting-algae-in-the-arctic-729116&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0m_imh8-GAxVpsFYBHbuHHbYQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Scientists discover giant viruses that eat ice-melting algae in the Arctic</a>

“The necks-for-sex hypothesis predicted that males would have longer necks than females,” Cavener said. “And technically they do have longer necks, but everything about males is longer; they are 30 per cent to 40 per cent bigger than females.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Giraffes are one of the world's tallest animals, thanks to their extraordinarily long necks. Previous theories suggested that the need for sex or domination over other males to secure a mating partner may have led to the evolution of the long neck but a new study has dismissed this conclusion.

Giraffes are one of the world's tallest animals, thanks to their extraordinarily long necks. Previous theories suggested that the need for sex or domination over other males to secure a mating partner may have led to the evolution of the long neck but a new study has dismissed this conclusion. Biologists from Pennsylvania State University have revealed that the need for nutritional needs may have driven this evolution. 'Female giraffes have proportionally longer necks' The researchers in their analysis found that female giraffes have proportionally longer necks than their male counterparts. It led them to believe that the need for foraging deep into trees was behind the evolution of longer necks. Males had wider necks and longer forelegs whereas females had proportionately larger trunks and necks. Both, giraffes in captivity and those in the wild, exhibited the same trend. Also read: Scientists hunting for origin of radio signal from deep space that flashes for an hour “Rather than stretching out to eat leaves on the tallest branches, you often see giraffes – especially females – reaching deep into the trees,” said lead author Doug Cavener, a biologist at Penn State. “Giraffes are picky eaters – they eat the leaves of only a few tree species, and longer necks allow them to reach deeper into the trees to get the leaves no one else can. Once females reach four or five years of age, they are almost always pregnant and lactating, so we think the increased nutritional demands of females drove the evolution of giraffes’ long necks,” he added. Necks-for-sex theory The "necks-for-sex" theory claimed that male competition—known as neck sparring—was the main reason why necks evolved to be longer. Neck sparring involves male giraffes swinging their necks and slamming into each other to exert dominance. Longer-necked males would have an advantage in these contests, which would encourage reproduction and the gene-passing of children. Also read: Scientists discover giant viruses that eat ice-melting algae in the Arctic “The necks-for-sex hypothesis predicted that males would have longer necks than females,” Cavener said. “And technically they do have longer necks, but everything about males is longer; they are 30 per cent to 40 per cent bigger than females.” (With inputs from agencies)

Need for nutrition, not sex, led giraffes to evolve longer necks: Study

What comes to your mind when someone says mighty beast with puny arms? A Tyrannosaurus rex?. Well, the scary beast can now find some solace in the discovery of a new dinosaur species, Koleken inakayali, which could make its arms look relatively stronger in comparison.&nbsp;

<h2>Tyrannosaurus rex vs Koleken inakayali</h2>

As per Science Alert, in an arm wrestle, the newly discovered dinosaur would lose.&nbsp;

K. inakayali, the recently unearthed abelisaurid dinosaur, shares similarities with the well-known Carnotaurus "meat-eating bull" known for its horns and bumpy skin. Carnotaurus is a fearsome dinosaur that lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous period — sometime between 71 million and 69 million years ago.

However, the newly discovered dinosaur is slightly smaller and lacks the distinctive horns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cryptoterrestrials-living-among-us-harvard-researchers-suggest-ancient-races-are-hiding-in-volcanoes-730464">'Cryptoterrestrials' living among us? Harvard researchers suggest ancient races are hiding in volcanoes</a>

<h2>Where was the dinosaur found?</h2>

The Koleken inakayali was found in Patagonia, the southern end of South America.

While the K. inakayali's arm bones weren't found, its proportions suggest it likely had similar-sized arms to Carnotaurus. Both dinosaurs had stiff, immobile elbows and rudimentary wrist joints, making their arms ineffective for grasping objects. These features suggest that their arms would have flopped against their chests as they ran, adding to the mystery of why these dinosaurs evolved such seemingly useless limbs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-remains-of-smallest-known-great-ape-in-germany-729800">Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany</a>

<h2>Former rulers of the earth</h2>

Abelisaurids, including the T. rex's (which lived in North America and Asia) South American relatives, were once the most abundant dinosaurs on Earth during the Late Cretaceous period.&nbsp;

The reasons behind their tiny arms remain unclear, with theories ranging from a shift in hunting strategies to evolutionary remnants from their ancestors. Some argue that the arms of T. rex might have been used for slashing or gripping during mating, but the exact purpose remains speculative.

The discovery of K. inakayali adds to the understanding of abelisaurid diversity in Patagonia before the mass extinction event. The study, led by palaeontologist Diego Pol and an international team, was published in the journal Cladistics.

(With inputs from agencies)

What comes to your mind when someone says mighty beast with puny arms? A Tyrannosaurus rex?. Well, the scary beast can now find some solace in the discovery of a new dinosaur species, Koleken inakayali, which could make its arms look relatively stronger in comparison.

What comes to your mind when someone says mighty beast with puny arms? A Tyrannosaurus rex?. Well, the scary beast can now find some solace in the discovery of a new dinosaur species, Koleken inakayali, which could make its arms look relatively stronger in comparison. Tyrannosaurus rex vs Koleken inakayali As per Science Alert, in an arm wrestle, the newly discovered dinosaur would lose. K. inakayali, the recently unearthed abelisaurid dinosaur, shares similarities with the well-known Carnotaurus "meat-eating bull" known for its horns and bumpy skin. Carnotaurus is a fearsome dinosaur that lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous period — sometime between 71 million and 69 million years ago. However, the newly discovered dinosaur is slightly smaller and lacks the distinctive horns. Also read | 'Cryptoterrestrials' living among us? Harvard researchers suggest ancient races are hiding in volcanoes Where was the dinosaur found? The Koleken inakayali was found in Patagonia, the southern end of South America. While the K. inakayali's arm bones weren't found, its proportions suggest it likely had similar-sized arms to Carnotaurus. Both dinosaurs had stiff, immobile elbows and rudimentary wrist joints, making their arms ineffective for grasping objects. These features suggest that their arms would have flopped against their chests as they ran, adding to the mystery of why these dinosaurs evolved such seemingly useless limbs. Also read | Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany Former rulers of the earth Abelisaurids, including the T. rex's (which lived in North America and Asia) South American relatives, were once the most abundant dinosaurs on Earth during the Late Cretaceous period. The reasons behind their tiny arms remain unclear, with theories ranging from a shift in hunting strategies to evolutionary remnants from their ancestors. Some argue that the arms of T. rex might have been used for slashing or gripping during mating, but the exact purpose remains speculative. The discovery of K. inakayali adds to the understanding of abelisaurid diversity in Patagonia before the mass extinction event. The study, led by palaeontologist Diego Pol and an international team, was published in the journal Cladistics. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Koleken inakayali: Scientists discover dinosaur with puny arms that rival Tyrannosaurus Rex

The neurons functioning inside the brain's memory area when we sleep may be doing more than just recalling prior events. According to a new study, they may also prepare for future events.

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan examined brain wave measurements from rats throughout periods of awake and sleep. Readings were obtained before, during, and after the animals completed maze trials to assess nerve cell preferences outside the maze, such as during rest intervals.

"We addressed this challenge by relating the activity of each neuron to the activity of all the other neurons. The ability to track the preferences of neurons even without a stimulus was an important breakthrough for us," says anesthesiologist Kamran Diba, from the University of Michigan.

The innovative technique allowed the scientists to not only correlate actual areas in the maze to particular neuron activity in real-time but also work backward and map neuron activity to spots in the maze while the rats were sleeping.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ants-sense-of-smell-crucial-to-their-survival-and-social-interaction-study-730167">Ants’ sense of smell crucial to their survival and social interaction: Study</a>

The rats were not only dreaming about locations they had already explored in the maze but also brainstorming possible new pathways, based on the neurons firing during sleep and again during the subsequent maze try.

These are key results in the research of spatial tuning, which is the relationship between the activity of certain neurons and specific places. This tuning is a dynamic process, and the sleeping brain appears to be involved.

When the rats returned to the maze after resting, the brain activity recorded during their slumber predicted the new ways they explored their environment. While the matches were not precise, they were near enough to suggest that dreams and future intentions are related.

Sleep has long been known to aid in memory formation, and while this study only looked at rats, something similar is probably happening in human brains, a type of rehearsal for future events.

The neurons functioning inside the brain's memory area when we sleep may be doing more than just recalling prior events. According to a new study, they may also prepare for future events.

The neurons functioning inside the brain's memory area when we sleep may be doing more than just recalling prior events. According to a new study, they may also prepare for future events. A team of researchers from the University of Michigan examined brain wave measurements from rats throughout periods of awake and sleep. Readings were obtained before, during, and after the animals completed maze trials to assess nerve cell preferences outside the maze, such as during rest intervals. "We addressed this challenge by relating the activity of each neuron to the activity of all the other neurons. The ability to track the preferences of neurons even without a stimulus was an important breakthrough for us," says anesthesiologist Kamran Diba, from the University of Michigan. The innovative technique allowed the scientists to not only correlate actual areas in the maze to particular neuron activity in real-time but also work backward and map neuron activity to spots in the maze while the rats were sleeping. Also read: Ants’ sense of smell crucial to their survival and social interaction: Study The rats were not only dreaming about locations they had already explored in the maze but also brainstorming possible new pathways, based on the neurons firing during sleep and again during the subsequent maze try. These are key results in the research of spatial tuning, which is the relationship between the activity of certain neurons and specific places. This tuning is a dynamic process, and the sleeping brain appears to be involved. When the rats returned to the maze after resting, the brain activity recorded during their slumber predicted the new ways they explored their environment. While the matches were not precise, they were near enough to suggest that dreams and future intentions are related. Sleep has long been known to aid in memory formation, and while this study only looked at rats, something similar is probably happening in human brains, a type of rehearsal for future events.

Brain predicts and plans for future events during sleep, study finds

Ants, despite their tiny size, possess an impressive olfactory system equipped with around 400 smell receptors. This extensive array of receptors is key to their ability to communicate through pheromones in large societies.

A recent study by researchers from New York University and the University of Florida has highlighted the crucial role of a protein named Orco in the survival and function of olfactory neurons in ants.

In their research, the scientists focused on Harpegnathos saltator, or jumping ants, and found that altering the orco gene led to a major reduction in the number of olfactory neurons.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/milky-way-collided-with-another-galaxy-shredded-and-devoured-it-years-ago-729957">Milky Way collided with another galaxy, shredded and devoured it years ago</a>

This suggested&nbsp;that Orco is essential for both the development and the maintenance of these cells.

Study’s first author Bogdan Sieriebriennikov said,&nbsp;“Understanding how the nervous system develops is among the most pressing challenges in modern neuroscience."&nbsp;

“Ants, like humans, are highly social and display cooperative social behavior, and thus provide an ideal system to study sensory-mediated social behaviour,” said Hua Yan, the study’s senior author.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-for-first-time-spot-alien-type-creatures-living-in-darkest-depths-of-our-ocean-729947">Scientists for first time spot alien-type creatures living in darkest depths of our ocean</a>

“Loss of function of odorant receptor neurons leads to deficits in olfactory sensing and is often associated with social isolation, neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, and social disorders such as autism,” added Yan.

<h2>What did the study entail?&nbsp;</h2>

The researchers used CRISPR technology to create genetically modified ants by mutating the orco gene. These modified ants exhibited changes in their olfactory organs and had trouble interacting with their peers.

“We found that the antennae—which are the ‘nose’ of the ant—had very few cells. They were almost empty, suggesting that the cells that sense smell were absent from the mutant ants,” noted Yan.

According to the study, the researchers found out that mutant ants lacking Orco lost most of their olfactory neurons. The reduction in the neurons took place even before these ants reached their adulthood.

Watch | Global warming is accelerating at unprecedented pace, says study

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“The cells appear to be made normally, and they start developing—growing, changing shape, and switching on certain genes they will need later, such as odorant receptors,” said Sieriebriennikov. “Once the developing cells turn on the odorant receptors, very soon they start dying in massive amounts.”

Caused by the inability of odorant receptors to form Orco, this premature neuronal death could be due to stress.&nbsp;

Interestingly, some neurons did survive without Orco. This indicates that other factors might also play a role in their development. “Some neurons must periodically ‘fire’ to develop properly. Without Orco, smell cells did not ‘fire’ and complete their development, leading to their death,” Sieriebriennikov added.

The study has been published in Science Advances.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ants, despite their tiny size, possess an impressive olfactory system equipped with around 400 smell receptors. This extensive array of receptors is key to their ability to communicate through pheromones in large societies.

Ants, despite their tiny size, possess an impressive olfactory system equipped with around 400 smell receptors. This extensive array of receptors is key to their ability to communicate through pheromones in large societies. A recent study by researchers from New York University and the University of Florida has highlighted the crucial role of a protein named Orco in the survival and function of olfactory neurons in ants. In their research, the scientists focused on Harpegnathos saltator, or jumping ants, and found that altering the orco gene led to a major reduction in the number of olfactory neurons. Also Read | Milky Way collided with another galaxy, shredded and devoured it years ago This suggested that Orco is essential for both the development and the maintenance of these cells. Study’s first author Bogdan Sieriebriennikov said, “Understanding how the nervous system develops is among the most pressing challenges in modern neuroscience." “Ants, like humans, are highly social and display cooperative social behavior, and thus provide an ideal system to study sensory-mediated social behaviour,” said Hua Yan, the study’s senior author. Also Read | Scientists for first time spot alien-type creatures living in darkest depths of our ocean “Loss of function of odorant receptor neurons leads to deficits in olfactory sensing and is often associated with social isolation, neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, and social disorders such as autism,” added Yan. What did the study entail? The researchers used CRISPR technology to create genetically modified ants by mutating the orco gene. These modified ants exhibited changes in their olfactory organs and had trouble interacting with their peers. “We found that the antennae—which are the ‘nose’ of the ant—had very few cells. They were almost empty, suggesting that the cells that sense smell were absent from the mutant ants,” noted Yan. According to the study, the researchers found out that mutant ants lacking Orco lost most of their olfactory neurons. The reduction in the neurons took place even before these ants reached their adulthood. Watch | Global warming is accelerating at unprecedented pace, says study × “The cells appear to be made normally, and they start developing—growing, changing shape, and switching on certain genes they will need later, such as odorant receptors,” said Sieriebriennikov. “Once the developing cells turn on the odorant receptors, very soon they start dying in massive amounts.” Caused by the inability of odorant receptors to form Orco, this premature neuronal death could be due to stress. Interestingly, some neurons did survive without Orco. This indicates that other factors might also play a role in their development. “Some neurons must periodically ‘fire’ to develop properly. Without Orco, smell cells did not ‘fire’ and complete their development, leading to their death,” Sieriebriennikov added. The study has been published in Science Advances. (With inputs from agencies)

Ants’ sense of smell crucial to their survival and social interaction: Study

With increasing concerns about climate change, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Electric vehicles (EVs) have garnered attention as a cleaner option compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars due to their reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but a report claimed otherwise.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.emissionsanalytics.com/news/gaining-traction-losing-tread#:~:text=The%20headline%20conclusion%20we%20draw,previous%20figure%20for%20aggressive%20driving.">report</a> published by Emission Analytics, a firm specialising in emissions data analysis, challenged the prevailing belief regarding the environmental superiority of EVs. The report touched upon the issue of particle pollution originating from brakes and tyres in both electric and fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The report was&nbsp;featured in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.&nbsp;

The report, titled "Gaining traction, losing tread: Pollution from tyre wear now 1,850 times worse than exhaust emissions", talked about research it had filed in early 2020 claiming that tyre particulate wear emissions were 1,000 times worse than exhaust emissions.&nbsp;

In the report, Emission Analytics compared real-world tailpipe particulate mass emissions to tire wear emissions in "normal" driving. It claimed that the latter is actually around 1,850 times greater than the former.&nbsp;

However, this claim appears to be untrue. A <a href="https://science.feedback.org/review/electric-vehicles-may-have-higher-particulate-emissions-from-tires-but-usually-have-lower-particulate-emissions-from-other-sources/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR10GC1Mvm1VbiB0gUJV89TlH0xzF4H3VDPA8isssipiNviDOqsaapfeXAo_aem_AbDNiVGfP3hiUACTjAvF2Yj6gdTzpL1gO0L9zY4hhgimc7jDZjThVE1gh-IQO3GRQIs8uiFmoeIdWfdql-Ute6Ch">fact-check report</a> by Science Feedback said that the particulate emissions of electric vehicles are "still poorly studied" and experimental comparisons of particulate emissions, mentioned in the Emission Analytics report, remain scarce.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the Emission Analytics report claim?&nbsp;</h2>

The report claimed that EVs, owing to their heavier weight, may emit significantly higher levels of particulate matter from brakes and tyres compared to modern gas-powered vehicles equipped with efficient exhaust filters. It could be as much as 1,850 times greater, it claimed.&nbsp;

Emission Analytics also tried to highlight the concern over tyre wear, attributing it to the heavier weight of EVs which accelerates tyre deterioration and releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. It said that the degradation is primarily linked to the synthetic rubber composition of most tyres, derived from crude oil.&nbsp;

Another significant aspect highlighted in the report is the impact of battery weight on EVs. As EVs typically feature heavier batteries compared to traditional petrol engines, this additional weight exerts greater strain on brakes and tyres, hastening wear and tear.&nbsp;

<h2>Is this claim even true?&nbsp;</h2>

Science Feedback said in its fact-check that the company has not released a more detailed methodology and also, the report hasn't been peer-reviewed or published in the scientific literature.&nbsp;

"Without a detailed methodology, it is impossible for other groups to reproduce and verify Emissions Analytics’ results. In the absence of peer review, it is very difficult to assess the credibility of Emission Analytics' study," it said.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India: Are electric vehicles safe? | Tech It Out

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"More extreme versions of the claim state that electric vehicles emit 1,850 times more "pollutants" than gasoline-powered vehicles. This completely misrepresents the study, which compared the amount of particulate emissions coming from tires and tailpipes. It also contradicts available measurements of other vehicle pollutants like CO2," Science Feedback explained in its report.&nbsp;

Note: Earlier version of this article didn't include the fact-check claim by Science Feedback.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With increasing concerns about climate change, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Electric vehicles (EVs) have garnered attention as a cleaner option compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars due to their reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but a report claimed otherwise.

With increasing concerns about climate change, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Electric vehicles (EVs) have garnered attention as a cleaner option compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars due to their reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but a report claimed otherwise. The report published by Emission Analytics, a firm specialising in emissions data analysis, challenged the prevailing belief regarding the environmental superiority of EVs. The report touched upon the issue of particle pollution originating from brakes and tyres in both electric and fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The report was featured in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. The report, titled "Gaining traction, losing tread: Pollution from tyre wear now 1,850 times worse than exhaust emissions", talked about research it had filed in early 2020 claiming that tyre particulate wear emissions were 1,000 times worse than exhaust emissions. In the report, Emission Analytics compared real-world tailpipe particulate mass emissions to tire wear emissions in "normal" driving. It claimed that the latter is actually around 1,850 times greater than the former. However, this claim appears to be untrue. A fact-check report by Science Feedback said that the particulate emissions of electric vehicles are "still poorly studied" and experimental comparisons of particulate emissions, mentioned in the Emission Analytics report, remain scarce. What did the Emission Analytics report claim? The report claimed that EVs, owing to their heavier weight, may emit significantly higher levels of particulate matter from brakes and tyres compared to modern gas-powered vehicles equipped with efficient exhaust filters. It could be as much as 1,850 times greater, it claimed. Emission Analytics also tried to highlight the concern over tyre wear, attributing it to the heavier weight of EVs which accelerates tyre deterioration and releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. It said that the degradation is primarily linked to the synthetic rubber composition of most tyres, derived from crude oil. Another significant aspect highlighted in the report is the impact of battery weight on EVs. As EVs typically feature heavier batteries compared to traditional petrol engines, this additional weight exerts greater strain on brakes and tyres, hastening wear and tear. Is this claim even true? Science Feedback said in its fact-check that the company has not released a more detailed methodology and also, the report hasn't been peer-reviewed or published in the scientific literature. "Without a detailed methodology, it is impossible for other groups to reproduce and verify Emissions Analytics’ results. In the absence of peer review, it is very difficult to assess the credibility of Emission Analytics' study," it said. Also watch | India: Are electric vehicles safe? | Tech It Out "More extreme versions of the claim state that electric vehicles emit 1,850 times more "pollutants" than gasoline-powered vehicles. This completely misrepresents the study, which compared the amount of particulate emissions coming from tires and tailpipes. It also contradicts available measurements of other vehicle pollutants like CO2," Science Feedback explained in its report. Note: Earlier version of this article didn't include the fact-check claim by Science Feedback. (With inputs from agencies)

EVs may have higher particulate emissions from tires, but less exhaust particulates than petrol, diesel cars

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally&nbsp;lifted off Wednesday (Jun 5)&nbsp;on its maiden human flight to space after having suffered multiple delays, two scrubs and several glitches.

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Liftoff! Go <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtlasV</a>! Go Centaur! Go <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Starliner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Starliner</a>! 
 
Godspeed, Butch Wilmore and <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Suni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Suni</a>! <a href="https://t.co/kTA8fjcLP7">pic.twitter.com/kTA8fjcLP7</a>
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Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams flew alongside NASA&nbsp;astronaut Butch Willmore&nbsp;on her third mission , who is the commander of the Crew Flight Test mission of the spacecraft.

The previous launch of the spacecraft was scheduled for June 1 but it was scrubbed after a last-minute glitch. An automatic hold triggered by the ground launch sequencer, or the computer that launches the rocket, stopped the countdown clock at 3 minutes and 50 seconds ahead of launch.

Before that, the mission was supposed to lift off on May 6 but it was also delayed with two hours left in the countdown.

<h2>Significance of the flight</h2>

If the mission remains successful, NASA can then rely on Boeing services for carrying out routine trips to the orbiting outpost. As of now, NASA's options are limited as it has just two service providers: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule and Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The two veteran astronauts are well-prepared to deal with any kind of emergency situations. They will take control of the autonomous Starliner spacecraft if&nbsp;something goes wrong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-minute-snag-halts-boeing-starliners-launch-nasa-estimates-24-hour-turnaround-time-727870">Last-minute snag halts launch of Boeing’s Starliner, NASA estimates 24-hour turnaround time</a>

"They're checking out a lot of the systems: the life support, the manual control," NASA chief Bill Nelson said during a May 3 news conference. "That's why we put two test pilots on board — and of course the resumes of Butch and Suni are extensive."

The two astronauts are expected to spend eight days inside the orbiting laboratory, joining the seven astronauts and cosmonauts already on board.

<h2>The spacecraft is having a helium leak</h2>

NASA said a helium leak was detected on the spacecraft recently but it did not pose any threat to the mission.

“We looked really hard at what our options were with this particular flange (the part where the leak is located),” Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. said. “A fuel line, an oxidizer line and a helium line all go into the flange, which makes it problematic to work on. It makes it almost unsafe to work on,” he added.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally lifted off Wednesday (Jun 5) on its maiden human flight to space after having suffered multiple delays, two scrubs and several glitches.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally lifted off Wednesday (Jun 5) on its maiden human flight to space after having suffered multiple delays, two scrubs and several glitches. Liftoff! Go #AtlasV! Go Centaur! Go #Starliner! Godspeed, Butch Wilmore and @Astro_Suni! pic.twitter.com/kTA8fjcLP7 — Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) June 5, 2024 × Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams flew alongside NASA astronaut Butch Willmore on her third mission , who is the commander of the Crew Flight Test mission of the spacecraft. The previous launch of the spacecraft was scheduled for June 1 but it was scrubbed after a last-minute glitch. An automatic hold triggered by the ground launch sequencer, or the computer that launches the rocket, stopped the countdown clock at 3 minutes and 50 seconds ahead of launch. Before that, the mission was supposed to lift off on May 6 but it was also delayed with two hours left in the countdown. Significance of the flight If the mission remains successful, NASA can then rely on Boeing services for carrying out routine trips to the orbiting outpost. As of now, NASA's options are limited as it has just two service providers: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule and Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The two veteran astronauts are well-prepared to deal with any kind of emergency situations. They will take control of the autonomous Starliner spacecraft if something goes wrong. Also read: Last-minute snag halts launch of Boeing’s Starliner, NASA estimates 24-hour turnaround time "They're checking out a lot of the systems: the life support, the manual control," NASA chief Bill Nelson said during a May 3 news conference. "That's why we put two test pilots on board — and of course the resumes of Butch and Suni are extensive." The two astronauts are expected to spend eight days inside the orbiting laboratory, joining the seven astronauts and cosmonauts already on board. The spacecraft is having a helium leak NASA said a helium leak was detected on the spacecraft recently but it did not pose any threat to the mission. “We looked really hard at what our options were with this particular flange (the part where the leak is located),” Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. said. “A fuel line, an oxidizer line and a helium line all go into the flange, which makes it problematic to work on. It makes it almost unsafe to work on,” he added.

Starliner lifts off! Spacecraft with Sunita Williams on board flies to space after multiple delays. Watch

Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31).&nbsp;

<h2>Losing someone to drug overdose</h2>

More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

It found that 32 per cent of respondents knew someone who had succumbed to a fatal drug overdose. Furthermore, for 18.9 per cent of these, that person "was a family member or close friend".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heartbreaking-reality-over-321000-children-left-orphaned-due-to-americas-drug-epidemic-between-2011-2021-719636">Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021</a>

The survey also highlighted the fact that individuals across the political spectrum had similar rates of knowing someone who had died from an overdose. It also found that those personally affected by such a loss were more likely to view addiction as an "extremely or very important policy issue." Researchers believe this indicates that those who have lost loved ones to overdoses might be able to unite to "facilitate greater policy change."

"The drug overdose crisis is a national tragedy," said Alene Kennedy-Hendricks, who led the analysis, in a news release. She emphasised that while many US adults are mourning overdose-related losses, they might not be as visible as groups affected by "less stigmatised health issues".&nbsp;

"Although large numbers of US adults are bereaved due to overdose, they may not be as visible as other groups who have lost loved ones to less stigmatised health issues."&nbsp;

Kennedy-Hendricks suggests that movements aiming to "build support for policy change to overcome the devastating toll of the overdose crisis should consider the role of this community."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

Furthermore, the economic burden of the opioid crisis is staggering, with associated costs exceeding $1 trillion annually in the United States, reported&nbsp;the survey.

<h2>US drug epidemic</h2>

In recent years, the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has witnessed over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually. Since 1990, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, with the majority of these deaths being opioid-related. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have been a major driver of this crisis, said the CDC.

This comes as another recent study revealed that drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of scores of parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan.

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, around 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent to the drug epidemic.&nbsp;

The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently reported that over 321,000 children in the United States have lost parents to overdoses in the past decade. This tragic situation underscores the far-reaching impact of the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31). Losing someone to drug overdose More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Approximately one in three Americans knows someone who has died from a drug overdose, revealed a new survey on Friday (May 31). Losing someone to drug overdose More than 2,300 adults took part in the survey conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It found that 32 per cent of respondents knew someone who had succumbed to a fatal drug overdose. Furthermore, for 18.9 per cent of these, that person "was a family member or close friend". Also read | Heartbreaking! Over 321,000 children lost a parent to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021 The survey also highlighted the fact that individuals across the political spectrum had similar rates of knowing someone who had died from an overdose. It also found that those personally affected by such a loss were more likely to view addiction as an "extremely or very important policy issue." Researchers believe this indicates that those who have lost loved ones to overdoses might be able to unite to "facilitate greater policy change." "The drug overdose crisis is a national tragedy," said Alene Kennedy-Hendricks, who led the analysis, in a news release. She emphasised that while many US adults are mourning overdose-related losses, they might not be as visible as groups affected by "less stigmatised health issues". "Although large numbers of US adults are bereaved due to overdose, they may not be as visible as other groups who have lost loved ones to less stigmatised health issues." Kennedy-Hendricks suggests that movements aiming to "build support for policy change to overcome the devastating toll of the overdose crisis should consider the role of this community." Also read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Furthermore, the economic burden of the opioid crisis is staggering, with associated costs exceeding $1 trillion annually in the United States, reported the survey. US drug epidemic In recent years, the United States, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has witnessed over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually. Since 1990, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, with the majority of these deaths being opioid-related. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have been a major driver of this crisis, said the CDC. This comes as another recent study revealed that drug abuse is increasingly claiming the lives of scores of parents, leaving hundreds of thousands of children orphan. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 2011 and 2021, around 649,599 people aged 18 to 64 died from a drug overdose. This translates to an estimated 321,566 children losing a parent to the drug epidemic. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently reported that over 321,000 children in the United States have lost parents to overdoses in the past decade. This tragic situation underscores the far-reaching impact of the crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

'National tragedy': Survey reveals 1 in 3 Americans affected by drug overdose deaths

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team would be back for more silverware with the same hunger next season after claiming a record-extending 15th Champions League trophy at Wembley on Saturday.

Los Blancos held off Borussia Dortmund and then struck twice through Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior to secure a 2-0 victory.

"Here there's no danger of our stomachs being too full... tomorrow this club will enjoy another fantastic day with our fans, then to rest, the players will go to the Euros, the Copa America, then we will return with the same desire and hope as ever," pledged Ancelotti.

The Italian lifted the trophy for a record-extending fifth time as a coach and his players jubilantly tossed him into the air during the celebrations.

"This competition gave me fantastic happiness, as a player, as a manager," continued Ancelotti, who turns 65 on June 10.

"My target is to try to repeat the same emotion that we (have) the week after this game, this is the target.

"I have the luck to the be at the best club in the world."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/champions-league-final-real-madrid-stretch-european-dominance-with-15th-title-after-beating-borussia-dortmund-727900">Champions League Final: Real Madrid extend European dominance with 15th title after beating Borussia Dortmund</a>

The coach said he rated the team's performance this season as "10 out of 10" after severe injuries to several key players including David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois, the latter of whom started the final.

Madrid, who completed a La Liga and Champions League double for the fifth time in their history, are Spain's dominant force.

That advantage may be further increased by the signing of France striker Kylian Mbappe at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain deal, a move expected to be announced in the coming days.

Madrid will lose German midfield metronome Toni Kroos, retiring from football after Euro 2024.

"What will happen now? Something will happen. We lost an important player, we will have other players to take over," said Ancelotti. "As we have always done, we adapt to the characteristics of the players that we have, to be competitive."

Ancelotti said coming back to Madrid for a second stint in charge was a "gift" for him, having returned in 2021.

The Italian said he was delighted to be at a "family" club, with his son Davide Ancelotti operating as his assistant.

"We're a family, Real Madrid is a family, a football family," continued the coach. "There's a healthy, clean environment. Working in a family is a lot better than working in an industry.

"Obviously he helps me a lot because he can tell me things that nobody else can tell me."

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team would be back for more silverware with the same hunger next season after claiming a record-extending 15th Champions League trophy at Wembley on Saturday.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team would be back for more silverware with the same hunger next season after claiming a record-extending 15th Champions League trophy at Wembley on Saturday. Los Blancos held off Borussia Dortmund and then struck twice through Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior to secure a 2-0 victory. "Here there's no danger of our stomachs being too full... tomorrow this club will enjoy another fantastic day with our fans, then to rest, the players will go to the Euros, the Copa America, then we will return with the same desire and hope as ever," pledged Ancelotti. The Italian lifted the trophy for a record-extending fifth time as a coach and his players jubilantly tossed him into the air during the celebrations. "This competition gave me fantastic happiness, as a player, as a manager," continued Ancelotti, who turns 65 on June 10. "My target is to try to repeat the same emotion that we (have) the week after this game, this is the target. "I have the luck to the be at the best club in the world." ALSO READ: Champions League Final: Real Madrid extend European dominance with 15th title after beating Borussia Dortmund The coach said he rated the team's performance this season as "10 out of 10" after severe injuries to several key players including David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois, the latter of whom started the final. Madrid, who completed a La Liga and Champions League double for the fifth time in their history, are Spain's dominant force. That advantage may be further increased by the signing of France striker Kylian Mbappe at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain deal, a move expected to be announced in the coming days. Madrid will lose German midfield metronome Toni Kroos, retiring from football after Euro 2024. "What will happen now? Something will happen. We lost an important player, we will have other players to take over," said Ancelotti. "As we have always done, we adapt to the characteristics of the players that we have, to be competitive." Ancelotti said coming back to Madrid for a second stint in charge was a "gift" for him, having returned in 2021. The Italian said he was delighted to be at a "family" club, with his son Davide Ancelotti operating as his assistant. "We're a family, Real Madrid is a family, a football family," continued the coach. "There's a healthy, clean environment. Working in a family is a lot better than working in an industry. "Obviously he helps me a lot because he can tell me things that nobody else can tell me."

Cuckoos deceive other birds into raising their young, tactics enhancing biodiversity: Study

It's another delay for&nbsp;Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as the launch on Saturday (June 1) was scrubbed for one day due to some unknown issue.&nbsp;

An automatic hold triggered by the ground launch sequencer, or the computer that launches the rocket, stopped the countdown clock at 3 minutes and 50 seconds ahead of launch.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was supposed to blast&nbsp;off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida with two NASA astronauts on board. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams would travel to the&nbsp;International Space Station in the key test flight.

The astronauts were given a safe exit from the spacecraft following the delay of the launch.

The previous launch of the spacecraft was scheduled for May 6 but it was delayed with two hours left in the countdown.

<h2>Significance of the flight</h2>

If the mission remains successful, NASA can then rely on Boeing services for carrying out routine tips to the orbiting outpost. As of now, NASA's options are limited as it has just two service providers: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule and Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The two veteran astronauts are well-prepared to deal with any kind of emergency situations. They will take control of the autonomous Starliner spacecraft is something goes wrong.

<img alt="Boeing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d88389d1-8b56-4842-9931-a256788b0c8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_67.JPG" />

"They're checking out a lot of the systems: the life support, the manual control," NASA chief Bill Nelson said during a May 3 news conference. "That's why we put two test pilots on board — and of course the resumes of Butch and Suni are extensive."

The two astronauts are expected to spend eight days inside the orbiting laboratory, joining the seven astronauts and cosmonauts already on board.

<h2>The spacecraft is having a helium leak</h2>

NASA said a helium leak was detected on the spacecraft recently but it did not pose any threat to the mission.

“We looked really hard at what our options were with this particular flange (the part where the leak is located),” Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. said. “A fuel line, an oxidizer line and a helium line all go into the flange, which makes it problematic to work on. It makes it almost unsafe to work on,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

It's another delay for Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as the launch on Saturday (June 1) was scrubbed for one day due to some unknown issue. An automatic hold triggered by the ground launch sequencer, or the computer that launches the rocket, stopped the countdown clock at 3 minutes and 50 seconds ahead of launch.

It's another delay for Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as the launch on Saturday (June 1) was scrubbed for one day due to some unknown issue. An automatic hold triggered by the ground launch sequencer, or the computer that launches the rocket, stopped the countdown clock at 3 minutes and 50 seconds ahead of launch. Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was supposed to blast off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida with two NASA astronauts on board. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams would travel to the International Space Station in the key test flight. The astronauts were given a safe exit from the spacecraft following the delay of the launch. The previous launch of the spacecraft was scheduled for May 6 but it was delayed with two hours left in the countdown. Significance of the flight If the mission remains successful, NASA can then rely on Boeing services for carrying out routine tips to the orbiting outpost. As of now, NASA's options are limited as it has just two service providers: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule and Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The two veteran astronauts are well-prepared to deal with any kind of emergency situations. They will take control of the autonomous Starliner spacecraft is something goes wrong. "They're checking out a lot of the systems: the life support, the manual control," NASA chief Bill Nelson said during a May 3 news conference. "That's why we put two test pilots on board — and of course the resumes of Butch and Suni are extensive." The two astronauts are expected to spend eight days inside the orbiting laboratory, joining the seven astronauts and cosmonauts already on board. The spacecraft is having a helium leak NASA said a helium leak was detected on the spacecraft recently but it did not pose any threat to the mission. “We looked really hard at what our options were with this particular flange (the part where the leak is located),” Steve Stich, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. said. “A fuel line, an oxidizer line and a helium line all go into the flange, which makes it problematic to work on. It makes it almost unsafe to work on,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Last-minute snag halts launch of Boeing’s Starliner, NASA estimates 24-hour turnaround time

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to search a female partner for an endangered male plant, known as the ‘world's loneliest plant’,

E. woodii is a member of the cycads, the oldest existing seed-bearing plant&nbsp;on Earth – they even pre-date the dinosaurs.&nbsp;

This species is sadly extinct in the wild, with the last one found in Ngoye Forest, South Africa.

However, it is managed not to go completely extinct because of continued propagation in botanical gardens. 
Scientists are willing to build up the population again through natural reproduction, but the problem they are facing is that no one’s ever found a female plant.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-venus-mission-in-turmoil-akatsuki-probe-vanishes-on-alien-planet-727281">Humanity's only Venus mission in turmoil: Japan's Akatsuki probe vanishes on alien planet</a>

A team of researchers have taken to search the Ngoye Forest, which has never been completely explored before, in order to find a female partner.

Despite the drone's advanced multispectral camera, searching the vast 10,000-acre forest remains a daunting task. A recent survey of only 195 acres yielded a staggering 15,780 images, hinting at the immense amount of data to be processed.

That’s a lot of pictures to go through, so the team has been analysing them with the help of AI.

“With AI, we are using an image recognition algorithm in order to recognise plants by shape,” explained Dr Laura Cinti, who is leading the project.

“We have generated images of plants and put them in different ecological settings, to train the model to recognise them,” she added.

A female plant hasn't&nbsp;been found yet, although less than two percent of the forest has been searched – researchers are currently exploring the possibility of changing the sex of a male plant.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jwst-discovers-two-earliest-most-distant-galaxies-in-known-universe-727337">James Webb telescope discovers two earliest, most distant galaxies in known universe</a>

“There have been reports of sex change in other cycad species due to sudden environmental changes such as temperature, so we are hopeful we can induce sex change in the E. woodii too,” said Dr Cinti.

“I was very inspired by the story of the E. woodii, it mirrors a classic tale of unrequited love,

“I’m confident there is a female out there somewhere, after all there must have been at one time. It would be wonderful to bring this plant so close to extinction back through natural reproduction,” Dr Cinti added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to search a female partner for an endangered male plant, known as the ‘world's loneliest plant’, E. woodii is a member of the cycads, the oldest existing seed-bearing plant on Earth – they even pre-date the dinosaurs.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to search a female partner for an endangered male plant, known as the ‘world's loneliest plant’, E. woodii is a member of the cycads, the oldest existing seed-bearing plant on Earth – they even pre-date the dinosaurs. This species is sadly extinct in the wild, with the last one found in Ngoye Forest, South Africa. However, it is managed not to go completely extinct because of continued propagation in botanical gardens. Scientists are willing to build up the population again through natural reproduction, but the problem they are facing is that no one’s ever found a female plant. Also read: Humanity's only Venus mission in turmoil: Japan's Akatsuki probe vanishes on alien planet A team of researchers have taken to search the Ngoye Forest, which has never been completely explored before, in order to find a female partner. Despite the drone's advanced multispectral camera, searching the vast 10,000-acre forest remains a daunting task. A recent survey of only 195 acres yielded a staggering 15,780 images, hinting at the immense amount of data to be processed. That’s a lot of pictures to go through, so the team has been analysing them with the help of AI. “With AI, we are using an image recognition algorithm in order to recognise plants by shape,” explained Dr Laura Cinti, who is leading the project. “We have generated images of plants and put them in different ecological settings, to train the model to recognise them,” she added. A female plant hasn't been found yet, although less than two percent of the forest has been searched – researchers are currently exploring the possibility of changing the sex of a male plant. Also read: James Webb telescope discovers two earliest, most distant galaxies in known universe “There have been reports of sex change in other cycad species due to sudden environmental changes such as temperature, so we are hopeful we can induce sex change in the E. woodii too,” said Dr Cinti. “I was very inspired by the story of the E. woodii, it mirrors a classic tale of unrequited love, “I’m confident there is a female out there somewhere, after all there must have been at one time. It would be wonderful to bring this plant so close to extinction back through natural reproduction,” Dr Cinti added. (With inputs from agencies)

'World's loneliest' plant needs a partner, and AI is on duty to find one

Scientists have found magnetic fields in three massive, hot stars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Similar magnetic stars have already been discovered in our galaxy, but the observation was made for the first time in our neighbouring galaxies.&nbsp;

Notably, the previous attempts to discover magnetic fields in big stars beyond our galaxy were unsuccessful and these metrics are complicated and depend on a variety of circumstances.

Why is it important? Well, the findings of the research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/06/aa49793-24/aa49793-24.html">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a>, provide an opportunity to investigate actively forming stars as well as the maximum mass that a star can have while remaining stable.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jwst-discovers-two-earliest-most-distant-galaxies-in-known-universe-727337">James Webb telescope discovers two earliest, most distant galaxies in known universe</a>&nbsp;

Magnetism is seen as a critical component in the evolution of large stars.&nbsp;It has&nbsp;far-reaching implications for their eventual fate.&nbsp;The research said that such objects with an initial mass more than eight solar masses evolve into neutron stars and black holes when their lives end.&nbsp;

Dr Swetlana Hubrig, from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) and first author of the study said, "Studies of magnetic fields in massive stars in galaxies with young stellar populations provide crucial information on the role of magnetic fields in star formation in the early universe with star-forming gas not polluted by metals."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japans-venus-mission-in-turmoil-akatsuki-probe-vanishes-on-alien-planet-727281">Humanity's only Venus mission in turmoil: Japan's Akatsuki probe vanishes on alien planet</a>&nbsp;

"The method is extremely hungry for photons. This is a special challenge because even the brightest massive stars, which have more than eight solar masses, are relatively light-poor when observed in our neighboring galaxies, the Large and the Small Magellanic Clouds," Dr Silva Järvinen from the AIP said.&nbsp;

Scientists have found magnetic fields in three massive, hot stars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Similar magnetic stars have already been discovered in our galaxy, but the observation was made for the first time in our neighbouring galaxies.

Scientists have found magnetic fields in three massive, hot stars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Similar magnetic stars have already been discovered in our galaxy, but the observation was made for the first time in our neighbouring galaxies. Notably, the previous attempts to discover magnetic fields in big stars beyond our galaxy were unsuccessful and these metrics are complicated and depend on a variety of circumstances. Why is it important? Well, the findings of the research, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, provide an opportunity to investigate actively forming stars as well as the maximum mass that a star can have while remaining stable. Also read: James Webb telescope discovers two earliest, most distant galaxies in known universe Magnetism is seen as a critical component in the evolution of large stars. It has far-reaching implications for their eventual fate. The research said that such objects with an initial mass more than eight solar masses evolve into neutron stars and black holes when their lives end. Dr Swetlana Hubrig, from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) and first author of the study said, "Studies of magnetic fields in massive stars in galaxies with young stellar populations provide crucial information on the role of magnetic fields in star formation in the early universe with star-forming gas not polluted by metals." Also read: Humanity's only Venus mission in turmoil: Japan's Akatsuki probe vanishes on alien planet "The method is extremely hungry for photons. This is a special challenge because even the brightest massive stars, which have more than eight solar masses, are relatively light-poor when observed in our neighboring galaxies, the Large and the Small Magellanic Clouds," Dr Silva Järvinen from the AIP said.

Scientists detect massive magnetic stars in neighbouring galaxies for the first time

Humanity is in a race against time to harness the colossal emerging power of artificial intelligence for the good of all, while averting dire risks, a top UN official said Thursday.

"We've let the genie out of the bottle," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, head of the United Nations' International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

"We are in a race against time," she told the opening of a two-day AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.&nbsp;

"Recent developments in AI have been nothing short of extraordinary."&nbsp;

The thousands gathered at the conference heard how advances in generative AI are already speeding up efforts to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change, hunger and social care.&nbsp;

"I believe we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to guide AI to benefit all the world's people," Bogdan-Martin told AFP ahead of the summit.&nbsp;

But she lamented Thursday that one-third of humanity still remains completely offline, and is "excluded from the AI revolution without a voice".&nbsp;

"This digital and technological divide is no longer acceptable."&nbsp;

Bogdan-Martin highlighted that AI holds "immense potential for both good and bad", stressing that it was vital to "make AI systems safe".

- Concentrated power - 
She said that was especially important given that "2024 is the biggest election year in history", with votes in dozens of countries, including in the United States.

She flagged the "rise of sophisticated deep fakes disinformation campaigns" and warned that the "misuse of AI threaten democracy (and) also endangers young people's mental health and compromises cyber-security."&nbsp;

Other experts at Thursday's conference agreed.&nbsp;

"We have to understand what we're steering towards," said Tristan Harris, a technology ethicist who co-founded the Center for Humane Technology.&nbsp;

He pointed to lessons from social media -- initially touted as a way to connect people and give everyone a voice, but which also brought addiction, viral misinformation, online harassment and ballooning mental health issues.&nbsp;

Harris warned the incentive driving the companies rolling out the technology risked dramatically swelling such negative impacts.&nbsp;

"The number one thing that is driving Open AI or Google behaviour is the race to actually achieve market dominance," he said. &nbsp;

In such a world, he said, "governance that moves at the speed of technology" is vital.&nbsp;

- Changing the social contract - 
OpenAI chief Sam Altman, who rose to global prominence after OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, acknowledged the dangers.

Speaking via video-link, he told the gathering that "cyber-security" was currently the biggest concern when it came to negative impacts of the technology.

Further down the road, he said there would likely "be some change required to the social contract, given how powerful we expect this technology to be".

"I'm not a believer that there won't be any jobs... but I do think the whole structure of society itself will be (open to) some degree of debate and reconfiguration."

Overall though, he insisted that from the perspective of how new technologies evolve historically, the AI systems were "generally considered safe and robust".

While welcoming discussions around regulations to stem short-term negative impacts of AI, he warned that it was "difficult" to suggest regulations aimed at reining in future impacts.

"We don't know how society and this technology are going to co-evolve," he said.

Bogdan-Martin meanwhile hailed that governments and others had recently "raced to establish protections" and regulation around the use of AI.

On Wednesday the European Union announced the creation of an AI Office to regulate artificial intelligence under a sweeping new law.

"It's our responsibility to write the next chapter in the great story of humanity, and technology, and to make it safe, to make it inclusive and to make it sustainable," Bogdan-Martin said.

Humanity is in a race against time to harness the colossal emerging power of artificial intelligence for the good of all, while averting dire risks, a top UN official said Thursday.

Humanity is in a race against time to harness the colossal emerging power of artificial intelligence for the good of all, while averting dire risks, a top UN official said Thursday. "We've let the genie out of the bottle," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, head of the United Nations' International Telecommunications Union (ITU). "We are in a race against time," she told the opening of a two-day AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva. "Recent developments in AI have been nothing short of extraordinary." The thousands gathered at the conference heard how advances in generative AI are already speeding up efforts to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change, hunger and social care. "I believe we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to guide AI to benefit all the world's people," Bogdan-Martin told AFP ahead of the summit. But she lamented Thursday that one-third of humanity still remains completely offline, and is "excluded from the AI revolution without a voice". "This digital and technological divide is no longer acceptable." Bogdan-Martin highlighted that AI holds "immense potential for both good and bad", stressing that it was vital to "make AI systems safe". - Concentrated power - She said that was especially important given that "2024 is the biggest election year in history", with votes in dozens of countries, including in the United States. She flagged the "rise of sophisticated deep fakes disinformation campaigns" and warned that the "misuse of AI threaten democracy (and) also endangers young people's mental health and compromises cyber-security." Other experts at Thursday's conference agreed. "We have to understand what we're steering towards," said Tristan Harris, a technology ethicist who co-founded the Center for Humane Technology. He pointed to lessons from social media -- initially touted as a way to connect people and give everyone a voice, but which also brought addiction, viral misinformation, online harassment and ballooning mental health issues. Harris warned the incentive driving the companies rolling out the technology risked dramatically swelling such negative impacts. "The number one thing that is driving Open AI or Google behaviour is the race to actually achieve market dominance," he said. In such a world, he said, "governance that moves at the speed of technology" is vital. - Changing the social contract - OpenAI chief Sam Altman, who rose to global prominence after OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, acknowledged the dangers. Speaking via video-link, he told the gathering that "cyber-security" was currently the biggest concern when it came to negative impacts of the technology. Further down the road, he said there would likely "be some change required to the social contract, given how powerful we expect this technology to be". "I'm not a believer that there won't be any jobs... but I do think the whole structure of society itself will be (open to) some degree of debate and reconfiguration." Overall though, he insisted that from the perspective of how new technologies evolve historically, the AI systems were "generally considered safe and robust". While welcoming discussions around regulations to stem short-term negative impacts of AI, he warned that it was "difficult" to suggest regulations aimed at reining in future impacts. "We don't know how society and this technology are going to co-evolve," he said. Bogdan-Martin meanwhile hailed that governments and others had recently "raced to establish protections" and regulation around the use of AI. On Wednesday the European Union announced the creation of an AI Office to regulate artificial intelligence under a sweeping new law. "It's our responsibility to write the next chapter in the great story of humanity, and technology, and to make it safe, to make it inclusive and to make it sustainable," Bogdan-Martin said.

Humanity in 'race against time' on AI: UN

Are squeals, growls, and the many sounds babbling babies make just cute nonsense, or do they have some scientific significance? As per new research, these cute, seemingly nonsense sounds might actually be the babies warming themselves up for speech.

<h2>Not just jolly nonsense</h2>

Researchers analysed the sounds made by infants during the first year of their lives. They found that these squeals, squeaks, and growls tend to occur in groups.

"One of the primary reasons for our pursuit of the question of clustering is that it could turn out to be a useful marker in screening for disorders of communication," explains Dr Hyunjoo Yoo from the University of Alabama, the first author of the research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/peanut-butter-like-products-can-save-your-children-from-this-allergy-726712">Peanut butter-like products can save your children from THIS allergy</a>

For their research, Yoo and his colleagues studied 130 infants aged less than 13 months through home recordings made monthly by their parents and caregivers. The 130 infants were divided into six groups: 0-2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–13 months.

Selecting random five-minute segments from each video, the researchers analysed them for the presence of squeals, growls and vocants — vowel-like sounds.

They extracted 15,774 segments from 1,104 recordings and found that more than 60 per cent of the recordings showed clustering of either squeals or growls.

"There was not a single infant who, on evaluation of all the available recordings for the infant, showed neither a significant case of squeal clustering nor of growl clustering," said the researchers.

Clustering across the six groups, as per the researchers, suggests that some mechanism of vocal exploration is present from the beginning of life.

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One curious observation reported by the researcher is that the 3–4 months range showed the lowest average values of growls or squeal clustering. This, as per The Guardian, is curious because traditionally this age is thought to be associated with the onset of vocal play.

The researchers also noticed that for infants over five months of age, there was a higher propensity towards squeals than growls. This, they propose, could be due to the development of control over the vocal chords.

Yoo, as quoted by The Guardian, suggested that caregivers by imitating the sounds made by the infants could help them develop their vocal repertoires.

"Thus, it seems logical that it would be beneficial for infants if caregivers try to contingently respond and interact more with their infants by imitating squeals, vocants and growls," said the author.

(With inputs from agencies)

Are squeals, growls, and the many sounds babbling babies make just cute nonsense, or do they have some scientific significance? As per new research, these cute, seemingly nonsense sounds might actually be the babies warming themselves up for speech.

Are squeals, growls, and the many sounds babbling babies make just cute nonsense, or do they have some scientific significance? As per new research, these cute, seemingly nonsense sounds might actually be the babies warming themselves up for speech. Not just jolly nonsense Researchers analysed the sounds made by infants during the first year of their lives. They found that these squeals, squeaks, and growls tend to occur in groups. "One of the primary reasons for our pursuit of the question of clustering is that it could turn out to be a useful marker in screening for disorders of communication," explains Dr Hyunjoo Yoo from the University of Alabama, the first author of the research. Also read | Peanut butter-like products can save your children from THIS allergy For their research, Yoo and his colleagues studied 130 infants aged less than 13 months through home recordings made monthly by their parents and caregivers. The 130 infants were divided into six groups: 0-2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–13 months. Selecting random five-minute segments from each video, the researchers analysed them for the presence of squeals, growls and vocants — vowel-like sounds. They extracted 15,774 segments from 1,104 recordings and found that more than 60 per cent of the recordings showed clustering of either squeals or growls. "There was not a single infant who, on evaluation of all the available recordings for the infant, showed neither a significant case of squeal clustering nor of growl clustering," said the researchers. Clustering across the six groups, as per the researchers, suggests that some mechanism of vocal exploration is present from the beginning of life. Also read | Got yourself tattooed? Study says it may lead to increased risk of cancer One curious observation reported by the researcher is that the 3–4 months range showed the lowest average values of growls or squeal clustering. This, as per The Guardian, is curious because traditionally this age is thought to be associated with the onset of vocal play. The researchers also noticed that for infants over five months of age, there was a higher propensity towards squeals than growls. This, they propose, could be due to the development of control over the vocal chords. Yoo, as quoted by The Guardian, suggested that caregivers by imitating the sounds made by the infants could help them develop their vocal repertoires. "Thus, it seems logical that it would be beneficial for infants if caregivers try to contingently respond and interact more with their infants by imitating squeals, vocants and growls," said the author. (With inputs from agencies)

Your child's 'goo-goo-ga-ga' is not nonsense babble, but serves THIS purpose

To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits.

The NEAs are asteroids whose routes are in close proximity to the Earth's orbit. The chance of it having an impact on our planet presents a serious threat, underscoring the imperative need for prompt follow-up observations of newly identified NEAs for rapidly assessing their orbital elements.

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However, for accurate astronomical measurements, observing rapidly moving objects requires short exposure times to avoid elongated streaks in the image.

The researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory found an innovative technique known as the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique, which allows the asteroid to be imaged as a point source, even with a long exposure time.

Their work leveraged an extensive dataset comprising more than 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs captured by the two 50-centimeter telescopes located, respectively, in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an from 2019 to 2023 and in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, from 2011 to 2022.

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A new study in the Astronomical Journal suggests a game-changer for asteroid detection. By leveraging a network of small telescopes with a clever technique, we can significantly improve global monitoring and protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

(With inputs from agencies)

To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits.

To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits. The NEAs are asteroids whose routes are in close proximity to the Earth's orbit. The chance of it having an impact on our planet presents a serious threat, underscoring the imperative need for prompt follow-up observations of newly identified NEAs for rapidly assessing their orbital elements. Also read: Researchers find genetically altered Nidoviruses may trigger the next pandemic However, for accurate astronomical measurements, observing rapidly moving objects requires short exposure times to avoid elongated streaks in the image. The researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory found an innovative technique known as the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique, which allows the asteroid to be imaged as a point source, even with a long exposure time. Their work leveraged an extensive dataset comprising more than 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs captured by the two 50-centimeter telescopes located, respectively, in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an from 2019 to 2023 and in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, from 2011 to 2022. Also read: Study reveals how ancient viral DNA in human genome impacts mental health A new study in the Astronomical Journal suggests a game-changer for asteroid detection. By leveraging a network of small telescopes with a clever technique, we can significantly improve global monitoring and protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers from China and Ukraine team up to defend Earth against asteroids

Retailers are being encouraged to stop using brightly coloured plastics for everyday products such as drinks bottles, outdoor furniture, and toys. This call to action comes after research showed that coloured plastics degrade into microplastics faster than their plainer counterparts.

Microplastics are everywhere, in fact the pollutants were recently discovered in human testicles, and were potentially linked to declining sperm counts.

<h2>Study on microplastics</h2>

A study led by the University of Leicester found that red, blue, and green plastics become "very brittle and fragmented" over time, while black, white, and silver plastics remain "largely unaffected."&nbsp;

The joint project between scientists from the UK and the University of Cape Town in South Africa, spanning three years, found that plastics based on colour had varying degradation rates.

<h2>How did scientists conclude this?</h2>

In the study, UK researchers placed bottle lids of different colours on a university rooftop, exposing them to sun and weather for three years. Simultaneously, scientists in South Africa examined plastic items found on a remote beach.&nbsp;

Both studies yielded similar results, revealing significant differences in microplastic formation based on colour.

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Dr&nbsp;Sarah Key, who led the project, remarked, "It's amazing that samples left to weather on a rooftop in Leicester and those collected on a windswept beach at the southern tip of the African continent show similar results."&nbsp;

"What the experiments showed is that even in a relatively cool and cloudy environment for only three years, huge differences can be seen in the formation of microplastics," she added.

This field study is the first to provide such proof. It suggests that retailers and manufacturers should reconsider the use of brightly coloured plastics, especially for short-lived products.

The findings have been published in the journal Environmental Pollution.&nbsp;

Professor Sarah Gabbott, co-author of the study, revealed that she "often wondered why microplastics in beach sand often appear to be all the colours of the rainbow."

"I assumed that my eyes were being deceived and that I was just seeing the more colourful microplastics because they were easier to spot."

"Turns out there really are likely to be more brightly coloured microplastics in the environment because those plastic items pigmented red, green, and blue are more susceptible to being fragmented into millions of tiny yet colourful microplastic particles."

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Adam Herriott, a senior specialist for plastics at the anti-waste charity Wrap, explained that coloured plastics have traditionally been used to make products stand out. However, the organisation now advises manufacturers to avoid using pigments to facilitate recycling.

<h2>Why do coloured plastics break up faster?</h2>

The study found that unlike other pigments, black, white, and silver colourants protect plastics from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure alters the polymer structure of plastics, making them brittle and prone to fragmentation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Retailers are being encouraged to stop using brightly coloured plastics for everyday products such as drinks bottles, outdoor furniture, and toys. This call to action comes after research showed that coloured plastics degrade into microplastics faster than their plainer counterparts.

Retailers are being encouraged to stop using brightly coloured plastics for everyday products such as drinks bottles, outdoor furniture, and toys. This call to action comes after research showed that coloured plastics degrade into microplastics faster than their plainer counterparts. Microplastics are everywhere, in fact the pollutants were recently discovered in human testicles, and were potentially linked to declining sperm counts. Study on microplastics A study led by the University of Leicester found that red, blue, and green plastics become "very brittle and fragmented" over time, while black, white, and silver plastics remain "largely unaffected." The joint project between scientists from the UK and the University of Cape Town in South Africa, spanning three years, found that plastics based on colour had varying degradation rates. How did scientists conclude this? In the study, UK researchers placed bottle lids of different colours on a university rooftop, exposing them to sun and weather for three years. Simultaneously, scientists in South Africa examined plastic items found on a remote beach. Both studies yielded similar results, revealing significant differences in microplastic formation based on colour. Also read | Microplastics found in blood clots linked to heart attacks and strokes Dr Sarah Key, who led the project, remarked, "It's amazing that samples left to weather on a rooftop in Leicester and those collected on a windswept beach at the southern tip of the African continent show similar results." "What the experiments showed is that even in a relatively cool and cloudy environment for only three years, huge differences can be seen in the formation of microplastics," she added. This field study is the first to provide such proof. It suggests that retailers and manufacturers should reconsider the use of brightly coloured plastics, especially for short-lived products. The findings have been published in the journal Environmental Pollution. Professor Sarah Gabbott, co-author of the study, revealed that she "often wondered why microplastics in beach sand often appear to be all the colours of the rainbow." "I assumed that my eyes were being deceived and that I was just seeing the more colourful microplastics because they were easier to spot." "Turns out there really are likely to be more brightly coloured microplastics in the environment because those plastic items pigmented red, green, and blue are more susceptible to being fragmented into millions of tiny yet colourful microplastic particles." Also read | NASA launches satellite PREFIRE to monitor, predict and help mitigate climate change Adam Herriott, a senior specialist for plastics at the anti-waste charity Wrap, explained that coloured plastics have traditionally been used to make products stand out. However, the organisation now advises manufacturers to avoid using pigments to facilitate recycling. Why do coloured plastics break up faster? The study found that unlike other pigments, black, white, and silver colourants protect plastics from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure alters the polymer structure of plastics, making them brittle and prone to fragmentation. (With inputs from agencies)

Ditch bright plastics: Study shows bright plastics break down quicker into microplastics

Pluto's secrets are being unraveled! Astronomers have found convincing evidence of a massive ocean of liquid water hidden beneath the dwarf planet's icy surface.&nbsp;

This exciting discovery, published in Icarus, offers new insights into the makeup of this distant world.

<h2>What lies beneath the ice in the ocean?</h2>

This new research was led by Alex Nguyen, a graduate student in Earth, environmental and planetary sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.

Nguyen and his team used mathematical models and images from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft to investigate Pluto’s subsurface ocean.

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The research co-authored by Patrick McGovern of the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston,&nbsp;sheds light on a long-standing debate about the possibility of liquid water on Pluto.

<h2>Pluto is not just a frozen rock</h2>

Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930. Initially recognised as the ninth planet in our solar system, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified it as a dwarf planet in 2006.&nbsp;

Pluto orbits the Sun at an average distance of 5.9 billion kilometers, taking approximately 248 Earth years to complete one orbit. It is smaller than Earth's moon, with a diameter of about 2,372 kilometers.

<h2>Composition and moons</h2>

Pluto mainly consists of rock and ice. Its surface features a variety of landscapes, including mountains, valleys, plains, and an ocean that we’ll learn more about soon. The dwarf planet has a thin atmosphere composed primarily of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide.

Pluto has five moons: Charon, Nix, Hydra, Kerberos, and Styx. Charon, the largest of these moons, is nearly half the size of Pluto itself.

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Scientists believed that Pluto’s extremely cold surface temperature of -220°C, which causes even gases like nitrogen and methane to freeze solid, would make the existence of liquid water impossible.

“Pluto because of its smaller size, could have lost almost all of its heat shortly after it was formed, so basic calculations would suggest that it’s frozen solid to its core.”

Despite Pluto's frigid surface, recent discoveries like cryovolcanoes erupting with ice and water vapor are fueling the theory of a hidden ocean. Prominent scientists, including William B. McKinnon of WUSTL, now widely agree that Pluto likely conceals a vast liquid water ocean beneath its icy shell.

<h2>Pluto’s subsurface secrets</h2>

Nguyen and McGovern’s study dig deeper into the properties of Pluto’s hidden ocean. They created mathematical models to explain the cracks and bulges in the ice covering the Sputnik Platina Basin.

This colossal basin, sculpted by a huge meteor impact billions of years ago, hints at the ocean below. The team's models suggest this ocean is shielded by a 40-to-80-kilometer-thick (25-to-50-mile-thick) shell of water ice. By analysing surface fractures, they were even able to estimate the ocean's potential density or salinity.&nbsp;

“We estimated a sort of Goldilocks zone where the density and shell thickness is just right,” Nguyen explains.

The findings recommend that Pluto’s ocean is, at most, about 8% denser than Earth’s seawater, comparable to Utah’s Great Salt Lake. If humans could somehow reach Pluto’s ocean, they would effortlessly float.

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However the space agencies have no such immediate plans to revisit Pluto, but these findings lay the groundwork for future exploration and research.

The discovery of a liquid water ocean beneath Pluto’s icy surface challenges our understanding of this distant world and opens up new avenues for planetary exploration.

A hidden ocean of liquid water beneath Pluto's icy challenges our current understanding of this distant world, demanding a reevaluation of its internal makeup and processes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pluto's secrets are being unraveled! Astronomers have found convincing evidence of a massive ocean of liquid water hidden beneath the dwarf planet's icy surface.

Pluto's secrets are being unraveled! Astronomers have found convincing evidence of a massive ocean of liquid water hidden beneath the dwarf planet's icy surface. This exciting discovery, published in Icarus, offers new insights into the makeup of this distant world. What lies beneath the ice in the ocean? This new research was led by Alex Nguyen, a graduate student in Earth, environmental and planetary sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. Nguyen and his team used mathematical models and images from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft to investigate Pluto’s subsurface ocean. Also read: Massive iceberg in Antarctica breaks off in third major calving in past four years The research co-authored by Patrick McGovern of the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, sheds light on a long-standing debate about the possibility of liquid water on Pluto. Pluto is not just a frozen rock Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930. Initially recognised as the ninth planet in our solar system, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified it as a dwarf planet in 2006. Pluto orbits the Sun at an average distance of 5.9 billion kilometers, taking approximately 248 Earth years to complete one orbit. It is smaller than Earth's moon, with a diameter of about 2,372 kilometers. Composition and moons Pluto mainly consists of rock and ice. Its surface features a variety of landscapes, including mountains, valleys, plains, and an ocean that we’ll learn more about soon. The dwarf planet has a thin atmosphere composed primarily of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide. Pluto has five moons: Charon, Nix, Hydra, Kerberos, and Styx. Charon, the largest of these moons, is nearly half the size of Pluto itself. Also read: 'Comet of the Year' Tsuchinshan-ATLAS brightens, skygazers anticipate spectacular October show Scientists believed that Pluto’s extremely cold surface temperature of -220°C, which causes even gases like nitrogen and methane to freeze solid, would make the existence of liquid water impossible. “Pluto because of its smaller size, could have lost almost all of its heat shortly after it was formed, so basic calculations would suggest that it’s frozen solid to its core.” Despite Pluto's frigid surface, recent discoveries like cryovolcanoes erupting with ice and water vapor are fueling the theory of a hidden ocean. Prominent scientists, including William B. McKinnon of WUSTL, now widely agree that Pluto likely conceals a vast liquid water ocean beneath its icy shell. Pluto’s subsurface secrets Nguyen and McGovern’s study dig deeper into the properties of Pluto’s hidden ocean. They created mathematical models to explain the cracks and bulges in the ice covering the Sputnik Platina Basin. This colossal basin, sculpted by a huge meteor impact billions of years ago, hints at the ocean below. The team's models suggest this ocean is shielded by a 40-to-80-kilometer-thick (25-to-50-mile-thick) shell of water ice. By analysing surface fractures, they were even able to estimate the ocean's potential density or salinity. “We estimated a sort of Goldilocks zone where the density and shell thickness is just right,” Nguyen explains. The findings recommend that Pluto’s ocean is, at most, about 8% denser than Earth’s seawater, comparable to Utah’s Great Salt Lake. If humans could somehow reach Pluto’s ocean, they would effortlessly float. Also read: Alien object or SpaceX Dragon debris? Mysterious space object found in North Carolina However the space agencies have no such immediate plans to revisit Pluto, but these findings lay the groundwork for future exploration and research. The discovery of a liquid water ocean beneath Pluto’s icy surface challenges our understanding of this distant world and opens up new avenues for planetary exploration. A hidden ocean of liquid water beneath Pluto's icy challenges our current understanding of this distant world, demanding a reevaluation of its internal makeup and processes. (With inputs from agencies)

Pluto may not be a real planet, but it has got a hidden ocean 

There is new hope to find a treatment for infertility. Scientists in Japan have achieved a breakthrough in reproductive medicine, they have found a way to mass generate human cells that can turn into sperm and eggs. Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Japanese researchers closer to make biological clock irrelevant

The formation of diamonds under natural conditions is quite a process. It takes the huge pressure of several gigapascals and the scorching heat of 1500 degrees Celsius over thousands of years to turn carbon atoms into diamonds. That's why they are mostly found buried hundreds of miles below the Earth's surface. But what if similar gems are created on the surface within 15 minutes without even requiring high pressure and high temperature? Scientists seemingly have developed such path-breaking technology, which may revolutionise the synthetic diamond industry over the coming years.

Physical chemist Rodney Ruoff of the Institute for Basic Science in South Korea&nbsp;published the study on April 24 in the journal Nature.

<h2>Current method</h2>

As of today, 99 per cent of synthetic diamonds are made using&nbsp;the high-pressure&nbsp;and high-temperature (HPHT) method. In this process, extreme conditions are used to convert carbon atoms into a diamond around a small seed or a started diamond.

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It has two shortcomings: It needs a lot of time, almost two weeks, and requires extreme conditions that are hard to maintain.

Secondly, the process requires a started gem or&nbsp;a seed.

<h2>New method</h2>

The new method requires atmospheric pressure and can produce promising results in just 15 minutes.

The researchers used electrically heated gallium with a bit of silicon in a graphite crucible. They put the crucible in a chamber maintained at sea-level atmospheric pressure.

After&nbsp;a lot&nbsp;of experiments, they found that a gallium-nickel-iron mixture — coupled with a pinch of silicon produced&nbsp;the most&nbsp;ideal conditions for&nbsp;the formation&nbsp;of diamonds, within just 15 minutes.

"For over a decade I have been thinking about new ways to grow diamonds, as I thought it might be possible to achieve this in what might be unexpected (per 'conventional' thinking) ways," Ruoff was quoted as saying by Live Science.

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However, the new method has its&nbsp;own&nbsp;challenges in the current form and requires further research to make it feasible for wider use.

For instance, the diamonds produced using this technique are tiny, the largest ones are hundreds of thousands of times smaller than the ones grown with HPHT. "In about a year or two, the world might have a clearer picture of things like possible commercial impact," Ruoff added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The formation of diamonds under natural conditions is quite a process. It takes the huge pressure of several gigapascals and the scorching heat of 1500 degrees Celsius over thousands of years to turn carbon atoms into diamonds.

The formation of diamonds under natural conditions is quite a process. It takes the huge pressure of several gigapascals and the scorching heat of 1500 degrees Celsius over thousands of years to turn carbon atoms into diamonds. That's why they are mostly found buried hundreds of miles below the Earth's surface. But what if similar gems are created on the surface within 15 minutes without even requiring high pressure and high temperature? Scientists seemingly have developed such path-breaking technology, which may revolutionise the synthetic diamond industry over the coming years. Physical chemist Rodney Ruoff of the Institute for Basic Science in South Korea published the study on April 24 in the journal Nature. Current method As of today, 99 per cent of synthetic diamonds are made using the high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) method. In this process, extreme conditions are used to convert carbon atoms into a diamond around a small seed or a started diamond. Also read: Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims expert It has two shortcomings: It needs a lot of time, almost two weeks, and requires extreme conditions that are hard to maintain. Secondly, the process requires a started gem or a seed. New method The new method requires atmospheric pressure and can produce promising results in just 15 minutes. The researchers used electrically heated gallium with a bit of silicon in a graphite crucible. They put the crucible in a chamber maintained at sea-level atmospheric pressure. After a lot of experiments, they found that a gallium-nickel-iron mixture — coupled with a pinch of silicon produced the most ideal conditions for the formation of diamonds, within just 15 minutes. "For over a decade I have been thinking about new ways to grow diamonds, as I thought it might be possible to achieve this in what might be unexpected (per 'conventional' thinking) ways," Ruoff was quoted as saying by Live Science. Also read: Man spends 93 days under Atlantic Sea, becomes '10 years younger' However, the new method has its own challenges in the current form and requires further research to make it feasible for wider use. For instance, the diamonds produced using this technique are tiny, the largest ones are hundreds of thousands of times smaller than the ones grown with HPHT. "In about a year or two, the world might have a clearer picture of things like possible commercial impact," Ruoff added. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists develop technique that can create diamonds in just 15 minutes

A study has revealed that heart failure patients who do yoga have stronger hearts and are more active than the ones who don't.

The researchers said that yoga focused on breathing, meditation, and relaxation was directly connected with symptom improvement in patients with heart failure.&nbsp;

“Patients who practised yoga on top of taking their medications felt better, were able to do more, and had stronger hearts than those who only took drugs for their heart failure,” said study author Dr Ajit Singh of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India.

“The findings suggest that yoga can be a beneficial complementary therapy in patients with heart failure.”

Over 64 million people in the world suffer from heart failure which can impact the quality of life with fatigue, breathlessness and the inability to participate in usual activities as common symptoms.

Previously, several studies have shown short-term benefits of yoga in patients with heart failure, this study reveals its long-term effects.

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The study involved patients between 30 to 70 years of age with heart failure from the cardiology outpatient department of Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, India. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The ones taking part in the study had undergone a cardiac procedure within the past six months to one year. They were following the guidelines as advised by the doctor in terms of medication.

The patients who had developed severe symptoms were excluded.

Out of the 85 participants, 40 were assigned to the group that practised yoga, whereas 45 patients were allocated to the control group.&nbsp;

The age was 49 years and 70, out of which 82 per cent were men.

Throughout the study, all the patients kept taking guideline-recommended heart failure medications.

At baseline, six months, and one year, the researchers examined the heart structure and functioning in both groups.

The researchers found that as compared to the control group, the yoga group exhibited significant progress in all the spheres at six months and one year relative to baseline.

"Patients who did yoga had healthier hearts and were more able to carry out ordinary activities such as walking and climbing stairs than those who only took medications. Patients with heart failure should speak to their doctor before starting yoga and should then receive training from an experienced instructor. Prescribed medications should be continued as before. Yoga may be unsuitable for heart failure patients with severe symptoms, who were excluded from our study," Dr Singh said.

A study has revealed that heart failure patients who do yoga have stronger hearts and are more active than the ones who don't. The researchers said that yoga focused on breathing, meditation, and relaxation was directly connected with symptom improvement in patients with heart failure.

A study has revealed that heart failure patients who do yoga have stronger hearts and are more active than the ones who don't. The researchers said that yoga focused on breathing, meditation, and relaxation was directly connected with symptom improvement in patients with heart failure. “Patients who practised yoga on top of taking their medications felt better, were able to do more, and had stronger hearts than those who only took drugs for their heart failure,” said study author Dr Ajit Singh of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. “The findings suggest that yoga can be a beneficial complementary therapy in patients with heart failure.” Over 64 million people in the world suffer from heart failure which can impact the quality of life with fatigue, breathlessness and the inability to participate in usual activities as common symptoms. Previously, several studies have shown short-term benefits of yoga in patients with heart failure, this study reveals its long-term effects. Also read: Unravelling the mystery: How does general anaesthesia work in the brain? The study involved patients between 30 to 70 years of age with heart failure from the cardiology outpatient department of Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, India. The ones taking part in the study had undergone a cardiac procedure within the past six months to one year. They were following the guidelines as advised by the doctor in terms of medication. The patients who had developed severe symptoms were excluded. Out of the 85 participants, 40 were assigned to the group that practised yoga, whereas 45 patients were allocated to the control group. The age was 49 years and 70, out of which 82 per cent were men. Throughout the study, all the patients kept taking guideline-recommended heart failure medications. At baseline, six months, and one year, the researchers examined the heart structure and functioning in both groups. The researchers found that as compared to the control group, the yoga group exhibited significant progress in all the spheres at six months and one year relative to baseline. "Patients who did yoga had healthier hearts and were more able to carry out ordinary activities such as walking and climbing stairs than those who only took medications. Patients with heart failure should speak to their doctor before starting yoga and should then receive training from an experienced instructor. Prescribed medications should be continued as before. Yoga may be unsuitable for heart failure patients with severe symptoms, who were excluded from our study," Dr Singh said.

Heart failure patients who do yoga have stronger hearts and are more active, says study

It sounds magical and supernatural to have the ability to read someone else's mind. But it seems like science has already brought this surreal but also terrifying imagination to reality.&nbsp;Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) are claiming to have developed a machine that can read a human's mind and translate thoughts into text in real-time.&nbsp;The machine was found&nbsp;to have an impressive accuracy rate of 79 per cent.

This&nbsp;marks a significant leap in the brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which can drastically change how we interact with machines.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

To conduct the experiment,&nbsp;tiny electrodes were planted&nbsp;in the brains of two participants&nbsp;by the scientists.&nbsp;Then, the two participants&nbsp;were asked&nbsp;to silently say specific words.&nbsp;

The machine was able to decode their thoughts with 79 per cent accuracy.

However, scientists said the technology was still in very early stages and was limited to just "six words."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjgwLzv2p6GAxVAaGwGHZJ-Bo0QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-to-install-nuclear-powered-ufo-detectors-in-space-to-lure-aliens-to-earth-claims-expert-723913" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-to-install-nuclear-powered-ufo-detectors-in-space-to-lure-aliens-to-earth-claims-expert-723913&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjgwLzv2p6GAxVAaGwGHZJ-Bo0QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims expert</a>

The scientists asked the volunteers to look at words on a screen and whisper them without saying out loud, repeating each word eight times over three days. The BCI implant then detected the brain's activity patterns using a computer model to try and figure out the words the participants were thinking about.&nbsp;

<h2>Scientists exploring non-invasive methods</h2>

Caltech technology currently requires tiny electrodes to&nbsp;be implanted&nbsp;in brains by surgery. Scientists are also exploring non-invasive methods and technology.&nbsp;

One such method is using fMRI scans to analyse brain activity.

Watch:&nbsp;Beyond auroras: Solar flares impact Earth's core?

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As of now, these methods exhibit lesser accuracy but are more practical in the long run.

This technology, once evolved, can be used en masse for aiding patients facing speech and non-verbal disorders.

This technology can prove to be a boon for&nbsp;stroke survivors and individuals who have lost their ability to speak. It could offer them a valuable way to&nbsp;convey their thoughts and engage in effective communication with others.

(With inputs from agencies)

It sounds magical and supernatural to have the ability to read someone else's mind. But it seems like science has already brought this surreal but also terrifying imagination to reality.

It sounds magical and supernatural to have the ability to read someone else's mind. But it seems like science has already brought this surreal but also terrifying imagination to reality. Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) are claiming to have developed a machine that can read a human's mind and translate thoughts into text in real-time. The machine was found to have an impressive accuracy rate of 79 per cent. This marks a significant leap in the brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which can drastically change how we interact with machines. How was the study conducted? To conduct the experiment, tiny electrodes were planted in the brains of two participants by the scientists. Then, the two participants were asked to silently say specific words. The machine was able to decode their thoughts with 79 per cent accuracy. However, scientists said the technology was still in very early stages and was limited to just "six words." Also read: Scientists to install nuclear-powered UFO detectors in space to lure aliens to Earth, claims expert The scientists asked the volunteers to look at words on a screen and whisper them without saying out loud, repeating each word eight times over three days. The BCI implant then detected the brain's activity patterns using a computer model to try and figure out the words the participants were thinking about. Scientists exploring non-invasive methods Caltech technology currently requires tiny electrodes to be implanted in brains by surgery. Scientists are also exploring non-invasive methods and technology. One such method is using fMRI scans to analyse brain activity. Watch: Beyond auroras: Solar flares impact Earth's core? × As of now, these methods exhibit lesser accuracy but are more practical in the long run. This technology, once evolved, can be used en masse for aiding patients facing speech and non-verbal disorders. This technology can prove to be a boon for stroke survivors and individuals who have lost their ability to speak. It could offer them a valuable way to convey their thoughts and engage in effective communication with others. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists develop machine that can read human thoughts, translate to text in real-time

As the sun sets and the light starts to dim, some lucky onlookers may spot a rare, brief flash of emerald green. This is known as the ‘green flash’, which can sometimes be witnessed right after sunset or before&nbsp; sunrise.

<h2>What causes the green flash?</h2>

Sunlight, like a rainbow, has a hidden punch of color. Normally, it appears white because it blends all the colors of the visible spectrum.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-us-police-capture-gigantic-9-foot-alligator-on-path-used-by-school-kids-723418">WATCH: US police capture gigantic 9-foot alligator on path used by school kids</a>

But when sunlight dives towards the horizon, it travels through a thicker layer of air. This air acts like a prism, bending different colors at slightly different angles.&nbsp;

This winding is called refraction, and this is why we sometimes you see emerald green flash at sunset or sunrise.

Refraction is noticeable when the sun gets closer to the horizon, because sunlight is entering the thickest part of the atmosphere at a particularly sharp angle. This is when the green flash may be visible.

<h2>How to witness the green flash?</h2>

In coastal areas like San Francisco, one can most likely spot the green flash on warmer days, when there's a layer of warm air on top of colder water, said Jan Null, a meteorologist based in California.&nbsp;

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You also need to be able to have a direct line of sight of the sun on a clear day to see the green flash, which is easier said than done. So Null recommended using a camera with a zoom lens to capture the green flash, zooming in on the sun also makes tiny flashes more visible.

Green flashes usually happen in less than a second. But if you're lucky, a green flash could shine for a minute or two.&nbsp;

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-presidents-last-image-aboard-helicopter-emerges-moments-before-fatal-crash-723393">Iranian president's last video aboard helicopter emerges moments before fatal crash</a>

"It's really weird when you see green in the sky," Courtial said, which is likely why the green flash is so intriguing. So, the next time you're watching a sunset, indulge in that fascination. Now, you know more on how it happens.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the sun sets and the light starts to dim, some lucky onlookers may spot a rare, brief flash of emerald green. This is known as the ‘green flash’, which can sometimes be witnessed right after sunset or before sunrise.

As the sun sets and the light starts to dim, some lucky onlookers may spot a rare, brief flash of emerald green. This is known as the ‘green flash’, which can sometimes be witnessed right after sunset or before sunrise. What causes the green flash? Sunlight, like a rainbow, has a hidden punch of color. Normally, it appears white because it blends all the colors of the visible spectrum. WATCH: US police capture gigantic 9-foot alligator on path used by school kids But when sunlight dives towards the horizon, it travels through a thicker layer of air. This air acts like a prism, bending different colors at slightly different angles. This winding is called refraction, and this is why we sometimes you see emerald green flash at sunset or sunrise. Refraction is noticeable when the sun gets closer to the horizon, because sunlight is entering the thickest part of the atmosphere at a particularly sharp angle. This is when the green flash may be visible. How to witness the green flash? In coastal areas like San Francisco, one can most likely spot the green flash on warmer days, when there's a layer of warm air on top of colder water, said Jan Null, a meteorologist based in California. Video: The Great Khali lands in trouble after lifting world's shortest woman with his hands You also need to be able to have a direct line of sight of the sun on a clear day to see the green flash, which is easier said than done. So Null recommended using a camera with a zoom lens to capture the green flash, zooming in on the sun also makes tiny flashes more visible. Green flashes usually happen in less than a second. But if you're lucky, a green flash could shine for a minute or two. WATCH: Iranian president's last video aboard helicopter emerges moments before fatal crash "It's really weird when you see green in the sky," Courtial said, which is likely why the green flash is so intriguing. So, the next time you're watching a sunset, indulge in that fascination. Now, you know more on how it happens. (With inputs from agencies)

Ever seen a green flash at sunset? Here's why it happens.

A newly discovered species named Militocodon lydae, which is said to be around the size of a rat and weighs up to 455 grammes, walked the Earth just after the extinction of the dinosaurs and is part of a group of animals that gave rise to all modern hoofed mammals, including deer, cows and pigs, according to a recently published study.

According to the study published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, the animal in question lived around 65 million years ago.&nbsp;

It is believed to have appeared just after the extinction of the dinosaurs as the fossil skull and jaws of Militocodon lydae were uncovered from rocks dating back to that period. The creature’s fossil was recovered from the Corral Bluffs, a site in Colorado, United States.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-may-have-forced-some-dinosaur-groups-to-become-warm-blooded-study-723074">Climate change may have forced some dinosaur groups to become warm-blooded:&nbsp;Study</a>

The finding also provides important clues about the explosive diversification of mammals after the dinosaurs went extinct, said the researchers.&nbsp;

“Rocks from this interval of time have a notoriously poor fossil record and the discovery and description of a fossil mammal skull is an important step forward in documenting the earliest diversification of mammals after Earth’s last mass extinction,” said Dr Tyler Lyson, Museum Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology.&nbsp;

After unearthing the specimen, the team used sophisticated scanning techniques, 3D reconstructions, and teeth comparisons to find out where Militocodon lydae would be placed on the evolutionary tree.&nbsp;

One of the key findings which suggests that the small mammal led to cows, pigs, and deer we have today is that its teeth were used to shear and crush rather than grind.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-pictures-the-orion-nebula-with-stunning-new-details-723088">James Webb Space Telescope pictures the Orion Nebula with stunning new details</a>

Notably, researchers have found only a handful of Militocodon lydae fossils in the past eight years or so.&nbsp;

Therefore, further&nbsp;studies&nbsp;for needed for scientists to confirm that this small and rather cute-looking animal is in fact what it is thought to be.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A newly discovered species named Militocodon lydae, which is said to be around the size of a rat and weighs up to 455 grammes, walked the Earth just after the extinction of the dinosaurs and is part of a group of animals that gave rise to all modern hoofed mammals, including deer, cows and pigs, according to a recently published study.

A newly discovered species named Militocodon lydae, which is said to be around the size of a rat and weighs up to 455 grammes, walked the Earth just after the extinction of the dinosaurs and is part of a group of animals that gave rise to all modern hoofed mammals, including deer, cows and pigs, according to a recently published study. According to the study published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution, the animal in question lived around 65 million years ago. It is believed to have appeared just after the extinction of the dinosaurs as the fossil skull and jaws of Militocodon lydae were uncovered from rocks dating back to that period. The creature’s fossil was recovered from the Corral Bluffs, a site in Colorado, United States. Also Read | Climate change may have forced some dinosaur groups to become warm-blooded: Study The finding also provides important clues about the explosive diversification of mammals after the dinosaurs went extinct, said the researchers. “Rocks from this interval of time have a notoriously poor fossil record and the discovery and description of a fossil mammal skull is an important step forward in documenting the earliest diversification of mammals after Earth’s last mass extinction,” said Dr Tyler Lyson, Museum Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology. After unearthing the specimen, the team used sophisticated scanning techniques, 3D reconstructions, and teeth comparisons to find out where Militocodon lydae would be placed on the evolutionary tree. One of the key findings which suggests that the small mammal led to cows, pigs, and deer we have today is that its teeth were used to shear and crush rather than grind. Also Read | James Webb Space Telescope pictures the Orion Nebula with stunning new details Notably, researchers have found only a handful of Militocodon lydae fossils in the past eight years or so. Therefore, further studies for needed for scientists to confirm that this small and rather cute-looking animal is in fact what it is thought to be. (With inputs from agencies)

Tiny animal which roamed the Earth after extinction of dinosaurs, maybe long-lost predecessor of cows and pigs

It is often assumed that the inner voice is a universal human experience but what if we tell you that it actually isn't. Inner voice is not as common as one would expect. Watch the video to know more.

Inner voice: Does it make a difference?

Dinosaurs, the mighty beasts that once roamed the planet, are known for their reptilian appearance, or rather what we believe they looked like. For a long time, scientists have also speculated that dinosaurs were sluggish, cold-blooded creatures that, like lizards, depended on external heat sources to help regulate their body temperatures.

This view began to shift as research suggested some dinosaurs could regulate their body temperatures. However, the timing and mechanisms of this transformation remained unclear.

However, new research may have managed to estimate the time these mighty beasts gained&nbsp;semblance of control over their body temperatures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/megatitanosaur-shiva-the-destroyer-discovered-in-argentina-this-is-what-it-looked-like-watch-713764">Megatitanosaur 'Shiva the destroyer' discovered in Argentina. This is what it looked like. Watch!</a>

<h2>Once upon a time</h2>

The study published Wednesday (May 15) in the journal Current Biology estimates that the first warm-blooded dinosaurs emerged around 180 million years ago, roughly halfway through their reign on Earth.

To pinpoint the origins of warm-blooded dinosaurs, researchers analysed over 1,000 fossils, climate models, and dinosaur phylogenies.&nbsp;

They discovered that two major dinosaur groups—those including Tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptors, as well as the relatives of triceratops—migrated to colder regions during the Early Jurassic period. This migration suggests these dinosaurs may have evolved mechanisms to stay warm. Meanwhile, a third group, including brontosaurs, remained in warmer climates.

"If something is capable of living in the Arctic, or very cold regions, it must have some way of heating up," explained Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza, a study author and postdoctoral fellow at University College London.

<h2>Whether dinosaurs were&nbsp;warm-blooded or cold-blooded, why does it matter?</h2>

Warm-blooded animals, such as birds — proven descendants of dinosaurs — and even humans, maintain a constant body temperature regardless of external conditions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-birds-are-officially-dinosaurs-718968" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-birds-are-officially-dinosaurs-718968&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu3o7_05OGAxVyqFYBHdgTBs8QFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1v7COa7lIg_ZSPVpXaaK94&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-birds-are-officially-dinosaurs-718968" target="_blank">Ancient fossil shows birds are officially&nbsp;dinosaurs</a>&nbsp;

In contrast, cold-blooded animals, like reptiles, rely on environmental heat sources like the sun to regulate their body temperature.

Jasmina Wiemann, a postdoctoral fellow at the Field Museum in Chicago, noted that a dinosaur's habitat is just one factor in determining its thermoregulation capabilities. Wiemann's research, which was not involved in this latest study, suggests that warm-bloodedness in dinosaurs might have evolved even earlier, around 250 million years ago, near the beginning of their existence.

Wiemann emphasised that compiling various clues from dinosaurs' lives, including body temperatures and dietary habits, could help scientists better understand when warm-bloodedness evolved.&nbsp;

Understanding when dinosaurs developed warm-bloodedness can provide insights into their behaviour, activity levels, and social structures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Dinosaurs, the mighty beasts that once roamed the planet, are known for their reptilian appearance, or rather what we believe they looked like. For a long time, scientists have also speculated that dinosaurs were sluggish, cold-blooded creatures that, like lizards, depended on external heat sources to help regulate their body temperatures.

Dinosaurs, the mighty beasts that once roamed the planet, are known for their reptilian appearance, or rather what we believe they looked like. For a long time, scientists have also speculated that dinosaurs were sluggish, cold-blooded creatures that, like lizards, depended on external heat sources to help regulate their body temperatures. This view began to shift as research suggested some dinosaurs could regulate their body temperatures. However, the timing and mechanisms of this transformation remained unclear. However, new research may have managed to estimate the time these mighty beasts gained semblance of control over their body temperatures. Also read | Megatitanosaur 'Shiva the destroyer' discovered in Argentina. This is what it looked like. Watch! Once upon a time The study published Wednesday (May 15) in the journal Current Biology estimates that the first warm-blooded dinosaurs emerged around 180 million years ago, roughly halfway through their reign on Earth. To pinpoint the origins of warm-blooded dinosaurs, researchers analysed over 1,000 fossils, climate models, and dinosaur phylogenies. They discovered that two major dinosaur groups—those including Tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptors, as well as the relatives of triceratops—migrated to colder regions during the Early Jurassic period. This migration suggests these dinosaurs may have evolved mechanisms to stay warm. Meanwhile, a third group, including brontosaurs, remained in warmer climates. "If something is capable of living in the Arctic, or very cold regions, it must have some way of heating up," explained Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza, a study author and postdoctoral fellow at University College London. Whether dinosaurs were warm-blooded or cold-blooded, why does it matter? Warm-blooded animals, such as birds — proven descendants of dinosaurs — and even humans, maintain a constant body temperature regardless of external conditions. Also read | Ancient fossil shows birds are officially dinosaurs In contrast, cold-blooded animals, like reptiles, rely on environmental heat sources like the sun to regulate their body temperature. Jasmina Wiemann, a postdoctoral fellow at the Field Museum in Chicago, noted that a dinosaur's habitat is just one factor in determining its thermoregulation capabilities. Wiemann's research, which was not involved in this latest study, suggests that warm-bloodedness in dinosaurs might have evolved even earlier, around 250 million years ago, near the beginning of their existence. Wiemann emphasised that compiling various clues from dinosaurs' lives, including body temperatures and dietary habits, could help scientists better understand when warm-bloodedness evolved. Understanding when dinosaurs developed warm-bloodedness can provide insights into their behaviour, activity levels, and social structures. (With inputs from agencies)

Cold-blooded reptiles or hot-blooded mighty overlords? Scientists unravel age-old dinosaur mystery 

We have all grown up with this notion injected into our heads and hearts that practice makes a person perfect. While achieving perfection may be left to the likes of Christopher Nolan and their filmography, science has come up with an explanation to describe how practice improves our skills. Not just that, but repetitive practice also leads to profound changes in the brain's memory pathways.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Covid-19 causes lasting damage to cognition and memory, research finds

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According to a new study led by UCLA Health, published in the journal Nature and co-led by Rockefeller University, a person's performance becomes more accurate and automatic following repetitive practice.

The research sought to unravel how the brain’s ability to retain and process information, known as working memory, improves through training.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the study find?</h2>

The study found that once someone&nbsp;was repeatedly practicing the task, the memory patterns began to solidify or “crystalise", according to the corresponding author and UCLA Health neurologist Dr. Peyman Golshani.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/handwriting-not-typing-linked-to-better-learning-and-memory-study-701096">Writing by hand, not typing, linked to better learning and memory: Study</a>

"If one imagines that each neuron in the brain is sounding a different note, the melody that the brain is generating when it is doing the task was changing from day to day, but then became more and more refined and similar as animals kept practicing the task," Golshani said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-unveil-secrets-of-imagination-memory-formation-with-artificial-intelligence-682056">Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence</a>

These changes give insights into why performance becomes more precise and automatic following repetitive practice.

"This insight not only advances our understanding of learning and memory but also has implications for addressing memory-related disorders," Golshani said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bacteria-found-storing-transmitting-memories-across-generations-for-the-first-time-661815">E. coli creates memories and passes them on to future generations, study finds</a>

The work was performed by Dr Arash Bellafard, project scientist at UCLA in close collaboration with Dr&nbsp;Alipasha Vaziri’s group at Rockefeller University.

(With inputs from agencies)

We have all grown up with this notion injected into our heads and hearts that practice makes a person perfect. While achieving perfection may be left to the likes of Christopher Nolan and their filmography, science has come up with an explanation to describe how practice improves our skills.

We have all grown up with this notion injected into our heads and hearts that practice makes a person perfect. While achieving perfection may be left to the likes of Christopher Nolan and their filmography, science has come up with an explanation to describe how practice improves our skills. Not just that, but repetitive practice also leads to profound changes in the brain's memory pathways. Also watch | Covid-19 causes lasting damage to cognition and memory, research finds × According to a new study led by UCLA Health, published in the journal Nature and co-led by Rockefeller University, a person's performance becomes more accurate and automatic following repetitive practice. The research sought to unravel how the brain’s ability to retain and process information, known as working memory, improves through training. What did the study find? The study found that once someone was repeatedly practicing the task, the memory patterns began to solidify or “crystalise", according to the corresponding author and UCLA Health neurologist Dr. Peyman Golshani. Also read | Writing by hand, not typing, linked to better learning and memory: Study "If one imagines that each neuron in the brain is sounding a different note, the melody that the brain is generating when it is doing the task was changing from day to day, but then became more and more refined and similar as animals kept practicing the task," Golshani said in a statement. Also read | Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence These changes give insights into why performance becomes more precise and automatic following repetitive practice. "This insight not only advances our understanding of learning and memory but also has implications for addressing memory-related disorders," Golshani said. Also read | E. coli creates memories and passes them on to future generations, study finds The work was performed by Dr Arash Bellafard, project scientist at UCLA in close collaboration with Dr Alipasha Vaziri’s group at Rockefeller University. (With inputs from agencies)

Practice makes a person almost perfect, science confirms

WASP-193b, located 1,200 light-years from Earth, is a real outlier among the more than 5,000 exoplanets found so far. This new planet has a density similar to cotton candy since it is 50% bigger than Jupiter but seven times less dense.

"WASP-193b is the second least dense planet discovered to date, after Kepler-51d, which is much smaller," said Khalid Barkaoui, the study's first author and postdoctoral researcher at ULiege's EXOTIC Laboratory. The study was published in Nature Astronomy.

Even under the implausible premise of a coreless structure, traditional models of irradiated gas giants cannot account for the planet's very low density. "Its extremely low density makes it a real anomaly among the more than five thousand exoplanets discovered to date," Barkaoui continues.

The first to identify the new planet was the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP), an international initiative that used two robotic observatories to examine hundreds of stars' brightness in the sky. A transiting planet was detected by periodic dips in the brightness from the star WASP-193.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/face-of-stone-age-man-thought-to-have-drowned-4000-years-ago-reconstructed-721411">Face of Stone Age man thought to have drowned 4,000 years ago reconstructed</a>

Subsequently, the group measured the planetary signal at several wavelengths and confirmed that the eclipsing object was really planetary using the Chilean observatories TRAPPIST-South and SPECULOOS-South. The planet's mass was determined using spectroscopic measurements made with the CORALIE and HARPS spectrographs in Chile.&nbsp;

With a mass and size of around 0.14 and 1.5 times that of Jupiter, respectively, the planet's density was found to be very low based on the cumulative measurements: 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter, or approximately the same as cotton candy.

According to co-author and MIT professor Julien de Wit, "the planet is so light that it's difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material." "The planet is basically super fluffy."

Scientists believe that WASP-193b is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and that its massively inflated atmosphere stretches tens of thousands of kilometers beyond the atmosphere of Jupiter. Nevertheless, how a planet may expand to such a degree is still outside the current understanding of planetary formation theories.

"We don't know where to put this planet in all the formation theories we have right now, because it's an outlier of all of them. We cannot explain how this planet was formed," added Francisco Pozuelos, astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia.

(With inputs from agencies)

WASP-193b, located 1,200 light-years from Earth, is a real outlier among the more than 5,000 exoplanets found so far. This new planet has a density similar to cotton candy since it is 50% bigger than Jupiter but seven times less dense.

WASP-193b, located 1,200 light-years from Earth, is a real outlier among the more than 5,000 exoplanets found so far. This new planet has a density similar to cotton candy since it is 50% bigger than Jupiter but seven times less dense. "WASP-193b is the second least dense planet discovered to date, after Kepler-51d, which is much smaller," said Khalid Barkaoui, the study's first author and postdoctoral researcher at ULiege's EXOTIC Laboratory. The study was published in Nature Astronomy. Even under the implausible premise of a coreless structure, traditional models of irradiated gas giants cannot account for the planet's very low density. "Its extremely low density makes it a real anomaly among the more than five thousand exoplanets discovered to date," Barkaoui continues. The first to identify the new planet was the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP), an international initiative that used two robotic observatories to examine hundreds of stars' brightness in the sky. A transiting planet was detected by periodic dips in the brightness from the star WASP-193. Also read: Face of Stone Age man thought to have drowned 4,000 years ago reconstructed Subsequently, the group measured the planetary signal at several wavelengths and confirmed that the eclipsing object was really planetary using the Chilean observatories TRAPPIST-South and SPECULOOS-South. The planet's mass was determined using spectroscopic measurements made with the CORALIE and HARPS spectrographs in Chile. With a mass and size of around 0.14 and 1.5 times that of Jupiter, respectively, the planet's density was found to be very low based on the cumulative measurements: 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter, or approximately the same as cotton candy. According to co-author and MIT professor Julien de Wit, "the planet is so light that it's difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material." "The planet is basically super fluffy." Scientists believe that WASP-193b is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and that its massively inflated atmosphere stretches tens of thousands of kilometers beyond the atmosphere of Jupiter. Nevertheless, how a planet may expand to such a degree is still outside the current understanding of planetary formation theories. "We don't know where to put this planet in all the formation theories we have right now, because it's an outlier of all of them. We cannot explain how this planet was formed," added Francisco Pozuelos, astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia. (With inputs from agencies)

The fluffy giant: New planet ‘WASP-193b’ defies expectations with cotton candy-like density

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