For now, the journey to space requires a ship or a rocket. However, the existence of space elevators is not so distant in the future, making space travel easy and accessible to all, scientists say.

For now, the journey to space requires a ship or a rocket. However, the existence of space elevators is not so distant in the future, making space travel easy and accessible to all, scientists say. As far-fetched as this idea sounds, space elevators will soon be able to take payloads into space directly from the surface of the Earth. A similar technology was in the Star Wars movie, where people and ships could reach outer space without a spacecraft. The concept was also shown in A Certain Magical Index, a Japanese animated series. While the idea of space elevators is fictional, it might come to life shortly, according to experts. Many astronautics companies like SpaceX aim to send people to space, and many have already started signing up for space travel as tourists. Stephen Cohen, a physics professor, wrote in the Scientific American, "Space elevators are often dismissed as a science fiction dream, but I believe they will exist soon—perhaps in two or three decades." ALSO READ | James Webb Space Telescope probes binary asteroid system Mors-Somnus in Kuiper Belt to know Neptune's past Professor Cohen described the space elevators as a "long cable that extends from Earth's equator and fixed to a satellite at the far end." He added, "The system spins along with the Earth." In the Star Wars movie, space elevators became a necessity due to the varying atmospheres of different planets. However, it is not the same for Earth. These space elevators can help reduce the resources required for space travel while decreasing overall costs. They would be useful for launching satellites, ships, and astronauts into space. In the future, when space elevators become a reality, they could also open doors to space tourism, an idea that many people and companies desire right now. However, scientists don't have the technology to build a space elevator. Cohen mentioned, "While the synthesis of potentially suitable materials has progressed in recent years, we are still at least 10 years away from a material solution (one having adequate properties, and that can be manufactured reasonably quickly at a reasonable cost)." Space travel is still vague. However, one can learn about the space experiences from astronauts who have lived there for a long time. (With inputs from agencies)

Space elevators similar to ‘skyhooks’ in Star Wars could soon exist in reality, experts suggest

Researchers in Australia are claiming to have devised an innovative ‘water battery’ that doesn’t rely on a flammable electrolyte. This path-breaking technology will not only serve as an alternative for storing renewable energy but will also seek to replace traditional lithium-ion varieties that are considered less safe.

“What we design and manufacture are called aqueous metal-ion batteries – or we can call them water batteries,” said lead author Professor Tianyi Ma of RMIT University.

<h2>Why water batteries are safer?</h2>

Batteries are made up of three main parts: a positive electrode called the cathode, a negative electrode called the anode, and an electrolyte that moves ions between these electrodes.

The researchers from RMIT have developed what they call "water batteries" by replacing traditional electrolytes with water mixed with simple salts. They claim that these water-based batteries are safer and less harmful. These batteries use metals like magnesium or zinc, which are cheaper and better for the environment compared to lithium or lead-acid batteries.

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Using water as an electrolyte in batteries could help prevent a common problem called dendrite growth. Dendrites are tiny metal spikes that can cause batteries to short-circuit. To solve this issue, scientists coated the battery's anode with bismuth metal, which forms a protective rust-like layer when oxidised.

This coating helps the battery last longer, with prototypes retaining over 85 per cent of their capacity even after being charged and discharged 500 times, which is when most lithium-ion batteries start to fail.

“Our batteries now last significantly longer – comparable to the commercial lithium-ion batteries in the market – making them ideal for high-speed and intensive use in real-world applications,” Ma said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjSv8aH5eaEAxVezTgGHcwRA0QQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-europa-clipper-mission-to-send-humanitys-message-to-one-of-jupiters-largest-moons-698285" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-europa-clipper-mission-to-send-humanitys-message-to-one-of-jupiters-largest-moons-698285&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjSv8aH5eaEAxVezTgGHcwRA0QQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">NASA`s Europa Clipper mission to send humanity`s message to one of Jupiter`s largest moons</a>

“With impressive capacity and extended lifespan, we’ve not only advanced battery technology but also successfully integrated our design with solar panels, showcasing efficient and stable renewable energy storage,” he added.

<h2>Several prototypes developed</h2>

Researchers have developed several prototypes of water batteries, ranging from coin-sized batteries suitable for clocks to larger cylindrical batteries akin to the common AA or AAA you buy from any gas station.

“The next step is to increase the energy density of our water batteries by developing new nanomaterials as the electrode materials,” Ma said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in Australia are claiming to have devised an innovative ‘water battery’ that doesn’t rely on a flammable electrolyte. This path-breaking technology will not only serve as an alternative for storing renewable energy but will also seek to replace traditional lithium-ion varieties that are considered less safe.

Researchers in Australia are claiming to have devised an innovative ‘water battery’ that doesn’t rely on a flammable electrolyte. This path-breaking technology will not only serve as an alternative for storing renewable energy but will also seek to replace traditional lithium-ion varieties that are considered less safe. “What we design and manufacture are called aqueous metal-ion batteries – or we can call them water batteries,” said lead author Professor Tianyi Ma of RMIT University. Why water batteries are safer? Batteries are made up of three main parts: a positive electrode called the cathode, a negative electrode called the anode, and an electrolyte that moves ions between these electrodes. The researchers from RMIT have developed what they call "water batteries" by replacing traditional electrolytes with water mixed with simple salts. They claim that these water-based batteries are safer and less harmful. These batteries use metals like magnesium or zinc, which are cheaper and better for the environment compared to lithium or lead-acid batteries. Also read: Scientists discover oldest `dead` galaxy ever found in our universe Using water as an electrolyte in batteries could help prevent a common problem called dendrite growth. Dendrites are tiny metal spikes that can cause batteries to short-circuit. To solve this issue, scientists coated the battery's anode with bismuth metal, which forms a protective rust-like layer when oxidised. This coating helps the battery last longer, with prototypes retaining over 85 per cent of their capacity even after being charged and discharged 500 times, which is when most lithium-ion batteries start to fail. “Our batteries now last significantly longer – comparable to the commercial lithium-ion batteries in the market – making them ideal for high-speed and intensive use in real-world applications,” Ma said. Also read: NASA`s Europa Clipper mission to send humanity`s message to one of Jupiter`s largest moons “With impressive capacity and extended lifespan, we’ve not only advanced battery technology but also successfully integrated our design with solar panels, showcasing efficient and stable renewable energy storage,” he added. Several prototypes developed Researchers have developed several prototypes of water batteries, ranging from coin-sized batteries suitable for clocks to larger cylindrical batteries akin to the common AA or AAA you buy from any gas station. “The next step is to increase the energy density of our water batteries by developing new nanomaterials as the electrode materials,” Ma said. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists develop recyclable ‘water batteries’ that never explode

Several studies have revealed that microplastics or nanoplastics are linked to heart attack, stroke and even cancer. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with nanoplastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke over the next three years than people who had none.

Several studies have revealed that microplastics or nanoplastics are linked to heart attack, stroke and even cancer. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with nanoplastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke over the next three years than people who had none. Carotid arteries lie on each side of the neck and carry blood to the brain. Fatty cholesterol plaques can similarly clog them as the arteries leading into the heart. This process is called atherosclerosis. The new study analysed tissues removed from the neck arteries of 257 people who underwent carotid endarterectomy. Raffaele Marfella, the study's lead author and a professor of internal medicine and director of the department of medical and surgical sciences at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples, Italy, said, "To date, our study is the first that associated the plastic contamination with human diseases. "Our study convincingly highlights the presence of plastics and their association with cardiovascular events in a representative population affected by atherosclerosis," she added. What are microplastics or nanoplastics? Microplastics are polymer fragments ranging from less than 0.2 inch to 1/25,000th of an inch. Anything smaller is nanoplastic and has to be measured in billionths of a metre. Experts worry that nanoplastics are a bigger threat to human health. In research around pregnant mice, plastic chemicals were found in the brain, heart, liver, kidney and lungs of the developing foetus 24 hours after the mother ingested or breathed in plastic particles. Other studies have also shown that nanoplastics and microplastics can lead to oxidative stress, tissue damage and inflammation. Moreover, other animal studies have proved that these harmful particles can change heart rate and impede cardiac function. Furthermore, researchers have found nanoparticles in human blood, lung and liver tissues, urine and faeces, mother's milk and the placenta. However, they have yet to prove what effect these polymers can have on the body's organs and functions. Another study published in the journal Chemosphere showed that microplastics and nanoplastics remain in the cell for much longer than previously assumed, as they are passed on to the newly formed cell during cell division. The study also revealed that these harmful particles can lead to the metastasis of tumours by increasing the migration of cancer cells to other regions of the body. (With inputs from agencies)

Microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body can cause heart attacks, strokes and cancer, studies reveal

The giant sail-backed dinosaur, Spinosaurus, might've hunted in the shallow waters like a heron, not in deep waters, as previous studies suggested. Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was one of the largest predators ever to walk on Earth during the Cretaceous, the final period in the time of dinosaurs.

The giant sail-backed dinosaur, Spinosaurus, might've hunted in the shallow waters like a heron, not in deep waters, as previous studies suggested. Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was one of the largest predators ever to walk on Earth during the Cretaceous, the final period in the time of dinosaurs. According to the study published in PLOS ONE, this species from what is now Africa was about seven tonnes, more than a bull African elephant. Nathan Myhrvold, one of the study's authors, told Newsweek, "It's a very unique looking dinosaur because it has a huge 'sail' on its back." Palaeontologists generally agree that the Spinosaurus was a fish eater. However, there has been a debate about how the dinosaur species lived and hunted its prey. Some studies suggest that these dinosaurs waded or swam in the shallow waters near the shore to catch their prey. However, according to some studies, the Spinosaurus was an aquatic pursuit predator that searched for its prey by diving deep into the waters. The authors of the new study conducted a new analysis where they re-analysed the density of the dinosaur's bones to determine its life habits in water. They discussed an earlier study that supported the hypothesis that the Spinosaurus dived into deep water to catch its prey. The discussed study, authored by a different team led by Matteo Fabbri of the Field Museum of Natural History, was published in the journal Nature in 2020. In the new study, the authors said that the 2020 study might have significant flaws. "We showed that the data set they used for the method was not appropriate—a lot of statistical methods only work if the data has particular characteristics. The data in Fabbri et al did not have the necessary characteristics," Myhrvold said. ALSO READ | Arctic Ocean could experience ‘ice-free’ summer days within the next decade, says study Myhrvold and his team added that this hypothesis cannot be feasible at the biological level. They mentioned that the Spinosaurus and many other dinosaurs had air sacs in the bones of their spine, which provided so much buoyancy that they could not dive. "So the density of thigh and rib bones doesn't tell you whether a dinosaur could dive," Myhrvold said. While the new study does not settle the debate, Myhrold said their objective was to prove that the Spinosaurus did not hunt underwater. Their findings suggest that the dinosaur was not a swimming or diving predator that chased fish. "We find no evidence from bone density to suggest that Spinosaurus was anything other than what we have judged from many other lines of evidence in previous research—a semiaquatic, fish-eating predator that haunted shorelines and shallow water ambushing prey of all sizes," Paul Sereno, another author of the PLOS ONE study with the University of Chicago, said. "It may have waited in shallow water to ambush fish the way a heron does," Myhrvold said. In response, Fabbri said, "We don't think their data support their conclusions." He added, "Myrvhold et al. suggest that high bone density is present only in the legs, but this is incorrect: we recovered high density in the spines of the sail and tail, in the ribs, and even in the bones forming the hand." (With inputs from agencies)

This giant sail-backed dinosaur's hunting style is creating a furore among palaeontologists

Geoengineers are trying to configure innovative technologies to slow down glacier melting and prevent the "doomsday glacier" and others from collapsing. One such idea requires a whopping $50 billion.

Geoengineers are trying to configure innovative technologies to slow down glacier melting and prevent the "doomsday glacier" and others from collapsing. One such idea requires a whopping $50 billion. Thwaites Glacier, often called the "doomsday glacier", blocks warming sea waters from reaching other glaciers. But it is now on the move and its collapse would prompt the sea level to rise by 10 more feet. Already, the melting glacier contributes four per cent to the global sea rise level. Since the year 2000, it has lost over 1,000 billion tonnes of ice. Thus, geoengineers have been working to find solutions to this massive problem which can someday lead to catastrophe, flooding several cities across the world. The latest one is underwater curtains. John Moore, a glaciologist and geoengineer researcher at the University of Lapland, wants to install massive 62-mile-long underwater curtains to prevent the warm seawater from reaching the glaciers. However, he requires a whopping $50 billion to make it happen. ALSO READ | Four astronauts begin 6-month mission aboard ISS as SpaceX Dragon 'Endeavour' docks successfully These underwater curtains would stop the flow of warm currents to the Thwaites to prevent the melting. They will also provide the ice shelf time to rebuild. However, all this is right now just in theory. Moore and his team, currently testing prototypes, are figuring out a way to install the curtains on the Amundsen seafloor to stall the melting. The underwater curtains idea is not new. Moore proposed a similar solution back in 2018. Instead of curtains, he suggested building a massive wall. However, he switched to curtains, as it was a safer option. Moore explained that the underwater curtains are as effective in blocking the warm water from melting the glacier. They are easier to remove if necessary. "Any intervention should be something that you can revert if you have second thoughts," he said. Researchers at the University of Cambridge are testing a three-foot-long version of this technology inside small tanks. Once they prove the functionality of this innovation, they'll head to River Cam to test it. Moore said they' either install them at the river bottom or will pull them behind a boat. If everything goes well, they will try a set of 33-foot-long underwater curtains in a Norwegian fjord in about two years. (With inputs from agencies)

Underwater curtains can save the 'Doomsday glacier'. But there is a massive price tag attached

Consuming the antibiotic doxycycline after sex can significantly reduce the chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STI) like chlamydia or early syphilis, a study revealed.

Consuming the antibiotic doxycycline after sex can significantly reduce the chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STI) like chlamydia or early syphilis, a study revealed. According to the findings presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, a single dose of the widely used antibiotic doxycycline taken after sexual intercourse has reduced the incidences of chlamydia and early syphilis among gay and bisexual men and transgender women by half in San Francisco, California. Researchers gave a supply of the antibiotic to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who had a history of STIs or multiple sex partners and asked them to consume two 100-milligramme pills within 72 hours of unprotected sex. This strategy is known as doxy-PEP, short for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. The new cases of chlamydia and early syphilis dropped over about a year in the city. Dr Hyman Scott, medical director at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, said, "It's not subtle, it is very fast and we're seeing the beginning of it, not the end. This is what we want for STI prevention." ALSO READ | Babies born during COVID-19 pandemic show ‘fascinating’ biological alterations, says study However, the evidence supports the doxycycline case only in gay and bisexual men and transgender women. Dr Jonathan Mermin, director of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, "The majority of STIs in the United States occur in cisgender women. Studies of whether doxy-PEP works in cisgender women should be implemented as quickly as possible." CDC will release the final guidelines for doxy-PEP in the next few months, Dr Mermin said. While cases of chlamydia and early syphilis decreased in gay and bisexual men and transgender women, the cases of chlamydia steadily increased in cisgender women. "The fact that we did not see declines in STIs in other populations not recommended for doxy, specifically cis women, strengthens the conclusion that the decline in chlamydia and early syphilis cases is related to doxy-PEP rollout," said Madeline Sankaran, an epidemiologist at the San Francisco Department of Public Health who presented the findings. Although the findings seem promising, Dr Merimin warned that the 2022 outbreak of mpox may have skewed them, as, during the period, high-risk groups reduced sexual activities. The rates of gonorrhoea did not see any significant changes, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

A single dose of THIS antibiotic can help prevent syphilis, other STIs: US study

A new study conducted by researchers Brianna N. Mack and Teresa R. Martin has revealed an unexplored link between music preference and political partisanship. The results of the study revealed that people associating themselves with certain political identities were more likely to have a liking for a certain genre of music, as opposed to the rival political group.

“The original interest started with Martin in my research methods course Fall 2020,” Psypost quoted Mack as saying, an assistant professor of politics and government at Ohio Wesleyan University.

“She proposed the topic (relationship between music preferences and party identification) as the subject of her final paper in the course. I thought it was a very interesting idea because I often wondered if party polarization was seeping into non-political aspects of life like TV show preference and clothing choices and I enjoy the novelty of pop-culture/politics discussions,” she added.

“Martin ran a pilot study in my public opinion course Fall 2021; I was her honors thesis advisor 2022-2023 and we worked on this project while she worked on her thesis,” she told Psypost.

<h2>Online survey</h2>

The two researchers conducted an online survey via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (mTurk) platform, taking responses from 588 participants.

The participants were asked questions to gather their demographic information, including age, gender, and racial background, along with detailed inquiries about their political ideologies, party affiliations, and music preferences.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjVtIGwktiEAxUh2DQHHQgXB88QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fiery-red-supermassive-black-hole-found-when-universe-was-in-infancy-694718" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/fiery-red-supermassive-black-hole-found-when-universe-was-in-infancy-694718&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVtIGwktiEAxUh2DQHHQgXB88QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Scientists find oldest fiery-red supermassive black hole from universe’s infancy</a>

The participants were then asked to list their three most favourite music genres. Then, they were told to list the genres in descending order, with the most favourite genre at the top.

<h2>Results</h2>

Individuals favouring country music, spanning from classic to contemporary, tended to lean towards Republican ideologies, highlighting the link between the genre's themes—embodying traditional values, rural living, and patriotism—and the principles championed by the Republican Party.

Conversely, Democrats and liberal-minded individuals showed a diminished inclination towards country music, indicating a negative correlation between their political leanings and musical preferences.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjp4oekktiEAxVIklYBHcUiCqoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/brit-awards-raye-sets-record-at-britains-pop-music-honours-696034" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/brit-awards-raye-sets-record-at-britains-pop-music-honours-696034&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjp4oekktiEAxVIklYBHcUiCqoQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">BRIT Awards: Raye sets record at Britain`s pop music honours</a>

On the other hand, genres like pop and rap/hip-hop were more popular among respondents who identified as Democrats.

The findings indicate that “even music is political and that there is a relationship between their music preferences and their partisanship,” Mack told PsyPost.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study conducted by researchers Brianna N. Mack and Teresa R. Martin has revealed an unexplored link between music preference and political partisanship. The results of the study revealed that people associating themselves with certain political identities were more likely to have a liking for a certain genre of music, as opposed to the rival political group.

A new study conducted by researchers Brianna N. Mack and Teresa R. Martin has revealed an unexplored link between music preference and political partisanship. The results of the study revealed that people associating themselves with certain political identities were more likely to have a liking for a certain genre of music, as opposed to the rival political group. “The original interest started with Martin in my research methods course Fall 2020,” Psypost quoted Mack as saying, an assistant professor of politics and government at Ohio Wesleyan University. “She proposed the topic (relationship between music preferences and party identification) as the subject of her final paper in the course. I thought it was a very interesting idea because I often wondered if party polarization was seeping into non-political aspects of life like TV show preference and clothing choices and I enjoy the novelty of pop-culture/politics discussions,” she added. “Martin ran a pilot study in my public opinion course Fall 2021; I was her honors thesis advisor 2022-2023 and we worked on this project while she worked on her thesis,” she told Psypost. Online survey The two researchers conducted an online survey via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (mTurk) platform, taking responses from 588 participants. The participants were asked questions to gather their demographic information, including age, gender, and racial background, along with detailed inquiries about their political ideologies, party affiliations, and music preferences. Also read: Scientists find oldest fiery-red supermassive black hole from universe’s infancy The participants were then asked to list their three most favourite music genres. Then, they were told to list the genres in descending order, with the most favourite genre at the top. Results Individuals favouring country music, spanning from classic to contemporary, tended to lean towards Republican ideologies, highlighting the link between the genre's themes—embodying traditional values, rural living, and patriotism—and the principles championed by the Republican Party. Conversely, Democrats and liberal-minded individuals showed a diminished inclination towards country music, indicating a negative correlation between their political leanings and musical preferences. Also read: BRIT Awards: Raye sets record at Britain`s pop music honours On the other hand, genres like pop and rap/hip-hop were more popular among respondents who identified as Democrats. The findings indicate that “even music is political and that there is a relationship between their music preferences and their partisanship,” Mack told PsyPost. (With inputs from agencies)

Study reveals strong link between political ideology and music preference

More educated people tend to age slower than others and experience higher chances of living longer, a study has claimed. In the path-breaking study published Friday (Mar 1) in the journal JAMA Network Open, it was revealed that higher education might be linked to a lower risk of death and a slower pace of ageing.

Researchers believe this is the first study to have established any link between the pace of ageing and education.

“We’ve known for a long time that people who have higher levels of education tend to live longer lives,” said senior researcher Daniel Belsky, an associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City.

“But there are a bunch of challenges in figuring out how that happens and, critically, whether interventions to promote educational attainment will contribute to healthy longevity,” Belsky added in a university news release.

<h2>The exact difference in ageing</h2>

The study claimed that every two additional years of schooling led to a 2 per cent to 3 per cent slower pace of ageing.

In total, a person with higher education exhibited a 10 per cent lower risk of death than an averagely-educated person.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

In this research, scientists used information from the Framingham Heart Study, an ongoing project initiated in 1948 to monitor the health of Framingham, Massachusetts residents across generations.

To gauge the rate of ageing, they examined genetic data from participants, employing a genetic "clock" test akin to a speedometer for ageing.

Watch:&nbsp;India: Growing emphasis on education in India

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This test indicates the pace at which a person's body undergoes changes over time. By correlating genetic ageing data with participants' educational achievements relative to their family members, the study adjusted for variations in educational backgrounds and financial resources within families.

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Lead researcher Gloria Graf, a doctoral student in epidemiology at Columbia University, explained, “These study designs control for differences between families and allow us to isolate the effects of education.”

“Our findings support the hypothesis that interventions to promote educational attainment will slow the pace of biological ageing and promote longevity,” Graf added.

(With inputs from agencies)

More educated people tend to age slower than others and experience higher chances of living longer, a study has claimed. In the path-breaking study published Friday (Mar 1) in the journal JAMA Network Open, it was revealed that higher education might be linked to a lower risk of death and a slower pace of ageing.

More educated people tend to age slower than others and experience higher chances of living longer, a study has claimed. In the path-breaking study published Friday (Mar 1) in the journal JAMA Network Open, it was revealed that higher education might be linked to a lower risk of death and a slower pace of ageing. Researchers believe this is the first study to have established any link between the pace of ageing and education. “We’ve known for a long time that people who have higher levels of education tend to live longer lives,” said senior researcher Daniel Belsky, an associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. “But there are a bunch of challenges in figuring out how that happens and, critically, whether interventions to promote educational attainment will contribute to healthy longevity,” Belsky added in a university news release. The exact difference in ageing The study claimed that every two additional years of schooling led to a 2 per cent to 3 per cent slower pace of ageing. In total, a person with higher education exhibited a 10 per cent lower risk of death than an averagely-educated person. How was the study conducted? In this research, scientists used information from the Framingham Heart Study, an ongoing project initiated in 1948 to monitor the health of Framingham, Massachusetts residents across generations. To gauge the rate of ageing, they examined genetic data from participants, employing a genetic "clock" test akin to a speedometer for ageing. Watch: India: Growing emphasis on education in India × This test indicates the pace at which a person's body undergoes changes over time. By correlating genetic ageing data with participants' educational achievements relative to their family members, the study adjusted for variations in educational backgrounds and financial resources within families. Also read: Indian education board CBSE considers open book examination for classes 9-12: Report Lead researcher Gloria Graf, a doctoral student in epidemiology at Columbia University, explained, “These study designs control for differences between families and allow us to isolate the effects of education.” “Our findings support the hypothesis that interventions to promote educational attainment will slow the pace of biological ageing and promote longevity,” Graf added. (With inputs from agencies)

Individuals with higher education tend to age slower, live longer, study claims

Researchers have revealed that the male Danionella cerebrum, a tiny fish measuring approximately the width of an adult human fingernail and found in the streams of Myanmar, possesses the capability to produce sounds as loud as a gunshot.

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According to a study published in the PNAS journal, these aquatic creatures, with a length of about 12mm, emit sounds exceeding 140 decibels, equivalent to the volume of an ambulance siren or jackhammer.

Traditionally, fish generate sounds through the vibrations of their swim bladder, a gas-filled organ responsible for buoyancy control, driven by rhythmic contractions of specialised "drumming" muscles, as noted in the paper.

However, the sound production mechanism of the pulses produced by the Danionella cerebrum, which boasts the smallest known brain among vertebrates, remained elusive, as the swim bladder-related muscle mechanisms did not offer a plausible explanation for the origin of the sound.

Researchers from Charité University in Berlin unraveled the mystery, discovering that the fish employs a unique sound production system featuring a drumming cartilage, specialised rib, and fatigue-resistant muscle.

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This allows the fish to accelerate the drumming cartilage at extreme forces, generating rapid and loud pulses.

The study highlighted, "Understanding this extraordinary adaptation expands our knowledge of animal motion and highlights the remarkable diversity of propulsion mechanisms across species, contributing to our broader understanding of evolutionary biology and biomechanics."

High-speed video recordings were instrumental in investigating the mechanism of sound production. To produce sound, a rib situated next to the swim bladder is moved by a specific muscle into a piece of cartilage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-water-thrice-that-on-earth-swirling-around-a-young-star-695317">Scientists find water thrice that on Earth swirling around a young star</a>

Upon release, the rib strikes the swim bladder, creating the distinctive drumming sound. Notably, the rib is considerably harder in males, explaining why females do not produce sounds.

While the scientists have not determined the exact purpose of the fish's loud sounds, they suggest potential roles such as aiding navigation in murky waters or serving as an aggressive tactic employed by males to ward off competition.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have revealed that the male Danionella cerebrum, a tiny fish measuring approximately the width of an adult human fingernail and found in the streams of Myanmar, possesses the capability to produce sounds as loud as a gunshot.

Researchers have revealed that the male Danionella cerebrum, a tiny fish measuring approximately the width of an adult human fingernail and found in the streams of Myanmar, possesses the capability to produce sounds as loud as a gunshot. Also read: NASA converts beauty of universe into sound for visually impaired to experience According to a study published in the PNAS journal, these aquatic creatures, with a length of about 12mm, emit sounds exceeding 140 decibels, equivalent to the volume of an ambulance siren or jackhammer. Traditionally, fish generate sounds through the vibrations of their swim bladder, a gas-filled organ responsible for buoyancy control, driven by rhythmic contractions of specialised "drumming" muscles, as noted in the paper. However, the sound production mechanism of the pulses produced by the Danionella cerebrum, which boasts the smallest known brain among vertebrates, remained elusive, as the swim bladder-related muscle mechanisms did not offer a plausible explanation for the origin of the sound. Researchers from Charité University in Berlin unraveled the mystery, discovering that the fish employs a unique sound production system featuring a drumming cartilage, specialised rib, and fatigue-resistant muscle. Also read: Here's why human tails disappeared 25 million years ago This allows the fish to accelerate the drumming cartilage at extreme forces, generating rapid and loud pulses. The study highlighted, "Understanding this extraordinary adaptation expands our knowledge of animal motion and highlights the remarkable diversity of propulsion mechanisms across species, contributing to our broader understanding of evolutionary biology and biomechanics." High-speed video recordings were instrumental in investigating the mechanism of sound production. To produce sound, a rib situated next to the swim bladder is moved by a specific muscle into a piece of cartilage. Also read: Scientists find water thrice that on Earth swirling around a young star Upon release, the rib strikes the swim bladder, creating the distinctive drumming sound. Notably, the rib is considerably harder in males, explaining why females do not produce sounds. While the scientists have not determined the exact purpose of the fish's loud sounds, they suggest potential roles such as aiding navigation in murky waters or serving as an aggressive tactic employed by males to ward off competition. (With inputs from agencies)

Tiny fish stuns researchers by generating sound as loud as a gunshot

Scientists might soon be able to create disease-resistant orange hybrids that taste as good as the originals. According to a study published in the journal Science Advances, chemical analysis has revealed 26 compounds responsible for the distinctive flavour of oranges.

Scientists might soon be able to create disease-resistant orange hybrids that taste as good as the originals. According to a study published in the journal Science Advances, chemical analysis has revealed 26 compounds responsible for the distinctive flavour of oranges. In the last few decades, huanglongbing, a citrus greening disease, has heavily impacted the global production of citrus fruits. The HLB bacteria which causes this disease infects most citrus cultivars, species, hybrids and even some citrus relatives. Due to this, the fruit bears no value as they have a poor size and quality. Moreover, there's no cure for the disease, and rapid tree removal is the only prevention. Anne Plotto of the United States Horticultural Research Laboratory in Florida told the New Scientist that this disease has particularly affected the production of oranges. "Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) exhibits limited genetic diversity and high susceptibility to Huanglongbing (HLB)," the study said. Plotto and her team wanted to find out whether it was possible to generate orange hybrids resistant to the citrus greening disease while maintaining the signature flavour of oranges. ALSO READ | 7,300-year-old underwater volcano eruption emerges as largest in history, reveals new study The research team analysed 179 juice specimens from a range of citruses. These included oranges, mandarins (Citrus reticulata), trifoliate oranges (Citrus trifoliata) and other hybrids. Moreover, trained citrus testers also tried each juice sample and ranked these on how they tasted like orange juice. The study revealed that juices with the most prominent orange flavour contained all 26 specific compounds. Seven of these compounds are known as esters. They appeared to be the prime components in differentiating the taste of oranges and mandarins. When Plotto and her colleagues conducted a genetic analysis of the citrus fruits, they found a gene responsible for producing these seven esters. They dubbed it C. sinensis alcohol acyltransferase 1. The study mentioned, "Its activity was validated through overexpression assays. Phylogeny revealed the functional allele was inherited from pummelo. A SNP-based DNA marker in the coding region accurately predicted phenotypes." "This gene is expressed much more in the cultivars that produce a lot of esters," said team member Zhen Fan. According to Plotto, the study could eventually help create disease-tolerant hybrids with a rich orange flavour. "The findings could be used to screen citrus hybrid seedlings for desired orange flavour at an early stage, instead of waiting 10 to 15 years for the tree to bear fruits," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Why do oranges taste the way they do? Researchers have finally broken it down

The Odysseus spacecraft, the first private US Moon lander, on Monday (Feb 26) beamed new images back home as it rests on a rock after landing on its side. The vehicle touched down on the lunar surface on Thursday (Feb 22), prompting mixed reactions from its controllers.

Grainy images shared by Intuitive Machines, the parent company of Odysseus, encompass the harrowing journey of the lander.

The shaky landing ended up pointing the lander’s antennas in an unfavourable direction, making communication with the spaceship extremely challenging.

Watch:&nbsp;Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface

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The company posted on X that it would lose contact with the lander Tuesday morning. Initially, the company had said the lander would operate on the lunar surface for eight to nine days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-intriguing-image-of-cats-eye-in-the-sky-693132" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-intriguing-image-of-cats-eye-in-the-sky-693132&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">NASA posts intriguing image of `cat`s eye` in the sky</a>

“Flight controllers intend to collect data until the lander’s solar panels are no longer exposed to light,” the company said in the update posted on the social media platform X. “Based on Earth and Moon positioning, we believe flight controllers will continue to communicate with Odysseus until Tuesday morning.”

One of the images shared by Odysseus was captured “approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site,” the company said in the post.

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Odysseus continues to communicate with flight controllers in Nova Control from the lunar surface. After understanding the end-to-end communication requirements, Odysseus sent images from the lunar surface of its vertical descent to its Malapert A landing site, representing the… <a href="https://t.co/CuCkOVvBqu">pic.twitter.com/CuCkOVvBqu</a>
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Odysseus captured this image approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site. The camera is on the starboard aft-side of the lander in this phase. 2/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST) <a href="https://t.co/oUcjk3bCqW">pic.twitter.com/oUcjk3bCqW</a>
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Intuitive Machines also shared a picture captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, which has been circling the moon since 2009, showing the ill-fated spacecraft’s landing site.

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Images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team confirmed Odysseus completed its landing at 80.13°S and 1.44°E at a 2579 m elevation. After traveling more than 600,000 miles, Odysseus landed within 1.5 km of its intended Malapert A landing site, using a contingent… <a href="https://t.co/CaMSSO4Gfb">pic.twitter.com/CaMSSO4Gfb</a>
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The company added the vehicle landed within 1.5 kilometres (5,000 feet) of its intended landing site, “representing the furthest south any vehicle has been able to land on the Moon and establish communication with ground controllers.”

Odysseus is carrying six science and tech demonstration payloads with it, an endeavour backed by a $118 million contract with NASA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-three-previously-unknown-new-moons-around-uranus-and-neptune-693400" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-three-previously-unknown-new-moons-around-uranus-and-neptune-693400&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic_ejyzcmEAxVjhlYBHT09BMoQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Scientists discover three previously unknown new moons around Uranus and Neptune</a>

Odysseus also carried a few pieces of cargo from the private sector, including a work of art and a camera, called EagleCam, which was designed to pop off the lander and capture a “selfie” of the spacecraft during its final descent.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Odysseus spacecraft, the first private US Moon lander, on Monday (Feb 26) beamed new images back home as it rests on a rock after landing on its side. The vehicle touched down on the lunar surface on Thursday (Feb 22), prompting mixed reactions from its controllers.

The Odysseus spacecraft, the first private US Moon lander, on Monday (Feb 26) beamed new images back home as it rests on a rock after landing on its side. The vehicle touched down on the lunar surface on Thursday (Feb 22), prompting mixed reactions from its controllers. Grainy images shared by Intuitive Machines, the parent company of Odysseus, encompass the harrowing journey of the lander. The shaky landing ended up pointing the lander’s antennas in an unfavourable direction, making communication with the spaceship extremely challenging. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface × The company posted on X that it would lose contact with the lander Tuesday morning. Initially, the company had said the lander would operate on the lunar surface for eight to nine days. Also read: NASA posts intriguing image of `cat`s eye` in the sky “Flight controllers intend to collect data until the lander’s solar panels are no longer exposed to light,” the company said in the update posted on the social media platform X. “Based on Earth and Moon positioning, we believe flight controllers will continue to communicate with Odysseus until Tuesday morning.” One of the images shared by Odysseus was captured “approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site,” the company said in the post. Odysseus continues to communicate with flight controllers in Nova Control from the lunar surface. After understanding the end-to-end communication requirements, Odysseus sent images from the lunar surface of its vertical descent to its Malapert A landing site, representing the… pic.twitter.com/CuCkOVvBqu — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 26, 2024 × Odysseus captured this image approximately 35 seconds after pitching over during its approach to the landing site. The camera is on the starboard aft-side of the lander in this phase. 2/5 (26FEB2024 0745 CST) pic.twitter.com/oUcjk3bCqW — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 26, 2024 × Intuitive Machines also shared a picture captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, which has been circling the moon since 2009, showing the ill-fated spacecraft’s landing site. Images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team confirmed Odysseus completed its landing at 80.13°S and 1.44°E at a 2579 m elevation. After traveling more than 600,000 miles, Odysseus landed within 1.5 km of its intended Malapert A landing site, using a contingent… pic.twitter.com/CaMSSO4Gfb — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 26, 2024 × The company added the vehicle landed within 1.5 kilometres (5,000 feet) of its intended landing site, “representing the furthest south any vehicle has been able to land on the Moon and establish communication with ground controllers.” Odysseus is carrying six science and tech demonstration payloads with it, an endeavour backed by a $118 million contract with NASA. Also read: Scientists discover three previously unknown new moons around Uranus and Neptune Odysseus also carried a few pieces of cargo from the private sector, including a work of art and a camera, called EagleCam, which was designed to pop off the lander and capture a “selfie” of the spacecraft during its final descent. (With inputs from agencies)

Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark

New Horizons spacecraft made new and stunning observations which suggest that the Kuiper Belt might stretch much farther out than scientists previously thought.&nbsp;

The Kuiper Belt is the vast, distant outer zone of our solar system populated by hundreds of thousands of icy, rocky planetary building blocks.&nbsp;

New Horizons by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was the first spacecraft to explore Pluto up close, flying by the dwarf planet and its moons on July 14, 2015.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-where-is-point-nemo-on-earth-the-graveyard-for-satellites-and-spaceships-692298">Explained: Point Nemo on Earth, the graveyard for satellites and spaceships</a>&nbsp;

It made stunning observations when in 2019 it flew past its second major science target, Arrokoth (2014 MU69), which is the most distant object ever explored up close.&nbsp;

The New Horizons Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter (SDC) instrument sped through the outer edges of the Kuiper Belt, almost 60 times farther from the Sun than Earth.&nbsp;

A report by NASA mentioned that the instrument is detecting higher-than-expected levels of particles where dust ought to be thinning out.&nbsp;

The results were published in the February 1 issue of the Astrophysical Journal Letters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/enormously-hungry-black-hole-that-eats-370-suns-a-year-discovered-by-scientists-691853">Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe</a>&nbsp;

The readings defy scientific models that the Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) population and density of dust should start to decline a billion miles inside that distance.&nbsp;

It suggests that the outer edge of the main Kuiper Belt could extend billions of miles farther than current estimation.&nbsp;

As quoted by Nasa.gov, Alex Doner, the lead author of the paper and a physics graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder who serves as SDC lead, said: "New Horizons is making the first direct measurements of interplanetary dust far beyond Neptune and Pluto, so every observation could lead to a discovery." &nbsp;

"The idea that we might have detected an extended Kuiper Belt — with a whole new population of objects colliding and producing more dust – offers another clue in solving the mysteries of the solar system's most distant regions," he added.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

New Horizons spacecraft made new and stunning observations which suggest that the Kuiper Belt might stretch much farther out than scientists previously thought. The Kuiper Belt is the vast, distant outer zone of our solar system populated by hundreds of thousands of icy, rocky planetary building blocks.

New Horizons spacecraft made new and stunning observations which suggest that the Kuiper Belt might stretch much farther out than scientists previously thought. The Kuiper Belt is the vast, distant outer zone of our solar system populated by hundreds of thousands of icy, rocky planetary building blocks. New Horizons by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was the first spacecraft to explore Pluto up close, flying by the dwarf planet and its moons on July 14, 2015. Also read: Explained: Point Nemo on Earth, the graveyard for satellites and spaceships It made stunning observations when in 2019 it flew past its second major science target, Arrokoth (2014 MU69), which is the most distant object ever explored up close. The New Horizons Venetia Burney Student Dust Counter (SDC) instrument sped through the outer edges of the Kuiper Belt, almost 60 times farther from the Sun than Earth. A report by NASA mentioned that the instrument is detecting higher-than-expected levels of particles where dust ought to be thinning out. The results were published in the February 1 issue of the Astrophysical Journal Letters. Also read: Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe The readings defy scientific models that the Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) population and density of dust should start to decline a billion miles inside that distance. It suggests that the outer edge of the main Kuiper Belt could extend billions of miles farther than current estimation. As quoted by Nasa.gov, Alex Doner, the lead author of the paper and a physics graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder who serves as SDC lead, said: "New Horizons is making the first direct measurements of interplanetary dust far beyond Neptune and Pluto, so every observation could lead to a discovery." "The idea that we might have detected an extended Kuiper Belt — with a whole new population of objects colliding and producing more dust – offers another clue in solving the mysteries of the solar system's most distant regions," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

New Horizons observations suggest solar system might stretch farther out than we thought

Researchers have found that high levels of niacin, an essential B vitamin, could be directly linked with an increased risk of heart disease. The report, published in Nature Medicine, reveals that increased niacin level leads to high inflammation and damage to blood vessels.

Niacin is a vitamin&nbsp;commonly found in meat, fish, nuts, and fortified cereals and breads.

<h2>Unknown pathway discovered</h2>

Researchers found that the excess intake of niacin resulted in the production of a byproduct called 4PY. This metabolite reportedly plays a critical role in heart disease progression.

Since the western diet includes a lot of niacin intake, it was found to have elevated the levels of 4PY in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of 4PY have been directly linked with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other adverse cardiac events.

The scientists say the recommended daily dose of niacin for men is 16 milligrams per day and for women who are not pregnant is 14 milligrams per day. However, they are not yet able to draw a line between healthy and unhealthy levels of consumption of the vitamin.

According to Dr Stanley Hazen, chair of cardiovascular and metabolic sciences at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute and co-section head of preventive cardiology at the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, almost 25 per cent of Americans today have higher levels of niacin in their bloodstream.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1cWj18n27xrMY3bPE3gB4f" data-ved="2ahUKEwjYwt7_lrqEAxVjTWwGHbiAD0sQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heart-attack-claims-life-of-another-young-indian-19-year-old-collapses-mid-dance-in-gujarat-640260" jsname="YKoRaf">Heart attack claims life of another young Indian as 19-year-old collapses mid-dance in Gujarat</a>

"The average person should avoid niacin supplements now that we have reason to believe that taking too much niacin can potentially lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease,” Hazen was quoted as saying by NBC News.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

Hazen and colleagues analysed blood samples from 1,162 patients who wanted to have their heart disease evaluated. They looked for some common markers, factors and signs that contributed to the complicated heart conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0R1ba7-LJFSuarIVZwXQSY" data-ved="2ahUKEwjYwt7_lrqEAxVjTWwGHbiAD0sQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-silent-heart-attacks-linked-to-long-covid-wion-decodes-687662" jsname="YKoRaf">Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long Covid? WION decodes</a>

Then, two investigations were carried out, each in the US and Europe and it was found that the increased levels of niacin breakdown product, 4PY, led to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death.

The experiment was then performed on mice and they too showed similar results when injected with 4PY.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have found that high levels of niacin, an essential B vitamin, could be directly linked with an increased risk of heart disease. The report, published in Nature Medicine, reveals that increased niacin level leads to high inflammation and damage to blood vessels.

Researchers have found that high levels of niacin, an essential B vitamin, could be directly linked with an increased risk of heart disease. The report, published in Nature Medicine, reveals that increased niacin level leads to high inflammation and damage to blood vessels. Niacin is a vitamin commonly found in meat, fish, nuts, and fortified cereals and breads. Unknown pathway discovered Researchers found that the excess intake of niacin resulted in the production of a byproduct called 4PY. This metabolite reportedly plays a critical role in heart disease progression. Since the western diet includes a lot of niacin intake, it was found to have elevated the levels of 4PY in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of 4PY have been directly linked with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other adverse cardiac events. The scientists say the recommended daily dose of niacin for men is 16 milligrams per day and for women who are not pregnant is 14 milligrams per day. However, they are not yet able to draw a line between healthy and unhealthy levels of consumption of the vitamin. According to Dr Stanley Hazen, chair of cardiovascular and metabolic sciences at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute and co-section head of preventive cardiology at the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, almost 25 per cent of Americans today have higher levels of niacin in their bloodstream. Also read: Heart attack claims life of another young Indian as 19-year-old collapses mid-dance in Gujarat "The average person should avoid niacin supplements now that we have reason to believe that taking too much niacin can potentially lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease,” Hazen was quoted as saying by NBC News. How was the study conducted? Hazen and colleagues analysed blood samples from 1,162 patients who wanted to have their heart disease evaluated. They looked for some common markers, factors and signs that contributed to the complicated heart conditions. Also read: Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long Covid? WION decodes Then, two investigations were carried out, each in the US and Europe and it was found that the increased levels of niacin breakdown product, 4PY, led to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death. The experiment was then performed on mice and they too showed similar results when injected with 4PY. (With inputs from agencies)

High intake of niacin, essential B vitamin, linked to increased risk of heart disease: Study

If you find yourself stuck in a lightning storm, you better prefer soaking your head with rainwater to avoid the wrath of a deadly jolt. Scientists have revealed that dousing your head in rainwater might increase your chances of survival by a whopping 90 per cent by avoiding attracting lightning.

However, the scientists warned that the best scenario would be to not step outside in a lightning storm in the first place.&nbsp;

A team led by engineer René Machts of Ilmenau University of Technology in Germany wrote, "Our experiments on human head phantoms provide practical evidence for the theoretically postulated effect that rain-wet skin might have better lightning strike protective behaviour than dry skin."

<h2>How was the experiment conducted?</h2>

Lightning strikes are incredibly dangerous phenomena, capable of delivering currents exceeding 200 kiloamperes, which is significantly higher than the lethal threshold for humans.

Machts and his colleagues conducted the study to explore how surface moisture influences the path of lightning across a bare human head.

To conduct their research, they constructed two artificial human heads designed to replicate the electrical conductivity properties of real human skulls.

These synthetic heads were meticulously crafted based on CT scan data, consisting of a scalp, skull, and internal tissue volume. Carefully selected materials such as sodium chloride, water, graphite, and agarose were used to mimic the properties of human tissue.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report

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The next step involved placing the synthetic heads on electrode arrays. One head remained dry, while the other was sprayed with artificial rainwater to simulate wet skin conditions.

Both heads were then subjected to the maximum current available from a pulse generator, which was set at 42 kiloamperes. This experimental setup allowed the researchers to observe and analyse how surface moisture affects the behaviour of lightning when interacting with a human head.

<h2>Results</h2>

The wet head sustained fewer injuries than the dry one. The scientists also studied the so-called ‘surface flashover’ phenomenon on each head.

The surface flashover is a discharge path on the surface of the skin caused by a high voltage difference between the entry point and exit point of the current across the body.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2DUi3vAXfVFcXxrhoH7c1j" data-ved="2ahUKEwjQ9uyKibWEAxW7yzgGHT7RCX4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/feeling-february-heat-scientists-expect-record-breaking-temperatures-this-month-691232" jsname="YKoRaf">Feeling February heat? Scientists expect record-breaking temperatures this month</a>

The study found that significantly less current entered the body through the wet head. The energy that entered the brain cavity was 32.5 per cent lower for the wet head than the dry one.

Researchers added that the reduced current exposure to the brain amounted to an increased survival rate, by 70 to 90 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

If you find yourself stuck in a lightning storm, you better prefer soaking your head with rainwater to avoid the wrath of a deadly jolt. Scientists have revealed that dousing your head in rainwater might increase your chances of survival by a whopping 90 per cent by avoiding attracting lightning.

If you find yourself stuck in a lightning storm, you better prefer soaking your head with rainwater to avoid the wrath of a deadly jolt. Scientists have revealed that dousing your head in rainwater might increase your chances of survival by a whopping 90 per cent by avoiding attracting lightning. However, the scientists warned that the best scenario would be to not step outside in a lightning storm in the first place. A team led by engineer René Machts of Ilmenau University of Technology in Germany wrote, "Our experiments on human head phantoms provide practical evidence for the theoretically postulated effect that rain-wet skin might have better lightning strike protective behaviour than dry skin." How was the experiment conducted? Lightning strikes are incredibly dangerous phenomena, capable of delivering currents exceeding 200 kiloamperes, which is significantly higher than the lethal threshold for humans. Machts and his colleagues conducted the study to explore how surface moisture influences the path of lightning across a bare human head. To conduct their research, they constructed two artificial human heads designed to replicate the electrical conductivity properties of real human skulls. These synthetic heads were meticulously crafted based on CT scan data, consisting of a scalp, skull, and internal tissue volume. Carefully selected materials such as sodium chloride, water, graphite, and agarose were used to mimic the properties of human tissue. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report × The next step involved placing the synthetic heads on electrode arrays. One head remained dry, while the other was sprayed with artificial rainwater to simulate wet skin conditions. Both heads were then subjected to the maximum current available from a pulse generator, which was set at 42 kiloamperes. This experimental setup allowed the researchers to observe and analyse how surface moisture affects the behaviour of lightning when interacting with a human head. Results The wet head sustained fewer injuries than the dry one. The scientists also studied the so-called ‘surface flashover’ phenomenon on each head. The surface flashover is a discharge path on the surface of the skin caused by a high voltage difference between the entry point and exit point of the current across the body. Also read: Feeling February heat? Scientists expect record-breaking temperatures this month The study found that significantly less current entered the body through the wet head. The energy that entered the brain cavity was 32.5 per cent lower for the wet head than the dry one. Researchers added that the reduced current exposure to the brain amounted to an increased survival rate, by 70 to 90 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Drenching your head with rainwater during lightning storm increases survival chances by 90%: Study

Scientists have detected a debris cloud growing in a distant star system, suspected to be formed due to a collision between two exoplanets. According to the paper published in Nature, the discovery of the growing debris cloud adds evidence to the theory that newly-formed planets in circumstellar discs can collide sometimes.

Scientists have detected a debris cloud growing in a distant star system, suspected to be formed due to a collision between two exoplanets. According to the paper published in Nature, the discovery of the growing debris cloud adds evidence to the theory that newly-formed planets in circumstellar discs can collide sometimes. The study also gives insights into the violent past of our own Solar System during its infant stage. Astronomers studied a star system dubbed ASASSN-21qj, located 1,850 lightyears from Earth. A ground-based all-sky survey detected the star first in 2021. The survey looked for celestial bodies that changed their luminosities. ASASSN-21qj brightened evidently over a short period, specifically in infrared frequencies. Clouds of gas and dust block most frequencies of light. However, they allow infrared light to pass through, suggesting a sudden rise in the dust and debris around the star. ALSO READ | ‘Double the sample, double the fun’: NASA got double the amount of asteroid Bennu sample Astronomers believe a large-scale and violent impact might have occurred between two exoplanets in the far-away star system. Furthermore, they discovered a circumstellar disc around the star, where new planets form from the material left over after the formation of the star. About ASASSN-21qj ASASSN-21qj is a young star similar to Earth's Sun, born less than 300 million years ago. The star demonstrated an excess of brightness for 1,000 days. However, after that, the light from the star drastically dropped. Then, there was an eclipse that lasted 500 days. Scientists speculate that this brightening and the eclipsing of the star was due to a giant dust cloud formed by a collision between two exoplanets. They believe that the debris cloud contains icy particles. ALSO READ | Secrets of Earth’s lost past hidden in ancient volcanoes on Mars? Scientists suggest so... As the cloud continues to revolve around the star, it might cause further eclipses. The celestial bodies of our Solar System continue to bear evidence of its violent past even after 4.5 billion years ago. These evidences include Venus rotating opposite the other planets of the Solar System and Uranus having an unusual tint due to an ancient collision between two planets. Moreover, Earth's Moon is believed to have formed by an ancient planetesimal, an accretion of dust and ice particles in a rock-like formation, that struck Earth during the infant stages of our Solar System. (With inputs from agencies)

Debris cloud growing in a distant star system after massive collision between two exoplanets

Scientists have found some unexpected activity in the icy objects of the outer belt surrounding our solar system. Kuiper Belt is a remote, doughnut-shaped region encircling much of our solar system, inhabited by ice-clad worlds like Pluto (a dwarf planet).

Scientists have found some unexpected activity in the icy objects of the outer belt surrounding our solar system. Kuiper Belt is a remote, doughnut-shaped region encircling much of our solar system, inhabited by ice-clad worlds like Pluto (a dwarf planet). Scientists have yet to explore the little-known area. However, they believe that millions of "dead objects" orbit here. Using the James Webb Space Telescope to view some of these icy objects, astronomers found evidence that they might not be so dead after all. They trained the powerful telescope, which orbits one million miles from Earth, on Eris and Makemake, the two largest-known objects of the Kuiper Belt. It has specialised cameras that can detect different elements or molecules in distant worlds. According to the study published in the planetary science journal Icarus, the icy orbs and objects of the Kuiper Belt are preserved primordial relics of the early solar system. However, the frozen methane identified on the surfaces of Eris and Makamake shows that these molecules were recently "cooked up". ALSO READ | A shallow, salty lake in Canada may have an explanation for the origin of life on Earth The study suggests hot interiors below the icy surface, capable of pushing liquid or gas onto the crust. The relatively recent methane deposits suggest that these icy worlds could harbour oceans, like Jupiter's icy moon Europa. "We see some interesting signs of hot times in cool places," Christopher Glein, a scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, said in a statement. Glein, who has previously researched Saturn's geyser-shooting moon, Enceladus led the investigation into the Kuiper Belt objects. "Hot cores could also point to potential sources of liquid water beneath their icy surfaces," Glein explained. Scientists speculate that some of these frozen worlds, billions of miles away, could harbour conditions suitable for life. However, there has been no evidence for it. There has been no attempt yet to reach these cosmic frontiers closely. But NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond opened the researchers to a complex world of distinct topography, including glaciers and mountains made of water ice. "After the New Horizons flyby of the Pluto system, and with this discovery, the Kuiper Belt is turning out to be much more alive in terms of hosting dynamic worlds than we would have imagined," said Glein. "It's not too early to start thinking about sending a spacecraft to fly by another one of these bodies to place the JWST data into a geologic context. I believe that we will be stunned by the wonders that await!," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Frozen worlds in Kuiper Belt might be able to host life, new evidence suggests

A theory suggests that when life first emerged on Earth roughly four billion years ago, it looked like a volcanic landscape devoid of flora and fauna rather than an ocean setting.

A theory suggests that when life first emerged on Earth roughly four billion years ago, it looked like a volcanic landscape devoid of flora and fauna rather than an ocean setting. According to a study published in Nature, Last Chance Lake, a shallow, salty body of water on a volcanic rock in the Canadian province of British Columbia, holds a clue that carbonate-rich lakes in ancient Earth could have been the "cradle of life." David Catling, the study co-author and a professor of geosciences at the University of Washington, said, "We were able to look for the specific conditions that people use to synthesise the building blocks of life in nature. We think that we have a very promising place for the origin of life." The research team made the lake a point of study after a literature review unveiled an unpublished thesis from the 1990s, reporting high phosphate levels there. The Last Chance Lake, located on a volcanic plateau in British Columbia, is only a foot deep. It contains the highest levels of concentrated phosphate recorded in any natural body of water on Earth. Phosphate is a critical component of biological molecules, as the chemical compound contains the life-sustaining element phosphorus. RNA and DNA contain phosphate, and it's also present in ATP, a molecule necessary for energy production in all life forms. ALSO READ | ISRO successfully launches INSAT-3DS satellite, adds another feather in its cap According to Sebastian Haas, a postdoctoral researcher studying microbiology and chemistry of aquatic environments at the University of Washington, the abundance of phosphate at Last Chance Lake is over a thousand times more than what is typical for oceans or lakes. The research team visited Last Chance Lake to collect and analyse water and sediment samples between 2021 and 2022. They discovered that the lake has an abundance of phosphate and the mineral dolomite. Dolomite allows phosphorus to build in such an environment. "We are adding credibility to the idea that this environment would be favourable to the origin of life and is plausible," Haas said. However, Last Chance Lake wasn't four billion years old. It's estimated to have been around less than 10,000 years. Although the site is a natural snapshot of the past or a modern analogue, it offers scientists to understand what primordial Earth may have looked like outside of a lab. "There’ a every reason to believe that similar lakes would have occurred on the first land about 4 billion years ago, because the volcanic rocks that Last Chance Lake sits on are basically a prerequisite for forming soda lakes," Haas said. "And what we're partially showing here is that soda lake water chemistry is the prerequisite for these high phosphate levels." (With inputs from agencies)

A shallow, salty lake in Canada may have an explanation for the origin of life on Earth

A man walking his dog found a bone, which turned out to be a 70-million-year-old dinosaur bone from a near-complete dinosaur fossil. Damien Boschetto, a 25-year-old man in France, came across a bone two years ago while walking his dog in a forest near Montouliers.

A man walking his dog found a bone, which turned out to be a 70-million-year-old dinosaur bone from a near-complete dinosaur fossil. Damien Boschetto, a 25-year-old man in France, came across a bone two years ago while walking his dog in a forest near Montouliers. He reported his discovery to local researchers at the Cultural, Archaeological and Paleontological Association (ACAP) in Cruzy. They found that the bone was part of a 30-foot-long-fossilised titanosaur. This dinosaur walked the land over 70 million years ago. "It happened one morning like any other, during an ordinary walk," Boschetto told local news FranceBleu. "While walking the dog, a landslide on the edge of the cliff exposed the bones of various skeletons. They were fallen bones, therefore isolated. We realised after a few days of excavations that they were connected bones," he added. The researchers discovered that the fossils were around 70 per cent complete. It belonged to the Titanosaur family of dinosaurs that roamed on Earth during the Cretaceous period. ALSO READ | 'Future of surgery' and space medicine: Surgeons successfully perform remote-controlled surgery on ISS Titanosaurs included the brachiosaurus and diplodocus dinosaurs. They were massive creatures with a long neck and are believed to be the largest land animals to have ever existed. Moreover, they were herbivores who could reach up to 100 feet or above with their elongated necks and tails. "They probably all died at the same time, in a flash flood," Boschetto said. "We see traces of crocodile or carnivore bites." These dinosaurs had a sturdy vertebrae. It allowed them to reach towering heights while grazing on vegetation. Palaeontologists kept this discovery a secret for two years. They were worried that people would come to the site and damage the bones. Volunteers at the ACAP slowly extracted the titanosaur fossil, which has been taken to the museum in Cruzy recently. "In France, in the Upper Cretaceous, it is very rare, to find this, he [Boschetto] had to have the 'eye.' Some have passed for 30 years, they have not seen this site," the museum's founder, Francis Fage, said. "It is a flagship piece for the general public, to be able to admire a dinosaur in automatic connection like that," he said. Ever since the discovery, Boschetto has quit his job in the energy sector and intends to pursue a master's degree in palaeontology. (With inputs from agencies)

A man found a bone while walking his dog. What he discovered next was 'pre-historic'

Researchers are hopeful that a blood test could soon enable doctors to predict dementia in patients more than a decade before it is formally identified. The hopes were raised after scientists detected biological markers linked to dementia in blood samples collected from 50,000 healthy individuals in the UK.

The scientists were able to identify patterns of four proteins that indicated the emergence of dementia in patients of older age.

Overall, the protein profiles enabled scientists to predict dementia in patients with a remarkable 90 per cent accuracy. “We hope to develop this as a screening kit that can be used in the NHS,” said Prof Jianfeng Feng, who holds posts at the University of Warwick and Fudan University in China.

<h2>Why is this significant?</h2>

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of blood tests in identifying individuals at risk of developing dementia. Armed with this knowledge, doctors could prioritise certain patients for further evaluations, including comprehensive diagnostic testing for Alzheimer's disease.

Early confirmation of the disease is essential for patients to benefit from two new Alzheimer's drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, currently under review by the UK medicines regulator.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will assess the cost-effectiveness of these drugs before considering their availability through the NHS.

Watch:&nbsp;UK based JET lab achieves historic nuclear fusion breakthrough

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While lecanemab has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and donanemab's approval is imminent, European regulators are still evaluating both medications.

<h2>Concerns over use of the drugs</h2>

Lecanemab, a synthetic antibody therapy developed by Biogen in the US and Eisai in Japan, gained attention in 2022 for its ability to slow Alzheimer's progression. However, concerns have also been raised by doctors and medical charities regarding the readiness of healthcare services to administer such treatments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1XMcB-U64uk6rQZe9UcHxU" data-ved="2ahUKEwj8ncvrsaaEAxUITmwGHcFNCPMQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/frequently-nose-picking-leading-cause-of-progressive-dementia-study-687765" jsname="YKoRaf">Frequent nose-picking leading cause of progressive dementia: Study</a>

To be eligible for lecanemab or donanemab, patients must have early-stage Alzheimer's and undergo a lumbar puncture or PET scan to confirm the presence of amyloid protein in the brain, a characteristic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

However, Alzheimer's Research UK estimates that only two per cent of eligible patients undergo such testing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers are hopeful that a blood test could soon enable doctors to predict dementia in patients more than a decade before it is formally identified. The hopes were raised after scientists detected biological markers linked to dementia in blood samples collected from 50,000 healthy individuals in the UK.

Researchers are hopeful that a blood test could soon enable doctors to predict dementia in patients more than a decade before it is formally identified. The hopes were raised after scientists detected biological markers linked to dementia in blood samples collected from 50,000 healthy individuals in the UK. The scientists were able to identify patterns of four proteins that indicated the emergence of dementia in patients of older age. Overall, the protein profiles enabled scientists to predict dementia in patients with a remarkable 90 per cent accuracy. “We hope to develop this as a screening kit that can be used in the NHS,” said Prof Jianfeng Feng, who holds posts at the University of Warwick and Fudan University in China. Why is this significant? Recent studies have highlighted the potential of blood tests in identifying individuals at risk of developing dementia. Armed with this knowledge, doctors could prioritise certain patients for further evaluations, including comprehensive diagnostic testing for Alzheimer's disease. Early confirmation of the disease is essential for patients to benefit from two new Alzheimer's drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, currently under review by the UK medicines regulator. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will assess the cost-effectiveness of these drugs before considering their availability through the NHS. Watch: UK based JET lab achieves historic nuclear fusion breakthrough × While lecanemab has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and donanemab's approval is imminent, European regulators are still evaluating both medications. Concerns over use of the drugs Lecanemab, a synthetic antibody therapy developed by Biogen in the US and Eisai in Japan, gained attention in 2022 for its ability to slow Alzheimer's progression. However, concerns have also been raised by doctors and medical charities regarding the readiness of healthcare services to administer such treatments. Also read: Frequent nose-picking leading cause of progressive dementia: Study To be eligible for lecanemab or donanemab, patients must have early-stage Alzheimer's and undergo a lumbar puncture or PET scan to confirm the presence of amyloid protein in the brain, a characteristic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. However, Alzheimer's Research UK estimates that only two per cent of eligible patients undergo such testing. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists close to developing blood test for detecting dementia a decade early

A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity.

NASA had selected Collins Aerospace to do the job of creating the new design that would replace the currently used spacesuit. For last two decades, the astronauts have been using an extravehicular mobility unit to assemble and maintain the ISS.

The new spacesuits are expected to further advance astronauts’ spacewalking outside the ISS, which will remain operational at least till 2030.

<h2>Why new spacesuits are required?</h2>

The new spacesuits would be advanced as well as more efficient than the current ones. They would be durable and require less maintenance.

The test was conducted in an artificially created microgravity environment aboard an aircraft. During the brief period of weightlessness, the astronaut performed several roller-coaster-like manoeuvres, demonstrating the features and practicality of the new suits.

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This helped the researchers to assess the viability of the suits without needing to go into space.

<h2>What next?</h2>

Collins Aerospace has said it will continue testing the new ‘next-gen’ spacesuit in a space-like environment.

The next-gen suit would also be tested at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – a 40-foot deep pool at the Johnson Space Center in Houston which simulates a microgravity environment for astronaut spacewalk training.

Watch:&nbsp;All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds &amp; oceans

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Notably, this is one of two suits being developed by NASA with hopes to support station maintenance and operations.

“With a new spacesuit, we can address some of the current obsolescence issues with the EMU and take advantage of all the new technologies that are available to us now that weren’t available 50 years ago, such as improved mobility and technological innovations in life support systems,” NASA had said last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity.

A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity. NASA had selected Collins Aerospace to do the job of creating the new design that would replace the currently used spacesuit. For last two decades, the astronauts have been using an extravehicular mobility unit to assemble and maintain the ISS. The new spacesuits are expected to further advance astronauts’ spacewalking outside the ISS, which will remain operational at least till 2030. Why new spacesuits are required? The new spacesuits would be advanced as well as more efficient than the current ones. They would be durable and require less maintenance. The test was conducted in an artificially created microgravity environment aboard an aircraft. During the brief period of weightlessness, the astronaut performed several roller-coaster-like manoeuvres, demonstrating the features and practicality of the new suits. Also read: NASA launches airborne assault to combat pollution in Asia This helped the researchers to assess the viability of the suits without needing to go into space. What next? Collins Aerospace has said it will continue testing the new ‘next-gen’ spacesuit in a space-like environment. The next-gen suit would also be tested at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – a 40-foot deep pool at the Johnson Space Center in Houston which simulates a microgravity environment for astronaut spacewalk training. Watch: All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds & oceans × Notably, this is one of two suits being developed by NASA with hopes to support station maintenance and operations. “With a new spacesuit, we can address some of the current obsolescence issues with the EMU and take advantage of all the new technologies that are available to us now that weren’t available 50 years ago, such as improved mobility and technological innovations in life support systems,” NASA had said last year. (With inputs from agencies)

US: First next-gen spacesuit passes crucial NASA test, will be used by astronauts outside space station

A secret moon might be the reason behind the mysterious rings around a space rock. According to the research published in The Planetary Science Journal, scientists have found that a tiny, unseen moonlet might be shepherding a pair of gossamer rings around Chariklo, a minor planet orbiting the Sun in the space between Jupiter and Neptune.

A secret moon might be the reason behind the mysterious rings around a space rock. According to the research published in The Planetary Science Journal, scientists have found that a tiny, unseen moonlet might be shepherding a pair of gossamer rings around Chariklo, a minor planet orbiting the Sun in the space between Jupiter and Neptune. Chariklo is 250 kilometres (155 miles) in diameter and is the only known centaur with rings. It has not one, but two rings. However, researchers are still figuring out how asteroids maintain rings. Scientists have found that moonlets might be the plausible explanation behind the rings. Amanda Sickafoose of the Planetary Science Institute told Science Alert, "Rings around minor planets have only been recently discovered, and only a small number of such systems are currently known." She added, "There has been significant research into the dazzling rings around the giant planets; however, the mechanisms of ring formation and evolution around small objects are not well understood. We've shown that one of the possibilities for thin rings to exist around small bodies is that a small satellite is sculpting them." ALSO READ | Scientists reveal heat can behave like sound in superfluid Sickafoose and her colleague, computer scientist Mark Lewis of Trinity University, found that a single tiny moon as small as one kilometre in diameter can maintain gossamer rings like Chariklo. Chariklo has two rings that are very close to a distance to it, known as the Roche limit. Another factor favouring the moonlet theory is that a small moon can keep the ring perturbed enough to stay. "Planetary rings will naturally spread or disperse over time. Chariklo exhibits two thin rings, a few kilometres in width. In order for the rings to stay this thin, there needs to be a mechanism to confine the material and prevent it from dispersing," Sickafoose said. However, Chariklo is tiny and far away. Thus, scientists cannot gather more information about Chariklo until and unless they send out a mission to get a bit closer. There might be some indirect way of figuring out whether or not there's a moonlet orbiting the asteroid-like chunk of rock and maintaining its rings. "We show this in the paper by simulating a Chariklo-like ring system that does not have a satellite, and we find that the width of the rings increases linearly with time. It is unlike the situation when there is a satellite in resonance with the ring material, which acts to confine the rings into the kilometre-sized widths that are observed," Sickafoose mentioned. The researchers are still finding the composition of these rings. There's a high probability that ice accounts for quite a substantial proportion. However, it's unclear how massive the particles are or how they interact. (With inputs from agencies)

A secret moon may be responsible for mysterious rings surrounding a celestial rock

Scientists have revealed that in some exotic states of matter, heat can behave like sound and bounce back and forth. The phenomenon is not new and is known as “second sound.” But the scientists at MIT have for the first time captured the images of the ‘second sound’.

The images show how heat can move like sound waves when generated within a superfluid, a state of matter where atoms flow without any friction. The physicists found that heat and matter can “slosh” against each other, creating oscillations similar to sound waves.

Richard Fletcher, an assistant professor of physics at MIT and a study co-author, was quoted as saying in media reports, “It’s as if you had a tank of water and made one half nearly boiling.”

“If you then watched, the water itself might look totally calm, but suddenly the other side is hot, and then the other side is hot, and the heat goes back and forth, while the water looks still,” he added.

<h2>Significance</h2>

The study, published in Science, can help physicists ascertain how heat behaves in superfluids and other related materials, such as superconductors and neutron stars.

“There are strong connections between our puff of gas, which is a million times thinner than air, and the behaviour of electrons in high-temperature superconductors, and even neutrons in ultradense neutron stars,” says Martin Zwierlein, the Thomas A Frank, Professor of Physics at MIT and the leader of the research team.

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“Now we can probe pristinely the temperature response of our system, which teaches us about things that are very difficult to understand or even reach,” he adds.

<h2>How was the experiment conducted?</h2>

The scientists used a cluster of lithium-6 atoms, fermions that typically repel each other. By chilling the atoms close to absolute zero and implementing a magnetic field, they prompted the atoms to pair up and generate a superfluid.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller

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Employing a laser beam, they generated a hot spot within the superfluid and employed another laser beam to capture the resulting heat patterns.

Their observations revealed that the heat patterns exhibited periodic motion similar to sound waves but were out of sync with the matter waves, indicating oscillation in opposite directions for heat and matter. This phenomenon, known as second sound, differs from ordinary sound where heat and matter move together.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have revealed that in some exotic states of matter, heat can behave like sound and bounce back and forth. The phenomenon is not new and is known as “second sound.

Scientists have revealed that in some exotic states of matter, heat can behave like sound and bounce back and forth. The phenomenon is not new and is known as “second sound.” But the scientists at MIT have for the first time captured the images of the ‘second sound’. The images show how heat can move like sound waves when generated within a superfluid, a state of matter where atoms flow without any friction. The physicists found that heat and matter can “slosh” against each other, creating oscillations similar to sound waves. Richard Fletcher, an assistant professor of physics at MIT and a study co-author, was quoted as saying in media reports, “It’s as if you had a tank of water and made one half nearly boiling.” “If you then watched, the water itself might look totally calm, but suddenly the other side is hot, and then the other side is hot, and the heat goes back and forth, while the water looks still,” he added. Significance The study, published in Science, can help physicists ascertain how heat behaves in superfluids and other related materials, such as superconductors and neutron stars. “There are strong connections between our puff of gas, which is a million times thinner than air, and the behaviour of electrons in high-temperature superconductors, and even neutrons in ultradense neutron stars,” says Martin Zwierlein, the Thomas A Frank, Professor of Physics at MIT and the leader of the research team. Also read: Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand “Now we can probe pristinely the temperature response of our system, which teaches us about things that are very difficult to understand or even reach,” he adds. How was the experiment conducted? The scientists used a cluster of lithium-6 atoms, fermions that typically repel each other. By chilling the atoms close to absolute zero and implementing a magnetic field, they prompted the atoms to pair up and generate a superfluid. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller × Employing a laser beam, they generated a hot spot within the superfluid and employed another laser beam to capture the resulting heat patterns. Their observations revealed that the heat patterns exhibited periodic motion similar to sound waves but were out of sync with the matter waves, indicating oscillation in opposite directions for heat and matter. This phenomenon, known as second sound, differs from ordinary sound where heat and matter move together. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists reveal heat can behave like sound in superfluid

Newly forming exoplanets might be oblate instead of spherical, a new study suggests. According to a team of researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), young planets turned out to be oblate spheroids, similar to Smarties which in the UK and Europe are oblate spheroid-shaped disks of chocolate covered with colourful hard candy shells.

Newly forming exoplanets might be oblate instead of spherical, a new study suggests. According to a team of researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), young planets turned out to be oblate spheroids, similar to Smarties which in the UK and Europe are oblate spheroid-shaped disks of chocolate covered with colourful hard candy shells. In India, there's a similar candy named "Gems." The research team used computer simulations to model the shapes of planets in dense gas disks around young stars. They compared these models to observations and found that young planets took some unexpected shapes. "We have been studying planet formation for a long time, but never before had we thought to check the shape of the planets as they form in the simulations. We had always assumed that they were spherical," said team member Dimitris Stamatellos, an astrophysicist at UCLan. Astronomers have discovered over 5,000 exoplanets to date. However, they're still studying the sequence of events leading to their formation and early evolution. ALSO READ | Jellyfish with possibly venomous bright red cross and 240 tentacles found near remote deep-sea volcano Initially, the UCLan team observed the gas giants and focused on the shapes of these planets. Some of these were more massive than our solar system. According to the standard planet formation theory, the growth happens gradually as dust particles stick together to form progressively larger and larger objects over long periods. This favoured model of planet formation is called "core accretion." However, planets can arise in shorter timescales when larger rotating protoplanetary disks around young stars split into pieces. This "disk instability" method appears to give more credibility to the less favoured theory. "This [disk instability] theory is appealing due to the fact that large planets can form very quickly at large distances from their host star, explaining some exoplanet observations," said UCLan's Adam Fenton. Why Do Exoplanets Take The Shape Of Oblate Spheroids? According to the team's model, newly forming planets are oblate spheroid-shaped because when any material falls onto them, it goes primarily to their poles. The research team concluded that the impression of young exoplanets from Earth might differ depending on how these planets are angled. An exoplanet might appear spherical if Earth is directed "face on." However, when seen "on edge," a young exoplanet would appear oblate. Observing young planets, usually surrounded by gas and dust clouds, has become feasible only recently due to advanced telescopes like the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) and the Very Large Telescope (VLT). These telescopes could provide evidence to support the Smarties theory. (With inputs from agencies)

Young exoplanets might be oblate in shape like 'Smarties' rather than spherical. Study shows why

Scientists have discovered a 350 million-year-old tree species that looks straight out of “Dr Seuss’s imagination” and appears different from any of those found on Earth today. The unique 3D crown-shaped tree was discovered during research on a fossilised tree species called Sanfordiacaulis from New Brunswick, Canada. It is believed that the species thrived under the taller members of the forest canopy.

“The way in which this tree produced hugely long leaves around its spindly trunk, and the sheer number over a short length of trunk, is startling,” Robert Gastaldo of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, was quoted as saying by the Independent.

“The fossil on which we report is unique and a strange growth form in the history of life. It is one of evolution’s experiments during a time when forest plants underwent biodiversification, and it is a form that seems to be short-lived,” he added.

<h2>‘Absolutely unique’</h2>

One specimen showcased a startling departure of leaves from the tree's top, making it "absolutely unique." Researchers note it's among the rare instances, spanning over 400 million years of fossil records, where a trunk is preserved around which the crown leaves are still attached.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0R527g7O95OTB4nsrnzR1h" data-ved="2ahUKEwiXluL9k5SEAxUNslYBHXw-Bq4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-the-first-telescope-that-may-find-alien-life-on-exoplanets-686877" jsname="YKoRaf">Scientists identify first telescope that may find alien life on exoplanets</a>

Another remarkable aspect is the preservation of the crown leaf in these ancient tree fossils. "Any fossil tree with an intact crown is a rarity in the history of life," remarked Gastaldo.

<h2>The tree optimised itself for light capture</h2>

The researchers propose that the tree likely employed its distinctive growth pattern to optimise light capture and minimise competition with ground-level plants. They suggest it represents the earliest evidence of smaller trees growing beneath a taller forest canopy, indicating a more complex plant life during the Early Carboniferous period.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report

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This finding suggests that Sanfordiacaulis existed during a time when plants were exploring various forms or architectures. Scientists note these fossils serve as a reminder of the unconventional trees that existed millions of years ago.

“Rare and unusual fossils, such as the New Brunswick tree, is but one example of what colonised our planet but was an unsuccessful experiment,” Gastaldo concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have discovered a 350 million-year-old tree species that looks straight out of “Dr Seuss’s imagination” and appears different from any of those found on Earth today.

Scientists have discovered a 350 million-year-old tree species that looks straight out of “Dr Seuss’s imagination” and appears different from any of those found on Earth today. The unique 3D crown-shaped tree was discovered during research on a fossilised tree species called Sanfordiacaulis from New Brunswick, Canada. It is believed that the species thrived under the taller members of the forest canopy. “The way in which this tree produced hugely long leaves around its spindly trunk, and the sheer number over a short length of trunk, is startling,” Robert Gastaldo of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, was quoted as saying by the Independent. “The fossil on which we report is unique and a strange growth form in the history of life. It is one of evolution’s experiments during a time when forest plants underwent biodiversification, and it is a form that seems to be short-lived,” he added. ‘Absolutely unique’ One specimen showcased a startling departure of leaves from the tree's top, making it "absolutely unique." Researchers note it's among the rare instances, spanning over 400 million years of fossil records, where a trunk is preserved around which the crown leaves are still attached. Also read: Scientists identify first telescope that may find alien life on exoplanets Another remarkable aspect is the preservation of the crown leaf in these ancient tree fossils. "Any fossil tree with an intact crown is a rarity in the history of life," remarked Gastaldo. The tree optimised itself for light capture The researchers propose that the tree likely employed its distinctive growth pattern to optimise light capture and minimise competition with ground-level plants. They suggest it represents the earliest evidence of smaller trees growing beneath a taller forest canopy, indicating a more complex plant life during the Early Carboniferous period. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report × This finding suggests that Sanfordiacaulis existed during a time when plants were exploring various forms or architectures. Scientists note these fossils serve as a reminder of the unconventional trees that existed millions of years ago. “Rare and unusual fossils, such as the New Brunswick tree, is but one example of what colonised our planet but was an unsuccessful experiment,” Gastaldo concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover ‘absolutely unique’ 350-million-year-old ‘alien’ tree in Canada

In a path-breaking scientific endeavour, researchers have created the world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that behaves like a natural brain tissue. This is being considered a major leap towards the development of advanced solutions to neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

This will greatly aid research programmes for scientists specially focused on treatments for a broad range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

“This could be a hugely powerful model to help us understand how brain cells and parts of the brain communicate in humans,” Su-Chun Zhang, professor of neuroscience and neurology at UW–Madison’s Waisman Center, was quoted as saying by Neuroscience.

“It could change the way we look at stem cell biology, neuroscience, and the pathogenesis of many neurological and psychiatric disorders,” he added.

<h2>Innovative approach</h2>

The 3D printer employed by scientists here ditched the traditional approach in favour of stacking layers horizontally. They situated brain cells, neurons grown from induced pluripotent stem cells, in a softer “bio-ink” gel than previous attempts had employed.

Watch:&nbsp;Are brain implants the future of computing?&nbsp;

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“The tissue still has enough structure to hold together but it is soft enough to allow the neurons to grow into each other and start talking to each other,” Zhang added.

Yuanwei Yan, a scientist in Zhang’s lab, said the tissues stayed relatively thin, which allowed the neurons to easily access oxygen and enough nutrients from the growth media.

<h2>Communication between neurons</h2>

The neurons communicate with each other, send signals and interact through neurotransmitters, and even form proper networks with support cells that were added to the printed tissue.

“We printed the cerebral cortex and the striatum and what we found was quite striking,” Zhang said. “Even when we printed different cells belonging to different parts of the brain, they were still able to talk to each other in a very special and specific way,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3lbkgzaVFGujw63EMYp4LE" data-ved="2ahUKEwiNztL0zZGEAxU4ZWwGHesNDFgQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-neuralink-installs-wireless-brain-chip-for-first-time-in-human-685001" jsname="YKoRaf">Elon Musk announces first brain implant in a human patient by Neuralink</a>

As per experts, the printing technique offers an advanced level of precision not seen in other approaches, including brain organoids, miniature organs used to study brains. The technique offers control over the types as well as arrangements of cells, with proper organisation and control.&nbsp;

This provides scientists with flexibility in their research endeavours, which paves the way for radical advancements in the field.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a path-breaking scientific endeavour, researchers have created the world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that behaves like a natural brain tissue. This is being considered a major leap towards the development of advanced solutions to neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

In a path-breaking scientific endeavour, researchers have created the world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that behaves like a natural brain tissue. This is being considered a major leap towards the development of advanced solutions to neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. This will greatly aid research programmes for scientists specially focused on treatments for a broad range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. “This could be a hugely powerful model to help us understand how brain cells and parts of the brain communicate in humans,” Su-Chun Zhang, professor of neuroscience and neurology at UW–Madison’s Waisman Center, was quoted as saying by Neuroscience. “It could change the way we look at stem cell biology, neuroscience, and the pathogenesis of many neurological and psychiatric disorders,” he added. Innovative approach The 3D printer employed by scientists here ditched the traditional approach in favour of stacking layers horizontally. They situated brain cells, neurons grown from induced pluripotent stem cells, in a softer “bio-ink” gel than previous attempts had employed. Watch: Are brain implants the future of computing? × “The tissue still has enough structure to hold together but it is soft enough to allow the neurons to grow into each other and start talking to each other,” Zhang added. Yuanwei Yan, a scientist in Zhang’s lab, said the tissues stayed relatively thin, which allowed the neurons to easily access oxygen and enough nutrients from the growth media. Communication between neurons The neurons communicate with each other, send signals and interact through neurotransmitters, and even form proper networks with support cells that were added to the printed tissue. “We printed the cerebral cortex and the striatum and what we found was quite striking,” Zhang said. “Even when we printed different cells belonging to different parts of the brain, they were still able to talk to each other in a very special and specific way,” he added. Also read: Elon Musk announces first brain implant in a human patient by Neuralink As per experts, the printing technique offers an advanced level of precision not seen in other approaches, including brain organoids, miniature organs used to study brains. The technique offers control over the types as well as arrangements of cells, with proper organisation and control. This provides scientists with flexibility in their research endeavours, which paves the way for radical advancements in the field. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists develop world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that functions like human brain

The quest for alien life in outer space is going to take an exciting turn in the upcoming decade with a due major advancement: The introduction of advanced, next-generation telescopes. A new study, published in the Astronomical Journal, reveals how the search for life on exoplanets is going to get super interesting.&nbsp;

Using these Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs), scientists will focus on 10 rocky exoplanets, particularly for bio-signatures such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. The existence of all these elements suggests the presence of life on a planet.&nbsp;

<h2>The focus of the study</h2>

The study says the ELTs can help space enthusiasts solve the mysteries of two nearby exoplanets: Proxima Centauri b and GJ 887 b. These two are ‘Super-Earth’ planets, bigger than Earth in size but smaller than Neptune.

According to experts, the introduction of ELTs is going to be promising and result-oriented; however, they caution that not every planet is best suited for direct imaging.

“Not every planet is suitable for direct imaging, but that’s why simulations give us a rough idea of what the ELTs would have delivered and the promises they’re meant to hold when they are built,” Huihao Zhang, a senior in astronomy at Ohio State, was quoted as saying by Space.com.

<h2>The telescopes</h2>

The study included the viability of the European Extremely Large Telescope, the Thirty-Metre-Telescope, and the Giant Magellan Telescope and their ability to directly image exoplanets.

The direct imaging of exoplanets involves sophisticated techniques aimed at overcoming the overwhelming brightness of their host stars. One such method utilises a coronagraph or starshade to physically block out the intense light emanating from the host star, thereby allowing astronomers to capture the faint light reflected or emitted by the orbiting exoplanet.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA Chief says Aliens exist

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However, despite its potential, this approach presents formidable challenges and requires significant time and effort to execute successfully.&nbsp;

<h2>Detecting the atmosphere of exoplanets</h2>

Not just the bio-signatures, the ELTs can also help scientists observe the atmosphere of the exoplanets. The Mid-Infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS) and the High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph (HARMONI) are the two instruments on board the ELT that can analyse the atmosphere.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1cqLK3LUnfNx6cJ4X6oA8a" data-ved="2ahUKEwjMi5ylwpGEAxUXSmwGHU9lB9UQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-close-to-finding-alien-ruins-everywhere-ex-us-pilot-claims-after-speaking-to-aliens-686061" jsname="YKoRaf">Humans close to finding 'alien ruins' everywhere, ex-US pilot claims after 'speaking' to aliens</a>

METIS were able to detect the aforementioned bio-signature gases in its atmosphere. In the simulations conducted in the study, METIS also could detect the same biosignatures on exoplanets Proxima b and Wolf 1061c, while HARMONI was able to make the same detections but required longer exposure times to do so.

(With inputs from agencies)

The quest for alien life in outer space is going to take an exciting turn in the upcoming decade with a due major advancement: The introduction of advanced, next-generation telescopes.

The quest for alien life in outer space is going to take an exciting turn in the upcoming decade with a due major advancement: The introduction of advanced, next-generation telescopes. A new study, published in the Astronomical Journal, reveals how the search for life on exoplanets is going to get super interesting. Using these Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs), scientists will focus on 10 rocky exoplanets, particularly for bio-signatures such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. The existence of all these elements suggests the presence of life on a planet. The focus of the study The study says the ELTs can help space enthusiasts solve the mysteries of two nearby exoplanets: Proxima Centauri b and GJ 887 b. These two are ‘Super-Earth’ planets, bigger than Earth in size but smaller than Neptune. According to experts, the introduction of ELTs is going to be promising and result-oriented; however, they caution that not every planet is best suited for direct imaging. “Not every planet is suitable for direct imaging, but that’s why simulations give us a rough idea of what the ELTs would have delivered and the promises they’re meant to hold when they are built,” Huihao Zhang, a senior in astronomy at Ohio State, was quoted as saying by Space.com. The telescopes The study included the viability of the European Extremely Large Telescope, the Thirty-Metre-Telescope, and the Giant Magellan Telescope and their ability to directly image exoplanets. The direct imaging of exoplanets involves sophisticated techniques aimed at overcoming the overwhelming brightness of their host stars. One such method utilises a coronagraph or starshade to physically block out the intense light emanating from the host star, thereby allowing astronomers to capture the faint light reflected or emitted by the orbiting exoplanet. Watch: NASA Chief says Aliens exist × However, despite its potential, this approach presents formidable challenges and requires significant time and effort to execute successfully. Detecting the atmosphere of exoplanets Not just the bio-signatures, the ELTs can also help scientists observe the atmosphere of the exoplanets. The Mid-Infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS) and the High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph (HARMONI) are the two instruments on board the ELT that can analyse the atmosphere. Also read: Humans close to finding 'alien ruins' everywhere, ex-US pilot claims after 'speaking' to aliens METIS were able to detect the aforementioned bio-signature gases in its atmosphere. In the simulations conducted in the study, METIS also could detect the same biosignatures on exoplanets Proxima b and Wolf 1061c, while HARMONI was able to make the same detections but required longer exposure times to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists identify first telescope that may find alien life on exoplanets

A potential ‘hazardous’ asteroid six times wider than the height of Delhi’s Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in the world, is expected to pass our home planet on Friday (Feb 2). The asteroid, named 2008 OS7 is believed to be between 690 and 1,570 feet in width, and as wide as the Empire State building in New York.

The asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of around 1.77 million miles. To put things into perspective, our planetary neighbour Venus fares around 38 million miles away from Earth at the closest point. Also, the Moon revolves around 240,000 miles away from Earth.

While moving by the Earth, the asteroid will cruise at the speed of 18.2km per second and will make its closest flyby in the afternoon of February 2.

<h2>What are Near Earth Objects (NEO) and potentially hazardous asteroids (PHA)?&nbsp;</h2>

Asteroids, remnants of the solar system's formation, are majorly found in the Asteroid Belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. While many are small, some, like Ceres, boast significant size, stretching approximately 600 miles across. Periodically, either through Jupiter's gravitational pull or collisions, these celestial bodies stray into the inner solar system, hurtling past Earth.

Watch:&nbsp;Earth braces for a close encounter with five colossal asteroids this week

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One such asteroid, 2008 OS7, falls under the classification of both a "Near Earth Object" (NEO) and a "potentially hazardous asteroid" (PHA) due to its size and proximity to Earth. NEOs are those within 30 million miles of Earth, encompassing around 31,000 objects within the solar system. PHAs, however, lie even closer, within 4.6 million miles, and exceed 460 feet in diameter. NASA currently monitors approximately 2,350 PHAs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1Tjm7lA8ZWqJImBr42AOsi" data-ved="2ahUKEwjuvZrA14qEAxXyxjgGHWMMAW4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-organic-matter-in-distant-asteroid-may-be-hiding-origins-of-life-685513" jsname="YKoRaf">Scientists say `organic matter` in distant asteroid may be hiding `origins of life`</a>

"A potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) is one that has an orbit intersecting the Earth's orbit around the Sun by less than 0.05 astronomical units (1 AU is the distance to the Sun), that's just over 4.5 million miles. It also has to have an absolute brightness of 22.0 or less (lower values of the magnitude are brighter = larger objects), ie. an asteroid (or comet) that would cause significant regional damage if it hit the Earth," Martin Barstow, a professor of astrophysics and space science at the University of Leicester in the UK, was quoted as saying by Newsweek.&nbsp;

"Not all NEOs are potentially hazardous, but all hazardous objects are NEOs," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A potential ‘hazardous’ asteroid six times wider than the height of Delhi’s Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in the world, is expected to pass our home planet on Friday (Feb 2).

A potential ‘hazardous’ asteroid six times wider than the height of Delhi’s Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret in the world, is expected to pass our home planet on Friday (Feb 2). The asteroid, named 2008 OS7 is believed to be between 690 and 1,570 feet in width, and as wide as the Empire State building in New York. The asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of around 1.77 million miles. To put things into perspective, our planetary neighbour Venus fares around 38 million miles away from Earth at the closest point. Also, the Moon revolves around 240,000 miles away from Earth. While moving by the Earth, the asteroid will cruise at the speed of 18.2km per second and will make its closest flyby in the afternoon of February 2. What are Near Earth Objects (NEO) and potentially hazardous asteroids (PHA)? Asteroids, remnants of the solar system's formation, are majorly found in the Asteroid Belt situated between Mars and Jupiter. While many are small, some, like Ceres, boast significant size, stretching approximately 600 miles across. Periodically, either through Jupiter's gravitational pull or collisions, these celestial bodies stray into the inner solar system, hurtling past Earth. Watch: Earth braces for a close encounter with five colossal asteroids this week × One such asteroid, 2008 OS7, falls under the classification of both a "Near Earth Object" (NEO) and a "potentially hazardous asteroid" (PHA) due to its size and proximity to Earth. NEOs are those within 30 million miles of Earth, encompassing around 31,000 objects within the solar system. PHAs, however, lie even closer, within 4.6 million miles, and exceed 460 feet in diameter. NASA currently monitors approximately 2,350 PHAs. Also read: Scientists say `organic matter` in distant asteroid may be hiding `origins of life` "A potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) is one that has an orbit intersecting the Earth's orbit around the Sun by less than 0.05 astronomical units (1 AU is the distance to the Sun), that's just over 4.5 million miles. It also has to have an absolute brightness of 22.0 or less (lower values of the magnitude are brighter = larger objects), ie. an asteroid (or comet) that would cause significant regional damage if it hit the Earth," Martin Barstow, a professor of astrophysics and space science at the University of Leicester in the UK, was quoted as saying by Newsweek. "Not all NEOs are potentially hazardous, but all hazardous objects are NEOs," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Hazardous asteroid’ 6 times wider than Qutub Minar’s height to fly past Earth on Feb 2

In a groundbreaking study, it has been revealed that there is a strong link between Alzheimer's disease and the intake of processed foods. Researchers at the Bond University came to this conclusion after analysing the dietary habits of 438 Australians, out of which 108 showed signs of Alzheimer's.

The study has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. It used data from the Australian Imaging Biomarker and Lifestyle Study of Aging which since 2006 has been tracking a group of people and observing the development of Alzheimer's in some participants.

<h2>Dietary habits and Alzheimer's</h2>

The study found that those diagnosed with Alzheimer's consume meat pies, sausages, ham, pizza and hamburgers more often than their healthier counterparts. The examination of their dietary habits also revealed that they consumed fewer vegetables and fruits like oranges, strawberries, avocado, capsicum, cucumber, carrots, cabbage and spinach.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | 17-Year-Old Hemesh's miracle tech gives new hope to Alzheimer's patients

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It was also found that those with Alzheimer's consumed less wine, both red and white, than the healthier group.

<h2>Takeaways</h2>

Dementia is a global problem, affecting more than 55 million people, with 60 per cent of them living in low and middle-income nations. The number is expected to almost double in the coming 20 years, reaching 82 million in 2030.

The disease currently has no treatment or cure and affects up to one in 10 Australians aged over 65.&nbsp; 
Lead author of the study and PhD candidate Tahera Ahmed says the new revelation should encourage youngsters to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, while decreasing reliance on processed foods.

"Alzheimer's development in the brain begins in middle age and its effects can be attributed to an uncontrolled lifestyle from a younger age," Tahera was quoted as saying by Medical Xpress.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3sYRGPMHjSWZUO5fJrPyYV" data-ved="2ahUKEwjQwKWI44yEAxUlUWwGHQ7eDHEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-reveal-11-dementia-risk-factors-that-could-determine-who-all-are-at-risk-629154" jsname="YKoRaf">Scientists reveal 11 dementia risk factors that could determine who all are at risk</a>

"Raising awareness among the youth about the benefits of consuming leafy greens, organic foods, or home-cooked meals is essential, as opposed to regularly indulging in junk or processed foods,” she added.

"Such dietary habits impact brain health and contribute to vascular issues and obesity, highlighting the interconnectedness of these health concerns," Tahera further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a groundbreaking study, it has been revealed that there is a strong link between Alzheimer's disease and the intake of processed foods. Researchers at the Bond University came to this conclusion after analysing the dietary habits of 438 Australians, out of which 108 showed signs of Alzheimer's.

In a groundbreaking study, it has been revealed that there is a strong link between Alzheimer's disease and the intake of processed foods. Researchers at the Bond University came to this conclusion after analysing the dietary habits of 438 Australians, out of which 108 showed signs of Alzheimer's. The study has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. It used data from the Australian Imaging Biomarker and Lifestyle Study of Aging which since 2006 has been tracking a group of people and observing the development of Alzheimer's in some participants. Dietary habits and Alzheimer's The study found that those diagnosed with Alzheimer's consume meat pies, sausages, ham, pizza and hamburgers more often than their healthier counterparts. The examination of their dietary habits also revealed that they consumed fewer vegetables and fruits like oranges, strawberries, avocado, capsicum, cucumber, carrots, cabbage and spinach. Watch: Gravitas | 17-Year-Old Hemesh's miracle tech gives new hope to Alzheimer's patients × It was also found that those with Alzheimer's consumed less wine, both red and white, than the healthier group. Takeaways Dementia is a global problem, affecting more than 55 million people, with 60 per cent of them living in low and middle-income nations. The number is expected to almost double in the coming 20 years, reaching 82 million in 2030. The disease currently has no treatment or cure and affects up to one in 10 Australians aged over 65. Lead author of the study and PhD candidate Tahera Ahmed says the new revelation should encourage youngsters to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, while decreasing reliance on processed foods. "Alzheimer's development in the brain begins in middle age and its effects can be attributed to an uncontrolled lifestyle from a younger age," Tahera was quoted as saying by Medical Xpress. Also read: Scientists reveal 11 dementia risk factors that could determine who all are at risk "Raising awareness among the youth about the benefits of consuming leafy greens, organic foods, or home-cooked meals is essential, as opposed to regularly indulging in junk or processed foods,” she added. "Such dietary habits impact brain health and contribute to vascular issues and obesity, highlighting the interconnectedness of these health concerns," Tahera further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Strong link found between Alzheimer's disease and intake of processed food: Study

For you to have a bright, productive and efficient day, you first need to stop reaching out to one specific item as soon as you open your eyes: your phone. Doctors have advised that using a mobile phone the first thing after waking up can have serious detrimental effects on our body, including slowing down metabolism and exacerbation of headache.

According to Jane Bowring, a naturopathic doctor, using phones immediately after waking up ends up “overstimulating” the nervous system, which can wreak havoc on our health.&nbsp;

"You don't want to do this, this is going to raise your dopamine levels which is very overstimulating to your brain and your nervous system," she was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

<h2>Using phone affects metabolism</h2>

The doctor also added that "electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) from your cell phone" can also affect your metabolism. The usage of a phone can cause "too much calcium to flood into your cells via VGCC (voltage-gated calcium channels) requiring more magnesium to counter that balance of that calcium flooding in," the doctor said.

Those EMFs can give you headaches and impact your energy levels and metabolism for the day. The blue light emitting from your phone can also mess up with your "circadian rhythms", which according to Bowring will tell "your brain that it's 12 noon".

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Loneliness now a 'global public health concern'

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<h2>Your phone can put you on edge for the day</h2>

Empowerment psychologist specialising in the neuroscience of mental health, Jay Rai, also advised against reaching out for your phone first thing. "When you first wake up in the morning your brain switches from delta waves, which occur in a deep sleep state, to theta waves, which occur during a sort of daydreamy state,” Rai was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

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"The brain then moves to produce alpha waves when you are awake but are relaxed and not processing much information. Now, by grabbing your phone first thing and immediately diving into the online world, you force your body to skip the important theta and alpha stages and go straight from the delta stage to being wide awake and alert (also known as the beta state)," he adds.

(With inputs from agencies)

For you to have a bright, productive and efficient day, you first need to stop reaching out to one specific item as soon as you open your eyes: your phone. Doctors have advised that using a mobile phone the first thing after waking up can have serious detrimental effects on our body, including slowing down metabolism and exacerbation of headache.

For you to have a bright, productive and efficient day, you first need to stop reaching out to one specific item as soon as you open your eyes: your phone. Doctors have advised that using a mobile phone the first thing after waking up can have serious detrimental effects on our body, including slowing down metabolism and exacerbation of headache. According to Jane Bowring, a naturopathic doctor, using phones immediately after waking up ends up “overstimulating” the nervous system, which can wreak havoc on our health. "You don't want to do this, this is going to raise your dopamine levels which is very overstimulating to your brain and your nervous system," she was quoted as saying by the Mirror. Using phone affects metabolism The doctor also added that "electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) from your cell phone" can also affect your metabolism. The usage of a phone can cause "too much calcium to flood into your cells via VGCC (voltage-gated calcium channels) requiring more magnesium to counter that balance of that calcium flooding in," the doctor said. Those EMFs can give you headaches and impact your energy levels and metabolism for the day. The blue light emitting from your phone can also mess up with your "circadian rhythms", which according to Bowring will tell "your brain that it's 12 noon". Watch: Gravitas: Loneliness now a 'global public health concern' × Your phone can put you on edge for the day Empowerment psychologist specialising in the neuroscience of mental health, Jay Rai, also advised against reaching out for your phone first thing. "When you first wake up in the morning your brain switches from delta waves, which occur in a deep sleep state, to theta waves, which occur during a sort of daydreamy state,” Rai was quoted as saying by the Mirror. Also read: Budget 2024: Health sector expects increase in spending to improve quality "The brain then moves to produce alpha waves when you are awake but are relaxed and not processing much information. Now, by grabbing your phone first thing and immediately diving into the online world, you force your body to skip the important theta and alpha stages and go straight from the delta stage to being wide awake and alert (also known as the beta state)," he adds. (With inputs from agencies)

Using phone first thing in morning can give you headache for rest of the day: Experts

A debate has sparked among astronomers about the existence of exomoons, the natural satellites revolving around exoplanets that orbit a star outside the solar system.

A debate has sparked among astronomers about the existence of exomoons, the natural satellites revolving around exoplanets that orbit a star outside the solar system. In 2018, David Kipping, an assistant professor of astronomy at Columbia University, and his team thought they had detected the first exomoon around the exoplanet Kepler-1625b and named it Kepler-1625b I. In 2022, another team, including Kipping, appeared to have discovered a second such non-stellar extrasolar body around Kepler-1708b and aptly dubbed it Kepler-1708b I. However, Rene Heller, a scientist at Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, and Michael Hippke of Sonneberg Observatory wrote in a paper published in Nature Astronomy, "The probability of a moon orbiting Kepler-1708b is clearly lower than previously reported. The data do not suggest the existence of an exomoon around Kepler-1708b." They said the same thing about Kepler 1625b. David Kipping, Alex Teachey and a group of researchers from previous studies have responded to Heller and Hippke's claim. They wrote, "Recently, Heller & Hippke argued that the exomoon candidates Kepler-1625 b I and Kepler-1708 b I were allegedly 'refuted.'" According to them, Hellen and Hippke neglected data, eliminating the exomoon-supporting signal in the Hubble light curves for Kepler-1625b I. The two exoplanets at issue, Kepler-1625b and Kepler-1708 b are around 8,000 and 5,500 light years away from Earth, which is an extreme distance. Researchers used a technique similar to the transit method to detect these two exoplanets, initially captured by the Kepler Space Telescope. ALSO READ | A bacteria-murdering virus may come in handy to kill superbugs Exomoons are hard to detect, and the only evidence is light curves. However, these curves around exomoons are fainter than those around exoplanets. Different researchers employ different techniques, methods, models, and algorithms for the structural analysis of these faint exomoon light curves. Kipping and Teachey claim that Heller and Hippke made errors in their analysis and excluded critical information in their study. "We demonstrate that their Hubble light curve exhibits ~20 per cent higher noise and discards 11% of the useful data, which compromises its ability to recover the subtle signal of Kepler-1625 b I," write Kipping and Teachey. However, they added, "We begin by clearly stating, both exomoon candidates may not be real. Our original and continued claim is modest: these objects are candidates for which the data exhibits substantial but not entirely conclusive evidence in favour of exomoons." Both studies show how challenging the detection of exomoons can be until there are major advancements in telescope technology. Kipping believes this debate between the two research teams is an opportunity to compare methods and conclude on the best approach to discover more about these exomoons. (With inputs from agencies)

Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons

An analysis of data gained from NASA's rover Perseverance has reconfirmed a theory that scientists have been insisting on for years: Mars was once a warm, wet planet that may have housed microbial life. The data confirmed the existence of ancient lake sediments on Mars, which were created by a large water body on the planet. The large basin of water most likely existed in Jerezo Crater, according to the detailed study published Friday (Jan 26) in the journal Science Advances.

The research was led by teams from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oslo.

<h2>What data was analysed?</h2>

The car-sized, six-wheeled rover trot down the Martian surface through several months of 2022 and conducted several subsurface scans on its way from the floor of the crater to an adjacent expanse of braided, sedimentary-like features resembling the river deltas found on Earth.

According to UCLA planetary scientist David Paige, the first author of the paper, soundings from the rover's RIMFAX radar instrument allowed scientists to peer underground to get a cross-sectional view of rock layers 65 feet (20 meters) deep, "almost like looking at a road cut."

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars

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The layers inside the surface hinted at irrefutable evidence of soil sediments being carried there by its delta from a river that once fed it billions of years ago. Scientists estimated the sediments could have been formed some 3 billion years ago.&nbsp;

But this is not the first time that data from the rover has been used to reach a similar conclusion.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous such derivations from rover data</h2>

Earlier in October 2023, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) had&nbsp;found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars.&nbsp;A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity had&nbsp;deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings&nbsp;in Geophysical Research Letters.

"We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University.

Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations.

You can read the detailed report <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-curiosity-rover-finds-evidence-mars-was-once-a-planet-of-rivers-651444">here</a>.

<h2>Major success for Mars exploration mission</h2>

The study serves as a reassuring confirmation that scientists chose the optimal location for their Mars exploration mission. Analysis conducted remotely on early core samples, extracted by Perseverance from four sites near its landing site in February 2021, yielded unexpected results. Instead of sedimentary rock, researchers discovered volcanic rock, adding a new dimension to their understanding of the Martian terrain.

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The findings from the two studies complement each other rather than contradict. Even the volcanic rocks exhibited signs of alteration due to water exposure, leading scientists, who published their findings in August 2022, to speculate that sedimentary deposits may have eroded over time.

Moreover, recent radar readings from the RIMFAX instrument, reported on Friday, uncovered evidence of erosion both before and after the formation of sedimentary layers identified at the crater's western edge. According to Paige, these findings underscore the complex geological history of the area, shedding light on the dynamic processes shaping the Martian landscape.

(With inputs from agencies)

An analysis of data gained from NASA's rover Perseverance has reconfirmed a theory that scientists have been insisting on for years: Mars was once a warm, wet planet that may have housed microbial life.

An analysis of data gained from NASA's rover Perseverance has reconfirmed a theory that scientists have been insisting on for years: Mars was once a warm, wet planet that may have housed microbial life. The data confirmed the existence of ancient lake sediments on Mars, which were created by a large water body on the planet. The large basin of water most likely existed in Jerezo Crater, according to the detailed study published Friday (Jan 26) in the journal Science Advances. The research was led by teams from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oslo. What data was analysed? The car-sized, six-wheeled rover trot down the Martian surface through several months of 2022 and conducted several subsurface scans on its way from the floor of the crater to an adjacent expanse of braided, sedimentary-like features resembling the river deltas found on Earth. According to UCLA planetary scientist David Paige, the first author of the paper, soundings from the rover's RIMFAX radar instrument allowed scientists to peer underground to get a cross-sectional view of rock layers 65 feet (20 meters) deep, "almost like looking at a road cut." Watch: Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars × The layers inside the surface hinted at irrefutable evidence of soil sediments being carried there by its delta from a river that once fed it billions of years ago. Scientists estimated the sediments could have been formed some 3 billion years ago. But this is not the first time that data from the rover has been used to reach a similar conclusion. Previous such derivations from rover data Earlier in October 2023, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) had found more evidence that points towards the existence of life on Mars. A team of researchers examining data collected by NASA's curiosity had deduced that the planet in ancient times had a huge network of rivers flowing with life-giving water. They have published their findings in Geophysical Research Letters. "We're finding evidence that Mars was likely a planet of rivers," said the research's lead author, Benjamin Cardenas, a geoscientist at Penn State University. Cardenas and his team reached this conclusion after analysing a combination of images from the Curiosity rover, scans of sedimentary rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico on Earth and several computer simulations. You can read the detailed report here. Major success for Mars exploration mission The study serves as a reassuring confirmation that scientists chose the optimal location for their Mars exploration mission. Analysis conducted remotely on early core samples, extracted by Perseverance from four sites near its landing site in February 2021, yielded unexpected results. Instead of sedimentary rock, researchers discovered volcanic rock, adding a new dimension to their understanding of the Martian terrain. Also read: NASA's historic Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends: Here's what happened The findings from the two studies complement each other rather than contradict. Even the volcanic rocks exhibited signs of alteration due to water exposure, leading scientists, who published their findings in August 2022, to speculate that sedimentary deposits may have eroded over time. Moreover, recent radar readings from the RIMFAX instrument, reported on Friday, uncovered evidence of erosion both before and after the formation of sedimentary layers identified at the crater's western edge. According to Paige, these findings underscore the complex geological history of the area, shedding light on the dynamic processes shaping the Martian landscape. (With inputs from agencies)

How NASA’s rover is helping scientists find the truth about existence of life on Mars

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