Scientists have come up with an ingenious plan to protect our planet Earth from dangerous solar storms. They want to spray chemicals around the rock we call home. This, they suggest, could help deflect the brunt of the Sun's dangerous charged particles. The ambitious plan was developed by a team of researchers from Boston University and the University of Michigan, and the research was published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2025SW004846">Space Weather</a>.<h2>Solar storms and Earth</h2>For decades, humanity's strategy for dealing with dangerous solar storms has been simple: predict them and prepare for the fallout. But the new scientific proposal suggests that future generations may be able to do something far more ambitious: actively strengthen Earth's natural defences before space weather strikes. But how would it happen? All we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-trump-s-america-more-babies-behind-bars-than-ever-before-report-reveals-horrifying-10-fold-rise-in-ice-detentions-of-infants-1781070307893">More babies behind bars than ever before? Report reveals 10-fold surge in ICE detentions under Trump</a><h2>Enter StormWall</h2>A team led by Brian Walsh of Boston University and consisting of D. T. Welling and Z. Huang of the University of Michigan has unveiled a concept called StormWall, a planetary-scale defence system designed to reinforce Earth's magnetosphere, the invisible magnetic shield that protects the planet from charged particles emitted by the Sun.The idea, detailed through computer simulations, aims to reduce the impact of severe geomagnetic storms that can disrupt satellites, GPS navigation, communications networks and power grids. According to the researchers, the system could cut the intensity of a major solar storm by more than half.The threat stems from a process known as magnetic reconnection. During powerful solar eruptions, magnetic fields carried by the solar wind can temporarily link with Earth's magnetic field, creating a pathway through which vast amounts of solar energy enter near-Earth space. The resulting geomagnetic storms have the potential to cause widespread technological disruptions. StormWall seeks to interfere with that process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-tower-of-babel-and-why-did-pope-leo-warn-about-it-while-talking-about-ai-wion-decodes-1779790151646">Pope Leo warns humanity risks repeating ancient mistake: What is the Tower of Babel and what does it have to do with AI?</a><h2>But how will StormWall do that?</h2>According to research published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2025SW004846">Space Weather</a>, scientists have proposed sending a fleet of six spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. This fleet would make up the StormWall.When a dangerous solar storm is detected, the satellites would release specially selected materials such as barium, lithium, sodium or calcium. Once exposed to sunlight, the material would become ionised, creating a cloud of plasma.That artificial plasma would drift toward the sun-facing edge of the magnetosphere, effectively thickening the boundary that separates Earth from the incoming solar wind. By adding mass to this region, researchers believe the efficiency of magnetic reconnection could be significantly reduced.<h2>Have they tested it?</h2>To test the concept, the team simulated the powerful Mother's Day geomagnetic storm of May 2024. Their results suggested that while StormWall would not eliminate a storm entirely, it could reduce its strength by more than 50 per cent.The proposal remains theoretical and would require substantial investment. The spacecraft would collectively have to carry material equivalent to roughly a dozen oil trucks, and each deployment would be a one-time use. "If you built it, if it was deployed, it would help all people on the planet," said lead researcher Walsh in a statement. "You couldn't make it in a way that helped only one country, one group of satellites."

Researchers from Boston University have proposed StormWall, a spacecraft-based system that would release ionised materials into space to strengthen Earth's magnetosphere and reduce the impact of solar storms.

Scientists have come up with an ingenious plan to protect our planet Earth from dangerous solar storms. They want to spray chemicals around the rock we call home. This, they suggest, could help deflect the brunt of the Sun's dangerous charged particles. The ambitious plan was developed by a team of researchers from Boston University and the University of Michigan, and the research was published in Space Weather. Solar storms and Earth For decades, humanity's strategy for dealing with dangerous solar storms has been simple: predict them and prepare for the fallout. But the new scientific proposal suggests that future generations may be able to do something far more ambitious: actively strengthen Earth's natural defences before space weather strikes. But how would it happen? All we know. Also read | More babies behind bars than ever before? Report reveals 10-fold surge in ICE detentions under Trump Enter StormWall A team led by Brian Walsh of Boston University and consisting of D. T. Welling and Z. Huang of the University of Michigan has unveiled a concept called StormWall, a planetary-scale defence system designed to reinforce Earth's magnetosphere, the invisible magnetic shield that protects the planet from charged particles emitted by the Sun. The idea, detailed through computer simulations, aims to reduce the impact of severe geomagnetic storms that can disrupt satellites, GPS navigation, communications networks and power grids. According to the researchers, the system could cut the intensity of a major solar storm by more than half. The threat stems from a process known as magnetic reconnection. During powerful solar eruptions, magnetic fields carried by the solar wind can temporarily link with Earth's magnetic field, creating a pathway through which vast amounts of solar energy enter near-Earth space. The resulting geomagnetic storms have the potential to cause widespread technological disruptions. StormWall seeks to interfere with that process. Also read | Pope Leo warns humanity risks repeating ancient mistake: What is the Tower of Babel and what does it have to do with AI? But how will StormWall do that? According to research published in Space Weather, scientists have proposed sending a fleet of six spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. This fleet would make up the StormWall. When a dangerous solar storm is detected, the satellites would release specially selected materials such as barium, lithium, sodium or calcium. Once exposed to sunlight, the material would become ionised, creating a cloud of plasma. That artificial plasma would drift toward the sun-facing edge of the magnetosphere, effectively thickening the boundary that separates Earth from the incoming solar wind. By adding mass to this region, researchers believe the efficiency of magnetic reconnection could be significantly reduced. Have they tested it? To test the concept, the team simulated the powerful Mother's Day geomagnetic storm of May 2024. Their results suggested that while StormWall would not eliminate a storm entirely, it could reduce its strength by more than 50 per cent. The proposal remains theoretical and would require substantial investment. The spacecraft would collectively have to carry material equivalent to roughly a dozen oil trucks, and each deployment would be a one-time use. "If you built it, if it was deployed, it would help all people on the planet," said lead researcher Walsh in a statement. "You couldn't make it in a way that helped only one country, one group of satellites."

What if humanity could weaken a solar storm before it strikes Earth? Scientists have unveiled StormWall, a radical proposal involving six spacecraft that would ‘spray’ chemicals around Earth to reduce the impact of dangerous space weather. Here's how it would work.

Could chemicals sprayed around Earth stop dangerous solar storms? New study suggests it might

One of the world’s rarest tree species may have been given a second chance at survival. Scientists have managed to successfully collect and preserve seeds from the last known wild specimen growing on a remote Chilean island. The critically endangered tree, Dendroseris neriifolia, is native to the Juan Fernández Islands, a volcanic archipelago located about 673 kilometres (420 miles) off the coast of Chile. Once found widespread across Robinson Crusoe Island, the species has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, invasive species, erosion, grazing animals, fires and historical deforestation. Today, only a single known wild tree remains.In a major breakthrough for conservation efforts, seeds from the lone survivor have been transferred to the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Wakehurst in England. Scientists at the facility are conducting germination trials while preserving the seeds for long-term storage.X-ray examinations showed that 25 of the 29 seeds sent to the seed bank were potentially viable. In promising results, seven seedlings have already begun growing at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offering hope that the species can be propagated and safeguarded for the future.“Through this project, we hope to be able to produce more seed from the plants which we have growing now once they reach flowering age,” Alice Hudson, the Millennium Seed Bank partnerships officer at Kew Wakehurst, told Live Science.Collecting the seeds was no easy task. The last remaining tree clings to a steep cliff on Robinson Crusoe Island, accessible only after a four-hour journey followed by a challenging two-hour climb. Chilean park rangers must carefully navigate the rugged terrain and use ropes to reach the tree’s branches during the annual seed-collection season.Conservationists remain concerned about the species’ long-term prospects. With only one surviving wild individual, genetic diversity is extremely limited, raising the risks of inbreeding and low fertility. However, seed banking provides a crucial safety net. Even if the remaining wild tree is lost, scientists now possess viable seeds and young plants that could help revive the species.Researchers hope the seedlings growing in England will eventually flower and produce more seeds, paving the way for future restoration efforts and helping ensure that one of the world’s rarest trees does not disappear forever.

Scientists collected and preserved seeds from the last known wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree in Chile. Seven seedlings have already sprouted, offering hope for saving the species from extinction.

One of the world’s rarest tree species may have been given a second chance at survival. Scientists have managed to successfully collect and preserve seeds from the last known wild specimen growing on a remote Chilean island. The critically endangered tree, Dendroseris neriifolia, is native to the Juan Fernández Islands, a volcanic archipelago located about 673 kilometres (420 miles) off the coast of Chile. Once found widespread across Robinson Crusoe Island, the species has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, invasive species, erosion, grazing animals, fires and historical deforestation. Today, only a single known wild tree remains. In a major breakthrough for conservation efforts, seeds from the lone survivor have been transferred to the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Wakehurst in England. Scientists at the facility are conducting germination trials while preserving the seeds for long-term storage. X-ray examinations showed that 25 of the 29 seeds sent to the seed bank were potentially viable. In promising results, seven seedlings have already begun growing at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offering hope that the species can be propagated and safeguarded for the future. “Through this project, we hope to be able to produce more seed from the plants which we have growing now once they reach flowering age,” Alice Hudson, the Millennium Seed Bank partnerships officer at Kew Wakehurst, told Live Science. Collecting the seeds was no easy task. The last remaining tree clings to a steep cliff on Robinson Crusoe Island, accessible only after a four-hour journey followed by a challenging two-hour climb. Chilean park rangers must carefully navigate the rugged terrain and use ropes to reach the tree’s branches during the annual seed-collection season. Conservationists remain concerned about the species’ long-term prospects. With only one surviving wild individual, genetic diversity is extremely limited, raising the risks of inbreeding and low fertility. However, seed banking provides a crucial safety net. Even if the remaining wild tree is lost, scientists now possess viable seeds and young plants that could help revive the species. Researchers hope the seedlings growing in England will eventually flower and produce more seeds, paving the way for future restoration efforts and helping ensure that one of the world’s rarest trees does not disappear forever.

Scientists collected and preserved seeds from the last known wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree in Chile. Seven seedlings have already sprouted, offering hope for saving the species from extinction.

Scientists rescue seeds from THIS last remaining tree in wild before it goes extinct

Google-backed researchers are seeking approval to release up to 32 million sterile mosquitoes as part of an ambitious effort to combat disease-carrying mosquito populations. The project aims to curb the spread of illnesses such as dengue by reducing the number of mosquitoes capable of reproducing.

But how does the technology work, and could releasing millions of insects create unintended consequences for the environment? As regulators review the proposal, the debate over science, public health and human intervention in nature is intensifying.

Google Plans to Release 32 Million Mosquito Army | Tiny Killers, Giant Experiment

Seneca Lake in New York has been a source of rumours and nightmares for over three centuries because of the eerie sounds emanating from it. People as far as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and even Florida have heard them. People have reported hearing loud booms similar to cannon shots coming from deep inside this water body. Scientists have come up with several theories to explain these strange sounds, as have the common people. They were named “Seneca guns” or “Seneca drums" after the local Seneca Tribe, which believed that it was the shouts of an angry Manitou, the Great Spirit. European settlers heard them too and thought that it was the noise of the ghosts of Seneca warriors. Some even believed that an alien spacecraft was making the sounds. Top secret government projects being tested inside the lake were also believed to be one explanation. However, people have been hearing it since 1700, and so a scientific explanation doesn't seem plausible.&nbsp;But scientists have now finally figured out the source of these sounds. In the early 19th century, experts said that the mysterious booms could be explosions of gas trapped in the lakebed. Geologist Herman Fairchild said in 1934 that bubbles of natural gas escaping from a layer of sandstone inside the earth were bursting with a booming sound as it came up. In 1971, geoscientist William F. Ahrnsbrak also said methane was possibly bursting under the lake. Researcher Tim Morin, of SUNY ESF (Environmental Science and Forestry) in Syracuse, New York, concurs with what Fairchild said.Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ice-shelf-size-of-indian-capital-city-delhi-will-detach-from-doomsday-glacier-in-2026-1779976277943"> Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026</a> &nbsp;Moring and researchers from Cornell University were studying the lake's shipwrecks when they found 144 huge craters on the bed. Each was nearly 30 feet deep and 400 feet wide. An analysis of the lake water and material collected from deep pockets of sediment finally explained what was causing the creepy sounds. They found traces of methane and other gases, which showed what was actually happening deep inside the lake.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/underwater-volcano-erupting-for-weeks-could-birth-a-new-island-in-the-pacific-1779972961751">Underwater volcano erupting for weeks could birth a new island in the Pacific</a><h2>What is happening Seneca Lake?</h2> The lake was formed from an ancient glacier that melted after the last Ice Age. The team found that pressure builds up under the lakebed for years, and when it is released, bubbles of methane erupt from under it. As this happened, the force not only left behind craters, but also sent a shockwave that travelled several kilometres and sounded like a cannon firing. The lake's design itself was something that amplified the sound - It has about 4.2 trillion gallons of water, 618 feet deep in some places and a lakebed that is 200 feet below sea level.Experts say that the methane released from the lake is not lethal for humans. But the same phenomenon could be going on in many other similar lakes, and some of them could pose a threat.

A lake in New York has been screeching for hundreds of years, leading to speculations ranging from aliens to secret government tests. However, scientists have now uncovered the source of these strange sounds, and they are linked to the pockmarked seabed.

Seneca Lake in New York has been a source of rumours and nightmares for over three centuries because of the eerie sounds emanating from it. People as far as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and even Florida have heard them. People have reported hearing loud booms similar to cannon shots coming from deep inside this water body. Scientists have come up with several theories to explain these strange sounds, as have the common people. They were named “Seneca guns” or “Seneca drums" after the local Seneca Tribe, which believed that it was the shouts of an angry Manitou, the Great Spirit. European settlers heard them too and thought that it was the noise of the ghosts of Seneca warriors. Some even believed that an alien spacecraft was making the sounds. Top secret government projects being tested inside the lake were also believed to be one explanation. However, people have been hearing it since 1700, and so a scientific explanation doesn't seem plausible. But scientists have now finally figured out the source of these sounds. In the early 19th century, experts said that the mysterious booms could be explosions of gas trapped in the lakebed. Geologist Herman Fairchild said in 1934 that bubbles of natural gas escaping from a layer of sandstone inside the earth were bursting with a booming sound as it came up. In 1971, geoscientist William F. Ahrnsbrak also said methane was possibly bursting under the lake. Researcher Tim Morin, of SUNY ESF (Environmental Science and Forestry) in Syracuse, New York, concurs with what Fairchild said. Also Read: Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026 Moring and researchers from Cornell University were studying the lake's shipwrecks when they found 144 huge craters on the bed. Each was nearly 30 feet deep and 400 feet wide. An analysis of the lake water and material collected from deep pockets of sediment finally explained what was causing the creepy sounds. They found traces of methane and other gases, which showed what was actually happening deep inside the lake. Also Read: Underwater volcano erupting for weeks could birth a new island in the Pacific What is happening Seneca Lake? The lake was formed from an ancient glacier that melted after the last Ice Age. The team found that pressure builds up under the lakebed for years, and when it is released, bubbles of methane erupt from under it. As this happened, the force not only left behind craters, but also sent a shockwave that travelled several kilometres and sounded like a cannon firing. The lake's design itself was something that amplified the sound - It has about 4.2 trillion gallons of water, 618 feet deep in some places and a lakebed that is 200 feet below sea level. Experts say that the methane released from the lake is not lethal for humans. But the same phenomenon could be going on in many other similar lakes, and some of them could pose a threat.

A lake in New York has been screeching for hundreds of years, leading to speculations ranging from aliens to secret government tests. However, scientists have now uncovered the source of these strange sounds, and they are linked to the pockmarked seabed.

Scientists stumble upon hundreds of craters in New York lake, solving a 'booming' puzzle

&nbsp;The 3-Body Problem series, released in 2024 on Netflix, is based on the books written by Chinese author Liu Cixin. They are extremely popular worldwide and translated into more than 40 languages. Liu became the first Chinese writer to win the prestigious Hugo Award, the biggest prize awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy works. In China, the trilogy spawned a whole world with movies, video games, books, magazines and exhibits.<h2>What is the 3-Body Problem trilogy about?</h2> Humanity faces an alien invasion from a three-sun star system where the residents of one planet are in search of a new home. The three suns create a gravitational chaos which leads to their planet being frequently destroyed because of cosmic shifts and extreme weather. As they embark on the journey to Earth that would take 400 years, the San-Ti/Trisolaris civilisation realises they need to stop humans from advancing their technology to prevent them from fighting them when they reach Earth. So they send highly advanced, dimension-bending subatomic particles to Earth as spies and to sabotage scientific experiments.<h2>3-Body Problem: The Physics behind it</h2> In our solar system, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on all the planets that revolve around it. All of them remain in stable orbits because of the single force being exerted upon them. However, when three suns are introduced into a system, gravitational chaos occurs. The orbits become unpredictable, and the third object alters the paths of the other two; the erratic movement in turn alters the path of the third. Mathematics has no simple formula to solve this problem, as scientists cannot accurately predict how three bodies will interact far into the future.<h2>How the 3-Body Problem led to a murder</h2>A Netflix deal led to a fallout between Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi and his associate Xu Yao. Yoozoo held the film adaptation rights for the science-fiction trilogy. Xu helped the billionaire gaming tycoon land the Netflix deal for the adaptation of "The 3-Body Problem" in September 2020. Lin was named an executive producer and appointed Xu to lead the 3-Body Universe in 2018.&nbsp; Xu headed up a subsidiary that was in charge of all business related to all the productions related to the books, according to local news reports. In September 2020, Netflix acquired the rights to produce an adaptation of the popular books, and Xu played an important role in striking the deal. But soon after, he was sidelined, which led to resentment. According to local media reports, Xu bought highly toxic substances online, costing hundreds of thousands of yuan. This included alpha-amanitin, a lethal compound found in some poisonous mushrooms.&nbsp;He disguised them as probiotic pills, put them in coffee capsules, water containers and whiskey bottles, and gave them to Lin and other employees. The 39-year-old fell sick after drinking a cup of poisoned tea, was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later. Many others at the company also fell sick but recovered. Shanghai business magazine Yicai Global and other outlets reported Xu was executed on May 21.&nbsp;

China executed Xu Yao, an associate of Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi, for murdering his billionaire boss after the two had a tiff over a Netflix deal. The 3-Body Problem is at the centre of the murder saga. The show released in 2024, while the books remain popular worldwide. 

The 3-Body Problem series, released in 2024 on Netflix, is based on the books written by Chinese author Liu Cixin. They are extremely popular worldwide and translated into more than 40 languages. Liu became the first Chinese writer to win the prestigious Hugo Award, the biggest prize awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy works. In China, the trilogy spawned a whole world with movies, video games, books, magazines and exhibits. What is the 3-Body Problem trilogy about? Humanity faces an alien invasion from a three-sun star system where the residents of one planet are in search of a new home. The three suns create a gravitational chaos which leads to their planet being frequently destroyed because of cosmic shifts and extreme weather. As they embark on the journey to Earth that would take 400 years, the San-Ti/Trisolaris civilisation realises they need to stop humans from advancing their technology to prevent them from fighting them when they reach Earth. So they send highly advanced, dimension-bending subatomic particles to Earth as spies and to sabotage scientific experiments. 3-Body Problem: The Physics behind it In our solar system, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on all the planets that revolve around it. All of them remain in stable orbits because of the single force being exerted upon them. However, when three suns are introduced into a system, gravitational chaos occurs. The orbits become unpredictable, and the third object alters the paths of the other two; the erratic movement in turn alters the path of the third. Mathematics has no simple formula to solve this problem, as scientists cannot accurately predict how three bodies will interact far into the future. How the 3-Body Problem led to a murder A Netflix deal led to a fallout between Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi and his associate Xu Yao. Yoozoo held the film adaptation rights for the science-fiction trilogy. Xu helped the billionaire gaming tycoon land the Netflix deal for the adaptation of "The 3-Body Problem" in September 2020. Lin was named an executive producer and appointed Xu to lead the 3-Body Universe in 2018. Xu headed up a subsidiary that was in charge of all business related to all the productions related to the books, according to local news reports. In September 2020, Netflix acquired the rights to produce an adaptation of the popular books, and Xu played an important role in striking the deal. But soon after, he was sidelined, which led to resentment. According to local media reports, Xu bought highly toxic substances online, costing hundreds of thousands of yuan. This included alpha-amanitin, a lethal compound found in some poisonous mushrooms. He disguised them as probiotic pills, put them in coffee capsules, water containers and whiskey bottles, and gave them to Lin and other employees. The 39-year-old fell sick after drinking a cup of poisoned tea, was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later. Many others at the company also fell sick but recovered. Shanghai business magazine Yicai Global and other outlets reported Xu was executed on May 21.

China executed Xu Yao, an associate of Yoozoo Game founder Lin Qi, for murdering his billionaire boss after the two had a tiff over a Netflix deal. The 3-Body Problem is at the centre of the murder saga. The show released in 2024, while the books remain popular worldwide.&nbsp;

The 3-Body Problem murder: A Netflix deal, fatal poisoning and the most perplexing physics problem

Explore how President Trump's PURSUE initiative is radically changing government transparency by declassifying and releasing unprecedented UFO files.

An inside look at President Trump's PURSUE initiative, the massive government portal actively processing and declassifying unprecedented volumes of UAP files for public transparency.

Inside 'PURSUE': The massive government database declassifying UFO files right now

Newly declassified 2022 footage reveals spherical UAPs exhibiting transmedium capabilities as they shadow a US Navy submarine in the open ocean.

A 2022 declassified video reveals spherical UAPs demonstrating transmedium capabilities by shadowing a US submarine in the ocean, raising major naval security concerns.

'Spheres in ocean': Declassified 2022 video shows UFOs shadowing a US submarine

Watch the newly released military infrared footage of a US fighter jet intercepting an unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP) over Lake Huron in 2023.

Breakdown of the newly declassified military-grade infrared footage showing a US fighter jet intercepting an unidentified object over Lake Huron in 2023.

Declassified video shows exact moment US fighter jet intercepted UFO over Lake Huron

Newly unsealed audio files from the May 22 UAP release reveal stunning conversations between Apollo astronauts and Mission Control about UFOs in deep space.

Declassified audio files from the historic May 22 UAP release reveal stunning transcripts of NASA's Mercury and Apollo astronauts describing unexplained encounters with anomalous objects in orbit.

'Newly released NASA audio': What Apollo astronauts actually saw in deep space

New declassified UAP files highlight U.S. Central Command's persistent UFO encounters in the Persian Gulf from 2018-2023. UAPs are a global military issue.

The May 22 declassified UFO files shift the focus to international waters, detailing persistent UAP encounters by the US Central Command in the Persian Gulf between 2018 and 2023.

'Beyond US': New declassified files show UAP encounters by central command in Persian Gulf

Newly declassified UAP files reveal shocking historical UFO incursions over the PANTEX nuclear facility. Explore the UAP-nuclear connection.

Newly declassified UAP documents from the May 22 release highlight an alarming connection between UFOs and nuclear sites, detailing unexplained incursions over the heavily guarded PANTEX nuclear facility.

'PANTEX Encounters': Why were UFOs reported near America's most secure nuclear facility?

The US Department of War released 64 new UAP files on May 22, including 51 videos of fighter jet intercepts and submarine encounters. Anticipation builds for Tranche 3.

The US Department of War released a massive second tranche of 64 UAP files on May 22, including 51 videos. From Lake Huron intercepts to submarine shadows, here are the best clips as anticipation builds for Tranche 3.

The government just dropped 51 new UFO videos and they say a third batch is already on the way

A spider with a smiley face on its back has been discovered in the Himalayas. The arachnid was believed to be native to Hawaii, so finding it in a region of India has left scientists pretty much amazed. The Theridion grallator has this cheerful display on top of its abdomen. The spider is tiny and has a vibrant green hue. It was first seen in Hawaii in 1900, and for the longest time, it was only seen there. But now we know that this is not the only smiley spider species in the world. According to the study published in the journal Evolutionary Systematics, there is one more of its kind in the Himalayas. The new spider has been named the Himalayan happy-face spider (Theridion himalayana). The discovery was made by researchers from India’s Forest Research Institute and the Regional Museum of Natural History. They were on an expedition in Uttarakhand to map, catalogue ant biodiversity. This is when this tiny arachnid caught their attention.&nbsp;Devi Priyadarshini, biologist at the Regional Museum of Natural History, said in a statement, "My co-author [Ashirwad Tripathy] kept sending me spiders from high altitude regions for identification. One day, he sent me a photo of an arachnid clinging to a Daphniphyllum leaf." Priyadarshini said she was instantly shocked to see the creature. “I had seen the Hawaiian spider during my master’s program…I knew instantly we had a jackpot because of its striking resemblance,” Priyadarshini said. Tripathy continued to make a record every time he came across a similar-looking spider. All 32 of them appeared to be the same species and had a smiley dot-and-stripe colouration pattern, known as morphs.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-discover-over-1-100-new-ocean-species-including-mysterious-ghost-shark-details-inside-1779193384305">Scientists discover over 1,100 new ocean species, including mysterious ‘ghost shark’</a><h2>Smiley face spider: A genetic mystery</h2>A DNA analysis revealed an 8.5 per cent genetic variation from the Hawaiian happy-face spider. This meant that this species developed independently of the one in Hawaii, even though they were identical. “The name [Theridion] Himalayana was decided as the species name because we both wanted to pay our respects to the mighty Himalaya mountain ranges," Tripathy said. The green colour helped the spiders to hide themselves in the landscape, while the reason for the smiley pattern remains unclear. Both species also seem to like ginger plants, despite not being native to Hawaii. Priyadarshini said the similar smiley pattern is “definitely indicative of a deeper genetic mystery”.

Scientists have discovered a smiley face spider in Uttarakhand, on the foothills of the Himalayas. The surprising thing is that the arachnid has only been found in Hawaii till now. But this is an entirely different species, yet it has a similar pattern. 

A spider with a smiley face on its back has been discovered in the Himalayas. The arachnid was believed to be native to Hawaii, so finding it in a region of India has left scientists pretty much amazed. The Theridion grallator has this cheerful display on top of its abdomen. The spider is tiny and has a vibrant green hue. It was first seen in Hawaii in 1900, and for the longest time, it was only seen there. But now we know that this is not the only smiley spider species in the world. According to the study published in the journal Evolutionary Systematics, there is one more of its kind in the Himalayas. The new spider has been named the Himalayan happy-face spider (Theridion himalayana). The discovery was made by researchers from India’s Forest Research Institute and the Regional Museum of Natural History. They were on an expedition in Uttarakhand to map, catalogue ant biodiversity. This is when this tiny arachnid caught their attention. Devi Priyadarshini, biologist at the Regional Museum of Natural History, said in a statement, "My co-author [Ashirwad Tripathy] kept sending me spiders from high altitude regions for identification. One day, he sent me a photo of an arachnid clinging to a Daphniphyllum leaf." Priyadarshini said she was instantly shocked to see the creature. “I had seen the Hawaiian spider during my master’s program…I knew instantly we had a jackpot because of its striking resemblance,” Priyadarshini said. Tripathy continued to make a record every time he came across a similar-looking spider. All 32 of them appeared to be the same species and had a smiley dot-and-stripe colouration pattern, known as morphs. Also Read: Scientists discover over 1,100 new ocean species, including mysterious ‘ghost shark’ Smiley face spider: A genetic mystery A DNA analysis revealed an 8.5 per cent genetic variation from the Hawaiian happy-face spider. This meant that this species developed independently of the one in Hawaii, even though they were identical. “The name [Theridion] Himalayana was decided as the species name because we both wanted to pay our respects to the mighty Himalaya mountain ranges," Tripathy said. The green colour helped the spiders to hide themselves in the landscape, while the reason for the smiley pattern remains unclear. Both species also seem to like ginger plants, despite not being native to Hawaii. Priyadarshini said the similar smiley pattern is “definitely indicative of a deeper genetic mystery”.

Scientists have discovered a smiley face spider in Uttarakhand, on the foothills of the Himalayas. The surprising thing is that the arachnid has only been found in Hawaii till now. But this is an entirely different species, yet it has a similar pattern.&nbsp;

Smiley face spider discovered in Indian Himalayas. It was only ever found in Hawaii

Humans continue to believe in several myths that have been dismissed by science. Some of them are commonly used in the form of phrases in our everyday lives. Why do we love repeating and pushing something that is not true?

Humans continue to believe in several myths that have been dismissed by science. Some of them are commonly used in the form of phrases in our everyday lives. Why do we love repeating and pushing something that is not true?

Science myths people still believe in 2026 — and why our brains love them

Colossal Biosciences, a "de-extinction" startup that is trying to resurrect New Zealand's giant moa, successfully hatched 26 baby chickens using a first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed artificial egg. This is proof of concept for the company's ultimate goal of bringing back the long-extinct avian species. The artificial egg is made from a 3D-printed titanium latticework and a bioengineered, semipermeable silicone membrane. It mimics a natural eggshell by allowing carbon dioxide to escape and oxygen to enter. It boasts a 21 per cent transfer capacity for atmospheric oxygen, more than the oxygen intake of an organic chicken eggshell. However, there is one area where it falls short - supplying the natural source of calcium that growing birds pull from the inside of their own eggshells.&nbsp;Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO and co-founder, told Gizmodo that they are providing it manually. "The only thing we are supplementing is calcium. The developing embryos cannot get calcium from, you know, 3D-printed titanium, apparently," he said. “You know, we already have 26 chickens,” Lamm said. “We don’t need more. We’re gonna let them live out their natural lives.” Colossal announced that this shell has been made with an eye on a seamless transition to mass production using low-cost injection-moulding techniques. The company further said that its "fully scalable and biologically accurate" egg was designed to "produce healthy animals that can thrive, not just hatch". They have tried to mirror the natural egg as much as possible. Colossal plans to scale the technology up and down, testing the artificial egg next on smaller pigeon eggs and larger emu eggs.<h2>Other implications&nbsp;</h2> Chief Biology Officer, epigeneticist Andrew Pask, said that the technology can help endangered bird species in cases where experts have been trying to increase reproduction among bird populations whose numbers are falling. While independent experts note the technology could heavily impact the commercial poultry industry, Colossal's CEO, Ben Lamm, states that the company has no plans to enter the agricultural market, choosing instead to focus entirely on its wildlife conservation and de-extinction experiments.

A de-extinction company has hatched 26 chickens from 3D-printed artificial eggs. They are "fully scalable and biologically accurate" and were made to produce healthy animals that can thrive. The company is trying to bring back New Zealand's giant moa.

Colossal Biosciences, a "de-extinction" startup that is trying to resurrect New Zealand's giant moa, successfully hatched 26 baby chickens using a first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed artificial egg. This is proof of concept for the company's ultimate goal of bringing back the long-extinct avian species. The artificial egg is made from a 3D-printed titanium latticework and a bioengineered, semipermeable silicone membrane. It mimics a natural eggshell by allowing carbon dioxide to escape and oxygen to enter. It boasts a 21 per cent transfer capacity for atmospheric oxygen, more than the oxygen intake of an organic chicken eggshell. However, there is one area where it falls short - supplying the natural source of calcium that growing birds pull from the inside of their own eggshells. Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO and co-founder, told Gizmodo that they are providing it manually. "The only thing we are supplementing is calcium. The developing embryos cannot get calcium from, you know, 3D-printed titanium, apparently," he said. “You know, we already have 26 chickens,” Lamm said. “We don’t need more. We’re gonna let them live out their natural lives.” Colossal announced that this shell has been made with an eye on a seamless transition to mass production using low-cost injection-moulding techniques. The company further said that its "fully scalable and biologically accurate" egg was designed to "produce healthy animals that can thrive, not just hatch". They have tried to mirror the natural egg as much as possible. Colossal plans to scale the technology up and down, testing the artificial egg next on smaller pigeon eggs and larger emu eggs. Other implications Chief Biology Officer, epigeneticist Andrew Pask, said that the technology can help endangered bird species in cases where experts have been trying to increase reproduction among bird populations whose numbers are falling. While independent experts note the technology could heavily impact the commercial poultry industry, Colossal's CEO, Ben Lamm, states that the company has no plans to enter the agricultural market, choosing instead to focus entirely on its wildlife conservation and de-extinction experiments.

A de-extinction company has hatched 26 chickens from 3D-printed artificial eggs. They are "fully scalable and biologically accurate" and were made to produce healthy animals that can thrive. The company is trying to bring back New Zealand's giant moa.

In major breakthrough, 3D-printed artificial egg hatched to produce 26 chickens

A new study suggests one wellness trend long hyped online may actually have measurable weight-loss benefits: regular cold exposure. All you need to know.

A new study suggests one wellness trend long hyped online may actually have measurable weight-loss benefits: regular cold exposure. All you need to know.

Research finds doing THIS 'cool' thing for two hours a day could help you lose weight (without changing your diet)

Scientists have discovered an insect fossil in Myanmar with large claws on its front legs, like forceps, an extremely rare feature in these creatures. It was found embedded in amber from the Kachin region, where lies the Cretaceous fauna of a 100-million-year-old forest ecosystem. The pincer-like feature looks like the grasping appendage of crabs, the study by scientists from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich states. Since this unique feature resembles the trademark pose of a popular K-pop band, Stray Kids, it has been named after it. "Previously, such chelae were known from only three insect groups. This fossil therefore represents the fourth known case of these structures evolving independently in insects," Privatdozentin Carolin Haug, zoologist at LMU's Faculty of Biology, said.&nbsp;The study has been published in the journal Insects. To examine the fossil, the team worked with researchers from the University of Rostock and the University of Oulu in Finland. Micro-computed tomography helped visualise all structures of its anatomy in 3D. Analyses of the shapes of more than 2,000 grasping claws across various species revealed something unexpected: the claws of a fossilised true bug looked nothing like those of other insects. Instead, this ancient insect shared a striking resemblance with more distant relatives in the arthropod family, specifically crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-are-responsible-for-rapid-ageing-and-short-lifespans-in-humans-1777642716794">Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans</a><h2>K-pop and science come together</h2> Interestingly, the forcep or pincer found on this bug led to it being named after a popular Korean pop group. The fossil has been placed in a new genus of its own and given the scientific name Carcinonepa libererrantes. Carcino is the Latinised Greek word for crab, while nepa is a reference to the group of true water bugs known as Nepomorpha. Meanwhile, the species name "libererrantes" is a Latinisation of the K-pop group Stray Kids. "The name seemed fitting because the posture of the fossil's chelae strongly resembles the group's trademark pose. Stray Kids, I should add, is the favourite band of one of the paper's authors, Fenja Haug," she explained.&nbsp;The bug most likely used the chelae on its front legs for catching small insects. Its body structure shows similarities to living representatives of the group Gelastocoridae, commonly known as toad bugs, which have turned into terrestrial predators over the years.

An insect that lived 100 million years ago has been discovered fossilised in amber in Myanmar. It has forceps like claws similar to crabs in the front, which led to it being named after the popular K-pop band Stray Kids.

Scientists have discovered an insect fossil in Myanmar with large claws on its front legs, like forceps, an extremely rare feature in these creatures. It was found embedded in amber from the Kachin region, where lies the Cretaceous fauna of a 100-million-year-old forest ecosystem. The pincer-like feature looks like the grasping appendage of crabs, the study by scientists from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich states. Since this unique feature resembles the trademark pose of a popular K-pop band, Stray Kids, it has been named after it. "Previously, such chelae were known from only three insect groups. This fossil therefore represents the fourth known case of these structures evolving independently in insects," Privatdozentin Carolin Haug, zoologist at LMU's Faculty of Biology, said. The study has been published in the journal Insects. To examine the fossil, the team worked with researchers from the University of Rostock and the University of Oulu in Finland. Micro-computed tomography helped visualise all structures of its anatomy in 3D. Analyses of the shapes of more than 2,000 grasping claws across various species revealed something unexpected: the claws of a fossilised true bug looked nothing like those of other insects. Instead, this ancient insect shared a striking resemblance with more distant relatives in the arthropod family, specifically crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Also Read: Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans K-pop and science come together Interestingly, the forcep or pincer found on this bug led to it being named after a popular Korean pop group. The fossil has been placed in a new genus of its own and given the scientific name Carcinonepa libererrantes. Carcino is the Latinised Greek word for crab, while nepa is a reference to the group of true water bugs known as Nepomorpha. Meanwhile, the species name "libererrantes" is a Latinisation of the K-pop group Stray Kids. "The name seemed fitting because the posture of the fossil's chelae strongly resembles the group's trademark pose. Stray Kids, I should add, is the favourite band of one of the paper's authors, Fenja Haug," she explained. The bug most likely used the chelae on its front legs for catching small insects. Its body structure shows similarities to living representatives of the group Gelastocoridae, commonly known as toad bugs, which have turned into terrestrial predators over the years.

An insect that lived 100 million years ago has been discovered fossilised in amber in Myanmar. It has forceps like claws similar to crabs in the front, which led to it being named after the popular K-pop band Stray Kids.

100-million-year-old insect discovered in Myanmar named after K-pop band Stray Kids. Here's why

Scientists have found an iron isotope inside Antarctic ice that could have only come from a cosmic event, such as a supernova explosion. This discovery shows that our planet likely passed through an interstellar cloud of supernova dust, and when this happened, the rare iron isotopes got embedded in the Antarctic ice and froze for thousands of years. A team of scientists led by nuclear astrophysicist Dominik Koll of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in Germany is behind the discovery of this dust from a dead star. The iron-60 found frozen inside ice cores is believed to be 40,000 to 81,000 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Antarctic ice sheet has turned into a vault filled with valuable information about the history of Earth. It formed over 35 million years, meaning each layer is hiding particles from different times in the lifespan of our planet. Scientists drill through the ice and pull out vertical cylinders, revealing the atmospheric changes over millions of years. The research has been published in Physical Review Letters.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-unleashes-m-class-solar-flare-auroras-could-light-up-earth-this-week-details-1778572341489">Sun unleashes M-class solar flare, auroras could light up Earth this week. Details</a><h2>The "Iron-60" Connection</h2>Iron-60 is not formed on Earth and needs extreme conditions, such as supernova explosions, to be formed. The researchers said that Earth possibly caught this isotope when it was formed 4.5 billion years ago. However, it only has a half-life of 2.6 million years, and all of it would have decayed in about 15 million years. This means that the latest discovery is much newer and from an event that happened long after Earth was born. Scientists say that the existence of Iron-60 in ocean sediments and in snowfall hints at an occurrence where our planet moved through supernova debris, and it is possible that it is still traversing through it.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/may-2026-blue-moon-guide-dates-times-and-fascinating-facts-about-the-rare-lunar-occurrence-1778052973599">May 2026 Blue Moon: Dates, times, and the one thing you get wrong about it</a><h2>Key takeaway from the discovery</h2>Koll and his team dug deep into the ice and gathered 295 kilograms of Antarctic ice. They analysed the samples to look for iron-60 atoms. They melted the ice and counted the extracted iron-60 atoms. They found a higher concentration of iron-60, which can be attributed to the cosmic rays that slam into Earth. This showed that some of it came from the universe. However, what stood out was the concentration of iron-60 in ice from tens of thousands of years ago.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/milky-way-wormhole-massive-tunnel-to-another-part-of-universe-hidden-in-our-own-galaxy-1778476379808">Milky Way's wormhole: Massive tunnel to another part of universe hidden in our own galaxy</a>&nbsp;It was found to be significantly lower than the concentration in snow from the past few decades. Scientists say that the solar system is journeying through a region called the Local Interstellar Cloud, consisting of gas, dust, and plasma. It is believed to have come from a supernova; hence, this cosmic dust is likely raining on the planet.&nbsp;

Earth is being showered with supernova debris as the solar system moves through an interstellar cloud. Antarctic ice has captured cosmic particles, and an iron isotope, which also reveals the age of these particles and how long we have been traversing through this dust.   

Scientists have found an iron isotope inside Antarctic ice that could have only come from a cosmic event, such as a supernova explosion. This discovery shows that our planet likely passed through an interstellar cloud of supernova dust, and when this happened, the rare iron isotopes got embedded in the Antarctic ice and froze for thousands of years. A team of scientists led by nuclear astrophysicist Dominik Koll of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in Germany is behind the discovery of this dust from a dead star. The iron-60 found frozen inside ice cores is believed to be 40,000 to 81,000 years old. The Antarctic ice sheet has turned into a vault filled with valuable information about the history of Earth. It formed over 35 million years, meaning each layer is hiding particles from different times in the lifespan of our planet. Scientists drill through the ice and pull out vertical cylinders, revealing the atmospheric changes over millions of years. The research has been published in Physical Review Letters. Also Read: Sun unleashes M-class solar flare, auroras could light up Earth this week. Details The "Iron-60" Connection Iron-60 is not formed on Earth and needs extreme conditions, such as supernova explosions, to be formed. The researchers said that Earth possibly caught this isotope when it was formed 4.5 billion years ago. However, it only has a half-life of 2.6 million years, and all of it would have decayed in about 15 million years. This means that the latest discovery is much newer and from an event that happened long after Earth was born. Scientists say that the existence of Iron-60 in ocean sediments and in snowfall hints at an occurrence where our planet moved through supernova debris, and it is possible that it is still traversing through it. Also Read: May 2026 Blue Moon: Dates, times, and the one thing you get wrong about it Key takeaway from the discovery Koll and his team dug deep into the ice and gathered 295 kilograms of Antarctic ice. They analysed the samples to look for iron-60 atoms. They melted the ice and counted the extracted iron-60 atoms. They found a higher concentration of iron-60, which can be attributed to the cosmic rays that slam into Earth. This showed that some of it came from the universe. However, what stood out was the concentration of iron-60 in ice from tens of thousands of years ago. Also Read: Milky Way's wormhole: Massive tunnel to another part of universe hidden in our own galaxy It was found to be significantly lower than the concentration in snow from the past few decades. Scientists say that the solar system is journeying through a region called the Local Interstellar Cloud, consisting of gas, dust, and plasma. It is believed to have come from a supernova; hence, this cosmic dust is likely raining on the planet.

Earth is being showered with supernova debris as the solar system moves through an interstellar cloud. Antarctic ice has captured cosmic particles, and an iron isotope, which also reveals the age of these particles and how long we have been traversing through this dust. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years

Despite the massive data dump, the Pentagon admitted that many of the files detailed in the May 8 release remain entirely 'unresolved.' Officials stated that the government is still unable to make definitive determinations on the nature of the observed phenomena in over half of the reports, opening 

Despite the massive data dump, the Pentagon admitted that many of the files detailed in the May 8 release remain entirely ‘unresolved.’ Officials stated that the government is still unable to make definitive determinations on the nature of the observed phenomena in over half of the reports, opening the door for analysis from the private sector.

UFO Files: Released Tranche 1 still leaves many cases 'unresolved'

Alongside the transcripts of visual anomalies, a newly unsealed document details a report from Apollo 17 astronaut Jack Schmitt. During his time on the moon, Schmitt reported seeing a sudden, unexplained 'flash on the lunar surface north of Grimaldi [crater].'

Alongside the transcripts of visual anomalies, a newly unsealed document details a report from Apollo 17 astronaut Jack Schmitt. During his time on the moon, Schmitt reported seeing a sudden, unexplained ‘flash on the lunar surface north of Grimaldi [crater].’

UFO Files: Understanding Apollo 17 astronaut Jack Schmitt’s 'lunar flash' report

Here's one more reason to diss men. According to a new study, men are hurting the planet many more times than women. This is primarily because of all the travelling they undertake and their food choices. They are also less concerned about climate change and unwilling to change their ways to protect Earth. Altogether, they are worsening things for everyone and have a larger carbon footprint than the other sex. The revelations were made in a new paper titled "Men, masculinities, and the planet at the end of (M)Anthropocene", which saw 22 researchers from 13 countries joining in. &nbsp;"There is now plenty of research that shows clear negative impacts of some men's behaviour on the environment and climate," Professor Jeff Hearn, of the University of Huddersfield, said. Much of it has to do with tourism, but also their so-called "manly" activities, such as hunting and fishing, and their preference for meat.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/gen-z-officially-less-intelligent-than-millennials-first-recorded-intergenerational-iq-drop-1770115374340?fbclid=IwY2xjawRpIw1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6cTFMNjJSa2lVSGFwc05Bc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHozBB1LKQglK0Tn87lijEZOcgbmj7cjAG5rj4Wxxe34FJjXE74gP6aQU6PB6_aem_fLAaHmz9-l6khHvACqS5kA">Gen Z is officially less intelligent than millennials, first recorded intergenerational IQ drop</a><h2>Study on men and their impact on Earth</h2>&nbsp;Twenty-two researchers from 13 countries collaborated on the review published in the International Journal for Masculinity Studies. The paper noted six stand-out points which reflect how men are damaging the planet. This list of complaints against men is backed by science, and yes, it also talks about "not all men".Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/birds-have-a-preference-for-one-human-sex-and-they-made-it-clear-2-700-times-1777874452101">Birds have a clear preference when it comes to choosing between men and women</a>&nbsp;Larger carbon footprint The main finding of the study is concerned with men and their activities. They were the main consumers of meat and also indulged in hunting and fishing, which disrupt the environmental balance. They also travel more, which also impacts Earth negatively. The study states, "Men consume more meat than women" and "meat consumption remains part of hegemonic masculinity."&nbsp;Men and climate change The study found that men tend to largely stay away from anything related to climate change and are also less willing to change their behaviour and practices.Men and environmental politics They are also less active in environmental politics and do not connect as much with political parties that work for it. The researchers say that "climate denialism often combines with misogyny" among influential masculinities.&nbsp;Destructive activities Men are more involved in fields that have high environmental impact. They "tend to be more involved in owning, managing, controlling heavy, chemical, carbon–based industries". Militarism is also linked to men, which also has grave consequences for the environment.&nbsp;Who are these men? The researchers refrained from naming the particular countries whose men are inflicting damage on the planet. However, it does point out that these "patterns apply especially to privileged Euro-Western countries, particularly elite white men."&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/men-are-bad-for-the-planet-say-scientists-1778175477419/embed&nbsp;Not all men However, the researchers admit that the findings do not apply to all men, and several of them are playing their role in saving the environment.&nbsp;Professor Jeff Hearn says that while the negative impact of certain masculine behaviours is clear, they do not make it to mainstream environmental policy debates.

Men are fighting wars, men are eating more meat, they are involved in destructive activities, factories that are killing the environment, and on top of all this, they do not care. This is what a new study involving 22 scientists from 13 countries claims is wrong with the world today. 

Here's one more reason to diss men. According to a new study, men are hurting the planet many more times than women. This is primarily because of all the travelling they undertake and their food choices. They are also less concerned about climate change and unwilling to change their ways to protect Earth. Altogether, they are worsening things for everyone and have a larger carbon footprint than the other sex. The revelations were made in a new paper titled "Men, masculinities, and the planet at the end of (M)Anthropocene", which saw 22 researchers from 13 countries joining in. "There is now plenty of research that shows clear negative impacts of some men's behaviour on the environment and climate," Professor Jeff Hearn, of the University of Huddersfield, said. Much of it has to do with tourism, but also their so-called "manly" activities, such as hunting and fishing, and their preference for meat. Also Read: Gen Z is officially less intelligent than millennials, first recorded intergenerational IQ drop Study on men and their impact on Earth Twenty-two researchers from 13 countries collaborated on the review published in the International Journal for Masculinity Studies. The paper noted six stand-out points which reflect how men are damaging the planet. This list of complaints against men is backed by science, and yes, it also talks about "not all men". Also Read: Birds have a clear preference when it comes to choosing between men and women Larger carbon footprint The main finding of the study is concerned with men and their activities. They were the main consumers of meat and also indulged in hunting and fishing, which disrupt the environmental balance. They also travel more, which also impacts Earth negatively. The study states, "Men consume more meat than women" and "meat consumption remains part of hegemonic masculinity." Men and climate change The study found that men tend to largely stay away from anything related to climate change and are also less willing to change their behaviour and practices. Men and environmental politics They are also less active in environmental politics and do not connect as much with political parties that work for it. The researchers say that "climate denialism often combines with misogyny" among influential masculinities. Destructive activities Men are more involved in fields that have high environmental impact. They "tend to be more involved in owning, managing, controlling heavy, chemical, carbon–based industries". Militarism is also linked to men, which also has grave consequences for the environment. Who are these men? The researchers refrained from naming the particular countries whose men are inflicting damage on the planet. However, it does point out that these "patterns apply especially to privileged Euro-Western countries, particularly elite white men." https://www.wionews.com/videos/men-are-bad-for-the-planet-say-scientists-1778175477419/embed Not all men However, the researchers admit that the findings do not apply to all men, and several of them are playing their role in saving the environment. Professor Jeff Hearn says that while the negative impact of certain masculine behaviours is clear, they do not make it to mainstream environmental policy debates.

Men are fighting wars, men are eating more meat, they are involved in destructive activities, factories that are killing the environment, and on top of all this, they do not care. This is what a new study involving 22 scientists from 13 countries claims is wrong with the world today.

Sorry boys, science has cancelled you: Study says 'manly' activities are killing the planet

After the part of an Alaskan mountain crumbled into the sea, a massive 'megatsunami' wave was created, marking the second-tallest ever, reminding the risks posed by melting glaciers, according to scientists. Last year, a giant wave came across a remote fjord in southeast Alaska leading to the destruction in its wake.&nbsp;The event, which went largely unreported at the time, now shows that small earthquakes resulted in a massive landslide. As a result, 64 million cubic metres of rock, the equivalent of 24 Great Pyramids, splashed into the water, creating a gigantic wave almost 500 metres tall. In response, Dr Bretwood Higman, an Alaskan geologist who witnessed the damage at Tracy Arm Fjord, stated that it was "a close call". "We know that there were people who were very nearly in the wrong place," he said. 'I'm quite terrified that we're not going to be so lucky in the future." Massive waves known as megatsunamis occur when landslides, triggered by earthquakes or unstable rock, crash into bodies of water. These events are typically confined to local areas and lose strength quickly. In contrast, ocean-wide tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes or, at times, underwater volcanic activity. Such tsunamis, like the 2011 Japan disaster, can travel vast distances, striking populated coastlines and causing extensive destruction and loss of life. The largest recorded megatsunami occurred in the 1950s, exceeding 500 metres in height, with the recent event ranking as the second largest. When Dr Higman reached the Tracy Arm Fjord—an Alaskan cruise destination—weeks after the event, he observed shattered trees scattered across slopes and waters, along with large expanses of exposed rock where soil and vegetation had been stripped away.<h3>Vulnerability of Alaska</h3>Alaska is mainly vulnerable to megatsunamis because of its narrow fjords, steep mountains and frequent earthquakes. The new research published in Science indicates that glacier melt due to climate change is making it even worse. Dr Stephen Hicks of University College London stated that the glacier was previously "helping to hold up this piece of rock", and so when the ice retreated, it exposed the bottom of the cliff face, "allowing that rock material to suddenly collapse into the fjord". Stephen's team have studied tsunamis for almost 10 years and is worried about it. "More people are now going to remote areas - often these tourist cruises are going to see the natural beauty of the area to actually learn more about climate change - but they are also dangerous places to be," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/1-000-strange-marks-on-a-rock-in-italy-left-hikers-stunned-ancient-underwater-stampede-might-be-responsible-1778069857931">1,000 identical marks on a rock in Italy are from an ancient underwater stampede. Who made them?</a>

A massive 500-meter megatsunami, the second-tallest ever recorded, struck Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord after a landslide dumped 64 million cubic meters of rock into the water. Scientists warn that melting glaciers due to climate change are destabilising cliffs.

After the part of an Alaskan mountain crumbled into the sea, a massive 'megatsunami' wave was created, marking the second-tallest ever, reminding the risks posed by melting glaciers, according to scientists. Last year, a giant wave came across a remote fjord in southeast Alaska leading to the destruction in its wake. The event, which went largely unreported at the time, now shows that small earthquakes resulted in a massive landslide. As a result, 64 million cubic metres of rock, the equivalent of 24 Great Pyramids, splashed into the water, creating a gigantic wave almost 500 metres tall. In response, Dr Bretwood Higman, an Alaskan geologist who witnessed the damage at Tracy Arm Fjord, stated that it was "a close call". "We know that there were people who were very nearly in the wrong place," he said. 'I'm quite terrified that we're not going to be so lucky in the future." Massive waves known as megatsunamis occur when landslides, triggered by earthquakes or unstable rock, crash into bodies of water. These events are typically confined to local areas and lose strength quickly. In contrast, ocean-wide tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes or, at times, underwater volcanic activity. Such tsunamis, like the 2011 Japan disaster, can travel vast distances, striking populated coastlines and causing extensive destruction and loss of life. The largest recorded megatsunami occurred in the 1950s, exceeding 500 metres in height, with the recent event ranking as the second largest. When Dr Higman reached the Tracy Arm Fjord—an Alaskan cruise destination—weeks after the event, he observed shattered trees scattered across slopes and waters, along with large expanses of exposed rock where soil and vegetation had been stripped away. Vulnerability of Alaska Alaska is mainly vulnerable to megatsunamis because of its narrow fjords, steep mountains and frequent earthquakes. The new research published in Science indicates that glacier melt due to climate change is making it even worse. Dr Stephen Hicks of University College London stated that the glacier was previously "helping to hold up this piece of rock", and so when the ice retreated, it exposed the bottom of the cliff face, "allowing that rock material to suddenly collapse into the fjord". Stephen's team have studied tsunamis for almost 10 years and is worried about it. "More people are now going to remote areas - often these tourist cruises are going to see the natural beauty of the area to actually learn more about climate change - but they are also dangerous places to be," he added. Also read: 1,000 identical marks on a rock in Italy are from an ancient underwater stampede. Who made them?

A massive 500-metre megatsunami, the second-tallest ever recorded, struck Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord after a landslide dumped 64 million cubic meters of rock into the water. Scientists warn that melting glaciers due to climate change are destabilising cliffs.

Massive 500-metre 'megatsunami' hits Alaska Fjord after part of mountain collapses

Scientists have retrieved a piece of Earth's mantle, the layer hidden beneath the crust. Measuring 4,160 feet, this section of rocks is a data mine that helps us understand how things work inside our planet. The achievement is also expected to offer a peek into the origin of life, volcanic activities and how elements like carbon and hydrogen move between the ocean, rocks, and Earth's deep interior. The mantle makes up 80 per cent of our planet's volume with a thick outer crust. Below the mantle is the outer core that consists of liquid metal. This mix of iron and nickel swirls to give us our magnetic field. In the innermost part is the inner core, which is solid. Professor Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences conducted the work in 2023. The area chosen was the seabed near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (the Atlantis Massif) because in this underwater area, the crust is thin, allowing mantle rocks to sit closer to the surface.&nbsp;Previous attempts to drill into the crust and reach the mantle reached a depth of only 650 feet. But Lissenberg and his team managed to drill deeper and extract a continuous piece measuring 4,160 feet. &nbsp;“Our study begins to look at the composition of the mantle by documenting the mineralogy of the recovered rocks, as well as their chemical makeup," he said. The team found that the mantle had undergone more melting than previously believed, which explains the formation of magma and volcanic eruptions. They also observed pathways in the rocks used by magma to swell up to the Earth's surface, explaining how it moves upwards. “This is important because it tells us how the mantle melts and feeds volcanoes, particularly those on the ocean floor that account for the majority of volcanism on Earth,” explains Professor Lissenberg.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ecological-disaster-unfolding-in-western-ghats-as-one-insect-goes-missing-in-india-1777956918157">Ecological disaster unfolding in Western Ghats as one insect goes 'missing' in India</a><h2>How life originated on Earth</h2>Scientists also noted that the rocks contain an abundant mineral called olivine. When olivine comes into direct contact with hot seawater, it undergoes a chemical reaction known as serpentinization. It gives scientists a real-world model to study the conditions that may have supported the very first forms of life on early Earth. Researchers believe this process served as the necessary "spark" that generated organic building blocks before life officially began. The sample will act as a baseline reference for geologists, microbiologists, and geochemists for decades to come.

A long piece of Earth's mantle measuring 4,160 feet has shed light on how the building blocks of life took shape on our planet. This was the first time that scientists reached such depths of the Earth and extracted an invaluable data mine. 

Scientists have retrieved a piece of Earth's mantle, the layer hidden beneath the crust. Measuring 4,160 feet, this section of rocks is a data mine that helps us understand how things work inside our planet. The achievement is also expected to offer a peek into the origin of life, volcanic activities and how elements like carbon and hydrogen move between the ocean, rocks, and Earth's deep interior. The mantle makes up 80 per cent of our planet's volume with a thick outer crust. Below the mantle is the outer core that consists of liquid metal. This mix of iron and nickel swirls to give us our magnetic field. In the innermost part is the inner core, which is solid. Professor Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences conducted the work in 2023. The area chosen was the seabed near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (the Atlantis Massif) because in this underwater area, the crust is thin, allowing mantle rocks to sit closer to the surface. Previous attempts to drill into the crust and reach the mantle reached a depth of only 650 feet. But Lissenberg and his team managed to drill deeper and extract a continuous piece measuring 4,160 feet. “Our study begins to look at the composition of the mantle by documenting the mineralogy of the recovered rocks, as well as their chemical makeup," he said. The team found that the mantle had undergone more melting than previously believed, which explains the formation of magma and volcanic eruptions. They also observed pathways in the rocks used by magma to swell up to the Earth's surface, explaining how it moves upwards. “This is important because it tells us how the mantle melts and feeds volcanoes, particularly those on the ocean floor that account for the majority of volcanism on Earth,” explains Professor Lissenberg. Also Read: Ecological disaster unfolding in Western Ghats as one insect goes 'missing' in India How life originated on Earth Scientists also noted that the rocks contain an abundant mineral called olivine. When olivine comes into direct contact with hot seawater, it undergoes a chemical reaction known as serpentinization. It gives scientists a real-world model to study the conditions that may have supported the very first forms of life on early Earth. Researchers believe this process served as the necessary "spark" that generated organic building blocks before life officially began. The sample will act as a baseline reference for geologists, microbiologists, and geochemists for decades to come.

A long piece of Earth's mantle measuring 4,160 feet has shed light on how the building blocks of life took shape on our planet. This was the first time that scientists reached such depths of the Earth and extracted an invaluable data mine.&nbsp;

Scientists extract 4,160 feet of Earth's mantle and learn how first life forms originated

Birds have a sense of identifying the sex of humans, according to a study. They also have a preference and like males over females, as they fled much quicker when women came near them. Study co-author Yanina Benedetti, an ecologist at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, said in a statement, "As a woman in the field, I was surprised that birds reacted to us differently." Scientists included 37 bird species from five European countries and found that the birds flew away quickly when approached by women as compared to men. This showed that city birds can distinguish between male and female approaches. Researchers measured the distance from a human at which the bird flew away to make their conclusions, in which women emerged as the ones they disliked. However, the study authors have yet to find the reason for this behaviour. It was published in the journal People and Nature.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jurassic-lesson-in-survival-180-million-year-old-sea-predator-with-100-teeth-gobbled-stones-to-stay-alive-1777468258783">180-million-year-old sea predator with 100 teeth gobbled stones to stay alive</a>&nbsp;Benedetti stated that the findings have "implications for urban ecology and equality in science" and show how animals in cities see humans. The researchers expanded on these encounters to determine whether they were just coincidences or part of a broader response pattern. They analysed over 2,700 approaches across five European countries (Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, and Spain) involving birds like magpies and pigeons. The latter were more tolerant of humans and fled only after humans got really close. However, others, like magpies, took off faster and had a longer flight initiation distance.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-are-responsible-for-rapid-ageing-and-short-lifespans-in-humans-1777642716794">Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-discover-62-foot-dinosaur-eating-octopus-that-ruled-the-seas-100-million-years-ago-1777026091674">Scientists discover 62-foot 'dinosaur-eating' octopus that ruled the seas 100 million years ago</a><h2>Birds fled faster, seeing the women approach them</h2>To remove other factors from the study, researchers paired male and female participants of similar heights and dressed them in the same colours. They walked up to a bird in a straight line while keeping their gaze fixed on it. They then measured the distance at which the bird fled, which is the metric used in the study, Flight Initiation Distance. Across all species and locations, they were amazed to find that birds consistently fled sooner when approached by a woman than by a man.&nbsp;&nbsp;The observations gathered between April and July of 2023 found that, on average, men could get around 3 feet closer to the birds than women could. "I fully believe our results, that urban birds react differently based on the sex of the person approaching them, but I can't explain them right now," study co-author Daniel Blumstein said in the statement. The researchers admitted that follow-up studies are required to understand more about this behaviour, such as movement patterns, scent cues, or physical traits.

Birds have a dislike for women and seem to have a certain liking for men, according to a study. In five European countries, scientists found that when men approached the birds, they stayed on the ground for longer. But when women did the same, they flew away quickly. 

Birds have a sense of identifying the sex of humans, according to a study. They also have a preference and like males over females, as they fled much quicker when women came near them. Study co-author Yanina Benedetti, an ecologist at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, said in a statement, "As a woman in the field, I was surprised that birds reacted to us differently." Scientists included 37 bird species from five European countries and found that the birds flew away quickly when approached by women as compared to men. This showed that city birds can distinguish between male and female approaches. Researchers measured the distance from a human at which the bird flew away to make their conclusions, in which women emerged as the ones they disliked. However, the study authors have yet to find the reason for this behaviour. It was published in the journal People and Nature. Also Read: 180-million-year-old sea predator with 100 teeth gobbled stones to stay alive Benedetti stated that the findings have "implications for urban ecology and equality in science" and show how animals in cities see humans. The researchers expanded on these encounters to determine whether they were just coincidences or part of a broader response pattern. They analysed over 2,700 approaches across five European countries (Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, and Spain) involving birds like magpies and pigeons. The latter were more tolerant of humans and fled only after humans got really close. However, others, like magpies, took off faster and had a longer flight initiation distance. Also Read: Dinosaurs are responsible for rapid ageing and short lifespans in humans Also Read: Scientists discover 62-foot 'dinosaur-eating' octopus that ruled the seas 100 million years ago Birds fled faster, seeing the women approach them To remove other factors from the study, researchers paired male and female participants of similar heights and dressed them in the same colours. They walked up to a bird in a straight line while keeping their gaze fixed on it. They then measured the distance at which the bird fled, which is the metric used in the study, Flight Initiation Distance. Across all species and locations, they were amazed to find that birds consistently fled sooner when approached by a woman than by a man. The observations gathered between April and July of 2023 found that, on average, men could get around 3 feet closer to the birds than women could. "I fully believe our results, that urban birds react differently based on the sex of the person approaching them, but I can't explain them right now," study co-author Daniel Blumstein said in the statement. The researchers admitted that follow-up studies are required to understand more about this behaviour, such as movement patterns, scent cues, or physical traits.

Birds have a dislike for women and seem to have a certain liking for men, according to a study. In five European countries, scientists found that when men approached the birds, they stayed on the ground for longer. But when women did the same, they flew away quickly.&nbsp;

Birds have a clear preference when it comes to choosing between men and women

Astronomers have discovered TOI-5205 b, a massive 'forbidden' alien planet orbiting a tiny star. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers revealed its bizarre, heavy-element-depleted atmosphere that is challenging our understanding of planetary formation.

tronomers have discovered TOI-5205 b, a massive ‘forbidden’ alien planet orbiting a tiny star. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers revealed its bizarre, heavy-element-depleted atmosphere that is challenging our understanding of planetary formation.Untitled Summary

'100 times richer': NASA's James Webb Telescope reveals 'forbidden' alien planet that shouldn't exist

Are we looking for extraterrestrial life the wrong way? A groundbreaking new study suggests astrobiologists should stop looking for specific biosignatures on single planets, and instead hunt for statistical 'patterns' of life spreading across entire star systems.

Are we looking for extraterrestrial life the wrong way? A groundbreaking new study suggests astrobiologists should stop looking for specific biosignatures on single planets, and instead hunt for statistical ‘patterns’ of life spreading across entire star systems.

Alien life might be hiding in 'patterns', not just planets? Here's what it means

Strange red dots spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope might actually be 'black hole stars'—massive gas clouds hiding growing supermassive black holes within. Uncover the new X-ray data that could rewrite our understanding of the early universe.

Strange red dots spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope might actually be ‘black hole stars’—massive gas clouds hiding growing supermassive black holes within. Uncover the new X-ray data that could rewrite our understanding of the early universe.

'Black hole stars': NASA's James Webb Telescope discovers red dots that might re-write galaxy origin theory

Michelle and Lavinia Osbourne have always known they were twins. They were born within minutes of each other, to the same mother, but it turns out they don't share the same father. The Osbourne twins didn't find out this shocking truth until they took a DNA test. They were conceived naturally, grew together in the same womb, and were born to the same mother within minutes of each other, but they are half-sisters. But how is that even possible? The answer is a rare phenomenon called heteropaternal superfecundation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-bans-abortion-pill-by-mail-federal-court-s-mifepristone-ruling-turns-back-the-clock-on-life-saving-healthcare-in-pics-1777697099793">US bans abortion Mifepristone pill: Critics warn of 'immediate chaos' | In pics</a><h2>UK's first recorded case of twins with different dads</h2>The 49-year-old Osbourne twins are officially the United Kingdom's first recorded case of heteropaternal superfecundation, a biological phenomenon so rare that fewer than 20 cases have ever been documented worldwide.Speaking on a new series of BBC Radio 4's The Gift, the sisters told journalist Jenny Kleeman how they came to learn the truth about their origins. "We're miracles," they said. They came to know about their origins as recently as 2022.<h2>What is heteropaternal superfecundation?</h2>Heteropaternal superfecundation occurs when a woman releases more than one egg during a single menstrual cycle, the same process behind fraternal twins, but the eggs are fertilised by sperm from two different men.For this to happen, two acts of intercourse with different partners must occur within a roughly five-day window, since sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days while eggs remain viable for only 12 to 24 hours after release. The timing has to align almost perfectly, which is part of why it happens so rarely.Most cases are never detected at all. The phenomenon tends to come to light only when twins look noticeably different from each other, different skin tones, for instance, or when a paternity dispute triggers DNA testing.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bargi-dam-cruise-boat-tragedy-heartbreaking-photo-of-mother-and-son-clinging-to-each-other-fake-jabalpur-collector-says-ai-generated-1777701429547">Bargi Dam cruise boat tragedy: Heartbreaking photo of mother and son clinging to each other fake? Jabalpur collector says...</a><h2>One in 400</h2>A case in Brazil in 2022 became international news when a young woman discovered that only one of her twins matched the man she believed to be the father. Further testing revealed two different fathers. Cases like that one are typically stumbled upon by accident rather than by design. Estimates suggest heteropaternal superfecundation might occur in roughly one in every 400 fraternal twin births in the United States, though the vast majority go undetected and unrecorded.

Can twins really share the same mother, birthday and womb, but have different fathers? As bizarre as it sounds, science says yes. The UK has recorded its first-ever case of this rare biological phenomenon. All you need to know.

Michelle and Lavinia Osbourne have always known they were twins. They were born within minutes of each other, to the same mother, but it turns out they don't share the same father. The Osbourne twins didn't find out this shocking truth until they took a DNA test. They were conceived naturally, grew together in the same womb, and were born to the same mother within minutes of each other, but they are half-sisters. But how is that even possible? The answer is a rare phenomenon called heteropaternal superfecundation. Also read | US bans abortion Mifepristone pill: Critics warn of 'immediate chaos' | In pics UK's first recorded case of twins with different dads The 49-year-old Osbourne twins are officially the United Kingdom's first recorded case of heteropaternal superfecundation, a biological phenomenon so rare that fewer than 20 cases have ever been documented worldwide. Speaking on a new series of BBC Radio 4's The Gift, the sisters told journalist Jenny Kleeman how they came to learn the truth about their origins. "We're miracles," they said. They came to know about their origins as recently as 2022. What is heteropaternal superfecundation? Heteropaternal superfecundation occurs when a woman releases more than one egg during a single menstrual cycle, the same process behind fraternal twins, but the eggs are fertilised by sperm from two different men. For this to happen, two acts of intercourse with different partners must occur within a roughly five-day window, since sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days while eggs remain viable for only 12 to 24 hours after release. The timing has to align almost perfectly, which is part of why it happens so rarely. Most cases are never detected at all. The phenomenon tends to come to light only when twins look noticeably different from each other, different skin tones, for instance, or when a paternity dispute triggers DNA testing. Also read | Bargi Dam cruise boat tragedy: Heartbreaking photo of mother and son clinging to each other fake? Jabalpur collector says... One in 400 A case in Brazil in 2022 became international news when a young woman discovered that only one of her twins matched the man she believed to be the father. Further testing revealed two different fathers. Cases like that one are typically stumbled upon by accident rather than by design. Estimates suggest heteropaternal superfecundation might occur in roughly one in every 400 fraternal twin births in the United States, though the vast majority go undetected and unrecorded.

Can twins really share the same mother, birthday and womb, but have different fathers? As bizarre as it sounds, science says yes. The UK has recorded its first-ever case of this rare biological phenomenon. All you need to know.

They thought they were identical sisters, DNA test revealed different fathers; UK records first case of rare biological phenomenon

The world's longest experiment has been going on for almost 100 years, and yet it has barely scratched the surface. Physicist Thomas Parnell started it in 1927 at the University of Queensland. He poured pitch, a substance that looks solid, but isn't, into a funnel. He used asphalt for the experiment, which is moving, but you cannot see it happening. However, since the stem of the funnel was first cut, only nine drops have fallen. The last one was in 2014, and the tenth one is forming. This experiment offers an important lesson in physics and how even one tiny drop being released changes the entire dynamics of what is going on inside that funnel. To begin with, Parnell took asphalt and heated it until it softened enough to be poured into the funnel. The material was left to cool down for three years.&nbsp;With his experiment, Parnell wanted to show that not everything one sees is as it appears. A solid substance could also behave like a liquid in another form, as is evident in the Pitch experiment. Asphalt can break apart when struck in its hard form, yet it can flow like a liquid when heated, but it displays immense resistance. It is 100 billion times more viscous than water, and two million times more viscous than honey. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/94-years-9-drops-worlds-longest-experiment-started-in-1927-and-hasnt-ended-yet-776414">94 years, 9 drops: World's longest experiment started nearly 100 yrs ago and is still on</a><h2>Timeline of drops in the Pitch experiment</h2>The first drop of the pitch fell in December 1938, with the next one in February 1947, the third in April 1954, then in May 1962, the fifth drop in August 1970, the sixth in April 1979, the seventh in July 1988, and the eighth in November 2000. The ninth drop fell in April 2014, and the tenth one has only now started forming, indicating that separation will not happen soon.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-develop-new-quantum-device-that-turns-electricity-into-sound-at-nanoscale-here-s-how-1777384361024">Researchers develop new quantum device that turns electricity into sound at nanoscale</a><h2>Why is the time between drops increasing?</h2>The time difference between the initial drops was eight to nine years. However, the pitch took 12 years to fall in the year 2000. This gap increased to nearly 14 years the next time around. It has already been 12 years since the last drop came out, and yet the tenth drop is still just taking shape. This increase in time between the pitch fall indicates something about the changing physics inside the glass funnel. Experts say that as the pitch drains out, the pressure forcing it out is decreasing. However, something else happened in that building in the 1980s that probably changed things. Air conditioning was installed, which cooled the air around the pitch funnel. While this drop in temperature doesn't seem like a lot, it is believed to have affected the surroundings measurably enough for the pitch to behave differently.&nbsp;Two scientists - Parnell and John Mainstone - are associated with the Pitch experiment. While Parnell started it, Mainstone brought it to the public eye. However, none of them ever saw a drop fall. The experiment earned Parnell and Mainstone the Ig Nobel prize in physics in 2005. It is a parody of the Nobel Prizes, and is awarded for scientific studies that make you laugh, and then wonder.&nbsp;

The world's longest experiment is nearing the 100-year mark and can go on for many more centuries. The Pitch experiment has witnessed only nine drops, with the time between each of them increasing. Scientists say the physics inside the funnel is changing. 

The world's longest experiment has been going on for almost 100 years, and yet it has barely scratched the surface. Physicist Thomas Parnell started it in 1927 at the University of Queensland. He poured pitch, a substance that looks solid, but isn't, into a funnel. He used asphalt for the experiment, which is moving, but you cannot see it happening. However, since the stem of the funnel was first cut, only nine drops have fallen. The last one was in 2014, and the tenth one is forming. This experiment offers an important lesson in physics and how even one tiny drop being released changes the entire dynamics of what is going on inside that funnel. To begin with, Parnell took asphalt and heated it until it softened enough to be poured into the funnel. The material was left to cool down for three years. With his experiment, Parnell wanted to show that not everything one sees is as it appears. A solid substance could also behave like a liquid in another form, as is evident in the Pitch experiment. Asphalt can break apart when struck in its hard form, yet it can flow like a liquid when heated, but it displays immense resistance. It is 100 billion times more viscous than water, and two million times more viscous than honey. Also Read: 94 years, 9 drops: World's longest experiment started nearly 100 yrs ago and is still on Timeline of drops in the Pitch experiment The first drop of the pitch fell in December 1938, with the next one in February 1947, the third in April 1954, then in May 1962, the fifth drop in August 1970, the sixth in April 1979, the seventh in July 1988, and the eighth in November 2000. The ninth drop fell in April 2014, and the tenth one has only now started forming, indicating that separation will not happen soon. Also Read: Researchers develop new quantum device that turns electricity into sound at nanoscale Why is the time between drops increasing? The time difference between the initial drops was eight to nine years. However, the pitch took 12 years to fall in the year 2000. This gap increased to nearly 14 years the next time around. It has already been 12 years since the last drop came out, and yet the tenth drop is still just taking shape. This increase in time between the pitch fall indicates something about the changing physics inside the glass funnel. Experts say that as the pitch drains out, the pressure forcing it out is decreasing. However, something else happened in that building in the 1980s that probably changed things. Air conditioning was installed, which cooled the air around the pitch funnel. While this drop in temperature doesn't seem like a lot, it is believed to have affected the surroundings measurably enough for the pitch to behave differently. Two scientists - Parnell and John Mainstone - are associated with the Pitch experiment. While Parnell started it, Mainstone brought it to the public eye. However, none of them ever saw a drop fall. The experiment earned Parnell and Mainstone the Ig Nobel prize in physics in 2005. It is a parody of the Nobel Prizes, and is awarded for scientific studies that make you laugh, and then wonder.

The world's longest experiment is nearing the 100-year mark and can go on for many more centuries. The Pitch experiment has witnessed only nine drops, with the time between each of them increasing. Scientists say the physics inside the funnel is changing.&nbsp;

99 years and counting: How an office upgrade further slowed down the world’s slowest experiment

Donald Trump has fired all 22 members of the National Science Board, and this decision could prove ominous for America. An email sent to them on Friday read, "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump,” their positions were "terminated, effective immediately." No explanation was offered for the decision that has shocked scientists across the country. The evisceration of the entire National Science Board could have serious repercussions on the future of scientific endeavours. However, the sudden move could be a way to make way for people who align more closely with the administration's mindset and goals. NSB members are appointed by the president, and each of them holds the position for six years, with the terms overlapping. Notably, according to other members who spoke to Nature News, the board's next meeting was scheduled for May 5, which was about to release a major report that could have shaken the foundation of the scientific community in the United States.<h2>Why the National Science Board story matters</h2> The reason for removing all 22 members has not been revealed. The NSB is an independent advisory board which helps steer the National Science Foundation. It advises the president and Congress on scientific and engineering issues. The board releases a report about every two years for Congress called Science and Engineering Indicators. It provides details on where the United States stands in the fields of &nbsp;R&amp;D, STEM education, and workforce development, and is considered a "gold standard" against which the country's progress in the field is compared with the rest of the world. On May 5, the board was reportedly set to release a report stating that America is falling behind China in the field of science. The terminated board members are worried about the political interference and believe the latest decision is aimed at placing people who align with the administration's goals.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/donald-trump-image-to-appear-in-limited-edition-us-passports-to-mark-america-s-250th-anniversary-1777409380769">Donald Trump image to appear in limited-edition US passports to mark America's 250th Anniversary</a><h2>Trump bulldozed through the National Science Board last year</h2>Experts are angry at the decision to suddenly remove all members of the NSB. Keivan Stassun, a professor of physics and astronomy at Vanderbilt University, was among those terminated. He told The Los Angeles Times that it was “a wholesale evisceration of American leadership in science and technology globally.” Stassun is also the director of the Vanderbilt Initiative in Data-intensive Astrophysics. This is not the first time the Trump administration has made a move on the board. In 2025, it proposed cutting its $9 billion budget by 55 per cent, terminating a huge number of staff members. Hundreds of active research grants were also ended, while new grants started lagging.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-pentagon-ufo-files-release-we-found-many-very-interesting-documents-1776492394923">Trump announces Pentagon UFO files release: ‘We found many very interesting documents’</a><h2>Why was National Science Board members terminated?</h2>&nbsp;The director of the board appointed by Trump resigned, and he later nominated biotech investor Jim O’Neill, who holds no scientific expertise. Roger Beachy, another member who was terminated, believes O’Neill will bring in his own men. This happened with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a known anti-vaxxer, removed all 17 members of a vaccine advisory board and replaced them with unqualified members who shared Kennedy’s anti-vaccine views.

National Science Board members terminated: Donald Trump has removed all 22 members of the board, which acts as a mirror for the country's scientific achievements. The move has come at a time when the board was reportedly going to expose the failings in the system.

Donald Trump has fired all 22 members of the National Science Board, and this decision could prove ominous for America. An email sent to them on Friday read, "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump,” their positions were "terminated, effective immediately." No explanation was offered for the decision that has shocked scientists across the country. The evisceration of the entire National Science Board could have serious repercussions on the future of scientific endeavours. However, the sudden move could be a way to make way for people who align more closely with the administration's mindset and goals. NSB members are appointed by the president, and each of them holds the position for six years, with the terms overlapping. Notably, according to other members who spoke to Nature News, the board's next meeting was scheduled for May 5, which was about to release a major report that could have shaken the foundation of the scientific community in the United States. Why the National Science Board story matters The reason for removing all 22 members has not been revealed. The NSB is an independent advisory board which helps steer the National Science Foundation. It advises the president and Congress on scientific and engineering issues. The board releases a report about every two years for Congress called Science and Engineering Indicators. It provides details on where the United States stands in the fields of R&D, STEM education, and workforce development, and is considered a "gold standard" against which the country's progress in the field is compared with the rest of the world. On May 5, the board was reportedly set to release a report stating that America is falling behind China in the field of science. The terminated board members are worried about the political interference and believe the latest decision is aimed at placing people who align with the administration's goals. Also Read: Donald Trump image to appear in limited-edition US passports to mark America's 250th Anniversary Trump bulldozed through the National Science Board last year Experts are angry at the decision to suddenly remove all members of the NSB. Keivan Stassun, a professor of physics and astronomy at Vanderbilt University, was among those terminated. He told The Los Angeles Times that it was “a wholesale evisceration of American leadership in science and technology globally.” Stassun is also the director of the Vanderbilt Initiative in Data-intensive Astrophysics. This is not the first time the Trump administration has made a move on the board. In 2025, it proposed cutting its $9 billion budget by 55 per cent, terminating a huge number of staff members. Hundreds of active research grants were also ended, while new grants started lagging. Also Read: Trump announces Pentagon UFO files release: ‘We found many very interesting documents’ Why was National Science Board members terminated? The director of the board appointed by Trump resigned, and he later nominated biotech investor Jim O’Neill, who holds no scientific expertise. Roger Beachy, another member who was terminated, believes O’Neill will bring in his own men. This happened with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a known anti-vaxxer, removed all 17 members of a vaccine advisory board and replaced them with unqualified members who shared Kennedy’s anti-vaccine views.

National Science Board members terminated: Donald Trump has removed all 22 members of the board, which acts as a mirror for the country's scientific achievements. The move has come at a time when the board was reportedly going to expose the failings in the system.

Trump wipes off entire science board days before crucial report on US-China race was due - Why it matters

McGill University's researchers have developed a device that generates sound-like particles at extremely cold temperatures. This particle, also known as ‘phonons’, can be used to create phonon lasers, with possible applications in communications and medical diagnostics. "Modern communication is largely based on light, including electromagnetic waves and electrical currents. In a medium such as oceans, sound can travel, whereas light and electrical currents cannot," said Michael Hilke. "In the human body, sound waves can also be a useful tool," he added. Michael Hilke, an Associate Professor of Physics and co-author of the study published in Physical Review Letters. The study revealed that the device was built and analysed at McGill and the National Research Council of Canada, and the material was synthesised at Princeton University.<h3>Two-dimensional layer of a crystal</h3>The device sends an electrical current through a two-dimensional layer of crystal and holds electrons within an area just a few atoms thick. The researchers have discovered that when electrons are thrust hard enough using this channel, they release in the form of energy because of bursts of sound-like vibrations, also called phonons, in predictable and tunable patterns. This is achieved by cooling the devices to extremely low temperatures, ranging from around 10 milli-Kelvin to 3.9 Kelvin, causing electrons to behave in a more controlled and predictable way. Under such conditions, scientists can observe quantum effects, where matter exhibits wave-like properties instead of acting purely as solid particles. "At absolute zero temperatures, that is, the world of quantum physics, no sound is created unless electrons travel collectively at the speed of sound or above," Hilke explained. "Earlier work had observed related effects as electron speeds approached the sound barrier. Our study goes further by pushing the system well beyond that point and showing that existing theories need to be reassessed by considering that electrons can be very hot even if the host crystal is close to absolute zero temperature," he added. Hilke noted that the next phase involves testing the device with alternative materials such as graphene, which could enable it to function at even higher speeds. This advancement may pave the way for faster communication technologies, improved sensing devices, applications in biological research, and more sophisticated medical systems. "Phonons are hard to generate and harness in a controlled way, so we are exploring new regimes. At a broad level, this is about how electrical current and energy move and are converted inside advanced electronic materials," he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-early-universe-gravitational-waves-may-have-formed-dark-matter-new-study-reveals-surprising-link-1777211788168/1777211788170">How early-universe gravitational waves may have formed dark matter: New study reveals surprising link</a>

Researchers at McGill University have developed a device that generates phonons, sound-like particles, at ultra-cold temperatures. The breakthrough could enable phonon lasers and transform communications, sensing, and medical diagnostics using quantum effects.

McGill University's researchers have developed a device that generates sound-like particles at extremely cold temperatures. This particle, also known as ‘phonons’, can be used to create phonon lasers, with possible applications in communications and medical diagnostics. "Modern communication is largely based on light, including electromagnetic waves and electrical currents. In a medium such as oceans, sound can travel, whereas light and electrical currents cannot," said Michael Hilke. "In the human body, sound waves can also be a useful tool," he added. Michael Hilke, an Associate Professor of Physics and co-author of the study published in Physical Review Letters. The study revealed that the device was built and analysed at McGill and the National Research Council of Canada, and the material was synthesised at Princeton University. Two-dimensional layer of a crystal The device sends an electrical current through a two-dimensional layer of crystal and holds electrons within an area just a few atoms thick. The researchers have discovered that when electrons are thrust hard enough using this channel, they release in the form of energy because of bursts of sound-like vibrations, also called phonons, in predictable and tunable patterns. This is achieved by cooling the devices to extremely low temperatures, ranging from around 10 milli-Kelvin to 3.9 Kelvin, causing electrons to behave in a more controlled and predictable way. Under such conditions, scientists can observe quantum effects, where matter exhibits wave-like properties instead of acting purely as solid particles. "At absolute zero temperatures, that is, the world of quantum physics, no sound is created unless electrons travel collectively at the speed of sound or above," Hilke explained. "Earlier work had observed related effects as electron speeds approached the sound barrier. Our study goes further by pushing the system well beyond that point and showing that existing theories need to be reassessed by considering that electrons can be very hot even if the host crystal is close to absolute zero temperature," he added. Hilke noted that the next phase involves testing the device with alternative materials such as graphene, which could enable it to function at even higher speeds. This advancement may pave the way for faster communication technologies, improved sensing devices, applications in biological research, and more sophisticated medical systems. "Phonons are hard to generate and harness in a controlled way, so we are exploring new regimes. At a broad level, this is about how electrical current and energy move and are converted inside advanced electronic materials," he said. Also read: How early-universe gravitational waves may have formed dark matter: New study reveals surprising link

Researchers at McGill University have developed a device that generates phonons, sound-like particles, at ultra-cold temperatures. The breakthrough could enable phonon lasers and transform communications, sensing, and medical diagnostics using quantum effects.

Researchers develop new quantum device that turns electricity into sound at nanoscale: Here's how

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