The North Sea has strange structures under it at a depth of 300 feet. They were born seven million years ago and go against the known rules of the ocean. After years of exploration, scientists finally know why they are topsy-turvy.

<p>The North Sea has strange structures under it at a depth of 300 feet. They were born seven million years ago and go against the known rules of the ocean. After years of exploration, scientists finally know why they are topsy-turvy.</p>

Upside-down world under North Sea: 7-million-year-old structures defy the rules of the ocean

<p>Billions of sea stars have decayed and melted over the past decade, and scientists have been trying to figure out what killed them. Now, a team of researchers has solved the murder mystery that unfolded deep in the ocean. A study carried out into the deaths revealed that the bacterial cousin of cholera triggered the mass deaths that have stumped marine researchers for 10 years. The team of scientists from the US and Canada studied wild and captive starfish, and zeroed in on the culprit - Vibrio pectenicida. This bacterium caused the sea star wasting disease, leading the creatures to reach a point of decay before dying off. The disease in sea stars was first recorded in 2013. A massive outbreak of SSWD struck the North American Pacific coast. It spread from Alaska to Mexico and killed more than 20 different species of sea stars. Within days, starfish in the affected region developed lesions, with the decay setting in soon, killing them within days. This 12-year-old incident is believed to be the largest marine disease epidemic ever recorded in the wild. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fearing-being-killed-by-sexually-aggressive-females-male-tarantulas-evolve-extra-long-genitals-1754464886070"><strong>Fearing being killed by sexually aggressive females, male tarantulas evolve extra-long genitals</strong></a></p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/alien-world-discovered-thriving-in-total-darkness-31000-feet-below-the-ocean-1754035524455"><strong>Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why</strong></a></p><h2><strong>A starfish species lost 90 per cent of its population&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Besides the 2013 mass die-off, several more instances of sea star wasting disease have been recorded in the past decade. The population of one particular sea star species, Pycnopodia helianthoides, has been reduced by a whopping 90 per cent because of SSWD. This triggered an imbalance in the ecology of regions where the starfish lived. As their numbers reduced, sea urchins started to thrive and destroyed kelp forests. Scientists have tried to solve the mystery of the mass deaths ever since the disease first emerged. In 2014, a study noted that a sea star-associated densovirus led to the skin-melting disease in sea stars. However, it was quickly dismissed as any pathogenic virus could only affect a minority, ruling out that it caused the mass die-off. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mysterious-symbols-believed-to-be-ancient-warning-from-ancestors-surface-on-hawaii-beach-1753940009753"><strong>Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach</strong></a></p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ghostly-silence-from-blue-whales-an-ominous-sign-for-the-world-scientists-warn-1753863195541"><strong>Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Sea star wasting disease</strong></h2><p>The researchers compared the samples of sea stars with SSWD and healthy specimens. They discovered high levels of the bacteria in the coelomic fluid of diseased sea stars. The same was not found in the healthy starfish. They isolated the bacteria and grew them, and then exposed healthy sea stars to them. The creatures quickly developed SSWD and died. Further analysis revealed that SSWD was caused by a specific strain of the bacteria, called FHCF-3. The methodology used to test the bacteria and their effects is the same as that used to check which germ is causing a particular disease in humans. This convinced the scientists that Vibrio pectenicida had killed the sea stars. However, the study authors are still working to understand what causes the disease. Possible reasons include their shared food, physical contact or a low-lying presence in their surroundings.</p>

Billions of starfish suffered rotting and melting skin years ago, and scientists have tried to figure out the culprit. They now finally know what led to their condition and the sudden death, solving a marine murder mystery.

Billions of sea stars have decayed and melted over the past decade, and scientists have been trying to figure out what killed them. Now, a team of researchers has solved the murder mystery that unfolded deep in the ocean. A study carried out into the deaths revealed that the bacterial cousin of cholera triggered the mass deaths that have stumped marine researchers for 10 years. The team of scientists from the US and Canada studied wild and captive starfish, and zeroed in on the culprit - Vibrio pectenicida. This bacterium caused the sea star wasting disease, leading the creatures to reach a point of decay before dying off. The disease in sea stars was first recorded in 2013. A massive outbreak of SSWD struck the North American Pacific coast. It spread from Alaska to Mexico and killed more than 20 different species of sea stars. Within days, starfish in the affected region developed lesions, with the decay setting in soon, killing them within days. This 12-year-old incident is believed to be the largest marine disease epidemic ever recorded in the wild. Also Read: Fearing being killed by sexually aggressive females, male tarantulas evolve extra-long genitals Also Read: Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why A starfish species lost 90 per cent of its population Besides the 2013 mass die-off, several more instances of sea star wasting disease have been recorded in the past decade. The population of one particular sea star species, Pycnopodia helianthoides, has been reduced by a whopping 90 per cent because of SSWD. This triggered an imbalance in the ecology of regions where the starfish lived. As their numbers reduced, sea urchins started to thrive and destroyed kelp forests. Scientists have tried to solve the mystery of the mass deaths ever since the disease first emerged. In 2014, a study noted that a sea star-associated densovirus led to the skin-melting disease in sea stars. However, it was quickly dismissed as any pathogenic virus could only affect a minority, ruling out that it caused the mass die-off. Also Read: Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach Also Read: Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world Sea star wasting disease The researchers compared the samples of sea stars with SSWD and healthy specimens. They discovered high levels of the bacteria in the coelomic fluid of diseased sea stars. The same was not found in the healthy starfish. They isolated the bacteria and grew them, and then exposed healthy sea stars to them. The creatures quickly developed SSWD and died. Further analysis revealed that SSWD was caused by a specific strain of the bacteria, called FHCF-3. The methodology used to test the bacteria and their effects is the same as that used to check which germ is causing a particular disease in humans. This convinced the scientists that Vibrio pectenicida had killed the sea stars. However, the study authors are still working to understand what causes the disease. Possible reasons include their shared food, physical contact or a low-lying presence in their surroundings.

<p>Billions of starfish suffered rotting and melting skin years ago, and scientists have tried to figure out the culprit. They now finally know what led to their condition and the sudden death, solving a marine murder mystery.</p>

Billions of starfish died of rotting and melting skin disease. Scientists now know who did it

<p>Scientists have discovered four new species of tarantulas in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. The unique thing about these creatures is their extra-long genitalia located at the front of their mouth. The creatures use this body part, known as palps, to mate with the female tarantulas. Researchers say this is the longest-ever palp ever seen in tarantulas. It is believed that the tarantulas have evolved these enormous genitals to protect themselves from the fierce female tarantulas while mating. The other half of these spiders are known to be pretty aggressive and are even capable of killing the male tarantulas. The study was led by Dr Alireza Zamani of the University of Turku, who said that the new species is so different from its closest relative that they had to "establish an entirely new genus to classify them". The tarantulas have been named Satyrex, after a part-man, part-beast figure in Greek mythology with exceptionally large genitalia. "Rex" in the name means king. The tarantulas might be afraid of the female spiders, but at least their name doesn't give away their secret. The study aptly named “Size matters: a new genus of tarantula with the longest male palps” has been published in the journal ZooKeys.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pigs-in-human-clothes-are-helping-unearth-the-missing-dead-in-mexico-1754048134040"><strong>How dead pigs in human clothes are helping solve a major murder mystery in Mexico</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How do tarantulas mate?</strong></h2><p>Male tarantulas do not mate with their female counterparts traditionally and instead use these specialised appendages called palps to transfer the semen. Lengthy palps ensure they are far away from the females, which can even kill them with their aggressive mating behaviour. The largest of the four new tarantula species is the Satyrex ferox, which has a legspan of 5.5 inches, with a palp nearly two inches long. Dr Zamani said that his species is extremely defensive, and "raises its front legs in a threat posture and produces a loud hissing sound by rubbing specialised hairs on the basal segments of the front legs against each other." The study authors have suggested that the long palps are an evolutionary mechanism to help them "keep a safer distance during mating" and “avoid being attacked and devoured by the highly aggressive female.”</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wolves-wiped-out-every-deer-turned-to-an-unexpected-new-prey-1754154666269"><strong>These wolves wiped out every deer, then turned to an unexpected new prey</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/alien-world-discovered-thriving-in-total-darkness-31000-feet-below-the-ocean-1754035524455"><strong>Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>The other tarantulas are S. arabicus and S. somalicus, named based on the region they were found in, and S. speciosus, named after its bright colour. An older species of tarantula, S. longimanus, first discovered in Yemen in 1903, is also part of the new genus.&nbsp;</p>

Female tarantulas can get pretty fierce while having sexual intercourse with the male creatures. To ensure their safety, nature triggered an evolution mechanism, and now four new species have been found with the longest genitals ever seen in tarantulas.

Scientists have discovered four new species of tarantulas in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. The unique thing about these creatures is their extra-long genitalia located at the front of their mouth. The creatures use this body part, known as palps, to mate with the female tarantulas. Researchers say this is the longest-ever palp ever seen in tarantulas. It is believed that the tarantulas have evolved these enormous genitals to protect themselves from the fierce female tarantulas while mating. The other half of these spiders are known to be pretty aggressive and are even capable of killing the male tarantulas. The study was led by Dr Alireza Zamani of the University of Turku, who said that the new species is so different from its closest relative that they had to "establish an entirely new genus to classify them". The tarantulas have been named Satyrex, after a part-man, part-beast figure in Greek mythology with exceptionally large genitalia. "Rex" in the name means king. The tarantulas might be afraid of the female spiders, but at least their name doesn't give away their secret. The study aptly named “Size matters: a new genus of tarantula with the longest male palps” has been published in the journal ZooKeys. Also Read: How dead pigs in human clothes are helping solve a major murder mystery in Mexico How do tarantulas mate? Male tarantulas do not mate with their female counterparts traditionally and instead use these specialised appendages called palps to transfer the semen. Lengthy palps ensure they are far away from the females, which can even kill them with their aggressive mating behaviour. The largest of the four new tarantula species is the Satyrex ferox, which has a legspan of 5.5 inches, with a palp nearly two inches long. Dr Zamani said that his species is extremely defensive, and "raises its front legs in a threat posture and produces a loud hissing sound by rubbing specialised hairs on the basal segments of the front legs against each other." The study authors have suggested that the long palps are an evolutionary mechanism to help them "keep a safer distance during mating" and “avoid being attacked and devoured by the highly aggressive female.” Also Read: These wolves wiped out every deer, then turned to an unexpected new prey Also Read: Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why The other tarantulas are S. arabicus and S. somalicus, named based on the region they were found in, and S. speciosus, named after its bright colour. An older species of tarantula, S. longimanus, first discovered in Yemen in 1903, is also part of the new genus.

<p>Female tarantulas can get pretty fierce while having sexual intercourse with the male creatures. To ensure their safety, nature triggered an evolution mechanism, and now four new species have been found with the longest genitals ever seen in tarantulas.</p>

Fearing being killed by sexually aggressive females, male tarantulas evolve extra-long genitals

<p>The Buga Sphere, an unidentified flying object (UFO) seen over Buga, Colombia, in March before being captured from the ground, is reportedly responding to Sanskrit mantras. This viral claim is based on a video on social media showing scientists hovering around the sphere and playing different frequencies, capturing its response. They reportedly witnessed electromagnetic surges and vibrational responses in the UFO when Sanskrit mantras were played. This has intrigued experts studying the strange metallic orb, which some believe has come from outer space, and possibly sent by an advanced alien civilisation. The mysterious object is reacting intelligently to Sanskrit mantras, experts studying the Buga Sphere believe. However, not everyone is convinced and is terming it fake. People are calling the clip “silly science", with one user writing, “Buga... I'm starting to think bogus!” He added, “I don't know, I just want to have an open mind, but this just seems really skittish to me.” Several others shared a similar sentiment, stating that it all looks “dumb”. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-futuristic-ufo-buga-sphere-has-wires-increased-in-weight-invisible-energy-dried-up-grass-around-it-shocking-claims-by-mexican-scientists-1749546077492"><strong>UFO Buga sphere has wires; 'invisible energy' dried up grass around it, SHOCKING claims by Mexican scientists</strong></a></p><h2><strong>UFOs in ancient Indian texts</strong></h2><p>Indian ancient texts carry references to UFOs, and because of this, several people think that there is a connection between the Vedic scriptures and extraterrestrial beings. A larger theory asserts that aliens have shaped Earth, leaving guidelines and ways of living in the scriptures in Sanskrit. In fact, there is a belief that Sanskrit might not be a language, but a "cosmic code" used across the universe. This belief has been strengthened by reports that the Buga Sphere is responding to Sanskrit scriptures. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buga-sphere-ufo-colombia-aliens-warning-message-1748317396999"><strong>Real life Arrival? Is Buga sphere a warning sign from aliens? Mystery grows around UFO</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Buga Sphere, an ominous warning for humans</strong></h2><p>According to the "ancient astronaut theory," extraterrestrial beings are a part of the human race. They have been responsible for the growth of our civilisation since life came into existence on Earth. These intelligent beings are believed to have left their knowledge in ancient Indian texts written in Sanskrit. The Buga Sphere made a strange appearance in March when it was seen zig-zagging in an awkward manner in Colombia. It fell on the ground after shocking onlookers. Scientists retrieved it and saw some signs and symbols etched on it. It had no joints, and an analysis showed its internal structure was composed of high-density elements. The symbols were deciphered using AI and are likely a warning sign to humans. According to analysts, it reads, "The origin of birth through union and energy in the cycle of transformation, the meeting point of unity, expansion and awareness – individual consciousness." Dr. Jose Luis Velazquez, a radiologist who examined the sphere, said, "It is a message to humanity". "It encourages a collective shift in consciousness to help Mother Earth, especially considering current problems with pollution and environmental degradation."</p><h2><strong>Buga Sphere: Wires and an 'invisible energy'</strong></h2><p>Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) also found a maze of fibre-optic wires and a central nucleus, referred to as "a chip". There are three layers of metal-like material and 18 microspheres surrounding the nucleus. They also noted that all the grass and the soil at the site where the Buga Sphere fell mysteriously dried up. No signs of radiation were found, and the scientists think "an invisible energy" sucked all the water from the grass and soil. Rodolfo Garrido, an engineer with the UNAM team, told Maussan Televisión that the object has become five times heavier since March.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Buga sphere and its reaction to different frequencies subjected to it. <a href="https://t.co/orxinN0nhb">pic.twitter.com/orxinN0nhb</a></p>&mdash; Divulgación científica (@JosCRios) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosCRios/status/1944731764058181761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Buga Sphere is reportedly responding to Sanskrit mantras, according to a video on social media. However, people are baffled to see a group of scientists testing devices around the sphere, stating that it all looks “bogus, silly and skittish.” 

The Buga Sphere, an unidentified flying object (UFO) seen over Buga, Colombia, in March before being captured from the ground, is reportedly responding to Sanskrit mantras. This viral claim is based on a video on social media showing scientists hovering around the sphere and playing different frequencies, capturing its response. They reportedly witnessed electromagnetic surges and vibrational responses in the UFO when Sanskrit mantras were played. This has intrigued experts studying the strange metallic orb, which some believe has come from outer space, and possibly sent by an advanced alien civilisation. The mysterious object is reacting intelligently to Sanskrit mantras, experts studying the Buga Sphere believe. However, not everyone is convinced and is terming it fake. People are calling the clip “silly science", with one user writing, “Buga... I'm starting to think bogus!” He added, “I don't know, I just want to have an open mind, but this just seems really skittish to me.” Several others shared a similar sentiment, stating that it all looks “dumb”. Also Read: UFO Buga sphere has wires; 'invisible energy' dried up grass around it, SHOCKING claims by Mexican scientists UFOs in ancient Indian texts Indian ancient texts carry references to UFOs, and because of this, several people think that there is a connection between the Vedic scriptures and extraterrestrial beings. A larger theory asserts that aliens have shaped Earth, leaving guidelines and ways of living in the scriptures in Sanskrit. In fact, there is a belief that Sanskrit might not be a language, but a "cosmic code" used across the universe. This belief has been strengthened by reports that the Buga Sphere is responding to Sanskrit scriptures. Also Read: Real life Arrival? Is Buga sphere a warning sign from aliens? Mystery grows around UFO Buga Sphere, an ominous warning for humans According to the "ancient astronaut theory," extraterrestrial beings are a part of the human race. They have been responsible for the growth of our civilisation since life came into existence on Earth. These intelligent beings are believed to have left their knowledge in ancient Indian texts written in Sanskrit. The Buga Sphere made a strange appearance in March when it was seen zig-zagging in an awkward manner in Colombia. It fell on the ground after shocking onlookers. Scientists retrieved it and saw some signs and symbols etched on it. It had no joints, and an analysis showed its internal structure was composed of high-density elements. The symbols were deciphered using AI and are likely a warning sign to humans. According to analysts, it reads, "The origin of birth through union and energy in the cycle of transformation, the meeting point of unity, expansion and awareness – individual consciousness." Dr. Jose Luis Velazquez, a radiologist who examined the sphere, said, "It is a message to humanity". "It encourages a collective shift in consciousness to help Mother Earth, especially considering current problems with pollution and environmental degradation." Buga Sphere: Wires and an 'invisible energy' Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) also found a maze of fibre-optic wires and a central nucleus, referred to as "a chip". There are three layers of metal-like material and 18 microspheres surrounding the nucleus. They also noted that all the grass and the soil at the site where the Buga Sphere fell mysteriously dried up. No signs of radiation were found, and the scientists think "an invisible energy" sucked all the water from the grass and soil. Rodolfo Garrido, an engineer with the UNAM team, told Maussan Televisión that the object has become five times heavier since March.

<p>The Buga Sphere is reportedly responding to Sanskrit mantras, according to a video on social media. However, people are baffled to see a group of scientists testing devices around the sphere, stating that it all looks “bogus, silly and skittish.”&nbsp;</p>

Buga or 'Bogus'? Viral video claims Buga Sphere is responding to Sanskrit mantras

<p>Earthlings will witness one of the shortest days, yet again, on August 5. This is because the planet is rotating faster than ever. We have already witnessed two such days in the recent past - on July 9 and July 22. According to the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), the moon will be at its furthest from the equator. Its gravitational pull is causing Earth to speed up at its poles, reducing 1.25 milliseconds from 24 hours. This twist in the spin will also force the world timekeepers to subtract a leap second for the first time ever in 2029. Clocks will skip a second, called a “negative leap second”. There is no one reason for the faster rotation of Earth. The Moon's distance from the equator is one of them. The way the molten core acts up inside Earth, and the seasonal changes in the atmosphere, also affect this movement. Climate change is another, which causes ice to melt at the poles, triggering a change in the shape of the planet. Right now, the Moon is believed to be the main culprit for the speeding up. It moves in an elliptical orbit around Earth, so sometimes it goes farther from us. However, something else is also happening out there. The Moon is slowly moving away from Earth, a process known as lunar recession. Gradually, it is receding at a rate of about 1.5 inches per year. What would happen if this process continues to occur? Would Earth spin out of control one day? Or would it slow down? Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ring-of-fire-number-of-volcanoes-eruptions-antarctica-timeline-russia-earthquake-1754365414041"><strong>425 volcanoes, two years: Ring of Fire can become a string of fire and lava very soon</strong></a><br>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/curse-of-2020-earth-is-spinning-so-fast-that-clocks-will-soon-skip-a-second-shortest-day-jul-9-22-and-aug-5-1752039641221"><strong>Curse of 2020? Time will change in 2029 because of mysterious factors</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What would happen if Earth keeps rotating faster and faster?</strong></h2><p>Experts have warned that if Earth keeps rotating faster and faster, it would spell doom for our planet. This could create a catastrophic scenario globally. The centrifugal force would push out water from the poles towards the equator, flooding the region. Sea level rise is already a major scare in several coastal areas of the world. This situation would exacerbate the scene, making matters worse. Even a tiny change of one mile per hour could cause sea levels to increase by several inches in equatorial regions. Most low-lying areas would be inundated if this happened. Theoretically, if it were to speed up by 100 miles per hour, enormous amounts of water from the poles would rush towards the centre, and submerge countries, washing them off the map. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/alien-world-discovered-thriving-in-total-darkness-31000-feet-below-the-ocean-1754035524455"><strong>Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-observe-abrupt-transitions-in-earth-s-four-season-model-1753845245809/embed</p><h2><strong>How a faster Earth affects humans</strong></h2><p>Those areas that do not go under water would have to face the brunt of the shift in the planet's balance. The days would become shorter, and the basic workings of the planet would change. The ecology would not remain the same, crops will suffer, and everything will go topsy-turvy. &nbsp;One day could change to just 22 hours, changing how our body clock works. Scientists say that such changes can lead to health issues. Studies have noted that something like daylight saving time, where clocks are reset twice a year, has been linked to spikes in heart attacks and strokes. The weather patterns would also go all crazy. NASA astronomer Dr &nbsp;Sten Odenwald warns that a faster spinning planet would lead to the Coriolis effect, when storms rotate and intensify. Hurricanes will reach unprecedented speeds, making storms more devastating.</p>

Earth will witness another shorter day on August 5 after having two such days in the past month. Human beings cannot do anything about it, but they could be on the receiving end of a catastrophe if the planet keeps speeding up in the near future. 

Earthlings will witness one of the shortest days, yet again, on August 5. This is because the planet is rotating faster than ever. We have already witnessed two such days in the recent past - on July 9 and July 22. According to the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS), the moon will be at its furthest from the equator. Its gravitational pull is causing Earth to speed up at its poles, reducing 1.25 milliseconds from 24 hours. This twist in the spin will also force the world timekeepers to subtract a leap second for the first time ever in 2029. Clocks will skip a second, called a “negative leap second”. There is no one reason for the faster rotation of Earth. The Moon's distance from the equator is one of them. The way the molten core acts up inside Earth, and the seasonal changes in the atmosphere, also affect this movement. Climate change is another, which causes ice to melt at the poles, triggering a change in the shape of the planet. Right now, the Moon is believed to be the main culprit for the speeding up. It moves in an elliptical orbit around Earth, so sometimes it goes farther from us. However, something else is also happening out there. The Moon is slowly moving away from Earth, a process known as lunar recession. Gradually, it is receding at a rate of about 1.5 inches per year. What would happen if this process continues to occur? Would Earth spin out of control one day? Or would it slow down? Also Read: 425 volcanoes, two years: Ring of Fire can become a string of fire and lava very soon Also Read: Curse of 2020? Time will change in 2029 because of mysterious factors What would happen if Earth keeps rotating faster and faster? Experts have warned that if Earth keeps rotating faster and faster, it would spell doom for our planet. This could create a catastrophic scenario globally. The centrifugal force would push out water from the poles towards the equator, flooding the region. Sea level rise is already a major scare in several coastal areas of the world. This situation would exacerbate the scene, making matters worse. Even a tiny change of one mile per hour could cause sea levels to increase by several inches in equatorial regions. Most low-lying areas would be inundated if this happened. Theoretically, if it were to speed up by 100 miles per hour, enormous amounts of water from the poles would rush towards the centre, and submerge countries, washing them off the map. Also Read: Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-observe-abrupt-transitions-in-earth-s-four-season-model-1753845245809/embed How a faster Earth affects humans Those areas that do not go under water would have to face the brunt of the shift in the planet's balance. The days would become shorter, and the basic workings of the planet would change. The ecology would not remain the same, crops will suffer, and everything will go topsy-turvy. One day could change to just 22 hours, changing how our body clock works. Scientists say that such changes can lead to health issues. Studies have noted that something like daylight saving time, where clocks are reset twice a year, has been linked to spikes in heart attacks and strokes. The weather patterns would also go all crazy. NASA astronomer Dr Sten Odenwald warns that a faster spinning planet would lead to the Coriolis effect, when storms rotate and intensify. Hurricanes will reach unprecedented speeds, making storms more devastating.

<p>Earth will witness another shorter day on August 5 after having two such days in the past month. Human beings can't do anything about it, but they could be on the receiving end of a catastrophe if the planet keeps speeding up in the near future.&nbsp;</p>

Earth witnesses its third shortest day in a month as experts warn a catastrophe could be unfolding

<p>In the depths of the Pacific Ocean, thrives an entire world no one imagined could be possible. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences led an expedition in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Between Japan and Alaska, way down at 31,000 feet, they discovered deep-sea creatures living in one of the most extreme conditions on Earth. Marine life exists side by side with land creatures, but what was remarkable about these life forms was that they had developed a whole ecology without the sun. Sunlight cannot penetrate so deeply into the ocean. So, life forms do not depend on the process of photosynthesis to thrive and survive. Instead, they use a completely unique process to create a food chain in pitch-dark surroundings. The discovery was published in the journal Nature. Scientists were baffled to see life forms having created a whole new world at such depths without using the Sun in any form. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-stumbled-upon-four-jet-black-eggs-20-000-feet-below-ocean-they-turned-out-to-be-1752050826299"><strong>Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be...</strong></a><br>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/secret-of-the-mysterious-structures-near-norway-has-finally-been-unravelled-1752219252921"><strong>Secret of the mysterious structures near Norway has finally been revealed</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Discovery made at an even deeper level than the Titanic wreckage</strong></h2><p>The study states that creatures discovered here used a process called chemosynthesis. As part of this, deep-sea microbes convert compounds like methane and hydrogen sulfide into organic matter. Despite everything being completely dark, this process triggers the formation of a new food chain in the ocean. Mengran Du, a researcher at the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that this is the deepest level at which chemosynthetic life has been discovered in the ocean. The discovery is a breakthrough as it proves that life is capable of surviving in highly extreme conditions, more than was once thought possible. At 31,000 feet, the finding made is remarkable. It is even deeper than where the famous shipwreck Titanic was discovered. The iconic ship that sank on its first voyage sits 12,500 feet down in the Atlantic. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-say-canadian-fault-line-dormant-for-40-million-years-is-stewing-warn-of-major-earthquake-1753876684829"><strong>Scientists say Canadian fault line dormant for 40 million years is stewing, warn of major earthquake</strong></a></p><p>Also Read:<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mysterious-symbols-believed-to-be-ancient-warning-from-ancestors-surface-on-hawaii-beach-1753940009753"><strong>Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Only a few vessels can reach that depths</strong></h2><p>The team used the submersible Fendouzhe to reach this portion of the seafloor, the first time humans were directly observing this region. What they saw left them awestruck. There were marine organisms that appeared to be aliens; in fact, the whole world was extremely news to the scientists. There were vast fields of tube worms and marine snails slithering on the seafloor that had evolved in complete isolation using only chemical energy. This stark discovery has led scientists to wonder if life could exist in such an area, and where else it could be thriving. Humans have only explored a minuscule part of the ocean, and vast areas still remain unreachable. More such life forms may exist across the planet and remain undiscovered. Their minds are racing outside Earth as well, as it is possible that life might be thriving in some form in space as well.</p>

An expedition to a never-before-seen part of the Pacific Ocean threw up a stunning surprise. Scientists found a world thriving in places where sunlight could never reach. The scene did not appear to be from Earth and has left them wondering where else life could exist.

In the depths of the Pacific Ocean, thrives an entire world no one imagined could be possible. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences led an expedition in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Between Japan and Alaska, way down at 31,000 feet, they discovered deep-sea creatures living in one of the most extreme conditions on Earth. Marine life exists side by side with land creatures, but what was remarkable about these life forms was that they had developed a whole ecology without the sun. Sunlight cannot penetrate so deeply into the ocean. So, life forms do not depend on the process of photosynthesis to thrive and survive. Instead, they use a completely unique process to create a food chain in pitch-dark surroundings. The discovery was published in the journal Nature. Scientists were baffled to see life forms having created a whole new world at such depths without using the Sun in any form. Also Read: Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be... Also Read: Secret of the mysterious structures near Norway has finally been revealed Discovery made at an even deeper level than the Titanic wreckage The study states that creatures discovered here used a process called chemosynthesis. As part of this, deep-sea microbes convert compounds like methane and hydrogen sulfide into organic matter. Despite everything being completely dark, this process triggers the formation of a new food chain in the ocean. Mengran Du, a researcher at the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that this is the deepest level at which chemosynthetic life has been discovered in the ocean. The discovery is a breakthrough as it proves that life is capable of surviving in highly extreme conditions, more than was once thought possible. At 31,000 feet, the finding made is remarkable. It is even deeper than where the famous shipwreck Titanic was discovered. The iconic ship that sank on its first voyage sits 12,500 feet down in the Atlantic. Also Read: Scientists say Canadian fault line dormant for 40 million years is stewing, warn of major earthquake Also Read: Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach Only a few vessels can reach that depths The team used the submersible Fendouzhe to reach this portion of the seafloor, the first time humans were directly observing this region. What they saw left them awestruck. There were marine organisms that appeared to be aliens; in fact, the whole world was extremely news to the scientists. There were vast fields of tube worms and marine snails slithering on the seafloor that had evolved in complete isolation using only chemical energy. This stark discovery has led scientists to wonder if life could exist in such an area, and where else it could be thriving. Humans have only explored a minuscule part of the ocean, and vast areas still remain unreachable. More such life forms may exist across the planet and remain undiscovered. Their minds are racing outside Earth as well, as it is possible that life might be thriving in some form in space as well.

<p>An expedition to a never-before-seen part of the Pacific Ocean threw up a stunning surprise. Scientists found a world thriving in places where sunlight could never reach. The scene did not appear to be from Earth and has left them wondering where else life could exist.</p>

Between Japan and Alaska, a dark alien world at 31,000 feet has stunned scientists. Here's why

<p>Scientists have figured out how potatoes were born. Turns out, one of its parents is the tomato. Eight to nine million years ago, tomatoes and a species that looked like a potato existed. The humble vegetable's lineage is quite confusing. It belongs to a line of species called Petota, which is believed to have been born when the ancestors of the tomato mated with Etuberosum, a species of wild potato. The latter is found in central Chile. This interbreeding is what caused today's potatoes, or tubers, to be born. When wild tomatoes, which grew in the Andes, got together with the wild potato species, a new combination of genes was born in the Petota lineage. This triggered the birth of the potato we eat today. Tubers have not been found in the ancestors of modern tomato and Etuberosum plants. They have never been observed in either lineage since they interbred to produce a hybrid. Researchers who conducted the study said it is amazing how something totally new could be created when two separate species mate with each other. The findings were published Thursday (July 31) in the journal Cell. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/frozen-in-time-baby-born-from-30-year-old-embryo-makes-history-1753962364095"><strong>Frozen in time: Baby born from 30-year-old embryo makes history</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father</strong></h2><p>"We've finally solved the mystery of where potatoes came from," Sanwen Huang, a professor at the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, who led the study, said in a statement. "Our findings show how a hybridisation event between species can spark the evolution of new traits, allowing even more species to emerge," he said. “Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father." The potato's father is different from today's potato in a major way. While they look the same above the ground, Etuberosum has thin underground stems and no starchy potato tubers. While studying how the potato was born, the researchers turned to the tomato. It is a completely different species and is actually a fruit. But Huang says they belong to the same plant family, along with eggplant and tobacco. "But tomato, potato, and Etuberosum are closest genetically, he added, and so they decided to take a closer look. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russia-earthquake-klyuchevskaya-volcano-eruption-in-ring-of-fire-1753943210139"><strong>Klyuchevskaya volcano eruption is not the last. Several more in Ring of Fire will explode, experts warn</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Tomatoes and Etuberosum had their last common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago</strong></h2><p>The analysis revealed that an event that occurred nine million years ago led to the creation of the potato. They identified "mosaic-like" genetic patterns in Petota, which meant that there was an even mix of DNA inherited from both Tomato and Etuberosum. The ancient hybridisation event between Etuberosum and Tomato became possible because they shared a common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago. Even after this last ancestor disappeared, Tomato and Etuberosum continued to share some genetic traits, which made them mate with each other five million years later. This led to a reshuffling of genes and led to tubers being formed by the new lineage. SP6A, a gene from the Tomato lineage, is what passed on instructions on growing tubers in potatoes. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ghostly-silence-from-blue-whales-an-ominous-sign-for-the-world-scientists-warn-1753863195541"><strong>Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Petota was stronger that Etuberosum and Tomato plants</strong></h2><p>The emerging potatoes from this hybridisation were more resilient to the harsh climate and conditions, the study stated. They could store nutrients and water, while the same was not true for Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This led them to spread far and wide in the world, and also prevented mating with Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This is how Petota evolved into a completely new lineage, thus giving us the humble potato.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The journey of a potato started nine million years ago. Its roots can be traced back to a shocking ancestor. It is hard to imagine that something that is so different from the potato could have played a role in the creation of the vegetable.

Scientists have figured out how potatoes were born. Turns out, one of its parents is the tomato. Eight to nine million years ago, tomatoes and a species that looked like a potato existed. The humble vegetable's lineage is quite confusing. It belongs to a line of species called Petota, which is believed to have been born when the ancestors of the tomato mated with Etuberosum, a species of wild potato. The latter is found in central Chile. This interbreeding is what caused today's potatoes, or tubers, to be born. When wild tomatoes, which grew in the Andes, got together with the wild potato species, a new combination of genes was born in the Petota lineage. This triggered the birth of the potato we eat today. Tubers have not been found in the ancestors of modern tomato and Etuberosum plants. They have never been observed in either lineage since they interbred to produce a hybrid. Researchers who conducted the study said it is amazing how something totally new could be created when two separate species mate with each other. The findings were published Thursday (July 31) in the journal Cell. Also Read: Frozen in time: Baby born from 30-year-old embryo makes history Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father "We've finally solved the mystery of where potatoes came from," Sanwen Huang, a professor at the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, who led the study, said in a statement. "Our findings show how a hybridisation event between species can spark the evolution of new traits, allowing even more species to emerge," he said. “Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father." The potato's father is different from today's potato in a major way. While they look the same above the ground, Etuberosum has thin underground stems and no starchy potato tubers. While studying how the potato was born, the researchers turned to the tomato. It is a completely different species and is actually a fruit. But Huang says they belong to the same plant family, along with eggplant and tobacco. "But tomato, potato, and Etuberosum are closest genetically, he added, and so they decided to take a closer look. Also Read: Klyuchevskaya volcano eruption is not the last. Several more in Ring of Fire will explode, experts warn Tomatoes and Etuberosum had their last common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago The analysis revealed that an event that occurred nine million years ago led to the creation of the potato. They identified "mosaic-like" genetic patterns in Petota, which meant that there was an even mix of DNA inherited from both Tomato and Etuberosum. The ancient hybridisation event between Etuberosum and Tomato became possible because they shared a common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago. Even after this last ancestor disappeared, Tomato and Etuberosum continued to share some genetic traits, which made them mate with each other five million years later. This led to a reshuffling of genes and led to tubers being formed by the new lineage. SP6A, a gene from the Tomato lineage, is what passed on instructions on growing tubers in potatoes. Also Read: Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world Petota was stronger that Etuberosum and Tomato plants The emerging potatoes from this hybridisation were more resilient to the harsh climate and conditions, the study stated. They could store nutrients and water, while the same was not true for Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This led them to spread far and wide in the world, and also prevented mating with Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This is how Petota evolved into a completely new lineage, thus giving us the humble potato.

<p>Potato's journey started nine million years ago. Its roots can be traced back to a shocking ancestor. It is hard to imagine that something that is so different from the potato could have played a role in the creation of the vegetable.</p>

Potato has a mother, and you won't believe who it is. Hint: It's a fruit

<p>The scientists who precisely measure the position of Earth are in a bit of trouble after the rise of wifi, mobile phones, and satellite internet. The development unfolded after it began blocking the specific frequency lanes on the radio spectrum highway that track black holes. They use radio telescopes to detect the radio waves coming from the black holes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The measurement is done by using the science of geodesy, based on tracking the locations of black holes in distant galaxies. It plays a significant role in the satellites being used by the scientists for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day, according to a report by Space.com.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They suggest that radio waves pass cleanly through the atmosphere, which helps in receiving during day and night and in all weather conditions for study and measurement. Radio waves are also utilised for communication on Earth, which includes wifi and mobile phones.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The use of varied radio frequencies along with different lanes on the radio highway, is closely regulated, out of which a few narrow lanes are reserved for radio astronomy for study and other astronomical projects</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the scientists have claimed that there was little traffic on the radio highway in previous decades. Scientists commonly ventured beyond traditional radio astronomy lanes to receive the signals from the black hole. Achieving the extreme precision required in modern geodesy now depends on accessing frequencies beyond those strictly set aside for astronomy.</p><h3>Radio traffic on the rise</h3><p>In the recent past, with the advancement of technology, human-made electromagnetic pollution has exponentially increased. Following the emergence of wifi and mobile phone services, scientists had to move to higher frequencies. But now they began running out of lanes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Five to six generations of mobile phones (each occupying a new lane) are crowding the spectrum of radio frequency, along with internet connections now directly beaming from a fleet of thousands of satellites.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The multitude of powerful signals is often too strong for geodetic observatories to detect the very weak signals emitted by black holes. This potentially jeopardises key satellite-based services.</p>

The science of geodesy plays a significant role in measuring the positions of Earth after tracking the locations of the black holes in distant galaxies. It is done for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day.

The scientists who precisely measure the position of Earth are in a bit of trouble after the rise of wifi, mobile phones, and satellite internet. The development unfolded after it began blocking the specific frequency lanes on the radio spectrum highway that track black holes. They use radio telescopes to detect the radio waves coming from the black holes. The measurement is done by using the science of geodesy, based on tracking the locations of black holes in distant galaxies. It plays a significant role in the satellites being used by the scientists for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day, according to a report by Space.com. They suggest that radio waves pass cleanly through the atmosphere, which helps in receiving during day and night and in all weather conditions for study and measurement. Radio waves are also utilised for communication on Earth, which includes wifi and mobile phones. The use of varied radio frequencies along with different lanes on the radio highway, is closely regulated, out of which a few narrow lanes are reserved for radio astronomy for study and other astronomical projects However, the scientists have claimed that there was little traffic on the radio highway in previous decades. Scientists commonly ventured beyond traditional radio astronomy lanes to receive the signals from the black hole. Achieving the extreme precision required in modern geodesy now depends on accessing frequencies beyond those strictly set aside for astronomy. Radio traffic on the rise In the recent past, with the advancement of technology, human-made electromagnetic pollution has exponentially increased. Following the emergence of wifi and mobile phone services, scientists had to move to higher frequencies. But now they began running out of lanes. Five to six generations of mobile phones (each occupying a new lane) are crowding the spectrum of radio frequency, along with internet connections now directly beaming from a fleet of thousands of satellites. The multitude of powerful signals is often too strong for geodetic observatories to detect the very weak signals emitted by black holes. This potentially jeopardises key satellite-based services.

<p>The science of geodesy plays a significant role in measuring the positions of Earth after tracking the locations of the black holes in distant galaxies. It is done for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day.</p>

Where are we in Universe? Scientists turn to Black Holes to locate Earth, but phones and Wi-Fi block signals

<p>A researcher who has spent eight years studying an inscription found at Serabit el-Khadim in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula has claimed that the words could mean "zot m'Moshe," Hebrew for "This is from Moses." This particular place is an ancient Egyptian mine, and if it does mean what Bar-Ron, the expert, says it does, it could prove that the Book of Exodus is true and that Moses was a real person. This inscription is part of a collection of over two dozen Proto-Sinaitic texts that were seen for the first time in the early 1900s. Scientists believe that these writings were etched by Semitic-speaking workers in the late 12th Dynasty, around 1800 BC. Bar-Ron studied high-resolution images and 3D scans of the texts, Mail Online reported. His analysis led him to conclude that they are linked to a figure named Moses, either by someone who dedicated it to him or could have been etched by Moses himself. He is a prominent figure in the Bible. According to the religious text, Moses is the one whom God gave the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. He says that his findings hint at the presence of religious tensions in the region years ago. One of the examples is the reference to "El," a deity that finds mention in early Israelite worship. There are also signs of the Egyptian goddess Hathor's name being defaced. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fungus-in-king-tutankhamun-tomb-killed-dozens-it-could-now-cure-cancer-1753769192315"><strong>Fungus in King Tutankhamun’s tomb killed dozens. It could now cure cancer</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Experts warn this could lead to misinterpretation of history</strong></h2><p>Bar-Ron has a supporter in his academic advisor, Dr Pieter van der Veen, who also confirmed that it does say "This is from Moses." He said, "You're absolutely correct, I read this as well, it is not imagined!" However, other experts do not agree with Bar-Ron and his interpretation of the inscription. They argue that even though Proto-Sinaitic is the earliest known alphabet, its characters are extremely hard to decipher. One of them has warned that such decoding of inscriptions can twist facts and present a wrong picture of history. Dr Thomas Schneider, Egyptologist and professor at the University of British Columbia, says the Moses claims are "unproven and misleading." The ancient turquoise mines carry inscriptions dating to the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhat III. Bar-Ron analysed 22 of them. Some experts believe that Pharaoh Amenemhat III is the pharaoh mentioned in the Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible. The book is the first part of the tale about the origin myth of the Israelites, according to which they stopped being slaves in Biblical Egypt with the help of the deity Yahweh. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-gruesome-evidence-that-proves-ancient-humans-ate-children-850-000-years-ago-1753531570382"><strong>Scientists find gruesome evidence that proves ancient humans ate children 850,000 years ago</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Signs of religious tensions</strong></h2><p>The 3D scans and images were studied at Harvard's Semitic Museum. Bar-Ron grouped the inscriptions into five categories, including dedications to the goddess Baʿalat. Then there are signs of defacement as some carvings etched in honour of Baʿalat appeared to have been scratched over by El-worshippers. Another sign of rebellion against Egyptian authority is the burned Ba'alat temple, built by Amenemhat III, and references to the Gate of the Accursed One," seemingly a nod to Pharaoh's gate. Then there is also a second possible reference to "Moshe," or Moses, in other carvings, Bar-Ron told Patterns of Evidence.&nbsp;</p>

Inscriptions found in an ancient Egyptian mine dating to around 1800 BC are possibly proof that Moses was a real person, and that everything in the Book of Exodus is true. While one scientist says it carries a reference to Moses, others say that it is not possible. 

A researcher who has spent eight years studying an inscription found at Serabit el-Khadim in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula has claimed that the words could mean "zot m'Moshe," Hebrew for "This is from Moses." This particular place is an ancient Egyptian mine, and if it does mean what Bar-Ron, the expert, says it does, it could prove that the Book of Exodus is true and that Moses was a real person. This inscription is part of a collection of over two dozen Proto-Sinaitic texts that were seen for the first time in the early 1900s. Scientists believe that these writings were etched by Semitic-speaking workers in the late 12th Dynasty, around 1800 BC. Bar-Ron studied high-resolution images and 3D scans of the texts, Mail Online reported. His analysis led him to conclude that they are linked to a figure named Moses, either by someone who dedicated it to him or could have been etched by Moses himself. He is a prominent figure in the Bible. According to the religious text, Moses is the one whom God gave the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. He says that his findings hint at the presence of religious tensions in the region years ago. One of the examples is the reference to "El," a deity that finds mention in early Israelite worship. There are also signs of the Egyptian goddess Hathor's name being defaced. Also Read: Fungus in King Tutankhamun’s tomb killed dozens. It could now cure cancer Experts warn this could lead to misinterpretation of history Bar-Ron has a supporter in his academic advisor, Dr Pieter van der Veen, who also confirmed that it does say "This is from Moses." He said, "You're absolutely correct, I read this as well, it is not imagined!" However, other experts do not agree with Bar-Ron and his interpretation of the inscription. They argue that even though Proto-Sinaitic is the earliest known alphabet, its characters are extremely hard to decipher. One of them has warned that such decoding of inscriptions can twist facts and present a wrong picture of history. Dr Thomas Schneider, Egyptologist and professor at the University of British Columbia, says the Moses claims are "unproven and misleading." The ancient turquoise mines carry inscriptions dating to the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhat III. Bar-Ron analysed 22 of them. Some experts believe that Pharaoh Amenemhat III is the pharaoh mentioned in the Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible. The book is the first part of the tale about the origin myth of the Israelites, according to which they stopped being slaves in Biblical Egypt with the help of the deity Yahweh. Also Read: Scientists find gruesome evidence that proves ancient humans ate children 850,000 years ago Signs of religious tensions The 3D scans and images were studied at Harvard's Semitic Museum. Bar-Ron grouped the inscriptions into five categories, including dedications to the goddess Baʿalat. Then there are signs of defacement as some carvings etched in honour of Baʿalat appeared to have been scratched over by El-worshippers. Another sign of rebellion against Egyptian authority is the burned Ba'alat temple, built by Amenemhat III, and references to the Gate of the Accursed One," seemingly a nod to Pharaoh's gate. Then there is also a second possible reference to "Moshe," or Moses, in other carvings, Bar-Ron told Patterns of Evidence.

<p>Inscriptions found in an ancient Egyptian mine dating to around 1800 BC are possibly proof that Moses was a real person, and that everything in the Book of Exodus is true. While one scientist says it carries a reference to Moses, others say that it isn't possible.&nbsp;</p>

Scientist flags a clue in ancient Egyptian mine that hints the Bible was true and Moses was real

<p>King Tutankhamun’s tomb has been a major point of thrill amongst archaeologists ever since it was discovered in 1922 by excavators led by the Egyptologist Howard Carter. However, several excavators died soon after, triggering rumours of a mummy's curse. No one knew at the time what had happened. Then, in the 1970s, the tomb of Casimir IV was discovered in Poland, and surprisingly, 10 scientists died after entering it. This time, researchers knew what had killed them - Aspergillus flavus, a toxic fungal spore. Investigators found evidence that the fungus that can cause lung infections was present in the tomb. This led them to establish that the same fungus also likely killed the excavators who entered King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Now, scientists have discovered yet another secret about this fungus. According to a recent study published in Nature Chemical Biology, certain isolated compounds from the fungus A. flavus can be used to destroy leukaemia cells. These compounds, called ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), can help develop new cancer treatments. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sex-of-baby-not-random-age-genetics-of-mother-plays-important-role-reveals-new-study-1753093901303"><strong>Baby boy or girl? It's not just random, says new study revealing secrets of children's' gender at birth</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-gruesome-evidence-that-proves-ancient-humans-ate-children-850-000-years-ago-1753531570382"><strong>Scientists find gruesome evidence that proves ancient humans ate children 850,000 years ago</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Fungus that can kill cancer cells</strong></h2><p>Researchers found the molecules formed a unique structure of interlocking rings that were named “asperigimycins,” after the fungus in which they were found. They think that this unique structure potentially disrupts the process of cell division. Adding a lipid to one variant of the RiPP led it to perform just as well as cytarabine and daunorubicin, the current FDA-approved leukaemia treatment drugs. “Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division,” senior author Sherry Gao, PhD, said in a press release. &nbsp;José Larios, MD, a transplant haematologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, said that the new compound attacks cancer cells by interfering with a crucial step of cellular reproduction. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pizzas-made-with-thc-oil-accidentally-intoxicate-nearly-100-people-in-wisconsin-1753517355929"><strong>'Pot' pizzas accidentally intoxicate nearly 100 people. The shocked restaurant owner revealed...</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Every time a cell reproduces, it copies the DNA, after which the duplicated chromosomes must move to opposite ends of the cell. The new fungal RiPP compound interferes with this microtubule organisation, which would cause this faulty chromosome segregation and subsequent cell death, needed to treat cancer. The researchers added that the compound cells were effective against leukaemia cells, but had no effect on breast, liver, or lung cancer cells. Larios said that while she is excited about this new cytotoxic compound, it has a "long and rigorous journey". There would be various testing stages, as the average time from discovery to FDA approval is 10 years.<br>&nbsp;</p>

A fungus found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb and another tomb in Poland has been flagged as carrying compounds that can help treat cancer. This fungus killed several excavators and scientists, but now it is being tested to develop a new line of treatment.

King Tutankhamun’s tomb has been a major point of thrill amongst archaeologists ever since it was discovered in 1922 by excavators led by the Egyptologist Howard Carter. However, several excavators died soon after, triggering rumours of a mummy's curse. No one knew at the time what had happened. Then, in the 1970s, the tomb of Casimir IV was discovered in Poland, and surprisingly, 10 scientists died after entering it. This time, researchers knew what had killed them - Aspergillus flavus, a toxic fungal spore. Investigators found evidence that the fungus that can cause lung infections was present in the tomb. This led them to establish that the same fungus also likely killed the excavators who entered King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Now, scientists have discovered yet another secret about this fungus. According to a recent study published in Nature Chemical Biology, certain isolated compounds from the fungus A. flavus can be used to destroy leukaemia cells. These compounds, called ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), can help develop new cancer treatments. Also Read: Baby boy or girl? It's not just random, says new study revealing secrets of children's' gender at birth Also Read: Scientists find gruesome evidence that proves ancient humans ate children 850,000 years ago Fungus that can kill cancer cells Researchers found the molecules formed a unique structure of interlocking rings that were named “asperigimycins,” after the fungus in which they were found. They think that this unique structure potentially disrupts the process of cell division. Adding a lipid to one variant of the RiPP led it to perform just as well as cytarabine and daunorubicin, the current FDA-approved leukaemia treatment drugs. “Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division,” senior author Sherry Gao, PhD, said in a press release. José Larios, MD, a transplant haematologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, said that the new compound attacks cancer cells by interfering with a crucial step of cellular reproduction. Also Read: 'Pot' pizzas accidentally intoxicate nearly 100 people. The shocked restaurant owner revealed... Every time a cell reproduces, it copies the DNA, after which the duplicated chromosomes must move to opposite ends of the cell. The new fungal RiPP compound interferes with this microtubule organisation, which would cause this faulty chromosome segregation and subsequent cell death, needed to treat cancer. The researchers added that the compound cells were effective against leukaemia cells, but had no effect on breast, liver, or lung cancer cells. Larios said that while she is excited about this new cytotoxic compound, it has a "long and rigorous journey". There would be various testing stages, as the average time from discovery to FDA approval is 10 years.

<p>A fungus found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb and another tomb in Poland has been flagged as carrying compounds that can help treat cancer. This fungus killed several excavators and scientists, but now it is being tested to develop a new line of treatment.</p>

Fungus in King Tutankhamun’s tomb killed dozens. It could now cure cancer

<p>Scientists are freezing human poop to avert a disaster in the future. The Microbiota Vault project aims to collect 10,000 poop samples by 2029 in order to preserve microbes that can one day help humanity. The doomsday vault is currently at the University of Zurich, but the founders are looking for a more permanent place, ideally an extremely cold region like Canada or Switzerland. It is not a new project, and was launched in 2018. However, it was only in its test phase, where scientists were trying to understand the feasibility of collecting and exporting poop and fermented foods from across the world. Now it is ready to go big and preserve thousands more samples to preserve microbes. The details of the expansion of the project were published in the journal Nature Communications. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-detect-signs-that-mammoth-rivers-flowed-in-antarctica-80-million-years-ago-1752831341102"><strong>Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago</strong></a></p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sun-400000-kilometre-long-scar-solar-filament-plasma-explosion-1752727510857"><strong>Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Preserving microbes from poop</strong></h2><p>Preserving microbes is the main deal of the project. Besides human poop, the storage facility also has 200 types of fermented food, as they are filled with "gut-friendly" microbes. The team also plans on adding environmental microbes to the collection. The long-term plan is to have backup copies of microbes found in humans, animals, plants and the environment so they can be someday used to treat diseases, for medical research and restoring ecosystems. The researchers stated in the journal that microbial loss is becoming an issue not only in humans, but also in the environment. Human health and agricultural systems are taking the hit, triggering allergies, autoimmune disorders and affecting environmental resilience. The commentary blames human activities for the disruption of the microbiomes. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eight-babies-born-in-uk-with-dna-of-three-free-from-genetic-disease-1752772365089"><strong>Eight babies born in UK with DNA of three to prevent genetic disease</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Conventional agriculture, the thawing of permafrost due to human-caused climate change, and the overuse of antibiotics are eroding microbiomes so much that they might need to be rescued in the future," the team wrote. Dr. Martin Blaser, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University in New Jersey and co-author of the new commentary, said in a statement, "Human activities are depleting our microbiome, and there's lots of evidence of that." However, they admit that they can't be sure whether reintroducing microbes into the human gut or the environment can help restore it. Blaser is hopeful that science will advance to a level where &nbsp;"really good restorative techniques" can help achieve it. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-woman-smelled-her-husband-s-parkinson-s-12-years-before-symptoms-arrived-she-has-now-helped-develop-a-new-test-1752737444305"><strong>A woman smelled her husband's Parkinson's 12 years before symptoms arrived. She has now helped develop a new test</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Learning from "doomsday" seed vault in Norway</strong></h2><p>The Microbiota Vault started as the founders were impressed with the "doomsday" Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. This vault holds around 1.3 million plant samples to preserve the genetic diversity of crops from around the world. Meanwhile, the Swiss vault currently has 1,204 faecal samples and 190 food samples from Benin, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Laos, Thailand and Switzerland. They are stored at minus 80 degrees Celsius. Blaser believes the vault is an "obligation to the future generations" and may be, these microbes "could prevent a major disaster 100 years from now."<br>&nbsp;</p>

Human poop is being frozen in Switzerland to preserve microbes that scientists say can save humanity from disaster hundreds of years later. Over 1,000 samples are already placed in the vault, while the founders are now trying to get 10,000 more.

Scientists are freezing human poop to avert a disaster in the future. The Microbiota Vault project aims to collect 10,000 poop samples by 2029 in order to preserve microbes that can one day help humanity. The doomsday vault is currently at the University of Zurich, but the founders are looking for a more permanent place, ideally an extremely cold region like Canada or Switzerland. It is not a new project, and was launched in 2018. However, it was only in its test phase, where scientists were trying to understand the feasibility of collecting and exporting poop and fermented foods from across the world. Now it is ready to go big and preserve thousands more samples to preserve microbes. The details of the expansion of the project were published in the journal Nature Communications. Also Read: Scientists detect signs that mammoth rivers flowed in Antarctica 80 million years ago Also Read: Our Sun just inflicted a 400,000-kilometre-long scar on itself. Here's what happened Preserving microbes from poop Preserving microbes is the main deal of the project. Besides human poop, the storage facility also has 200 types of fermented food, as they are filled with "gut-friendly" microbes. The team also plans on adding environmental microbes to the collection. The long-term plan is to have backup copies of microbes found in humans, animals, plants and the environment so they can be someday used to treat diseases, for medical research and restoring ecosystems. The researchers stated in the journal that microbial loss is becoming an issue not only in humans, but also in the environment. Human health and agricultural systems are taking the hit, triggering allergies, autoimmune disorders and affecting environmental resilience. The commentary blames human activities for the disruption of the microbiomes. Also Read: Eight babies born in UK with DNA of three to prevent genetic disease "Conventional agriculture, the thawing of permafrost due to human-caused climate change, and the overuse of antibiotics are eroding microbiomes so much that they might need to be rescued in the future," the team wrote. Dr. Martin Blaser, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University in New Jersey and co-author of the new commentary, said in a statement, "Human activities are depleting our microbiome, and there's lots of evidence of that." However, they admit that they can't be sure whether reintroducing microbes into the human gut or the environment can help restore it. Blaser is hopeful that science will advance to a level where "really good restorative techniques" can help achieve it. Also Read: A woman smelled her husband's Parkinson's 12 years before symptoms arrived. She has now helped develop a new test Learning from "doomsday" seed vault in Norway The Microbiota Vault started as the founders were impressed with the "doomsday" Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. This vault holds around 1.3 million plant samples to preserve the genetic diversity of crops from around the world. Meanwhile, the Swiss vault currently has 1,204 faecal samples and 190 food samples from Benin, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Laos, Thailand and Switzerland. They are stored at minus 80 degrees Celsius. Blaser believes the vault is an "obligation to the future generations" and may be, these microbes "could prevent a major disaster 100 years from now."

<p>Human poop is being frozen in Switzerland to preserve microbes that scientists say can save humanity from disaster hundreds of years later. Over 1,000 samples are already placed in the vault, while the founders are now trying to get 10,000 more.</p>

Scientists are freezing human poop to prevent major disaster 100 years from now

<p>Scientists have recovered the oldest proteins from a fossilised rhinoceros tooth discovered in the Canadian Arctic. The 24-million-year-old tooth contains proteins that are 10 times older than the most ancient DNA known to man. It is now the oldest detailed protein sequence on record to be analysed. Ryan Sinclair Paterson, a postdoctoral researcher at the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, who led the Canadian research, says tooth enamel is like a "vault". It is "so hard that it protects these proteins over deep time." He added that they have "unlocked the vault for this specific fossil." Scientists are hoping that the study of ancient proteins will do for fossils what the study of ancient DNA did for archaeological science. The latter has shed light on human species, kingdoms lost in history, ice age creatures and more. The study was published on July 9 in the scientific journal Nature.&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-reveal-ghost-under-oman-forcibly-changed-india-s-direction-40-million-years-ago-1752313684421"><strong>Why is India where it is? Because 'ghost' force under Oman pushed it 40 million years ago</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>DNA is more fragile and degrades quickly. However, proteins can stay inside fossil specimens for several years. They do not provide as much insight into the creature, but proteins can still reveal the evolutionary history of the creature the fossil belongs to, its diet, and sometimes even the sex. “The next step is to demonstrate that it’s not just one sample, one lucky strike,” said coauthor Enrico Cappellini, a professor at the University of Copenhagen’s Globe Institute. He believes that in the coming years, the technology can be used to further probe other areas, including maybe even dinosaurs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archimedes-death-ray-burned-ships-1-000-feet-away-a-teenager-recreated-it-1752226957843"><strong>Myth or real? Archimedes DEATH RAY burned ships 1,000 feet away. A teenager recreated it</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cappellini and Paterson got together with their colleagues from the University of York and the Canadian Museum of Nature to extract sequences from seven proteins from the fossilised rhino tooth. They compared the sequences with those of living and extinct relatives of the species to understand how it evolved. They found that this rhino had diverged from the same family as rhinos that lived about 41 million to 25 million years ago. “In the fossil record, there were some crazy forms (of rhinoceros species). There’s the woolly rhinoceros, and maybe you’ve heard of the Siberian unicorn with the gigantic horn,” Paterson said. “What we were able to do is compare our mystery rhino with other forms and find out where it falls in the family tree.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Proteins from fossils in hot regions</strong></h2><p>There was another study that suggests that biomolecules can survive for millions of years. Scientists from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Conservation Institute and Harvard University analysed 10 mammal fossils, including the relatives of today’s elephants, hippos and rhinos. Proteins were extracted from five of them, 1.5 million to 18 million years old. Their study revealed that prehistoric proteins can survive and be extracted from fossils in tropical regions.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Scientists have managed to extract proteins from a rhino fossil tooth discovered in the Canadian Arctic. An analysis has revealed its place in the rhino family tree. Now they are hoping to expand the technology to someday study dinosaurs. 

Scientists have recovered the oldest proteins from a fossilised rhinoceros tooth discovered in the Canadian Arctic. The 24-million-year-old tooth contains proteins that are 10 times older than the most ancient DNA known to man. It is now the oldest detailed protein sequence on record to be analysed. Ryan Sinclair Paterson, a postdoctoral researcher at the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, who led the Canadian research, says tooth enamel is like a "vault". It is "so hard that it protects these proteins over deep time." He added that they have "unlocked the vault for this specific fossil." Scientists are hoping that the study of ancient proteins will do for fossils what the study of ancient DNA did for archaeological science. The latter has shed light on human species, kingdoms lost in history, ice age creatures and more. The study was published on July 9 in the scientific journal Nature. Also Read: Why is India where it is? Because 'ghost' force under Oman pushed it 40 million years ago DNA is more fragile and degrades quickly. However, proteins can stay inside fossil specimens for several years. They do not provide as much insight into the creature, but proteins can still reveal the evolutionary history of the creature the fossil belongs to, its diet, and sometimes even the sex. “The next step is to demonstrate that it’s not just one sample, one lucky strike,” said coauthor Enrico Cappellini, a professor at the University of Copenhagen’s Globe Institute. He believes that in the coming years, the technology can be used to further probe other areas, including maybe even dinosaurs. Also Read: Myth or real? Archimedes DEATH RAY burned ships 1,000 feet away. A teenager recreated it Cappellini and Paterson got together with their colleagues from the University of York and the Canadian Museum of Nature to extract sequences from seven proteins from the fossilised rhino tooth. They compared the sequences with those of living and extinct relatives of the species to understand how it evolved. They found that this rhino had diverged from the same family as rhinos that lived about 41 million to 25 million years ago. “In the fossil record, there were some crazy forms (of rhinoceros species). There’s the woolly rhinoceros, and maybe you’ve heard of the Siberian unicorn with the gigantic horn,” Paterson said. “What we were able to do is compare our mystery rhino with other forms and find out where it falls in the family tree.” Proteins from fossils in hot regions There was another study that suggests that biomolecules can survive for millions of years. Scientists from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Conservation Institute and Harvard University analysed 10 mammal fossils, including the relatives of today’s elephants, hippos and rhinos. Proteins were extracted from five of them, 1.5 million to 18 million years old. Their study revealed that prehistoric proteins can survive and be extracted from fossils in tropical regions.

<p>Scientists have managed to extract proteins from a rhino fossil tooth discovered in the Canadian Arctic. An analysis has revealed its place in the rhino family tree. Now they are hoping to expand the technology to someday study dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>

Oldest protein sequenced from 24-million-year-old rhino tooth found in Canadian Arctic

<p>All kinds of clouds can be seen in the sky. The regular white ones, the dark black ones signalling the advent of a thunderstorm, roll clouds that look like a wave of a tsunami and are formed in some places during hot weather, and shelf cloud, another weather-related phenomenon. But there is one type of cloud in the sky that is not fully linked to natural occurrences. They are formed by aeroplanes flying through them. Known as fallstreak holes or hole-punch clouds, they are true to their name and look like someone made an opening in the cloud. Some people also describe them as having the appearance of "portals." They begin as altocumulus cloud layer, "composed of small water droplets that are below freezing called ‘supercooled water droplets'." Ice crystals in the layer of supercooled droplets lead them to grow rapidly and shrink or possibly evaporate the droplets completely, EarthSky reported. The heavier ice crystals in these clouds are formed because of aeroplanes. When an aircraft pierces through the clouds, heavy ice crystals are formed, which fall to Earth, leaving behind a circular void inside the clouds. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/5-500-year-old-beds-of-giants-discovered-in-europe-are-nothing-but-trapezoid-shaped-pyramids-1752641139932"><strong>5,500-year-old 'beds of giants' discovered in Europe are nothing but trapezoid-shaped...</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Andrew Heymsfield of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and his team analysed these clouds as part of a new study. They found that aircraft propellers and wings are responsible for the formation of initial ice crystals in the clouds. The air expands and cools in the zones with locally low pressure, typically along the wing and propeller tips. It falls far below the original temperature of the cloud layer, triggering ice crystals.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Airplanes freeze water and create snowfall</strong></h2><p>This process has also been linked to creating rain and snow. Heymsfield's team found that this could happen at lower altitudes where jets can punch holes in clouds. Explaining the process, he said that when a plane flies through mid-level clouds, the expansion and cooling of air happens. Some of them can fall down as water droplets, creating rain, while others in the cloud freeze into ice and then turn to snow. This leaves behind a gap in the cloud, creating hole-punch clouds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Scientists found these holes in the clouds over Texas in places where planes had been flying regularly through the same region. In fact, there were hundreds of them, satellite imagery revealed. The researchers used a weather forecast model developed at NCAR and radar images of clouds from NASA’s CloudSat satellite to explain the science behind them. They saw that all kinds of aircraft - a commercial jet, a private jet or a military jet - were creating these holes. The hole-punch clouds continue to expand for hours after they have been pierced. Heymsfield says that people on the plane also witness this from inside, especially in humid, tropical areas, where "a little veil of clouds over the wings of the aircraft" can be seen. Here, the cooling is producing a super-cooled cloud.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Clouds with holes are not a natural occurrence but are being created by aeroplanes that fly through them. The punch-hold clouds have been seen in many regions. The science behind this also leads to rainfall and snowfall.

All kinds of clouds can be seen in the sky. The regular white ones, the dark black ones signalling the advent of a thunderstorm, roll clouds that look like a wave of a tsunami and are formed in some places during hot weather, and shelf cloud, another weather-related phenomenon. But there is one type of cloud in the sky that is not fully linked to natural occurrences. They are formed by aeroplanes flying through them. Known as fallstreak holes or hole-punch clouds, they are true to their name and look like someone made an opening in the cloud. Some people also describe them as having the appearance of "portals." They begin as altocumulus cloud layer, "composed of small water droplets that are below freezing called ‘supercooled water droplets'." Ice crystals in the layer of supercooled droplets lead them to grow rapidly and shrink or possibly evaporate the droplets completely, EarthSky reported. The heavier ice crystals in these clouds are formed because of aeroplanes. When an aircraft pierces through the clouds, heavy ice crystals are formed, which fall to Earth, leaving behind a circular void inside the clouds. Also Read: 5,500-year-old 'beds of giants' discovered in Europe are nothing but trapezoid-shaped... Andrew Heymsfield of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and his team analysed these clouds as part of a new study. They found that aircraft propellers and wings are responsible for the formation of initial ice crystals in the clouds. The air expands and cools in the zones with locally low pressure, typically along the wing and propeller tips. It falls far below the original temperature of the cloud layer, triggering ice crystals. Airplanes freeze water and create snowfall This process has also been linked to creating rain and snow. Heymsfield's team found that this could happen at lower altitudes where jets can punch holes in clouds. Explaining the process, he said that when a plane flies through mid-level clouds, the expansion and cooling of air happens. Some of them can fall down as water droplets, creating rain, while others in the cloud freeze into ice and then turn to snow. This leaves behind a gap in the cloud, creating hole-punch clouds. Scientists found these holes in the clouds over Texas in places where planes had been flying regularly through the same region. In fact, there were hundreds of them, satellite imagery revealed. The researchers used a weather forecast model developed at NCAR and radar images of clouds from NASA’s CloudSat satellite to explain the science behind them. They saw that all kinds of aircraft - a commercial jet, a private jet or a military jet - were creating these holes. The hole-punch clouds continue to expand for hours after they have been pierced. Heymsfield says that people on the plane also witness this from inside, especially in humid, tropical areas, where "a little veil of clouds over the wings of the aircraft" can be seen. Here, the cooling is producing a super-cooled cloud.

<p>Clouds with holes are not a natural occurrence but are being created by aeroplanes that fly through them. The punch-hold clouds have been seen in many regions. The science behind this also leads to rainfall and snowfall.</p>

Bizarre finding shows airplanes are triggering rain and snow. Here's how

<p>Giant structures under the North Sea have remained a mystery to scientists for years. Scientists gathered seismic data and rock samples from the northern North Sea, off the coast of Norway, to figure out the reason for these kilometres-wide formations. They now have a lead about them, and say that they happened because of a rare geological process. Mammoth mounds of sand are buried in the North Sea. Researchers say that the mounds sank millions of years ago, and pushed the older, less-dense "ooze" under them. The study was published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. Earlier explanations for the mounds stated that they could have occurred because of landslides, bringing the sand with them and depositing it at the bottom of the sea. Others believed sand and mud were pushed up from below through the rock. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-raise-alarm-for-us-and-canada-warn-of-100-foot-megatsunami-that-will-alter-geography-for-centuries-1752216446706"><strong>Scientists raise alarm for US and Canada, warn of 100-foot tsunami that will alter geography for centuries</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, none of these have ever been confirmed. The researchers part of the latest study used a three-dimensional seismic dataset in the entire North Sea to examine the mounds and the rocks. They found that the structures were not the oldest such creation in the waters. The mounds are surrounded by much older, low-density "ooze", largely comprising the fossil remains of ancient microorganisms. Chemically, the mounds were similar to sand that appeared later. In some parts, the mounds were linked to this new sand through fractures in the rock. This hinted that the mounds were formed by younger sands that got shoved under the older "ooze". What normally happens is that the older sand gets buried deeper than the new sand, thus shaping geological history. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-detect-more-evidence-of-underground-city-in-egypt-this-time-under-great-sphinx-1752127738821"><strong>Claims of underground city under pyramids get a boost as scientists detect secret chambers under Great Sphinx</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Mystery structures under the ocean</strong></h2><p>However, in this case, the new sand went under the older sand, which is strange. "This discovery reveals a geological process we haven't seen before on this scale," study co-author Mads Huuse, a geophysicist at the University of Manchester in the UK, said in a statement. "What we've found are structures where dense sand has sunk into lighter sediments that floated to the top of the sand, effectively flipping the conventional layers we'd expect to see and creating huge mounds beneath the sea."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The study notes that this could have happened because of earthquakes or changes in pressure. The sand behaved like a fluid and travelled through the openings and settled underneath the rigid ooze. The mounds that sank were named "sinkites", and the older, floating ooze were named "floatites" because they floated above.&nbsp;</p>

The coast of the North Sea near Norway has mysterious structures that haven't had an explanation yet. How were they formed and triggered the rare anomaly is a secret that scientists have been trying to unravel for years. Now, they finally have an explanation.

Giant structures under the North Sea have remained a mystery to scientists for years. Scientists gathered seismic data and rock samples from the northern North Sea, off the coast of Norway, to figure out the reason for these kilometres-wide formations. They now have a lead about them, and say that they happened because of a rare geological process. Mammoth mounds of sand are buried in the North Sea. Researchers say that the mounds sank millions of years ago, and pushed the older, less-dense "ooze" under them. The study was published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. Earlier explanations for the mounds stated that they could have occurred because of landslides, bringing the sand with them and depositing it at the bottom of the sea. Others believed sand and mud were pushed up from below through the rock. Also Read: Scientists raise alarm for US and Canada, warn of 100-foot tsunami that will alter geography for centuries However, none of these have ever been confirmed. The researchers part of the latest study used a three-dimensional seismic dataset in the entire North Sea to examine the mounds and the rocks. They found that the structures were not the oldest such creation in the waters. The mounds are surrounded by much older, low-density "ooze", largely comprising the fossil remains of ancient microorganisms. Chemically, the mounds were similar to sand that appeared later. In some parts, the mounds were linked to this new sand through fractures in the rock. This hinted that the mounds were formed by younger sands that got shoved under the older "ooze". What normally happens is that the older sand gets buried deeper than the new sand, thus shaping geological history. Also Read: Claims of underground city under pyramids get a boost as scientists detect secret chambers under Great Sphinx Mystery structures under the ocean However, in this case, the new sand went under the older sand, which is strange. "This discovery reveals a geological process we haven't seen before on this scale," study co-author Mads Huuse, a geophysicist at the University of Manchester in the UK, said in a statement. "What we've found are structures where dense sand has sunk into lighter sediments that floated to the top of the sand, effectively flipping the conventional layers we'd expect to see and creating huge mounds beneath the sea." The study notes that this could have happened because of earthquakes or changes in pressure. The sand behaved like a fluid and travelled through the openings and settled underneath the rigid ooze. The mounds that sank were named "sinkites", and the older, floating ooze were named "floatites" because they floated above.

<p>The coast of the North Sea near Norway has mysterious structures that haven't had an explanation yet. How were they formed and triggered the rare anomaly is a secret that scientists have been trying to unravel for years. Now, they finally have an explanation.</p>

Secret of the mysterious structures near Norway has finally been revealed

<p>The company that brought back 'Game of Thrones' dire wolves now has plans to bring back from extinction a giant 12-foot-tall bird. Just a few months back, in April, Colossal Biosciences announced that it had brought back from the dead a wolf whose haunting howl hadn't been heard on Earth in over 12,500 years. Hidden from curious gawkers and media, somewhere on this planet roam three majestic dire wolves that are nothing short of a miracle, especially given that the last member of their species died out more than 12,500 years ago. The company behind this de-extinction has now set its sights on "Moa" a flightless 12ft (3.66 m) tall bird that once roamed New Zealand.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What is a moa? Can bringing it back from the dead threaten humans?</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Moa, as mentioned above, was a flightless bird that once ranged across New Zealand. However, it was hunted to extinction by humans around 600 years ago. The giant bird, as per estimates, stood up to 12 ft (3.6 m) tall and weighed somewhere around 230 kg (500 lbs).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The bird, however large it may be, does not pose humans any threat. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) it was primarily a herbivore and ate leaves, fruits or fibrous materials from trees and shrubs. It must be noted that bringing it back would have implications, positive ones. The giant bird was what is known as a cornerstone species. It's grazing and browsing actually helped prune and shape the jungle flora where it lived. Moreover, moas were also prolific spreaders of seeds from the plants they ate.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Their extinction also relates to the extinction of Haast's eagle, which almost exclusively hunted the moa. While de-extinction of the moa would not automatically bring back Haast's eagle, it could help at least partly restore the primal New Zealand woodlands.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>How will Colossal Biosciences bring back the moa from dead?</strong></h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2><p>Colossal Biosciences will bring back the giant bird exactly how it achieved the extinction of dire wolves: with the help of ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology. As per a Time report, the company is working in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu Research Center, a group that was founded in 2011 to foster intellectual development and conduct scientific studies for and by the Ngāi Tahu tribe of the Indigenous Māori people to achieve Moa's de-extinction.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal, "This is completely a Māori initiative". He added that "We feel like the Colossal team is an extension of the research center and the Māori." Meanwhile, Ngāi Tahu archaeologist Kyle Davis, who is working on the moa de-extinction project, reminisced that Moa is one of "those iconic species that feature in our tribal mythology, our storytelling, are very near and dear to us".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After the Moa, Colossal Biosciences also wants to bring back species like the Tasmanian Tiger, the Dodo bird and the Wooly mammoth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Somewhere on this planet roam three majestic dire wolves that are nothing short of a miracle, especially given that the last member of their species died out more than 12,500 years ago. The company behind this de-extinction has now set its sights on "Moa" a flightless 12ft (3.66 m) tall bird.

The company that brought back 'Game of Thrones' dire wolves now has plans to bring back from extinction a giant 12-foot-tall bird. Just a few months back, in April, Colossal Biosciences announced that it had brought back from the dead a wolf whose haunting howl hadn't been heard on Earth in over 12,500 years. Hidden from curious gawkers and media, somewhere on this planet roam three majestic dire wolves that are nothing short of a miracle, especially given that the last member of their species died out more than 12,500 years ago. The company behind this de-extinction has now set its sights on "Moa" a flightless 12ft (3.66 m) tall bird that once roamed New Zealand. What is a moa? Can bringing it back from the dead threaten humans? Moa, as mentioned above, was a flightless bird that once ranged across New Zealand. However, it was hunted to extinction by humans around 600 years ago. The giant bird, as per estimates, stood up to 12 ft (3.6 m) tall and weighed somewhere around 230 kg (500 lbs). The bird, however large it may be, does not pose humans any threat. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) it was primarily a herbivore and ate leaves, fruits or fibrous materials from trees and shrubs. It must be noted that bringing it back would have implications, positive ones. The giant bird was what is known as a cornerstone species. It's grazing and browsing actually helped prune and shape the jungle flora where it lived. Moreover, moas were also prolific spreaders of seeds from the plants they ate. Their extinction also relates to the extinction of Haast's eagle, which almost exclusively hunted the moa. While de-extinction of the moa would not automatically bring back Haast's eagle, it could help at least partly restore the primal New Zealand woodlands. How will Colossal Biosciences bring back the moa from dead? Colossal Biosciences will bring back the giant bird exactly how it achieved the extinction of dire wolves: with the help of ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology. As per a Time report, the company is working in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu Research Center, a group that was founded in 2011 to foster intellectual development and conduct scientific studies for and by the Ngāi Tahu tribe of the Indigenous Māori people to achieve Moa's de-extinction. According to Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal, "This is completely a Māori initiative". He added that "We feel like the Colossal team is an extension of the research center and the Māori." Meanwhile, Ngāi Tahu archaeologist Kyle Davis, who is working on the moa de-extinction project, reminisced that Moa is one of "those iconic species that feature in our tribal mythology, our storytelling, are very near and dear to us". After the Moa, Colossal Biosciences also wants to bring back species like the Tasmanian Tiger, the Dodo bird and the Wooly mammoth.

<p>Somewhere on this planet roam three majestic dire wolves that are nothing short of a miracle, especially given that the last member of their species died out more than 12,500 years ago. The company behind this de-extinction has now set its sights on "Moa" a flightless 12ft (3.66 m) tall bird.</p>

Scientists who 'de-extincted' dire wolf now want to bring back from dead THIS 12ft tall bird

<p>In the US, millions of flies will be dropped from planes. No, it's not a biological weapon. It's a method to fight the spread of New World screwworms, a parasitic flesh-eating larva of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly species. Once eradicated from the US, these flies are spreading again in the US, having come from Latin America. And scientists and lawmakers are worried about millions of dollars of damage the flies can cause to livestock industry. The way out? Airdropping more of these flies. Doesn't make sense? Read on:</p><h2>How deadly are the New World Screworms?</h2><p>The larvae of New World Screwworm flies can infest wounds in warm-blooded animals like cattle, horses, pets, and even humans. The medical term for infestation of an animal by a maggot is myiasis. &nbsp;Once the flies lay eggs on open wounds of animals, the maggots will 'slowly eat them alive,' said Dr Phillip Kaufman of Texas A&amp;M University in a report on CNN.</p><h2>New World screwworm infections have been spreading in Americas</h2><p>The New World screwworms have been spreading in an outbreak that started in early 2023. It started from Latin America, winding through Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. It reached southern Mexico in November, and is slowly affecting animals across the US border in Texas.</p><p>The Panama–United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm Infestation in Livestock, or COPEG, listed more than 35,000 New World screwworm infestations, 83 per cent of which were on cows.<br><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lovebugs-swarm-south-korea-causing-nuisance-for-residents-1751430622605/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/lovebugs-swarm-south-korea-causing-nuisance-for-residents-1751430622605/embed</a></p><h2>Screworms were eradicated in the US, but coming back</h2><p>The flies vs flies method was used for the first time by the US in the 1960s and 1970s to eradicate screwworms. This eventually helped reduce the population of srewworms and eradicate them.</p><p>In june, 80 US lawmakers warned in a letter that hundreds of millions of more sterile flies are needed to fight the New World screwworms.</p><p>The USDA, the country's drug regulator, announced plans to open a US fly factory near the Texas-Mexico border and renovate an old facility in Mexico, said the CNN report.</p><h2>How are the sterile flies produced?</h2><p>The mass-production of sterile male flies is done by sending gamma rays to the pupae to make them impotent. These flies are not harmful to humans or animals. The sterilised male flies are dispersed to mate with wild females, who then lay unfertilised eggs. “The female fly finds a living host, lands on its wound, and will lay up to 200 to 300 eggs... they immediately start burrowing and feeding on the tissue.” Kauffman told CNN.</p><p>The dispersal of these impotent male flies is done trhough temperature-controlled containers from planes, targeting rural areas, said the CNN report.</p><p>The COPEG facility currently produces about 100 million sterile flies weekly.</p><h2>The fly vs fly plan will cost millions</h2><p>The US facility for mass production of sterile flies will be located at Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas. This will cost $8.5 million even as lawmakers estimate the overall fly factory project at around $300 million. The USDA, meanwhile, is investing around $21 million to upgrade the Mexican plant by late 2025, said the report.</p>

The New World screwworms have been spreading in an outbreak that started in early 2023. It started from Latin America, winding through Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. 

In the US, millions of flies will be dropped from planes. No, it's not a biological weapon. It's a method to fight the spread of New World screwworms, a parasitic flesh-eating larva of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly species. Once eradicated from the US, these flies are spreading again in the US, having come from Latin America. And scientists and lawmakers are worried about millions of dollars of damage the flies can cause to livestock industry. The way out? Airdropping more of these flies. Doesn't make sense? Read on: How deadly are the New World Screworms? The larvae of New World Screwworm flies can infest wounds in warm-blooded animals like cattle, horses, pets, and even humans. The medical term for infestation of an animal by a maggot is myiasis. Once the flies lay eggs on open wounds of animals, the maggots will 'slowly eat them alive,' said Dr Phillip Kaufman of Texas A&M University in a report on CNN. New World screwworm infections have been spreading in Americas The New World screwworms have been spreading in an outbreak that started in early 2023. It started from Latin America, winding through Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. It reached southern Mexico in November, and is slowly affecting animals across the US border in Texas. The Panama–United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm Infestation in Livestock, or COPEG, listed more than 35,000 New World screwworm infestations, 83 per cent of which were on cows. https://www.wionews.com/videos/lovebugs-swarm-south-korea-causing-nuisance-for-residents-1751430622605/embed Screworms were eradicated in the US, but coming back The flies vs flies method was used for the first time by the US in the 1960s and 1970s to eradicate screwworms. This eventually helped reduce the population of srewworms and eradicate them. In june, 80 US lawmakers warned in a letter that hundreds of millions of more sterile flies are needed to fight the New World screwworms. The USDA, the country's drug regulator, announced plans to open a US fly factory near the Texas-Mexico border and renovate an old facility in Mexico, said the CNN report. How are the sterile flies produced? The mass-production of sterile male flies is done by sending gamma rays to the pupae to make them impotent. These flies are not harmful to humans or animals. The sterilised male flies are dispersed to mate with wild females, who then lay unfertilised eggs. “The female fly finds a living host, lands on its wound, and will lay up to 200 to 300 eggs... they immediately start burrowing and feeding on the tissue.” Kauffman told CNN. The dispersal of these impotent male flies is done trhough temperature-controlled containers from planes, targeting rural areas, said the CNN report. The COPEG facility currently produces about 100 million sterile flies weekly. The fly vs fly plan will cost millions The US facility for mass production of sterile flies will be located at Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas. This will cost $8.5 million even as lawmakers estimate the overall fly factory project at around $300 million. The USDA, meanwhile, is investing around $21 million to upgrade the Mexican plant by late 2025, said the report.

<p>The New World screwworms have been spreading in an outbreak that started in early 2023. It started from Latin America, winding through Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador.&nbsp;</p>

Fly vs Fly: Millions of flies will rain down from planes on America. And no, it's not a biological weapon attack

<p>Caves in South Korea are teeming with a dragon-like creature, although it is completely blind. These creepy-crawlies are four new species discovered by Kyung–Hoon Jeong, a researcher at Jeonbuk National University, in different caves. The creatures belong to the dragon pseudoscorpion family and are arthropods, only about 1-3mm long. The term dragon is used for them because of their gigantic jaws that resemble those of "dragons in ancient mythology,” Kyung–Hoon Jeong told BBC. Their mouths are known as chelicerae in scientific terms and are used to capture prey. Despite having a dragon feature, the peculiar thing about these species is that they are blind. This is because of their habitat. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-stumbled-upon-four-jet-black-eggs-20-000-feet-below-ocean-they-turned-out-to-be-1752050826299"><strong>Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be...</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The critters live in completely dark places in the caves, and so they do not have a need to see anything. Hence, they do not have visionary powers. The same is true for their colour. Because they never leave the caves, their bodies have no need to adapt to withstand the harsh rays of the sun. This leads to them having a pale colour. The newly discovered species found in the South Korean caves are believed to only exist here. However, most dragon-like pseudoscorpions are not native to South Korea, and one particular species has been found almost everywhere. The only exception is Antarctica. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-detect-more-evidence-of-underground-city-in-egypt-this-time-under-great-sphinx-1752127738821"><strong>Scientists detect secret chambers and staircase under Great Sphinx, adding to evidence for lost city</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>South Korea has nearly 1,000 caves, and most of them are yet to be explored. Kyung–Hoon believes several species of pseudoscorpion, unknown to scientists, inhabit these caves. However, the challenge in discovering them lies in the fact that the changing climate is also affecting these caves and the species that live in them. Researchers say it is important to better understand the caves’ biodiversity in order to protect the pseudoscorpions and other critters crawling in them. More research and expeditions need to be carried out at these caves to discover the other species that have been living in them but remain a secret.&nbsp;</p>

South Korean caves are bristling with creatures that remain to be discovered. Four species of a particular dragon critter have been found in different caves. Scientists are calling for more expeditions to the over 1,000 caves in the country. 

Caves in South Korea are teeming with a dragon-like creature, although it is completely blind. These creepy-crawlies are four new species discovered by Kyung–Hoon Jeong, a researcher at Jeonbuk National University, in different caves. The creatures belong to the dragon pseudoscorpion family and are arthropods, only about 1-3mm long. The term dragon is used for them because of their gigantic jaws that resemble those of "dragons in ancient mythology,” Kyung–Hoon Jeong told BBC. Their mouths are known as chelicerae in scientific terms and are used to capture prey. Despite having a dragon feature, the peculiar thing about these species is that they are blind. This is because of their habitat. Also Read: Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be... The critters live in completely dark places in the caves, and so they do not have a need to see anything. Hence, they do not have visionary powers. The same is true for their colour. Because they never leave the caves, their bodies have no need to adapt to withstand the harsh rays of the sun. This leads to them having a pale colour. The newly discovered species found in the South Korean caves are believed to only exist here. However, most dragon-like pseudoscorpions are not native to South Korea, and one particular species has been found almost everywhere. The only exception is Antarctica. Also Read: Scientists detect secret chambers and staircase under Great Sphinx, adding to evidence for lost city South Korea has nearly 1,000 caves, and most of them are yet to be explored. Kyung–Hoon believes several species of pseudoscorpion, unknown to scientists, inhabit these caves. However, the challenge in discovering them lies in the fact that the changing climate is also affecting these caves and the species that live in them. Researchers say it is important to better understand the caves’ biodiversity in order to protect the pseudoscorpions and other critters crawling in them. More research and expeditions need to be carried out at these caves to discover the other species that have been living in them but remain a secret.

<p>South Korean caves are bristling with creatures that remain to be discovered. Four species of a particular dragon critter have been found in different caves. Scientists are calling for more expeditions to the over 1,000 caves in the country.&nbsp;</p>

South Korean caves are teeming with creatures with dragon-like features. They are completely blind

<p>Earth is surrounded by an invisible force field — a vast magnetic shield generated by molten metal churning deep inside the planet. This magnetic field protects us from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation, quietly doing its job day after day. But what happens when this shield falters — or even flips? Around 41,000 years ago, that's exactly what happened. This event is now known as the Laschamps event, or the time when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa. Now, scientists have managed to turn the cosmic event into a sound, and we can finally hear what that moment in Earth's history might have sounded like.</p><h2><strong>The time when Earth screamed</strong></h2><p>Using data collected by the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission, scientists from the Technical University of Denmark and Germany's Research Center for Geosciences managed to turn magnetic field variations into sound. As per the ESA, “The soundscape was made using recordings of natural noises like wood creaking and rocks falling, blending them into familiar and strange, almost alien-like, sounds. The process of transforming the sounds with data is similar to composing music from a score.” The result is eerie — a low, groaning composition of creaks and crashes that brings to mind what the slow collapse of a giant force might sound like. The sound is far from music; it's more of a sonic translation of Earth's ancient turmoil. You can hear the eerie sound here:</p>

<h2><strong>Earth's magnetic field: The hidden machinery beneath our feet</strong></h2><p>Earth's magnetic field is created by the movement of liquid iron and nickel in the planet's outer core. This geodynamic process produces electrical currents that give rise to magnetic forces which extend far into space — forming the magnetosphere, which shields life on Earth from solar and cosmic particles. However, this magnetic field isn't constant. It wobbles, weakens, and sometimes even flips. This is exactly what happened 41,000 years ago, and it may be happening right now. In recent decades, scientists have tracked the magnetic north pole drifting away from Canada toward Siberia.</p>

Scientists have managed to turn Laschamps event, or the cosmic event when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa – into a sound. We can finally hear what that moment in Earth's history might have sounded like.

Earth is surrounded by an invisible force field — a vast magnetic shield generated by molten metal churning deep inside the planet. This magnetic field protects us from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation, quietly doing its job day after day. But what happens when this shield falters — or even flips? Around 41,000 years ago, that's exactly what happened. This event is now known as the Laschamps event, or the time when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa. Now, scientists have managed to turn the cosmic event into a sound, and we can finally hear what that moment in Earth's history might have sounded like. The time when Earth screamed Using data collected by the European Space Agency's Swarm satellite mission, scientists from the Technical University of Denmark and Germany's Research Center for Geosciences managed to turn magnetic field variations into sound. As per the ESA, “The soundscape was made using recordings of natural noises like wood creaking and rocks falling, blending them into familiar and strange, almost alien-like, sounds. The process of transforming the sounds with data is similar to composing music from a score.” The result is eerie — a low, groaning composition of creaks and crashes that brings to mind what the slow collapse of a giant force might sound like. The sound is far from music; it's more of a sonic translation of Earth's ancient turmoil. You can hear the eerie sound here:

<p>Scientists have managed to turn Laschamps event, or the cosmic event when Earth's magnetic poles switched places – the North Pole became the South Pole and vice versa – into a sound. We can finally hear what it might have sounded like; click here to listen to the eerie sound.</p>

THIS is what Earth sounded like when North Pole became South Pole: Scientists turn ancient chaos into eerie sound

<p>Scientists have discovered a "super-Earth" that can potentially support life. The exoplanet, if it can support life, can accommodate Earth's population and more, as it is nearly twice as big and is four times more massive than our blue planet. This super-Earth has been designated as TOI-1846 b and is estimated to be around 7.2 billion years old. It is located about 154 light-years away from our planet and has been discovered by a team of astronomers using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).</p><h2><strong>All we know about super-earth TOI-1846 b</strong></h2><p>The team of astronomers that discovered TOI-1846 b was led by Abderahmane Soubkiou of the Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco. They have published their research on the arXiv preprint server. "We have validated TOI-1846 b using TESS and multicolour ground-based photometric data, high-resolution imaging, and spectroscopic observations," the researchers wrote in their paper.</p><p>According to their findings, the exoplanet boasts a radius of around 1.792 Earth radii and is about 4.4 times more massive than our planet Earth. When compared to the Sun, this planet is only 40 per cent the size, while its mass is approximately 0.42 the solar mass. Just like Earth revolves around the Sun, this newly discovered super-Earth also orbits a host. However, its orbit is completed in 3.93 Earth days.</p><h2><strong>Is TOI-1846 b habitable?</strong></h2><p>According to the study, the planet's equilibrium temperature is around 568.1 K (or around 294.95). This is almost double the Earth's equilibrium temperature of 255 K, which means that the temperature may not be conducive to life. However, the planet, as per the research, is likely water-rich, which is a plus point for it being suitable for life. However, to accurately rule it as a habitable or non-habitable planet, scientists will first have to conduct radial velocity (RV) observations of TOI-1846 b to unveil the planet's composition. "These findings make TOI-1846 b well-suited for mass determination via RV observations. This could be possible with the MAROON-X instrument. (...) We find a TSM [transmission spectroscopy metric] of 47 for TOI-1846 b, which is below the 90 benchmark for small sub-Neptunes," wrote the paper's authors.<br>&nbsp;</p>

TOI-1846 b is estimated to be around 7.2 billion years old and is located about 154 light-years away from our planet and has been discovered by a team of astronomers using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

Scientists have discovered a "super-Earth" that can potentially support life. The exoplanet, if it can support life, can accommodate Earth's population and more, as it is nearly twice as big and is four times more massive than our blue planet. This super-Earth has been designated as TOI-1846 b and is estimated to be around 7.2 billion years old. It is located about 154 light-years away from our planet and has been discovered by a team of astronomers using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). All we know about super-earth TOI-1846 b The team of astronomers that discovered TOI-1846 b was led by Abderahmane Soubkiou of the Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco. They have published their research on the arXiv preprint server. "We have validated TOI-1846 b using TESS and multicolour ground-based photometric data, high-resolution imaging, and spectroscopic observations," the researchers wrote in their paper. According to their findings, the exoplanet boasts a radius of around 1.792 Earth radii and is about 4.4 times more massive than our planet Earth. When compared to the Sun, this planet is only 40 per cent the size, while its mass is approximately 0.42 the solar mass. Just like Earth revolves around the Sun, this newly discovered super-Earth also orbits a host. However, its orbit is completed in 3.93 Earth days. Is TOI-1846 b habitable? According to the study, the planet's equilibrium temperature is around 568.1 K (or around 294.95). This is almost double the Earth's equilibrium temperature of 255 K, which means that the temperature may not be conducive to life. However, the planet, as per the research, is likely water-rich, which is a plus point for it being suitable for life. However, to accurately rule it as a habitable or non-habitable planet, scientists will first have to conduct radial velocity (RV) observations of TOI-1846 b to unveil the planet's composition. "These findings make TOI-1846 b well-suited for mass determination via RV observations. This could be possible with the MAROON-X instrument. (...) We find a TSM [transmission spectroscopy metric] of 47 for TOI-1846 b, which is below the 90 benchmark for small sub-Neptunes," wrote the paper's authors.

<p>TOI-1846 b is estimated to be around 7.2 billion years old and is located about 154 light-years away from our planet and has been discovered by a team of astronomers using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).</p>

Scientists use NASA's TESS to discover ‘super-earth’ that could host billions—Is TOI-1846 b humanity's next home?

<p>A controversial medical project has finally taken off, thanks to a hefty donation from the world's largest medical charity, the Wellcome Trust. Work has begun on creating artificial human DNA from scratch, something that has long been feared as a tool that can be misused. However, supporters of the project say that it will do more good than harm, and so it is important to go ahead with it. The Trust has given $13 million to start the project, claiming that the technology can accelerate treatments for many incurable diseases, BBC reported.</p><p>Experts have argued that building blocks of human life from scratch can lead to the technology being used to modify humans and create designer babies. However, those associated with the project say think otherwise. Dr Julian Sale, of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, who is part of the project, told the BBC, "The sky is the limit. We are looking at therapies that will improve people's lives as they age, that will lead to healthier ageing with less disease as they get older."</p><p>He said, the method can be used "to generate disease-resistant cells we can use to repopulate damaged organs, for example, in the liver and the heart, even the immune system."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mathematician-who-solved-the-100-year-old-kakeya-conjecture-is-moving-to-china-here-s-why-1750934681637"><strong>Mathematician who solved the 100-year-old Kakeya conjecture is moving to China. Here's why</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, there are others who are strongly against the artificial creation of DNA, fearing misuse. Dr Pat Thomas, director of the campaign group Beyond GM, told the BBC that even though scientists are there to work for the good of humans, it is also possible to use it to cause "harm and for warfare."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Artificial DNA technology can be misused for biological weapons</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>DNA is built from just four much smaller blocks referred to as A, G, C and T. The Human Genome Project, which recently completed 25 years, allowed scientists to read all human genes like a bar code. The new DNA project will use it as a launchpad and take the work way beyond. Named the Synthetic Human Genome Project, it will let researchers create parts of a molecule of DNA, and even all of it from scratch.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/flying-robot-becomes-a-reality-as-first-humanoid-lifts-off-in-italy-watch-1750836277677"><strong>Flying robot becomes a reality as first humanoid lifts off in Italy. Watch</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Scientists will first aim to develop ways of building ever larger blocks of human DNA, which would then translate into a synthetically constructed human chromosome. Genes in chromosomes are how the human body develops and repairs itself. Problems with genes often cause several diseases. The project will study and carry out experiments to learn more about how genes and DNA regulate our bodies.</p><p>The project will not try to develop synthetic life, and experiments will remain confined to test tubes and petri dishes. However, it will let scientists control human living systems. Things can go terribly wrong if the technology is used for the wrong purposes. Prof Bill Earnshaw, a genetic scientist at Edinburgh University who designed a method for creating artificial human chromosomes, fears it can be used to create biological weapons, enhanced humans or even creatures that have human DNA.</p><p>He says if someone decides to start synthesising anything, there is no way to stop them. The other problem is who owns the artificially created body parts. "If we manage to create synthetic body parts or even synthetic people, then who owns them. And who owns the data from these creations?" he asks.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The Synthetic Human Genome Project will create DNA artificially. Scientists will create parts of a molecule of DNA, and even all of it, from scratch soon. The tech can be misused in several ways and poses a ton of other problems. Why is artificial human DNA being made then?

A controversial medical project has finally taken off, thanks to a hefty donation from the world's largest medical charity, the Wellcome Trust. Work has begun on creating artificial human DNA from scratch, something that has long been feared as a tool that can be misused. However, supporters of the project say that it will do more good than harm, and so it is important to go ahead with it. The Trust has given $13 million to start the project, claiming that the technology can accelerate treatments for many incurable diseases, BBC reported. Experts have argued that building blocks of human life from scratch can lead to the technology being used to modify humans and create designer babies. However, those associated with the project say think otherwise. Dr Julian Sale, of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, who is part of the project, told the BBC, "The sky is the limit. We are looking at therapies that will improve people's lives as they age, that will lead to healthier ageing with less disease as they get older." He said, the method can be used "to generate disease-resistant cells we can use to repopulate damaged organs, for example, in the liver and the heart, even the immune system." Also Read: Mathematician who solved the 100-year-old Kakeya conjecture is moving to China. Here's why However, there are others who are strongly against the artificial creation of DNA, fearing misuse. Dr Pat Thomas, director of the campaign group Beyond GM, told the BBC that even though scientists are there to work for the good of humans, it is also possible to use it to cause "harm and for warfare." Artificial DNA technology can be misused for biological weapons DNA is built from just four much smaller blocks referred to as A, G, C and T. The Human Genome Project, which recently completed 25 years, allowed scientists to read all human genes like a bar code. The new DNA project will use it as a launchpad and take the work way beyond. Named the Synthetic Human Genome Project, it will let researchers create parts of a molecule of DNA, and even all of it from scratch. Also Read: Flying robot becomes a reality as first humanoid lifts off in Italy. Watch Scientists will first aim to develop ways of building ever larger blocks of human DNA, which would then translate into a synthetically constructed human chromosome. Genes in chromosomes are how the human body develops and repairs itself. Problems with genes often cause several diseases. The project will study and carry out experiments to learn more about how genes and DNA regulate our bodies. The project will not try to develop synthetic life, and experiments will remain confined to test tubes and petri dishes. However, it will let scientists control human living systems. Things can go terribly wrong if the technology is used for the wrong purposes. Prof Bill Earnshaw, a genetic scientist at Edinburgh University who designed a method for creating artificial human chromosomes, fears it can be used to create biological weapons, enhanced humans or even creatures that have human DNA. He says if someone decides to start synthesising anything, there is no way to stop them. The other problem is who owns the artificially created body parts. "If we manage to create synthetic body parts or even synthetic people, then who owns them. And who owns the data from these creations?" he asks.

<p>The Synthetic Human Genome Project will create DNA artificially. Scientists will create parts of a molecule of DNA, and even all of it, from scratch soon. The tech can be misused in several ways and poses a ton of other problems. Why is artificial human DNA being made then?</p>

Biological weapons? Concerns grow as scientists start working on artificial human DNA

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the satellite data provided a precise trajectory tracking to enable targeted defence responses.

Operation Sindoor: How ISRO satellites aided the Indian Army against Pakistan?

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is preparing to head to space as part of the Ax-4 mission. His recent training involved simulating space like low pressure conditions to prepare for emergencies in orbit.

ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla goes through toughest space training for Ax-4 mission! Know all about it

Scientists from 30 countries, including India, have begun assembling the solenoid—for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in France.

'6.4 gigajoules': Scientists begin assembling the world's most powerful magnet in France

A male Amur falcon, tagged as part of a satellite study in Manipur, has completed a non-stop journey of 3,800 km from Botswana to India in just 93 hours.

Meet Chiuluan 2, an Amur Falcon bird that traveled 3,800 km to reach India in just 93 hours

Nearly half of the graves contained metal ornaments, with copper-alloy bracelets being the most frequent. Several damaged brooches were also found.


2,300-year-old mysterious sword with 'Swastika' symbol discovered in France

Shubhanshu Shukla is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and one of the four astronauts selected for India’s historic Gaganyaan Mission. Born on October 10, 1985.

Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? Things to know about Indian astronaut going to space this month

This updated mission is scheduled for a 2038 launch, targeting evidence of alien life beyond Earth by sampling material ejected from the moon’s cryovolcanic eruptions.

NASA's Orbilander mission will search for alien life on Saturn's moon 'Enceladus'

Voyager Station is being developed by the Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC), a California-based space construction company that now operates under the name Above Space. 

How will scientists build this luxury hotel in space? Know all about Voyager Station (Check pics)

Originally designed to yield 100 megatons, the Tsar Bomba’s strength was reduced by half to avoid excessive nuclear fallout. Even with the reduction, the explosion generated a fireball eight kilometres wide and a mushroom cloud over 60 kilometres high.

What is the Tsar Nuclear Bomb and how it could destroy the entire Earth within a few hours

The Roman Telescope will carry out wide and deep sky surveys to study the impact of dark energy and dark matter on cosmic evolution, as well as observe exoplanetary systems beyond the solar system. These surveys are based on proposals from over 1,000 scientists across more than 350 institutions.

'Mapping the stars': NASA unveils Roman Telescope’s celestial vision (Check blueprint)

<div dir="auto" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The heartrending terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which snuffed out 26 innocent lives, has jolted India into confronting the stark reality of its border security frailties. The announcement by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who doubles as the Secretary of the Department of Space, to launch 100&ndash;150 satellites over the next three years, offers a beacon of hope. Speaking against the backdrop of this tragedy, Narayanan highlighted the limitations of India&rsquo;s current 55-satellite fleet in monitoring its sprawling 7,500-kilometre coastline and rugged borders. Fueled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s transformative space reforms, this ambitious plan leans heavily on private sector collaboration to fortify India&rsquo;s surveillance architecture. Yet, the question looms large: can this celestial armada truly shield India from horrors like Pahalgam? The answer lies in reimagining border security through the prism of space technology, while navigating the formidable challenges ahead.</div>
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<div dir="auto">The Pahalgam attack laid bare the chinks in India&rsquo;s security apparatus, particularly along its porous borders. Terrorists, exploiting the treacherous terrain of the Line of Control (LoC), infiltrated with devastating consequences. Narayanan&rsquo;s vision of a satellite-driven security paradigm seeks to plug these gaps by deploying a constellation of advanced satellites. Equipped with cutting-edge tools like high-resolution optical cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and thermal imaging, these satellites promise relentless vigilance over India&rsquo;s frontiers. SAR, for instance, can pierce through dense cloud cover and darkness, offering real-time imagery of even the most remote border outposts. Had such technology been operational in Pahalgam, it could have detected unusual movements, enabling security forces to intercept the attackers before they struck. With 100&ndash;150 satellites, India could establish a near-ubiquitous surveillance grid, ensuring that no corner of its borders remains unwatched.</div>
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<div dir="auto">What sets this initiative apart is the unprecedented role of India&rsquo;s private space ecosystem, unshackled by Modi&rsquo;s reforms. Companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Pixxel are already making waves, crafting compact, cost-efficient satellites that rival global standards. By mentoring these innovators, ISRO can fast-track the production of small satellites&mdash;akin to those deployed in the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)&mdash;which can be swiftly repositioned to track emerging threats. Imagine a scenario where a constellation of such satellites, orbiting in low Earth orbit, relays live feeds of suspicious activity near Pahalgam to a command centre in Jammu. This could have triggered a rapid response, with drones and ground troops converging to neutralise the threat. The synergy between ISRO and private players is poised to democratise space technology, making India&rsquo;s borders not just secure but impenetrable.</div>
<div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto">Beyond surveillance, these satellites could revolutionise intelligence-sharing. By integrating with India&rsquo;s burgeoning 5G networks and secure communication channels, they can transmit data instantaneously to security agencies. The SpaDeX mission, which cemented India&rsquo;s place among the elite club of nations mastering satellite docking, underscores ISRO&rsquo;s technical prowess. This expertise can now be channelled into creating a networked defence ecosystem, where satellites, drones, and ground sensors work in tandem. For instance, a satellite spotting a potential infiltration could cue a drone to verify the threat, while alerting nearby military units. Such a system could have averted the Pahalgam tragedy by enabling preemptive strikes, sparing countless families unimaginable grief.</div>
<div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto">Yet, this celestial shield is not without its challenges. The deluge of data from 150 new satellites demands sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) to sift through petabytes of imagery and pinpoint actionable intelligence. Without AI-driven analytics, critical alerts risk being drowned in a sea of raw data. Narayanan&rsquo;s nod to AI innovations, like the O-ARM system transforming medical diagnostics, signals the need for similar advancements in defence. ISRO must collaborate with tech giants and startups to develop algorithms that can detect anomalies&mdash;like unauthorised border crossings&mdash;in real time. Moreover, integrating satellite intelligence with ground operations remains a bottleneck. The Pahalgam attack exposed coordination lapses between agencies, underscoring the need for a unified command-and-control framework. Upgrading India&rsquo;s defence infrastructure to seamlessly fuse space-based inputs with field intelligence is non-negotiable.</div>
<div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto">Another hurdle is ensuring the resilience of this satellite network against adversarial threats. Hostile actors, aware of India&rsquo;s growing reliance on space, could target these assets with anti-satellite weapons or cyberattacks. ISRO must prioritise hardening its satellites with encryption, anti-jamming technology, and redundant systems to ensure uninterrupted surveillance. Additionally, the dual-use potential of these satellites&mdash;serving both security and civilian purposes&mdash;adds complexity. Narayanan&rsquo;s proposal for a G20 climate change satellite reflects India&rsquo;s global ambitions, but the immediate focus must remain on safeguarding its citizens. By balancing these priorities, India can emerge as a space superpower while fortifying its homeland.</div>
<div dir="auto"></div>
<div dir="auto">The Pahalgam attack was a grim reminder that India&rsquo;s enemies exploit every vulnerability. Narayanan&rsquo;s satellite surge, backed by private innovation and AI, offers a bold riposte. It envisions a future where India&rsquo;s borders are guarded not just by soldiers but by an unblinking celestial shield. The success of SpaDeX proves ISRO can deliver on audacious goals. Now, it must translate this momentum into a security revolution, ensuring that no mother in Kashmir weeps for a lost child, no village mourns a fallen hero. The stars are aligning for India&rsquo;s defence; it&rsquo;s time to seize the skies and secure the nation.</div>

Beyond surveillance, these satellites could revolutionise intelligence-sharing. By integrating with India’s burgeoning 5G networks and secure communication channels, they can transmit data instantaneously to security agencies.

The heartrending terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which snuffed out 26 innocent lives, has jolted India into confronting the stark reality of its border security frailties. The announcement by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who doubles as the Secretary of the Department of Space, to launch 100–150 satellites over the next three years, offers a beacon of hope. Speaking against the backdrop of this tragedy, Narayanan highlighted the limitations of India’s current 55-satellite fleet in monitoring its sprawling 7,500-kilometre coastline and rugged borders. Fueled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative space reforms, this ambitious plan leans heavily on private sector collaboration to fortify India’s surveillance architecture. Yet, the question looms large: can this celestial armada truly shield India from horrors like Pahalgam? The answer lies in reimagining border security through the prism of space technology, while navigating the formidable challenges ahead. The Pahalgam attack laid bare the chinks in India’s security apparatus, particularly along its porous borders. Terrorists, exploiting the treacherous terrain of the Line of Control (LoC), infiltrated with devastating consequences. Narayanan’s vision of a satellite-driven security paradigm seeks to plug these gaps by deploying a constellation of advanced satellites. Equipped with cutting-edge tools like high-resolution optical cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and thermal imaging, these satellites promise relentless vigilance over India’s frontiers. SAR, for instance, can pierce through dense cloud cover and darkness, offering real-time imagery of even the most remote border outposts. Had such technology been operational in Pahalgam, it could have detected unusual movements, enabling security forces to intercept the attackers before they struck. With 100–150 satellites, India could establish a near-ubiquitous surveillance grid, ensuring that no corner of its borders remains unwatched. What sets this initiative apart is the unprecedented role of India’s private space ecosystem, unshackled by Modi’s reforms. Companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Pixxel are already making waves, crafting compact, cost-efficient satellites that rival global standards. By mentoring these innovators, ISRO can fast-track the production of small satellites—akin to those deployed in the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)—which can be swiftly repositioned to track emerging threats. Imagine a scenario where a constellation of such satellites, orbiting in low Earth orbit, relays live feeds of suspicious activity near Pahalgam to a command centre in Jammu. This could have triggered a rapid response, with drones and ground troops converging to neutralise the threat. The synergy between ISRO and private players is poised to democratise space technology, making India’s borders not just secure but impenetrable. Beyond surveillance, these satellites could revolutionise intelligence-sharing. By integrating with India’s burgeoning 5G networks and secure communication channels, they can transmit data instantaneously to security agencies. The SpaDeX mission, which cemented India’s place among the elite club of nations mastering satellite docking, underscores ISRO’s technical prowess. This expertise can now be channelled into creating a networked defence ecosystem, where satellites, drones, and ground sensors work in tandem. For instance, a satellite spotting a potential infiltration could cue a drone to verify the threat, while alerting nearby military units. Such a system could have averted the Pahalgam tragedy by enabling preemptive strikes, sparing countless families unimaginable grief. Yet, this celestial shield is not without its challenges. The deluge of data from 150 new satellites demands sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) to sift through petabytes of imagery and pinpoint actionable intelligence. Without AI-driven analytics, critical alerts risk being drowned in a sea of raw data. Narayanan’s nod to AI innovations, like the O-ARM system transforming medical diagnostics, signals the need for similar advancements in defence. ISRO must collaborate with tech giants and startups to develop algorithms that can detect anomalies—like unauthorised border crossings—in real time. Moreover, integrating satellite intelligence with ground operations remains a bottleneck. The Pahalgam attack exposed coordination lapses between agencies, underscoring the need for a unified command-and-control framework. Upgrading India’s defence infrastructure to seamlessly fuse space-based inputs with field intelligence is non-negotiable. Another hurdle is ensuring the resilience of this satellite network against adversarial threats. Hostile actors, aware of India’s growing reliance on space, could target these assets with anti-satellite weapons or cyberattacks. ISRO must prioritise hardening its satellites with encryption, anti-jamming technology, and redundant systems to ensure uninterrupted surveillance. Additionally, the dual-use potential of these satellites—serving both security and civilian purposes—adds complexity. Narayanan’s proposal for a G20 climate change satellite reflects India’s global ambitions, but the immediate focus must remain on safeguarding its citizens. By balancing these priorities, India can emerge as a space superpower while fortifying its homeland. The Pahalgam attack was a grim reminder that India’s enemies exploit every vulnerability. Narayanan’s satellite surge, backed by private innovation and AI, offers a bold riposte. It envisions a future where India’s borders are guarded not just by soldiers but by an unblinking celestial shield. The success of SpaDeX proves ISRO can deliver on audacious goals. Now, it must translate this momentum into a security revolution, ensuring that no mother in Kashmir weeps for a lost child, no village mourns a fallen hero. The stars are aligning for India’s defence; it’s time to seize the skies and secure the nation.

Unblinking Guardians: Can ISRO's Satellite Revolution Prevent Another Pahalgam?

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