A new study has found that polluted air breathed in during the early years of childhood could contribute to deteriorating lung health in adulthood. The research, dated back to 1992, examines the impact of air pollution on children in California, United States some of whom are now in their 40s.

A new study has found that polluted air breathed in during the early years of childhood could contribute to deteriorating lung health in adulthood. The research, dated back to 1992, examines the impact of air pollution on children in California, United States some of whom are now in their 40s. Lead researcher Dr Erika Garcia and her team at the University of Southern California analysed data from over 1,300 individuals, considering factors such as income, lifestyle (including smoking), housing, and health. They compared this data to their childhood health records and the levels of local air pollution they were exposed to while growing up. Watch | Gravitas: Does body composition affect risk for dementia? × The initial finding indicated that people with higher childhood exposure to particulate pollution and nitrogen dioxide were more likely to experience bronchitic symptoms as adults. This connection was particularly strong for those who had asthma and lung issues during childhood. The study also found an unexpected link between exposure to air pollution during childhood and adult bronchitic symptoms even for those who did not have lung problems as children. This means that there's a high possibility of damage from exposure to air pollution in childhood manifesting in adulthood. “This was surprising. We thought air pollutant effects on childhood asthma or bronchitic symptoms would be a major pathway by which childhood air pollution exposure affects adult respiratory health,” the lead author of the study, Garcia told The Guardian. Also read: Woman to kill unborn child in womb after report detects 'criminal' XYY genes in boy According to Gracia, the study also needed to differentiate between the long-term effects of childhood exposure and the consequences of breathing polluted air as adults. To achieve this, the researchers examined each individual's recent exposure to air pollution and incorporated this data into their analysis. “We wanted to see if childhood exposure was still associated with adult bronchitic symptoms, even after controlling for current exposure, and it was,” Garcia added. “This underscores the importance of lowering air pollution exposure for all, including children who are in a period of increased vulnerability to air pollution effects,” speaking about the significance of her latest research, Garcia said. (With inputs from agencies)

Breathing polluted air as kid? Your lungs might be paying the price years later: Study

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that its Perseverance rover found a rock that has some indications it may have hosted microbial life billions of years ago. Scientists are fascinated by the vein-filled rock, however, they said that further research is required.&nbsp;

The team of scientists have nicknamed the arrowhead-shaped rock "Cheyava Falls", which has intriguing characteristics that could help answer the question of whether or not microscopic life once resided on Mars.&nbsp;

The rover used its SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman &amp; Luminescence for Organics &amp; Chemicals) instrument to do multiple scans of Cheyava Falls.&nbsp;

The scans indicate it contains organic compounds. While such carbon-based molecules are considered the building blocks of life, they also can be formed by non-biological processes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-reveals-carbon-oxides-on-uranus-moon-ariel-what-does-this-mean-744232">James Webb reveals carbon oxides on Uranus' moon Ariel. What does this mean?</a>&nbsp;

NASA said in its report that analysis of the rock by instruments aboard the rover indicates that it possesses qualities that "fit the definition of a possible indicator of ancient life".&nbsp;

The rock shows structures and chemical traces that may have been created by life billions of years ago.&nbsp;

NASA said that the rock, which is the rover's 22nd rock core sample, was collected on July 21 when the rover was exploring the northern edge of Neretva Vallis, which is an ancient river valley 400 metres&nbsp;wide that was carved by water rushing into Jezero Crater long ago.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-nasa-streams-4k-video-footage-from-aircraft-to-iss-and-back-744193">In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by NASA, Nicola Fox, who is an associate administrator, at the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, "We have designed the route for Perseverance to ensure that it goes to areas with the potential for interesting scientific samples. This trip through the Neretva Vallis riverbed paid off as we found something we've never seen before, which will give our scientists so much to study."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor&nbsp;

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Ken Farley, who is a Perseverance project scientist at Caltech in Pasadena, said as quoted by NASA: "Cheyava Falls is the most puzzling, complex, and potentially important rock yet investigated by Perseverance."&nbsp;

"On the one hand, we have our first compelling detection of organic material, distinctive colorful spots indicative of chemical reactions that microbial life could use as an energy source, and clear evidence that water — necessary for life — once passed through the rock. On the other hand, we have been unable to determine exactly how the rock formed and to what extent nearby rocks may have heated Cheyava Falls and contributed to these features," Farley added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that its Perseverance rover found a rock that has some indications it may have hosted microbial life billions of years ago.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that its Perseverance rover found a rock that has some indications it may have hosted microbial life billions of years ago. Scientists are fascinated by the vein-filled rock, however, they said that further research is required. The team of scientists have nicknamed the arrowhead-shaped rock "Cheyava Falls", which has intriguing characteristics that could help answer the question of whether or not microscopic life once resided on Mars. The rover used its SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals) instrument to do multiple scans of Cheyava Falls. The scans indicate it contains organic compounds. While such carbon-based molecules are considered the building blocks of life, they also can be formed by non-biological processes. Also read: James Webb reveals carbon oxides on Uranus' moon Ariel. What does this mean? NASA said in its report that analysis of the rock by instruments aboard the rover indicates that it possesses qualities that "fit the definition of a possible indicator of ancient life". The rock shows structures and chemical traces that may have been created by life billions of years ago. NASA said that the rock, which is the rover's 22nd rock core sample, was collected on July 21 when the rover was exploring the northern edge of Neretva Vallis, which is an ancient river valley 400 metres wide that was carved by water rushing into Jezero Crater long ago. Also read: In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back As quoted by NASA, Nicola Fox, who is an associate administrator, at the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, "We have designed the route for Perseverance to ensure that it goes to areas with the potential for interesting scientific samples. This trip through the Neretva Vallis riverbed paid off as we found something we've never seen before, which will give our scientists so much to study." Watch: Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor × Ken Farley, who is a Perseverance project scientist at Caltech in Pasadena, said as quoted by NASA: "Cheyava Falls is the most puzzling, complex, and potentially important rock yet investigated by Perseverance." "On the one hand, we have our first compelling detection of organic material, distinctive colorful spots indicative of chemical reactions that microbial life could use as an energy source, and clear evidence that water — necessary for life — once passed through the rock. On the other hand, we have been unable to determine exactly how the rock formed and to what extent nearby rocks may have heated Cheyava Falls and contributed to these features," Farley added. (With inputs from agencies)

Vein-filled rock on Mars could reveal signs of ancient life on Red Planet

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) found that the surface of Uranus' moon Ariel, which is a candidate ocean world, is coated with a significant amount of carbon dioxide ice. It was discovered on the 'trailing hemisphere'&nbsp;that always faces away from the moon's direction of orbital motion.&nbsp;

The findings of the new study, published on Wednesday (Jul 24) in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, are quite surprising because of the fact that even the far away frigid places in space when carbon dioxide readily turns to gas and is lost to space. The reaches of the Uranian system are 20 times farther from the sun than Earth.&nbsp;

The study mentioned that the "Uranian moon Ariel exhibits a diversity of geologically young landforms, with a surface composition rich in CO2 ice", however, the origin of CO2 and other species remains uncertain.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-nasa-streams-4k-video-footage-from-aircraft-to-iss-and-back-744193">In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back</a>&nbsp;

The study mentioned that thick CO2 ice deposits and the possible presence of carbonates on both hemispheres suggest that some carbon oxides could be sourced from Ariel's interior.&nbsp;

As quoted by phys.org, a research team led by Richard Cartwright from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, said: "It just shouldn't be there. You've got to get down to 30 Kelvin [minus 405 degrees Fahrenheit] before carbon monoxide's stable."&nbsp;

According to Cartwright, the moon has some of the most carbon dioxide-rich deposits in the solar system.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rock-varnish-from-indias-ladakh-may-help-find-habitable-environments-in-space-744147">Rock varnish from India’s Ladakh may help find habitable environments in space</a>&nbsp;

Another surprising discovery among those sediments was the first detectable signs of carbon monoxide. "The carbon monoxide would have to be actively replenished, no question," Cartwright said.&nbsp;

The recent observations suggest that Ariel's surface might potentially contain carbonate minerals, which are salts that are only formed when liquid water reacts with rocks.&nbsp;

As quoted, Cartwright said: "If our interpretation of that carbonate feature is correct, then that is a pretty big result because it means it had to form in the interior. That's something we absolutely need to confirm, either through future observations, modeling or some combination of techniques."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) found that the surface of Uranus' moon Ariel, which is a candidate ocean world, is coated with a significant amount of carbon dioxide ice.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) found that the surface of Uranus' moon Ariel, which is a candidate ocean world, is coated with a significant amount of carbon dioxide ice. It was discovered on the 'trailing hemisphere' that always faces away from the moon's direction of orbital motion. The findings of the new study, published on Wednesday (Jul 24) in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, are quite surprising because of the fact that even the far away frigid places in space when carbon dioxide readily turns to gas and is lost to space. The reaches of the Uranian system are 20 times farther from the sun than Earth. The study mentioned that the "Uranian moon Ariel exhibits a diversity of geologically young landforms, with a surface composition rich in CO2 ice", however, the origin of CO2 and other species remains uncertain. Also read: In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back The study mentioned that thick CO2 ice deposits and the possible presence of carbonates on both hemispheres suggest that some carbon oxides could be sourced from Ariel's interior. As quoted by phys.org, a research team led by Richard Cartwright from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, said: "It just shouldn't be there. You've got to get down to 30 Kelvin [minus 405 degrees Fahrenheit] before carbon monoxide's stable." According to Cartwright, the moon has some of the most carbon dioxide-rich deposits in the solar system. Also read: Rock varnish from India’s Ladakh may help find habitable environments in space Another surprising discovery among those sediments was the first detectable signs of carbon monoxide. "The carbon monoxide would have to be actively replenished, no question," Cartwright said. The recent observations suggest that Ariel's surface might potentially contain carbonate minerals, which are salts that are only formed when liquid water reacts with rocks. As quoted, Cartwright said: "If our interpretation of that carbonate feature is correct, then that is a pretty big result because it means it had to form in the interior. That's something we absolutely need to confirm, either through future observations, modeling or some combination of techniques." (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb reveals carbon oxides on Uranus' moon Ariel. What does this mean?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that a team at its Glenn Research Center in Cleveland streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) and back for the first time using optical (or laser) communications.&nbsp;

The team carried out the experiment as part of a series of tests on new technology. The scientists hope that this technology could provide live video coverage of astronauts on the Moon during the Artemis missions.&nbsp;

NASA has sent data to and from orbit via radio waves in the past also. Notably, laser communications can transfer 10–100 times more data more quickly by using infrared light compared to radio frequency systems.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rock-varnish-from-indias-ladakh-may-help-find-habitable-environments-in-space-744147">Rock varnish from India’s Ladakh may help find habitable environments in space</a>&nbsp;

For the test, the scientists worked with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research programme. They temporarily installed a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.&nbsp;

They then flew over Lake Erie sending data from the aircraft to an optical ground station in Cleveland and it was then sent over an Earth-based network to White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico.&nbsp;

The scientists at NASA's facility in New Mexico used infrared light signals to send the data. The space agency stated that the signals travelled 22,000 miles away from Earth to its Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), which is an orbiting experimental platform.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-spots-super-jupiter-and-it-is-one-of-the-coldest-exoplanets-observed-to-date-743898">James Webb spots 'super Jupiter' and it is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date</a>&nbsp;

The signal was then relayed by the LCRD to the ILLUMA-T (Integrated LCRD LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) payload mounted on the orbiting laboratory. In the end, ILLUMA-T sent the data back to Earth.&nbsp;

Dr Daniel Raible, who is a principal investigator for the HDTN project at Glenn, said, "These experiments are a tremendous accomplishment. We can now build upon the success of streaming 4K HD videos to and from the space station to provide future capabilities, like HD videoconferencing, for our Artemis astronauts, which will be important for crew health and activity coordination."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor

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<h2>Missy Elliott's song sent into deep space</h2>

For the first time, NASA recently transmitted the lyrics of popular Missy Elliot's song "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, which is about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away. The lyrics were beamed using DSN (Deep Space Network).&nbsp;

The space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California sent the transmission at 10:05 am PDT on July 12.&nbsp;

In 2008, NASA beamed The Beatles song "Across the Universe" into space. Elliott's 1997 debut single became the first hip-hop song sent to deep space.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that a team at its Glenn Research Center in Cleveland streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) and back for the first time using optical (or laser) communications.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that a team at its Glenn Research Center in Cleveland streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) and back for the first time using optical (or laser) communications. The team carried out the experiment as part of a series of tests on new technology. The scientists hope that this technology could provide live video coverage of astronauts on the Moon during the Artemis missions. NASA has sent data to and from orbit via radio waves in the past also. Notably, laser communications can transfer 10–100 times more data more quickly by using infrared light compared to radio frequency systems. Also read: Rock varnish from India’s Ladakh may help find habitable environments in space For the test, the scientists worked with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research programme. They temporarily installed a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. They then flew over Lake Erie sending data from the aircraft to an optical ground station in Cleveland and it was then sent over an Earth-based network to White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The scientists at NASA's facility in New Mexico used infrared light signals to send the data. The space agency stated that the signals travelled 22,000 miles away from Earth to its Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), which is an orbiting experimental platform. Also read: James Webb spots 'super Jupiter' and it is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date The signal was then relayed by the LCRD to the ILLUMA-T (Integrated LCRD LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) payload mounted on the orbiting laboratory. In the end, ILLUMA-T sent the data back to Earth. Dr Daniel Raible, who is a principal investigator for the HDTN project at Glenn, said, "These experiments are a tremendous accomplishment. We can now build upon the success of streaming 4K HD videos to and from the space station to provide future capabilities, like HD videoconferencing, for our Artemis astronauts, which will be important for crew health and activity coordination." Watch: Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor × Missy Elliott's song sent into deep space For the first time, NASA recently transmitted the lyrics of popular Missy Elliot's song "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, which is about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away. The lyrics were beamed using DSN (Deep Space Network). The space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California sent the transmission at 10:05 am PDT on July 12. In 2008, NASA beamed The Beatles song "Across the Universe" into space. Elliott's 1997 debut single became the first hip-hop song sent to deep space. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back

Researchers have spotted Magnetofossils, fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria, in rock varnish layers in India's Ladakh, which is known as the "cold desert of India".&nbsp;

The study published in Planetary and Space Science mentioned that the findings suggesting biotic processes in the formation of rock varnish indicate how life can exist in extreme environments.&nbsp;

Researchers have said that the findings provide valuable insights for astrobiology as well as for planning future space missions which are aimed at identifying habitable environments in space.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-the-force-behind-the-black-hole-mergers-its-mysterious-dark-matter-744094">Scientists find the force behind the black hole mergers. It's mysterious dark matter!</a>&nbsp;

The report mentioned that Ladakh experiences extreme climatic conditions such as high UV radiation, significant temperature variations and limited water availability. All of these components make it a suitable terrestrial analogue for Martian studies.&nbsp;

The study was conducted by researchers from Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).&nbsp;

The researchers were inspired by the similarity&nbsp;between the rock varnish found in Ladakh and that seen on Mars, particularly during the Perseverance rover operations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-spots-super-jupiter-and-it-is-one-of-the-coldest-exoplanets-observed-to-date-743898">James Webb spots 'super Jupiter' and it is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date</a>&nbsp;

The researchers have collected samples of rock varnish from the Ladakh region, chosen and employed XPS to analyse the surface chemistry of the rock varnish.

Lead author Dr Amritpal Singh Chaddha along with Dr Anupam Sharma conducted the analysis at BSIP with its Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF) established by DST.&nbsp;

The analysis helped identify the nanochains of magnetofossils. In addition to that, higher concentrations of oxidized manganese and carboxylic acid functionality on the varnish surface were identified, which indicated organic signatures.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor&nbsp;

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The study showed that rock varnish contains enriched concentrations of magnetic minerals which are likely derived from biotic sources.&nbsp;

The researchers said the findings highlighted the potential of rock varnish as an archive of ancient environmental records and as a geomaterial for astrobiological studies. &nbsp;

Scientists can help in the search for extraterrestrial life by better locating putative biosignatures on Mars and other planetary bodies by finding biotic markers in rock varnish.&nbsp;

The planning of upcoming space missions by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other space organisations, such as Mars exploration, where detecting livable habitats is a main goal, depends on this information.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers have spotted Magnetofossils, fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria, in rock varnish layers in India's Ladakh, which is known as the "cold desert of India".

Researchers have spotted Magnetofossils, fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria, in rock varnish layers in India's Ladakh, which is known as the "cold desert of India". The study published in Planetary and Space Science mentioned that the findings suggesting biotic processes in the formation of rock varnish indicate how life can exist in extreme environments. Researchers have said that the findings provide valuable insights for astrobiology as well as for planning future space missions which are aimed at identifying habitable environments in space. Also read: Scientists find the force behind the black hole mergers. It's mysterious dark matter! The report mentioned that Ladakh experiences extreme climatic conditions such as high UV radiation, significant temperature variations and limited water availability. All of these components make it a suitable terrestrial analogue for Martian studies. The study was conducted by researchers from Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The researchers were inspired by the similarity between the rock varnish found in Ladakh and that seen on Mars, particularly during the Perseverance rover operations. Also read: James Webb spots 'super Jupiter' and it is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date The researchers have collected samples of rock varnish from the Ladakh region, chosen and employed XPS to analyse the surface chemistry of the rock varnish. Lead author Dr Amritpal Singh Chaddha along with Dr Anupam Sharma conducted the analysis at BSIP with its Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF) established by DST. The analysis helped identify the nanochains of magnetofossils. In addition to that, higher concentrations of oxidized manganese and carboxylic acid functionality on the varnish surface were identified, which indicated organic signatures. Watch: Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor × The study showed that rock varnish contains enriched concentrations of magnetic minerals which are likely derived from biotic sources. The researchers said the findings highlighted the potential of rock varnish as an archive of ancient environmental records and as a geomaterial for astrobiological studies. Scientists can help in the search for extraterrestrial life by better locating putative biosignatures on Mars and other planetary bodies by finding biotic markers in rock varnish. The planning of upcoming space missions by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other space organisations, such as Mars exploration, where detecting livable habitats is a main goal, depends on this information. (With inputs from agencies)

Rock varnish from India’s Ladakh may help find habitable environments in space

The brain recognises faces that it comes across. Sometimes we see those faces in places where they don't even exist. The science behind it is too complex for a common person&nbsp;to understand. To get insights, psychologists have used the popular TV series Game of Thrones to understand everything that goes inside our brains that helps us to recognise faces.&nbsp;

The psychology department at the University of York conducted a new study to better understand how the brain processes and identifies faces. In a press release, the university said that the findings provide new insights into prosopagnosia or face blindness, which is a condition that impairs facial recognition and affects approximately 1 in 50 people.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/genetically-engineered-common-fly-species-to-combat-issue-of-humanitys-organic-waste-743855">Genetically engineered common fly species to combat issue of humanity's organic waste</a>&nbsp;

As quoted in the press release, senior author of the study, Professor Tim Andrews from the university's Department of Psychology, said: "We were really excited to see the results of our study as they suggest that our ability to recognise faces relies on what we know about people, not just what they look like."&nbsp;

Andrews said that the study indicates that several factors are involved for us to recognise a face, including connecting a face with knowledge about the person, their character traits, body language, our personal experiences with them and our feelings towards them.&nbsp;

"Facial recognition is essential for daily life and social interactions. When people struggle with this, it can significantly impact their lives and relationships, often leading to mental health issues and social anxiety," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/intersex-mosquitoes-may-help-stop-diseases-like-dengue-zika-yellow-fever-and-chikungunya-study-743125" target="_blank">Intersex mosquitoes may help stop diseases like dengue, Zika, yellow fever and Chikungunya: Study</a>&nbsp;

Kira Noad, who is the lead author of the study and PhD student, said in the press release, "We chose to show participants footage from Game of Thrones because the series captivated people around the world with its strong characters and their deeply nuanced personalities."&nbsp;

More than 70&nbsp;participants involved in the study had their brains examined by the researchers while they were watching clips from the Games of Thrones. Half of the participants were familiar with the show's famously complex lead characters. while the other half had never seen the series.&nbsp;

MRI scans revealed that when main characters appeared on screen, brain activity in neurotypical participants who knew the characters increased in areas of the brain linked to non-visual knowledge about the characters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cocaine-sharks-are-swimming-in-the-seas-of-brazil-the-source-of-the-drug-will-disgust-you-743291" target="_blank">Cocaine sharks are swimming in the seas of Brazil. The source of the drug will disgust you</a>&nbsp;

The researchers then repeated the same process on people with prosopagnosia in order to determine whether these regions are important for face recognition. Their inability to recognise faces is consistent with the fact that the effect of familiarity was not observed in the same brain regions as neurotypical subjects.&nbsp;

The study found that there was also a decrease in the connections between the visual and non-visual regions in facial blindness.&nbsp;

"Many previous studies on the mechanisms in the brain behind facial recognition have been done in laboratory settings with 2D static images of faces. We aimed to create a study format that was more like real life, using video to show complex scenes with multiple people," Noad said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The brain recognises faces that it comes across. Sometimes we see those faces in places where they don't even exist. The science behind it is too complex for a common person to understand.

The brain recognises faces that it comes across. Sometimes we see those faces in places where they don't even exist. The science behind it is too complex for a common person to understand. To get insights, psychologists have used the popular TV series Game of Thrones to understand everything that goes inside our brains that helps us to recognise faces. The psychology department at the University of York conducted a new study to better understand how the brain processes and identifies faces. In a press release, the university said that the findings provide new insights into prosopagnosia or face blindness, which is a condition that impairs facial recognition and affects approximately 1 in 50 people. Also read: Genetically engineered common fly species to combat issue of humanity's organic waste As quoted in the press release, senior author of the study, Professor Tim Andrews from the university's Department of Psychology, said: "We were really excited to see the results of our study as they suggest that our ability to recognise faces relies on what we know about people, not just what they look like." Andrews said that the study indicates that several factors are involved for us to recognise a face, including connecting a face with knowledge about the person, their character traits, body language, our personal experiences with them and our feelings towards them. "Facial recognition is essential for daily life and social interactions. When people struggle with this, it can significantly impact their lives and relationships, often leading to mental health issues and social anxiety," he added. Also read: Intersex mosquitoes may help stop diseases like dengue, Zika, yellow fever and Chikungunya: Study Kira Noad, who is the lead author of the study and PhD student, said in the press release, "We chose to show participants footage from Game of Thrones because the series captivated people around the world with its strong characters and their deeply nuanced personalities." More than 70 participants involved in the study had their brains examined by the researchers while they were watching clips from the Games of Thrones. Half of the participants were familiar with the show's famously complex lead characters. while the other half had never seen the series. MRI scans revealed that when main characters appeared on screen, brain activity in neurotypical participants who knew the characters increased in areas of the brain linked to non-visual knowledge about the characters. Also read: Cocaine sharks are swimming in the seas of Brazil. The source of the drug will disgust you The researchers then repeated the same process on people with prosopagnosia in order to determine whether these regions are important for face recognition. Their inability to recognise faces is consistent with the fact that the effect of familiarity was not observed in the same brain regions as neurotypical subjects. The study found that there was also a decrease in the connections between the visual and non-visual regions in facial blindness. "Many previous studies on the mechanisms in the brain behind facial recognition have been done in laboratory settings with 2D static images of faces. We aimed to create a study format that was more like real life, using video to show complex scenes with multiple people," Noad said. (With inputs from agencies)

Game of Thrones helps researchers gain new insights into face blindness: Study

The world faces the massive challenge of managing organic waste. In order to combat the problem, a team of scientists is genetically engineering a common fly species. In a latest scientific paper, Australian scientists said that the fly can eat more of humanity's organic waste while producing ingredients for making everything to high-grade animal feeds.&nbsp;

A team based at Sydney's Macquarie University mentioned how black soldier flies can help tackle the issue. Researchers said that black soldier flies (BSF) are already being used commercially to consume organic waste. When the fly reaches the maggot stage, its job of consuming organic garbage is completed. The maggots are harvested once they develop into pupae.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cocaine-sharks-are-swimming-in-the-seas-of-brazil-the-source-of-the-drug-will-disgust-you-743291">Cocaine sharks are swimming in the seas of Brazil. The source of the drug will disgust you</a>&nbsp;

However, by modifying their genetic makeup, it may be possible to increase the variety of garbage that their larvae ingest and simultaneously produce enzymes and fatty compounds.&nbsp;

The findings were published in the study, titled "Diverting organic waste from landfills via insect biomanufacturing using engineered black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens)", on Wednesday (Jul 24) in Communications Biology.&nbsp;

Solid waste is estimated to be responsible for five per cent&nbsp;of global annual carbon dioxide&nbsp;emissions, with the majority of this due to the methane generated from landfilling organic waste.&nbsp;

The study revealed that currently, 40–70 per cent&nbsp;of organic waste is disposed of in landfills, where it is tightly compacted to economise space.&nbsp;

It causes the anaerobic microbial decomposition of organic waste into methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/intersex-mosquitoes-may-help-stop-diseases-like-dengue-zika-yellow-fever-and-chikungunya-study-743125">Intersex mosquitoes may help stop diseases like dengue, Zika, yellow fever and Chikungunya: Study</a>&nbsp;

"Using synthetic biology, BSF could be developed into a novel sustainable biomanufacturing platform to valorise a broader variety of organic waste feedstocks into enhanced animal feeds, a large variety of high-value biomolecules, including industrial enzymes and lipids, and improved fertiliser," the paper said.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Kate Tepper, the lead author of the paper, said, "We are heading towards a climate disaster, and landfill waste releases methane. We need to get that to zero." &nbsp;Tepper has already started engineering the flies at Macquarie University where Dr Maciej Maselko runs an animal synthetic biology lab.&nbsp;

Black soldier flies are found in all continents except Antarctica and "if you've got a compost bin, then you've probably got some", said Maselko, further adding that the insects would become the "next frontier" in dealing with the planet's waste management problem.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The world faces the massive challenge of managing organic waste. In order to combat the problem, a team of scientists is genetically engineering a common fly species.

The world faces the massive challenge of managing organic waste. In order to combat the problem, a team of scientists is genetically engineering a common fly species. In a latest scientific paper, Australian scientists said that the fly can eat more of humanity's organic waste while producing ingredients for making everything to high-grade animal feeds. A team based at Sydney's Macquarie University mentioned how black soldier flies can help tackle the issue. Researchers said that black soldier flies (BSF) are already being used commercially to consume organic waste. When the fly reaches the maggot stage, its job of consuming organic garbage is completed. The maggots are harvested once they develop into pupae. Also read: Cocaine sharks are swimming in the seas of Brazil. The source of the drug will disgust you However, by modifying their genetic makeup, it may be possible to increase the variety of garbage that their larvae ingest and simultaneously produce enzymes and fatty compounds. The findings were published in the study, titled "Diverting organic waste from landfills via insect biomanufacturing using engineered black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens)", on Wednesday (Jul 24) in Communications Biology. Solid waste is estimated to be responsible for five per cent of global annual carbon dioxide emissions, with the majority of this due to the methane generated from landfilling organic waste. The study revealed that currently, 40–70 per cent of organic waste is disposed of in landfills, where it is tightly compacted to economise space. It causes the anaerobic microbial decomposition of organic waste into methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Also read: Intersex mosquitoes may help stop diseases like dengue, Zika, yellow fever and Chikungunya: Study "Using synthetic biology, BSF could be developed into a novel sustainable biomanufacturing platform to valorise a broader variety of organic waste feedstocks into enhanced animal feeds, a large variety of high-value biomolecules, including industrial enzymes and lipids, and improved fertiliser," the paper said. As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Kate Tepper, the lead author of the paper, said, "We are heading towards a climate disaster, and landfill waste releases methane. We need to get that to zero." Tepper has already started engineering the flies at Macquarie University where Dr Maciej Maselko runs an animal synthetic biology lab. Black soldier flies are found in all continents except Antarctica and "if you've got a compost bin, then you've probably got some", said Maselko, further adding that the insects would become the "next frontier" in dealing with the planet's waste management problem. (With inputs from agencies)

Genetically engineered common fly species to combat issue of humanity's organic waste

Researchers have found that metallic minerals on Earth's deep-ocean floor are causing chemical reactions&nbsp;that're&nbsp;leading to the production of mysterious "dark oxygen", which has bewildered scientists. &nbsp;

In a study published on Monday (Jul 22) in the journal Nature Geoscience, a team of international researchers, including a chemist,&nbsp;discovered that oxygen is being created without the involvement of life.&nbsp;

The findings of the study refute long-held beliefs that only photosynthetic creatures, including plants and algae, can produce oxygen on Earth. The study titled, "Evidence of dark oxygen production at the abysmal seafloor", suggests that there may be another way also.&nbsp;

It seems that oxygen can also be created at the seafloor, where light cannot reach, to sustain the oxygen-consuming (aerobic) marine life that survives in total darkness.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-photo-shows-jupiters-chaotic-clouds-and-cyclonic-storms-clicked-by-juno-743029">NASA photo shows Jupiter's chaotic clouds and cyclonic storms clicked by Juno</a>&nbsp;

As reported by phys.org, Andrew Sweetman, of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), made the "dark oxygen" discovery while conducting ship-based fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean. Northwestern's Franz Geiger led the electrochemistry experiments, which potentially explain the finding.&nbsp;

During fieldwork in 2013, Sweetman and his collaborators first noticed it. The researchers studied sea-floor ecosystems in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, which is a potential target for the mining of metal-rich nodules. They first thought that something was wrong with their equipment. But similar readings kept showing on the sensors in other attempts as well.&nbsp;

As quoted in the report, Sweetman said, "For aerobic life to begin on the planet, there had to be oxygen, and our understanding has been that Earth's oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms."&nbsp;

"But we now know that there is oxygen produced in the deep sea, where there is no light. I think we, therefore, need to revisit questions like: Where could aerobic life have begun?" said Sweetman, who leads the Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry research group at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-wants-to-release-biosignatures-of-life-from-icy-shells-of-europa-and-enceladus-743053">NASA wants to release biosignatures of life from icy shells of Europa and Enceladus</a>&nbsp;

Sweetman said that this is one of the "most exciting findings" in ocean science in recent times.&nbsp;

The researchers found that black and rounded rocks pepper the floor in the midst of the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

As per the measurements done by the scientists, oxygen levels have been increasing slowly at depths of more than 4,000 metres (13,000 feet).&nbsp;

"When we first got this data, we thought the sensors were faulty, because every study ever done in the deep sea has only seen oxygen being consumed rather than produced. We would come home and recalibrate the sensors but over the course of 10 years, these strange oxygen readings kept showing up," explained Sweetman.

"We decided to take a back-up method that worked differently to the optode sensors we were using, and when both methods came back with the same result, we knew we were onto something ground-breaking and unthought-of," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jupiters-350-year-old-massive-storm-is-shrinking-its-great-red-spot-study-hints-so-742708">Jupiter's 350-year-old massive storm is shrinking its Great Red Spot: Study</a>&nbsp;

The key to the discovery is found in polymetallic nodules, which are naturally occurring mineral deposits that grow on the ocean floor. The nodules are a mixture of several minerals. They range in size from microscopic particles to a typical potato.&nbsp;

"The polymetallic nodules that produce this oxygen contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese—which are all critical elements used in batteries," said Geiger, who co-authored the study.

"Several large-scale mining companies now aim to extract these precious elements from the seafloor at depths of 10,000 to 20,000 feet below the surface. We need to rethink how to mine these materials, so that we do not deplete the oxygen source for deep-sea life," Geiger added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers have found that metallic minerals on Earth's deep-ocean floor are causing chemical reactions that're leading to the production of mysterious "dark oxygen", which has bewildered scientists.

Researchers have found that metallic minerals on Earth's deep-ocean floor are causing chemical reactions that're leading to the production of mysterious "dark oxygen", which has bewildered scientists. In a study published on Monday (Jul 22) in the journal Nature Geoscience, a team of international researchers, including a chemist, discovered that oxygen is being created without the involvement of life. The findings of the study refute long-held beliefs that only photosynthetic creatures, including plants and algae, can produce oxygen on Earth. The study titled, "Evidence of dark oxygen production at the abysmal seafloor", suggests that there may be another way also. It seems that oxygen can also be created at the seafloor, where light cannot reach, to sustain the oxygen-consuming (aerobic) marine life that survives in total darkness. Also read: NASA photo shows Jupiter's chaotic clouds and cyclonic storms clicked by Juno As reported by phys.org, Andrew Sweetman, of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), made the "dark oxygen" discovery while conducting ship-based fieldwork in the Pacific Ocean. Northwestern's Franz Geiger led the electrochemistry experiments, which potentially explain the finding. During fieldwork in 2013, Sweetman and his collaborators first noticed it. The researchers studied sea-floor ecosystems in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, which is a potential target for the mining of metal-rich nodules. They first thought that something was wrong with their equipment. But similar readings kept showing on the sensors in other attempts as well. As quoted in the report, Sweetman said, "For aerobic life to begin on the planet, there had to be oxygen, and our understanding has been that Earth's oxygen supply began with photosynthetic organisms." "But we now know that there is oxygen produced in the deep sea, where there is no light. I think we, therefore, need to revisit questions like: Where could aerobic life have begun?" said Sweetman, who leads the Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry research group at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). Also read: NASA wants to release biosignatures of life from icy shells of Europa and Enceladus Sweetman said that this is one of the "most exciting findings" in ocean science in recent times. The researchers found that black and rounded rocks pepper the floor in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. As per the measurements done by the scientists, oxygen levels have been increasing slowly at depths of more than 4,000 metres (13,000 feet). "When we first got this data, we thought the sensors were faulty, because every study ever done in the deep sea has only seen oxygen being consumed rather than produced. We would come home and recalibrate the sensors but over the course of 10 years, these strange oxygen readings kept showing up," explained Sweetman. "We decided to take a back-up method that worked differently to the optode sensors we were using, and when both methods came back with the same result, we knew we were onto something ground-breaking and unthought-of," he added. Also read: Jupiter's 350-year-old massive storm is shrinking its Great Red Spot: Study The key to the discovery is found in polymetallic nodules, which are naturally occurring mineral deposits that grow on the ocean floor. The nodules are a mixture of several minerals. They range in size from microscopic particles to a typical potato. "The polymetallic nodules that produce this oxygen contain metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and manganese—which are all critical elements used in batteries," said Geiger, who co-authored the study. "Several large-scale mining companies now aim to extract these precious elements from the seafloor at depths of 10,000 to 20,000 feet below the surface. We need to rethink how to mine these materials, so that we do not deplete the oxygen source for deep-sea life," Geiger added. (With inputs from agencies)

Discovery of mysterious ‘dark oxygen’ on the sea floor stuns scientists

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.

The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday.

Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river.&nbsp;

"It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" &nbsp;

With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders.

Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde.

Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets.

"The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work.&nbsp;

In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption.&nbsp;

"Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday.

"Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace.

<h2>Super excited</h2>

Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate.

Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials.

It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures.

"We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started."&nbsp;

Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday.&nbsp;

At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-suryakumar-yadav-confirmed-as-new-t20i-captain-rohit-virat-to-play-in-odis-742120">India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs</a>

<h2>Unprecedented ceremony</h2>

Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage.&nbsp;

The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area.

Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats.

It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments.&nbsp;

The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas.

Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code.

River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony.&nbsp;

The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians.

Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience".

The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week. The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday. Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river. "It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders. Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde. Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets. "The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work. In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption. "Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday. "Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace. Super excited Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate. Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials. It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures. "We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started." Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday. At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes. ALSO READ | India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs Unprecedented ceremony Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage. The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area. Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats. It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments. The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas. Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code. River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony. The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians. Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience". The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Scientists close to creating 'one and done' anti-flu vaccine to kill future pandemic

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant&nbsp;for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft. Taking this idea forward, American&nbsp;space agency NASA launched its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, which aimed to map ice on the south pole of the Moon and then drill it out on the surface. Now, as per reports, NASA on Wednesday (Jul 17) scrapped the project citing cost and delay concerns.

<h2>$450 million already spent</h2>

The decision comes even as the space agency has already spent a whopping $450 million on the project. A rover, that the agency planned to use in the mission, has already been assembled and the construction of the lander was in the works. Now, NASA says it's looking for potential buyers for that rover, which can be used in lunar exploration missions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/decline-in-indias-vulture-population-impacted-human-health-contributing-to-thousands-of-deaths-report-741732&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report</a>

Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, said it was a "tough decision."

“This has been a really tough decision, which we make in an uncertain budget environment,” Fox said. “But we do believe that this is a way for us to continue to support the entire CLPS portfolio.”

<h2>Why has the project been cancelled?</h2>

The United States&nbsp;Congress had allocated $433.5 million for the VIPER project. The mission's objective was to land the rover on the lunar surface by the end of 2023. But, new estimates suggested the mission will require $176 million more and would only be ready for launch by late 2025.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-finally-know-why-do-we-blush-741791" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-finally-know-why-do-we-blush-741791&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieitrUjbOHAxVQUWwGHT9MANwQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Scientists finally know why do we blush</a>

NASA was not ready for this budget increase, amidst the agency's increased focus on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, where it plans to join forces with private players to transport scientific equipment to space.

<h2>NASA's quest for water on the Moon still ON'</h2>

Despite the closure of the VIPER project, NASA isn't going to put a halt to its ongoing search for water on the Moon.

“Despite what’s happening with VIPER, we are committed to continuing to study the Moon and to look for water and ice in all of our future missions,” Fox said during the 17 July announcement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft.

The quest for water (or ice) on the Moon is significant for scientists around the world. It's because the water can be harnessed as potential fuel for future space exploration missions, with the Moon effectively hosting a fuel station for spacecraft. Taking this idea forward, American space agency NASA launched its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, which aimed to map ice on the south pole of the Moon and then drill it out on the surface. Now, as per reports, NASA on Wednesday (Jul 17) scrapped the project citing cost and delay concerns. $450 million already spent The decision comes even as the space agency has already spent a whopping $450 million on the project. A rover, that the agency planned to use in the mission, has already been assembled and the construction of the lander was in the works. Now, NASA says it's looking for potential buyers for that rover, which can be used in lunar exploration missions. Also read: Decline in India`s vulture population impacted human health, contributing to thousands of deaths: Report Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, said it was a "tough decision." “This has been a really tough decision, which we make in an uncertain budget environment,” Fox said. “But we do believe that this is a way for us to continue to support the entire CLPS portfolio.” Why has the project been cancelled? The United States Congress had allocated $433.5 million for the VIPER project. The mission's objective was to land the rover on the lunar surface by the end of 2023. But, new estimates suggested the mission will require $176 million more and would only be ready for launch by late 2025. Also read: Scientists finally know why do we blush NASA was not ready for this budget increase, amidst the agency's increased focus on the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, where it plans to join forces with private players to transport scientific equipment to space. NASA's quest for water on the Moon still ON' Despite the closure of the VIPER project, NASA isn't going to put a halt to its ongoing search for water on the Moon. “Despite what’s happening with VIPER, we are committed to continuing to study the Moon and to look for water and ice in all of our future missions,” Fox said during the 17 July announcement. (With inputs from agencies)

After spending $450mn on lunar exploration mission, NASA abruptly cancels it

An exoplanet has differences between its eternal morning and eternal evening atmosphere - this model was previously predicted and researchers have finally confirmed it using the James Webb Space Telescope.&nbsp;

Researchers are talking about WASP-39 b, which is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass WASP-39 b is 0.28 Jupiter and it takes 4.1 days to complete one orbit of its star, NASA revealed. WASP-39 b has a similar mass to Saturn. It orbits a star about 700 light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;

The discovery of WASP-39 b was announced in 2011 and in July 2022, it became the first exoplanet to be studied by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-underground-cave-on-moon-that-could-be-prime-location-for-future-lunar-base-741166">Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base</a>&nbsp;

Researchers have established that WASP-39 b is tidally locked to its parent star, which means it has a constant dayside and a constant nightside. One side of the planet is always exposed to its star, while the other is always covered in darkness.&nbsp;

NASA in its reports said that astronomers confirmed a temperature difference between the eternal morning and eternal evening on WASP-39 b using Webb's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph).&nbsp;

The astronomers found that evening appeared hotter by about 200 degrees Celsius and there is evidence for different cloud cover, with the "forever morning portion of the planet being likely cloudier than the evening".&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-stunning-images-of-a-space-get-away-captured-by-webb-and-chandra-741018">NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra</a>

As quoted by nasa.gov, Néstor Espinoza, who is an exoplanet researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute and lead author on the study, said,&nbsp;"WASP-39 b has become a sort of benchmark planet in studying the atmosphere of exoplanets with Webb."&nbsp;

"It has an inflated, puffy atmosphere, so the signal coming from starlight filtered through the planet’s atmosphere is quite strong," Espinoza added.&nbsp;

The complete day/night boundary is represented by the previously published Webb spectra of the atmosphere of WASP-39b, which showed the presence of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and sodium. But there was no detailed attempt to differentiate between one side and the other.&nbsp;

However, the day/night boundary is now divided into two semicircles, one from the evening and one from the morning, by the new methodology, which constructs two distinct spectra from the terminator region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/our-sun-has-been-emanating-mysterious-radio-signals-for-decades-nasa-plans-to-find-the-exact-source-740983">Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source</a>&nbsp;

"Data reveals the evening as significantly hotter, a searing 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit (800 degrees Celsius), and the morning a relatively cooler 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius)," NASA said in its report.&nbsp;

"It's really stunning that we are able to parse this small difference out, and it’s only possible due Webb's sensitivity across near-infrared wavelengths and its extremely stable photometric sensors," said Espinoza. &nbsp;

"Any tiny movement in the instrument or with the observatory while collecting data would have severely limited our ability to make this detection. It must be extraordinarily precise, and Webb is just that," he added.&nbsp;

The findings were published on Monday (Jul 15) in Nature, titled, "Inhomogeneous terminators on the exoplanet WASP-39 b".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An exoplanet has differences between its eternal morning and eternal evening atmosphere - this model was previously predicted and researchers have finally confirmed it using the James Webb Space Telescope.

An exoplanet has differences between its eternal morning and eternal evening atmosphere - this model was previously predicted and researchers have finally confirmed it using the James Webb Space Telescope. Researchers are talking about WASP-39 b, which is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. The mass WASP-39 b is 0.28 Jupiter and it takes 4.1 days to complete one orbit of its star, NASA revealed. WASP-39 b has a similar mass to Saturn. It orbits a star about 700 light-years away from Earth. The discovery of WASP-39 b was announced in 2011 and in July 2022, it became the first exoplanet to be studied by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which is the largest, most powerful telescope ever launched into space. Also read: Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base Researchers have established that WASP-39 b is tidally locked to its parent star, which means it has a constant dayside and a constant nightside. One side of the planet is always exposed to its star, while the other is always covered in darkness. NASA in its reports said that astronomers confirmed a temperature difference between the eternal morning and eternal evening on WASP-39 b using Webb's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph). The astronomers found that evening appeared hotter by about 200 degrees Celsius and there is evidence for different cloud cover, with the "forever morning portion of the planet being likely cloudier than the evening". Also read: NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra As quoted by nasa.gov, Néstor Espinoza, who is an exoplanet researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute and lead author on the study, said, "WASP-39 b has become a sort of benchmark planet in studying the atmosphere of exoplanets with Webb." "It has an inflated, puffy atmosphere, so the signal coming from starlight filtered through the planet’s atmosphere is quite strong," Espinoza added. The complete day/night boundary is represented by the previously published Webb spectra of the atmosphere of WASP-39b, which showed the presence of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and sodium. But there was no detailed attempt to differentiate between one side and the other. However, the day/night boundary is now divided into two semicircles, one from the evening and one from the morning, by the new methodology, which constructs two distinct spectra from the terminator region. Also read: Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source "Data reveals the evening as significantly hotter, a searing 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit (800 degrees Celsius), and the morning a relatively cooler 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius)," NASA said in its report. "It's really stunning that we are able to parse this small difference out, and it’s only possible due Webb's sensitivity across near-infrared wavelengths and its extremely stable photometric sensors," said Espinoza. "Any tiny movement in the instrument or with the observatory while collecting data would have severely limited our ability to make this detection. It must be extraordinarily precise, and Webb is just that," he added. The findings were published on Monday (Jul 15) in Nature, titled, "Inhomogeneous terminators on the exoplanet WASP-39 b". (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers using James Webb to probe eternal sunrises and sunsets on distant world

Adult-on-adult cannibalism is rare in amphibians. Now, an ecologist from Australia has blamed the declining population of green and golden bell frogs on Kooragang Island, north of Sydney, on female cannibal members of the same species.&nbsp;

A scientist from the University of Newcastle claims&nbsp;to have witnessed a large female frog trying to eat an adult male counterpart while slowly pulling him into a hole. John Gould couldn't believe what he saw and immediately captured the rare moment with his camera.

“The male frog was trying really hard to prevent this from happening,” Gould was quoted as saying by the New York Times. It was the first time that Gould witnessed an act of apparent cannibalism among two adults of the frog species.

The females “are almost the ultimate predators for males,” the ecologist said.

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Generally, smaller members of the species are targeted by adults in common cases of cannibalism in amphibians. For instance, smaller siblings, eggs or larvae end up as dinner.&nbsp;

Gould said in a study published last month in the journal Ecology and Evolution that it's extremely rare that an adult frog ends up eating another adult frog. He says he has heard about such cases only happening in labs.&nbsp;

Almost all such cases happened when female frogs were larger than males.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi14aKt-auHAxVARmwGHWBOAl8QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-underground-cave-on-moon-that-could-be-prime-location-for-future-lunar-base-741166" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-underground-cave-on-moon-that-could-be-prime-location-for-future-lunar-base-741166&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi14aKt-auHAxVARmwGHWBOAl8QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base</a>&nbsp;

In green and golden bell frogs, while females can grow to about 2.75 inches in size, males languish at a mere 2 inches.&nbsp;

So, what exactly helps females determine which male frog to mate with and which one to eat? It depends on the strength of their singing.&nbsp;

Males thus obviously take huge risk while trying to attract females for sex. If all goes fine, males know they are going to get laid. But if females happen to dislike their singing, they may end up becoming their supper.

“You’ve really got to give props to the male frogs out there, that they are putting their lives on the line to reproduce,” Gould said. “Maybe there’s a reason why, males and females, you don’t often find them next to each other in ponds.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Adult-on-adult cannibalism is rare in amphibians. Now, an ecologist from Australia has blamed the declining population of green and golden bell frogs on Kooragang Island, north of Sydney, on female cannibal members of the same species.

Adult-on-adult cannibalism is rare in amphibians. Now, an ecologist from Australia has blamed the declining population of green and golden bell frogs on Kooragang Island, north of Sydney, on female cannibal members of the same species. A scientist from the University of Newcastle claims to have witnessed a large female frog trying to eat an adult male counterpart while slowly pulling him into a hole. John Gould couldn't believe what he saw and immediately captured the rare moment with his camera. “The male frog was trying really hard to prevent this from happening,” Gould was quoted as saying by the New York Times. It was the first time that Gould witnessed an act of apparent cannibalism among two adults of the frog species. The females “are almost the ultimate predators for males,” the ecologist said. Also read: Scientists pinpoint brain area responsible for curiosity Generally, smaller members of the species are targeted by adults in common cases of cannibalism in amphibians. For instance, smaller siblings, eggs or larvae end up as dinner. Gould said in a study published last month in the journal Ecology and Evolution that it's extremely rare that an adult frog ends up eating another adult frog. He says he has heard about such cases only happening in labs. Almost all such cases happened when female frogs were larger than males. Also read: Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base In green and golden bell frogs, while females can grow to about 2.75 inches in size, males languish at a mere 2 inches. So, what exactly helps females determine which male frog to mate with and which one to eat? It depends on the strength of their singing. Males thus obviously take huge risk while trying to attract females for sex. If all goes fine, males know they are going to get laid. But if females happen to dislike their singing, they may end up becoming their supper. “You’ve really got to give props to the male frogs out there, that they are putting their lives on the line to reproduce,” Gould said. “Maybe there’s a reason why, males and females, you don’t often find them next to each other in ponds.” (With inputs from agencies)

These female frogs refuse sex, eat up males if they don’t like their singing

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that India's space-based solar observatory, Aditya-L1, on Tuesday completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point.&nbsp;

The Indian space agency said that it took 178 days to complete a revolution after it was inserted in its targeted halo orbit on January 6, 2024.&nbsp;

Aditya-L1 spacecraft has been designed and developed by ISRO with an aim to study the solar atmosphere. The mission is an Indian solar observatory at Lagrangian point L1, which was launched on September 2, 2023.&nbsp;

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ISRO said that the spacecraft is subjected to various perturbing forces that might cause it to depart from the targeted orbit during its travel in the halo orbit.&nbsp;

"It underwent two station-keeping manoeuvres on February 22 and June 7, respectively, to maintain this orbit. Today's 3rd station-keeping manoeuvre has ensured that its travel continued in to the second halo orbit path around L1," ISRO said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-crashed-with-earth-set-the-planet-ablaze-thousands-of-years-ago-study-736991">Comet crashed on Earth, set the planet ablaze thousands of years ago: Study</a>&nbsp;

The space agency said that the journey of Aditya L1 around the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrangian point involves the modelling of complex dynamics.&nbsp;

"The understanding of various perturbing forces acting on the spacecraft helped in determining the trajectory accurately and planning precise orbit maneuvers," ISRO said.&nbsp;

The flight dynamics software developed in-house at the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) for the Aditya-L1 missions stands "fully validated" with today's manoeuvre.&nbsp;

ISRO also shared a diagram to illustrate the latest milestone achieved by the Aditya-L1 spacecraft. See the image here:&nbsp;

<img alt="ISRO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10a20dbb-1377-432f-b7cd-37548a45b090" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ISRO.png" />

While explaining, ISRO said the blue trajectory in the image is the orbit around the Lagrangian point L1. This trajectory is three-dimensional and what is shown is the projection of it in the X-Y plane.&nbsp;

SK#1, 2 and 3 are the station-keeping&nbsp;manoeuvres by the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, the space agency said, further adding that the final firing of the thrusters, SK#3 on July 2, placed the spacecraft back in the required orbit.&nbsp;

ISRO said that if an accurate firing was not done, the spacecraft would have moved away in a trajectory shown in green colour. The X-Y axes are marked at a distance of km, with Lagrangian point L1 at the origin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that India's space-based solar observatory, Aditya-L1, on Tuesday completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that India's space-based solar observatory, Aditya-L1, on Tuesday completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. The Indian space agency said that it took 178 days to complete a revolution after it was inserted in its targeted halo orbit on January 6, 2024. Aditya-L1 spacecraft has been designed and developed by ISRO with an aim to study the solar atmosphere. The mission is an Indian solar observatory at Lagrangian point L1, which was launched on September 2, 2023. Also read: Brain of humans goes through significant change after death: Study ISRO said that the spacecraft is subjected to various perturbing forces that might cause it to depart from the targeted orbit during its travel in the halo orbit. "It underwent two station-keeping manoeuvres on February 22 and June 7, respectively, to maintain this orbit. Today's 3rd station-keeping manoeuvre has ensured that its travel continued in to the second halo orbit path around L1," ISRO said. Also read: Comet crashed on Earth, set the planet ablaze thousands of years ago: Study The space agency said that the journey of Aditya L1 around the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrangian point involves the modelling of complex dynamics. "The understanding of various perturbing forces acting on the spacecraft helped in determining the trajectory accurately and planning precise orbit maneuvers," ISRO said. The flight dynamics software developed in-house at the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) for the Aditya-L1 missions stands "fully validated" with today's manoeuvre. ISRO also shared a diagram to illustrate the latest milestone achieved by the Aditya-L1 spacecraft. See the image here: While explaining, ISRO said the blue trajectory in the image is the orbit around the Lagrangian point L1. This trajectory is three-dimensional and what is shown is the projection of it in the X-Y plane. SK#1, 2 and 3 are the station-keeping manoeuvres by the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, the space agency said, further adding that the final firing of the thrusters, SK#3 on July 2, placed the spacecraft back in the required orbit. ISRO said that if an accurate firing was not done, the spacecraft would have moved away in a trajectory shown in green colour. The X-Y axes are marked at a distance of km, with Lagrangian point L1 at the origin. (With inputs from agencies)

Aditya-L1 completes its first halo orbit in 178 days, ISRO shares diagram to explain

NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week.

The ionosphere, or layer of the atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation and thunderstorms are separated by this lightning discharge, which NASA says was only recorded in the 21st century.

"Pictured here are gigantic jets shooting up from a thunderstorm last week toward the Himalayan Mountains in China and Bhutan. The composite image captured four long jets that occurred only minutes apart. Gigantic jets, documented only in this century, are a type of lightning discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth's ionosphere high above them," NASA said in the image description.&nbsp;

NASA clarified that, in contrast to typical cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, these enormous jets are an uncommon form of lightning. "The bottoms of gigantic jets appear similar to a cloud-to-above strike called blue jets, while the tops appear similar to upper-atmosphere red sprites," claimed the space agency.&nbsp;

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Furthermore, massive jets may reach up to 80 kilometres above Earth's surface and possess 50 times the strength of a typical lightning strike, according to weather.com.&nbsp;

Despite continued investigation, the specific mechanics and triggers for these beautiful jets remain unknown. However, the space agency clarified that their significance in balancing the electrical charge across different layers of the atmosphere is well known.

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According to the NASA, the best opportunity to see this event is to see a severe but distant rainstorm from a clear vantage point. Under the correct conditions, these jets may be seen hundreds of kilometers distant as they often fly upwards from storm tops into the ionosphere, according to the report.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a similar occurrence in 2019, a flying passenger captured a photo of a massive jet lightning visible beyond the plane's wing. NASA said that the jet lightning was taken in a single 3.2-second exposure above Bhadrak, India.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week.

NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week. The ionosphere, or layer of the atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation and thunderstorms are separated by this lightning discharge, which NASA says was only recorded in the 21st century. "Pictured here are gigantic jets shooting up from a thunderstorm last week toward the Himalayan Mountains in China and Bhutan. The composite image captured four long jets that occurred only minutes apart. Gigantic jets, documented only in this century, are a type of lightning discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth's ionosphere high above them," NASA said in the image description. NASA clarified that, in contrast to typical cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, these enormous jets are an uncommon form of lightning. "The bottoms of gigantic jets appear similar to a cloud-to-above strike called blue jets, while the tops appear similar to upper-atmosphere red sprites," claimed the space agency. Also read: Eerie glowing spot on Jupiter holding secrets of dark matter, scientists suggest Furthermore, massive jets may reach up to 80 kilometres above Earth's surface and possess 50 times the strength of a typical lightning strike, according to weather.com. Despite continued investigation, the specific mechanics and triggers for these beautiful jets remain unknown. However, the space agency clarified that their significance in balancing the electrical charge across different layers of the atmosphere is well known. Watch | Gravitas | Can coffee save you from the risks of a sedentary lifestyle? × According to the NASA, the best opportunity to see this event is to see a severe but distant rainstorm from a clear vantage point. Under the correct conditions, these jets may be seen hundreds of kilometers distant as they often fly upwards from storm tops into the ionosphere, according to the report. Meanwhile, in a similar occurrence in 2019, a flying passenger captured a photo of a massive jet lightning visible beyond the plane's wing. NASA said that the jet lightning was taken in a single 3.2-second exposure above Bhadrak, India. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA unveils breathtaking images of gigantic jets over Himalayan peaks

Studies have shown that taking multivitamins won't extend your life expectancy. According to a recent report published in the journal JAMA Network Open, researchers have shown that healthy people who take multivitamins regularly are no less likely than those who don't to die of any cause.

Thus, there is no connection between taking multivitamins and a lower chance of dying.

Multivitamins generally consist of a mix of essential vitamins and minerals. While the specific ingredients can differ among brands and formulations, they commonly include vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, various B vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese.

"In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults report recent multivitamin (MV) use. Prevalence of use is higher among older adults, women, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those with a college education. Motivations for using MV include maintaining or improving health and preventing chronic disease; consequently, understanding the relationship between MV use and mortality is critically important to public health guidance," the authors wrote in the paper.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/john-krasinski-discusses-a-quiet-place-day-one-735421">John Krasinski discusses A Quiet Place: Day One</a>

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There is mixed data from earlier studies linking multivitamin consumption to mortality. Short participant follow-up periods have also been a limitation.

Researchers examined data from over 400,000 healthy American individuals over 20 years, none of whom had a history of cancer or chronic illness. They found no correlation between the use of multivitamins and a lower risk of mortality from any cause, such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke.

"In this cohort study of 390,124 generally healthy US adults with more than 20 years of follow-up, daily MV use was not associated with a mortality benefit," they explained.

"In contrast, we found that daily MV use vs non-use was associated with 4% higher mortality risk," they added.

According to the authors, this might be due to the sort of people who take multivitamins: those with age-related health difficulties may be more likely to do so.

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"It could be argued that those who are sick or older than 65 years are more likely to initiate MV use. This phenomenon could result in a non-causal positive association since these individuals have a higher risk of mortality than their healthier or younger counterparts," they wrote.

The researchers updated their study to account for different confounding factors such as race and ethnicity, education, and food quality, as well as the possibility that healthy people are more likely to consume multivitamins.

"First, it is an observational study and residual confounding by poorly measured or unmeasured confounders (e.g., health care utilisation) may bias risk estimates. Second, there is the possibility for non-differential exposure misclassification owing to faulty memory of sporadic MV usage," they wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)

Studies have shown that taking multivitamins won't extend your life expectancy. According to a recent report published in the journal JAMA Network Open, researchers have shown that healthy people who take multivitamins regularly are no less likely than those who don't to die of any cause.

Studies have shown that taking multivitamins won't extend your life expectancy. According to a recent report published in the journal JAMA Network Open, researchers have shown that healthy people who take multivitamins regularly are no less likely than those who don't to die of any cause. Thus, there is no connection between taking multivitamins and a lower chance of dying. Multivitamins generally consist of a mix of essential vitamins and minerals. While the specific ingredients can differ among brands and formulations, they commonly include vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, various B vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese. "In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults report recent multivitamin (MV) use. Prevalence of use is higher among older adults, women, non-Hispanic White individuals, and those with a college education. Motivations for using MV include maintaining or improving health and preventing chronic disease; consequently, understanding the relationship between MV use and mortality is critically important to public health guidance," the authors wrote in the paper. Watch | John Krasinski discusses A Quiet Place: Day One × There is mixed data from earlier studies linking multivitamin consumption to mortality. Short participant follow-up periods have also been a limitation. Researchers examined data from over 400,000 healthy American individuals over 20 years, none of whom had a history of cancer or chronic illness. They found no correlation between the use of multivitamins and a lower risk of mortality from any cause, such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke. "In this cohort study of 390,124 generally healthy US adults with more than 20 years of follow-up, daily MV use was not associated with a mortality benefit," they explained. "In contrast, we found that daily MV use vs non-use was associated with 4% higher mortality risk," they added. According to the authors, this might be due to the sort of people who take multivitamins: those with age-related health difficulties may be more likely to do so. Also read: Alarming Antarctic ice melt tipping point found, raises fears of sea level rise "It could be argued that those who are sick or older than 65 years are more likely to initiate MV use. This phenomenon could result in a non-causal positive association since these individuals have a higher risk of mortality than their healthier or younger counterparts," they wrote. The researchers updated their study to account for different confounding factors such as race and ethnicity, education, and food quality, as well as the possibility that healthy people are more likely to consume multivitamins. "First, it is an observational study and residual confounding by poorly measured or unmeasured confounders (e.g., health care utilisation) may bias risk estimates. Second, there is the possibility for non-differential exposure misclassification owing to faulty memory of sporadic MV usage," they wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Multivitamin myth busted: No lifespan boost from daily supplements, major study finds

Researchers might just have come across an Enzyme that can slow ageing. They concluded that fat byproducts such as fatty acids and glycerol contribute to lower life span and more chronic diseases. By conducting tests on animals in their labs, the scientists concluded that the enzyme ADH-1 could be employed to reduce the levels of these byproducts in our bodies, which may lead to lower glycerol levels and longer life spans.

<h2>What are fatty acids?</h2>

Fatty acids are called the building blocks of body fat. It's required for essential body functions but its excess becomes a major problem. It can disrupt metabolic processes and promote inflammation, leading to a reduced life span and chronic diseases.

<h2>Research</h2>

Eyleen Jorgelina O’Rourke, Associate Professor of Biology and Cell Biology, University of Virginia, wrote for The Conversation, "My research team and I wondered whether reducing harmful fat byproducts might help slow the aging process and consequently stave off common diseases."

The researchers noted a consistent pattern while studying animals in labs: All anti-ageing interventions led to reduced levels of glycerol.

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"When placed on a calorie-restricted diet, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans lives about 40% longer. We found that the glycerol levels in the body of these long-lived worms were lower than in shorter-lived worms that were not food restricted," the researcher wrote.

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

The scientists concluded that higher activity of ADH-1 led to reduced levels of glycerol. It was found that the life span of worms decreased by 30 per cent when they were given a diet with added glycerol. On the other hand, animals that were genetically modified to produce more of the enzyme ADH-1 had low levels of glycerol. They stayed healthier, lived longer lives, and didn't gain extra weight even when they could eat as much as they wanted.

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"The simple molecular structure and wealth of research on ADH-1 make it an attractive target for developing drugs that boost its activity. My lab’s long-term goal is to explore how compounds that activate ADH-1 affect the health and longevity of both mice and people," said O’Rourke.

Researchers might just have come across an Enzyme that can slow ageing. They concluded that fat byproducts such as fatty acids and glycerol contribute to lower life span and more chronic diseases.

Researchers might just have come across an Enzyme that can slow ageing. They concluded that fat byproducts such as fatty acids and glycerol contribute to lower life span and more chronic diseases. By conducting tests on animals in their labs, the scientists concluded that the enzyme ADH-1 could be employed to reduce the levels of these byproducts in our bodies, which may lead to lower glycerol levels and longer life spans. What are fatty acids? Fatty acids are called the building blocks of body fat. It's required for essential body functions but its excess becomes a major problem. It can disrupt metabolic processes and promote inflammation, leading to a reduced life span and chronic diseases. Research Eyleen Jorgelina O’Rourke, Associate Professor of Biology and Cell Biology, University of Virginia, wrote for The Conversation, "My research team and I wondered whether reducing harmful fat byproducts might help slow the aging process and consequently stave off common diseases." The researchers noted a consistent pattern while studying animals in labs: All anti-ageing interventions led to reduced levels of glycerol. Also read: Warp drives may reveal alien civilisations by sending gravitational waves through universe "When placed on a calorie-restricted diet, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans lives about 40% longer. We found that the glycerol levels in the body of these long-lived worms were lower than in shorter-lived worms that were not food restricted," the researcher wrote. Conclusion The scientists concluded that higher activity of ADH-1 led to reduced levels of glycerol. It was found that the life span of worms decreased by 30 per cent when they were given a diet with added glycerol. On the other hand, animals that were genetically modified to produce more of the enzyme ADH-1 had low levels of glycerol. They stayed healthier, lived longer lives, and didn't gain extra weight even when they could eat as much as they wanted. Also read: Does space travel impact eye health? Researchers investigate "The simple molecular structure and wealth of research on ADH-1 make it an attractive target for developing drugs that boost its activity. My lab’s long-term goal is to explore how compounds that activate ADH-1 affect the health and longevity of both mice and people," said O’Rourke.

Researchers finally discover enzyme that can slow ageing and boost health

In a rare confluence of engineering and food processing, Swiss scientists are working on creating robots that are fully operational as well as edible. Yes, you would be able to consume these robots towards the end of their lifespan. The seemingly unbelievable task has been taken up by the scientists at École Spéciale de Lausanne, along with researchers from other universities. Their benefits? They can significantly reduce electronic waste, deliver nutrition,&nbsp; medicines, and monitor health.

<h2>The RoboFood project</h2>

Under the RoboFood project, scientists aim to replace mechanical components with edible alternatives. For instance, rubber can be used in place of gelatin, rice cookies for foam and chocolate can be used to protect it from humidity.

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

The progress has been slow but achievements are no short of wonders. In 2017, researchers were able to create an edible gripper. In 2022, they were able to make a drone with rice cookie wings. Last year, researchers developed an edible battery using riboflavin and quercetin.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiF2tCxovGGAxVpTGwGHfjqDGkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/after-human-testicles-microplastics-discovered-in-human-penises-for-first-time-733810" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/after-human-testicles-microplastics-discovered-in-human-penises-for-first-time-733810&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiF2tCxovGGAxVpTGwGHfjqDGkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">After human testicles, microplastics discovered in human penises for first time</a>

Dario Floreano, director of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at EPFL and first author of the new RoboFood perspective published in Nature Review Materials, said that bringing food and robotics together is a fascinating challenge.

<h2>Challenges</h2>

The challenge is to reduce and miniaturise components. Secondly, extending the lifespan of these robots is equally important as the lack of them can severely limit their practicality.

Scientists have one more challenge to address: How to make the robot taste nice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiF2tCxovGGAxVpTGwGHfjqDGkQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/does-space-travel-impact-eye-health-researchers-investigate-733576" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/does-space-travel-impact-eye-health-researchers-investigate-733576&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiF2tCxovGGAxVpTGwGHfjqDGkQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Does space travel impact eye health? Researchers investigate</a>

Another question is how humans and their companion animals will react to these reactive, edible robots. Additionally, one of the key challenges is to combine components that use electricity to function with those that use fluids and pressure to move.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a rare confluence of engineering and food processing, Swiss scientists are working on creating robots that are fully operational as well as edible. Yes, you would be able to consume these robots towards the end of their lifespan.

In a rare confluence of engineering and food processing, Swiss scientists are working on creating robots that are fully operational as well as edible. Yes, you would be able to consume these robots towards the end of their lifespan. The seemingly unbelievable task has been taken up by the scientists at École Spéciale de Lausanne, along with researchers from other universities. Their benefits? They can significantly reduce electronic waste, deliver nutrition, medicines, and monitor health. The RoboFood project Under the RoboFood project, scientists aim to replace mechanical components with edible alternatives. For instance, rubber can be used in place of gelatin, rice cookies for foam and chocolate can be used to protect it from humidity. The progress has been slow but achievements are no short of wonders. In 2017, researchers were able to create an edible gripper. In 2022, they were able to make a drone with rice cookie wings. Last year, researchers developed an edible battery using riboflavin and quercetin. Also read: After human testicles, microplastics discovered in human penises for first time Dario Floreano, director of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at EPFL and first author of the new RoboFood perspective published in Nature Review Materials, said that bringing food and robotics together is a fascinating challenge. Challenges The challenge is to reduce and miniaturise components. Secondly, extending the lifespan of these robots is equally important as the lack of them can severely limit their practicality. Scientists have one more challenge to address: How to make the robot taste nice. Also read: Does space travel impact eye health? Researchers investigate Another question is how humans and their companion animals will react to these reactive, edible robots. Additionally, one of the key challenges is to combine components that use electricity to function with those that use fluids and pressure to move. (With inputs from agencies)

Use it and eat it! New 'fascinating' robots are fully operational as well as edible

Space enthusiasts are not crazy about popular tourist destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but they wish to travel outside of Earth.&nbsp;

Space tourism, which is not limited to astronauts only, has become a new norm in the recent past with several companies having come up with this concept, which is attracting people worldwide. But no doubt it is costly.&nbsp;

Some companies in the aviation industry are aiming at&nbsp;giving tourists the ability to become astronauts and experience space travel for recreational or leisure purposes.&nbsp;

But at what cost? Some studies have highlighted how space travel and altered gravity might impact the human body.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-11th-century-guest-star-revealed-as-spectacular-crab-nebula-733428">China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula</a>&nbsp;

The latest study, titled - "Ocular perfusion pressure is not reduced in response to lower body negative pressure", focused on some of the impacts, specifically effects on the eye. The study, published in the journal npj Microgravity, was led by Dr Ana Diaz Artiles.&nbsp;

Experts have already established the fact that body fluids can change as a result of the gravitational changes astronauts experience while in space. The latest study suggests that the cardiovascular system, especially the vessels in and around the eyes, may be affected by this.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturns-massive-energy-imbalance-challenges-planetary-science-733283">Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science</a>&nbsp;

"When we experience microgravity conditions, we see changes in the cardiovascular system because gravity is not pulling down all these fluids as it typically does on Earth when we are in an upright position," said Diaz Artiles as quoted by Phys.org. Artiles is an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and a Williams Brothers Construction Company Faculty Fellow.&nbsp;

"When we're upright, a large part of our fluids are stored in our legs, but in microgravity, we get a redistribution of fluids into the upper body," Artiles added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Is this "Black Hole Awakening" the biggest find in Astronomy?

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The study mentioned that lower body negative pressure (LBNP) has been proposed as a countermeasure to mitigate the fluid shift occurring during spaceflight, which may be associated with the development of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS).&nbsp;

Diaz Artiles and her team hope to explain the underlying mechanism behind this issue as researchers are unsure of the exact cause of SANS. The team is also probing potential countermeasures to help counteract the headward fluid shifts of SANS.&nbsp;

"This research is just one experiment of a three-part study to better understand the effects of fluid shift in the body and its relationship to SANS. Previous experiments in this study included the use of a tilt table for researchers to understand the cardiovascular effects of fluid shifts at different altered gravity levels, recreated by using different tilt angles," said Artiles.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Space enthusiasts are not crazy about popular tourist destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but they wish to travel outside of Earth. Space tourism, which is not limited to astronauts only, has become a new norm in the recent past with several companies having come up with this concept, which is attracting people worldwide.

Space enthusiasts are not crazy about popular tourist destinations like London, Paris and Rome, but they wish to travel outside of Earth. Space tourism, which is not limited to astronauts only, has become a new norm in the recent past with several companies having come up with this concept, which is attracting people worldwide. But no doubt it is costly. Some companies in the aviation industry are aiming at giving tourists the ability to become astronauts and experience space travel for recreational or leisure purposes. But at what cost? Some studies have highlighted how space travel and altered gravity might impact the human body. Also read: China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula The latest study, titled - "Ocular perfusion pressure is not reduced in response to lower body negative pressure", focused on some of the impacts, specifically effects on the eye. The study, published in the journal npj Microgravity, was led by Dr Ana Diaz Artiles. Experts have already established the fact that body fluids can change as a result of the gravitational changes astronauts experience while in space. The latest study suggests that the cardiovascular system, especially the vessels in and around the eyes, may be affected by this. Also read: Saturn's massive energy imbalance challenges planetary science "When we experience microgravity conditions, we see changes in the cardiovascular system because gravity is not pulling down all these fluids as it typically does on Earth when we are in an upright position," said Diaz Artiles as quoted by Phys.org. Artiles is an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and a Williams Brothers Construction Company Faculty Fellow. "When we're upright, a large part of our fluids are stored in our legs, but in microgravity, we get a redistribution of fluids into the upper body," Artiles added. Watch: Gravitas: Is this "Black Hole Awakening" the biggest find in Astronomy? × The study mentioned that lower body negative pressure (LBNP) has been proposed as a countermeasure to mitigate the fluid shift occurring during spaceflight, which may be associated with the development of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). Diaz Artiles and her team hope to explain the underlying mechanism behind this issue as researchers are unsure of the exact cause of SANS. The team is also probing potential countermeasures to help counteract the headward fluid shifts of SANS. "This research is just one experiment of a three-part study to better understand the effects of fluid shift in the body and its relationship to SANS. Previous experiments in this study included the use of a tilt table for researchers to understand the cardiovascular effects of fluid shifts at different altered gravity levels, recreated by using different tilt angles," said Artiles. (With inputs from agencies)

Does space travel impact eye health? Researchers investigate

A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared&nbsp;origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune. The study, conducted by Kathleen Mandt at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and her colleagues, also suggested that both Triton and Pluto may have formed very close to each other before the solar system settled down.

“They probably formed in the same region, which wouldn’t be where the Kuiper belt is now – it would have been either closer or farther away,” said Mandt.

<h2>The composition</h2>

The team found similarities in the composition of both bodies. Both contain large amounts of nitrogen and carry a substantial amount of methane and carbon monoxide. According to the experts, these gasses may have accumulated in the outer regions of the young nebula that surrounded our sun 4.5 billion years ago.

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This composition indicates that both bodies may have formed in cold outer regions of the early solar system, where nitrogen was present in abundance.

<h2>Their formation</h2>

According to Mandt, “Both bodies had to have formed beyond the water-ice." Water-ice line refers to the distance from the Sun beyond which water can't remain in a liquid state and freezes into ice.

She added the bodies may have formed within one to five astronomical units (AU), or sun-Earth distances, of each other.

Later for some reason, the scientists estimate, Triton may have ejected from the region and got pulled by Neptune.

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"To truly understand where Triton and Pluto came from, we would need to visit the bodies again. However, that's unlikely to happen soon because it takes a long time to travel there,"&nbsp;Mandt added.

Notably, humans have visited both bodies once in the past.

Triton was visited by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989, and Pluto was visited by NASA's New Horizons probe in 2015. Both Triton and Pluto are icy bodies smaller than Earth's moon. They have similar densities and seem to have had underground oceans in the past.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune.

A new analysis has indicated that Pluto, the dwarf planet and Triton, Neptune's largest moon could be siblings and may have shared origin. According to scientists, both bodies may have emerged from the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy objects like Pluto that exist beyond Neptune. The study, conducted by Kathleen Mandt at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and her colleagues, also suggested that both Triton and Pluto may have formed very close to each other before the solar system settled down. “They probably formed in the same region, which wouldn’t be where the Kuiper belt is now – it would have been either closer or farther away,” said Mandt. The composition The team found similarities in the composition of both bodies. Both contain large amounts of nitrogen and carry a substantial amount of methane and carbon monoxide. According to the experts, these gasses may have accumulated in the outer regions of the young nebula that surrounded our sun 4.5 billion years ago. Also read: Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion This composition indicates that both bodies may have formed in cold outer regions of the early solar system, where nitrogen was present in abundance. Their formation According to Mandt, “Both bodies had to have formed beyond the water-ice." Water-ice line refers to the distance from the Sun beyond which water can't remain in a liquid state and freezes into ice. She added the bodies may have formed within one to five astronomical units (AU), or sun-Earth distances, of each other. Later for some reason, the scientists estimate, Triton may have ejected from the region and got pulled by Neptune. Also read: 4,000-year-old Minoan stone monument discovered in Greece`s Crete during airport excavation "To truly understand where Triton and Pluto came from, we would need to visit the bodies again. However, that's unlikely to happen soon because it takes a long time to travel there," Mandt added. Notably, humans have visited both bodies once in the past. Triton was visited by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1989, and Pluto was visited by NASA's New Horizons probe in 2015. Both Triton and Pluto are icy bodies smaller than Earth's moon. They have similar densities and seem to have had underground oceans in the past. (With inputs from agencies)

Pluto and Triton, Neptune's largest moon, originated from Kuiper Belt: Study

Research that examined data from 55 US&nbsp;poison centres&nbsp;between 2013 and 2022 found that calls to poison control centres increased nationwide among teenagers and young people exposed to psychedelic psilocybin following the decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin in several states.

"Magic mushroom" which is popular as a recreational drug and was decriminalised in Denver, Colorado, in 2019, contains psilocybin.

Decriminalising shifts the attention of law enforcement to other offences, but it does not make psilocybin legal. Denver was also the first city to legalise small quantities of marijuana in 2005, and it continues to advocate for drug policy reform.

Only two states have made it legal to buy, possess, and even grow magic mushrooms: Colorado in 2022 and Oregon in 2020, both of which legalised psilocybin.

Psilocybin, which is present in magic mushrooms, causes a psychedelic experience that includes euphoria and changes in the way a person perceives time and space.

Psychosis, delusions, hallucinations&nbsp;and agitation can also result from psilocybin usage. According to the Controlled Substances Act, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no recognised medicinal value.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cosmic-dance-of-fire-and-ice-esa-unveils-marvellous-photos-of-mysterious-star-system-732593">‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system</a>

According to the report, teenage psilocybin usage increased steadily starting in 2019. Serious medical consequences were encountered by several of these young individuals. In May 2019, Denver voters approved a ballot proposition to become the first city to decriminalise psilocybin, prompting a surge in calls.

Since then, psilocybin has also been decriminalised in a number of other places, including Seattle, Detroit, and Washington, DC. There is pending legislation in other states and cities.

The National Poison Data System recorded 4,055 cases of psilocybin-related exposures among youth aged 13 to 25 during the 10 years of the study.

Before legalisation in Denver took effect in 2018, there was little variation in the number of psilocybin-related cases across all age groups. The first legalisation occurred in 2019, coinciding with a significant annual increase in instances among 13 to 18-year-olds, and among 19 to 25-year-olds beginning in 2020.

In only two years, the number of psilocybin instances reported to American poison centres increased thrice among teenagers and twice among young adults when compared to 2018.

75.3% of the instances that were recorded for teenagers and 72.1% for young adults needed medical assistance, which included hospital or mental institution admissions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Research that examined data from 55 US poison centres between 2013 and 2022 found that calls to poison control centres increased nationwide among teenagers and young people exposed to psychedelic psilocybin following the decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin in several states.

Research that examined data from 55 US poison centres between 2013 and 2022 found that calls to poison control centres increased nationwide among teenagers and young people exposed to psychedelic psilocybin following the decriminalisation and legalisation of psilocybin in several states. "Magic mushroom" which is popular as a recreational drug and was decriminalised in Denver, Colorado, in 2019, contains psilocybin. Decriminalising shifts the attention of law enforcement to other offences, but it does not make psilocybin legal. Denver was also the first city to legalise small quantities of marijuana in 2005, and it continues to advocate for drug policy reform. Only two states have made it legal to buy, possess, and even grow magic mushrooms: Colorado in 2022 and Oregon in 2020, both of which legalised psilocybin. Psilocybin, which is present in magic mushrooms, causes a psychedelic experience that includes euphoria and changes in the way a person perceives time and space. Psychosis, delusions, hallucinations and agitation can also result from psilocybin usage. According to the Controlled Substances Act, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no recognised medicinal value. Also read: ‘Cosmic dance of fire and ice’: ESA unveils marvellous photos of mysterious star system According to the report, teenage psilocybin usage increased steadily starting in 2019. Serious medical consequences were encountered by several of these young individuals. In May 2019, Denver voters approved a ballot proposition to become the first city to decriminalise psilocybin, prompting a surge in calls. Since then, psilocybin has also been decriminalised in a number of other places, including Seattle, Detroit, and Washington, DC. There is pending legislation in other states and cities. The National Poison Data System recorded 4,055 cases of psilocybin-related exposures among youth aged 13 to 25 during the 10 years of the study. Before legalisation in Denver took effect in 2018, there was little variation in the number of psilocybin-related cases across all age groups. The first legalisation occurred in 2019, coinciding with a significant annual increase in instances among 13 to 18-year-olds, and among 19 to 25-year-olds beginning in 2020. In only two years, the number of psilocybin instances reported to American poison centres increased thrice among teenagers and twice among young adults when compared to 2018. 75.3% of the instances that were recorded for teenagers and 72.1% for young adults needed medical assistance, which included hospital or mental institution admissions. (With inputs from agencies)

Legal highs, scary lows: Decriminalisation of 'magic mushrooms' linked to rise in calls for help

Since the beginning of time, people have been interested in finding out how long people can live and what makes a long, healthy life. A new study that was published in GeroScience has shown certain common biomarkers in adults over 90, such as glucose and cholesterol levels.

By comparing the lifelong biomarker profiles of unusually long-lived individuals with those of others who have had shorter lives to date, the study establishes a correlation between the profiles and the likelihood of reaching centenarian age.

Data from 44,000 Swedes who had health evaluations between the ages of 64 and 99 were included in the study; these individuals were a sample of the so-called Amoris cohort.

After that, these individuals were monitored for up to 35 years using data from the Swedish Register. 1,224 (or 2.7%) of these individuals lived to be 100 years old. Eighty-five percent of the centenarians were women.

There were twelve blood-based indicators associated with metabolism, inflammation, liver and renal function, possible malnourishment, and anemia. In earlier research, each of these has been linked to death or ageing.

According to the study, those who lived to be 100 years old often had lower&nbsp;blood levels of uric acid, creatinine, and glucose starting in their 60s. Centenarians had very high or low levels seldom, even if the median values for most biomarkers did not differ significantly between them and non-centenarians.

Both centenarians and non-centenarians exhibited levels for several of the biomarkers that were outside of the range that clinical standards deemed normal. This is most likely a result of the recommendations' reliance on data from a population that is younger and healthier.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-close-in-on-centuries-old-solar-mystery-of-suns-magnetic-field-732030">Researchers close in on centuries-old solar mystery of Sun's magnetic field</a>

All except two (albumin and alat) of the 12 biomarkers were associated with the chance of turning 100. Even after adjusting for illness burden, sex, and age, this remained the case.

Although the variations between some of the biomarkers were not very significant, they do point to a possible connection between longevity, diet, and metabolic health.

However, the study does not allow for any conclusions on whether lifestyle variables or genes are responsible for the biomarker readings.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

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

Blood of those who live longer reveals vital differences

Are you facially more expressive? If yes, you are highly likely a master negotiator naturally. Researchers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have found that those who are facially more expressive are better at negotiating. They analysed muscle movements in the face, such as smiles, eyebrow raises, nose wrinkles and lip corner pulls in more than 1,500 conversations before concluding.

The researchers said people with expressive faces were more likeable and socially successful than those who prefer straight faces while conversing.

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The study was led by Bridget Waller, professor of evolution and social behaviour at NTU’s Department of Psychology. She aimed to study the reasons behind the complex facial expressions of humans than any other species.

“Our comparisons between humans and other primates show that humans produce more facial movement on the whole and have more expressive faces," she said.

“Our research shows that being expressive makes you more likeable, which might make it easier to live in social groups, which is a clear evolutionary advantage,” she added.

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The researchers made 170 people watch short videos of conversations. They were asked to say how well they could understand the emotions and expressions of the people in the videos, and also how much they liked them.

Then, the researchers watched unscripted Zoom chats between 1,456 people who didn't know each other. These chatters rated how much they liked the person they were talking to.

The researchers found that during these conversations, people made about 71 facial movements every minute on average.

They found that people who showed a lot of expression were generally liked more, both by those watching the videos and by the people they were chatting with on Zoom.

“We asked the participant to decide how to split a monetary reward between themselves and the experimenter – who was masquerading as a participant," Waller said.

“Our experimenter offered an unfair split – taking 80 per cent of the reward. We measured how well they negotiated down from this, and what they eventually agreed to," she added.

“Roughly half our participants agreed to taking less than 50 per cent (poor negotiation) and the other half split the reward equally (good negotiation).”

Are you facially more expressive? If yes, you are highly likely a master negotiator naturally. Researchers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have found that those who are facially more expressive are better at negotiating.

Are you facially more expressive? If yes, you are highly likely a master negotiator naturally. Researchers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have found that those who are facially more expressive are better at negotiating. They analysed muscle movements in the face, such as smiles, eyebrow raises, nose wrinkles and lip corner pulls in more than 1,500 conversations before concluding. The researchers said people with expressive faces were more likeable and socially successful than those who prefer straight faces while conversing. Also read: NASA develops breakthrough technology to hunt for habitable ‘water worlds’ The study was led by Bridget Waller, professor of evolution and social behaviour at NTU’s Department of Psychology. She aimed to study the reasons behind the complex facial expressions of humans than any other species. “Our comparisons between humans and other primates show that humans produce more facial movement on the whole and have more expressive faces," she said. “Our research shows that being expressive makes you more likeable, which might make it easier to live in social groups, which is a clear evolutionary advantage,” she added. Also read: This supernova remained brilliantly bright 40 years after its explosion The researchers made 170 people watch short videos of conversations. They were asked to say how well they could understand the emotions and expressions of the people in the videos, and also how much they liked them. Then, the researchers watched unscripted Zoom chats between 1,456 people who didn't know each other. These chatters rated how much they liked the person they were talking to. The researchers found that during these conversations, people made about 71 facial movements every minute on average. They found that people who showed a lot of expression were generally liked more, both by those watching the videos and by the people they were chatting with on Zoom. “We asked the participant to decide how to split a monetary reward between themselves and the experimenter – who was masquerading as a participant," Waller said. “Our experimenter offered an unfair split – taking 80 per cent of the reward. We measured how well they negotiated down from this, and what they eventually agreed to," she added. “Roughly half our participants agreed to taking less than 50 per cent (poor negotiation) and the other half split the reward equally (good negotiation).”

Want a better deal? Your facial expressions matter most while negotiating

There's no solid proof that can verify numerous claims regarding aliens and unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over the centuries, but enthusiasts will keep probing the existence of life beyond planet Earth.&nbsp;

In the latest paper, a team of researchers from Harvard and Montana Technological University made a bizarre claim as they said that an unidentified and technologically advanced population could be living secretly among us.&nbsp;

The researchers have jotted down their hypothesis in a new paper published in June 2024 in ResearchGate, which is a European commercial social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/elephants-greet-each-other-using-distinctive-names-just-like-humans-study-730860">Elephants greet each other using distinctive names, just like humans: Study</a>&nbsp;

The abstract of the paper mentioned that "...the notion that UAP may reflect activities of intelligent beings concealed in stealth here on Earth (e.g., underground), and/or its near environs (e.g., the moon), and/or even "walking among us" (e.g., passing as humans)."&nbsp;

The researchers admitted that the idea is likely to be regarded "sceptically" by most scientists, but they argued that such is the nature of some UAP and hence, the possibility should not be dismissed. They said that the idea deserves "genuine consideration in a spirit of epistemic humility and openness".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lost-in-space-nasas-webb-telescope-reveals-the-disappearance-of-dust-around-beta-pictoris-star-730763">Lost in space? NASA's Webb Telescope reveals the disappearance of dust around Beta Pictoris star</a>&nbsp;

Researchers said that hypotheses for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) fall into two classes. First is a conventional terrestrial explanation, that is human-made technology). The second is an extraterrestrial explanation, that is advanced civilizations from elsewhere in the cosmos.&nbsp;

However, they said that they focused on a third hypothesis, which is an "unconventional terrestrial explanation" and present outside the prevailing consensus view of the universe.&nbsp;

"This is the ultraterrestrial hypothesis, which includes as a subset the "cryptoterrestrial" hypothesis," researchers said.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA and Boeing push back Starliner's crewed return to June 18

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<h2>News related to aliens and UFOs intrigues humans&nbsp;</h2>

Despite a lack of credible information, people across the world are intrigued by news or conspiracy theories related to aliens and UFOs. In fact, the United States government has taken a serious interest in UFOs. Earlier this year in March, the Pentagon released a report outlining the government's historical record of UAP.&nbsp;

The report was the first of an expected two volumes by the Department of Defense's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office that examine and analyse information gathered by the US government about UAP sightings.

However, the report states that the office found no evidence that any government investigation, academic research or official review panel has confirmed that any UAP sighting "represented extraterrestrial technology."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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

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

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

Wild elephants call each other by names, just like humans. A new study published in Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution has revealed that elephants make distinctive, rumbling sounds when they address each other, making them the only non-human animals to possess such an ability to use language. This study was inspired by previous researches that showed bottlenose dolphins could be using signature whistles to call each other.

Mickey Pardo, a biologist at Cornell University, said, "Sometimes another bottlenose dolphin will imitate somebody else's signature whistle in order to get their attention, so effectively calling them by name."

He wanted to check whether elephants, who are known to be vocal mimics, also possess this ability.

“The idea from the outset of this project was to try to figure out if elephants have names,” said Pardo.

The researchers concluded that elephants use constant, low-frequency rumblings that are "highly structurally variable” to greet each other.

They use particular, distinctive noises for all kinds of communication, from greeting family members to comforting a calf to staying in close proximity to relatives over long distances. “There's quite a lot of variation in their acoustic structure,” he concluded.

To conduct the experiment, Pardo and colleagues analysed recordings of 469 rumbling calls that wild African elephants had made to each other. These sounds were recorded between 1986 and 2022 in the Amboseli National Park and Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves in Kenya.

The team also used machine learning to check whether the rumbles contained any information — precisely a “name”.

Through this model, the team was able to identify the correct elephant recipient of the call 27.5 per cent of the time.

This indicated that “there must be something in the calls that's allowing the model to figure out at least some of the time who that call was addressed to,” Pardo was quoted as saying by NPR.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjdoean99OGAxXCdPUHHSnuCl8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lilly-alzheimers-drug-gets-unanimous-backing-from-fda-advisory-panel-730773" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/lilly-alzheimers-drug-gets-unanimous-backing-from-fda-advisory-panel-730773&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdoean99OGAxXCdPUHHSnuCl8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Alzheimer's drug donanemab gets unanimous backing from FDA advisory panel</a>

Then, researchers went a step ahead and made the elephants listen to the sound recordings that supposedly carried their names.

“We had to find a situation where a specific elephant was by herself, or at least not with the individual who made the recording,” Pardo said, explaining that the team then played the recording through a loudspeaker.

It turned out that elephants generally seemed to know that the sound recording was actually a message for them.

“The elephants responded much more strongly on average to playbacks of calls that were originally addressed to them relative to playbacks of calls from the same caller that were originally addressed to someone else,” the researcher said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjdoean99OGAxXCdPUHHSnuCl8QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-develops-breakthrough-technology-to-hunt-for-habitable-water-worlds-730501" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-develops-breakthrough-technology-to-hunt-for-habitable-water-worlds-730501&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdoean99OGAxXCdPUHHSnuCl8QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">NASA develops breakthrough technology to hunt for habitable ‘water worlds’</a>

However, it was not clear whether all elephants used the same name while addressing the same recipient. “People might assume that elephant names work in exactly the same way as human names, which is not necessarily true,” Pardo warned.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

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

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

A new study has shown that Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines top the global per capita list of dietary intakes of microplastics.

The study published in April by Cornell University researchers mapped microplastic uptake across 109 countries. It found that Indonesians top the list and ingest about 15 grams of microplastics per month, tantamount to three credit cards, increasing their daily consumption of microplastics by 59 times from 1990 to 2018.&nbsp;

The lion’s share of these plastic particles is attributed to aquatic sources such as fish and seafood.&nbsp;

<h2>How do microplastics land in our food?</h2>

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, are fibres, fragments or granules created when plastic products break down or are shed by synthetic textiles.&nbsp;

Accidental spills and improper handling of plastic pellets, the raw ingredients in plastic manufacturing, can cause them to enter the environment.

The paper’s authors noted that common waste management methods such as open dumping are falling by the wayside in handling the ever-increasing volume of discarded plastics, especially in fast-growing developing countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. This results in more than 30,000 tonnes of mismanaged waste annually in these countries.

When not managed properly, plastic from open dumping sites or landfills can be transported into nearby water bodies via rainwater.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiJkc3q-tOGAxV9bWwGHf_iDKIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/decoding-the-mystery-of-plastic-rocks-discovered-on-five-continents-670869" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/decoding-the-mystery-of-plastic-rocks-discovered-on-five-continents-670869&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJkc3q-tOGAxV9bWwGHf_iDKIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Explained | Decoding the mystery of plastic rocks discovered on five continents</a>

These are commonly ingested by phytoplankton and zooplankton, which fish and aquatic animals feed on. This results in indirect plastic ingestion in people when eating seafood.

<h2>Microplastics inhaled substantially across the world</h2>

The study, published in the journal Environmental Science &amp; Technology, found that residents of China and Mongolia inhaled the most microplastics among the 109 countries it examined, breathing in more than 2.8 million particles per month.&nbsp;

<h2>US residents inhale about 300,000 particles per month.&nbsp;</h2>

Only residents in the Mediterranean and nearby regions breathed less, with countries like Spain, Portugal and Hungary breathing about 60,000 to 240,000 particles per month, as per the study.&nbsp;

Dust-like airborne microplastics mainly originate from the abrasion of plastic materials, such as those in tyres, according to the study.&nbsp;

Synthetic textiles can also release microplastics into the air during their production, or when they are washed or worn.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiJkc3q-tOGAxV9bWwGHf_iDKIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ditch-bright-plastics-study-shows-bright-plastics-break-down-quicker-into-microplastics-725951" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/ditch-bright-plastics-study-shows-bright-plastics-break-down-quicker-into-microplastics-725951&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJkc3q-tOGAxV9bWwGHf_iDKIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Ditch bright plastics: Study shows bright plastics break down quicker into microplastics</a>

“Industrialisation in developing economies, particularly in East and South Asia, has led to increased consumption of plastic materials, waste generation and human microplastic uptake,” said the study’s co-author Fengqi You, a professor in energy systems engineering at Cornell University.

However, developed countries are seeing a reverse trend as they are supported by greater economic resources to reduce and remove plastic debris, he added.

Microplastics are now an environmental issue, plaguing even the deepest parts of the ocean and the world’s highest mountain. However, there is still limited evidence to prove that microplastics are adversely impacting human health.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has shown that Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines top the global per capita list of dietary intakes of microplastics.

A new study has shown that Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines top the global per capita list of dietary intakes of microplastics. The study published in April by Cornell University researchers mapped microplastic uptake across 109 countries. It found that Indonesians top the list and ingest about 15 grams of microplastics per month, tantamount to three credit cards, increasing their daily consumption of microplastics by 59 times from 1990 to 2018. The lion’s share of these plastic particles is attributed to aquatic sources such as fish and seafood. How do microplastics land in our food? Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, are fibres, fragments or granules created when plastic products break down or are shed by synthetic textiles. Accidental spills and improper handling of plastic pellets, the raw ingredients in plastic manufacturing, can cause them to enter the environment. The paper’s authors noted that common waste management methods such as open dumping are falling by the wayside in handling the ever-increasing volume of discarded plastics, especially in fast-growing developing countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. This results in more than 30,000 tonnes of mismanaged waste annually in these countries. When not managed properly, plastic from open dumping sites or landfills can be transported into nearby water bodies via rainwater. Also read: Explained | Decoding the mystery of plastic rocks discovered on five continents These are commonly ingested by phytoplankton and zooplankton, which fish and aquatic animals feed on. This results in indirect plastic ingestion in people when eating seafood. Microplastics inhaled substantially across the world The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that residents of China and Mongolia inhaled the most microplastics among the 109 countries it examined, breathing in more than 2.8 million particles per month. US residents inhale about 300,000 particles per month. Only residents in the Mediterranean and nearby regions breathed less, with countries like Spain, Portugal and Hungary breathing about 60,000 to 240,000 particles per month, as per the study. Dust-like airborne microplastics mainly originate from the abrasion of plastic materials, such as those in tyres, according to the study. Synthetic textiles can also release microplastics into the air during their production, or when they are washed or worn. Also read: Ditch bright plastics: Study shows bright plastics break down quicker into microplastics “Industrialisation in developing economies, particularly in East and South Asia, has led to increased consumption of plastic materials, waste generation and human microplastic uptake,” said the study’s co-author Fengqi You, a professor in energy systems engineering at Cornell University. However, developed countries are seeing a reverse trend as they are supported by greater economic resources to reduce and remove plastic debris, he added. Microplastics are now an environmental issue, plaguing even the deepest parts of the ocean and the world’s highest mountain. However, there is still limited evidence to prove that microplastics are adversely impacting human health. (With inputs from agencies)

South Asian diet swamped with microplastics; China, Mongolia breathe bulk of plastics: Study  

Giraffes are one of the world's tallest animals, thanks to their extraordinarily long necks. Previous theories suggested that the need for sex or domination over other males to secure a mating partner may have led to the evolution of the long neck but a new study has dismissed this conclusion. Biologists from Pennsylvania State University have revealed that the need for nutritional needs may have driven this evolution.

<h2>'Female giraffes have proportionally longer necks'</h2>

The researchers in their analysis found that female giraffes have proportionally longer necks than their male counterparts. It led them to believe that the need for foraging deep into trees was behind the evolution of longer necks.

Males had wider necks and longer forelegs whereas females had proportionately larger trunks and necks. Both, giraffes in captivity and those in the wild, exhibited the same trend.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj0m_imh8-GAxVpsFYBHbuHHbYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unusual-slow-spinning-radio-signal-from-space-breaks-all-rules-astronomers-puzzled-729614" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/unusual-slow-spinning-radio-signal-from-space-breaks-all-rules-astronomers-puzzled-729614&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0m_imh8-GAxVpsFYBHbuHHbYQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Scientists hunting for origin of radio signal from deep space that flashes for an hour</a>

“Rather than stretching out to eat leaves on the tallest branches, you often see giraffes – especially females – reaching deep into the trees,” said lead author Doug Cavener, a biologist at Penn State.

“Giraffes are picky eaters – they eat the leaves of only a few tree species, and longer necks allow them to reach deeper into the trees to get the leaves no one else can. Once females reach four or five years of age, they are almost always pregnant and lactating, so we think the increased nutritional demands of females drove the evolution of giraffes’ long necks,” he added.

<h2>Necks-for-sex theory</h2>

The "necks-for-sex" theory claimed that male competition—known as neck sparring—was the main reason why necks evolved to be longer. Neck sparring involves male giraffes swinging their necks and slamming into each other to exert dominance. Longer-necked males would have an advantage in these contests, which would encourage reproduction and the gene-passing of children.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj0m_imh8-GAxVpsFYBHbuHHbYQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-giant-viruses-that-eat-ice-melting-algae-in-the-arctic-729116" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-giant-viruses-that-eat-ice-melting-algae-in-the-arctic-729116&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0m_imh8-GAxVpsFYBHbuHHbYQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Scientists discover giant viruses that eat ice-melting algae in the Arctic</a>

“The necks-for-sex hypothesis predicted that males would have longer necks than females,” Cavener said. “And technically they do have longer necks, but everything about males is longer; they are 30 per cent to 40 per cent bigger than females.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past.

Created using data from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), the new video depicts the fractured, uneven appearance of the Nili Fossae trenches.&nbsp;

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It also offers a bird's eye view of the nearby Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover landed in 2021 to search for signs of life that may have once inhabited the ancient lake that filled the crater.

<h2>The Nili Fossae Trenches on Mars</h2>

The Nili Fossae trenches comprise parallel trenches hundreds of metres deep and several hundred kilometres long, stretching out along the eastern edge of a massive 1,900-kilometer-wide impact crater named Isidis Planitia.&nbsp;

The ESA’s Mars Express orbiter, which arrived at the Red Planet in 2003, surveyed Mars' Nili Fossae trenches. These trenches have been a cynosure of scientists in recent years because of the prospect of revelations about Mars’s ancient and water-rich past.

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"Scientists have focused on Nili Fossae in recent years due to the impressive amount and diversity of minerals found in this area, including silicates, carbonates, and clays — many of which were discovered by Mars Express' OMEGA instrument," ESA officials said in the description of the orbiter's recent video on YouTube.&nbsp;

"These minerals form in the presence of water, indicating that this region was very wet in ancient Martian history," the officials further said.

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These trenches are believed to have formed following a colossal meteorite impact some 4 billion years ago. Following the impact, which created the Isidis Planitia crater, areas of the Martian surface would have cracked and crumbled, forming the sizeable scars seen by the orbiter today.&nbsp;

According to the ESA, similar features, called Amenthes Fossae, can be found on the other side of the crater too.&nbsp;

"Much of the ground here formed over 3.5 billion years ago, when surface water was abundant across Mars," ESA officials wrote in the video description.&nbsp;

"Scientists believe that water flowed not only across the surface here but also beneath it, forming underground hydrothermal flows that were heated by ancient volcanoes," the description further read.

Researchers used images captured by the orbiter, along with digital terrain models of Mars to create the 3D rendering of the landscape used for the flyover video.&nbsp;

This data not only aids in understanding Mars' past but also helps inform scientists where to land exploratory spacecraft in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past.

The European Space Agency (ESA) on May 30 released a new orbiter flyover footage of Mars that features the strikingly diverse surface of the Red Planet, covered in all manner of scratches and scars, providing insight into the events of its ancient past. Created using data from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), the new video depicts the fractured, uneven appearance of the Nili Fossae trenches. × It also offers a bird's eye view of the nearby Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover landed in 2021 to search for signs of life that may have once inhabited the ancient lake that filled the crater. The Nili Fossae Trenches on Mars The Nili Fossae trenches comprise parallel trenches hundreds of metres deep and several hundred kilometres long, stretching out along the eastern edge of a massive 1,900-kilometer-wide impact crater named Isidis Planitia. The ESA’s Mars Express orbiter, which arrived at the Red Planet in 2003, surveyed Mars' Nili Fossae trenches. These trenches have been a cynosure of scientists in recent years because of the prospect of revelations about Mars’s ancient and water-rich past. Also read: Boeing Starliner suffered helium leaks before historic space station docking "Scientists have focused on Nili Fossae in recent years due to the impressive amount and diversity of minerals found in this area, including silicates, carbonates, and clays — many of which were discovered by Mars Express' OMEGA instrument," ESA officials said in the description of the orbiter's recent video on YouTube. "These minerals form in the presence of water, indicating that this region was very wet in ancient Martian history," the officials further said. Also read: NASA`s new Instagram augmented reality filter brings universe to your fingertips These trenches are believed to have formed following a colossal meteorite impact some 4 billion years ago. Following the impact, which created the Isidis Planitia crater, areas of the Martian surface would have cracked and crumbled, forming the sizeable scars seen by the orbiter today. According to the ESA, similar features, called Amenthes Fossae, can be found on the other side of the crater too. "Much of the ground here formed over 3.5 billion years ago, when surface water was abundant across Mars," ESA officials wrote in the video description. "Scientists believe that water flowed not only across the surface here but also beneath it, forming underground hydrothermal flows that were heated by ancient volcanoes," the description further read. Researchers used images captured by the orbiter, along with digital terrain models of Mars to create the 3D rendering of the landscape used for the flyover video. This data not only aids in understanding Mars' past but also helps inform scientists where to land exploratory spacecraft in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: New breathtaking video of Mars’s scarred canyons offers insight into its eventful past

Scientists have claimed that human activity, especially hunting, may have led to the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros around 10,000 years ago. Researchers from the University of Adelaide and the University of Copenhagen used computer models to analyse and resolve this mystery.&nbsp;

"Using computer models, fossils and ancient DNA, we traced 52,000 years of population history of the woolly rhinoceros across Eurasia at a resolution not previously considered possible," said lead author Associate Professor Damien Fordham, from the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute.

"This showed that from 30,000 years ago, a combination of cooling temperatures and low but sustained hunting by humans caused the woolly rhinoceros to contract its distribution southward, trapping it in a scattering of isolated and rapidly deteriorating habitats at the end of the Last Ice Age," he added.

"As Earth thawed and temperatures rose, populations of woolly rhinoceros were unable to colonize important new habitats opening up in the north of Eurasia, causing them to destabilize and crash, bringing about their extinction," he said further.

These creatures roamed on earth 10,000 years ago in and around northern and central Eurasia and had thick skin and long fur.&nbsp;

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Previous research had suggested that humans had no role to play in the extinction of these animals but the new study, published in PNAS, throws open new dynamics.

"The demographic responses revealed by our analysis were at a much higher resolution to those captured in previous genetic studies," said Professor Eline Lorenzen, from the University of Copenhagen's Globe Institute.

"This allowed us to pinpoint important interactions that woolly rhinoceroses had with humans and document how these changed through space and time. One of these largely overlooked interactions was persistent low levels of hunting by humans, probably for food."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have claimed that human activity, especially hunting, may have led to the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros around 10,000 years ago. Researchers from the University of Adelaide and the University of Copenhagen used computer models to analyse and resolve this mystery.

Scientists have claimed that human activity, especially hunting, may have led to the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros around 10,000 years ago. Researchers from the University of Adelaide and the University of Copenhagen used computer models to analyse and resolve this mystery. "Using computer models, fossils and ancient DNA, we traced 52,000 years of population history of the woolly rhinoceros across Eurasia at a resolution not previously considered possible," said lead author Associate Professor Damien Fordham, from the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute. "This showed that from 30,000 years ago, a combination of cooling temperatures and low but sustained hunting by humans caused the woolly rhinoceros to contract its distribution southward, trapping it in a scattering of isolated and rapidly deteriorating habitats at the end of the Last Ice Age," he added. "As Earth thawed and temperatures rose, populations of woolly rhinoceros were unable to colonize important new habitats opening up in the north of Eurasia, causing them to destabilize and crash, bringing about their extinction," he said further. These creatures roamed on earth 10,000 years ago in and around northern and central Eurasia and had thick skin and long fur. Also read: Scientists discover giant viruses that eat ice-melting algae in the Arctic Previous research had suggested that humans had no role to play in the extinction of these animals but the new study, published in PNAS, throws open new dynamics. "The demographic responses revealed by our analysis were at a much higher resolution to those captured in previous genetic studies," said Professor Eline Lorenzen, from the University of Copenhagen's Globe Institute. "This allowed us to pinpoint important interactions that woolly rhinoceroses had with humans and document how these changed through space and time. One of these largely overlooked interactions was persistent low levels of hunting by humans, probably for food." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists blame ancient humans for extinction of woolly rhinoceros 10,000 years ago

Researchers have found new viruses on the surface of Arctic ice that could slow down the melting of ice due to global warming. Laura Perini from the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University and her team have revealed that these giant viruses feed off the algae on ice sheets. These algal blooms often lead to faster ice melting, thus exacerbating the effect of greenhouse gases. Scientists believe that the viruses, living alongside the algae, can help control the algal spread and thus serve as a natural control mechanism.

"We don't know a lot about the viruses, but I think they could be useful as a way of alleviating ice melting caused by algal blooms. How specific they are and how efficient it would be, we do not know yet. But by exploring them further, we hope to answer some of those questions," said Laura Perini.

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She explains that it is the first time that such algae-eating viruses have been found in the ice sheets of the Arctic.

"We analyzsed samples from dark ice, red snow, and melting holes (cryoconite). In both the dark ice and red snow we found signatures of active giant viruses. And that is the first time they've been found on surface ice and snow containing a high abundance of pigmented microalgae," she was quoted as saying by Space Daily.

Despite being of large size, these viruses can’t be seen with the naked eyes. The scientists only came to know about them after they analysed the DNA in samples taken from the ice.

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"In the total mRNA sequenced from the samples, we found the same markers as in the total DNA, so we know they have been transcribed. It means that the viruses are living and active on the ice," she said.

Giant viruses are still quite mysterious creatures, having only been discovered recently on the icy continent. What makes them different from their viral kin is their bustling activity—they're equipped with numerous active genes that enable them to perform tasks like DNA repair, replication, transcription, and translation. More research is needed to unravel more insights about these microcreatures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have found new viruses on the surface of Arctic ice that could slow down the melting of ice due to global warming. Laura Perini from the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University and her team have revealed that these giant viruses feed off the algae on ice sheets.

Researchers have found new viruses on the surface of Arctic ice that could slow down the melting of ice due to global warming. Laura Perini from the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University and her team have revealed that these giant viruses feed off the algae on ice sheets. These algal blooms often lead to faster ice melting, thus exacerbating the effect of greenhouse gases. Scientists believe that the viruses, living alongside the algae, can help control the algal spread and thus serve as a natural control mechanism. "We don't know a lot about the viruses, but I think they could be useful as a way of alleviating ice melting caused by algal blooms. How specific they are and how efficient it would be, we do not know yet. But by exploring them further, we hope to answer some of those questions," said Laura Perini. Also read: Hubble Space Telescope: NASA`s plan for more cosmic discoveries She explains that it is the first time that such algae-eating viruses have been found in the ice sheets of the Arctic. "We analyzsed samples from dark ice, red snow, and melting holes (cryoconite). In both the dark ice and red snow we found signatures of active giant viruses. And that is the first time they've been found on surface ice and snow containing a high abundance of pigmented microalgae," she was quoted as saying by Space Daily. Despite being of large size, these viruses can’t be seen with the naked eyes. The scientists only came to know about them after they analysed the DNA in samples taken from the ice. Also read: NASA`s new Instagram augmented reality filter brings universe to your fingertips "In the total mRNA sequenced from the samples, we found the same markers as in the total DNA, so we know they have been transcribed. It means that the viruses are living and active on the ice," she said. Giant viruses are still quite mysterious creatures, having only been discovered recently on the icy continent. What makes them different from their viral kin is their bustling activity—they're equipped with numerous active genes that enable them to perform tasks like DNA repair, replication, transcription, and translation. More research is needed to unravel more insights about these microcreatures. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover giant viruses that eat ice-melting algae in the Arctic

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