Scientists have fully sequenced the Y chromosome for the first time, uncovering information that could have implications for the study of male infertility and other health problems.

Scientists fully sequence human Y chromosome for the first time

A prominent Russian physicist, astronomer, and a key advisor on Russia's failed lunar mission, Mikhail Marov, has been admitted to a hospital in Moscow, media reports said. This comes after the recent lunar expedition conducted by Russia ended in failure.&nbsp;

As the Luna-25 spacecraft lost control and crashed into the moon, there was a “sharp deterioration” in Marov's health.&nbsp;Following Russia's 47-year hiatus from lunar expeditions, the Luna-25 spacecraft was launched with the intention of reaching the moon's surface. After the failure of the mission, the nation's ambitions were shattered into pieces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Post the failed mission, Marov expressed his sadness over the inability to successfully land the spacecraft.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-air-defence-intercepts-and-downs-two-attack-drones-near-moscow-627704">Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow</a>

The spacecraft, which was expected to make a soft landing on the moon, instead veered into an unpredictable orbit and collided with the lunar surface.

"The apparatus moved into an unpredictable orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the surface of the Moon," Roskosmos said in a statement.

Speaking to Reuters, the Russian scientist, who is currently under observation, said, “How can I not worry? This has been very much a matter of my life. It’s all very hard.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-thermonuclear-war-over-camp-david-summit-and-us-south-korea-drills-627702">North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills</a>

Mikhail Marov hoped that a thorough examination of the crash's causes would take place.

As a veteran in the field, the 90-year-old Marov lamented the failure of the mission, which he considered the&nbsp;last chance for a revival of Russia's lunar programme. "This was perhaps the last hope for me to see a revival of our lunar programme," he said.

“There was a mistake in the algorithms for launching into near-lunar orbit," Daily Mail reported quoting him.&nbsp;He stressed on the importance of identifying errors that contributed to the failure. “It must be found. For the specialists who will be involved in the work of the commission, this will not be a big problem. I think the answer will be found in the foreseeable future," he added.&nbsp;The failure of the mission has deeply affected the Russian scientist.

<h2>Investigation&nbsp;</h2>

An investigation into the incident was initiated by a special inter-departmental commission formed by Roscosmos to ascertain the reasons behind Luna-25's failure.&nbsp;

Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/beijings-fruit-diplomacy-turns-sour-as-china-bans-imports-of-taiwanese-mangoes-627688/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Russia's economic challenges, compounded by Western sanctions and involvement in a major European conflict, have added to the complexities it faces. Despite these challenges, Russia sought to demonstrate its competitiveness in space against other global powers such as China and the United States. The failure of Luna-25 coincides&nbsp;with other countries' lunar endeavours.

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is also aiming to land on the moon's south pole.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A prominent Russian physicist, astronomer, and a key advisor on Russia's failed lunar mission, Mikhail Marov, has been admitted to a hospital in Moscow, media reports said.

A prominent Russian physicist, astronomer, and a key advisor on Russia's failed lunar mission, Mikhail Marov, has been admitted to a hospital in Moscow, media reports said. This comes after the recent lunar expedition conducted by Russia ended in failure. As the Luna-25 spacecraft lost control and crashed into the moon, there was a “sharp deterioration” in Marov's health. Following Russia's 47-year hiatus from lunar expeditions, the Luna-25 spacecraft was launched with the intention of reaching the moon's surface. After the failure of the mission, the nation's ambitions were shattered into pieces. Post the failed mission, Marov expressed his sadness over the inability to successfully land the spacecraft. Also Read | Russian Air Defence intercepts and downs two 'attack drones' near Moscow The spacecraft, which was expected to make a soft landing on the moon, instead veered into an unpredictable orbit and collided with the lunar surface. "The apparatus moved into an unpredictable orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the surface of the Moon," Roskosmos said in a statement. Speaking to Reuters, the Russian scientist, who is currently under observation, said, “How can I not worry? This has been very much a matter of my life. It’s all very hard.” Also Read | North Korea threatens 'thermonuclear war' over Camp David summit and US-South Korea drills Mikhail Marov hoped that a thorough examination of the crash's causes would take place. As a veteran in the field, the 90-year-old Marov lamented the failure of the mission, which he considered the last chance for a revival of Russia's lunar programme. "This was perhaps the last hope for me to see a revival of our lunar programme," he said. “There was a mistake in the algorithms for launching into near-lunar orbit," Daily Mail reported quoting him. He stressed on the importance of identifying errors that contributed to the failure. “It must be found. For the specialists who will be involved in the work of the commission, this will not be a big problem. I think the answer will be found in the foreseeable future," he added. The failure of the mission has deeply affected the Russian scientist. Investigation An investigation into the incident was initiated by a special inter-departmental commission formed by Roscosmos to ascertain the reasons behind Luna-25's failure. Watch | Beijing's fruit diplomacy turns sour as China bans imports of Taiwanese mangoes × Russia's economic challenges, compounded by Western sanctions and involvement in a major European conflict, have added to the complexities it faces. Despite these challenges, Russia sought to demonstrate its competitiveness in space against other global powers such as China and the United States. The failure of Luna-25 coincides with other countries' lunar endeavours. India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is also aiming to land on the moon's south pole. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Following Russia's failed lunar mission, a prominent scientist has been hospitalised

Maharashtra's anti-terrorism squad has arrested a DRDO senior scientist for sharing classified information with a Pakistani agent who enticed him. Now senior Defence Research and Development Organisation scientist Pradeep Kurulkar faces the full force of the law for Espionage under the Official Secrets Act. One may ask why did he a 59-year-old senior scientist commit such a crime? Because he was attracted to the Pakistani agent.

Pakistani agent honey traps DRDO Senior Scientist Pradeep Kurulkar

There's a giant gravity hole in the Indian Ocean. It is about three million square kilometres in size roughly where the seafloor sinks into a vast depression. And we may finally know why There is a mysterious giant 'gravity hole'.

Scientists unravel the mystery of Indian Ocean

In Pics | Top smartest women of all time

Internet rules the world. It is as essential as bread butter to human beings today. People cannot think about even a couple of hours without the internet. Imagine days and years without it. Scientists have warned about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm. It is commonly referred to as an "internet apocalypse" & could strike Earth within the next decade.

How NASA plans to use Parker Solar Probe to avert the 'internet apocalypse'

The scientists, in their latest search for extraterrestrial life, are trying to carefully listen to the radio pulses that are emerging from the centre of our galaxy. Stars, known as pulsars, naturally emit narrow-frequency pulses, but humans also use them deliberately in technology such as radar.

Aliens lurking at the heart of the Milky Way?

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Pradeep Kurulkar, a DRDO scientist from Pune, on allegations of espionage.&nbsp;

The director of the DRDO (Engineers), scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60), was detained in connection with an alleged&nbsp;honeytrap case, according to an ATS press statement.&nbsp;

According to a DNA report, Pradeep Kurulkar was found to have interacted&nbsp;with PIO agents through voice and video calls, WhatsApp messages, and other forms of communication while carrying out his official duties, according to the Pune police.

"Despite holding a responsible position, the DRDO official has misused his post thereby compromising sensitive government secrets, which could pose a threat to India`s security if it falls into the hands of the enemy nation," read an official statement

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | DRDO espionage case: Accused DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar brought to ATS office in Pune for investigation. 
 
(Identity of the accused confirmed by ATS sources) <a href="https://t.co/nag1KoWP3F">https://t.co/nag1KoWP3F</a> <a href="https://t.co/qtJ2hQ87uu">pic.twitter.com/qtJ2hQ87uu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1654337044276195328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A complaint has been filed against Kurulkar by Maharashtra ATS Kalachowki,&nbsp;in accordance with the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and other relevant sections.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;the ATS, the investigation was started after the DRDO made a complaint. When Kurulkar was brought before a court the following day after being taken into custody on Wednesday, the judge remanded him to the care of the ATS.

Kurulkar&nbsp;reportedly made contact with Pakistani intelligence officers in the past year after appearing to be drawn to photographs of women on social media sites, according to DNA, which cited sources.

<h2>Who is Pradeep Kurulkar?</h2>

Kurulkar was&nbsp;appointed the Director at the Systems Engineering Laboratory of the Research &amp; Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&amp;DE(E)], which comes under&nbsp;the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Kurulkar, born in 1963, kickstarted his career with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at CVRDE, Avadi in 1988, after finishing&nbsp;his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical Engineering from COEP Pune in 1985 with first-class honours, as reported by the Mint.&nbsp;

Later, he pursued further education in Power Electronics at IIT Kanpur, concentrating on Drives and Applications. Kurulkar specialises on the design and development of mobile unmanned systems, advanced robotics, and military-grade missile launchers.

As the team leader and lead designer for several military engineering systems and equipment, Kurulkar played an important role.&nbsp;Hyperbaric chambers, high-pressure pneumatic systems, portable power sources, and missile launchers for numerous programmes, including AD, MRSAM, Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile system, Prahar, QRSAM, and XRSAM, are among them.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Pradeep Kurulkar, a DRDO scientist from Pune, on allegations of espionage. The director of the DRDO (Engineers), scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60), was detained in connection with an alleged honeytrap case, according to an ATS press statement.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Pradeep Kurulkar, a DRDO scientist from Pune, on allegations of espionage. The director of the DRDO (Engineers), scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60), was detained in connection with an alleged honeytrap case, according to an ATS press statement. According to a DNA report, Pradeep Kurulkar was found to have interacted with PIO agents through voice and video calls, WhatsApp messages, and other forms of communication while carrying out his official duties, according to the Pune police. "Despite holding a responsible position, the DRDO official has misused his post thereby compromising sensitive government secrets, which could pose a threat to India`s security if it falls into the hands of the enemy nation," read an official statement #WATCH | DRDO espionage case: Accused DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar brought to ATS office in Pune for investigation. (Identity of the accused confirmed by ATS sources) https://t.co/nag1KoWP3F pic.twitter.com/qtJ2hQ87uu — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2023 × A complaint has been filed against Kurulkar by Maharashtra ATS Kalachowki, in accordance with the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and other relevant sections. As per the ATS, the investigation was started after the DRDO made a complaint. When Kurulkar was brought before a court the following day after being taken into custody on Wednesday, the judge remanded him to the care of the ATS. Kurulkar reportedly made contact with Pakistani intelligence officers in the past year after appearing to be drawn to photographs of women on social media sites, according to DNA, which cited sources. Who is Pradeep Kurulkar? Kurulkar was appointed the Director at the Systems Engineering Laboratory of the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], which comes under the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Kurulkar, born in 1963, kickstarted his career with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at CVRDE, Avadi in 1988, after finishing his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical Engineering from COEP Pune in 1985 with first-class honours, as reported by the Mint. Later, he pursued further education in Power Electronics at IIT Kanpur, concentrating on Drives and Applications. Kurulkar specialises on the design and development of mobile unmanned systems, advanced robotics, and military-grade missile launchers. As the team leader and lead designer for several military engineering systems and equipment, Kurulkar played an important role. Hyperbaric chambers, high-pressure pneumatic systems, portable power sources, and missile launchers for numerous programmes, including AD, MRSAM, Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile system, Prahar, QRSAM, and XRSAM, are among them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India | DRDO espionage case: Who is Pradeep Kurulkar? Honey-trapped scientist accused of spying

Scientists are collecting data to know the meaning of climate change for the planet's future. The data tells that the Arctic is warming approximately 4 times faster than the rest of the world with Svalbard's temperature rising to 7 times the global average.

Arctic is warming quadruple times faster than the world, research tells

Asteroids frequently pass by Earth. But what will happen if an asteroid were to collide with the Earth? To emphasise the need for planetary defence. Scientists have devised an exercise in which a hypothetical asteroid 2023 PDC strikes Earth. This scenario illustrates how an asteroid threat might evolve over the years. It will also help calculate the potential devastation it could cause.

This is how scientists would react if an asteroid was to hit Earth

In about 23 years an asteroid over 150 feet in diameter has a chance of hitting earth on Valentine's day in 2046. However, scientists say there is a slim chance of the asteroid hitting the earth.

NASA warns asteroid may collide with earth on Valentine's day in 2046

Students are using artificial intelligence to write their essays. What happened to originality of thought? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Is AI going to replace your brain?

A bio-technologist in Germany has developed an "artificial womb facility." Genetically engineered babies can be produced in his lab.

WION Fineprint | German scientists develops artificial womb facility

WION Fineprint | German scientist develops artificial womb facility

The scientists at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States have taken a massive step towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world to replace fossil fuels. CNN reported that the researchers were able to achieve a net energy gain for the first time through their nuclear fusion experiment. Sources familiar with the project told CNN that it was a “major achievement” and it will bring them close to creating the perfect fuel alternative.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-indian-soldiers-injured-in-clashes-with-chinese-army-in-arunchal-pradesh-report-542383">Indian soldiers clash with Chinese Army in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang sector</a>

The nuclear fusion takes place when two or more atoms fuse to create a bigger one and this is the same process that takes place within the sun. The researchers in California used a process called inertial confinement fusion that involved a pellet of hydrogen plasma coming in contact with the world’s largest laser. While the result only lasted five seconds, it was able to produce more energy than what was used.&nbsp;

According to Financial Times, 2.1 megajoules of energy was used to power the experiment. However, the fusion resulted in the production of 2.5 megajoules of energy – a gain that was considered ‘historic’.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-parliament-rocked-by-corruption-scandal-linked-to-qatar-542193">EU calls corruption charges 'very worrisome' as Greece freezes Kaili's assets</a>

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is expected to make the official announcement about the “major scientific breakthrough”. The government has already invested resources in the project till now and this achievement follows in the footsteps of UK scientists who came up with a similar theory.&nbsp;

“They have worked on the design and the makeup of the target and the shape of the energy pulse to get much better results,” Tony Roulstone, from University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering, said.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The scientists at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States have taken a massive step towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world to replace fossil fuels.

The scientists at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States have taken a massive step towards finding a renewable energy source that can help the world to replace fossil fuels. CNN reported that the researchers were able to achieve a net energy gain for the first time through their nuclear fusion experiment. Sources familiar with the project told CNN that it was a “major achievement” and it will bring them close to creating the perfect fuel alternative. Also read | Indian soldiers clash with Chinese Army in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang sector The nuclear fusion takes place when two or more atoms fuse to create a bigger one and this is the same process that takes place within the sun. The researchers in California used a process called inertial confinement fusion that involved a pellet of hydrogen plasma coming in contact with the world’s largest laser. While the result only lasted five seconds, it was able to produce more energy than what was used. According to Financial Times, 2.1 megajoules of energy was used to power the experiment. However, the fusion resulted in the production of 2.5 megajoules of energy – a gain that was considered ‘historic’. Also read | EU calls corruption charges 'very worrisome' as Greece freezes Kaili's assets US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is expected to make the official announcement about the “major scientific breakthrough”. The government has already invested resources in the project till now and this achievement follows in the footsteps of UK scientists who came up with a similar theory. “They have worked on the design and the makeup of the target and the shape of the energy pulse to get much better results,” Tony Roulstone, from University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering, said.

US scientists achieve 'historic' net gain nuclear fusion reaction: Report

Indian Space agency ISRO has designated senior Solar Scientist&nbsp;Dr Sankarasubramanian K&nbsp;as the Principal Scientist of the 'Aditya-L1' Mission. He heads the&nbsp;Space Astronomy Group (SAG) of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, and had contributed to ISRO mission such as Chandrayaan 1 &amp;2, AstroSat, in several capacities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr&nbsp;Sankarasubramanian has a&nbsp;PhD in Physics from Bangalore University through the Indian Institute&nbsp;of Astrophysics, Bengaluru. His research's areas of interest are the solar magnetic field, optics, and instrumentation. The Space Astronomy Group (SAG) which he heads is involved in developing scientific payloads for the upcoming missions of Aditya-L1, XPoSat, and science payload onboard the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module.&nbsp;

He is also the Principal Investigator for one of the X-ray payloads onboard Aditya-L1. Dr&nbsp;Sankarasubramanian K also heads the Aditya-L1 Science Working Group, which has members from several institutes of India engaged in solar science research.&nbsp;

Aditya-L1 is the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India and is said to be scheduled for launch in 2023. The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses. This position provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities continuously.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle detectors. According to ISRO, four payloads on Aditya-L1 directly view the Sun from the unique vantage point of L1, and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1.&nbsp;

Indian Space agency ISRO has designated senior Solar Scientist Dr Sankarasubramanian K as the Principal Scientist of the 'Aditya-L1' Mission. He heads the Space Astronomy Group (SAG) of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, and had contributed to ISRO mission such as Chandrayaan 1 &2, AstroSat, in several capacities.

Indian Space agency ISRO has designated senior Solar Scientist Dr Sankarasubramanian K as the Principal Scientist of the 'Aditya-L1' Mission. He heads the Space Astronomy Group (SAG) of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, and had contributed to ISRO mission such as Chandrayaan 1 &2, AstroSat, in several capacities. Dr Sankarasubramanian has a PhD in Physics from Bangalore University through the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru. His research's areas of interest are the solar magnetic field, optics, and instrumentation. The Space Astronomy Group (SAG) which he heads is involved in developing scientific payloads for the upcoming missions of Aditya-L1, XPoSat, and science payload onboard the Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module. He is also the Principal Investigator for one of the X-ray payloads onboard Aditya-L1. Dr Sankarasubramanian K also heads the Aditya-L1 Science Working Group, which has members from several institutes of India engaged in solar science research. Aditya-L1 is the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India and is said to be scheduled for launch in 2023. The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses. This position provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities continuously. Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle detectors. According to ISRO, four payloads on Aditya-L1 directly view the Sun from the unique vantage point of L1, and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1.

ISRO designates Sankarasubramanian as Principal Scientist for Aditya-L1 mission      

According to recent research, chemists have discovered a low-cost method of destroying "forever chemicals." Scientists have connected PFAS exposure to major health hazards, including cancer and birth abnormalities, at specific levels.&nbsp;

They are quite practical due to their resistance to water, oil, and stains. PFAS are found in thousands of common items, including makeup and cooking pans. But it is because of these characteristics that they are so hard to destroy.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances are referred to as PFAS. These 4,500 or so fluorine-based chemicals are present in practically every building on Earth and are used in a variety of items, such as paints, adhesives, nonstick cookware, rain gear, paper, and food packaging.&nbsp;

They have been found in rainwater at low concentrations all throughout the world, but if they infiltrate water or soil at high concentrations, they could pose a major threat. Existing PFAS destruction techniques, such as cremation, have not been very effective since they demand expensively high temperatures.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-nations-display-military-might-at-international-army-games-hosted-by-russia-508292">&nbsp;In pics: Nations display military might at International Army Games hosted by Russia</a>

According to recent research from scientists at Northwestern University in the US, they were able to remove PFAS using low-cost, low-temperature products, which they claim was "seemingly impossible." According to Prof. Sunderland, a non-member of the research team, this could be very helpful in aiding populations affected by high levels of contamination.

Because they have a lot of the strongest linkages in organic chemistry—carbon and fluorine—PFAS has historically been challenging to eliminate. The scientific team is hopeful that with more study, PFAS can be removed from drinking water and the toxins can be destroyed using this new technique.&nbsp;

However, treating areas with high PFAS concentrations is just one aspect of the answer. Since PFAS cannot be easily broken down naturally, it can continue to accumulate at low levels in fish and other species as long as they are produced.

(with inputs from agencies)

According to recent research, chemists have discovered a low-cost method of destroying "forever chemicals." Scientists have connected PFAS exposure to major health hazards, including cancer and birth abnormalities, at specific levels.

According to recent research, chemists have discovered a low-cost method of destroying "forever chemicals." Scientists have connected PFAS exposure to major health hazards, including cancer and birth abnormalities, at specific levels. They are quite practical due to their resistance to water, oil, and stains. PFAS are found in thousands of common items, including makeup and cooking pans. But it is because of these characteristics that they are so hard to destroy. Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances are referred to as PFAS. These 4,500 or so fluorine-based chemicals are present in practically every building on Earth and are used in a variety of items, such as paints, adhesives, nonstick cookware, rain gear, paper, and food packaging. They have been found in rainwater at low concentrations all throughout the world, but if they infiltrate water or soil at high concentrations, they could pose a major threat. Existing PFAS destruction techniques, such as cremation, have not been very effective since they demand expensively high temperatures. Also Read: In pics: Nations display military might at International Army Games hosted by Russia According to recent research from scientists at Northwestern University in the US, they were able to remove PFAS using low-cost, low-temperature products, which they claim was "seemingly impossible." According to Prof. Sunderland, a non-member of the research team, this could be very helpful in aiding populations affected by high levels of contamination. Because they have a lot of the strongest linkages in organic chemistry—carbon and fluorine—PFAS has historically been challenging to eliminate. The scientific team is hopeful that with more study, PFAS can be removed from drinking water and the toxins can be destroyed using this new technique. However, treating areas with high PFAS concentrations is just one aspect of the answer. Since PFAS cannot be easily broken down naturally, it can continue to accumulate at low levels in fish and other species as long as they are produced. (with inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover low-cost method to destroy harmful 'forever chemicals'

Scientists have claimed that days on earth are getting longer but they have not found any concrete reason behind the phenomenon. The observation came as a surprise as June 2022 saw the shortest day in almost half a century. With the Earth’s rotation around its axis speeding up in the past few decades, the days were supposed to get shorter with time. However, the trend seems to have reversed once again and from 2020, steady rise in the length of days was observed by the scientists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-major-victory-for-biden-us-senate-passes-750bn-healthcare-and-climate-bill-504670">In a major victory for Biden, Senate passes $750bn healthcare &amp; climate bill</a>

The length of a day has a number of significant implications – ranging from how time is measured to various modern technologies like GPS. As a result, scientists are trying to find the reasons behind this sudden change and how the trend completely changed despite the speed of the planet’s rotation.

According to the study, the main reason behind the slowing down of Earth’s rotation is friction. With the effects of the friction taking place over millions of years, the rotation of the axis has slowed down and as a result, it has added around 2.3 milliseconds to the length of each day every century.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/search-engine-giant-baidu-obtains-permit-to-operate-fully-driverless-robotaxi-services-in-china-504711" hreflang="en">Search engine giant Baidu obtains permit to operate fully driverless robotaxi services in China</a>

While climate change also had an effect on the rotation, the scientists found that the impact was not that significant, and the tidal changes have increased the length of day by up to a millisecond.

With the study going public, a number of people have been asking for a "negative leap second" in order to balance out the increase but no such request was considered by the authorities.

Scientists have claimed that days on earth are getting longer but they have not found any concrete reason behind the phenomenon. The observation came as a surprise as June 2022 saw the shortest day in almost half a century.

Scientists have claimed that days on earth are getting longer but they have not found any concrete reason behind the phenomenon. The observation came as a surprise as June 2022 saw the shortest day in almost half a century. With the Earth’s rotation around its axis speeding up in the past few decades, the days were supposed to get shorter with time. However, the trend seems to have reversed once again and from 2020, steady rise in the length of days was observed by the scientists. Also read | In a major victory for Biden, Senate passes $750bn healthcare & climate bill The length of a day has a number of significant implications – ranging from how time is measured to various modern technologies like GPS. As a result, scientists are trying to find the reasons behind this sudden change and how the trend completely changed despite the speed of the planet’s rotation. According to the study, the main reason behind the slowing down of Earth’s rotation is friction. With the effects of the friction taking place over millions of years, the rotation of the axis has slowed down and as a result, it has added around 2.3 milliseconds to the length of each day every century. Also read | Search engine giant Baidu obtains permit to operate fully driverless robotaxi services in China While climate change also had an effect on the rotation, the scientists found that the impact was not that significant, and the tidal changes have increased the length of day by up to a millisecond. With the study going public, a number of people have been asking for a "negative leap second" in order to balance out the increase but no such request was considered by the authorities.

Earth's days mysteriously getting longer; scientists struggle to find reason

Israeli researchers are aiming to create a "precision weapon" made of bacteria-fighting viruses to combat intestinal ailments. Phase 1 clinical studies of two separate virus "cocktails" have been conducted; preliminary findings suggest that they are safe, and substantial in vitro and animal testing suggests that they are antibacterial.

According to peer-reviewed research that was published in the journal Cell, the virus significantly decreased the amount of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that is prevalent in the stomachs of those who have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Phage therapy also referred to as bacteriophage therapy, is not a recent concept and was the subject of extensive research in the early 20th century. Antibiotics were developed, and efforts to employ viruses in clinical settings were mostly abandoned before any notable achievements, but researchers kept using phages in experimental settings.

Due to worries about germs that are resistant to antibiotics, interest in potential phage therapeutics has recently increased. Although none of the phage therapies is in common usage, some researchers have speculated that they might offer a solution to the issue. Researchers looked into the microbiomes of people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to determine which bacteria would be beneficial to fight as part of the Weizmann study.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-over-4300-dinosaur-footprints-discovered-in-china-created-between-jurassic-and-cretaceous-eras-503913">&nbsp;WATCH | Over 4,300 dinosaur footprints discovered in China, created between Jurassic and Cretaceous eras</a>

The phages will now go through more clinical testing to determine whether they can fight bacteria and improve health in a practical environment. The Weizmann researchers want to turn them into medications that either treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or maybe even prevent them in those who are thought to have high Klebsiella pneumonia levels.

(with inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Israeli researchers are aiming to create a "precision weapon" made of bacteria-fighting viruses to combat intestinal ailments. Phase 1 clinical studies of two separate virus "cocktails" have been conducted; preliminary findings suggest that they are safe, and substantial in vitro and animal testing suggests that they are antibacterial.

Israeli researchers are aiming to create a "precision weapon" made of bacteria-fighting viruses to combat intestinal ailments. Phase 1 clinical studies of two separate virus "cocktails" have been conducted; preliminary findings suggest that they are safe, and substantial in vitro and animal testing suggests that they are antibacterial. According to peer-reviewed research that was published in the journal Cell, the virus significantly decreased the amount of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that is prevalent in the stomachs of those who have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Phage therapy also referred to as bacteriophage therapy, is not a recent concept and was the subject of extensive research in the early 20th century. Antibiotics were developed, and efforts to employ viruses in clinical settings were mostly abandoned before any notable achievements, but researchers kept using phages in experimental settings. Due to worries about germs that are resistant to antibiotics, interest in potential phage therapeutics has recently increased. Although none of the phage therapies is in common usage, some researchers have speculated that they might offer a solution to the issue. Researchers looked into the microbiomes of people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to determine which bacteria would be beneficial to fight as part of the Weizmann study. Also Read: WATCH | Over 4,300 dinosaur footprints discovered in China, created between Jurassic and Cretaceous eras The phages will now go through more clinical testing to determine whether they can fight bacteria and improve health in a practical environment. The Weizmann researchers want to turn them into medications that either treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or maybe even prevent them in those who are thought to have high Klebsiella pneumonia levels. (with inputs from agencies)

Israeli scientists create ‘precision weapon’ consisting of viruses that eliminate bowel-harming bacteria

It has been the mission for a number of scientists over the years to find some trace of alien life in the universe. From massive satellites searching distant galaxies to sending radio transmissions into the cosmos, a lot of methods have been implemented but to no avail. However, a group of scientists have tried to flip the situation and tried to find out how aliens can find us in the massive universe. A team of astronomers from Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and France looked at the number of ways that alien species can detect our presence and zeroed in on a process called “microlensing”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-would-like-about-anything-new-book-quotes-former-white-house-strategist-497970" hreflang="en">Donald Trump 'would lie about anything', new book quotes former White House strategist</a>

“In theory, a long-range detection-method like microlensing could be employed by technological civilizations to detect the Earth across galactic distance scales,” the study explained.

The process of microlensing is used in order to detect distant planets or stars by studying the bodies through powerful microscopes. The study is conducted when the star shines bright due to any reason and the atmosphere ends up acting like a lens for the people observing the phenomenon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hitlers-watch-bearing-his-initials-to-be-auctioned-might-fetch-4-million-497889" hreflang="en">Hitler's watch bearing his initials to be auctioned, might fetch $4 million</a>

A similar process is also being used by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, according to the study that was accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The study explained that any alien civilisation will be able to spot our planet if they study the Milky Way and depending on the position of the stars, the earth will be shining brightly at a specific point of time. However, this scenario was imagined considering the aliens have the same level of technology.

It has been the mission for a number of scientists over the years to find some trace of alien life in the universe. From massive satellites searching distant galaxies to sending radio transmissions into the cosmos, a lot of methods have been implemented but to no avail.

It has been the mission for a number of scientists over the years to find some trace of alien life in the universe. From massive satellites searching distant galaxies to sending radio transmissions into the cosmos, a lot of methods have been implemented but to no avail. However, a group of scientists have tried to flip the situation and tried to find out how aliens can find us in the massive universe. A team of astronomers from Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and France looked at the number of ways that alien species can detect our presence and zeroed in on a process called “microlensing”. Also read | Donald Trump 'would lie about anything', new book quotes former White House strategist “In theory, a long-range detection-method like microlensing could be employed by technological civilizations to detect the Earth across galactic distance scales,” the study explained. The process of microlensing is used in order to detect distant planets or stars by studying the bodies through powerful microscopes. The study is conducted when the star shines bright due to any reason and the atmosphere ends up acting like a lens for the people observing the phenomenon. Also read | Hitler's watch bearing his initials to be auctioned, might fetch $4 million A similar process is also being used by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, according to the study that was accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The study explained that any alien civilisation will be able to spot our planet if they study the Milky Way and depending on the position of the stars, the earth will be shining brightly at a specific point of time. However, this scenario was imagined considering the aliens have the same level of technology.

Alien civilisations can use 'simple' method to find earth, new study suggests

Scientists have found a large ozone hole in the lower stratosphere over the tropics that can affect 50 per cent of the world’s population. They said that the hole is seven times the size of the Antarctic ozone hole, which only emerges during spring, according to a paper published in&nbsp;AIP Advances.

In his research, Qing-Bin Lu, a professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, has claimed this all-new ozone hole has been there since the 1980s and unlike the Antarctic one, this new ozone hole is present all year round.

The scientist has warned that the presence of this new hole could have disastrous consequences for life on Earth.

“The tropics constitute half the planet’s surface area and are home to about half the world’s population,” Lu said in a press release.

“The existence of the tropical ozone hole may cause a great global concern.”

The tropical&nbsp;regions of the Earth&nbsp;include&nbsp;the Equator and parts of North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Ozone hole is not technically a “hole” where no ozone is present, rather it is actually a region of exceptionally depleted ozone layer.

Ozone sits in the upper atmosphere and absorbs ultraviolet radiation, another type of solar energy that's harmful to humans, animals and plants.&nbsp;

Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons—gases formerly found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants—are released into the atmosphere.

"The depletion of the ozone layer can lead to increased ground-level UV radiation, which can increase risk of skin cancer and cataracts in humans, as well as weaken human immune systems, decrease agricultural productivity, and negatively affect sensitive aquatic organisms and ecosystems,” Lu said.

Lu and his team identified this latest hole by examining average annual ozone changes, differences in annual ozone climatology and changes in temperature over the last few decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/there-is-no-life-on-venus-conclude-cambridge-university-researchers-495014" hreflang="en">Is there life on Venus? Here's what Cambridge University researchers say</a>

But his findings have come as a shock to other scientists whose conventional photochemical modelling did not show the large gap.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronauts-aboard-iss-conduct-experiment-using-ai-495074" hreflang="en">Astronauts aboard ISS conduct experiment using AI&nbsp;</a>

Dr Marta Abalos Alvarez, Researcher in the department of Physics of the Earth and Astrophysics at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), said:

“In my opinion the article lacks the scientific rigour necessary to be a reliable contribution. It contains a lot of reasoning with serious errors and unsubstantiated assertions, contradicting previous results that are substantiated. Ozone depletion in the tropics is nothing new and is mainly due to the acceleration of the Brewer-Dobson circulation. Finally, the journal in which it is published has a very low impact factor.”

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Scientists have found a large ozone hole in the lower stratosphere over the tropics that can affect 50 per cent of the world’s population. They said that the hole is seven times the size of the Antarctic ozone hole, which only emerges during spring, according to a paper published in AIP Advances.

Scientists have found a large ozone hole in the lower stratosphere over the tropics that can affect 50 per cent of the world’s population. They said that the hole is seven times the size of the Antarctic ozone hole, which only emerges during spring, according to a paper published in AIP Advances. In his research, Qing-Bin Lu, a professor at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, has claimed this all-new ozone hole has been there since the 1980s and unlike the Antarctic one, this new ozone hole is present all year round. The scientist has warned that the presence of this new hole could have disastrous consequences for life on Earth. “The tropics constitute half the planet’s surface area and are home to about half the world’s population,” Lu said in a press release. “The existence of the tropical ozone hole may cause a great global concern.” The tropical regions of the Earth include the Equator and parts of North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Ozone hole is not technically a “hole” where no ozone is present, rather it is actually a region of exceptionally depleted ozone layer. Ozone sits in the upper atmosphere and absorbs ultraviolet radiation, another type of solar energy that's harmful to humans, animals and plants. Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons—gases formerly found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants—are released into the atmosphere. "The depletion of the ozone layer can lead to increased ground-level UV radiation, which can increase risk of skin cancer and cataracts in humans, as well as weaken human immune systems, decrease agricultural productivity, and negatively affect sensitive aquatic organisms and ecosystems,” Lu said. Lu and his team identified this latest hole by examining average annual ozone changes, differences in annual ozone climatology and changes in temperature over the last few decades. Also read | Is there life on Venus? Here's what Cambridge University researchers say But his findings have come as a shock to other scientists whose conventional photochemical modelling did not show the large gap. Also read | Astronauts aboard ISS conduct experiment using AI Dr Marta Abalos Alvarez, Researcher in the department of Physics of the Earth and Astrophysics at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), said: “In my opinion the article lacks the scientific rigour necessary to be a reliable contribution. It contains a lot of reasoning with serious errors and unsubstantiated assertions, contradicting previous results that are substantiated. Ozone depletion in the tropics is nothing new and is mainly due to the acceleration of the Brewer-Dobson circulation. Finally, the journal in which it is published has a very low impact factor.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists claim to have found huge ozone hole over tropics, experts alarmed

Scientists at the Japan's University of Yamanashi have successfully produced cloned mice using freeze-dried cells in a technique they believe could one day help conserve species and overcome challenges with current biobanking methods. The United Nations has warned that extinctions are accelerating worldwide and at least a million species could disappear because of human-induced impacts like climate change. 
&nbsp; 
As reported by AFP, facilities have sprung up globally to preserve samples from endangered species with the goal of preventing their extinction by future cloning. These samples are generally cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen or kept at extremely low temperatures, which can be costly and vulnerable to power outages. They also usually involve sperm and egg cells, which can be difficult or impossible to harvest from old or infertile animals. 
&nbsp; 
Scientists wanted to see whether they could solve those problems by freeze-drying somatic cells, any cell that isn't a sperm or egg cell and attempting to produce clones. They experimented with two types of mice cells and found that, while freeze-drying killed them and caused significant DNA damage, they could still produce cloned blastocysts -- a ball of cells that develops into an embryo.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/udaipur-terror-attack-how-my-hometown-turned-into-a-curfew-zone-494414">Udaipur terror attack: How my hometown turned into a curfew zone&nbsp;</a>

From these, the scientists extracted stem cell lines that they used to create 75 cloned mice. One of the mice survived a year and nine months, and the team also successfully mated female and male cloned mice with natural-born partners and produced normal pups. The cloned mice produced fewer offspring than would have been expected from natural-born mice, and one of the stem cell lines developed from male cells produced only female mice clones. 
&nbsp; 
Teruhiko Wakayama, a professor at the University of Yamanashi's Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, who helped lead the study published in the journal Nature Communications this month told AFP, "Improvement should not be difficult. We believe that in the future we will be able to reduce abnormalities and increase the birth rate by searching for freeze-drying protectant agents and improving drying methods."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Scientists at the Japan's University of Yamanashi have successfully produced cloned mice using freeze-dried cells in a technique they believe could one day help conserve species and overcome challenges with current biobanking methods.

Scientists at the Japan's University of Yamanashi have successfully produced cloned mice using freeze-dried cells in a technique they believe could one day help conserve species and overcome challenges with current biobanking methods. The United Nations has warned that extinctions are accelerating worldwide and at least a million species could disappear because of human-induced impacts like climate change. As reported by AFP, facilities have sprung up globally to preserve samples from endangered species with the goal of preventing their extinction by future cloning. These samples are generally cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen or kept at extremely low temperatures, which can be costly and vulnerable to power outages. They also usually involve sperm and egg cells, which can be difficult or impossible to harvest from old or infertile animals. Scientists wanted to see whether they could solve those problems by freeze-drying somatic cells, any cell that isn't a sperm or egg cell and attempting to produce clones. They experimented with two types of mice cells and found that, while freeze-drying killed them and caused significant DNA damage, they could still produce cloned blastocysts -- a ball of cells that develops into an embryo. Also Read: Udaipur terror attack: How my hometown turned into a curfew zone From these, the scientists extracted stem cell lines that they used to create 75 cloned mice. One of the mice survived a year and nine months, and the team also successfully mated female and male cloned mice with natural-born partners and produced normal pups. The cloned mice produced fewer offspring than would have been expected from natural-born mice, and one of the stem cell lines developed from male cells produced only female mice clones. Teruhiko Wakayama, a professor at the University of Yamanashi's Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, who helped lead the study published in the journal Nature Communications this month told AFP, "Improvement should not be difficult. We believe that in the future we will be able to reduce abnormalities and increase the birth rate by searching for freeze-drying protectant agents and improving drying methods." (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japanese scientists clone mice using freeze-dried cells to prevent future extinction

With a recent outbreak of influenza in China, doctors warn of dual health risks from influenza and sporadic Covid, as reported by the Global Times. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has issued a report on similarities and differences between influenza and Covid for clarity.

“Among the 507 influenza outbreak... in 17 provinces between April 4 and June 19, 503 were in southern China, a sharp increase from the 136 in 2021 in the same period,” the latest report by the Chinese National Influenza Center (CNIC) said, according to the Global Times report. An influenza outbreak is defined as 10 or more cases.

“Driven by huge demand, influenza antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are in short supply in many pharmacies of southern China,” the news report added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-rescue-on-the-sea-this-spanish-city-will-charge-you-for-it-492622">&nbsp;Need rescue on the sea? This Spanish city will charge you for it</a>

According to CDC, you cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone because they have some of the same symptoms. That’s why testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. Testing is also important because it can reveal if someone has both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

“The Xiamen (city) health commission in Fujian suggested (paediatricians) to not get involved with Covid-19 related work so as to better deal with the influenza high season among children,” the news report said.

Health officials in other provinces too have issued “alerts over the high prevalence of influenza and hospitals (have) adjusted measures to avoid crowded line-up and concentrated presence in public places,” it added.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

With a recent outbreak of influenza in China, doctors warn of dual health risks from influenza and sporadic Covid, as reported by the Global Times. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has issued a report on similarities and differences between influenza and Covid for clarity.

With a recent outbreak of influenza in China, doctors warn of dual health risks from influenza and sporadic Covid, as reported by the Global Times. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has issued a report on similarities and differences between influenza and Covid for clarity. “Among the 507 influenza outbreak... in 17 provinces between April 4 and June 19, 503 were in southern China, a sharp increase from the 136 in 2021 in the same period,” the latest report by the Chinese National Influenza Center (CNIC) said, according to the Global Times report. An influenza outbreak is defined as 10 or more cases. “Driven by huge demand, influenza antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are in short supply in many pharmacies of southern China,” the news report added. Also Read: Need rescue on the sea? This Spanish city will charge you for it According to CDC, you cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 just by looking at the symptoms alone because they have some of the same symptoms. That’s why testing is needed to tell what the illness is and to confirm a diagnosis. Testing is also important because it can reveal if someone has both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. “The Xiamen (city) health commission in Fujian suggested (paediatricians) to not get involved with Covid-19 related work so as to better deal with the influenza high season among children,” the news report said. Health officials in other provinces too have issued “alerts over the high prevalence of influenza and hospitals (have) adjusted measures to avoid crowded line-up and concentrated presence in public places,” it added. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Experts warn of dual risk from influenza and Covid: Report

A scientist has made a device that can detect heart ailments. A microchip device will analyse blood samples to detect cardiovascular problems in humans.

A scientist makes a device to detect heart ailments

A study on ‘Exceptional warming over the Barents area’ studying surface air temperature (SAT) data from Global reanalyses points towards maximum warming over the northern Barents area.&nbsp;

Researchers studied the warming over the past 20–40 years based on new available SAT observations and a quality-controlled comprehensive SAT dataset from the northern archipelagos in the Barents Sea.

They identified a statistically significant record-high annual warming of up to 2.7 °C per decade, with a maximum in autumn of up to 4.0 °C per decade. The researchers said the heating in this region was an “early warning” of what could happen across the rest of the Arctic.

As quoted by The Guardian, Prof Michael Mann, from Pennsylvania State University, US, says, “Sea ice loss and warming in the Barents Sea, in particular, have been isolated in previous work as being especially relevant to changes in winter-time atmospheric circulation that are tied to extreme winter weather events.”&nbsp;

“If this mechanism is valid, and there’s some debate over that, then this is yet another way climate change could be increasing certain types of extreme weather events [and which] isn’t well captured by current models,” he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-bids-farewell-to-its-war-heroes-488400">In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes</a>

Changes in surface air temperature (SAT) and sea ice are the main drivers of the ongoing environmental transformation of the Arctic1 and have emerged as a leading signal of global warming2,3.&nbsp;

For more than four decades, the Arctic sea ice extent has declined almost continuously, with the largest trends in September and the smallest on March 3. Between 1979 and 2021, the September trend was − 13.4% per decade, while the March trend was − 2.6% per decade.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A study on ‘Exceptional warming over the Barents area’ studying surface air temperature (SAT) data from Global reanalyses points towards maximum warming over the northern Barents area.

A study on ‘Exceptional warming over the Barents area’ studying surface air temperature (SAT) data from Global reanalyses points towards maximum warming over the northern Barents area. Researchers studied the warming over the past 20–40 years based on new available SAT observations and a quality-controlled comprehensive SAT dataset from the northern archipelagos in the Barents Sea. They identified a statistically significant record-high annual warming of up to 2.7 °C per decade, with a maximum in autumn of up to 4.0 °C per decade. The researchers said the heating in this region was an “early warning” of what could happen across the rest of the Arctic. As quoted by The Guardian, Prof Michael Mann, from Pennsylvania State University, US, says, “Sea ice loss and warming in the Barents Sea, in particular, have been isolated in previous work as being especially relevant to changes in winter-time atmospheric circulation that are tied to extreme winter weather events.” “If this mechanism is valid, and there’s some debate over that, then this is yet another way climate change could be increasing certain types of extreme weather events [and which] isn’t well captured by current models,” he added. Also Read: In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes Changes in surface air temperature (SAT) and sea ice are the main drivers of the ongoing environmental transformation of the Arctic1 and have emerged as a leading signal of global warming2,3. For more than four decades, the Arctic sea ice extent has declined almost continuously, with the largest trends in September and the smallest on March 3. Between 1979 and 2021, the September trend was − 13.4% per decade, while the March trend was − 2.6% per decade. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Research points toward exceptional heating in Arctic area

Russia considered using monkeypox as a bioweapon until at least till the 1990s, a former Soviet scientist has claimed, reports British tabloid The Metro.

The claims were made by Kanat Alibekov, also known as Kenneth Alibek, who was the Soviet Union's bioweapons expert until its fall in 1991. Later, he stayed in Russia for a year before moving to the US.

In a recently discovered 1998 interview with the American Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project (CBWNP), Alibekov, who allegedly oversaw 32,000 employees over 40 facilities, claimed that the Soviet country had a programme to utilise viruses as weapons.

“So, we developed a special program to determine what ‘model’ viruses could be used instead of human smallpox. We tested vaccinia virus, mousepox virus, rabbitpox virus, and monkeypox virus as models for smallpox.”

“The idea was that all research and development work would be conducted using these model viruses. Once we obtained a set of positive results, it would take just two weeks to conduct the same manipulations with the smallpox virus and to stockpile the warfare agent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-monkeypox-outbreaks-from-us-to-spain-list-of-countries-where-cases-are-detected-recently-480319">Rare monkeypox outbreaks: From US to Spain, list of countries where cases are detected recentl</a>

“We would have in our arsenal a genetically altered smallpox virus that could replace the previous one.”

Watch |&nbsp;Monkeypox outbreak in Europe: Spain and Portugal detect more than 40 cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/monkeypox-outbreak-in-europe-spain-and-portugal-detect-more-than-40-cases-480554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The scientist further claimed that after the end of the USSR, the successor Russia’s defence ministry continued working with monkeypox to “create future biological weapons”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-cases-reported-in-germany-france-belgium-480769">Monkeypox cases reported in Germany, France, Belgium, Canada</a>

The same year, he was brought before a United States Congress hearing, where he said he was&nbsp;"convinced that Russia’s biological weapons program has not been completely dismantled”.

Monkeypox was first identified in the 1950s when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research purposes, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The illness is often likened to a milder form of smallpox, a disease that has been eradicated globally through widespread vaccination against the smallpox virus.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia considered using monkeypox as a bioweapon until at least till the 1990s, a former Soviet scientist has claimed, reports British tabloid The Metro. The claims were made by Kanat Alibekov, also known as Kenneth Alibek, who was the Soviet Union's bioweapons expert until its fall in 1991.

Russia considered using monkeypox as a bioweapon until at least till the 1990s, a former Soviet scientist has claimed, reports British tabloid The Metro. The claims were made by Kanat Alibekov, also known as Kenneth Alibek, who was the Soviet Union's bioweapons expert until its fall in 1991. Later, he stayed in Russia for a year before moving to the US. In a recently discovered 1998 interview with the American Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project (CBWNP), Alibekov, who allegedly oversaw 32,000 employees over 40 facilities, claimed that the Soviet country had a programme to utilise viruses as weapons. “So, we developed a special program to determine what ‘model’ viruses could be used instead of human smallpox. We tested vaccinia virus, mousepox virus, rabbitpox virus, and monkeypox virus as models for smallpox.” “The idea was that all research and development work would be conducted using these model viruses. Once we obtained a set of positive results, it would take just two weeks to conduct the same manipulations with the smallpox virus and to stockpile the warfare agent. Also read | Rare monkeypox outbreaks: From US to Spain, list of countries where cases are detected recentl “We would have in our arsenal a genetically altered smallpox virus that could replace the previous one.” Watch | Monkeypox outbreak in Europe: Spain and Portugal detect more than 40 cases The scientist further claimed that after the end of the USSR, the successor Russia’s defence ministry continued working with monkeypox to “create future biological weapons”. Also read | Monkeypox cases reported in Germany, France, Belgium, Canada The same year, he was brought before a United States Congress hearing, where he said he was "convinced that Russia’s biological weapons program has not been completely dismantled”. Monkeypox was first identified in the 1950s when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research purposes, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The illness is often likened to a milder form of smallpox, a disease that has been eradicated globally through widespread vaccination against the smallpox virus. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia was planning to use monkeypox as bioweapon, claims ex-Soviet scientist

Usually, it takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down naturally, but scientists from Germany have now discovered a highly efficient enzyme that degrades PET in record time. The discovery is being hailed as a gamechanger, considering the dire state of plastic pollution worldwide.

The enzyme, which has been called polyester hydrolase (PHL7), was recently found at a German cemetery, chewing off the compost.

The scientists from Leipzig University then took the enzyme to their lab, during which they found that the enzyme was able to decompose polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by 90% in less than 16 hours.

Notably, this isn’t the first plastic eater enzyme discovered. In 2016, a PET-guzzling enzyme called LLC was found at a recycling plant in Japan. It is considered to be a particularly effective "plastic eater."

But the German scientists found that the newly found PHL7 is at least two times faster than the LLC.

The findings have now been published in the scientific journal ‘ChemSusChem’.

“The enzyme discovered in Leipzig can make an important contribution to establishing alternative energy-saving plastic recycling processes," said microbiologist Wolfgang Zimmermann from Leipzig University in Germany, according to Sciencealert.

"The biocatalyst now developed in Leipzig has been shown to be highly effective in the rapid decomposition of used PET food packaging and is suitable for use in an environmentally friendly recycling process in which new plastic can be produced from the decomposition products."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/impact-of-climate-change-rising-temperatures-could-cause-hours-of-sleep-loss-480890" hreflang="en">Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss</a>

Moreover, the scientists found that PHL7 doesn't even require any pre-treatment to decompose plastics. It will eat plastic without grinding or melting.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeings-starliner-spaceship-docks-with-international-space-station-in-key-test-mission-480867" hreflang="en">Boeing's Starliner spaceship docks with International Space Station in key test mission</a>

"Thus, by employing powerful enzymes such as PHL7 it is possible to directly recycle post-consumer thermoform PET packaging in a closed-loop process with a low carbon footprint and without the use of petrochemicals, realizing a sustainable recycling process of an important PET plastic waste stream," the authors conclude.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Usually, it takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down naturally, but scientists from Germany have now discovered a highly efficient enzyme that degrades PET in record time.

Usually, it takes hundreds of years for plastic to break down naturally, but scientists from Germany have now discovered a highly efficient enzyme that degrades PET in record time. The discovery is being hailed as a gamechanger, considering the dire state of plastic pollution worldwide. The enzyme, which has been called polyester hydrolase (PHL7), was recently found at a German cemetery, chewing off the compost. The scientists from Leipzig University then took the enzyme to their lab, during which they found that the enzyme was able to decompose polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by 90% in less than 16 hours. Notably, this isn’t the first plastic eater enzyme discovered. In 2016, a PET-guzzling enzyme called LLC was found at a recycling plant in Japan. It is considered to be a particularly effective "plastic eater." But the German scientists found that the newly found PHL7 is at least two times faster than the LLC. The findings have now been published in the scientific journal ‘ChemSusChem’. “The enzyme discovered in Leipzig can make an important contribution to establishing alternative energy-saving plastic recycling processes," said microbiologist Wolfgang Zimmermann from Leipzig University in Germany, according to Sciencealert. "The biocatalyst now developed in Leipzig has been shown to be highly effective in the rapid decomposition of used PET food packaging and is suitable for use in an environmentally friendly recycling process in which new plastic can be produced from the decomposition products." Also read | Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss Moreover, the scientists found that PHL7 doesn't even require any pre-treatment to decompose plastics. It will eat plastic without grinding or melting. Also read | Boeing's Starliner spaceship docks with International Space Station in key test mission "Thus, by employing powerful enzymes such as PHL7 it is possible to directly recycle post-consumer thermoform PET packaging in a closed-loop process with a low carbon footprint and without the use of petrochemicals, realizing a sustainable recycling process of an important PET plastic waste stream," the authors conclude. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists discover new enzyme that can chomp off plastic in record 16 hours

In the next few years, humans may have a close encounter with aliens, said former NASA chief scientist recently. &nbsp;

After expressing belief that life exists beyond Earth, the scientist, Jim Green, told BBC's HARDtalk that humans are on the edge of a "really astounding discovery". &nbsp;

Jim, who has worked at the US space agency for 40 years, believes aliens will be discovered within his lifetime. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/big-revelation-chinese-rover-unearths-evidence-of-waters-presence-on-mars-read-details-here-478281" hreflang="en">Big revelation: Chinese rover unearths evidence of water’s presence on Mars. Read details here</a>

Enormous progress has been made and Jim said that more planets within our galaxy are nowadays known to have stars. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Green said, "Many of them are in places much like the Earth where we can receive the light from the Sun and we can have water. And not only in liquid form - frozen form and vapour form. These are important conditions we believe for life. We are finding planets that have conditions where life may arise.” &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-ufos-what-do-we-know-about-flying-saucers-476318/embed" width="560"></iframe>

“With our next big telescope, we are going to start teasing out what some of these planets look like from their atmospheres. We are going to be comparing these atmospheres to the ones we know. Are they more Venus-like, are they more Mars-like, are they more Earth-like?" he added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is a huge step forward and we can see "really astounding discoveries in the next handful of years,"&nbsp;he stated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the next few years, humans may have a close encounter with aliens, said former NASA chief scientist recently. After expressing belief that life exists beyond Earth, the scientist, Jim Green, told BBC's HARDtalk that humans are on the edge of a "really astounding discovery".

In the next few years, humans may have a close encounter with aliens, said former NASA chief scientist recently. After expressing belief that life exists beyond Earth, the scientist, Jim Green, told BBC's HARDtalk that humans are on the edge of a "really astounding discovery". Jim, who has worked at the US space agency for 40 years, believes aliens will be discovered within his lifetime. Also Read: Big revelation: Chinese rover unearths evidence of water’s presence on Mars. Read details here Enormous progress has been made and Jim said that more planets within our galaxy are nowadays known to have stars. Green said, "Many of them are in places much like the Earth where we can receive the light from the Sun and we can have water. And not only in liquid form - frozen form and vapour form. These are important conditions we believe for life. We are finding planets that have conditions where life may arise.” Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? “With our next big telescope, we are going to start teasing out what some of these planets look like from their atmospheres. We are going to be comparing these atmospheres to the ones we know. Are they more Venus-like, are they more Mars-like, are they more Earth-like?" he added. It is a huge step forward and we can see "really astounding discoveries in the next handful of years," he stated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Waiting for it? In next few years, humans may have close encounter with aliens, says former NASA scientist

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes are mainly attracted to human blood over other animals?

The scientists from Princeton University in the US believe that it has a lot to do with our ‘citrusy’ scent.

According to the study published in the journal Nature, mosquitoes evolved to bite humans by solely relying on odour molecules which are distinct from those emitted by other creatures in a particular environment.

These Aedes aegypti&nbsp;mosquitoes, which act as carriers for diseases like Zika, dengue and yellow fever, strongly prefer human odour over animals, The Independent reported citing the study.

The scientists arrived at this conclusion by scanning mosquito brains at a very high resolution to see how they would react to different types of scent.

To achieve this, they genetically engineered the mosquitoes to make their brains light up when they were active, and expose them to different types of scent.

To test how these blood-sucking flying insects differentiated between mammal and human scent, scientists collected hair, fur and wool samples and used odour from 16 humans, two rats, two guinea pigs, two quails, one sheep and four dogs.

They then collected human and animal odours non-destructively and designed a system which allowed them to pass human odour at the mosquitoes in the imaging setup, the UK-based newspaper reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-phantom-island-keeps-appearing-and-disappearing-on-google-maps-scientists-stumped-477360" hreflang="en">Mysterious ‘phantom island’ keeps appearing and disappearing on Google Maps, scientists stumped</a>

The scientists then found out that mosquitoes have been using just two of their 60 glomeruli (nerve centres) to detect the human odour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/man-doesnt-get-high-after-two-bottles-complains-to-home-minister-477331" hreflang="en">Man doesn't get high after two bottles, complains to home minister</a>

The mosquitoes use these brain centres to detect two chemicals – decanal and undecanal – which have a slightly orangey, citrusy smell and are enriched in human odour, the study concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes are mainly attracted to human blood over other animals? The scientists from Princeton University in the US believe that it has a lot to do with our ‘citrusy’ scent.

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes are mainly attracted to human blood over other animals? The scientists from Princeton University in the US believe that it has a lot to do with our ‘citrusy’ scent. According to the study published in the journal Nature, mosquitoes evolved to bite humans by solely relying on odour molecules which are distinct from those emitted by other creatures in a particular environment. These Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which act as carriers for diseases like Zika, dengue and yellow fever, strongly prefer human odour over animals, The Independent reported citing the study. The scientists arrived at this conclusion by scanning mosquito brains at a very high resolution to see how they would react to different types of scent. To achieve this, they genetically engineered the mosquitoes to make their brains light up when they were active, and expose them to different types of scent. To test how these blood-sucking flying insects differentiated between mammal and human scent, scientists collected hair, fur and wool samples and used odour from 16 humans, two rats, two guinea pigs, two quails, one sheep and four dogs. They then collected human and animal odours non-destructively and designed a system which allowed them to pass human odour at the mosquitoes in the imaging setup, the UK-based newspaper reported. Also read | Mysterious ‘phantom island’ keeps appearing and disappearing on Google Maps, scientists stumped The scientists then found out that mosquitoes have been using just two of their 60 glomeruli (nerve centres) to detect the human odour. Also read | Man doesn't get high after two bottles, complains to home minister The mosquitoes use these brain centres to detect two chemicals – decanal and undecanal – which have a slightly orangey, citrusy smell and are enriched in human odour, the study concluded. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE

Scientists reveal why mosquitoes prefer human blood over other animals

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world.&nbsp;

Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-isros-gagan-which-can-aid-gps-and-enable-precise-navigation-of-aircraft-474733">What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft?</a>

"Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities.

However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning?&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-the-times-humanity-tried-to-communicate-with-aliens-475869/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes.&nbsp;

"From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions.&nbsp;

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-great-admirers-of-isro-says-omran-sharaf-project-manager-of-emirates-mars-mission-473814">We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission</a>

Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified. While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world. Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions. Also read | What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft? "Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities. However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning? Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes. "From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions. Watch WION LIVE HERE: Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded. Also read | We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'.

Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-start-ups-satellite-gets-tested-at-isro-facility-awaits-launch-through-pslv-rocket-469393">Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket &nbsp;</a>

On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail.

Watch |&nbsp;India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-isro-launches-eos-04-satellite-453149/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail"&nbsp;mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems.

As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-team-to-probe-suspected-chinese-rocket-debris-that-fell-in-maharashtra-village-468775">ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village</a>

However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses).

On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.

&nbsp;

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about.

Fresh out of engineering college, on his first day of having joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1985, S. Somanath was responsible for carrying out at least five tasks, of which he knew nothing about. There were no classes, no training, but the only saving grace for the freshly-minted engineer was the opportunity to meet scientists working on various projects in the organisation and to learn from their experience. "We learnt from people and were allowed to fail… I'm not sure how many times I failed. Every time I did something, there was always a failure. " Dr. S. Somanath, who currently serves as Chairman, ISRO, smiles and reminisces about his initial days in the Indian Space Agency. He was speaking at an event organised by Indian space start-up 'Manastu Space'. Recalling the time when he worked on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project, Dr. Somanath said that ISRO's organisational culture encouraged even the junior-most people to take decisions, test and fabricate components, and share the test results with their bosses. "Many of my efforts during PSLV time were met with many problems and failures… This learning came to us not by accident, but through many failures… I have seen at least ten instances of fasteners failing and causing havoc in joints…" he said. Also read | Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket On the level of knowledge and attention to detail that ISRO has developed over the years, the Chairman said that ISRO's engineers know so much more about nuts and bolts, than one can ever study in an engineering college. However, he also added that even today, ISRO's teams were studying to gain more understanding about nuts and bolts, as the understanding of them has not ended even today. Citing an example, he said that a typical rocket structure comprises 3,000 fasteners or rivets and how the failure of even one rivet could cause a catastrophic failure. Likewise, he also made a mention of how a single electronic circuit connection failure out of lakhs of connections could lead to a failure. It was principles like these that were constantly re-established in the minds of the scientists, in order to foster an unimaginable level of attention to detail. Watch | India: ISRO launches EOS-04 satellite "Whenever you leave anything to chance or because some big man said it would work, there is no guarantee that it will work. We have to prove it on paper with analytics, calculations, and theoretical foundations, and this proof is required every single time, "Somanath said, while emphasising the need for a critical mindset and a cynical approach. He added that every successful space system is the result of a questioning mindset and that inculcating a "tomorrow it is likely to fail" mindset in designers and engineers would result in wonderful systems. As a message to students willing to foray into the space sector, Somanath said that space technology was nothing special and that it was the same engineering sciences (electrical, mechanical, and chemical) that make everyday products. However, he explained that space technology was different in terms of applying the science and carrying out the project execution. Listing out the key abilities and skills of a space scientist, he emphasized upon having a deep understanding in one domain and stated that such an understanding cannot be obtained from textbooks or the best Universities. Instead, he said that such knowledge could be acquired only by working with experts who have already burnt their fingers by making multiple attempts. Also read | ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village However, he also cautioned that people must take a balanced approach between the radical ideas of youngsters and the cynical approach of senior scientists. He explained that following a safe and cynical approach (of seniors) could prevent losses, but also curtail innovation, whereas the new ideas of youth can help think up and execute out-of-the-box ideas and foster innovation (with the obvious risks of losses). On developing subject matter expertise in one domain at least, he said that anyone could do an average job, but only an expert could perform a highly-skilled job. "If you appreciate the expertise of another person, you can work as a team, because being an expert in a single domain can't help you achieve anything. With experts from across domains joining you, "even ordinary people with expertise can make things possible," he concluded.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath recalls his early days at ISRO, what it takes to be a space scientist

scientist

Scientist, News on Scientist, stories on Scientist, articles on Scientist, Scientist stories at Wion, Scientist news, Scientist latest news