A team of scientists have created a way of what they describe as their attempt to guide lightning strikes with a first-of-a-kind car-sized Laser Lightning Rod. The findings of their study were published in the journal Nature Photonics which took place on top of the Säntis mountain at an altitude of about 8,200 feet in north-eastern Switzerland. Researchers were able to guide a lightning bolt for more than 50 metres with a powerful laser near a 124-metre-high telecom tower which is struck by lightning at least 100 times a year and is often referred to as one of Europe’s most affected by lightning structures.&nbsp;

Lightning bolts are huge electrical discharges and a single one can reach up to a 30,000 degree Celsius temperature five times hotter than the surface of the sun. It is a complex phenomenon caused by an imbalance of positive and negative charges between storm clouds and the ground, however, some travel upward. Furthermore, while the chances of a person getting struck by lightning are rare, it has caused thousands of deaths and also tens of billions of dollars worth of damage to infrastructure every year.&nbsp;

Therefore, the research has major implications as scientists are looking for newer ways to protect lives and infrastructure from the typical lightning rod, the idea of which was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. “Metal rods are used almost everywhere to protect from lightning, but the area they can protect is limited to a few metres or tens of metres,” said Aurélien Houard, a physicist at Ecole Polytechnique’s Laboratory of Applied Optics in France and the lead author of the study, to the Guardian.&nbsp;

According to the study, the total lightning flash rate worldwide, based on satellite data, is between 40 and 120 flashes per second while the number of lightning fatalities is well above 4,000. The large car-sized device which uses lasers manufactured by Germany-based&nbsp;Trumpf Group&nbsp;weighs at least five tonnes and is capable of firing up to 1,000 pulses per second. Last year, between July and September the team rapidly fired laser pulses at thunderclouds for more than six hours and observed its effect by using high-speed cameras several kilometres away.&nbsp;

They found that they were able to guide an upward negative lightning leader over a distance of 50 metres which was then recorded by two separate high-speed cameras. “We wanted to give the first demonstration that the laser can have an influence on lightning - and it is simplest to guide it”, said Houard. In simple terms, the laser acts as a virtual lightning rod which mimics metal conductors which intercept and divert lightning bolts.&nbsp;

While such experiments using lasers to guide lightning bolts have been conducted before in 2004, according to Houard, they did not emit enough pulses per second for lightning, which brews in milliseconds and therefore were unsuccessful. However, there is a catch, as lasers pose a risk to the eyes of pilots flying by. In fact, the study was conducted after temporarily shutting the air traffic over the test site.&nbsp;

“Indeed, there is a potential issue using the system with air traffic in the area because the laser could harm the eyes of the pilot if he crosses the laser beam and looks down,” said Houard, as per Reuters. But scientists believe that this technology could be used in designated areas where no-fly restrictions apply.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A team of scientists have created a way of what they describe as their attempt to guide lightning strikes with a first-of-a-kind car-sized Laser Lightning Rod. The findings of their study were published in the journal Nature Photonics which took place on top of the Säntis mountain at an altitude of about 8,200 feet in north-eastern Switzerland.

A team of scientists have created a way of what they describe as their attempt to guide lightning strikes with a first-of-a-kind car-sized Laser Lightning Rod. The findings of their study were published in the journal Nature Photonics which took place on top of the Säntis mountain at an altitude of about 8,200 feet in north-eastern Switzerland. Researchers were able to guide a lightning bolt for more than 50 metres with a powerful laser near a 124-metre-high telecom tower which is struck by lightning at least 100 times a year and is often referred to as one of Europe’s most affected by lightning structures. Lightning bolts are huge electrical discharges and a single one can reach up to a 30,000 degree Celsius temperature five times hotter than the surface of the sun. It is a complex phenomenon caused by an imbalance of positive and negative charges between storm clouds and the ground, however, some travel upward. Furthermore, while the chances of a person getting struck by lightning are rare, it has caused thousands of deaths and also tens of billions of dollars worth of damage to infrastructure every year. Therefore, the research has major implications as scientists are looking for newer ways to protect lives and infrastructure from the typical lightning rod, the idea of which was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. “Metal rods are used almost everywhere to protect from lightning, but the area they can protect is limited to a few metres or tens of metres,” said Aurélien Houard, a physicist at Ecole Polytechnique’s Laboratory of Applied Optics in France and the lead author of the study, to the Guardian. According to the study, the total lightning flash rate worldwide, based on satellite data, is between 40 and 120 flashes per second while the number of lightning fatalities is well above 4,000. The large car-sized device which uses lasers manufactured by Germany-based Trumpf Group weighs at least five tonnes and is capable of firing up to 1,000 pulses per second. Last year, between July and September the team rapidly fired laser pulses at thunderclouds for more than six hours and observed its effect by using high-speed cameras several kilometres away. They found that they were able to guide an upward negative lightning leader over a distance of 50 metres which was then recorded by two separate high-speed cameras. “We wanted to give the first demonstration that the laser can have an influence on lightning - and it is simplest to guide it”, said Houard. In simple terms, the laser acts as a virtual lightning rod which mimics metal conductors which intercept and divert lightning bolts. While such experiments using lasers to guide lightning bolts have been conducted before in 2004, according to Houard, they did not emit enough pulses per second for lightning, which brews in milliseconds and therefore were unsuccessful. However, there is a catch, as lasers pose a risk to the eyes of pilots flying by. In fact, the study was conducted after temporarily shutting the air traffic over the test site. “Indeed, there is a potential issue using the system with air traffic in the area because the laser could harm the eyes of the pilot if he crosses the laser beam and looks down,” said Houard, as per Reuters. But scientists believe that this technology could be used in designated areas where no-fly restrictions apply. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, scientists use car-sized laser to divert lightning strikes

From the early years of life, humans have been carrying the urge to extend their hands to animals, as per the researchers who observed the interaction between toddlers and friendly dogs.

Children, who were as two years old only, took extra effort to help dogs get tasty treats and toys which were kept beyond their reach, even though they had never met the dogs before, scientists observed.&nbsp;

The research emphasises that the desires of dogs can be understood by the toddlers and they are willing and have to ability to extend their help to the dogs, even though there is very less chance that the dogs would return the favour.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/palmless-us-company-comes-up-with-an-alternative-to-palm-oil-553076">'Palmless': US company comes up with an alternative to palm oil</a>

“It’s really special to see how early this begins,” stated Dr Rachna Reddy, who is the study's first author and an evolutionary anthropologist and holds posts at both Duke University and Harvard University.&nbsp;

“From early in our development we have tendencies to behave prosocially towards other people, to try to understand what’s going on in their minds,” she stated. She added that as per the latest study even toddlers “have the motivation and the ability to extend this kind of helping behaviour to other animals”.&nbsp;

WATCH| Emerging trends in the world of Robotics

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The researchers stated that humans may have been able to thrive in the world because of their friendly approach towards other species, which is visible even in children who are very young and learning to talk and walk.&nbsp;

“Animal domestication was really advantageous to human survival. It really enabled us to live and thrive, there’s a huge evolutionary benefit. Why we came to domesticate animals is a big mystery, and this is one piece of evidence that might help us to understand that mystery,” Reddy said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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From the early years of life, humans have been carrying the urge to extend their hands to animals, as per the researchers who observed the interaction between toddlers and friendly dogs.

From the early years of life, humans have been carrying the urge to extend their hands to animals, as per the researchers who observed the interaction between toddlers and friendly dogs. Children, who were as two years old only, took extra effort to help dogs get tasty treats and toys which were kept beyond their reach, even though they had never met the dogs before, scientists observed. The research emphasises that the desires of dogs can be understood by the toddlers and they are willing and have to ability to extend their help to the dogs, even though there is very less chance that the dogs would return the favour. ALSO READ| 'Palmless': US company comes up with an alternative to palm oil “It’s really special to see how early this begins,” stated Dr Rachna Reddy, who is the study's first author and an evolutionary anthropologist and holds posts at both Duke University and Harvard University. “From early in our development we have tendencies to behave prosocially towards other people, to try to understand what’s going on in their minds,” she stated. She added that as per the latest study even toddlers “have the motivation and the ability to extend this kind of helping behaviour to other animals”. WATCH| Emerging trends in the world of Robotics The researchers stated that humans may have been able to thrive in the world because of their friendly approach towards other species, which is visible even in children who are very young and learning to talk and walk. “Animal domestication was really advantageous to human survival. It really enabled us to live and thrive, there’s a huge evolutionary benefit. Why we came to domesticate animals is a big mystery, and this is one piece of evidence that might help us to understand that mystery,” Reddy said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Altruism of humans towards species may have helped them thrive, suggests study

A study of the Martian meteorite ‘Tissint’ which crashed landed in Morocco over a decade ago found that it consists of a vast array of organic compounds which could reveal new details about the Red Planet’s habitability and even important clues about Earth’s geological history. Published in the journal Science Advances by an international team of researchers led by the Technical University of Munich in Germany. It also included Helmholtz Munich’s Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin and Carnegie Institution for Science in the United States’ Andrew Steele.&nbsp;

In a statement, the lead author of the study, Schmitt-Kopplin, said, “Mars and Earth share many aspects of their evolution. And while life arose and thrived on our home planet, the question of whether it ever existed on Mars is a very hot research topic that requires deeper knowledge of our neighbouring planet’s water, organic molecules, and reactive surfaces.”&nbsp;

After analysing the meteorite’s organic inventory in detail the researchers found a link between the type and diversity of organic molecules as well as specific mineralogy. This helped them create the most comprehensive catalogue of the diversity of organic compounds found in a Martian meteorite or in a sample collected and analysed by a rover. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-there-life-on-mars-study-of-decades-old-meteorite-casts-doubt-on-presence-of-life-on-the-planet-444601">Is there life on Mars?: Study of decades-old meteorite casts doubt on presence of life on the planet</a>

The meteorite, Tissint, is one of the five Martian rocks that was observed as it fell to the Earth, over 11 years ago its pieces were scattered in a Moroccan desert about 30 miles from the town after which it was named. It is speculated that the hundred million years old rock was launched into space following a violent event.&nbsp;

Notably, organic compounds are large molecules that contain predominantly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, and are associated with life and biological processes. However, these compounds can be created by non-biological processes which previous Martian meteorite research demonstrated which scientists call, abiotic organic chemistry.&nbsp;

The findings of the study detailed the process occurring beneath the Red Planet’s mantle and crust and how they have changed over time, especially with regard to abiotic organics that formed from Mars’ water-rock interactions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/30000-meteorites-are-hiding-across-antarctica-as-per-this-treasure-map-created-by-artificial-intelligence-451559">30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence</a>

According to Steele who was also a member of both the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers’ teams, “understanding the processes and sequence of events that shaped this rich organic bounty will reveal new details about Mars’ habitability and potentially about the reactions that could lead to the formation of life.”&nbsp;

Additionally, one of the most intriguing findings of the study was the abundance of organic magnesium compounds which was previously not seen on Mars and offered insights into the planet’s high-pressure and high-temperature geochemistry that shaped its deep interior as well as a connection between its carbon cycle and mineral evolution.&nbsp; 
 
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A study of the Martian meteorite ‘Tissint’ which crashed landed in Morocco over a decade ago found that it consists of a vast array of organic compounds which could reveal new details about the Red Planet’s habitability and even important clues about Earth’s geological history.

A study of the Martian meteorite ‘Tissint’ which crashed landed in Morocco over a decade ago found that it consists of a vast array of organic compounds which could reveal new details about the Red Planet’s habitability and even important clues about Earth’s geological history. Published in the journal Science Advances by an international team of researchers led by the Technical University of Munich in Germany. It also included Helmholtz Munich’s Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin and Carnegie Institution for Science in the United States’ Andrew Steele. In a statement, the lead author of the study, Schmitt-Kopplin, said, “Mars and Earth share many aspects of their evolution. And while life arose and thrived on our home planet, the question of whether it ever existed on Mars is a very hot research topic that requires deeper knowledge of our neighbouring planet’s water, organic molecules, and reactive surfaces.” After analysing the meteorite’s organic inventory in detail the researchers found a link between the type and diversity of organic molecules as well as specific mineralogy. This helped them create the most comprehensive catalogue of the diversity of organic compounds found in a Martian meteorite or in a sample collected and analysed by a rover. ALSO READ | Is there life on Mars?: Study of decades-old meteorite casts doubt on presence of life on the planet The meteorite, Tissint, is one of the five Martian rocks that was observed as it fell to the Earth, over 11 years ago its pieces were scattered in a Moroccan desert about 30 miles from the town after which it was named. It is speculated that the hundred million years old rock was launched into space following a violent event. Notably, organic compounds are large molecules that contain predominantly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur, and are associated with life and biological processes. However, these compounds can be created by non-biological processes which previous Martian meteorite research demonstrated which scientists call, abiotic organic chemistry. The findings of the study detailed the process occurring beneath the Red Planet’s mantle and crust and how they have changed over time, especially with regard to abiotic organics that formed from Mars’ water-rock interactions. ALSO READ | 30,000 meteorites are hiding across Antarctica as per this 'treasure map' created by artificial intelligence According to Steele who was also a member of both the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers’ teams, “understanding the processes and sequence of events that shaped this rich organic bounty will reveal new details about Mars’ habitability and potentially about the reactions that could lead to the formation of life.” Additionally, one of the most intriguing findings of the study was the abundance of organic magnesium compounds which was previously not seen on Mars and offered insights into the planet’s high-pressure and high-temperature geochemistry that shaped its deep interior as well as a connection between its carbon cycle and mineral evolution. 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.

Martian meteorite with vast array of organic compounds might hold clues to life on Mars

A team of researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom have found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), used to relieve symptoms of menopause in women, may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The study published in the Alzheimer’s Research &amp; Therapy journal, earlier this week, shows evidence of HRT reducing the risk of the aforementioned disease in women carrying the APOE4 gene. While APOE4 is the strongest risk factor gene for the disease, inheriting it does not necessarily mean that a person will definitely develop the condition.&nbsp;

The recent study found that HRT was most effective when taken before periods stop and the onset of symptoms which then build up for months or years, also known as perimenopause. However, researchers have also said that they cannot say with absolute certainty that HRT will reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women, but the findings were important given the limited treatment and prevention options for dementia.&nbsp;

“In addition to living longer, the reason behind the higher female prevalence is thought to be related to the effects of menopause and the impact of the APOE4 genetic risk factor being greater in women,” said professor Anne-Marie Minihane from UEA’s Norwich Medical School who co-led the study with the University of Edinburgh, professor Craig Ritchie. She added, “We wanted to find out whether HRT could prevent cognitive decline in at-risk APOE4 carriers”.&nbsp;

The findings were based on the data analysed from 1,178 women who are a part of the European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia initiative, which was set up to study the participants’ brain health over time. The initiative has reportedly tracked over 1,900 people across 10 countries who were aged over 50 and did not have dementia at the beginning of the study.&nbsp;

Notably, while the study does not look at dementia cases, Minihane said that cognitive performance and lower brain volumes are predictive of future dementia risk. The team of researchers from the UK looked at MRI scans which recorded the results of the cognitive tests and brain volumes and found that APOE4 carriers who used HRT had better cognition and higher brain volumes. This data was then compared to those who did not take the HRT and also were non-APOE4 carriers.&nbsp;

“An effect on both cognition and brain changes on MRI supports the notion that HRT has tangible benefit. These initial findings need replication, however, in other populations,” said Ritchie. Additionally, he also highlighted the need to challenge many assumptions about Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment, particularly in women.&nbsp; 
 
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A team of researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom have found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), used to relieve symptoms of menopause in women, may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

A team of researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom have found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), used to relieve symptoms of menopause in women, may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The study published in the Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy journal, earlier this week, shows evidence of HRT reducing the risk of the aforementioned disease in women carrying the APOE4 gene. While APOE4 is the strongest risk factor gene for the disease, inheriting it does not necessarily mean that a person will definitely develop the condition. The recent study found that HRT was most effective when taken before periods stop and the onset of symptoms which then build up for months or years, also known as perimenopause. However, researchers have also said that they cannot say with absolute certainty that HRT will reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women, but the findings were important given the limited treatment and prevention options for dementia. “In addition to living longer, the reason behind the higher female prevalence is thought to be related to the effects of menopause and the impact of the APOE4 genetic risk factor being greater in women,” said professor Anne-Marie Minihane from UEA’s Norwich Medical School who co-led the study with the University of Edinburgh, professor Craig Ritchie. She added, “We wanted to find out whether HRT could prevent cognitive decline in at-risk APOE4 carriers”. The findings were based on the data analysed from 1,178 women who are a part of the European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia initiative, which was set up to study the participants’ brain health over time. The initiative has reportedly tracked over 1,900 people across 10 countries who were aged over 50 and did not have dementia at the beginning of the study. Notably, while the study does not look at dementia cases, Minihane said that cognitive performance and lower brain volumes are predictive of future dementia risk. The team of researchers from the UK looked at MRI scans which recorded the results of the cognitive tests and brain volumes and found that APOE4 carriers who used HRT had better cognition and higher brain volumes. This data was then compared to those who did not take the HRT and also were non-APOE4 carriers. “An effect on both cognition and brain changes on MRI supports the notion that HRT has tangible benefit. These initial findings need replication, however, in other populations,” said Ritchie. Additionally, he also highlighted the need to challenge many assumptions about Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment, particularly in women. 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.

Hormone replacement therapy may help reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women: Study

The World Health Organisation has warned that alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive and dependence-producing substance that is casually linked to 7 types of cancer, including oesophagus, liver, colorectal and breast cancers. Watch this to know more.

No amount of alcohol is safe to drink

Researchers have found what may be the first-ever “virovore” or an organism which eats viruses. The study was published last week, in the PNAS journal by scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States, which found two plankton organisms named Halteria and Paramecium, can not only feed on viruses but also thrive by consuming them.&nbsp;

According to ScienceDirect, there are several other organisms which incidentally consume viruses, to be accounted for in the food chain and be described as virovory, the consumption should contribute a significant amount of energy and nutrients to its consumer which a species of Halteria does.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hybrid-virus-capable-of-evading-immune-system-observed-for-first-time-528320">Hybrid virus capable of evading immune system observed for first time</a>

The research, which has been three years in the making, was looking to find if any microbes actively ate viruses and whether such a diet could support the physiological and population growth of a community which in this case it did.&nbsp;

The microbe in question, Halteria, is a microscopic ciliate that lives in freshwater. “They are made up of really good stuff: nucleic acids, a lot of nitrogen and phosphorous”, said John DeLong, an ecologist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who with his team made the discovery.&nbsp;

He added, “Everything should want to eat them. So many things will eat anything they can get ahold of. Surely something would have learned how to eat these really good raw materials.” As mentioned earlier, since viruses are omnipresent, they are incidentally eaten all the time, however, for this study, the researchers chose ‘chlorovirus’ which is widespread in freshwater with algae.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-sample-collection-risks-bringing-to-earth-deadly-alien-virus-heres-what-you-should-know-478730">Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know</a>

Additionally, the research also notes the different patterns of consumption between Halteria and Paramecium as the former used chlorovirus as a source of nutrients and while the latter did consume viruses it did not grow much in population.&nbsp;

Additionally, the consumption of chloroviruses could have a profound impact on the carbon cycle, “If you multiply a crude estimate of how many viruses there are, how many ciliates there are and how much water there is, it comes out to this massive amount of energy movement up the food chain,” said DeLong, reported ScienceDirect.&nbsp;

He added, “If this is happening at the scale that we think it could be, it should completely change our view on global carbon cycling.”&nbsp; 
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Researchers have found what may be the first-ever “virovore” or an organism which eats viruses. The study was published last week, in the PNAS journal by scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States, which found two plankton organisms named Halteria and Paramecium, can not only feed on viruses but also thrive by consuming them.

Researchers have found what may be the first-ever “virovore” or an organism which eats viruses. The study was published last week, in the PNAS journal by scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States, which found two plankton organisms named Halteria and Paramecium, can not only feed on viruses but also thrive by consuming them. According to ScienceDirect, there are several other organisms which incidentally consume viruses, to be accounted for in the food chain and be described as virovory, the consumption should contribute a significant amount of energy and nutrients to its consumer which a species of Halteria does. ALSO READ | Hybrid virus capable of evading immune system observed for first time The research, which has been three years in the making, was looking to find if any microbes actively ate viruses and whether such a diet could support the physiological and population growth of a community which in this case it did. The microbe in question, Halteria, is a microscopic ciliate that lives in freshwater. “They are made up of really good stuff: nucleic acids, a lot of nitrogen and phosphorous”, said John DeLong, an ecologist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who with his team made the discovery. He added, “Everything should want to eat them. So many things will eat anything they can get ahold of. Surely something would have learned how to eat these really good raw materials.” As mentioned earlier, since viruses are omnipresent, they are incidentally eaten all the time, however, for this study, the researchers chose ‘chlorovirus’ which is widespread in freshwater with algae. ALSO READ | Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know Additionally, the research also notes the different patterns of consumption between Halteria and Paramecium as the former used chlorovirus as a source of nutrients and while the latter did consume viruses it did not grow much in population. Additionally, the consumption of chloroviruses could have a profound impact on the carbon cycle, “If you multiply a crude estimate of how many viruses there are, how many ciliates there are and how much water there is, it comes out to this massive amount of energy movement up the food chain,” said DeLong, reported ScienceDirect. He added, “If this is happening at the scale that we think it could be, it should completely change our view on global carbon cycling.” 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.

‘Virovore’: Scientists discover an organism that eats viruses

Are the ill effects of air pollution present in the common illnesses that so many of us experience? People who live in contaminated areas are more likely to have many chronic illnesses, according to a recent study—the largest of its kind conducted in the United Kingdom. More than 360,000 people with health data from the UK Biobank between the ages of 40 and 69 were studied by researchers. Even after accounting for variations in wealth, they discovered higher odds of a number of neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and common mental health problems including sadness and anxiety. These persistent issues have a negative impact on people's lives and have a significant negative impact on our economy and healthcare system.

The UK government set a goal earlier this month for England to have the worst particle pollution in 2040, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;It implies that England intends to comply with the 2005 World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations in 18 years, 35 years after the recommendations were established. For people who live with particle pollution that is worse than the 2040 England target, the new health study indicated an additional 20 per cent likelihood of developing several long-term illnesses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/uk-man-given-a-year-to-live-defeats-stage-4-cancer-547984">UK man, given a year to live, defeats stage-4 Cancer</a>

Dr Ioannis Bakolis, from King’s College London, who spoke to the Guardian and also led the study, said: “We will need to track people’s changing health over time to know for sure if air pollution caused these chronic health problems. If air pollution exposure indeed affects risk, it presents an opportunity to shape the epidemic of multiple long-term illness using environmental policy such as expanding&nbsp;low-emission zones&nbsp;or avoiding building care homes in pollution hotspots.”

Also watch |&nbsp;WHO 'concerned’ on Covid situation in China, calls restrictions by countries ‘understandable’

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Air pollution has been affecting the height and health of soldiers who had grown up close to heavily coal-used areas, according to a recent analysis of army data from the First World War.

All of this strengthens the case that exposure to air pollution can cause a variety of chronic illnesses. To put it another way, there may be more advantages to clean air than we realise.

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Are the ill effects of air pollution present in the common illnesses that so many of us experience? People who live in contaminated areas are more likely to have many chronic illnesses, according to a recent study—the largest of its kind conducted in the United Kingdom.

Are the ill effects of air pollution present in the common illnesses that so many of us experience? People who live in contaminated areas are more likely to have many chronic illnesses, according to a recent study—the largest of its kind conducted in the United Kingdom. More than 360,000 people with health data from the UK Biobank between the ages of 40 and 69 were studied by researchers. Even after accounting for variations in wealth, they discovered higher odds of a number of neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and common mental health problems including sadness and anxiety. These persistent issues have a negative impact on people's lives and have a significant negative impact on our economy and healthcare system. The UK government set a goal earlier this month for England to have the worst particle pollution in 2040, reported the Guardian. It implies that England intends to comply with the 2005 World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations in 18 years, 35 years after the recommendations were established. For people who live with particle pollution that is worse than the 2040 England target, the new health study indicated an additional 20 per cent likelihood of developing several long-term illnesses. Also read | UK man, given a year to live, defeats stage-4 Cancer Dr Ioannis Bakolis, from King’s College London, who spoke to the Guardian and also led the study, said: “We will need to track people’s changing health over time to know for sure if air pollution caused these chronic health problems. If air pollution exposure indeed affects risk, it presents an opportunity to shape the epidemic of multiple long-term illness using environmental policy such as expanding low-emission zones or avoiding building care homes in pollution hotspots.” Also watch | WHO 'concerned’ on Covid situation in China, calls restrictions by countries ‘understandable’ Air pollution has been affecting the height and health of soldiers who had grown up close to heavily coal-used areas, according to a recent analysis of army data from the First World War. All of this strengthens the case that exposure to air pollution can cause a variety of chronic illnesses. To put it another way, there may be more advantages to clean air than we realise. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Air pollution linked to multiple long-term illnesses, confirms UK study

A Malaysian study has deduced that there is a link between the overuse of social media platform – facebook and your mental health.

Facebook overuse lowers self-worth

Music is widely used to enhance well-being and reduce stress. Music reduces anxiety and improves mood even for medical patients. A recent study has revealed that music therapy&nbsp;might reduce anxiety in cancer patients.&nbsp;

A recent study conducted by the University Hospitals Connor Whole Health found that patients with cancer or sickle cell diseases receiving music therapy treatment showed less pain and anxiety, ANI reported.&nbsp;

The report was published in the journal "Integrative Cancer Therapies."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-practising-mindfulness-worked-as-well-as-medication-prescribed-for-anxiety-532735">Also read |&nbsp;Study shows practising mindfulness worked as well as medication prescribed for anxiety</a>

The report showed that patients excluding SCD showed high levels of anxiety than the ones who were treated with music therapy.&nbsp;

The music therapists at UH Connor WHole Health conducted over 4,000 kinds of music therapies on nearly 1,500 patients over the course of 2,400 encounters at the UH Seidman Cancer Centre for this study.&nbsp;

This has been regarded as one of the largest examinations for music therapy in haematology and oncology to date.&nbsp;

During these sessions, the therapists provided patients with music listening, active music-making and songwriting practice for patients that helped them with pain management, anxiety reduction and self-expression.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/listening-to-birds-can-reduce-stress-and-anxiety-in-humans-study-525624">Also read |&nbsp;Listening to birdsongs can help alleviate stress and anxiety in humans: Study</a>

In their experiment "Clinical Delivery and Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Hematology and Oncology: An EMMPIRE Retrospective Study" researchers examined the clinical delivery and effectiveness of music at the centre and compared that to the effectiveness of music therapy on pain, anxiety and fatigue between adult patients with SCD with ones excluding SCD.&nbsp;

As a part of clinical research, the therapists assessed their patients on a scale from zero to 10 at the beginning and end of the session and documented their sessions on an electronic health record.&nbsp;

The results of the study showed that patients with SCD and HemOnc groups showed a reduction in pain, anxiety and fatigue. Patients expressed their gratitude, joy and improvements in mood and pain.&nbsp;

A patient said, "It helps me release the everyday pressure and stress that is going on." He added, "I've had a lot of hard times, but this really gives me courage. You gave me a way to articulate my feelings."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Music is widely used to enhance well-being and reduce stress. Music reduces anxiety and improves mood even for medical patients. A recent study has revealed that music therapy might reduce anxiety in cancer patients.

Music is widely used to enhance well-being and reduce stress. Music reduces anxiety and improves mood even for medical patients. A recent study has revealed that music therapy might reduce anxiety in cancer patients. A recent study conducted by the University Hospitals Connor Whole Health found that patients with cancer or sickle cell diseases receiving music therapy treatment showed less pain and anxiety, ANI reported. The report was published in the journal "Integrative Cancer Therapies." Also read | Study shows practising mindfulness worked as well as medication prescribed for anxiety The report showed that patients excluding SCD showed high levels of anxiety than the ones who were treated with music therapy. The music therapists at UH Connor WHole Health conducted over 4,000 kinds of music therapies on nearly 1,500 patients over the course of 2,400 encounters at the UH Seidman Cancer Centre for this study. This has been regarded as one of the largest examinations for music therapy in haematology and oncology to date. During these sessions, the therapists provided patients with music listening, active music-making and songwriting practice for patients that helped them with pain management, anxiety reduction and self-expression. Also read | Listening to birdsongs can help alleviate stress and anxiety in humans: Study In their experiment "Clinical Delivery and Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Hematology and Oncology: An EMMPIRE Retrospective Study" researchers examined the clinical delivery and effectiveness of music at the centre and compared that to the effectiveness of music therapy on pain, anxiety and fatigue between adult patients with SCD with ones excluding SCD. As a part of clinical research, the therapists assessed their patients on a scale from zero to 10 at the beginning and end of the session and documented their sessions on an electronic health record. The results of the study showed that patients with SCD and HemOnc groups showed a reduction in pain, anxiety and fatigue. Patients expressed their gratitude, joy and improvements in mood and pain. A patient said, "It helps me release the everyday pressure and stress that is going on." He added, "I've had a lot of hard times, but this really gives me courage. You gave me a way to articulate my feelings." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Listening to music can help cancer patients with pain and anxiety, says new study 

Women are more empathetic towards other people than anyone around the world, and we already knew this, but now this can be backed by a study too. According to a study published by researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK, women are better at empathising with other people than men. It is the largest of its kind study ever to date in a particular form of empathy, called "cognitive empathy" or as scientists like to call it, "theory of mind".

<h2>What is cognitive empathy?</h2>

When comes to empathy, is one of the most important qualities that describe a person's behaviour toward others in the social world. Empathy makes a person much more receptive to the emotions of the world, to understand or feel what another person is experiencing by putting oneself in another person's position. Empathy can be on different levels, social, emotional, spiritual or cognitive.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-now-has-around-100-active-starlinks-claims-elon-musk-547008">Iran now has around 100 active Starlinks, claims Elon Musk</a>

Cognitive empathy is the capacity of a person to understand another's perspective or mental state, like what one might be thinking or feeling. A person who has cognitive empathy is not only able to feel other person's feelings but can also use that knowledge to predict how the person will react going forward. This ability is almost a gift for humans which can help them make better relations with people around them in the social structure of life.&nbsp;

<h2>How cognitive empathy is different from emotional empathy?</h2>

Emotional or affective empathy is when a person feels another person's emotions and responds with an appropriate reaction or emotion. For example, if a person sees another person begging on the road, they will start to feel sad and feel compassion for that person and pay him some bucks as a result. This kind of empathy is even seen in infants, when they see adults around them in distress they also try to express their distress in one or another.&nbsp;

<h2>"Reading the Mind in the Eyes test"</h2>

The University of Cambridge tested both kinds of empathy, emotional and cognitive, using a different kind of test called, "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" or simply the "Eyes Test", which helps measure a person's ability to recognise another person's mental state or emotions.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-santa-claus-is-buried-in-turkey-scientists-might-finally-have-solved-the-centuries-old-mystery-546964">&nbsp;WHAT! Santa Claus is buried in Turkey? Scientists might finally have solved the centuries-old mystery</a>

The test requires participants to examine photographs of the area around a person's eyes. The person is making a specific facial expression, and the study participant must choose what that person is thinking or feeling from a list of options. This test is frequently used by scientists to determine whether or not someone has mental or cognitive issues. People with autism, for example, frequently score lower on these tests, as do people with dementia and people with eating disorders, among others, according to previous research.

<h2>How the data was collected for this study?</h2>

Data was collected from teams all over the world to see if cultural differences affected empathy scores. The study's authors worked at Cambridge University and Harvard University in the United States, Bar-Ilan University and Haifa University in Israel, and the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca in Italy. The authors of the study were able to gather results from nearly 306,000 people from 57 countries, including Argentina, Croatia, Egypt, India, Japan, and Norway, by combining their results with large samples from different online platforms.

<h2>What do the findings of this study imply?</h2>

Women scored significantly higher in cognitive empathy than men in 36 countries on average. Women and men scored equally in 21 of the countries. There was not a single country where men outperformed women on average. The findings were consistent across eight languages and across the lifespan, from 16 to 70 years old. Though scientists did see a decline in cognitive empathy as people grow older.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-develops-lobster-eye-telescope-to-scan-the-murky-depths-of-the-universe-547044">China develops 'lobster eye' telescope to scan the murky depths of the universe</a>

David M. Greenberg, a psychologist and researcher at Bar-Ilan University and Cambridge University, said, "That shallow decline in empathy raises some questions about what are the contributing factors that are at play".&nbsp;The study was unable to determine the cause of this decline. Greenberg speculated that it could be partly biological,&nbsp;perhaps there are hormonal changes in the body, or it could be a social or environmental factor. The study also couldn't explain why women had so much more cognitive empathy than men.&nbsp;

<h2>Why this study was important?</h2>

Understanding sex differences in empathy may enable researchers in understanding better why certain mental health problems affect men more than women. According to the researchers, this latest study could also help scientists develop better support for people who struggle to read facial expressions.

The co-author of the study Carrie Allison, who is also the director&nbsp;of applied research at the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University, said in a news release, "This study clearly demonstrates a largely consistent sex difference across countries, languages, and ages.&nbsp;This raises new questions for future research about the social and biological factors that may contribute to the observed on-average sex difference in cognitive empathy".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Women are more empathetic towards other people than anyone around the world, and we already knew this, but now this can be backed by a study too. According to a study published by researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK, women are better at empathising with other people than men.

Women are more empathetic towards other people than anyone around the world, and we already knew this, but now this can be backed by a study too. According to a study published by researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK, women are better at empathising with other people than men. It is the largest of its kind study ever to date in a particular form of empathy, called "cognitive empathy" or as scientists like to call it, "theory of mind". What is cognitive empathy? When comes to empathy, is one of the most important qualities that describe a person's behaviour toward others in the social world. Empathy makes a person much more receptive to the emotions of the world, to understand or feel what another person is experiencing by putting oneself in another person's position. Empathy can be on different levels, social, emotional, spiritual or cognitive. Also Read | Iran now has around 100 active Starlinks, claims Elon Musk Cognitive empathy is the capacity of a person to understand another's perspective or mental state, like what one might be thinking or feeling. A person who has cognitive empathy is not only able to feel other person's feelings but can also use that knowledge to predict how the person will react going forward. This ability is almost a gift for humans which can help them make better relations with people around them in the social structure of life. How cognitive empathy is different from emotional empathy? Emotional or affective empathy is when a person feels another person's emotions and responds with an appropriate reaction or emotion. For example, if a person sees another person begging on the road, they will start to feel sad and feel compassion for that person and pay him some bucks as a result. This kind of empathy is even seen in infants, when they see adults around them in distress they also try to express their distress in one or another. "Reading the Mind in the Eyes test" The University of Cambridge tested both kinds of empathy, emotional and cognitive, using a different kind of test called, "Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test" or simply the "Eyes Test", which helps measure a person's ability to recognise another person's mental state or emotions. Also Read | WHAT! Santa Claus is buried in Turkey? Scientists might finally have solved the centuries-old mystery The test requires participants to examine photographs of the area around a person's eyes. The person is making a specific facial expression, and the study participant must choose what that person is thinking or feeling from a list of options. This test is frequently used by scientists to determine whether or not someone has mental or cognitive issues. People with autism, for example, frequently score lower on these tests, as do people with dementia and people with eating disorders, among others, according to previous research. How the data was collected for this study? Data was collected from teams all over the world to see if cultural differences affected empathy scores. The study's authors worked at Cambridge University and Harvard University in the United States, Bar-Ilan University and Haifa University in Israel, and the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca in Italy. The authors of the study were able to gather results from nearly 306,000 people from 57 countries, including Argentina, Croatia, Egypt, India, Japan, and Norway, by combining their results with large samples from different online platforms. What do the findings of this study imply? Women scored significantly higher in cognitive empathy than men in 36 countries on average. Women and men scored equally in 21 of the countries. There was not a single country where men outperformed women on average. The findings were consistent across eight languages and across the lifespan, from 16 to 70 years old. Though scientists did see a decline in cognitive empathy as people grow older. Also Read | China develops 'lobster eye' telescope to scan the murky depths of the universe David M. Greenberg, a psychologist and researcher at Bar-Ilan University and Cambridge University, said, "That shallow decline in empathy raises some questions about what are the contributing factors that are at play". The study was unable to determine the cause of this decline. Greenberg speculated that it could be partly biological, perhaps there are hormonal changes in the body, or it could be a social or environmental factor. The study also couldn't explain why women had so much more cognitive empathy than men. Why this study was important? Understanding sex differences in empathy may enable researchers in understanding better why certain mental health problems affect men more than women. According to the researchers, this latest study could also help scientists develop better support for people who struggle to read facial expressions. The co-author of the study Carrie Allison, who is also the director of applied research at the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University, said in a news release, "This study clearly demonstrates a largely consistent sex difference across countries, languages, and ages. This raises new questions for future research about the social and biological factors that may contribute to the observed on-average sex difference in cognitive empathy". 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.

Women all around the world are more empathetic than men, study shows

According to 31 per cent of dating app users of QuackQuack from tier 1 and 2 cities, the holiday season and the start of the new year serve as harsh reminders of people's single status. Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, Ravi Mittal, said, "We found users specifically looking for a date to spend their Christmas and New Year's day with among the 24 million chats that were shared last month. Every year, we notice a rise in the number of user log-ins throughout this period, with the first weekend of the new year seeing the biggest number."

The App conducted a study with 10,000 survey participants including working professionals and students, to better understand the sudden spike in romantic interest around Christmas and New Year's. The holidays and the new year usher in the busiest season for the dating app.

Let's Meet IRL

According to the survey, approximately 25 per cent of males with new matches had plans to get together in person on Christmas or New Year's Day. With all the celebrations, they claimed that the end of the year seemed like the ideal time to meet someone you like and make plans for the future. The majority of users on the app took extra time to pick a date for the first day of the year because the new year brings with it new hope.

Homeward bound

The majority of the 27 per cent of users who were seen on the app talking to their matches about returning home for the holidays were working professionals. Additionally, they indicated hoping for a real connection in QuackQuack, in part due to the bothersome inquiries from parents and relatives each time they go home.

During this time, the app saw an increase in local matches. 36 per cent of persons who return home for the holidays are observed setting up dates on Christmas or New Year's Eve with people who live within a 10-kilometre radius of their residences.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/thats-so-raven-star-orlando-brown-pleads-not-guilty-to-assault-charges-546448">'That's So Raven' star Orlando Brown pleads not guilty to assault charges</a>

Cuddle weather makes people crave love

According to 36 per cent of single women between the ages of 26 and 30, dating is greatly influenced by the cold weather and holiday celebrations. Around this time of year, more people start anxiously hunting for a spouse since single people feel an increased sting of envy when they see happy couples.

New Year, New Life

The majority of people think about ways to improve their quality of life as the new year approaches, and having the ideal spouse seems to be the best solution, according to 33 per cent of those over 30. It's said that everyone makes new year's resolutions to improve their life a little bit from the previous year, and virtually usually one of the goals includes finding a devoted partner.

Loneliest Time of The Year

According to a survey, 25 per cent of men and women who work in Tier 1 cities and are unable to return home are using the app to find a date or even a friend to spend the holiday season with. According to them, this can be the loneliest time of the year for singles and those who are away from home.

New Year's Resolutions

When questioned, 39 per cent of daters from tier 1 and tier 2 cities admitted that they are giving themselves a small head start on their resolution to get better and find love in the new year.

Additionally, the app noted that among mutual matches, the first week of the year saw the most first messages. Additionally, the number of screen views on the app increases around this time.

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According to 31 per cent of dating app users of QuackQuack from tier 1 and 2 cities, the holiday season and the start of the new year serve as harsh reminders of people's single status.

According to 31 per cent of dating app users of QuackQuack from tier 1 and 2 cities, the holiday season and the start of the new year serve as harsh reminders of people's single status. Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, Ravi Mittal, said, "We found users specifically looking for a date to spend their Christmas and New Year's day with among the 24 million chats that were shared last month. Every year, we notice a rise in the number of user log-ins throughout this period, with the first weekend of the new year seeing the biggest number." The App conducted a study with 10,000 survey participants including working professionals and students, to better understand the sudden spike in romantic interest around Christmas and New Year's. The holidays and the new year usher in the busiest season for the dating app. Let's Meet IRL According to the survey, approximately 25 per cent of males with new matches had plans to get together in person on Christmas or New Year's Day. With all the celebrations, they claimed that the end of the year seemed like the ideal time to meet someone you like and make plans for the future. The majority of users on the app took extra time to pick a date for the first day of the year because the new year brings with it new hope. Homeward bound The majority of the 27 per cent of users who were seen on the app talking to their matches about returning home for the holidays were working professionals. Additionally, they indicated hoping for a real connection in QuackQuack, in part due to the bothersome inquiries from parents and relatives each time they go home. During this time, the app saw an increase in local matches. 36 per cent of persons who return home for the holidays are observed setting up dates on Christmas or New Year's Eve with people who live within a 10-kilometre radius of their residences. Also read: 'That's So Raven' star Orlando Brown pleads not guilty to assault charges Cuddle weather makes people crave love According to 36 per cent of single women between the ages of 26 and 30, dating is greatly influenced by the cold weather and holiday celebrations. Around this time of year, more people start anxiously hunting for a spouse since single people feel an increased sting of envy when they see happy couples. New Year, New Life The majority of people think about ways to improve their quality of life as the new year approaches, and having the ideal spouse seems to be the best solution, according to 33 per cent of those over 30. It's said that everyone makes new year's resolutions to improve their life a little bit from the previous year, and virtually usually one of the goals includes finding a devoted partner. Loneliest Time of The Year According to a survey, 25 per cent of men and women who work in Tier 1 cities and are unable to return home are using the app to find a date or even a friend to spend the holiday season with. According to them, this can be the loneliest time of the year for singles and those who are away from home. New Year's Resolutions When questioned, 39 per cent of daters from tier 1 and tier 2 cities admitted that they are giving themselves a small head start on their resolution to get better and find love in the new year. Additionally, the app noted that among mutual matches, the first week of the year saw the most first messages. Additionally, the number of screen views on the app increases around this time. 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.

Cuddle weather makes people crave love

A new study finds a key piece of the puzzle about how human speech and language evolved to be what it is today. This comes after researchers spent decades studying non-human primates and might have found the answer in tree-dwelling apes like orangutans, rather than ground-dwelling apes (gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees).&nbsp;

Published in the Trends in Cognitive Sciences on Tuesday, the study was conducted by a researcher from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. The study found that orangutans produce consonant-like calls more often and of a greater variety than their ground-dwelling cousins, which could also be because&nbsp;humans and orangutans share at least 97 per cent of their DNA.&nbsp;

While the study attributes this to&nbsp;the orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle which has seemingly driven them to develop different vocal repertoires, with large and varied inventories of consonant-like calls. Therefore, the study also suggests that our ancestors were more tree-dwelling than previously thought.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/to-show-coolness-orangutans-like-humans-use-slang-says-study-464507">To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study &nbsp;</a>

In a statement, the author of the study and associate professor of psychology at the University of Warwick, Dr Adriano Lameira, said, “Existing theories of speech evolution have thus far, focused exclusively on the connection between primate laryngeal anatomy and human use of vowels.” He added, “This doesn’t explain, though, how voice-less, consonant-like sounds became a fundamental component of every language spoken around the globe.”&nbsp;

This is of course in reference to how all spoken languages are composed of both vowels and consonants, while the former is always produced by the larynx, a cartilaginous segment of the throat, while the latter is typically more voiceless and produced moving lips, tongue, and mandible (lower jaw).&nbsp;

Therefore, in order to understand the origins of speech and the root-cause of consonant sounds in humans, the researcher compared patterns of consonant-like vocal production in the three aforementioned major great ape lineages. Additionally, unlike most primates and similar to human languages the great ape communication also consisted of both consonant-like and vowel-like calls, said the study.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/orangutans-struggle-to-breathe-health-affected-by-toxic-haze-250413">Orangutans struggle to breathe; health affected by toxic haze</a>

“Wild gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos don’t use a huge variety of consonant-like calls…Gorillas for example, have been found to use a particular consonant-like call, but this is only prevalent in some gorilla populations and not others,” Lameria noted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, some chimpanzee populations produce one or two consonant-like calls associated with a single behaviour, like grooming, he added. &nbsp;However, these same grooming calls are uncommon in other chimpanzee populations.&nbsp;

On the other hand, wild orangutans use “consonant-like calls universally and consistently across different populations and for multiple behaviours, much like humans do with speech”, said the researcher. He also describes the orangutans’ vocal repertoire as a “rich display of smacking, clicks, kiss-sounds, splutters and raspberries.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-scarlet-fever-on-significant-rise-with-10000-new-cases-what-is-scarlet-fever-and-its-symptoms-545009">UK: Scarlet fever on 'significant rise' with 10,000 new cases, what is scarlet fever and its symptoms?</a>

The author also believes that orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle and their limitation of using at least one limb constantly to provide stability among the trees to them overtime developing “greater control over their lips, tongue and jaw and can use their mouths as a fifth hand to hold food and manoeuvre tools.”&nbsp;

He also gives an example of how arboreal-dwelling apes can peel an orange using just their lips, “so their oral neuro-motoric control is far superior to that of African apes which evolved to become an integral part of their biology”. Therefore,&nbsp;research suggests that living in trees could have been a preadaptation for&nbsp;orangutans’ consonant-like calls which eventually led to&nbsp;speech evolution in our human ancestors.&nbsp;

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A new study finds a key piece of the puzzle about how human speech and language evolved to be what it is today. This comes after researchers spent decades studying non-human primates and might have found the answer in tree-dwelling apes like orangutans, rather than ground-dwelling apes (gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees).

A new study finds a key piece of the puzzle about how human speech and language evolved to be what it is today. This comes after researchers spent decades studying non-human primates and might have found the answer in tree-dwelling apes like orangutans, rather than ground-dwelling apes (gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees). Published in the Trends in Cognitive Sciences on Tuesday, the study was conducted by a researcher from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. The study found that orangutans produce consonant-like calls more often and of a greater variety than their ground-dwelling cousins, which could also be because humans and orangutans share at least 97 per cent of their DNA. While the study attributes this to the orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle which has seemingly driven them to develop different vocal repertoires, with large and varied inventories of consonant-like calls. Therefore, the study also suggests that our ancestors were more tree-dwelling than previously thought. ALSO READ | To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study In a statement, the author of the study and associate professor of psychology at the University of Warwick, Dr Adriano Lameira, said, “Existing theories of speech evolution have thus far, focused exclusively on the connection between primate laryngeal anatomy and human use of vowels.” He added, “This doesn’t explain, though, how voice-less, consonant-like sounds became a fundamental component of every language spoken around the globe.” This is of course in reference to how all spoken languages are composed of both vowels and consonants, while the former is always produced by the larynx, a cartilaginous segment of the throat, while the latter is typically more voiceless and produced moving lips, tongue, and mandible (lower jaw). Therefore, in order to understand the origins of speech and the root-cause of consonant sounds in humans, the researcher compared patterns of consonant-like vocal production in the three aforementioned major great ape lineages. Additionally, unlike most primates and similar to human languages the great ape communication also consisted of both consonant-like and vowel-like calls, said the study. ALSO WATCH | Orangutans struggle to breathe; health affected by toxic haze “Wild gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos don’t use a huge variety of consonant-like calls…Gorillas for example, have been found to use a particular consonant-like call, but this is only prevalent in some gorilla populations and not others,” Lameria noted. Meanwhile, some chimpanzee populations produce one or two consonant-like calls associated with a single behaviour, like grooming, he added. However, these same grooming calls are uncommon in other chimpanzee populations. On the other hand, wild orangutans use “consonant-like calls universally and consistently across different populations and for multiple behaviours, much like humans do with speech”, said the researcher. He also describes the orangutans’ vocal repertoire as a “rich display of smacking, clicks, kiss-sounds, splutters and raspberries.” ALSO READ | UK: Scarlet fever on 'significant rise' with 10,000 new cases, what is scarlet fever and its symptoms? The author also believes that orangutans’ arboreal lifestyle and their limitation of using at least one limb constantly to provide stability among the trees to them overtime developing “greater control over their lips, tongue and jaw and can use their mouths as a fifth hand to hold food and manoeuvre tools.” He also gives an example of how arboreal-dwelling apes can peel an orange using just their lips, “so their oral neuro-motoric control is far superior to that of African apes which evolved to become an integral part of their biology”. Therefore, research suggests that living in trees could have been a preadaptation for orangutans’ consonant-like calls which eventually led to speech evolution in our human ancestors. 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.

Study finds evolution of human speech by studying orangutan communication

What was once thought to be a final resting place for dozens of giant marine reptiles, ichthyosaurs, which dominated the seas millions of years ago, could instead be an ancient maternity ward, a place where the prehistoric marine reptiles once gave birth. The fossils found in the United States’ of Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest have puzzled scientists for a long time which led to several hypotheses over the years.&nbsp;

On Monday, in a study published in the journal, ‘Current Biology’ researchers offer a new theory which is linked to the reproductive behaviour shared by several marine mammals today. The scientific name for prehistoric reptiles is Shonisaurus popularis which means lizard fish and could grow at least 50 feet long.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-doctor-may-have-saved-a-babys-life-by-repairing-heart-using-umbilical-stem-cells-544689">In a first! Doctor may have saved a baby’s life by repairing heart using umbilical stem cells</a>

“We present evidence that these ichthyosaurs died here in large numbers because they were migrating to this area to give birth for many generations across hundreds of thousands of years,” said the co-author of the study and curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Nicholas Pyenson, in a press release.&nbsp;

The fossils were excavated in the 1950s and found at least 37 of the ancient creatures had died at the same location over 200 million years ago. For this study, the massive skeletons were 3D scanned to create a detailed digital model, said the lead author Randy Irmis, chief curator and curator of palaeontology at the Natural History Museum of Utah.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-italy-fish-starved-from-lack-of-oxygen-535400">WION Climate Tracker | Italy: Fish starved from lack of oxygen</a>

Subsequently, they found that the bones were preserved in different rock layers suggesting that the creatures could have died hundreds of thousands of years apart rather than all at once, said Pyenson. He added that the discovery of some tiny bones among the massive adult fossils was the breakthrough in the study, as the researchers realised they belonged to embryos and newborns.&nbsp;

“There are other examples of ichthyosaur embryos and newborns, but this is the first time we have strong evidence for reproductive grouping behaviour,” said Irmis, in an emailed statement to CNN. This behaviour is also linked to present-day whales who typically migrate across the ocean, where there are fewer predators, to breed and give birth. It is also noted that many species gather year after year along the same coastline.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-nursery-used-by-hammerhead-sharks-found-near-galapagos-island-543859">New nursery used by hammerhead sharks found near Galapagos islands</a>

Researchers believe that the fossils are from the mothers and offspring that died there over the years, while other clues also helped rule out previous theories of a mass stranding event or ichthyosaurs being poisoned by the toxins from an algae bloom.&nbsp;

“We know this is something many large marine vertebrates exhibit in the present, so it makes sense that similar behaviour occurred in the past. But we really didn’t know how far back, especially with extinct animal groups like ichthyosaurs, that have no close living relatives,” said Irmis to CNN.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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What was once thought to be a final resting place for dozens of giant marine reptiles, ichthyosaurs, which dominated the seas millions of years ago, could instead be an ancient maternity ward, a place where the prehistoric marine reptiles once gave birth.

What was once thought to be a final resting place for dozens of giant marine reptiles, ichthyosaurs, which dominated the seas millions of years ago, could instead be an ancient maternity ward, a place where the prehistoric marine reptiles once gave birth. The fossils found in the United States’ of Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest have puzzled scientists for a long time which led to several hypotheses over the years. On Monday, in a study published in the journal, ‘Current Biology’ researchers offer a new theory which is linked to the reproductive behaviour shared by several marine mammals today. The scientific name for prehistoric reptiles is Shonisaurus popularis which means lizard fish and could grow at least 50 feet long. ALSO READ | In a first! Doctor may have saved a baby’s life by repairing heart using umbilical stem cells “We present evidence that these ichthyosaurs died here in large numbers because they were migrating to this area to give birth for many generations across hundreds of thousands of years,” said the co-author of the study and curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Nicholas Pyenson, in a press release. The fossils were excavated in the 1950s and found at least 37 of the ancient creatures had died at the same location over 200 million years ago. For this study, the massive skeletons were 3D scanned to create a detailed digital model, said the lead author Randy Irmis, chief curator and curator of palaeontology at the Natural History Museum of Utah. ALSO WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | Italy: Fish starved from lack of oxygen Subsequently, they found that the bones were preserved in different rock layers suggesting that the creatures could have died hundreds of thousands of years apart rather than all at once, said Pyenson. He added that the discovery of some tiny bones among the massive adult fossils was the breakthrough in the study, as the researchers realised they belonged to embryos and newborns. “There are other examples of ichthyosaur embryos and newborns, but this is the first time we have strong evidence for reproductive grouping behaviour,” said Irmis, in an emailed statement to CNN. This behaviour is also linked to present-day whales who typically migrate across the ocean, where there are fewer predators, to breed and give birth. It is also noted that many species gather year after year along the same coastline. ALSO READ | New nursery used by hammerhead sharks found near Galapagos islands Researchers believe that the fossils are from the mothers and offspring that died there over the years, while other clues also helped rule out previous theories of a mass stranding event or ichthyosaurs being poisoned by the toxins from an algae bloom. “We know this is something many large marine vertebrates exhibit in the present, so it makes sense that similar behaviour occurred in the past. But we really didn’t know how far back, especially with extinct animal groups like ichthyosaurs, that have no close living relatives,” said Irmis to CNN. 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.

What was once thought to be marine reptile death bed could be an ancient maternity ward: Study

Vaping continues to be popular alternative to cigarettes, but not many people are aware about what happens when the fumes enter the lungs. A research team in Canada has found high surface tension due to vaping. Watch this to know more.

New study suggests negative effects of vaping

The Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath conducted a research on the transmission of Klebsiella bacteria between people and the environment. While the bugs are present in livestock, pets, and the general environment, an international team of scientists investigating the spread of a deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria has discovered these bacteria rarely reach humans through environment.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Klebsiella bacteria?&nbsp;</h2>

In the intestines, Klebsiella, a family of bacterial species live harmlessly. However, if they spread to other parts of the body, they can be quite harmful. This deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella superbug rivals MRSA, an another type of bacterial infection. The most well-known species in this family is Klebsiella pneumoniae. This particular bacteria has the potential to cause pneumonia, infections in the bloodstream, meningitis and urinary tract infections.&nbsp;

<h2>Klebsiella bacteria threat?&nbsp;</h2>

Led by Professor Ed Feil from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, the researchers investigated the prevalence of this Klebsiella. This bacteria is highly antibiotic resistance. As per the University, some strains of this bacteria are even resistant to carbapenems, an antibiotic that is only used after all other antibiotic treatments fail. Increasingly, these Klebsiella bacteria is becoming a health issue in the United Kingdom. The WHO has identified this bacteria as a pathogen that poses a serious threat to patient safety.

<h2>What does the study say?&nbsp;</h2>

Up until now it was not clear whether the bacteria is able to pass through between clinical and non-clinical environments that is between hospitals and farms. In the study the researchers team collected 6,548 samples over a 15 month period from different locations in and around the Italian city of Pavia. Pavia is the place where this pathogen is a major issue in hospitals. The researchers analysed the samples using whole genome sequencing techniques. It was done to detect and identify any Klebsiella bacteria present in the samples.

For this, the team took swab samples of the patients in hospitals. They also took swab samples of healthy ‘carriers’ in the community and took samples from farms, puddles, domestic animals and even house flies and other insects to detect where the bacteria was present. They discovered 3,482 isolates, including 15 distinct Klebsiella species, with K. pneumoniae present in 50% of the positive samples.

<h2>What are the findings?&nbsp;</h2>

The researchers discovered that there was very little overlap between the bacteria found in hospitals and those found in the environment. Professor Ed Feil, who led the study, said Klebsiella infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, so whereas one used to be able to treat most urinary tract infections easily, now it is more common that patients are getting infections that keep coming back and causing problems.

“We found it was present everywhere, but were surprised that the strains found in hospital were different to those found in the environment, indicating there’s very little transfer between the two habitats: humans nearly always catch this from other humans," he said.&nbsp;

“This confirms the best way to control infection for these bacteria remains stringent hospital hygiene, and that there is less chance that outbreaks may be caused by contact with animals or the environment than previously feared, at least in a high-resource country like Italy.”

Dr Harry Thorpe, from the University of Oslo (Norway) and first author of the paper, said the fear was that farmers might get these bacteria from their livestock or soil and that we could get infected by contaminated salad or get sick if we swim in lakes that are infected.

However, he said the research "did not give any evidence of this, however, we did find resistant klebsiella in pets, such as cats and dogs. Vets and owners should be aware of this, as these animals could pose a risk for spreading the bacteria." &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath conducted a research on the transmission of Klebsiella bacteria between people and the environment. While the bugs are present in livestock, pets, and the general environment, an international team of scientists investigating the spread of a deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria has discovered these bacteria rarely reach humans through environment.

The Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath conducted a research on the transmission of Klebsiella bacteria between people and the environment. While the bugs are present in livestock, pets, and the general environment, an international team of scientists investigating the spread of a deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria has discovered these bacteria rarely reach humans through environment. What is Klebsiella bacteria? In the intestines, Klebsiella, a family of bacterial species live harmlessly. However, if they spread to other parts of the body, they can be quite harmful. This deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella superbug rivals MRSA, an another type of bacterial infection. The most well-known species in this family is Klebsiella pneumoniae. This particular bacteria has the potential to cause pneumonia, infections in the bloodstream, meningitis and urinary tract infections. Klebsiella bacteria threat? Led by Professor Ed Feil from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, the researchers investigated the prevalence of this Klebsiella. This bacteria is highly antibiotic resistance. As per the University, some strains of this bacteria are even resistant to carbapenems, an antibiotic that is only used after all other antibiotic treatments fail. Increasingly, these Klebsiella bacteria is becoming a health issue in the United Kingdom. The WHO has identified this bacteria as a pathogen that poses a serious threat to patient safety. What does the study say? Up until now it was not clear whether the bacteria is able to pass through between clinical and non-clinical environments that is between hospitals and farms. In the study the researchers team collected 6,548 samples over a 15 month period from different locations in and around the Italian city of Pavia. Pavia is the place where this pathogen is a major issue in hospitals. The researchers analysed the samples using whole genome sequencing techniques. It was done to detect and identify any Klebsiella bacteria present in the samples. For this, the team took swab samples of the patients in hospitals. They also took swab samples of healthy ‘carriers’ in the community and took samples from farms, puddles, domestic animals and even house flies and other insects to detect where the bacteria was present. They discovered 3,482 isolates, including 15 distinct Klebsiella species, with K. pneumoniae present in 50% of the positive samples. What are the findings? The researchers discovered that there was very little overlap between the bacteria found in hospitals and those found in the environment. Professor Ed Feil, who led the study, said Klebsiella infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, so whereas one used to be able to treat most urinary tract infections easily, now it is more common that patients are getting infections that keep coming back and causing problems. “We found it was present everywhere, but were surprised that the strains found in hospital were different to those found in the environment, indicating there’s very little transfer between the two habitats: humans nearly always catch this from other humans," he said. “This confirms the best way to control infection for these bacteria remains stringent hospital hygiene, and that there is less chance that outbreaks may be caused by contact with animals or the environment than previously feared, at least in a high-resource country like Italy.” Dr Harry Thorpe, from the University of Oslo (Norway) and first author of the paper, said the fear was that farmers might get these bacteria from their livestock or soil and that we could get infected by contaminated salad or get sick if we swim in lakes that are infected. However, he said the research "did not give any evidence of this, however, we did find resistant klebsiella in pets, such as cats and dogs. Vets and owners should be aware of this, as these animals could pose a risk for spreading the bacteria."

Hospitals are MORE RISKY than farms, Here's why

A new study conducted by an international team of researchers may have cracked the secret regarding the diet of Earth’s oldest animals. The analysis of a fossil of Ediacaran biota, which is around 550 million years old, found traces of food which were consumed around 538 to 635 million years ago by animals. According to findings published in the Current Biology journal, the ancient fossil contained components of algae and bacteria generally found at the floor of an ocean.

Study co-author Prof Jochen Brocks, of the Australian National University, explained that the fossils used in the study were “some of the most important fossils in evolution because it’s the first time that life became big. They’re the oldest big fossils you can see with your eyes.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-dinosaur-specimen-pulled-out-of-auction-after-questions-over-authenticity-536424">Rare Dinosaur skeleton pulled out of auction after questions over authenticity</a>

“Having a gut is very modern,” Brocks. Sponges, corals and jellyfish [for example], they do not have a normal gut that goes through the entire body,” he added according to The Guardian.

The fossils were part of a collection belonging to the main author of the study - Dr Ilya Bobrovskiy of GFZ-Potsdam – who found it in Russia. The Ediacaran biota “already contained some of the creatures that gave rise to the [Cambrian] explosion, to the rise of modern animals”, according to Bobrovskiy.

The study also supported a similar observation from scientists who found a network of modern sponges in rock samples going back almost 890 million years. While the dietary details were not included in the previous study, the observations regarding the species of existing animals are quite similar.

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A new study conducted by an international team of researchers may have cracked the secret regarding the diet of Earth’s oldest animals. The analysis of a fossil of Ediacaran biota, which is around 550 million years old, found traces of food which were consumed around 538 to 635 million years ago by animals.

A new study conducted by an international team of researchers may have cracked the secret regarding the diet of Earth’s oldest animals. The analysis of a fossil of Ediacaran biota, which is around 550 million years old, found traces of food which were consumed around 538 to 635 million years ago by animals. According to findings published in the Current Biology journal, the ancient fossil contained components of algae and bacteria generally found at the floor of an ocean. Study co-author Prof Jochen Brocks, of the Australian National University, explained that the fossils used in the study were “some of the most important fossils in evolution because it’s the first time that life became big. They’re the oldest big fossils you can see with your eyes.” Also read | Rare Dinosaur skeleton pulled out of auction after questions over authenticity “Having a gut is very modern,” Brocks. Sponges, corals and jellyfish [for example], they do not have a normal gut that goes through the entire body,” he added according to The Guardian. The fossils were part of a collection belonging to the main author of the study - Dr Ilya Bobrovskiy of GFZ-Potsdam – who found it in Russia. The Ediacaran biota “already contained some of the creatures that gave rise to the [Cambrian] explosion, to the rise of modern animals”, according to Bobrovskiy. The study also supported a similar observation from scientists who found a network of modern sponges in rock samples going back almost 890 million years. While the dietary details were not included in the previous study, the observations regarding the species of existing animals are quite similar.

What did animals eat around 550 million years ago? New study may have answers

England, who are gunning for their second World Cup title, have the most valuable squad in Qatar with Jude Bellingham topping a list of over 800 players, a study has found. Here is a look at how the other major sides compare at the tournament:

TRANSFER VALUE

According to a study conducted by Swiss research group CIES Football Observatory, England's 26-man squad is worth just under 1.5 billion euros ($1.54 billion) in transfer value, with 19-year-old Bellingham valued at 202 million euros. The Borussia Dortmund player enhanced his reputation as one of the world's top young players with a superb goal in England's 6-2 victory over Iran in their tournament opener.

Brazil are second on the list with a transfer value of 1.45 billion euros. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. was their most valuable player at 200 million euros. France were third with an estimated transfer value of 1.34 billion for their squad. Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe was their top player with a value of 185 million euros.

The top three were followed by Spain (1.2 billion euros), Portugal (1.15 billion euros) and Germany (1.02 billion euros). The statistical technique used in the study to build the model was multiple linear regression, with fees paid by clubs as an independent variable.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/qatar-world-cup-fifa-rejects-belgiums-away-shirts-due-to-word-love-536286">Qatar World Cup: FIFA rejects Belgium's away shirts due to word 'Love'</a>

The sample comprises more than 2,000 transactions of players transferred from clubs in the five major European leagues during the period July, 2012 to November, 2021. The overall value of all the squads at the World Cup was put at 15 billion euros.

INSURABLE VALUE

According to analysis by Lloyd's of London -- backed by the Centre for Economics and Business Research -- teams were ranked based on the collective insurable value of their players.

England's squad topped the list with an estimated insurable value of 3.17 billion pounds ($3.74 billion). They edged out France (2.66 billion pounds) and Brazil (2.56 billion pounds) to claim top spot. Lloyd's said the assessment of insurable value comprises a variety of metrics like wages, sponsorship, age and on-field positions.

Using this methodology to play out the tournament in full, Lloyd's predicted that England -- champions in 1966 -- will finish top of Group B in Qatar and seal knockout wins over Senegal, France, Spain and Brazil. Bellingham was rated the most insurable player, followed by Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

($1 = 0.9761 euros)

($1 = 0.8482 pounds)

England, who are gunning for their second World Cup title, have the most valuable squad in Qatar with Jude Bellingham topping a list of over 800 players, a study has found.

England, who are gunning for their second World Cup title, have the most valuable squad in Qatar with Jude Bellingham topping a list of over 800 players, a study has found. Here is a look at how the other major sides compare at the tournament: TRANSFER VALUE According to a study conducted by Swiss research group CIES Football Observatory, England's 26-man squad is worth just under 1.5 billion euros ($1.54 billion) in transfer value, with 19-year-old Bellingham valued at 202 million euros. The Borussia Dortmund player enhanced his reputation as one of the world's top young players with a superb goal in England's 6-2 victory over Iran in their tournament opener. Brazil are second on the list with a transfer value of 1.45 billion euros. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. was their most valuable player at 200 million euros. France were third with an estimated transfer value of 1.34 billion for their squad. Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe was their top player with a value of 185 million euros. The top three were followed by Spain (1.2 billion euros), Portugal (1.15 billion euros) and Germany (1.02 billion euros). The statistical technique used in the study to build the model was multiple linear regression, with fees paid by clubs as an independent variable. Also read: Qatar World Cup: FIFA rejects Belgium's away shirts due to word 'Love' The sample comprises more than 2,000 transactions of players transferred from clubs in the five major European leagues during the period July, 2012 to November, 2021. The overall value of all the squads at the World Cup was put at 15 billion euros. INSURABLE VALUE According to analysis by Lloyd's of London -- backed by the Centre for Economics and Business Research -- teams were ranked based on the collective insurable value of their players. England's squad topped the list with an estimated insurable value of 3.17 billion pounds ($3.74 billion). They edged out France (2.66 billion pounds) and Brazil (2.56 billion pounds) to claim top spot. Lloyd's said the assessment of insurable value comprises a variety of metrics like wages, sponsorship, age and on-field positions. Using this methodology to play out the tournament in full, Lloyd's predicted that England -- champions in 1966 -- will finish top of Group B in Qatar and seal knockout wins over Senegal, France, Spain and Brazil. Bellingham was rated the most insurable player, followed by Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. ($1 = 0.9761 euros) ($1 = 0.8482 pounds)

England adjudged FIFA World Cup's most valuable team, claims a study

A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs). The damage can be a result of attending loud music venues and the use of headphones, earphones and earbuds.&nbsp;

The study looked at individuals aged 12-34 years and estimates that at least 24 per cent are listening to music on their PLDs at an “unsafe level”. The international team of researchers also called for governments across the world to “prioritise policy focused on safe listening” habits to promote hearing loss prevention. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-has-the-pandemic-led-to-a-cancer-epidemic-in-europe-534722">Has the repurposing of health services during pandemic led to a 'cancer epidemic' in Europe?</a>

Furthermore, it suggests that young people in particular are vulnerable due to the use of such devices and attending loud music venues, amid poor regulations. “Recurrent or even single instances of unsafe listening may cause physiological damage to the auditory system, presenting as transient or permanent tinnitus and/or changes to hearing,” said the researchers.&nbsp;

The damage from unsafe listening practices can lead to a lifetime impairment, while noise exposure earlier in life may make people more vulnerable to age-related hearing loss, they added. The study led by researchers from the University of South Carolina in the United States, citing World Health Organisation statistics, says that an estimated 430 million people across the world currently have a disabling hearing loss.&nbsp;

Previous studies suggest that PLD users often keep the volume as high as 105 decibels (dB) while the average range of loud music venues ranges from 104 to 112 dB, which exceeds the permissible sound levels which are 80 dB for adults and 75 dB for children.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/toro-jubilo-fiesta-or-grotesque-tradition-from-the-stone-ages-534702">'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages?&nbsp;</a>

Researchers for this study analysed 33 existing studies with more than 19,000 people based on personal listening devices as well as venues with loud music that took place between the years 2000 and 2021. Furthermore, they used the data from a total of 35 records out of which 17 focused on PLD while 18 focused on entertainment venues.&nbsp;

They estimated that at least 23 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of “minors” studied were exposed to excessive noise. Therefore, the report projects that at least, 0.67 billion to 1.35 billion teenagers and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, the authors said that they did not account for the demographic factors and the policies implemented in some countries for safe listening.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs).

A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs). The damage can be a result of attending loud music venues and the use of headphones, earphones and earbuds. The study looked at individuals aged 12-34 years and estimates that at least 24 per cent are listening to music on their PLDs at an “unsafe level”. The international team of researchers also called for governments across the world to “prioritise policy focused on safe listening” habits to promote hearing loss prevention. ALSO READ: Has the repurposing of health services during pandemic led to a 'cancer epidemic' in Europe? Furthermore, it suggests that young people in particular are vulnerable due to the use of such devices and attending loud music venues, amid poor regulations. “Recurrent or even single instances of unsafe listening may cause physiological damage to the auditory system, presenting as transient or permanent tinnitus and/or changes to hearing,” said the researchers. The damage from unsafe listening practices can lead to a lifetime impairment, while noise exposure earlier in life may make people more vulnerable to age-related hearing loss, they added. The study led by researchers from the University of South Carolina in the United States, citing World Health Organisation statistics, says that an estimated 430 million people across the world currently have a disabling hearing loss. Previous studies suggest that PLD users often keep the volume as high as 105 decibels (dB) while the average range of loud music venues ranges from 104 to 112 dB, which exceeds the permissible sound levels which are 80 dB for adults and 75 dB for children. ALSO WATCH: 'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages? Researchers for this study analysed 33 existing studies with more than 19,000 people based on personal listening devices as well as venues with loud music that took place between the years 2000 and 2021. Furthermore, they used the data from a total of 35 records out of which 17 focused on PLD while 18 focused on entertainment venues. They estimated that at least 23 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of “minors” studied were exposed to excessive noise. Therefore, the report projects that at least, 0.67 billion to 1.35 billion teenagers and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, the authors said that they did not account for the demographic factors and the policies implemented in some countries for safe listening. (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.

More than one billion young people are at risk of losing their hearing due to loud music: Study

A new research has shown that&nbsp;Chimpanzees show each other objects just for the sake of it, akin to humans, to garner attention.&nbsp;

The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences cites the example of a&nbsp;wild adult chimpanzee named 'Fiona' in the Kibale national park of Uganda.

In a video that has been captured during the study, Fiona can be seen picking a leaf, examining it and later shoving it under her mother Sutherland's nose momentarily, before snatching it back.&nbsp;

“She’s not offering it for food. She doesn’t want her mum to do anything," said Prof Katie Slocombe, a co-author of the study.

"She just wants them to look at it together, and be like ‘Oh, cool, nice!’," added Slocombe.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/liberian-lab-chimps-finally-get-new-lease-of-life-after-a-life-of-trauma-473190">WATCH |&nbsp;Liberian Lab chimps finally get new lease of life after a life of 'trauma'</a>

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The behaviour, previously thought to be unique to humans has intrigued scientists who believe that Chimpanzees might be much closer to humans than we had earlier predicted.

Scientists ruled out alternative explanations for the behaviours such as food sharing and&nbsp;playing or initiating grooming. They said if the motive was to share food, Fiona would have relinquished the possession of the lone leaf but in this case, she did not.&nbsp;

The team of researchers have only recorded one instance of such behaviour but they are optimistic that similar examples can be found in future or previously collected footage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-pics-video-conferencing-brings-chimpanzees-in-different-zoos-closer-371073">Read more:&nbsp;In pics: Video conferencing brings chimpanzees in different zoos closer</a>&nbsp;

Notably,&nbsp;Chimps and humans shared a common ancestor millions of years ago. Scientists refer to Chimps as being the most "humanlike" non-human species as they can perform&nbsp;complicated tasks, such as tool use, which were long thought to be the sole preserve of mankind.&nbsp;

Previously, a&nbsp;12-year observational study found that&nbsp;Chimpanzees develop specific handshake-like gestures depending on their social group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chimpanzees-learn-handshakes-according-to-social-group-study-387465">Read more: Chimpanzees learn 'handshakes' according to social group: Study</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new research has shown that Chimpanzees show each other objects just for the sake of it, akin to humans, to garner attention. The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences cites the example of a wild adult chimpanzee named 'Fiona' in the Kibale national park of Uganda.

A new research has shown that Chimpanzees show each other objects just for the sake of it, akin to humans, to garner attention. The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences cites the example of a wild adult chimpanzee named 'Fiona' in the Kibale national park of Uganda. In a video that has been captured during the study, Fiona can be seen picking a leaf, examining it and later shoving it under her mother Sutherland's nose momentarily, before snatching it back. “She’s not offering it for food. She doesn’t want her mum to do anything," said Prof Katie Slocombe, a co-author of the study. "She just wants them to look at it together, and be like ‘Oh, cool, nice!’," added Slocombe. WATCH | Liberian Lab chimps finally get new lease of life after a life of 'trauma' × The behaviour, previously thought to be unique to humans has intrigued scientists who believe that Chimpanzees might be much closer to humans than we had earlier predicted. Scientists ruled out alternative explanations for the behaviours such as food sharing and playing or initiating grooming. They said if the motive was to share food, Fiona would have relinquished the possession of the lone leaf but in this case, she did not. The team of researchers have only recorded one instance of such behaviour but they are optimistic that similar examples can be found in future or previously collected footage. Read more: In pics: Video conferencing brings chimpanzees in different zoos closer Notably, Chimps and humans shared a common ancestor millions of years ago. Scientists refer to Chimps as being the most "humanlike" non-human species as they can perform complicated tasks, such as tool use, which were long thought to be the sole preserve of mankind. Previously, a 12-year observational study found that Chimpanzees develop specific handshake-like gestures depending on their social group. Read more: Chimpanzees learn 'handshakes' according to social group: Study (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chimpanzees show objects to others, just like humans to simply grab attention: Study

A study published in the journal, Nature Ecology and Evolution, after studying thousands of fish fossils, revealed that they have found evidence of what may be the earliest signs of fire being used to cook. This comes as scientists previously found “definitive evidence” by Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens 170,000 years ago, however, the new research pushes the date to more than 600,000 years.&nbsp;

The study conducted by Israeli researchers claims that early humans living 780,000 years ago used to cook, while the issue has somewhat been controversial among archaeologists as it is difficult to prove that fireplaces were used for anything other than warmth. The study comes after 16 years of research, which catalogued thousands of fish remains found in Gesher Benot Ya’aqov in northern Israel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-first-saliva-based-pregnancy-test-kit-launched-in-israel-to-be-available-globally-in-2023-532841">World's first saliva-based pregnancy test kit launched in Israel; to be available globally in 2023</a>

The first author Irit Zohar, an archaeologist at Tel Aviv University’s Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, said that the banks of the Jordan River once had a lake where they found these ancient fish fossils which helped them investigate. In an interview with AFP, she said that the fossils they found had “nearly no fish bones” but lots of teeth which was their first clue.&nbsp;

Notably, most of the teeth found were of the two particularly large species of carp which were over two metres long and may have been selected for their “succulent” meat, said the study. In the same area, her colleague found burnt flints and other evidence that indicated the presence of a fireplace.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-7-million-year-old-fossil-of-a-crocodile-ancestor-found-in-peru-480049">A 7-million-year-old fossil of a crocodile ancestor found in Peru</a>

The first author also said that the presence of only teeth suggests cooking because fish bones soften and disintegrate at temperatures under 500 degrees Celsius. However, they found “decisive” after studying the teeth enamel, Zohar added.&nbsp;

Researchers used an X-ray powder diffraction at the Natural History Museum in London in order to compare the changes in the structure of the crystals that make up enamel after it was heated with the other fish fossils discovered in the lake. Subsequently, it concluded that the teeth from the key area of the lake were subjected to a temperature between 200-500 degree celsius, which they say is the right range for a well-cooked fish.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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A study published in the journal, Nature Ecology and Evolution, after studying thousands of fish fossils, revealed that they have found evidence of what may be the earliest signs of fire being used to cook.

A study published in the journal, Nature Ecology and Evolution, after studying thousands of fish fossils, revealed that they have found evidence of what may be the earliest signs of fire being used to cook. This comes as scientists previously found “definitive evidence” by Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens 170,000 years ago, however, the new research pushes the date to more than 600,000 years. The study conducted by Israeli researchers claims that early humans living 780,000 years ago used to cook, while the issue has somewhat been controversial among archaeologists as it is difficult to prove that fireplaces were used for anything other than warmth. The study comes after 16 years of research, which catalogued thousands of fish remains found in Gesher Benot Ya’aqov in northern Israel. ALSO READ: World's first saliva-based pregnancy test kit launched in Israel; to be available globally in 2023 The first author Irit Zohar, an archaeologist at Tel Aviv University’s Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, said that the banks of the Jordan River once had a lake where they found these ancient fish fossils which helped them investigate. In an interview with AFP, she said that the fossils they found had “nearly no fish bones” but lots of teeth which was their first clue. Notably, most of the teeth found were of the two particularly large species of carp which were over two metres long and may have been selected for their “succulent” meat, said the study. In the same area, her colleague found burnt flints and other evidence that indicated the presence of a fireplace. ALSO WATCH: A 7-million-year-old fossil of a crocodile ancestor found in Peru The first author also said that the presence of only teeth suggests cooking because fish bones soften and disintegrate at temperatures under 500 degrees Celsius. However, they found “decisive” after studying the teeth enamel, Zohar added. Researchers used an X-ray powder diffraction at the Natural History Museum in London in order to compare the changes in the structure of the crystals that make up enamel after it was heated with the other fish fossils discovered in the lake. Subsequently, it concluded that the teeth from the key area of the lake were subjected to a temperature between 200-500 degree celsius, which they say is the right range for a well-cooked fish. (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.

Study shows first evidence of cooking which maybe over 600,000 years earlier than previously thought

Colorado became&nbsp;the second state in the United States after Oregon to vote&nbsp;for decriminalising naturally occurring hallucinogens like magic mushrooms.&nbsp;After Oregon, Colorado has legalised medications under the Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/magic-mushrooms-to-be-one-of-the-most-effective-tool-to-treat-depression-says-study-530809">Also read |&nbsp;Magic mushrooms to be one of the most effective tool to treat depression, says study</a>

The provision, expected to take effect around&nbsp;2024-end,&nbsp;will let Coloradans over 21 grow their own hallucinogenic compounds to consume them privately for recreational purposes, Fox News reported.

According to the language on the ballot, Proposition 122, also known as the Natural Medicine Act, defines natural medicine as "certain plants or fungi that affect a person’s mental health and are controlled substances under state law."&nbsp;

Once affected by the advisory council, a few more psychedelic compounds could be added to the category of "natural medicine" in 2026. Ibogaine, mescaline and dimethyltryptamine are some of the potential drugs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cant-resist-a-good-beat-this-study-shows-rats-cannot-either-533592">Also read |&nbsp;Can't resist moving to a good beat? A new study shows rats cannot either</a>

Earlier, a study found that using the hallucinogenic substance found in magic mushrooms can be useful to people suffering from depression and helps in the treatment. It showed that a single dose of 25mg of psilocybin and therapy sessions cured several patients having severe depression.&nbsp;

However, despite having such encouraging outcomes, many patients experienced a number of side effects, the most common being vertigo, fatigue and headaches.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Colorado became the second state in the United States after Oregon to vote for decriminalising naturally occurring hallucinogens like magic mushrooms. After Oregon, Colorado has legalised medications under the Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act.

Colorado became the second state in the United States after Oregon to vote for decriminalising naturally occurring hallucinogens like magic mushrooms. After Oregon, Colorado has legalised medications under the Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. Also read | Magic mushrooms to be one of the most effective tool to treat depression, says study The provision, expected to take effect around 2024-end, will let Coloradans over 21 grow their own hallucinogenic compounds to consume them privately for recreational purposes, Fox News reported. According to the language on the ballot, Proposition 122, also known as the Natural Medicine Act, defines natural medicine as "certain plants or fungi that affect a person’s mental health and are controlled substances under state law." Once affected by the advisory council, a few more psychedelic compounds could be added to the category of "natural medicine" in 2026. Ibogaine, mescaline and dimethyltryptamine are some of the potential drugs. Also read | Can't resist moving to a good beat? A new study shows rats cannot either Earlier, a study found that using the hallucinogenic substance found in magic mushrooms can be useful to people suffering from depression and helps in the treatment. It showed that a single dose of 25mg of psilocybin and therapy sessions cured several patients having severe depression. However, despite having such encouraging outcomes, many patients experienced a number of side effects, the most common being vertigo, fatigue and headaches. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: After Oregon, Colorado also votes to decriminalise 'magic mushroom' 

Laboratory-grown red blood cells have the potential to revolutionise certain treatments when it comes to patients suffering from sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The successful manufacture of the new kind of blood was hailed as a major step forward for medical science and scientists have taken the innovation further by carrying out the first clinical trial. The blood cells were transfused into volunteers in a study and it will potentially help scientists to understand their life spans and compatibility factors.&nbsp;

Ashley Toye, director of the NIHR Blood and Transplant Unit in red cell products, told reporters that the blood cells were developed from stem cells taken from donors and if the studies are successful, they can start the transfusion process with patients who require huge amounts of blood for their treatments.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-attack-register-fir-within-24-hours-pak-sc-tells-punjab-police-531811" hreflang="en">Imran Khan attack: Register FIR within 24 hours, Pak SC tells Punjab police</a>

"This challenging and exciting trial is a huge stepping stone for manufacturing blood from stem cells.”&nbsp;

"This is the first-time lab-grown blood from an allogeneic donor has been transfused and we are excited to see how well the cells perform at the end of the clinical trial," Toye was quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-british-activist-alaa-abd-el-fattahs-hunger-strike-may-dominate-cop27-warns-amnesty-chief-531749">Abd El-Fattah's hunger strike may dominate COP27, warns Amnesty chief</a>

According to the statement released by the scientists, the amount of blood used in these trials is between 5 and 10 milliliters and it was ensured that the donors did not have any diseases.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"If our trial, the first such in the world, is successful, it will mean that patients who currently require regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in future, helping transform their care," Cedric Ghevaert, professor in transfusion medicine and consultant hematologist at the University of Cambridge and&nbsp;NHS&nbsp;Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said.&nbsp;

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Laboratory-grown red blood cells have the potential to revolutionise certain treatments when it comes to patients suffering from sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Laboratory-grown red blood cells have the potential to revolutionise certain treatments when it comes to patients suffering from sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The successful manufacture of the new kind of blood was hailed as a major step forward for medical science and scientists have taken the innovation further by carrying out the first clinical trial. The blood cells were transfused into volunteers in a study and it will potentially help scientists to understand their life spans and compatibility factors. Ashley Toye, director of the NIHR Blood and Transplant Unit in red cell products, told reporters that the blood cells were developed from stem cells taken from donors and if the studies are successful, they can start the transfusion process with patients who require huge amounts of blood for their treatments. Also read | Imran Khan attack: Register FIR within 24 hours, Pak SC tells Punjab police "This challenging and exciting trial is a huge stepping stone for manufacturing blood from stem cells.” "This is the first-time lab-grown blood from an allogeneic donor has been transfused and we are excited to see how well the cells perform at the end of the clinical trial," Toye was quoted by The Guardian. Also read | Abd El-Fattah's hunger strike may dominate COP27, warns Amnesty chief According to the statement released by the scientists, the amount of blood used in these trials is between 5 and 10 milliliters and it was ensured that the donors did not have any diseases. "If our trial, the first such in the world, is successful, it will mean that patients who currently require regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in future, helping transform their care," Cedric Ghevaert, professor in transfusion medicine and consultant hematologist at the University of Cambridge and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said.

Lab-grown red blood cells transfused into humans in first-of-its-kind study

Sometimes something catastrophic comes to you in a pleasant way. Like a letter of bankruptcy sent in an envelope exquisitely made of handmade paper. Why punch a man when you can do it after a pleasant 'hello', right?&nbsp;

Climate Change literally has the power to kill us. Rising sea levels, increasingly powerful storms are already creating issues. But a new study has revealed that we may have a pleasant distraction while we'd otherwise be busy digging our graves. Climate Change is going to give rise to more rainbows!

The researchers have found that frequency of rainbows is going to increase across the globe by as much as 5 per cent. &nbsp;This research studied less obvious effects of the climate change.

For the study, the researchers made use of global climate data, crowd-sourced images and a computer model. The researchers found that 66 to 79 per cent regions of the world will witness rainbows in greater frequency.

"Living in Hawai'i, I felt grateful that stunning, ephemeral rainbows were a part of my daily life," says land systems scientist Kimberly Carlson, who is now at New York University. "I wondered how climate change might affect such rainbow viewing opportunities."

Tens of thousands of crowdsourced photos were analysed. Data was gathered for photos for which location data was available. A computer model was trained to make predictions after feeding it this data and more like precipitation, cloud cover and angle of the Sun. The model then made predictions.

It was found that regions at higher elevation would experience &nbsp;more rainbows than those at lower altitudes.

But this is hardly to bring a smile to our faces as climate change is otherwise going to spell disaster. &nbsp;It's wise to steer clear.

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Sometimes something catastrophic comes to you in a pleasant way. Like a letter of bankruptcy sent in an envelope exquisitely made of handmade paper. Why punch a man when you can do it after a pleasant 'hello', right?

Sometimes something catastrophic comes to you in a pleasant way. Like a letter of bankruptcy sent in an envelope exquisitely made of handmade paper. Why punch a man when you can do it after a pleasant 'hello', right? Climate Change literally has the power to kill us. Rising sea levels, increasingly powerful storms are already creating issues. But a new study has revealed that we may have a pleasant distraction while we'd otherwise be busy digging our graves. Climate Change is going to give rise to more rainbows! The researchers have found that frequency of rainbows is going to increase across the globe by as much as 5 per cent. This research studied less obvious effects of the climate change. For the study, the researchers made use of global climate data, crowd-sourced images and a computer model. The researchers found that 66 to 79 per cent regions of the world will witness rainbows in greater frequency. "Living in Hawai'i, I felt grateful that stunning, ephemeral rainbows were a part of my daily life," says land systems scientist Kimberly Carlson, who is now at New York University. "I wondered how climate change might affect such rainbow viewing opportunities." Tens of thousands of crowdsourced photos were analysed. Data was gathered for photos for which location data was available. A computer model was trained to make predictions after feeding it this data and more like precipitation, cloud cover and angle of the Sun. The model then made predictions. It was found that regions at higher elevation would experience more rainbows than those at lower altitudes. But this is hardly to bring a smile to our faces as climate change is otherwise going to spell disaster. It's wise to steer clear. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

We are heading to a future with more rainbows, but there's a catch

A new study has claimed that whales are the largest consumers of plastic waste on earth right now as they end up consuming millions of such particles in a single day. The study included blue, fin and humpback whales and took into account the different natural habitats spread across the world.&nbsp;

According to the study, blue whales end up consuming over 10 million plastic pieces in a day which means that during the feeding season, they can end up consuming over 230 kg of plastic. Depending on how polluted the surrounding is, the report claimed that the total consumption can cross 500 kg.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-uk-government-working-on-war-gamed-emergency-plans-to-cope-with-energy-blackouts-530599" hreflang="en">Is UK government working on 'war gamed' emergency plans to tackle energy blackouts?</a>

“What we found was surprising – really high numbers of daily plastic ingestion,” Dr Shirel Kahane-Rapport, at California State University, Fullerton, who led the study said. &nbsp;

“We imagine that it will have some sort of impact but we don’t know the exact health effects. This is the first step to figuring that out,” she added while explaining the findings in the report.&nbsp;

The main objective of the study is to understand the current situation where whales are directly getting impacted by pollution. According to the researchers involved in the study, the data will play a crucial role in understanding and developing the future plan to make the habitat better for the whales. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-war-live-updates-kremlin-confirms-resumption-of-grain-deal-530532" hreflang="en">Ukraine war LIVE | Putin warns Ukraine against 'violating' the grain deal</a>

“Whales feeding in those areas certainly might be at greater risk than off the coast here in the western US,” said Dr Matthew Savoca, at Stanford University, told The Guardian.&nbsp;

“It’s a sad story about whales, but also it’s a story about us. Whether it’s cod or salmon or other fish, they are eating those same fish that the humpback whales are eating,” he added.&nbsp;

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A new study has claimed that whales are the largest consumers of plastic waste on earth right now as they end up consuming millions of such particles in a single day.

A new study has claimed that whales are the largest consumers of plastic waste on earth right now as they end up consuming millions of such particles in a single day. The study included blue, fin and humpback whales and took into account the different natural habitats spread across the world. According to the study, blue whales end up consuming over 10 million plastic pieces in a day which means that during the feeding season, they can end up consuming over 230 kg of plastic. Depending on how polluted the surrounding is, the report claimed that the total consumption can cross 500 kg. Also read | Is UK government working on 'war gamed' emergency plans to tackle energy blackouts? “What we found was surprising – really high numbers of daily plastic ingestion,” Dr Shirel Kahane-Rapport, at California State University, Fullerton, who led the study said. “We imagine that it will have some sort of impact but we don’t know the exact health effects. This is the first step to figuring that out,” she added while explaining the findings in the report. The main objective of the study is to understand the current situation where whales are directly getting impacted by pollution. According to the researchers involved in the study, the data will play a crucial role in understanding and developing the future plan to make the habitat better for the whales. Also read | Ukraine war LIVE | Putin warns Ukraine against 'violating' the grain deal “Whales feeding in those areas certainly might be at greater risk than off the coast here in the western US,” said Dr Matthew Savoca, at Stanford University, told The Guardian. “It’s a sad story about whales, but also it’s a story about us. Whether it’s cod or salmon or other fish, they are eating those same fish that the humpback whales are eating,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Whales consume millions of plastic particles in a day, new study claims

Are we alone in the universe or is there someone out there? Could there be sentient beings on some other planet? well these are questions that have left us guessing for answers for a long time. Now NASA and space agencies around the world have been peering through space to look for clues.

NASA officially embarks on 'Mission UFO',  announces the team members for its study

Social media platform TikTok has been in the middle of a lot of controversies due to allegations of data breaches and the involvement of the Chinese government in tracking user data. However, a new survey shows that it has not changed its popularity in the United States – especially among the youth.&nbsp;

The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that around one-third of TikTok users get their consumption of news from the platform. Most of these users were aged under 30 years but the percentage of users between 30-49 years who get their news from TikTok has grown quite a bit.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-urges-conservative-party-members-unite-or-die-ahead-of-becoming-uk-pm-528091" hreflang="en">Sunak urges Conservative Party to ‘unite or die’ ahead of becoming UK PM</a>

It currently stands at 10 per cent – a huge rise from 2 per cent in 2020. The growth can also be seen in people in the age group of 50-64 years where the number has gone up by three per cent.&nbsp;

It is a surprising trend for a social media platform that is well-known for dance videos and generally light-hearted user-generated content. However, with young people in the US spending a lot of time online, it has turned into an educational source for them when it comes to news.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-forces-fire-teargas-as-girls-clash-with-staff-at-school-in-iran-528080" hreflang="en">Security forces fire teargas as girls clash with staff at school in Iran</a>

&nbsp;Media outlets like the Los Angeles Times have also decided to cash in on the popularity of TikTok as a news source as it introduced its team of reporters who work purely on the platform.&nbsp;

“With the goal of meeting new audiences where they are, 404 is ushering in a new era of audience engagement at The Times and rewriting the rulebook for how a ‘paper’ exists online,” the LA Times website claimed.

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Social media platform TikTok has been in the middle of a lot of controversies due to allegations of data breaches and the involvement of the Chinese government in tracking user data.

Social media platform TikTok has been in the middle of a lot of controversies due to allegations of data breaches and the involvement of the Chinese government in tracking user data. However, a new survey shows that it has not changed its popularity in the United States – especially among the youth. The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that around one-third of TikTok users get their consumption of news from the platform. Most of these users were aged under 30 years but the percentage of users between 30-49 years who get their news from TikTok has grown quite a bit. Also read | Sunak urges Conservative Party to ‘unite or die’ ahead of becoming UK PM It currently stands at 10 per cent – a huge rise from 2 per cent in 2020. The growth can also be seen in people in the age group of 50-64 years where the number has gone up by three per cent. It is a surprising trend for a social media platform that is well-known for dance videos and generally light-hearted user-generated content. However, with young people in the US spending a lot of time online, it has turned into an educational source for them when it comes to news. Also read | Security forces fire teargas as girls clash with staff at school in Iran Media outlets like the Los Angeles Times have also decided to cash in on the popularity of TikTok as a news source as it introduced its team of reporters who work purely on the platform. “With the goal of meeting new audiences where they are, 404 is ushering in a new era of audience engagement at The Times and rewriting the rulebook for how a ‘paper’ exists online,” the LA Times website claimed.

One-third of users regularly get their news from TikTok, claims new study

A study published in the journal Nature Astronomy suggests that ancient Mars was also hit by climate change triggered by Ancient microbes.

This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change

A study conducted by The Center for Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (Cictar) has&nbsp;alleged that the tech giant Microsoft has&nbsp;evaded billions in taxes in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand—all nations where it has lucrative public sector contracts—due to its complex&nbsp;organisational structure.

Cictar&nbsp;said that the corporation, which maintains that it complies with local rules and regulations wherever it operates, was depriving the public purse&nbsp;of much-needed funds while receiving the&nbsp;taxpayer's&nbsp;money.

"In many cases, Microsoft has paid zero tax in recent years by moving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/department-of-labour-proposes-new-rule-for-workers-to-be-entitled-to-more-benefits-and-opportunities-524763">profits</a> to companies tax-domiciled in Bermuda and other well-known tax havens," Cictar said in a statement.&nbsp;

The investigation claims that Microsoft Global Finance, an Irish company with tax residency in Bermuda, accumulated more than $100 billion in investments in 2020 while paying no taxes despite having an operating profit of $2.4 billion.

Another instance is Microsoft Singapore Holdings, which reported $22.4 billion in dividend profits in 2020 but only $15 in tax obligations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-launches-perfume-called-burnt-hair-calls-himself-perfume-salesman-524747">Elon Musk launches perfume called 'Burnt Hair', calls himself 'Perfume Salesman'</a>

Tech giant Microsoft has avoided billions in taxes in Britain, Australia and New Zealand, all countries where it has lucrative public sector contracts, because of its complex corporate structure, a study published Thursday claimed.

The company, which insists it respects local laws and regulations everywhere it operates, was starving the public purse of much-needed revenue while receiving taxpayer cash, the Center for Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (Cictar) said.

"In many cases, Microsoft has paid zero tax in recent years by moving profits to companies tax-domiciled in Bermuda and other well-known tax havens," Cictar said in a statement.&nbsp;

According to the study, Microsoft Global Finance -- an Irish subsidiary that has tax resident status in Bermuda -- consolidated more than $100 billion in investments and, despite an operating profit of $2.4 billion, paid no tax in 2020.&nbsp;

In another example, Microsoft Singapore Holdings posted profits from dividends of $22.4 billion in 2020 but announced a tax liability of just $15.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/microsoft-plans-to-expand-recruitment-in-china-521296">Microsoft to upgrade its campuses in China, increase recruitment despite US' decoupling push</a>

"Microsoft boasts of profit margins of over 30 percent to its shareholders. Yet, in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, filings show returns of three to four percent," said Jason Ward, an analyst with the organisation.&nbsp;

"It does not seem credible that these wealthy markets are underperforming so dramatically," he said, calling "this type of discrepancy... a huge red flag for tax avoidance".&nbsp;

"Microsoft starves the public sector of much needed revenues" while it "makes billions as a government contractor, with contracts at all levels of government and in virtually every country", Cictar said.&nbsp;

According to the report, Microsoft has entered into public contracts worth at least $3.3 billion over the last five years in Canada, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/department-of-labour-proposes-new-rule-for-workers-to-be-entitled-to-more-benefits-and-opportunities-524763">United States</a>, Australia, and Britain.

More than 80% of Microsoft's total overseas income is "channelled through Puerto Rico and Ireland," according to the study, and the company is under scrutiny by tax officials in the US as well as other nations, including Australia.

"In fiscal year 2021 and 2020, our foreign regional operating centres in Ireland and Puerto Rico," Microsoft said in its 2021 annual report

When contacted by the report's authors, Microsoft stated that it adhered to "all local rules and regulations" in the nations in which it conducts business.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A study conducted by The Center for Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (Cictar) has alleged that the tech giant Microsoft has evaded billions in taxes in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand—all nations where it has lucrative public sector contracts—due to its complex organisational structure.

A study conducted by The Center for Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (Cictar) has alleged that the tech giant Microsoft has evaded billions in taxes in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand—all nations where it has lucrative public sector contracts—due to its complex organisational structure. Cictar said that the corporation, which maintains that it complies with local rules and regulations wherever it operates, was depriving the public purse of much-needed funds while receiving the taxpayer's money. "In many cases, Microsoft has paid zero tax in recent years by moving profits to companies tax-domiciled in Bermuda and other well-known tax havens," Cictar said in a statement. The investigation claims that Microsoft Global Finance, an Irish company with tax residency in Bermuda, accumulated more than $100 billion in investments in 2020 while paying no taxes despite having an operating profit of $2.4 billion. Another instance is Microsoft Singapore Holdings, which reported $22.4 billion in dividend profits in 2020 but only $15 in tax obligations. Also read | Elon Musk launches perfume called 'Burnt Hair', calls himself 'Perfume Salesman' Tech giant Microsoft has avoided billions in taxes in Britain, Australia and New Zealand, all countries where it has lucrative public sector contracts, because of its complex corporate structure, a study published Thursday claimed. The company, which insists it respects local laws and regulations everywhere it operates, was starving the public purse of much-needed revenue while receiving taxpayer cash, the Center for Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (Cictar) said. "In many cases, Microsoft has paid zero tax in recent years by moving profits to companies tax-domiciled in Bermuda and other well-known tax havens," Cictar said in a statement. According to the study, Microsoft Global Finance -- an Irish subsidiary that has tax resident status in Bermuda -- consolidated more than $100 billion in investments and, despite an operating profit of $2.4 billion, paid no tax in 2020. In another example, Microsoft Singapore Holdings posted profits from dividends of $22.4 billion in 2020 but announced a tax liability of just $15. Also read | Microsoft to upgrade its campuses in China, increase recruitment despite US' decoupling push "Microsoft boasts of profit margins of over 30 percent to its shareholders. Yet, in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, filings show returns of three to four percent," said Jason Ward, an analyst with the organisation. "It does not seem credible that these wealthy markets are underperforming so dramatically," he said, calling "this type of discrepancy... a huge red flag for tax avoidance". "Microsoft starves the public sector of much needed revenues" while it "makes billions as a government contractor, with contracts at all levels of government and in virtually every country", Cictar said. According to the report, Microsoft has entered into public contracts worth at least $3.3 billion over the last five years in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Britain. More than 80% of Microsoft's total overseas income is "channelled through Puerto Rico and Ireland," according to the study, and the company is under scrutiny by tax officials in the US as well as other nations, including Australia. "In fiscal year 2021 and 2020, our foreign regional operating centres in Ireland and Puerto Rico," Microsoft said in its 2021 annual report When contacted by the report's authors, Microsoft stated that it adhered to "all local rules and regulations" in the nations in which it conducts business. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Microsoft avoids paying tax in many countries, study finds

Toxic air pollution particles have been discovered in the lungs, livers, and brains of unborn children. Since the foetal stage of development is the most vulnerable, researchers said their “groundbreaking” discovery is “very worrying.”

Study: Toxic air pollution particles found in lungs and brains of unborn babies

India is affected by a silent epidemic called 'Guilt Vacation Syndrome' and several studies have indicated this in the past. Wondering what it means? Well, the term is used for office-goers who feel guilty about using their designated leaves. What's the reason, you may ask? Fear of missing out (FOMO), job insecurity and the pressure to always be productive are a few.

According to a new study by Randstad India, about 35 to 40 per cent of employees surveyed in India said that they feel anxious to ask for leaves from their bosses.&nbsp;When a similar survey was done in America, about 39 per cent of workers agreed to feeling stressed and guilty about taking well-deserved offs.

Experts say that a lack of breaks and vacations can lead to mental health problems. And, the only way we can build up to courage to ask for those well-deserved offs is to work on our self-esteem. Know that you are doing better than average and that you deserve a few days away from your office desk.

Indians also feel that they are the most vacation-deprived people in the world and that&nbsp;they hardly take any "vacation time".&nbsp;According to&nbsp;the 2018 vacation deprivation report, released by the online travel portal Expedia, 75 per cent of Indians feel vacation-deprived, which is the highest in the world, followed by South Korea and Hong Kong.&nbsp;The annual report spans across 19 countries and highlights that vacation deprivation is on the rise.

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-medical-expert-shares-ways-to-maintain-muscle-and-bone-health-with-diabetes-523191" hreflang="en">Medical expert shares ways to maintain muscle and bone health with diabetes</a>

Before you bid adieu to us, take a look at the following tips to deal with your guilt.

<ol>
	<li>Plan your leaves in advance and get them approved over email</li>
	<li>Keep a backup. Make sure there’s at least one other person who can manage in your absence. It could be a peer or even your boss</li>
	<li>Keep a handover list ready for your colleagues and allot tasks to people before your offs</li>
	<li>And, lastly, always remember that your leave is your right and you shouldn't hesitate to ask for it</li>
</ol>

India is affected by a silent epidemic called 'Guilt Vacation Syndrome' and several studies have indicated this in the past. Wondering what it means? Well, the term is used for office-goers who feel guilty about using their designated leaves.

India is affected by a silent epidemic called 'Guilt Vacation Syndrome' and several studies have indicated this in the past. Wondering what it means? Well, the term is used for office-goers who feel guilty about using their designated leaves. What's the reason, you may ask? Fear of missing out (FOMO), job insecurity and the pressure to always be productive are a few. According to a new study by Randstad India, about 35 to 40 per cent of employees surveyed in India said that they feel anxious to ask for leaves from their bosses. When a similar survey was done in America, about 39 per cent of workers agreed to feeling stressed and guilty about taking well-deserved offs. Experts say that a lack of breaks and vacations can lead to mental health problems. And, the only way we can build up to courage to ask for those well-deserved offs is to work on our self-esteem. Know that you are doing better than average and that you deserve a few days away from your office desk. Indians also feel that they are the most vacation-deprived people in the world and that they hardly take any "vacation time". According to the 2018 vacation deprivation report, released by the online travel portal Expedia, 75 per cent of Indians feel vacation-deprived, which is the highest in the world, followed by South Korea and Hong Kong. The annual report spans across 19 countries and highlights that vacation deprivation is on the rise. Also read: Medical expert shares ways to maintain muscle and bone health with diabetes Before you bid adieu to us, take a look at the following tips to deal with your guilt. Plan your leaves in advance and get them approved over email Keep a backup. Make sure there’s at least one other person who can manage in your absence. It could be a peer or even your boss Keep a handover list ready for your colleagues and allot tasks to people before your offs And, lastly, always remember that your leave is your right and you shouldn't hesitate to ask for it

Indian employees feel guilty about taking a break or leave, reveals new study

Now a new study has shown that nearly about three times the amount of water that is found in the ocean actually lies under the Earth's crust.

Most of the Earth's water is underground?

study

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