Drinking coffee can protect the heart instead of triggering its ailments, a study has said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The revelation comes as there have been worries among some doctors and the public regarding the use of coffee. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to three research abstracts published on Thursday, drinking two to three cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of getting heart disease, heart failure or a heart issue, or dying early for any reason, by 10% to 15%. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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In a statement, Dr Peter M Kistler, senior author of the study, said, "Because coffee can quicken heart rate, some people worry that drinking it could trigger or worsen certain heart issues. This is where general medical advice to stop drinking coffee may come from." &nbsp;&nbsp;

In all three studies, Kistler and the other researchers used data from UK Biobank. It shows the health outcomes of over 500,000 people for at least 10 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Artificial sweeteners can increase risk of cancer by up to 13%, says study

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The authors of these studies looked to find out the relationship between coffee drinking and heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) and cardiovascular diseases. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We found coffee drinking had either a neutral effect -- meaning that it did no harm -- or was associated with benefits to heart health," added Kistler, who is a leading arrhythmia expert and professor of medicine at both the University of Melbourne and Monash University. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Drinking coffee can protect the heart instead of triggering its ailments, a study has said. The revelation comes as there have been worries among some doctors and the public regarding the use of coffee.

Drinking coffee can protect the heart instead of triggering its ailments, a study has said. The revelation comes as there have been worries among some doctors and the public regarding the use of coffee. According to three research abstracts published on Thursday, drinking two to three cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of getting heart disease, heart failure or a heart issue, or dying early for any reason, by 10% to 15%. Also Read: In a first, microplastic pollution gets detected in human blood In a statement, Dr Peter M Kistler, senior author of the study, said, "Because coffee can quicken heart rate, some people worry that drinking it could trigger or worsen certain heart issues. This is where general medical advice to stop drinking coffee may come from." In all three studies, Kistler and the other researchers used data from UK Biobank. It shows the health outcomes of over 500,000 people for at least 10 years. Watch: Artificial sweeteners can increase risk of cancer by up to 13%, says study × The authors of these studies looked to find out the relationship between coffee drinking and heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) and cardiovascular diseases. "We found coffee drinking had either a neutral effect -- meaning that it did no harm -- or was associated with benefits to heart health," added Kistler, who is a leading arrhythmia expert and professor of medicine at both the University of Melbourne and Monash University. (With inputs from agencies)

Drinking coffee can protect heart instead of triggering ailments, help to live longer, says study  

Some artificial sweeteners may not be good for health and could spike the risk of contracting cancer, a large-scale study has said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These alternatives to sugar, which are used in food and drinks, may hike the risk by up to 13 per cent. &nbsp;

The experts of the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, and Sorbonne Paris Nord University analysed data and came up to the conclusion that the risk for breast cancer and obesity-related cancers increases with these food materials. &nbsp;

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The data for 102,865 French adults was examined in the new study, which was published in PLOS Medicine. &nbsp;

In the research, people self-reported their diet, medical history, lifestyle habits and other data. The researchers looked at artificial sweetener intake in their dietary records and the diagnoses of cancer. &nbsp;

The findings showed that people who consumed larger quantities, like 79 mg per day, of artificial sweeteners had a 13 per cent more risk of contracting cancer in comparison to people avoiding them. &nbsp;

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As per the scientists, higher risks were observed for breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The researchers said, "Our findings do not support the use of artificial sweeteners as safe alternatives for sugar in foods or beverages and provide important and novel information to address the controversies about their potential adverse health effects.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Some artificial sweeteners may not be good for health and could spike the risk of contracting cancer, a large-scale study has said. These alternatives to sugar, which are used in food and drinks, may hike the risk by up to 13 per cent.

Some artificial sweeteners may not be good for health and could spike the risk of contracting cancer, a large-scale study has said. These alternatives to sugar, which are used in food and drinks, may hike the risk by up to 13 per cent. The experts of the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, and Sorbonne Paris Nord University analysed data and came up to the conclusion that the risk for breast cancer and obesity-related cancers increases with these food materials. Also Read: To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study The data for 102,865 French adults was examined in the new study, which was published in PLOS Medicine. In the research, people self-reported their diet, medical history, lifestyle habits and other data. The researchers looked at artificial sweetener intake in their dietary records and the diagnoses of cancer. The findings showed that people who consumed larger quantities, like 79 mg per day, of artificial sweeteners had a 13 per cent more risk of contracting cancer in comparison to people avoiding them. Also Read: Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers As per the scientists, higher risks were observed for breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. The researchers said, "Our findings do not support the use of artificial sweeteners as safe alternatives for sugar in foods or beverages and provide important and novel information to address the controversies about their potential adverse health effects.” (With inputs from agencies)

Artificial sweeteners increase risk of cancer by up to 13%, says study

Believe it or not, it seems orangutans also use slang to show coolness. &nbsp;

Orangutans are able to come up with new versions of the calls, which can vary in pitch and duration, found the researchers. &nbsp;

Not just this, the frequency of novel calls is also influenced by the density of the community. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lucky-for-now-fridge-sized-asteroid-gets-spotted-just-two-hours-before-hitting-earth-says-nasa-464282" hreflang="en">Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

The study has been published in the journal ‘Nature Ecology and Evolution’. &nbsp;

The researchers, who studied the “kiss-squeak” alarm calls of the wild communities of these apes in Borneo and Sumatra, said that they spent around 6,120 observation hours at six research stations between 2005 and 2010. They also recorded orangutan kiss-squeaks of around 70 individuals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/recycled-plastic-bottles-pass-more-harmful-chemicals-into-contents-than-new-ones-warn-researchers-463736" hreflang="en">Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers</a>

Dr Adriano Lameira, first author of the research from the department of psychology at the University of Warwick, said, “The way I see it is that low densities [of] orangutans have a slang repertoire that they constantly revisit and use. They are ‘conservative’, but once a new call variant is used, everyone hears it and the variant is quickly incorporated, enriching the slang.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

“In high density [communities of orangutans], communication is more like a cacophony. It seems ‘novelty’ is at a premium, much like in songbirds, and that individuals want to show off their coolness and how [much of a] rebel they are,” Lameira said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Believe it or not, it seems orangutans also use slang to show coolness. Orangutans are able to come up with new versions of the calls, which can vary in pitch and duration, found the researchers.

Believe it or not, it seems orangutans also use slang to show coolness. Orangutans are able to come up with new versions of the calls, which can vary in pitch and duration, found the researchers. Not just this, the frequency of novel calls is also influenced by the density of the community. Also Read: Lucky for now? Fridge-sized asteroid gets spotted just two hours before hitting Earth, says NASA The study has been published in the journal ‘Nature Ecology and Evolution’. The researchers, who studied the “kiss-squeak” alarm calls of the wild communities of these apes in Borneo and Sumatra, said that they spent around 6,120 observation hours at six research stations between 2005 and 2010. They also recorded orangutan kiss-squeaks of around 70 individuals. Also Read: Recycled plastic bottles pass more harmful chemicals into contents than new ones, warn researchers Dr Adriano Lameira, first author of the research from the department of psychology at the University of Warwick, said, “The way I see it is that low densities [of] orangutans have a slang repertoire that they constantly revisit and use. They are ‘conservative’, but once a new call variant is used, everyone hears it and the variant is quickly incorporated, enriching the slang.” “In high density [communities of orangutans], communication is more like a cacophony. It seems ‘novelty’ is at a premium, much like in songbirds, and that individuals want to show off their coolness and how [much of a] rebel they are,” Lameira said. (With inputs from agencies)

To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study   

According to a new study, sleeping for long hours can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The study tracked the daytime sleeping habits of senior citizens. It suggests a hike in the time of naps was linked to a higher chance of developing a mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. &nbsp;

It is also more likely that excessive sleeping can be an early warning sign, the scientists say. It can also cause mental decline. &nbsp;

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Dr Yue Leng, assistant professor, psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, said, “It might be a signal of accelerated ageing. The main takeaway is if you didn’t used to take naps and you notice you’re starting to get sleepier in the day, it might be a signal of declining cognitive health.” &nbsp;

More than 1,000 people were tracked by scientists for several years. The sample had an average age of 81. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The participants wore a watch-like device each year to track mobility for around 14 days. From 9 am to 7 pm, each prolonged period of non-activity was interpreted with a nap. &nbsp;

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To evaluate cognition each year, the participants also underwent tests. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Leng said it was not possible to rule out the possibility that napping was causing cognitive problems but there was “no obvious biological mechanism by which taking naps could cause Alzheimer’s”. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a new study, sleeping for long hours can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The study tracked the daytime sleeping habits of senior citizens. It suggests a hike in the time of naps was linked to a higher chance of developing a mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s.

According to a new study, sleeping for long hours can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The study tracked the daytime sleeping habits of senior citizens. It suggests a hike in the time of naps was linked to a higher chance of developing a mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. It is also more likely that excessive sleeping can be an early warning sign, the scientists say. It can also cause mental decline. Also Read | Omicron survives on surfaces longer, stay more infectious: Study Dr Yue Leng, assistant professor, psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, said, “It might be a signal of accelerated ageing. The main takeaway is if you didn’t used to take naps and you notice you’re starting to get sleepier in the day, it might be a signal of declining cognitive health.” More than 1,000 people were tracked by scientists for several years. The sample had an average age of 81. The participants wore a watch-like device each year to track mobility for around 14 days. From 9 am to 7 pm, each prolonged period of non-activity was interpreted with a nap. Also Read: Scientists identify formation of three planetary systems around this binary star To evaluate cognition each year, the participants also underwent tests. Leng said it was not possible to rule out the possibility that napping was causing cognitive problems but there was “no obvious biological mechanism by which taking naps could cause Alzheimer’s”. (With inputs from agencies)

Sleeping for long hours may be early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, says study  

Scientists in the UK have developed a tool that enables robots to display more realistic and accurate expressions of pain during the physical examination of painful areas.

The Imperial College London team has developed a new physical examination approach that could reduce doctors' errors and bias.

Research published in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that this could also teach trainee doctors how to use clues hidden in patients' facial expressions to minimise the force used in physical exams, while also detecting and correcting early signs of bias in medical students by exposing them to a wide variety of patient identities.

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"Improving the accuracy of facial expressions of pain on these robots is a key step in improving the quality of physical examination training for medical students," said Sibylle Rerolle, from Imperial's Dyson School of Design Engineering.

Undergraduate students participated in the study by performing a physical exam on a robotic patient's abdomen. In order to recreate pain-related facial expressions, data about forces applied to the abdomen were used to trigger changes in six different regions of the MorphFace robot face.

The method revealed the order in which different parts of a robotic face, known as facial activation units (AUs), must fire to accurately express pain. Additionally, the study determined the optimum speed and magnitude of AU activation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/even-a-worm-can-make-decisions-says-a-study-461969" hreflang="en">Even a worm can make decisions, says a study</a>

Researchers discovered that the most realistic facial expressions were created by activating the upper face AUs (around the eyes) before activating the lower face AUs (around the mouth). The most natural results were obtained by allowing the Jaw Drop AU to take longer to activate.

It is crucial for doctors to consider patient facial expressions when performing physical examinations of painful areas.&nbsp;

Most medical training simulators, however, cannot show real-time facial expressions related to pain and only include a limited number of patient identities according to ethnicity and gender.

Based on studies demonstrating racial bias in the ability to recognize facial expressions of pain, the researchers state that these limitations may lead to biased practices on the part of medical students.

"Underlying biases could lead doctors to misinterpret the discomfort of patients - increasing the risk of mistreatment, negatively impacting doctor-patient trust, and even causing mortality, a said co-author Thilina Lalitharatne, from the Dyson School of Design Engineering.

"In the future, a robot-assisted approach could be used to train medical students to normalise their perceptions of pain expressed by patients of different ethnicity and gender."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists in the UK have developed a tool that enables robots to display more realistic and accurate expressions of pain during the physical examination of painful areas.

Scientists in the UK have developed a tool that enables robots to display more realistic and accurate expressions of pain during the physical examination of painful areas. The Imperial College London team has developed a new physical examination approach that could reduce doctors' errors and bias. Research published in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that this could also teach trainee doctors how to use clues hidden in patients' facial expressions to minimise the force used in physical exams, while also detecting and correcting early signs of bias in medical students by exposing them to a wide variety of patient identities. Also read | Scientists identify formation of three planetary systems around this binary star "Improving the accuracy of facial expressions of pain on these robots is a key step in improving the quality of physical examination training for medical students," said Sibylle Rerolle, from Imperial's Dyson School of Design Engineering. Undergraduate students participated in the study by performing a physical exam on a robotic patient's abdomen. In order to recreate pain-related facial expressions, data about forces applied to the abdomen were used to trigger changes in six different regions of the MorphFace robot face. The method revealed the order in which different parts of a robotic face, known as facial activation units (AUs), must fire to accurately express pain. Additionally, the study determined the optimum speed and magnitude of AU activation. Also read | Even a worm can make decisions, says a study Researchers discovered that the most realistic facial expressions were created by activating the upper face AUs (around the eyes) before activating the lower face AUs (around the mouth). The most natural results were obtained by allowing the Jaw Drop AU to take longer to activate. It is crucial for doctors to consider patient facial expressions when performing physical examinations of painful areas. Most medical training simulators, however, cannot show real-time facial expressions related to pain and only include a limited number of patient identities according to ethnicity and gender. Based on studies demonstrating racial bias in the ability to recognize facial expressions of pain, the researchers state that these limitations may lead to biased practices on the part of medical students. "Underlying biases could lead doctors to misinterpret the discomfort of patients - increasing the risk of mistreatment, negatively impacting doctor-patient trust, and even causing mortality, a said co-author Thilina Lalitharatne, from the Dyson School of Design Engineering. "In the future, a robot-assisted approach could be used to train medical students to normalise their perceptions of pain expressed by patients of different ethnicity and gender." (With inputs from agencies)

UK develops robots with realistic expressions that cut doctors' errors and bias

During the turbulent early history of the solar system, the materials that shaped Earth might have been formed very far out in space, suggests a study.

A carbonaceous meteorite is thought to have contributed to Earth's formation, which came from outer main-belt asteroids.

Scientists at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have recently proposed that these asteroidal materials may have formed far out in the early solar system and then been transported to the inner solar system by chaotic mixing processes.

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According to the study, published in the journal AGU Advances, the main-belt asteroids' surface minerals, especially those containing ammonia (NH3), form from starting materials containing NH3 and carbon dioxide (CO2) ice that are stable only at low temperatures, and under water-rich conditions.

In light of these results, the study suggests that outer main-belt asteroids originate from distant orbits and differentiate to form different minerals in a water-rich mantle and rock-dominated core.

According to the study, Earth's unique properties may have resulted from peculiar aspects of the formation of the solar system.

"Whether our solar system's formation is a typical outcome remains to be determined, but numerous measurements suggest we may be able to place our cosmic history in context soon," said lead author Hiroyuki Kurokawa from the Institute's Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-formation-of-three-planetary-systems-around-this-binary-star-462675" hreflang="en">Scientists identify formation of three planetary systems around this binary star</a>

A number of opportunities might arise to test this model, for example, this study provides predictions of the results of analysing Hayabusa 2 returned samples. Hayabusa is the asteroid sample return mission of JAXA, the Japanese state space agency.

This distant origin of asteroids, if correct, predicts that there will be ammoniated salts and minerals in Hayabusa 2's returned samples. Analysis of the OSIRIS-Rex mission's returned material will provide a further check on this model.

(With inputs from agencies)

During the turbulent early history of the solar system, the materials that shaped Earth might have been formed very far out in space, suggests a study. A carbonaceous meteorite is thought to have contributed to Earth's formation, which came from outer main-belt asteroids.

During the turbulent early history of the solar system, the materials that shaped Earth might have been formed very far out in space, suggests a study. A carbonaceous meteorite is thought to have contributed to Earth's formation, which came from outer main-belt asteroids. Scientists at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have recently proposed that these asteroidal materials may have formed far out in the early solar system and then been transported to the inner solar system by chaotic mixing processes. Also read | UK develops robots with realistic expressions that cut doctors' errors and bias According to the study, published in the journal AGU Advances, the main-belt asteroids' surface minerals, especially those containing ammonia (NH3), form from starting materials containing NH3 and carbon dioxide (CO2) ice that are stable only at low temperatures, and under water-rich conditions. In light of these results, the study suggests that outer main-belt asteroids originate from distant orbits and differentiate to form different minerals in a water-rich mantle and rock-dominated core. According to the study, Earth's unique properties may have resulted from peculiar aspects of the formation of the solar system. "Whether our solar system's formation is a typical outcome remains to be determined, but numerous measurements suggest we may be able to place our cosmic history in context soon," said lead author Hiroyuki Kurokawa from the Institute's Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI). Also read | Scientists identify formation of three planetary systems around this binary star A number of opportunities might arise to test this model, for example, this study provides predictions of the results of analysing Hayabusa 2 returned samples. Hayabusa is the asteroid sample return mission of JAXA, the Japanese state space agency. This distant origin of asteroids, if correct, predicts that there will be ammoniated salts and minerals in Hayabusa 2's returned samples. Analysis of the OSIRIS-Rex mission's returned material will provide a further check on this model. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists present a theory on how 'otherworldly materials' helped in Earth's formation

According to a new study, Covid pandemic may have been three times deadlier than reported till now. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 6 million people have died in the world due to Covid till the end of 2021 as per official reports. But, in a new study, researchers indicate that from the beginning of 2020 till the end of 2021, at least 18 million more deaths have occurred than the researchers would typically expect in the course of two years. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-sees-a-surge-in-cases-for-people-aged-55-and-above-460980" hreflang="en">COVID-19: UK sees a surge in cases for people aged 55 and above</a>

Some of these excess deaths may not have been included in the official figures due to lack of diagnostic or reporting resources. &nbsp;

The other reasons may include behaviour changes during lockdowns, economic turmoil, lack of access to healthcare, etc. There was not enough data to distinguish the cause of death as well.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/breakthrough-in-ageing-reversal-us-scientists-rejuvenate-tissues-in-mice-460254" hreflang="en">Breakthrough in ageing reversal? US scientists rejuvenate tissues in mice</a>

The study found Russia, Brazil, Mexico, the US, Indonesia and Pakistan are among countries that accounted for more than half of all excess deaths in two years. There were more than 1.1 million in the United States.&nbsp;

Haidong Wang, demography specialist, University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, said that excess mortality is "a much more accurate measurement of the true impact of the pandemic" precisely because of the known issues in under-reporting of direct Covid deaths and because of the deadly indirect effects of the pandemic. &nbsp;

The researchers, who were led by Wang, analysed all-cause mortality in 187 countries, with the help of weekly or monthly reported data when available and creating models to estimate for others. The study was published in the journal ‘The Lancet’ on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a new study, Covid pandemic may have been three times deadlier than reported till now. Around 6 million people have died in the world due to Covid till the end of 2021 as per official reports.

According to a new study, Covid pandemic may have been three times deadlier than reported till now. Around 6 million people have died in the world due to Covid till the end of 2021 as per official reports. But, in a new study, researchers indicate that from the beginning of 2020 till the end of 2021, at least 18 million more deaths have occurred than the researchers would typically expect in the course of two years. Also Read | COVID-19: UK sees a surge in cases for people aged 55 and above Some of these excess deaths may not have been included in the official figures due to lack of diagnostic or reporting resources. The other reasons may include behaviour changes during lockdowns, economic turmoil, lack of access to healthcare, etc. There was not enough data to distinguish the cause of death as well. Also Read: Breakthrough in ageing reversal? US scientists rejuvenate tissues in mice The study found Russia, Brazil, Mexico, the US, Indonesia and Pakistan are among countries that accounted for more than half of all excess deaths in two years. There were more than 1.1 million in the United States. Haidong Wang, demography specialist, University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, said that excess mortality is "a much more accurate measurement of the true impact of the pandemic" precisely because of the known issues in under-reporting of direct Covid deaths and because of the deadly indirect effects of the pandemic. The researchers, who were led by Wang, analysed all-cause mortality in 187 countries, with the help of weekly or monthly reported data when available and creating models to estimate for others. The study was published in the journal ‘The Lancet’ on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid pandemic death toll may be thrice than reported, claims study

Bitcoin soared after President Joe Biden signed an executive order that requires the U.S. government agencies to assess the benefits and risks of creating a central bank digital dollar and other cryptocurrencies. The executive order potentially expands the adoption of virtual currencies in the U.S. financial system.

Bitcoin surges after Biden signs executive order on digital assets

A new study has made a shocking revelation. Covid-19 severely impacts the body. However, a new study states that it may shrink the brain's gray matter, specifically in areas of the brain involved in smell and memory processing.&nbsp;

As a part of the study, researchers looked at brain alterations in 785 UK Biobank people aged 51-81 years. All these people had their brain scanned twice. Out of these, 401 cases tested positive for Covid between their two scans, with an average of 141 days between diagnosis and second scan.&nbsp;

The remaining 384 participants had no sign of Covid. However, they closely matched the infected participants in terms of age, sex and Covid risk factors.

These participants tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/spain-to-ban-influencers-promoting-unhealthy-foods-to-children-460569">Also read |&nbsp;Spain to ban influencers promoting unhealthy foods to children</a>

All these participants had to also go through a second brain scan for the study.&nbsp;This was done so that the researchers could pinpoint how and where their brains differed.

The study has been published in the journal Nature.

Dr Serena Spudich, chief of neurological infections and global neurology at the Yale School of Medicine, in a report said, "To me, this is pretty convincing evidence that something changes in brains of this overall group of people with Covid."

She further added, “To make a conclusion that this has some long-term clinical implications for the patients I think is a stretch. We don’t want to scare the public and have them think, ‘Oh, this is proof that everyone’s going to have brain damage and not be able to function."

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has made a shocking revelation. Covid-19 severely impacts the body. However, a new study states that it may shrink the brain's gray matter, specifically in areas of the brain involved in smell and memory processing.

A new study has made a shocking revelation. Covid-19 severely impacts the body. However, a new study states that it may shrink the brain's gray matter, specifically in areas of the brain involved in smell and memory processing. As a part of the study, researchers looked at brain alterations in 785 UK Biobank people aged 51-81 years. All these people had their brain scanned twice. Out of these, 401 cases tested positive for Covid between their two scans, with an average of 141 days between diagnosis and second scan. The remaining 384 participants had no sign of Covid. However, they closely matched the infected participants in terms of age, sex and Covid risk factors. These participants tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Also read | Spain to ban influencers promoting unhealthy foods to children All these participants had to also go through a second brain scan for the study. This was done so that the researchers could pinpoint how and where their brains differed. The study has been published in the journal Nature. Dr Serena Spudich, chief of neurological infections and global neurology at the Yale School of Medicine, in a report said, "To me, this is pretty convincing evidence that something changes in brains of this overall group of people with Covid." She further added, “To make a conclusion that this has some long-term clinical implications for the patients I think is a stretch. We don’t want to scare the public and have them think, ‘Oh, this is proof that everyone’s going to have brain damage and not be able to function." (With inputs from agencies)

Study reveals how Covid causes shrinkage in brain

US President Joe Biden is expected to sign a long-awaited executive order this week which will direct the justice department, treasury and other agencies in the US to study the legal and economic ramifications of creating a central bank digital currency.

US President Joe Biden to order digital currency study to know legal & economic ramifications

The Amazon is losing its ability to recover from disturbances like droughts and land-use changes, scientists reported Monday, adding to concern that the rainforest is approaching a critical threshold beyond which much of it will be replaced by grassland, with vast consequences for biodiversity and climate change.

The scientists said their research did not pinpoint when this threshold, which they described as a tipping point, might be reached.

“But it’s worth reminding ourselves that if it gets to that tipping point, that we commit to losing the Amazon rainforest, then we get a significant feedback to global climate change,” said one of the scientists, Tim Lenton, director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter in England.

Losing the rainforest could result in up to 90 billion tons of heat-trapping carbon dioxide getting put back into the atmosphere, he said, equivalent to several years of global emissions. That would make limiting global warming more difficult.

Among previous studies there has been a large degree of uncertainty as to when such a threshold might be reached. But some research has concluded that deforestation, drying and other factors could lead to substantial forest dieback in the Amazon by the end of this century.

Carlos Nobre, a senior scientist at the National Institute of Amazonian Research in Brazil and one of the first to sound alarm over the potential loss of the Amazon more than three decades ago, described the new study as “very compelling.”

“It raised my level of anxiety,” said Nobre, who was not involved in the research.

Covering more than 2 million square miles in Brazil and neighboring countries, the Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, and serves a crucial role in mitigating climate change in most years by taking in more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases. In its diversity of plant and animal species, it is as rich as or richer than anywhere else on the planet. And it pumps so much moisture into the atmosphere that it can affect weather beyond South America.

But climate change, together with widespread deforestation and burning for agriculture and ranching, has taken a toll on the Amazon, making it warmer and drier. The region, one of the wettest on Earth, has experienced three droughts since 2000.

Most previous studies of resiliency in the Amazon relied on models, or simulations, of how forest health might change over time. In the new research, the scientists used actual observations: decades of remote sensing data from satellites that measure the amount of biomass in specific areas, which corresponds to their health. Looking only at pristine parts of the rainforest, the researchers found that overall since 2000 these areas lost resilience. For example, it took increasingly longer for forested areas to regain their health after suffering a drought.

“That lack of resilience shows that, indeed, there is only so much of a beating that this forest can take,” said Paulo Brando, a tropical ecologist at the University of California Irvine who was not involved in the study. “It’s reducing the ability to bounce back.”

But Brando said this was not necessarily a sign that a tipping point was unavoidable, and pointed to the need to stop clear-cutting and forest degradation in the region. “These systems are highly resilient, and the fact that we have reduced resilience doesn’t mean that it has lost all its resilience,” he said. “If you leave them alone for a little bit, they come back super strongly.”

The researchers found that more than three-quarters of the untouched rainforest lost resiliency over that time, and that the loss was greatest in areas that were drier or closer to human activities like logging. The study was published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

Chris Boulton, a researcher at the University of Exeter and the study’s lead author, said that the Amazon was like a giant water recycling network, as moisture from evaporation and transpiration from trees is blown by winds. So the loss of some of the forest, and some of the moisture, leads to more drying elsewhere.

“You can imagine that as the Amazon dries you start to see that resilience being lost even faster and faster,” Boulton said. Forests might then decline and die off relatively quickly and become more like a savanna, with grasses and far fewer trees.

Not only would the loss of forest trees add the carbon stored in their tissues back into the atmosphere, savannas would also take up far less carbon than the large, broad-leafed trees they replaced. Savanna habitat would also support far fewer species.

Nobre said the research shows that the Amazon “is on the edge of this cliff, this switch to a different ecosystem.” And if it were to happen, he added, “that would be the new ecosystem for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands of years.”

About 17% of the Amazon has been deforested over the past half-century, and while the pace of deforestation slowed for some years in Brazil, it has picked up again more recently. The researchers said their work showed that efforts to stop deforestation would not just protect specific areas but have an effect on the resiliency of the Amazon as a whole.

“They are absolutely correct,” Nobre said.&nbsp;“We have to get to zero deforestation, zero forest degradation,” adding, “We still have a chance to save the forest.”

The Amazon is losing its ability to recover from disturbances like droughts and land-use changes, scientists reported Monday, adding to concern that the rainforest is approaching a critical threshold beyond which much of it will be replaced by grassland, with vast consequences for biodiversity and climate change.

The Amazon is losing its ability to recover from disturbances like droughts and land-use changes, scientists reported Monday, adding to concern that the rainforest is approaching a critical threshold beyond which much of it will be replaced by grassland, with vast consequences for biodiversity and climate change. The scientists said their research did not pinpoint when this threshold, which they described as a tipping point, might be reached. “But it’s worth reminding ourselves that if it gets to that tipping point, that we commit to losing the Amazon rainforest, then we get a significant feedback to global climate change,” said one of the scientists, Tim Lenton, director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter in England. Losing the rainforest could result in up to 90 billion tons of heat-trapping carbon dioxide getting put back into the atmosphere, he said, equivalent to several years of global emissions. That would make limiting global warming more difficult. Among previous studies there has been a large degree of uncertainty as to when such a threshold might be reached. But some research has concluded that deforestation, drying and other factors could lead to substantial forest dieback in the Amazon by the end of this century. Carlos Nobre, a senior scientist at the National Institute of Amazonian Research in Brazil and one of the first to sound alarm over the potential loss of the Amazon more than three decades ago, described the new study as “very compelling.” “It raised my level of anxiety,” said Nobre, who was not involved in the research. Covering more than 2 million square miles in Brazil and neighboring countries, the Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, and serves a crucial role in mitigating climate change in most years by taking in more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases. In its diversity of plant and animal species, it is as rich as or richer than anywhere else on the planet. And it pumps so much moisture into the atmosphere that it can affect weather beyond South America. But climate change, together with widespread deforestation and burning for agriculture and ranching, has taken a toll on the Amazon, making it warmer and drier. The region, one of the wettest on Earth, has experienced three droughts since 2000. Most previous studies of resiliency in the Amazon relied on models, or simulations, of how forest health might change over time. In the new research, the scientists used actual observations: decades of remote sensing data from satellites that measure the amount of biomass in specific areas, which corresponds to their health. Looking only at pristine parts of the rainforest, the researchers found that overall since 2000 these areas lost resilience. For example, it took increasingly longer for forested areas to regain their health after suffering a drought. “That lack of resilience shows that, indeed, there is only so much of a beating that this forest can take,” said Paulo Brando, a tropical ecologist at the University of California Irvine who was not involved in the study. “It’s reducing the ability to bounce back.” But Brando said this was not necessarily a sign that a tipping point was unavoidable, and pointed to the need to stop clear-cutting and forest degradation in the region. “These systems are highly resilient, and the fact that we have reduced resilience doesn’t mean that it has lost all its resilience,” he said. “If you leave them alone for a little bit, they come back super strongly.” The researchers found that more than three-quarters of the untouched rainforest lost resiliency over that time, and that the loss was greatest in areas that were drier or closer to human activities like logging. The study was published in the journal Nature Climate Change. Chris Boulton, a researcher at the University of Exeter and the study’s lead author, said that the Amazon was like a giant water recycling network, as moisture from evaporation and transpiration from trees is blown by winds. So the loss of some of the forest, and some of the moisture, leads to more drying elsewhere. “You can imagine that as the Amazon dries you start to see that resilience being lost even faster and faster,” Boulton said. Forests might then decline and die off relatively quickly and become more like a savanna, with grasses and far fewer trees. Not only would the loss of forest trees add the carbon stored in their tissues back into the atmosphere, savannas would also take up far less carbon than the large, broad-leafed trees they replaced. Savanna habitat would also support far fewer species. Nobre said the research shows that the Amazon “is on the edge of this cliff, this switch to a different ecosystem.” And if it were to happen, he added, “that would be the new ecosystem for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands of years.” About 17% of the Amazon has been deforested over the past half-century, and while the pace of deforestation slowed for some years in Brazil, it has picked up again more recently. The researchers said their work showed that efforts to stop deforestation would not just protect specific areas but have an effect on the resiliency of the Amazon as a whole. “They are absolutely correct,” Nobre said. “We have to get to zero deforestation, zero forest degradation,” adding, “We still have a chance to save the forest.”

Amazon is less able to recover from droughts and logging, study finds

If a study is to be believed, cutting back on the final drink of the day can help improve brain health substantially.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With each additional drink, the negative effects of alcohol consumption grow stronger, suggest scientists. &nbsp;

The findings of the research, which took into account more than 36,000 adults, were published in the ‘Nature Communications’ journal. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-new-evidence-to-prove-women-more-susceptible-to-alzheimers-disease-458520" hreflang="en">Study finds new evidence to prove women more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease</a>

Dr Remi Daviet, study’s first author, who is based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said, “There is some evidence that the effect of drinking on the brain is exponential. So, one additional drink in a day could have more of an impact than any of the previous drinks that day. That means that cutting back on that final drink of the night might have a big effect in terms of brain ageing.” &nbsp;

The more a person drinks the smaller their brain gets and there was also less connectivity in the white matter of the brain, the study found. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dino-predator-tyrannosaurus-rex-may-have-three-species-not-one-says-study-457767" hreflang="en">Dino predator Tyrannosaurus rex may have three species, not one, says study</a>

Even the modest levels of drinking, like a few glasses of wine a week, appeared to be risky. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The study used a dataset of MRI scans of adults in the UK Biobank to come up with the findings. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a study is to be believed, cutting back on the final drink of the day can help improve brain health substantially. With each additional drink, the negative effects of alcohol consumption grow stronger, suggest scientists.

If a study is to be believed, cutting back on the final drink of the day can help improve brain health substantially. With each additional drink, the negative effects of alcohol consumption grow stronger, suggest scientists. The findings of the research, which took into account more than 36,000 adults, were published in the ‘Nature Communications’ journal. Also Read: Study finds new evidence to prove women more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease Dr Remi Daviet, study’s first author, who is based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said, “There is some evidence that the effect of drinking on the brain is exponential. So, one additional drink in a day could have more of an impact than any of the previous drinks that day. That means that cutting back on that final drink of the night might have a big effect in terms of brain ageing.” The more a person drinks the smaller their brain gets and there was also less connectivity in the white matter of the brain, the study found. Also Read: Dino predator Tyrannosaurus rex may have three species, not one, says study Even the modest levels of drinking, like a few glasses of wine a week, appeared to be risky. The study used a dataset of MRI scans of adults in the UK Biobank to come up with the findings. (With inputs from agencies)

Cutting back on final drink of day can help improve brain health, says study

A DNA study has revealed that endangered sharks have been found in cat and dog food. Several brands consisted of endangered species. However, they listed only vague ingredients such as “ocean fish."

The study used DNA barcoding. As a part of the analysis, the scientists tested 45 pet food products from 16 brands in Singapore.&nbsp;

Most products used generic terms such as “fish”, “ocean fish”, “whitebait” or “white fish” in the ingredients. Some others specified as they listed tuna or salmon. There were also a few brands that did not indicate fish at all.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-is-undergoing-sixth-mass-extinction-and-things-dont-look-good-for-humans-458842">Also read |&nbsp;World is undergoing sixth mass extinction and things don't look good for humans</a>

Study authors Ben Wainwright and Ian French, of Yale-NUS College, Singapore in a report by The Guardian said, "The majority of pet owners are likely lovers of nature, and we think most would be alarmed to discover that they could be unknowingly contributing to the overfishing of shark populations."

Shark populations are depleted all across the world. There has been a decline of over 70 per cent in the past 50 years.&nbsp;

It was concluded that out of the 144 samples sequenced, 45 contained shark DNA. The most frequently identified species were blue shark, silky shark and whitetip reef shark.

(With inputs from agencies)

A DNA study has revealed that endangered sharks have been found in cat and dog food. Several brands consisted of endangered species. However, they listed only vague ingredients such as “ocean fish.

A DNA study has revealed that endangered sharks have been found in cat and dog food. Several brands consisted of endangered species. However, they listed only vague ingredients such as “ocean fish." The study used DNA barcoding. As a part of the analysis, the scientists tested 45 pet food products from 16 brands in Singapore. Most products used generic terms such as “fish”, “ocean fish”, “whitebait” or “white fish” in the ingredients. Some others specified as they listed tuna or salmon. There were also a few brands that did not indicate fish at all. Also read | World is undergoing sixth mass extinction and things don't look good for humans Study authors Ben Wainwright and Ian French, of Yale-NUS College, Singapore in a report by The Guardian said, "The majority of pet owners are likely lovers of nature, and we think most would be alarmed to discover that they could be unknowingly contributing to the overfishing of shark populations." Shark populations are depleted all across the world. There has been a decline of over 70 per cent in the past 50 years. It was concluded that out of the 144 samples sequenced, 45 contained shark DNA. The most frequently identified species were blue shark, silky shark and whitetip reef shark. (With inputs from agencies)

DNA study shows endangered sharks found in cat and dog food

In a recent study, experts have found evidence to prove why women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer's disease. &nbsp;

The epidemiological studies done earlier showed the phenomena but the cause of it was unclear. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The new study was published in the journal 'Nature'. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dino-predator-tyrannosaurus-rex-may-have-three-species-not-one-says-study-457767" hreflang="en">Dino predator Tyrannosaurus rex may have three species, not one, says study</a>

The study, which has been led by Prof Keqiang Ye of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, seems to have unraveled the mystery. &nbsp;

It had been a puzzle for mankind for decades. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Integrating earlier studies, the team established the theory that the C/EBPb/AEP pathway was the core factor driving the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. &nbsp;

"Based on this theory, our team searched for female hormones that are dramatically changed during menopause and tested which hormone selectively activates the C/EBPb/AEP pathway," said Prof Ye. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-burn-hazard-fitbit-recalls-17-million-ionic-smartwatches-458500" hreflang="en">After burn hazard, Fitbit recalls 1.7 million 'Ionic' smartwatches</a>&nbsp;

The team identified follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as the major pathogenic factor. &nbsp;

"During menopause, the serum concentration of FSH strongly increases, binding to the cognate FSH receptor on neurons and activating the C/EBPb/AEP pathway. This resulted in Ab and Tau pathologies, leading to the development of AD," said Dr Zaidi Mone, study’s co-corresponding author and tenured professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. &nbsp;

The researchers employed many methods to demonstrate the findings. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a recent study, experts have found evidence to prove why women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer's disease. The epidemiological studies done earlier showed the phenomena but the cause of it was unclear.

In a recent study, experts have found evidence to prove why women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer's disease. The epidemiological studies done earlier showed the phenomena but the cause of it was unclear. The new study was published in the journal 'Nature'. Also Read: Dino predator Tyrannosaurus rex may have three species, not one, says study The study, which has been led by Prof Keqiang Ye of the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, seems to have unraveled the mystery. It had been a puzzle for mankind for decades. Integrating earlier studies, the team established the theory that the C/EBPb/AEP pathway was the core factor driving the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. "Based on this theory, our team searched for female hormones that are dramatically changed during menopause and tested which hormone selectively activates the C/EBPb/AEP pathway," said Prof Ye. Also Read: After burn hazard, Fitbit recalls 1.7 million 'Ionic' smartwatches The team identified follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as the major pathogenic factor. "During menopause, the serum concentration of FSH strongly increases, binding to the cognate FSH receptor on neurons and activating the C/EBPb/AEP pathway. This resulted in Ab and Tau pathologies, leading to the development of AD," said Dr Zaidi Mone, study’s co-corresponding author and tenured professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. The researchers employed many methods to demonstrate the findings. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds new evidence to prove women more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease

Past can be a pain but nostalgia often brings a delightful relief. Everyone likes to think of good ol' days once in a while. And this sure evokes happiness, lifts our mood and sometimes makes us meet life with a renewed vigour.

But can nostalgia have real, physiological benefits? A study says yes.

The study was made by Chinese Academy of Sciences. In this study, volunteers were given heat stimulus. This heat stimulus could be slightly painful at times.&nbsp;

At the same time. They were shown images from their childhood that evokes nostalgia. They were asked to rate the pain they felt from the heat stimulus.

It was observed by the researchers that a strong nostalgia provided some sort of pain relief to the volunteers. This was especially apparent when the level of pain within the ranges decided for the study was low.&nbsp;

The relief brought about by nostalgia did not have a profound effect, however, when the pain intensity was higher. Researchers think that this was so because pain of higher intensity took up more cognitive resources of the mind.

"The more nostalgic the participants felt, the less pain they perceived," said the research team in its paper as quoted by ScienceAlert.

Past can be a pain but nostalgia often brings a delightful relief. Everyone likes to think of good ol' days once in a while. And this sure evokes happiness, lifts our mood and sometimes makes us meet life with a renewed vigour.

Past can be a pain but nostalgia often brings a delightful relief. Everyone likes to think of good ol' days once in a while. And this sure evokes happiness, lifts our mood and sometimes makes us meet life with a renewed vigour. But can nostalgia have real, physiological benefits? A study says yes. The study was made by Chinese Academy of Sciences. In this study, volunteers were given heat stimulus. This heat stimulus could be slightly painful at times. At the same time. They were shown images from their childhood that evokes nostalgia. They were asked to rate the pain they felt from the heat stimulus. It was observed by the researchers that a strong nostalgia provided some sort of pain relief to the volunteers. This was especially apparent when the level of pain within the ranges decided for the study was low. The relief brought about by nostalgia did not have a profound effect, however, when the pain intensity was higher. Researchers think that this was so because pain of higher intensity took up more cognitive resources of the mind. "The more nostalgic the participants felt, the less pain they perceived," said the research team in its paper as quoted by ScienceAlert.

Nostalgia can even shield you from physical pain, says a study

Tyrannosaurus rex (T rex) is one of the most fearsome predators of its times. Its huge size, scary teeth and sharp claws make it unique. &nbsp;

But if researchers, who are studying its fossils, are to be believed, the beast seems to have not one but three species. The variation in the species gives evidence of the claim. &nbsp;

Gregory Paul, who is the lead author of the research and the dinosaur specialist on the film ‘Jurassic Park’, said the findings had multiple implications. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-species-of-carnivorous-dinosaur-with-short-arms-discovered-in-argentina-say-scientists-456715" hreflang="en">New species of carnivorous dinosaur with short arms discovered in Argentina, say scientists</a>

Paul noted that earlier experts had studied the growth of the T rex with the help of remains from different rock layers.&nbsp;

“That may not be a good idea to do because you may be [looking at] different species,” Paul said. &nbsp;

The study was published in the journal 'Evolutionary Biology'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-species-of-crocodile-from-cretaceous-period-found-in-australia-say-scientists-453388" hreflang="en">New species of crocodile who preyed on a young dinosaur found in Australia, say scientists</a>

A total of 37 specimens attributed to T rex were studied by Paul and his colleagues. &nbsp;

It was done to look at the length and circumference of the thigh bones, which were available for about two-thirds of the specimens, to be able to assess their robustness. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The findings suggest the differences in the robustness of the thigh bones are unlikely to be down to individual variation, the team said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“We found that the robustness in the sample we have of tyrannosaurus, the variation of the femur is greater than all other tyrannosaurids combined over 10m years of evolution. You can’t just not pay attention to that,” said Paul. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Tyrannosaurus rex (T rex) is one of the most fearsome predators of its times. Its huge size, scary teeth and sharp claws make it unique. But if researchers, who are studying its fossils, are to be believed, the beast seems to have not one but three species.

Tyrannosaurus rex (T rex) is one of the most fearsome predators of its times. Its huge size, scary teeth and sharp claws make it unique. But if researchers, who are studying its fossils, are to be believed, the beast seems to have not one but three species. The variation in the species gives evidence of the claim. Gregory Paul, who is the lead author of the research and the dinosaur specialist on the film ‘Jurassic Park’, said the findings had multiple implications. Also Read: New species of carnivorous dinosaur with short arms discovered in Argentina, say scientists Paul noted that earlier experts had studied the growth of the T rex with the help of remains from different rock layers. “That may not be a good idea to do because you may be [looking at] different species,” Paul said. The study was published in the journal 'Evolutionary Biology'. Also Read: New species of crocodile who preyed on a young dinosaur found in Australia, say scientists A total of 37 specimens attributed to T rex were studied by Paul and his colleagues. It was done to look at the length and circumference of the thigh bones, which were available for about two-thirds of the specimens, to be able to assess their robustness. The findings suggest the differences in the robustness of the thigh bones are unlikely to be down to individual variation, the team said. “We found that the robustness in the sample we have of tyrannosaurus, the variation of the femur is greater than all other tyrannosaurids combined over 10m years of evolution. You can’t just not pay attention to that,” said Paul. (With inputs from agencies)

Dino predator Tyrannosaurus rex may have three species, not one, says study

Have peanut allergies, but want to savour it? Well, don’t fret, there is a way as a clinical trial in the US has shown that adults, who have such allergies can eat small doses if they undergo fecal transplants, a hospital announced on Saturday. &nbsp;

Fecal microbiota transplanted out of non-allergic donors into allergic people, who earlier could only eat less than half a peanut before reacting, has shown positive results as the adults become resilient to two peanuts, Boston Children's Hospital said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-species-of-carnivorous-dinosaur-with-short-arms-discovered-in-argentina-say-scientists-456715" hreflang="en">New species of carnivorous dinosaur with short arms discovered in Argentina, say scientists</a>

Dr Rima Rachid, lead investigator and co-director, Food Allergy Program at the hospital, said, "These results were very encouraging. A single FMT led to a significant increase in the threshold of reactivity to peanut at both one month and four months after treatment, showing that the effect was prolonged. This study is offering hope that microbiome interventions may be effective in food allergy." &nbsp;

Intestinal bacteria are a very critical part of the immune system, the researchers said. The study's samples came from OpenBiome, a non-profit stool bank in Cambridge, Massachusetts. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/evidence-of-first-ear-surgery-found-in-5300-year-old-skull-say-archaeologists-454953" hreflang="en">Evidence of first ear surgery found in 5,300-year-old skull, say archaeologists</a>

The study had included 15 participants from 18 to 33 years of age, with one participant gaining the ability to eat as many as four peanuts without a reaction. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Have peanut allergies, but want to savour it? Well, don’t fret, there is a way as a clinical trial in the US has shown that adults, who have such allergies can eat small doses if they undergo fecal transplants, a hospital announced on Saturday.

Have peanut allergies, but want to savour it? Well, don’t fret, there is a way as a clinical trial in the US has shown that adults, who have such allergies can eat small doses if they undergo fecal transplants, a hospital announced on Saturday. Fecal microbiota transplanted out of non-allergic donors into allergic people, who earlier could only eat less than half a peanut before reacting, has shown positive results as the adults become resilient to two peanuts, Boston Children's Hospital said. Also Read: New species of carnivorous dinosaur with short arms discovered in Argentina, say scientists Dr Rima Rachid, lead investigator and co-director, Food Allergy Program at the hospital, said, "These results were very encouraging. A single FMT led to a significant increase in the threshold of reactivity to peanut at both one month and four months after treatment, showing that the effect was prolonged. This study is offering hope that microbiome interventions may be effective in food allergy." Intestinal bacteria are a very critical part of the immune system, the researchers said. The study's samples came from OpenBiome, a non-profit stool bank in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Also Read: Evidence of first ear surgery found in 5,300-year-old skull, say archaeologists The study had included 15 participants from 18 to 33 years of age, with one participant gaining the ability to eat as many as four peanuts without a reaction. (With inputs from agencies)

Fecal transplant can help in easing peanut allergies, says study

In humans, sleep patterns, appetites, and everything in between can be affected by the death of a loved one. Research has now found that dogs who lose their canine companion exhibit similar behavioural changes.

According to the study's authors, it is not clear whether the findings represent grief, but that the findings could indicate a welfare concern that went unnoticed.

In addition to humans, great apes, dolphins, elephants and birds have also been observed to mourn and participate in rituals around death.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vegetarians-found-to-have-lower-cancer-risk-than-meat-eaters-456139" hreflang="en">Vegetarians found to have lower cancer risk than meat-eaters</a>

According to Federica Pirrone from the University of Milan, one of the study's authors, dogs form very strong bonds with members of their familiar groups. Therefore, if one of them dies, they might be very distressed, and it would be helpful to assist them in coping.

In a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05669-y">study published in Scientific Reports</a>, Pirrone and colleagues examined the responses of 426 Italian adults who were asked to complete an online "mourning dog questionnaire" to find out how dogs experience grief.

The questionnaire asked each of the participants to reflect on the behaviour and emotions of the surviving dog and the owner after one of their dogs died.

Eighty-six per cent of respondents said that after the death of another dog in the household, their surviving dogs demonstrated behavioural changes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-new-israeli-study-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-relieves-ptsd-symptoms-455715" hreflang="en">In a new Israeli study, hyperbaric oxygen therapy relieves PTSD symptoms</a>

According to Pirrone, dogs played and ate less, slept more, and sought out their owners' attention more. She said the results were not affected by the level of attachment between the owners and their pets, indicating that the humans were not merely projecting their own grief.

Researchers found that the changes were not linked to how long the dogs had lived together or whether the remaining dogs had seen the corpse.

Watch |&nbsp;Dubai: Museum of future, 'most beautiful building on earth' now open for visitors

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dubai-museum-of-future-most-beautiful-building-on-earth-now-open-for-visitors-455627/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One possible explanation for the findings, according to the researchers, is that surviving dogs may have had to adjust to a disruption of shared behaviours.

Samantha Hurn, a professor of social anthropology at the University of Exeter, said it is critical to understand what dogs experience upon the death of a canine companion. However, there were limitations to the study. Many dog owners are not skilled at reading their dog's behaviour, so using scales as a measure of something so subjective may lead to faulty conclusions.

In humans, sleep patterns, appetites, and everything in between can be affected by the death of a loved one. Research has now found that dogs who lose their canine companion exhibit similar behavioural changes.

In humans, sleep patterns, appetites, and everything in between can be affected by the death of a loved one. Research has now found that dogs who lose their canine companion exhibit similar behavioural changes. According to the study's authors, it is not clear whether the findings represent grief, but that the findings could indicate a welfare concern that went unnoticed. In addition to humans, great apes, dolphins, elephants and birds have also been observed to mourn and participate in rituals around death. Also read | Vegetarians found to have lower cancer risk than meat-eaters According to Federica Pirrone from the University of Milan, one of the study's authors, dogs form very strong bonds with members of their familiar groups. Therefore, if one of them dies, they might be very distressed, and it would be helpful to assist them in coping. In a study published in Scientific Reports, Pirrone and colleagues examined the responses of 426 Italian adults who were asked to complete an online "mourning dog questionnaire" to find out how dogs experience grief. The questionnaire asked each of the participants to reflect on the behaviour and emotions of the surviving dog and the owner after one of their dogs died. Eighty-six per cent of respondents said that after the death of another dog in the household, their surviving dogs demonstrated behavioural changes. Also read | In a new Israeli study, hyperbaric oxygen therapy relieves PTSD symptoms According to Pirrone, dogs played and ate less, slept more, and sought out their owners' attention more. She said the results were not affected by the level of attachment between the owners and their pets, indicating that the humans were not merely projecting their own grief. Researchers found that the changes were not linked to how long the dogs had lived together or whether the remaining dogs had seen the corpse. Watch | Dubai: Museum of future, 'most beautiful building on earth' now open for visitors One possible explanation for the findings, according to the researchers, is that surviving dogs may have had to adjust to a disruption of shared behaviours. Samantha Hurn, a professor of social anthropology at the University of Exeter, said it is critical to understand what dogs experience upon the death of a canine companion. However, there were limitations to the study. Many dog owners are not skilled at reading their dog's behaviour, so using scales as a measure of something so subjective may lead to faulty conclusions.

Study says that dogs also mourn the loss of a companion

A latest study has revealed that higher temperatures increase the number of people suffering from mental health emergencies. Published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, the study states that during the hot summer days, US adults were at an increased risk of visiting emergency rooms for mental health crises. This includes substance use, anxiety, stress, and much more.

An average rise of 8 per cent was seen in emergency hospital visits on days when the temperature was in the top 5 per cent of the ones recorded. The impact can be seen on all types of mental health conditions, including stress, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, self-harm, and substance use disorders.&nbsp;

Study lead author Dr Amruta Nori-Sarma, assistant professor of environmental health at BUSPH, in a report by Science Daily said, "Emergency department visits represent some of the costliest interactions within the healthcare system."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/superhuge-shockwave-bigger-than-milky-way-galaxy-is-travelling-through-space-456082">Also read |&nbsp;Superhuge shockwave bigger than Milky Way galaxy is travelling through space</a>

"Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable to preempt some of these visits can have a positive impact on individual health and costs, as well as preserve healthcare resources for other emergencies."

The biggest increase in the rate of emergency visits was seen across the north of the US by 12 per cent.

As per the lead author, the new findings comes as a cue for healthcare providers. This will help them in preparing an increased need for mental health services during times when extreme heat is predicted. "When heatwaves are forecasted, clinicians and public health experts may use our findings to prepare especially for outreach to patients with existing mental health conditions," she said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A latest study has revealed that higher temperatures increase the number of people suffering from mental health emergencies. Published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, the study states that during the hot summer days, US adults were at an increased risk of visiting emergency rooms for mental health crises.

A latest study has revealed that higher temperatures increase the number of people suffering from mental health emergencies. Published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, the study states that during the hot summer days, US adults were at an increased risk of visiting emergency rooms for mental health crises. This includes substance use, anxiety, stress, and much more. An average rise of 8 per cent was seen in emergency hospital visits on days when the temperature was in the top 5 per cent of the ones recorded. The impact can be seen on all types of mental health conditions, including stress, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, self-harm, and substance use disorders. Study lead author Dr Amruta Nori-Sarma, assistant professor of environmental health at BUSPH, in a report by Science Daily said, "Emergency department visits represent some of the costliest interactions within the healthcare system." Also read | Superhuge shockwave bigger than Milky Way galaxy is travelling through space "Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable to preempt some of these visits can have a positive impact on individual health and costs, as well as preserve healthcare resources for other emergencies." The biggest increase in the rate of emergency visits was seen across the north of the US by 12 per cent. As per the lead author, the new findings comes as a cue for healthcare providers. This will help them in preparing an increased need for mental health services during times when extreme heat is predicted. "When heatwaves are forecasted, clinicians and public health experts may use our findings to prepare especially for outreach to patients with existing mental health conditions," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Rise in temperature leads to more mental health emergencies, claims study

Eating raw vegetables is always hailed to be a good idea. Vegetables have variety of benefits. Such a diet has even found to be helping reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp;

But now scientists are saying that vegetables alone may not be enough to reduce the risk of heart diseases. They made the assertion based on study involving observation of 400,000 people. These people are taking part in UK Biobank study.

The scientists say that in addition to consumption of vegetables, reduced risk of heart disease also depended on what else was part of the diet, how much exercise was done, how and where the survey participants lived.

Universities of Oxford, Bristol and Chinese University of Hong Kong asked these people to fill a questionnaire about their diet. This included quantity of cooked and raw vegetables they ate each day.&nbsp;

Health of these people, possible heart problems leading to hospitalisation or death was monitored. All these factors were tracked for next 12 years.&nbsp;

Researchers found that risk of death from cardiovascular diseases was 15 per cent lower for those who had more vegetables in their diet. But the risk also depended on people's lifestyles. This included factors like whether they smoked or consumed alcohol. It also depended on their jobs, incomes and overall diet

Eating raw vegetables is always hailed to be a good idea. Vegetables have variety of benefits. Such a diet has even found to be helping reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Eating raw vegetables is always hailed to be a good idea. Vegetables have variety of benefits. Such a diet has even found to be helping reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases. But now scientists are saying that vegetables alone may not be enough to reduce the risk of heart diseases. They made the assertion based on study involving observation of 400,000 people. These people are taking part in UK Biobank study. The scientists say that in addition to consumption of vegetables, reduced risk of heart disease also depended on what else was part of the diet, how much exercise was done, how and where the survey participants lived. Universities of Oxford, Bristol and Chinese University of Hong Kong asked these people to fill a questionnaire about their diet. This included quantity of cooked and raw vegetables they ate each day. Health of these people, possible heart problems leading to hospitalisation or death was monitored. All these factors were tracked for next 12 years. Researchers found that risk of death from cardiovascular diseases was 15 per cent lower for those who had more vegetables in their diet. But the risk also depended on people's lifestyles. This included factors like whether they smoked or consumed alcohol. It also depended on their jobs, incomes and overall diet

Raw vegetables alone may not protect you from heart diseases

In a striking revelation, a rogue wave, which was measured 58 feet (17.6 meters) tall, was recorded off the coast of Vancouver Island. &nbsp;

The wave&nbsp;has set new record as it was three times the size of the surrounding waves. &nbsp;

Johannes Gemmrich, one of the lead researchers on rogue waves at the University of Victoria, said, "Only a few rogue waves in high sea states have been observed directly, and nothing of this magnitude. The probability of such an event occurring is one in 1,300 years." &nbsp;

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It seems to have taken the scientific community by storm as it is proportionally the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded in the world. &nbsp;

The wave occurred in November 2020. But the study confirming it was released on February 2 this year. &nbsp;

"They look like a large four-storey lump sticking out of the water with a large peak and big troughs before it," Scott Beatty, CEO, MarineLabs, the company operating the buoy, which measured the wave, told CNN. &nbsp;

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"Rogues, called 'extreme storm waves' by scientists, are those waves which are greater than twice the size of surrounding waves, are very unpredictable, and often come unexpectedly from directions other than prevailing wind and waves," The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) explained. &nbsp;

In simple terms, "A rogue wave is actually just a wave that is large compared to the surrounding wave field," Gemmrich clarified. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a striking revelation, a rogue wave, which was measured 58 feet (17.6 meters) tall, was recorded off the coast of Vancouver Island. The wave has set new record as it was three times the size of the surrounding waves.

In a striking revelation, a rogue wave, which was measured 58 feet (17.6 meters) tall, was recorded off the coast of Vancouver Island. The wave has set new record as it was three times the size of the surrounding waves. Johannes Gemmrich, one of the lead researchers on rogue waves at the University of Victoria, said, "Only a few rogue waves in high sea states have been observed directly, and nothing of this magnitude. The probability of such an event occurring is one in 1,300 years." Also Read: Drought in Spain gives birth to a ghost village. It’s truly real! It seems to have taken the scientific community by storm as it is proportionally the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded in the world. The wave occurred in November 2020. But the study confirming it was released on February 2 this year. "They look like a large four-storey lump sticking out of the water with a large peak and big troughs before it," Scott Beatty, CEO, MarineLabs, the company operating the buoy, which measured the wave, told CNN. Also Read | Brazil: Deforestation in Amazon rainforest hits record January high "Rogues, called 'extreme storm waves' by scientists, are those waves which are greater than twice the size of surrounding waves, are very unpredictable, and often come unexpectedly from directions other than prevailing wind and waves," The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) explained. In simple terms, "A rogue wave is actually just a wave that is large compared to the surrounding wave field," Gemmrich clarified. (With inputs from agencies)

58-feet-high rogue wave recorded off coast of Vancouver Island, says study

The &nbsp;Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has revealed that as new variants of the deadly coronavirus continue to spread all across the globe, support for authoritarianism has seen a surge and democratic standards have fallen around the world.&nbsp; 
Just over 45 per cent of the world's population is now living in a democracy.

The group said that its annual democracy Index "sheds light on continued challenges to democracy worldwide, under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic and increasing support for authoritarian alternatives."

The annual index has registered its biggest fall since 2010 and set "another dismal record." for the worst global score.&nbsp;

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Norway, New Zealand and Finland have topped the index and North Korea, Myanmar and Afghanistan, have come on the bottom.

Also, Tunisia, Myanmar and Afghanistan have recorded the biggest decline in the index.

Spain and Chile have been downgraded to a "flawed democracy."

As per the current scenario, just 6.4 per cent of countries now reside in a "full democracy."&nbsp;

The UK has also dropped in the ranking. This happened after there were controversies over party financing and some scandals.&nbsp;

There have also been changes in China. "China has not become more democratic as it has become richer. On the contrary, it has become less free," the EIU said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has revealed that as new variants of the deadly coronavirus continue to spread all across the globe, support for authoritarianism has seen a surge and democratic standards have fallen around the world.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has revealed that as new variants of the deadly coronavirus continue to spread all across the globe, support for authoritarianism has seen a surge and democratic standards have fallen around the world. Just over 45 per cent of the world's population is now living in a democracy. The group said that its annual democracy Index "sheds light on continued challenges to democracy worldwide, under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic and increasing support for authoritarian alternatives." The annual index has registered its biggest fall since 2010 and set "another dismal record." for the worst global score. Also read | Just rocks or dinosaur eggs? Archeologists discover mystery objects in this Indian state Norway, New Zealand and Finland have topped the index and North Korea, Myanmar and Afghanistan, have come on the bottom. Also, Tunisia, Myanmar and Afghanistan have recorded the biggest decline in the index. Spain and Chile have been downgraded to a "flawed democracy." As per the current scenario, just 6.4 per cent of countries now reside in a "full democracy." The UK has also dropped in the ranking. This happened after there were controversies over party financing and some scandals. There have also been changes in China. "China has not become more democratic as it has become richer. On the contrary, it has become less free," the EIU said. (With inputs from agencies)

Democracy reduced in UK and Spain? This study reveals the most and the least democratic countries

Global water scarcity might worsen, if a new study is accurate.

The glaciers of the world seem to be containing significantly less ice than thought previously, according to the&nbsp;study. &nbsp;

The revelation was made with the help of advanced&nbsp;satellite technology. &nbsp;

The study was published in Nature Geoscience on Monday. &nbsp;

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If all glaciers melt, the global sea level will rise by 3 inches (7.62 centimetres), as per the revised estimate. &nbsp;

Romain Millan, glaciologist, Université Grenoble Alpes, said, “We’ve had quite a poor understanding of how much ice is actually stored in glaciers.” Millan is also the lead author of the study. &nbsp;

For example, the past analyses had double-counted glaciers along the peripheries of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, which led to overestimating ice volume. &nbsp;

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It assessed how quickly the glaciers are moving across the landscape, or their velocity. It helps scientists to measure volume more accurately as the flow of the glaciers&nbsp;indicates that ice is thick or thin.

In recent years, high-resolution satellites helped to conduct the analysis of how 98% of the world’s glaciers are moving, “from small glaciers in the Andes up to massive glaciers in Svalbard and Patagonia,” said Millan. &nbsp;

“Our study does not include the Greenland and the Antarctica, which in the long-term will be the major drivers of sea-level rise,” Millan told Al Jazeera from Grenoble. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Global water scarcity might worsen, if a new study is accurate. The glaciers of the world seem to be containing significantly less ice than thought previously, according to the study.

Global water scarcity might worsen, if a new study is accurate. The glaciers of the world seem to be containing significantly less ice than thought previously, according to the study. The revelation was made with the help of advanced satellite technology. The study was published in Nature Geoscience on Monday. Also Read: UK’s 1,200-year-old pub shutters over Covid-induced issues If all glaciers melt, the global sea level will rise by 3 inches (7.62 centimetres), as per the revised estimate. Romain Millan, glaciologist, Université Grenoble Alpes, said, “We’ve had quite a poor understanding of how much ice is actually stored in glaciers.” Millan is also the lead author of the study. For example, the past analyses had double-counted glaciers along the peripheries of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, which led to overestimating ice volume. Also Read | Watch: Implant helps paralysed man with severed spinal cord to walk again It assessed how quickly the glaciers are moving across the landscape, or their velocity. It helps scientists to measure volume more accurately as the flow of the glaciers indicates that ice is thick or thin. In recent years, high-resolution satellites helped to conduct the analysis of how 98% of the world’s glaciers are moving, “from small glaciers in the Andes up to massive glaciers in Svalbard and Patagonia,” said Millan. “Our study does not include the Greenland and the Antarctica, which in the long-term will be the major drivers of sea-level rise,” Millan told Al Jazeera from Grenoble. (With inputs from agencies)

World Glacier melting update: There's less ice in them than estimated earlier, says study

Paracetamol is a household name. In the era of Covid, it seems to have been used extensively. But the real question is that does it poses any risk. &nbsp;

Well, let’s find the answer to this query. &nbsp;

In a striking revelation, a study has suggested that the long-term use of paracetamol can raise the risk of heart disease and strokes in people, who are suffering with high blood pressure. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-implant-helps-paralysed-man-with-severed-spinal-cord-to-walk-again-451367" hreflang="en">Watch: Implant helps paralysed man with severed spinal cord to walk again</a>

The patients who have a long-term prescription for the medicine should take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time possible, the researchers said. &nbsp;

It is generally prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain. &nbsp;

The study, which was carried out by University of Edinburgh, has been published in the scientific journal ‘Circulation’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-glaciers-contain-less-ice-than-estimated-says-study-451389" hreflang="en">World’s glaciers contain less ice than estimated, says study</a>

It seems to be the first large randomised clinical trial to understand the effects of this medicine. &nbsp;

Dr Iain MacIntyre, who is consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian and the lead investigator of the study, said, "This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine – but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people, who take it regularly over the longer term, usually for chronic pain." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Paracetamol is a household name. In the era of Covid, it seems to have been used extensively. But the real question is that does it poses any risk. Well, let’s find the answer to this query.

Paracetamol is a household name. In the era of Covid, it seems to have been used extensively. But the real question is that does it poses any risk. Well, let’s find the answer to this query. In a striking revelation, a study has suggested that the long-term use of paracetamol can raise the risk of heart disease and strokes in people, who are suffering with high blood pressure. Also Read | Watch: Implant helps paralysed man with severed spinal cord to walk again The patients who have a long-term prescription for the medicine should take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time possible, the researchers said. It is generally prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain. The study, which was carried out by University of Edinburgh, has been published in the scientific journal ‘Circulation’. Also Read: World’s glaciers contain less ice than estimated, says study It seems to be the first large randomised clinical trial to understand the effects of this medicine. Dr Iain MacIntyre, who is consultant in clinical pharmacology and nephrology at NHS Lothian and the lead investigator of the study, said, "This is not about short-term use of paracetamol for headaches or fever, which is, of course, fine – but it does indicate a newly discovered risk for people, who take it regularly over the longer term, usually for chronic pain." (With inputs from agencies)

Does paracetamol’s use pose any risk? Study makes the striking revelation

A new study has revealed that only 15.5 per cent of the world’s coastal regions are ecologically intact. Led by researchers from the University of Queensland, the research calls for conservation measures in a bid to protect the remaining coastal regions.&nbsp; 
The team of researchers used satellite data to properly analyse the extent to which human activities have affected coastlines across the globe.&nbsp;

The small areas of the coast that remain undamaged were mostly located in Canada, Russia, Greenland, Chile, Australia and the US. Very few such coastlines are also located in Europe, and countries including Vietnam, India and Singapore.

Brooke Williams, the study’s lead author and a conservation ecologist at the University of Queensland, in a report by The Guardian, said, "Our paper really advocates for coastal region restoration quite urgently. That such a low proportion is at the higher spectrum of the intactness scale is alarming. It’s not good news.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-top-companies-failing-to-meet-their-own-targets-on-tackling-climate-change-451243">Also read |&nbsp;World's top companies failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change</a>

Meanwhile, another report revealed that the many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change.&nbsp;

The climate pledges of 25 of the world's largest companies in reality only commit to reducing their emissions by 40 per cent on average, not 100 per cent as suggested by their "net zero" and "carbon neutral" claims.&nbsp;

The study evaluates 25 major companies – operating across different sectors and geographies – to determine the transparency and integrity of their headline climate pledges.&nbsp;

As per the study, Google, Amazon, Ikea, Apple and Nestle are among those failing to change quickly enough.&nbsp;

As per the report, only one company's net-zero pledge was evaluated as having "reasonable integrity"; three with "moderate", ten with "low". The remaining 12 were rated as having "very low" integrity.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has revealed that only 15.5 per cent of the world’s coastal regions are ecologically intact. Led by researchers from the University of Queensland, the research calls for conservation measures in a bid to protect the remaining coastal regions.

A new study has revealed that only 15.5 per cent of the world’s coastal regions are ecologically intact. Led by researchers from the University of Queensland, the research calls for conservation measures in a bid to protect the remaining coastal regions. The team of researchers used satellite data to properly analyse the extent to which human activities have affected coastlines across the globe. The small areas of the coast that remain undamaged were mostly located in Canada, Russia, Greenland, Chile, Australia and the US. Very few such coastlines are also located in Europe, and countries including Vietnam, India and Singapore. Brooke Williams, the study’s lead author and a conservation ecologist at the University of Queensland, in a report by The Guardian, said, "Our paper really advocates for coastal region restoration quite urgently. That such a low proportion is at the higher spectrum of the intactness scale is alarming. It’s not good news.” Also read | World's top companies failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change Meanwhile, another report revealed that the many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change. The climate pledges of 25 of the world's largest companies in reality only commit to reducing their emissions by 40 per cent on average, not 100 per cent as suggested by their "net zero" and "carbon neutral" claims. The study evaluates 25 major companies – operating across different sectors and geographies – to determine the transparency and integrity of their headline climate pledges. As per the study, Google, Amazon, Ikea, Apple and Nestle are among those failing to change quickly enough. As per the report, only one company's net-zero pledge was evaluated as having "reasonable integrity"; three with "moderate", ten with "low". The remaining 12 were rated as having "very low" integrity. (With inputs from agencies)

Just 15 per cent of world’s coastal regions remain unharmed: Study

Children just adore dolls. Well, it is well-known but ever wondered about what role does dolls play in a child’s life? &nbsp;&nbsp;

A study has just helped to find the answer. As per it, the children talk more about others’ thoughts and emotions after playing with dolls. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-charless-coronation-camilla-to-get-queen-elizabeth-iis-priceless-1937-koh-i-noor-crown-451144" hreflang="en">At Charles’s coronation, Camilla to get Queen Elizabeth II’s priceless 1937 Koh-i-Noor crown</a>

Not just this, playing imaginary games with dolls can also trigger development of social skills, theory of mind and empathy in the children, the research suggests. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The study was published in the Developmental Science journal. It was funded by the manufacturers of Barbie. It involved 33 boys and girls, who were aged from four to eight. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-us-realtor-puts-four-bedroom-house-on-sale-as-nft-451161" hreflang="en">In a first, US realtor puts four-bedroom house on sale as NFT</a>

Dr Sarah Gerson, lead author of the study, who is also a neuroscientist at Cardiff University, said, “When children create imaginary worlds and role play with dolls, they communicate at first out loud and then internalise the message about others’ thoughts, emotions and feelings.” &nbsp; &nbsp;

“This can have positive long-lasting effects on children, such as driving higher rates of social and emotional processing and building social skills like empathy that can become internalised to build and form lifelong habits,” added Gerson. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Children just adore dolls. Well, it is well-known but ever wondered about what role does dolls play in a child’s life? A study has just helped to find the answer.

Children just adore dolls. Well, it is well-known but ever wondered about what role does dolls play in a child’s life? A study has just helped to find the answer. As per it, the children talk more about others’ thoughts and emotions after playing with dolls. Also Read: At Charles’s coronation, Camilla to get Queen Elizabeth II’s priceless 1937 Koh-i-Noor crown Not just this, playing imaginary games with dolls can also trigger development of social skills, theory of mind and empathy in the children, the research suggests. The study was published in the Developmental Science journal. It was funded by the manufacturers of Barbie. It involved 33 boys and girls, who were aged from four to eight. Also Read: In a first, US realtor puts four-bedroom house on sale as NFT Dr Sarah Gerson, lead author of the study, who is also a neuroscientist at Cardiff University, said, “When children create imaginary worlds and role play with dolls, they communicate at first out loud and then internalise the message about others’ thoughts, emotions and feelings.” “This can have positive long-lasting effects on children, such as driving higher rates of social and emotional processing and building social skills like empathy that can become internalised to build and form lifelong habits,” added Gerson. (With inputs from agencies)

After playing with dolls, children talk more about others’ thoughts, emotions, says study

If the researchers are to be believed, alien life is highly likely to be found on smaller planets. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Scientists claim that the larger planets may not be unable to form moons like Earth, which is crucial for sustaining life. &nbsp;

The moon is highly essential for the functioning of Earth as it controls the length of the day and ocean tides, which affect life cycles on the planet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-variant-originated-from-mice-say-chinese-scientists-is-the-narrative-changing-continuously-450343" hreflang="en">Omicron variant originated from mice, say Chinese scientists. Is the narrative changing continuously? &nbsp;</a>

The moon also makes the Earth's climate more stable by stabilising its spin axis, which provides an ideal environment in which life can develop. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a recent study, the moon could also be an advantageous feature in harbouring life on other planets. The journal 'Nature Communications' published the study on Tuesday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-evolution-humans-noses-have-become-less-sensitive-finds-study-450319" hreflang="en">In evolution, humans’ noses have become less sensitive, finds study</a>

The team of researchers has been led by Miki Nakajima, an assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Rochester. It has suggested that the size and make-up of the planet is the key to understanding the formation of moons. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a press release, Nakajima said, “By understanding moon formations, we have a better constraint on what to look for when searching for Earth-like planets.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If the researchers are to be believed, alien life is highly likely to be found on smaller planets. Scientists claim that the larger planets may not be unable to form moons like Earth, which is crucial for sustaining life.

If the researchers are to be believed, alien life is highly likely to be found on smaller planets. Scientists claim that the larger planets may not be unable to form moons like Earth, which is crucial for sustaining life. The moon is highly essential for the functioning of Earth as it controls the length of the day and ocean tides, which affect life cycles on the planet. Also Read: Omicron variant originated from mice, say Chinese scientists. Is the narrative changing continuously? The moon also makes the Earth's climate more stable by stabilising its spin axis, which provides an ideal environment in which life can develop. According to a recent study, the moon could also be an advantageous feature in harbouring life on other planets. The journal 'Nature Communications' published the study on Tuesday. Also Read: In evolution, humans’ noses have become less sensitive, finds study The team of researchers has been led by Miki Nakajima, an assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Rochester. It has suggested that the size and make-up of the planet is the key to understanding the formation of moons. In a press release, Nakajima said, “By understanding moon formations, we have a better constraint on what to look for when searching for Earth-like planets.” (With inputs from agencies)

Where can we expect the existence of alien life? Study makes the revelation

A study has revealed that Mount Everest is melting faster than expected due to Global Warming and strong winds.

A Study reveals that Mount Everest is melting faster than expected due to Global Warming

The moon is essential to the functioning of Earth; as it controls the length of the day and ocean tides, which affect life cycles on our planet. Additionally, the moon makes the Earth's climate more stable by stabilising its spin axis, which provides an ideal environment in which life can develop.&nbsp;

According to a recent study, a moon could also be an advantageous feature in harbouring life on other planets.

The journal 'Nature Communications' published the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-28063-8">study</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-researchers-claim-to-have-discovered-a-godsend-antibody-that-can-defeat-omicron-450057" hreflang="en">Chinese researchers claim to have discovered a 'godsend' antibody that can defeat Omicron</a>

Earth's moon is unique among planets in that it is large compared to the size of the Earth; its radius is larger than a quarter of Earth's radius, a much bigger ratio than most moons to their planets.

Prof. Miki Nakajima, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Rochester, was intrigued by the distinction.&nbsp;

She and her colleagues from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the University of Arizona examined moon formations in the study that she led and concluded that only certain types of planets can produce moons that are large relative to their host planets.

"By understanding moon formations, we have a better constraint on what to look for when searching for Earth-like planets," Nakajima said. "We expect that exomoons [moons orbiting planets outside our solar system] should be everywhere, but so far we haven't confirmed any. Our constraints will be helpful for future observations.

"Many scientists have historically believed Earth's large moon was generated by a collision between proto-Earth--Earth at its early stages of development--and a large, Mars-sized impactor, approximately 4.5 billion years ago. The collision resulted in the formation of a partially vaporized disk around Earth, which eventually formed into the moon."

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Nakajima and her colleagues conducted computer simulations with a number of hypothetical rocky planets and ice planets of varying masses in order to determine whether other planets can form similar large moons.

The team hoped to identify whether the simulated impacts would lead to partially vaporized disks, much like the disk that formed Earth's moon.

The researchers found that rocky planets larger than six times the mass of Earth (6M) and icy planets larger than one Earth mass (1M) produced fully vaporized disks as opposed to partially vaporized disks, and these fully vaporized disks cannot produce fractionally large moons.

"We found that if the planet is too massive, these impacts produce completely vapour disks because impacts between massive planets are generally more energetic than those between small planets," Nakajima said.

Over time, a vaporized disk cools down and liquid moonlets emerge as the building blocks of a moon.&nbsp; 
While a fully vaporized disk creates a strong gas drag from the vapour, causing the moonlets to fall very quickly onto the planet. By contrast, if a disk is partially vaporized, moonlets do not experience such a strong gas drag.

"As a result, we conclude that a completely vapour disk is not capable of forming fractionally large moons," Nakajima said. "Planetary masses need to be smaller than those thresholds we identified in order to produce such moons."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Top 10 plastic polluters in the world

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-top-10-plastic-polluters-in-the-world-449981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The constraints Nakajima and her colleagues outline are vital for astronomers looking for exoplanets and possible exomoons; researchers have yet to find a moon orbiting a planet beyond the solar system.

It is hoped that this research will help them identify where to start.

As Nakajima said: "The exoplanet search has typically been focused on planets larger than six earth masses. We are proposing that instead, we should look at smaller planets because they are probably better candidates to host fractionally large moons."

(With inputs from agencies)

The moon is essential to the functioning of Earth; as it controls the length of the day and ocean tides, which affect life cycles on our planet. Additionally, the moon makes the Earth's climate more stable by stabilising its spin axis, which provides an ideal environment in which life can develop.

The moon is essential to the functioning of Earth; as it controls the length of the day and ocean tides, which affect life cycles on our planet. Additionally, the moon makes the Earth's climate more stable by stabilising its spin axis, which provides an ideal environment in which life can develop. According to a recent study, a moon could also be an advantageous feature in harbouring life on other planets. The journal 'Nature Communications' published the study. Also read | Chinese researchers claim to have discovered a 'godsend' antibody that can defeat Omicron Earth's moon is unique among planets in that it is large compared to the size of the Earth; its radius is larger than a quarter of Earth's radius, a much bigger ratio than most moons to their planets. Prof. Miki Nakajima, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Rochester, was intrigued by the distinction. She and her colleagues from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the University of Arizona examined moon formations in the study that she led and concluded that only certain types of planets can produce moons that are large relative to their host planets. "By understanding moon formations, we have a better constraint on what to look for when searching for Earth-like planets," Nakajima said. "We expect that exomoons [moons orbiting planets outside our solar system] should be everywhere, but so far we haven't confirmed any. Our constraints will be helpful for future observations. "Many scientists have historically believed Earth's large moon was generated by a collision between proto-Earth--Earth at its early stages of development--and a large, Mars-sized impactor, approximately 4.5 billion years ago. The collision resulted in the formation of a partially vaporized disk around Earth, which eventually formed into the moon." Also read | More and more companies opting for robots. Are Robots taking over the workforce? Nakajima and her colleagues conducted computer simulations with a number of hypothetical rocky planets and ice planets of varying masses in order to determine whether other planets can form similar large moons. The team hoped to identify whether the simulated impacts would lead to partially vaporized disks, much like the disk that formed Earth's moon. The researchers found that rocky planets larger than six times the mass of Earth (6M) and icy planets larger than one Earth mass (1M) produced fully vaporized disks as opposed to partially vaporized disks, and these fully vaporized disks cannot produce fractionally large moons. "We found that if the planet is too massive, these impacts produce completely vapour disks because impacts between massive planets are generally more energetic than those between small planets," Nakajima said. Over time, a vaporized disk cools down and liquid moonlets emerge as the building blocks of a moon. While a fully vaporized disk creates a strong gas drag from the vapour, causing the moonlets to fall very quickly onto the planet. By contrast, if a disk is partially vaporized, moonlets do not experience such a strong gas drag. "As a result, we conclude that a completely vapour disk is not capable of forming fractionally large moons," Nakajima said. "Planetary masses need to be smaller than those thresholds we identified in order to produce such moons." Watch | Gravitas: Top 10 plastic polluters in the world The constraints Nakajima and her colleagues outline are vital for astronomers looking for exoplanets and possible exomoons; researchers have yet to find a moon orbiting a planet beyond the solar system. It is hoped that this research will help them identify where to start. As Nakajima said: "The exoplanet search has typically been focused on planets larger than six earth masses. We are proposing that instead, we should look at smaller planets because they are probably better candidates to host fractionally large moons." (With inputs from agencies)

'How life began': Study explains how a moon helps create life on a planet

There are chances that people who have suffered through long Covid may have hidden lung damage, a UK-based study suggests. Supported by the &nbsp;Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, the study included 36 patients. It further explains why some people experience breathlessness even after their initial infection.

It has been concluded that there is massively affected gas transfer from the lungs to the bloodstream for long Covid patients.

Tests like CT scans are unable to detect this and they show normal results.&nbsp;

Dr Emily Fraser, a consultant at Oxford University Hospital, also a co-author of the study, in a report by The Guardian said, "It is the first study to demonstrate lung abnormalities in [people with long Covid] who are breathless and where other investigations are unremarkable."

She further added, "It does suggest the virus is causing some kind of persistent abnormality within the microstructure of the lungs or in the pulmonary vasculature.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-of-long-covid-19-is-solved-this-scientist-believes-so-442748">Also read |&nbsp;'Mystery of long COVID-19 is solved! This scientist believes so</a>

As per clinical senior lecturer, Claire Steves, the study would be of significant interest to people going through long-term breathlessness after Covid.

As per an op-ed, which was recently published, Resia Pretorius, the head of the science department at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, wrote, "A recent investigation in my lab found that there is significant microclot formation in the blood of both acute Covid and long Covid patients."&nbsp;

She discovered a correlation between microclots and lengthy Covid, which she believes is a critical step toward better understanding the disease that affects 100 million people worldwide.

Resia Pretorius and her team discovered large quantities of inflammatory chemicals "locked" in the persistent micro clots seen in extended Covid patients during the summer.

(With inputs from agencies)

There are chances that people who have suffered through long Covid may have hidden lung damage, a UK-based study suggests. Supported by the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, the study included 36 patients.

There are chances that people who have suffered through long Covid may have hidden lung damage, a UK-based study suggests. Supported by the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, the study included 36 patients. It further explains why some people experience breathlessness even after their initial infection. It has been concluded that there is massively affected gas transfer from the lungs to the bloodstream for long Covid patients. Tests like CT scans are unable to detect this and they show normal results. Dr Emily Fraser, a consultant at Oxford University Hospital, also a co-author of the study, in a report by The Guardian said, "It is the first study to demonstrate lung abnormalities in [people with long Covid] who are breathless and where other investigations are unremarkable." She further added, "It does suggest the virus is causing some kind of persistent abnormality within the microstructure of the lungs or in the pulmonary vasculature.” Also read | 'Mystery of long COVID-19 is solved! This scientist believes so As per clinical senior lecturer, Claire Steves, the study would be of significant interest to people going through long-term breathlessness after Covid. As per an op-ed, which was recently published, Resia Pretorius, the head of the science department at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, wrote, "A recent investigation in my lab found that there is significant microclot formation in the blood of both acute Covid and long Covid patients." She discovered a correlation between microclots and lengthy Covid, which she believes is a critical step toward better understanding the disease that affects 100 million people worldwide. Resia Pretorius and her team discovered large quantities of inflammatory chemicals "locked" in the persistent micro clots seen in extended Covid patients during the summer. (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery of breathlessness after Covid is now solved, this is what a UK-based study says

The rapid melting of glaciers is among one of the biggest threats of climate change worldwide. Scientists are now carrying out research to study this phenomenon and possibly slow down the impact. In a recent study, it was revealed that glaciers melt more quickly when they flow into a lake as compared to when they are on land.

Study: Glaciers melt more quickly when they flow into a lake as compared to when they are on land

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