A study published Wednesday suggests that mountain forests may store up to two-thirds more carbon than previously thought, underscoring the vital role they can play in combating climate change.&nbsp;

High-altitude forests are typically considered to hold less carbon than lowland forests because the soil and climatic factors affect tree growth and, in turn, the amount of carbon the trees are able to store.&nbsp;

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Scientists report in Nature that the average carbon content of Africa's montane forests is 149.4 tons per hectare, roughly equivalent to the average carbon content of African lowlands.

In a striking twist, this is more than two-thirds higher than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimate of&nbsp;89.3 tonnes of carbon per hectare.

To obtain this data, a&nbsp;team of international researchers examined data from 44 highland sites across 12 African countries to more accurately estimate the carbon stored in these so-called montane forests.&nbsp;

They measured the diameter and height of more than 72,000 trees to determine how dense the wood is, then logged the species present in each plot.&nbsp;

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From there, they calculated the carbon storage rate per unit of forest area.

In spite of the huge amount of carbon they store, montane forests are threatened by logging, mining, and land conversion.&nbsp;

In Mozambique, for example, it was found that nearly a third of its 18,000 hectares (44,500 acres) of high altitude forests had been destroyed since 2000.&nbsp;

There has been a loss of over half a million hectares of mountain forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo in this century, accounting for much of Africa's 800,000 hectares.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-climate-change-could-sink-entire-nations-404528/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per the authors, these research findings have a range of policy implications, including the use of "carbon finance", incentives to conserve forests instead of clear-cutting them.&nbsp;

They argue that past underestimations of carbon storage capacity by the IPCC may have led to governments being less inclined to preserve high-altitude forest areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A study published Wednesday suggests that mountain forests may store up to two-thirds more carbon than previously thought, underscoring the vital role they can play in combating climate change.

A study published Wednesday suggests that mountain forests may store up to two-thirds more carbon than previously thought, underscoring the vital role they can play in combating climate change. High-altitude forests are typically considered to hold less carbon than lowland forests because the soil and climatic factors affect tree growth and, in turn, the amount of carbon the trees are able to store. Also read | Climate change made deadly Europe floods up to nine times more likely: Study Scientists report in Nature that the average carbon content of Africa's montane forests is 149.4 tons per hectare, roughly equivalent to the average carbon content of African lowlands. In a striking twist, this is more than two-thirds higher than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimate of 89.3 tonnes of carbon per hectare. To obtain this data, a team of international researchers examined data from 44 highland sites across 12 African countries to more accurately estimate the carbon stored in these so-called montane forests. They measured the diameter and height of more than 72,000 trees to determine how dense the wood is, then logged the species present in each plot. Also read | Climate change for real? Glacier melts, makes Swedish peak shrink by 2 metres in a year From there, they calculated the carbon storage rate per unit of forest area. In spite of the huge amount of carbon they store, montane forests are threatened by logging, mining, and land conversion. In Mozambique, for example, it was found that nearly a third of its 18,000 hectares (44,500 acres) of high altitude forests had been destroyed since 2000. There has been a loss of over half a million hectares of mountain forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo in this century, accounting for much of Africa's 800,000 hectares. As per the authors, these research findings have a range of policy implications, including the use of "carbon finance", incentives to conserve forests instead of clear-cutting them. They argue that past underestimations of carbon storage capacity by the IPCC may have led to governments being less inclined to preserve high-altitude forest areas. (With inputs from agencies)

African mountain forests store two-thirds more carbon than previously believed: Study

Researchers are testing the efficacy of aspirin in treating aggressive forms of breast cancer.

For patients with triple-negative breast cancer, researchers hope the widely available and cheap drug can be combined with immunotherapy.

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This study is funded by the Breast Cancer Now Catalyst Program, an organisation that aims to increase the speed of progress in research by fostering innovation and facilitating collaboration. This study is an attempt to determine if aspirin increases the sensitivity of such patients' tumours to immunotherapy.

As part of the study, headed by Dr Anne Armstrong of the Christie NHS foundation trust in Manchester, the drug avelumab will be administered before patients undergo surgery and chemotherapy both with and without aspirin.

Breast Cancer Now claims that triple-negative breast cancer is a rarer but often more aggressive form of breast cancer disproportionately affecting young women and black women.

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Armstrong says that earlier research suggests that aspirin makes immunotherapy more effective by stopping cancer cells from producing substances that lead to weakened immunity.

If used in conjunction with immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin could increase their effectiveness. A drug like aspirin is a great candidate for clinical trials since it is readily available and cheap to produce, she added.

Simon Vincent, the director of research, support, and advocacy at Breast Cancer Now, stated that 8,000 women are diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer every year in the UK. He noted that this situation needs to be addressed immediately.

Pfizer, the pharmaceutical firm, provided Breast Cancer Now with funding through a grant and gave its researchers access to several Pfizer medicines, according to Breast Cancer Now.

Researchers are testing the efficacy of aspirin in treating aggressive forms of breast cancer. For patients with triple-negative breast cancer, researchers hope the widely available and cheap drug can be combined with immunotherapy.

Researchers are testing the efficacy of aspirin in treating aggressive forms of breast cancer. For patients with triple-negative breast cancer, researchers hope the widely available and cheap drug can be combined with immunotherapy. Also read | Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it This study is funded by the Breast Cancer Now Catalyst Program, an organisation that aims to increase the speed of progress in research by fostering innovation and facilitating collaboration. This study is an attempt to determine if aspirin increases the sensitivity of such patients' tumours to immunotherapy. As part of the study, headed by Dr Anne Armstrong of the Christie NHS foundation trust in Manchester, the drug avelumab will be administered before patients undergo surgery and chemotherapy both with and without aspirin. Breast Cancer Now claims that triple-negative breast cancer is a rarer but often more aggressive form of breast cancer disproportionately affecting young women and black women. Also read | 'AutoVacc': Thai experts develop robotic arm to save every drop of Covid vaccine Armstrong says that earlier research suggests that aspirin makes immunotherapy more effective by stopping cancer cells from producing substances that lead to weakened immunity. If used in conjunction with immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin could increase their effectiveness. A drug like aspirin is a great candidate for clinical trials since it is readily available and cheap to produce, she added. Simon Vincent, the director of research, support, and advocacy at Breast Cancer Now, stated that 8,000 women are diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer every year in the UK. He noted that this situation needs to be addressed immediately. Pfizer, the pharmaceutical firm, provided Breast Cancer Now with funding through a grant and gave its researchers access to several Pfizer medicines, according to Breast Cancer Now.

Aspirin may hold the key to battling a rare form of breast cancer

A recent study suggests that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine remains the best way to protect against the Delta variant. As per the study, the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab offers the same high protection as the Pfizer-BioNTech after four to five months.

A recent study suggests that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine remains the best way to protect against the Delta variant. As per the study, the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab offers the same high protection as the Pfizer-BioNTech after four to five months. However, neither of them is effective as it is against the Alpha variant, which is responsible for most UK infections last winter. As a part of the study, the researchers analysed, two and a half million tests results from 743,526 participants in the UK's COVID-19 household-infection survey. The results concluded that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had 93 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic infection two weeks after the second dose, compared with Oxford-AstraZeneca which was at 71 per cent. Also read | Watch | COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge Also, over time, the Pfizer-BioNTech's effectiveness dropped while the Oxford-AstraZeneca's remained largely the same. Prof Sarah Walker, at the University of Oxford was quoted by the BBC as saying "when you start very very high, you've got a long way to go". "The World Health Organization set the bar at 50 per cent and we're way above that," she said. "Both of these vaccines are still doing very well against Delta." Few other discoveries of the study stated that people who have had COVID-19 gain even more antibodies when fully vaccinated. Also, younger people gain more protection from vaccination than older.

COVID-19 vaccines still effective against Delta variant, says study

A new study, of about 6,400 people, has revealed that middle-aged spread cannot be blamed on a waning metabolism.

The study included people from eight days old up to age 95, in 29 countries. It suggests that metabolism remains "rock solid" throughout mid-life.&nbsp;

As per the researchers, the findings gave surprising new insights about the body.

The researchers tweaked their measurements, adjusting for body size, to compare people's metabolism "pound for pound". The study revealed four phases of metabolic life. First involved, birth to age one, when the metabolism shifts from being the same as the mother's to a lifetime high 50 per cent above that of adults.

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This is followed by a gentle slowdown until the age of 20, with no spike during all the changes of puberty.&nbsp;

The third phase involved no change at all between the ages of 20 and 60. The last phase was a permanent decline, with yearly falls that, by 90, leave metabolism 26 per cent lower than in mid-life.

Prof John Speakman, from the University of Aberdeen, was quoted by BBC as saying, "It is a picture we've never really seen before and there is a lot of surprises in it".&nbsp;

He further added, "The most surprising thing for me is there is no change throughout adulthood - if you are experiencing mid-life spread you can no longer blame it on a declining metabolic rate".

A new study, of about 6,400 people, has revealed that middle-aged spread cannot be blamed on a waning metabolism. The study included people from eight days old up to age 95, in 29 countries.

A new study, of about 6,400 people, has revealed that middle-aged spread cannot be blamed on a waning metabolism. The study included people from eight days old up to age 95, in 29 countries. It suggests that metabolism remains "rock solid" throughout mid-life. As per the researchers, the findings gave surprising new insights about the body. The researchers tweaked their measurements, adjusting for body size, to compare people's metabolism "pound for pound". The study revealed four phases of metabolic life. First involved, birth to age one, when the metabolism shifts from being the same as the mother's to a lifetime high 50 per cent above that of adults. Also read | US is sending 3,000 troops to Kabul as 2,500 leave, journalist confronts Pentagon about the irony This is followed by a gentle slowdown until the age of 20, with no spike during all the changes of puberty. The third phase involved no change at all between the ages of 20 and 60. The last phase was a permanent decline, with yearly falls that, by 90, leave metabolism 26 per cent lower than in mid-life. Prof John Speakman, from the University of Aberdeen, was quoted by BBC as saying, "It is a picture we've never really seen before and there is a lot of surprises in it". He further added, "The most surprising thing for me is there is no change throughout adulthood - if you are experiencing mid-life spread you can no longer blame it on a declining metabolic rate".

Middle age is not that bad for metabolism, reveals new in-depth study

A new study has revealed that venom contributed to the extraordinary diversity of insects and fishes.&nbsp;

Published in the journal 'BMC Ecology and Evolution', the research showed venomous fishes and insects diversify around twice as fast as their non-venomous counterparts.

Over 1 million species of insects have so far been identified. This is three-quarters of all invertebrate species on Earth.&nbsp;

There are 31,269 species of fish, which make up almost half of all vertebrate species.

As of now, around 10 per cent of fish families and 16 per cent of insect families contain venomous species.&nbsp;

The research showed that venom has independently evolved at least 19-20 times in fishes and at least 28 times in insects across their evolutionary history.

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Dr Kevin Arbuckle of Swansea University, lead researcher was quoted by ANI as saying, "Our results provide evidence that venom has played a part in generating the diversity of insects and fishes, which have the largest number of species amongst invertebrates and vertebrates respectively".&nbsp;

He added, "Venom is not the only factor driving species richness in these animal groups, but we show that it has played an important but previously unrecognised role in generating the amazing diversity we see today amongst insects and fishes.

Although tentative, the pattern of timing in the origins of venomous fishes suggests tantalising clues of what was driving the evolution of their venom. Unlike insects, where venom evolved fairly evenly throughout their history, most origins of fish venom were concentrated in the Late Cretaceous and Eocene periods".

A new study has revealed that venom contributed to the extraordinary diversity of insects and fishes. Published in the journal 'BMC Ecology and Evolution', the research showed venomous fishes and insects diversify around twice as fast as their non-venomous counterparts.

A new study has revealed that venom contributed to the extraordinary diversity of insects and fishes. Published in the journal 'BMC Ecology and Evolution', the research showed venomous fishes and insects diversify around twice as fast as their non-venomous counterparts. Over 1 million species of insects have so far been identified. This is three-quarters of all invertebrate species on Earth. There are 31,269 species of fish, which make up almost half of all vertebrate species. As of now, around 10 per cent of fish families and 16 per cent of insect families contain venomous species. The research showed that venom has independently evolved at least 19-20 times in fishes and at least 28 times in insects across their evolutionary history. Also read | Tiger kills woman working at Chilean safari park Dr Kevin Arbuckle of Swansea University, lead researcher was quoted by ANI as saying, "Our results provide evidence that venom has played a part in generating the diversity of insects and fishes, which have the largest number of species amongst invertebrates and vertebrates respectively". He added, "Venom is not the only factor driving species richness in these animal groups, but we show that it has played an important but previously unrecognised role in generating the amazing diversity we see today amongst insects and fishes. Although tentative, the pattern of timing in the origins of venomous fishes suggests tantalising clues of what was driving the evolution of their venom. Unlike insects, where venom evolved fairly evenly throughout their history, most origins of fish venom were concentrated in the Late Cretaceous and Eocene periods".

Study reveals how venom contributed to formation of new species of insects, fishes

Unvaccinated&nbsp;people&nbsp;are&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;twice&nbsp;as&nbsp;likely&nbsp;to be&nbsp;reinfected&nbsp;with&nbsp;Covid-19 as the fully vaccinated, a&nbsp;study&nbsp;by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

The agency said the finding supports its recommendation "that all eligible persons be offered&nbsp;Covid-19 vaccination, regardless of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status."

Some US politicians, including Senator Rand Paul, have in the past said they do not plan to take a&nbsp;Covid-19 vaccine because of their natural immunity derived from prior infection.

The new&nbsp;study&nbsp;was based on 246 Kentucky adults who were&nbsp;reinfected&nbsp;in May and June this year after previously being infected in 2020.

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They were compared with 492 "controls" who were matched by sex, age, and time of initial positive test.

The analysis found that&nbsp;unvaccinated&nbsp;people&nbsp;were 2.34 times as&nbsp;likely&nbsp;to be&nbsp;reinfected&nbsp;compared to&nbsp;people&nbsp;fully vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines.

The duration of infection-acquired immunity remains poorly understood and may be affected by the emergency of newer variants, the paper said.

For example, laboratory studies have shown that blood samples from&nbsp;people&nbsp;previously infected with the original Wuhan strain had poor antibody responses to the Beta variant first identified in South Africa.

One of the limitations of the&nbsp;study&nbsp;is it was conducted before Delta became the dominant strain in the United States.

Unvaccinated people are more than twice as likely to be reinfected with Covid-19 as the fully vaccinated, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

Unvaccinated people are more than twice as likely to be reinfected with Covid-19 as the fully vaccinated, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. The agency said the finding supports its recommendation "that all eligible persons be offered Covid-19 vaccination, regardless of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status." Some US politicians, including Senator Rand Paul, have in the past said they do not plan to take a Covid-19 vaccine because of their natural immunity derived from prior infection. The new study was based on 246 Kentucky adults who were reinfected in May and June this year after previously being infected in 2020. Also read | US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list They were compared with 492 "controls" who were matched by sex, age, and time of initial positive test. The analysis found that unvaccinated people were 2.34 times as likely to be reinfected compared to people fully vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The duration of infection-acquired immunity remains poorly understood and may be affected by the emergency of newer variants, the paper said. For example, laboratory studies have shown that blood samples from people previously infected with the original Wuhan strain had poor antibody responses to the Beta variant first identified in South Africa. One of the limitations of the study is it was conducted before Delta became the dominant strain in the United States.

Unvaccinated people twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19: Study

A new study has revealed that there are extra barriers to recruiting women for cardiovascular research. This is even after more women die of heart disease than men.&nbsp;

As a part of the study, 740 cardiovascular clinical trials were reviewed between 2010 and 2017.&nbsp;

It was then found out that women account for 38 per cent of the total participants.&nbsp;

Dr Jeske van Diemen, of Amsterdam University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, and also, one of the study's co-authors said that changing this “is not as easy as it sounds”.

Van Diemen and her colleagues looked for evidence behind the motivators and said that it is still unclear as to why the women participation rate is so low.

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According to the paper published in the European Heart Journal, the researchers looked for barriers to trial participation. As a result, they found six studies, including a total of 846 men and 1,122 women,&nbsp;that fit their criteria.

The primary motivators for enrolment in trials were the possibility of better care, and the altruistic desire to promote science.

However, the barriers included time constraints and the potential for unfavourable outcomes were also highlighted by both sexes.

Women appeared to perceive a higher risk of harm from participation versus men.

Also, there were cited transport limitations as a reason for declining trial participation more often.

It is not clear why trial risk perceptions between the sexes differ, said Van Diemen, but “women more often have barriers which make it difficult to attend follow-up appointments, such as not holding a driving licence or caring for grandchildren”.

A new study has revealed that there are extra barriers to recruiting women for cardiovascular research. This is even after more women die of heart disease than men.

A new study has revealed that there are extra barriers to recruiting women for cardiovascular research. This is even after more women die of heart disease than men. As a part of the study, 740 cardiovascular clinical trials were reviewed between 2010 and 2017. It was then found out that women account for 38 per cent of the total participants. Dr Jeske van Diemen, of Amsterdam University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, and also, one of the study's co-authors said that changing this “is not as easy as it sounds”. Van Diemen and her colleagues looked for evidence behind the motivators and said that it is still unclear as to why the women participation rate is so low. Also read | End of an era for Bernadino sparkling wine, here is all you need to know According to the paper published in the European Heart Journal, the researchers looked for barriers to trial participation. As a result, they found six studies, including a total of 846 men and 1,122 women, that fit their criteria. The primary motivators for enrolment in trials were the possibility of better care, and the altruistic desire to promote science. However, the barriers included time constraints and the potential for unfavourable outcomes were also highlighted by both sexes. Women appeared to perceive a higher risk of harm from participation versus men. Also, there were cited transport limitations as a reason for declining trial participation more often. It is not clear why trial risk perceptions between the sexes differ, said Van Diemen, but “women more often have barriers which make it difficult to attend follow-up appointments, such as not holding a driving licence or caring for grandchildren”.

Study says recruiting women for cardiovascular research is harder

As per a recent analysis of 90 studies, agricultural pesticides which are sold to farmers 'ready mixed' into cocktails can kill twice as many bees.

The researchers used the data expounded to quantify how combinations of those stresses affected the pollinating insects.&nbsp;

They say that commercial formulas, which contain multiple chemicals, should now require their own licences.

Dr Harry Siviter, from the University of Texas at Austin, who led the study was quoted by the BBC saying, "Exposure to multiple pesticides is the norm, not the exception".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-bee-day-how-are-bees-integral-to-global-food-security-386362">Also read |&nbsp;World Bee Day: How are bees integral to global food security?</a>

He added, "If you have a honeybee colony exposed to one pesticide that kills 10% of the bees and another pesticide that kills another 10%, you would expect, if those effects were additive, for 20% of the bees to be killed".&nbsp;

However, &nbsp;a "synergistic effect" could produce 30-40% mortality.

"And that's exactly what we found when we looked at the interactions" he said.

"So we really should consider the interaction between those chemicals" when licensing commercial formulas for use, Dr Siviter said.

As per a recent analysis of 90 studies, agricultural pesticides which are sold to farmers 'ready mixed' into cocktails can kill twice as many bees. The researchers used the data expounded to quantify how combinations of those stresses affected the pollinating insects.

As per a recent analysis of 90 studies, agricultural pesticides which are sold to farmers 'ready mixed' into cocktails can kill twice as many bees. The researchers used the data expounded to quantify how combinations of those stresses affected the pollinating insects. They say that commercial formulas, which contain multiple chemicals, should now require their own licences. Dr Harry Siviter, from the University of Texas at Austin, who led the study was quoted by the BBC saying, "Exposure to multiple pesticides is the norm, not the exception". Also read | World Bee Day: How are bees integral to global food security? He added, "If you have a honeybee colony exposed to one pesticide that kills 10% of the bees and another pesticide that kills another 10%, you would expect, if those effects were additive, for 20% of the bees to be killed". However, a "synergistic effect" could produce 30-40% mortality. "And that's exactly what we found when we looked at the interactions" he said. "So we really should consider the interaction between those chemicals" when licensing commercial formulas for use, Dr Siviter said.

Pesticides harmful for bees, says a recent study

Scientists conducted many studies on the consequences of sleep deprivation, and research has connected enough sleep to improved concentration, productivity, and cognition.&nbsp;

Many individuals feel that getting more sleep improves their energy, emotional control, and overall well-being.

However, recent research co-authored by MIT economists confuses this picture, showing that getting more sleep isn't always enough to get those types of positive results.&nbsp;

The study, which took place in Chennai over a month and included 452 low-income employees, also discovered that an afternoon nap was more beneficial than an extra hour of sleep overnight — at least for those individuals who had extremely disturbed night-time sleep.&nbsp;

The findings leave open the possibility that helping people sleep more soundly, rather than just adding to their total amount of low-grade sleep, could be useful.&nbsp;

“People’s sleep quality is so low in these circumstances in Chennai that adding sleep of poor quality may not have the benefits that another half hour of sleep would have if it’s of higher quality,” Frank Schilbach, an MIT economist suggests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists conducted many studies on the consequences of sleep deprivation, and research has connected enough sleep to improved concentration, productivity, and cognition.

Scientists conducted many studies on the consequences of sleep deprivation, and research has connected enough sleep to improved concentration, productivity, and cognition. Many individuals feel that getting more sleep improves their energy, emotional control, and overall well-being. However, recent research co-authored by MIT economists confuses this picture, showing that getting more sleep isn't always enough to get those types of positive results. The study, which took place in Chennai over a month and included 452 low-income employees, also discovered that an afternoon nap was more beneficial than an extra hour of sleep overnight — at least for those individuals who had extremely disturbed night-time sleep. The findings leave open the possibility that helping people sleep more soundly, rather than just adding to their total amount of low-grade sleep, could be useful. “People’s sleep quality is so low in these circumstances in Chennai that adding sleep of poor quality may not have the benefits that another half hour of sleep would have if it’s of higher quality,” Frank Schilbach, an MIT economist suggests. (With inputs from agencies)

Getting more sleep isn't always beneficial: Study

China and India have missed a United Nations deadline to submit fresh targets for cutting their greenhouse gas emissions, officials said Saturday.

The world's two most populous countries are among dozens that ignored the deadline of July 30 set by the UN climate change agency to provide an update on their plans for curbing the release of planet-warming gases.

China is the country with the world's highest emissions, while India is third.

The United States, which submitted its new target in April, is the second-biggest global emitter.

UN climate chief Patricia Espinosa welcomed that 110 signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change had met the cut-off date, which was extended from the end of 2020 due to the pandemic.

But she said it was "far from satisfactory" that only 58% had submitted their new targets in time.

Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria and 82 other nations also failed to update their nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, for the UN to include in a report it is preparing for an international climate change conference in November.

Espinosa noted that a previous report found countries were doing too little to meet the goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) by the end of the century compared with pre-industrial times.

The more ambitious target of capping warming at 1.5C (2.7F) is far out of reach.

"Recent extreme heat waves, droughts and floods across the globe are a dire warning that much more needs to be done, and much more quickly, to change our current pathway," said Espinosa.

"This can only be achieved through more ambitious NDCs."

China and India have missed a United Nations deadline to submit fresh targets for cutting their greenhouse gas emissions, officials said Saturday. The world's two most populous countries are among dozens that ignored the deadline of July 30 set by the UN climate change agency to provide an update on their plans for curbing the release of planet-warming gases.

China and India have missed a United Nations deadline to submit fresh targets for cutting their greenhouse gas emissions, officials said Saturday. The world's two most populous countries are among dozens that ignored the deadline of July 30 set by the UN climate change agency to provide an update on their plans for curbing the release of planet-warming gases. China is the country with the world's highest emissions, while India is third. The United States, which submitted its new target in April, is the second-biggest global emitter. UN climate chief Patricia Espinosa welcomed that 110 signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change had met the cut-off date, which was extended from the end of 2020 due to the pandemic. But she said it was "far from satisfactory" that only 58% had submitted their new targets in time. Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria and 82 other nations also failed to update their nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, for the UN to include in a report it is preparing for an international climate change conference in November. Espinosa noted that a previous report found countries were doing too little to meet the goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) by the end of the century compared with pre-industrial times. The more ambitious target of capping warming at 1.5C (2.7F) is far out of reach. "Recent extreme heat waves, droughts and floods across the globe are a dire warning that much more needs to be done, and much more quickly, to change our current pathway," said Espinosa. "This can only be achieved through more ambitious NDCs."

China and India miss UN deadline to update emissions targets

In a study published in the Lancet, researchers found that despite gender-balanced delegates, female participation in medical and scientific conferences is low. However, changes in conference design significantly improved female participation.

Researchers completed this latest analysis based on the annual national conferences of the Society for Endocrinology. They found that conferences are vital to clinicians and academics' professional visibility.

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Despite women comprising roughly half of the medical students over the past few decades, they remain notably underrepresented in medical faculty positions. Lead author Dr Victoria Salem, an endocrinologist and Imperial College London senior research fellow, commented that the imbalance should have been addressed by now.

According to her, there's a lot of inertia that can be attributed to role models. If we don't have more women speaking and acting as spokespersons and experts, we're not going to inspire the next generation.

As part of their study, Salem and her colleagues examined questions and comments from multiple sessions held at the Society for Endocrinology's 2018 and 2017 conferences.

Each year, about 1,000 delegates attend the conference, with roughly half of them women.

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Over the course of both conferences, men's questions lasted a combined two hours 54 minutes, while women's questions lasted 56 minutes.

Women asked fewer and shorter questions despite the even gender balance of conference delegates, only about one out of five questions or comments came from women.

It is still evident that there are differences in gender behaviour, whether the cause is social engineering or biology. We must address this issue and include it among the platforms we provide for equal access to science, said Salem.

Senior author Kevin Murphy, a professor of metabolism and endocrinology at Imperial College London points out that there's a lot of talk about how women should be more involved, but the reality is that an environment has been created in which participating might be difficult.

In 2018, the authors conducted interventions aimed at improving the participation of women in the conference. The researchers worked with the conference organizers to ensure that more women sat in chairs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researchers-develop-antibodies-for-neutralising-sars-cov-2-401678">Also read |&nbsp;Researchers develop antibodies for neutralising SARS-Cov-2</a>

They found that the number of female chairs did indeed result in a higher number of questions from female audience members. According to the paper, if a woman had been the first to ask a question, chances of subsequent participation by a woman increased several times.

According to the authors, small changes can have a big impact. Murphy says they are making adjustments to make conferences more accessible the whole time, adding that if we think diversity and equality are good things, then changes should be made to make it easier for diversity and equality to happen.

In a study published in the Lancet, researchers found that despite gender-balanced delegates, female participation in medical and scientific conferences is low. However, changes in conference design significantly improved female participation.

In a study published in the Lancet, researchers found that despite gender-balanced delegates, female participation in medical and scientific conferences is low. However, changes in conference design significantly improved female participation. Researchers completed this latest analysis based on the annual national conferences of the Society for Endocrinology. They found that conferences are vital to clinicians and academics' professional visibility. Also read | Clays can be a source of Mars 'lakes', here is all you need to know Despite women comprising roughly half of the medical students over the past few decades, they remain notably underrepresented in medical faculty positions. Lead author Dr Victoria Salem, an endocrinologist and Imperial College London senior research fellow, commented that the imbalance should have been addressed by now. According to her, there's a lot of inertia that can be attributed to role models. If we don't have more women speaking and acting as spokespersons and experts, we're not going to inspire the next generation. As part of their study, Salem and her colleagues examined questions and comments from multiple sessions held at the Society for Endocrinology's 2018 and 2017 conferences. Each year, about 1,000 delegates attend the conference, with roughly half of them women. Also read | Study reveals three Americans create enough carbon emissions to kill one person Over the course of both conferences, men's questions lasted a combined two hours 54 minutes, while women's questions lasted 56 minutes. Women asked fewer and shorter questions despite the even gender balance of conference delegates, only about one out of five questions or comments came from women. It is still evident that there are differences in gender behaviour, whether the cause is social engineering or biology. We must address this issue and include it among the platforms we provide for equal access to science, said Salem. Senior author Kevin Murphy, a professor of metabolism and endocrinology at Imperial College London points out that there's a lot of talk about how women should be more involved, but the reality is that an environment has been created in which participating might be difficult. In 2018, the authors conducted interventions aimed at improving the participation of women in the conference. The researchers worked with the conference organizers to ensure that more women sat in chairs. Also read | Researchers develop antibodies for neutralising SARS-Cov-2 They found that the number of female chairs did indeed result in a higher number of questions from female audience members. According to the paper, if a woman had been the first to ask a question, chances of subsequent participation by a woman increased several times. According to the authors, small changes can have a big impact. Murphy says they are making adjustments to make conferences more accessible the whole time, adding that if we think diversity and equality are good things, then changes should be made to make it easier for diversity and equality to happen.

Study shows despite gender balance at medical conferences, women participate less

In the first analysis to calculate the mortal cost of carbon emissions, it has been revealed that the lifestyles of around three average Americans will create enough planet-heating emissions to kill one person.&nbsp;

Also, the emissions from a single coal-fired power plant are likely to result in more than 900 deaths.

The research is completely based on what is called the “social cost of carbon”.&nbsp;

It is a monetary figure which is placed upon the damage caused by each ton of carbon dioxide emissions. This is done by assigning an expected death toll from the emissions that cause the climate crisis.

The research relies on several public health studies to conclude that for every 4,434 metric tons of CO2 pumped into the atmosphere beyond the 2020 rate of emissions, one person globally will die prematurely from the increased temperature.&nbsp;

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As per Daniel Bressler of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, who wrote the paper, the figures for expected deaths from the release of emissions are definitive and may well be “a vast underestimate” as they only account for heat-related mortality rather than deaths from flooding, storms, and crop failures.

Bressler was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "There are a significant number of lives that can be saved if you pursue climate policies that are more aggressive than the business as usual scenario".&nbsp;

He further added, "I was surprised at how large the number of deaths are. There is some uncertainty over this, the number could be lower but it could also be a lot higher".

In the first analysis to calculate the mortal cost of carbon emissions, it has been revealed that the lifestyles of around three average Americans will create enough planet-heating emissions to kill one person.

In the first analysis to calculate the mortal cost of carbon emissions, it has been revealed that the lifestyles of around three average Americans will create enough planet-heating emissions to kill one person. Also, the emissions from a single coal-fired power plant are likely to result in more than 900 deaths. The research is completely based on what is called the “social cost of carbon”. It is a monetary figure which is placed upon the damage caused by each ton of carbon dioxide emissions. This is done by assigning an expected death toll from the emissions that cause the climate crisis. The research relies on several public health studies to conclude that for every 4,434 metric tons of CO2 pumped into the atmosphere beyond the 2020 rate of emissions, one person globally will die prematurely from the increased temperature. Also read | Researchers develop antibodies for neutralising SARS-Cov-2 As per Daniel Bressler of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, who wrote the paper, the figures for expected deaths from the release of emissions are definitive and may well be “a vast underestimate” as they only account for heat-related mortality rather than deaths from flooding, storms, and crop failures. Bressler was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "There are a significant number of lives that can be saved if you pursue climate policies that are more aggressive than the business as usual scenario". He further added, "I was surprised at how large the number of deaths are. There is some uncertainty over this, the number could be lower but it could also be a lot higher".

Study reveals three Americans create enough carbon emissions to kill one person

A new study has found that caffeine helps bumblebees to pollinate more effectively.

Due to climate change, wild pollinator populations have been restrained, including bees, moths, wasps, butterflies, beetles and birds. As a result of this, some fruit growers have resorted to relying on “managed pollinators”.

The study was aimed to evaluate whether the bees could be primed to target specific odours.

For this, the researchers concocted a special blend of caffeine, sugar and the specific “target flower” smell.&nbsp;

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Study author, Dr Sarah Arnold of the natural resources institute at the University of Greenwich was quoted by The Guardian saying, "We were interested in seeing whether the bees would go for all of the flowers equally since they were all equally rewarded, or whether they go for the flowers that smell like the ones that they been kind of trained on in the nest".

It was then concluded that the bees that had trained using the caffeine concoction were more interested in the target flowers with the strawberry odour than the distractor flowers.

As per Arnold, this experiment could be a good start to making it easier for farmers to ensure their crop is pollinated.

A new study has found that caffeine helps bumblebees to pollinate more effectively. Due to climate change, wild pollinator populations have been restrained, including bees, moths, wasps, butterflies, beetles and birds.

A new study has found that caffeine helps bumblebees to pollinate more effectively. Due to climate change, wild pollinator populations have been restrained, including bees, moths, wasps, butterflies, beetles and birds. As a result of this, some fruit growers have resorted to relying on “managed pollinators”. The study was aimed to evaluate whether the bees could be primed to target specific odours. For this, the researchers concocted a special blend of caffeine, sugar and the specific “target flower” smell. Also read | Here is a list of the best places to survive amid a global societal collapse Study author, Dr Sarah Arnold of the natural resources institute at the University of Greenwich was quoted by The Guardian saying, "We were interested in seeing whether the bees would go for all of the flowers equally since they were all equally rewarded, or whether they go for the flowers that smell like the ones that they been kind of trained on in the nest". It was then concluded that the bees that had trained using the caffeine concoction were more interested in the target flowers with the strawberry odour than the distractor flowers. As per Arnold, this experiment could be a good start to making it easier for farmers to ensure their crop is pollinated.

Study reveals that caffeine helps bumblebees pollinate more effectively

To search for evidence of extraterrestrial life by looking for advanced technology, a group of scientists will start a new international research project led by Harvard University.

Titled as the 'Galileo Project', it is being led by the Harvard astronomy professor Avi Loeb.

Loeb co-founded the project with Frank Laukien, CEO of Bruker Corporation, a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of scientific equipment.

In a statement issued by the team, they said, "We can only speculate whether ‘Oumuamua may be explained by never seen before natural explanations, or by stretching our imagination to ‘Oumuamua perhaps being an extraterrestrial technological object, similar to a very thin light-sail or communication dish, which fits the astronomical data rather well".

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Rather than looking for electromagnetic signals, the Galileo Project will search for physical objects which are associated with extraterrestrial technological equipment, known as 'technosignatures'.

Laukien was quoted by The Guardian saying, "It is very important that we keep in mind that the Galileo Project is not for everything, and it is not for everyone". He added, "It has a defined scope, and it has limitations,” he added, referring to the project’s aim of only exploring known physics explanations rather than speculating on prior UAPs, alleged observations and informal reports".

“We want to clear the fog through a transparent and scientific analysis by assembling our own data, not data based on government-owned sensors, because most of that data is classified".

To search for evidence of extraterrestrial life by looking for advanced technology, a group of scientists will start a new international research project led by Harvard University.

To search for evidence of extraterrestrial life by looking for advanced technology, a group of scientists will start a new international research project led by Harvard University. Titled as the 'Galileo Project', it is being led by the Harvard astronomy professor Avi Loeb. Loeb co-founded the project with Frank Laukien, CEO of Bruker Corporation, a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of scientific equipment. In a statement issued by the team, they said, "We can only speculate whether ‘Oumuamua may be explained by never seen before natural explanations, or by stretching our imagination to ‘Oumuamua perhaps being an extraterrestrial technological object, similar to a very thin light-sail or communication dish, which fits the astronomical data rather well". Also read | NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras Rather than looking for electromagnetic signals, the Galileo Project will search for physical objects which are associated with extraterrestrial technological equipment, known as 'technosignatures'. Laukien was quoted by The Guardian saying, "It is very important that we keep in mind that the Galileo Project is not for everything, and it is not for everyone". He added, "It has a defined scope, and it has limitations,” he added, referring to the project’s aim of only exploring known physics explanations rather than speculating on prior UAPs, alleged observations and informal reports". “We want to clear the fog through a transparent and scientific analysis by assembling our own data, not data based on government-owned sensors, because most of that data is classified".

Scientists to search for signs of extraterrestrial technology

What worries one of the world's leading climate scientists the most?&nbsp;

Heatwaves -- and particularly the tendency of current models to underestimate the intensity of these bursts of deadly, searing temperature.&nbsp;

This is one of the "major mysteries" science still has to unravel, climatologist Robert Vautard told AFP, even as researchers are able to pinpoint with increasing accuracy exactly how human fossil fuel pollution is warming the planet and altering the climate.

"Today we have better climate projection models, and longer observations with a much clearer signal of climate change," said Vautard, one of the authors of an upcoming assessment by the United Nations' panel of climate experts.&nbsp;

"It was already clear, but it is even clearer and more indisputable today."

The assessment, the first part of a trio of reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will be released on August 9 at the end of meetings starting Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-overfishing-threaten-access-to-nutrients-in-fish-399386">Also read |&nbsp;Climate crisis, overfishing threaten access to nutrients in fish</a>

It focuses on the science underpinning our understanding of things like temperature increases, rising ocean levels and extreme weather events.&nbsp;

This has progressed considerably since the last assessment in 2014, but so has climate change itself, with effects being felt ever more forcefully across the planet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'Phenomenal' heat

Scientists now have a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind "extreme phenomena, which now occur almost every week around the world", said Vautard, adding that this helps better quantify how these events will play out in the future.

In almost real time, researchers can pinpoint the role of climate change in a given disaster, something they were unable to do at all until very recently. &nbsp;

Now, so-called "attribution" science means we can say how probable an extreme weather event would have been had the climate not been changing at all.&nbsp;

For example, within days of the extraordinary "heat dome" that scorched the western United States and Canada at the end of June, scientists from the World Weather Attribution calculated that the heatwave would have been "almost impossible" without warming.&nbsp;

Despite these advances, Vautard said "major mysteries remain".&nbsp;

Scientists are still unsure what part clouds play "in the energy balance of the planet" and their influence on the climate's sensitivity to greenhouse gases, he said.&nbsp;

But it is "phenomenal temperatures", like those recorded in June in Canada or in Europe in 2019, that preoccupy the climatologist.&nbsp;

"What worries me the most are the heat waves" and the "thousands of deaths" they cause, said Vautard, who is director of France's Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute, a climate research and teaching centre.&nbsp;

With rainfall, scientists have a physical law that says water vapour increases by seven percent for every degree of warming, he said, with intense precipitation increasing by about the same amount.&nbsp;

But extreme heat is harder to predict.&nbsp;

"We know that heatwaves are more frequent, but we also know that our models underestimate the increasing intensity of these heatwaves, particularly in Europe, by a factor of two," he said.

Climate models have come a long way, even since 2014, but there is still room for improvement to reduce these uncertainties.&nbsp;

"Before we had models that represented the major phenomena in the atmosphere, in the oceans," said Vautard.&nbsp;

Today the models divide the planet's surface into grids, with each square around 10 kilometres (six miles).&nbsp;

But even now he said the "resolution of the models is not sufficient" for very localised phenomena.&nbsp;

The next generation of models should be able to add even more detail, going down to an area of about a kilometre.&nbsp;

That would give researchers a much better understanding of "small scale" events, like tornadoes, hail or storm systems that bring intense rain like those seen in parts of the Mediterranean in 2020.

Tipping points

Even on a global scale, some fundamental questions remain.&nbsp;

Perhaps one of the most ominous climate concepts to have become better understood in recent years is that of "tipping points".&nbsp;

These could be triggered for example by the melting of the ice caps or the decline of the Amazon rainforest, potentially swinging the climate system into dramatic and irreversible changes.&nbsp;

There are still "a lot of uncertainties and mysteries" about tipping points, Vautard said, including what level of temperature rise might set them off.&nbsp;

Currently, they are seen as low probability events, but he said that it is still crucial to know more about them given the "irreversible consequences on the scale of millennia" that they could cause.&nbsp;

Another crucial uncertainty is the state of the world's forests and oceans, which absorb about half of the CO2 emitted by humans.&nbsp;

"Will this carbon sink function continue to be effective or not?" Vautard said.

If they stop absorbing carbon -- as has been found in areas of the Amazon, for example -- then more C02 will accumulate in the atmosphere, raising temperatures even further.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It is a concern," said Vautard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What worries one of the world's leading climate scientists the most? Heatwaves -- and particularly the tendency of current models to underestimate the intensity of these bursts of deadly, searing temperature.

What worries one of the world's leading climate scientists the most? Heatwaves -- and particularly the tendency of current models to underestimate the intensity of these bursts of deadly, searing temperature. This is one of the "major mysteries" science still has to unravel, climatologist Robert Vautard told AFP, even as researchers are able to pinpoint with increasing accuracy exactly how human fossil fuel pollution is warming the planet and altering the climate. "Today we have better climate projection models, and longer observations with a much clearer signal of climate change," said Vautard, one of the authors of an upcoming assessment by the United Nations' panel of climate experts. "It was already clear, but it is even clearer and more indisputable today." The assessment, the first part of a trio of reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will be released on August 9 at the end of meetings starting Monday. Also read | Climate crisis, overfishing threaten access to nutrients in fish It focuses on the science underpinning our understanding of things like temperature increases, rising ocean levels and extreme weather events. This has progressed considerably since the last assessment in 2014, but so has climate change itself, with effects being felt ever more forcefully across the planet. 'Phenomenal' heat Scientists now have a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind "extreme phenomena, which now occur almost every week around the world", said Vautard, adding that this helps better quantify how these events will play out in the future. In almost real time, researchers can pinpoint the role of climate change in a given disaster, something they were unable to do at all until very recently. Now, so-called "attribution" science means we can say how probable an extreme weather event would have been had the climate not been changing at all. For example, within days of the extraordinary "heat dome" that scorched the western United States and Canada at the end of June, scientists from the World Weather Attribution calculated that the heatwave would have been "almost impossible" without warming. Despite these advances, Vautard said "major mysteries remain". Scientists are still unsure what part clouds play "in the energy balance of the planet" and their influence on the climate's sensitivity to greenhouse gases, he said. But it is "phenomenal temperatures", like those recorded in June in Canada or in Europe in 2019, that preoccupy the climatologist. "What worries me the most are the heat waves" and the "thousands of deaths" they cause, said Vautard, who is director of France's Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute, a climate research and teaching centre. With rainfall, scientists have a physical law that says water vapour increases by seven percent for every degree of warming, he said, with intense precipitation increasing by about the same amount. But extreme heat is harder to predict. "We know that heatwaves are more frequent, but we also know that our models underestimate the increasing intensity of these heatwaves, particularly in Europe, by a factor of two," he said. Climate models have come a long way, even since 2014, but there is still room for improvement to reduce these uncertainties. "Before we had models that represented the major phenomena in the atmosphere, in the oceans," said Vautard. Today the models divide the planet's surface into grids, with each square around 10 kilometres (six miles). But even now he said the "resolution of the models is not sufficient" for very localised phenomena. The next generation of models should be able to add even more detail, going down to an area of about a kilometre. That would give researchers a much better understanding of "small scale" events, like tornadoes, hail or storm systems that bring intense rain like those seen in parts of the Mediterranean in 2020. Tipping points Even on a global scale, some fundamental questions remain. Perhaps one of the most ominous climate concepts to have become better understood in recent years is that of "tipping points". These could be triggered for example by the melting of the ice caps or the decline of the Amazon rainforest, potentially swinging the climate system into dramatic and irreversible changes. There are still "a lot of uncertainties and mysteries" about tipping points, Vautard said, including what level of temperature rise might set them off. Currently, they are seen as low probability events, but he said that it is still crucial to know more about them given the "irreversible consequences on the scale of millennia" that they could cause. Another crucial uncertainty is the state of the world's forests and oceans, which absorb about half of the CO2 emitted by humans. "Will this carbon sink function continue to be effective or not?" Vautard said. If they stop absorbing carbon -- as has been found in areas of the Amazon, for example -- then more C02 will accumulate in the atmosphere, raising temperatures even further. "It is a concern," said Vautard.

Climate 'mysteries' still puzzle scientists, despite progress

A new research by the scientists of the University of East Anglia, ZSL (Zoological Society of London), and Public Health England (PHE) has revealed that a coronavirus related to the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans has been found in&nbsp;horseshoe bats.

However, there is no evidence that this virus has been transmitted to humans, or that it could in the future.&nbsp;

As a part of the study, UEA researchers collected faecal samples from more than 50 lesser horseshoe bats in Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wales. The samples were then sent for viral analysis at Public Health England.

Through genome sequencing, ‘RhGB01’, a novel coronavirus was found in one of the bat samples.

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As per the research team, these bats will almost certainly have harboured the virus for a very long time. And it has been found now because this is the first time that they have been tested.&nbsp;

Prof Diana Bell, an expert in emerging zoonotic diseases from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, was quoted by Science Tech daily saying, "Similar viruses have been found in other horseshoe bat species in China, South East Asia, and Eastern Europe. Our research extends both the geographic and species ranges of these types of viruses and suggests their more widespread presence across more than 90 species of horseshoe bats".

“These bats will almost certainly have harboured this virus for a very long time – probably many thousands of years. We didn’t know about it before because this is the first time that such tests have been carried out in UK bats We already know that there are different coronaviruses in many other mammal species too".&nbsp;

A further analysis compared the virus with those found in other horseshoe bat species in China, South East Asia and Europe. It was then concluded that its closest relative was discovered in a Blasius’s bat from Bulgaria in 2008.

A new research by the scientists of the University of East Anglia, ZSL (Zoological Society of London), and Public Health England (PHE) has revealed that a coronavirus related to the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans has been found in horseshoe bats.

A new research by the scientists of the University of East Anglia, ZSL (Zoological Society of London), and Public Health England (PHE) has revealed that a coronavirus related to the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans has been found in horseshoe bats. However, there is no evidence that this virus has been transmitted to humans, or that it could in the future. As a part of the study, UEA researchers collected faecal samples from more than 50 lesser horseshoe bats in Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wales. The samples were then sent for viral analysis at Public Health England. Through genome sequencing, ‘RhGB01’, a novel coronavirus was found in one of the bat samples. Also read | Romanian woman stole diamonds worth $7.8 million by swapping them for pebbles As per the research team, these bats will almost certainly have harboured the virus for a very long time. And it has been found now because this is the first time that they have been tested. Prof Diana Bell, an expert in emerging zoonotic diseases from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, was quoted by Science Tech daily saying, "Similar viruses have been found in other horseshoe bat species in China, South East Asia, and Eastern Europe. Our research extends both the geographic and species ranges of these types of viruses and suggests their more widespread presence across more than 90 species of horseshoe bats". “These bats will almost certainly have harboured this virus for a very long time – probably many thousands of years. We didn’t know about it before because this is the first time that such tests have been carried out in UK bats We already know that there are different coronaviruses in many other mammal species too". A further analysis compared the virus with those found in other horseshoe bat species in China, South East Asia and Europe. It was then concluded that its closest relative was discovered in a Blasius’s bat from Bulgaria in 2008.

Novel coronavirus discovered in bats, says UK study

Around&nbsp;14 living&nbsp;descendants of the family of the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci have been identified after&nbsp;decades-long research into&nbsp;his&nbsp;purported remains.&nbsp;

Published in ‘Human Evolution’ journal this month,&nbsp;the findings have resulted from a new genealogical tree going through 21 generations and four branches.&nbsp;

In order to protect their identities, the study&nbsp;provided little information about the living descendants. “The&nbsp;individuals vary in age from 1 to 85,”&nbsp;Project researchers Agnese Sabato and Alessandro&nbsp;Vezzosi&nbsp;told CNN.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The study is a part of the Leonardo Da Vinci DNA Project. The project&nbsp;aims to confirm the remains thought to be his and to 'better understand his extraordinary talents and visual acuity through genetic associations’.&nbsp;

The researchers, who carried out the&nbsp;study, said the results are 'eagerly awaited from an historical viewpoint’. They said,&nbsp;it&nbsp;will help academics to&nbsp;'scientifically explore the roots of his genius, to find information on his physical prowess and on his possibly precocious aging, on his being left-handed and his health and possible hereditary sicknesses, and to explain certain peculiar sensory perceptions, like his extraordinary visual quality and synesthesia’.&nbsp;

Historical documents, which are present&nbsp;in public and private archives and direct accounts by Leonardo's family members descendants led to these findings.&nbsp;

Around 14 living descendants of the family of the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci have been identified after decades-long research into his purported remains.

Around 14 living descendants of the family of the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci have been identified after decades-long research into his purported remains. Published in ‘Human Evolution’ journal this month, the findings have resulted from a new genealogical tree going through 21 generations and four branches. In order to protect their identities, the study provided little information about the living descendants. “The individuals vary in age from 1 to 85,” Project researchers Agnese Sabato and Alessandro Vezzosi told CNN. The study is a part of the Leonardo Da Vinci DNA Project. The project aims to confirm the remains thought to be his and to 'better understand his extraordinary talents and visual acuity through genetic associations’. The researchers, who carried out the study, said the results are 'eagerly awaited from an historical viewpoint’. They said, it will help academics to 'scientifically explore the roots of his genius, to find information on his physical prowess and on his possibly precocious aging, on his being left-handed and his health and possible hereditary sicknesses, and to explain certain peculiar sensory perceptions, like his extraordinary visual quality and synesthesia’. Historical documents, which are present in public and private archives and direct accounts by Leonardo's family members descendants led to these findings.

Leonardo da Vinci's 14 living descendants identified after decades-long research

According to a NASA study, there may be a&nbsp;surge in high-tide floods in the&nbsp;mid-2030s. It has looked to warn&nbsp;coastal communities in the&nbsp;world. This seems to be triggered by the moon’s wobble.&nbsp;

The study says the increase in the&nbsp;flooding&nbsp;will start&nbsp;after a lunar cycle will amplify rising sea levels caused by the climate crisis.&nbsp;The&nbsp;study has been&nbsp;led by the members of the NASA Sea Level Change Science Team from the University of Hawaii.&nbsp;

As the&nbsp;long-term geological processes are leading to rise in&nbsp;far northern coastlines’&nbsp;land areas, these&nbsp;will get at least another decade's respite&nbsp;before flooding begins.&nbsp;

Published in the journal ‘Nature Climate Change’, the study is the first to take into account all known oceanic and astronomical causes for floods, NASA said&nbsp;in a news release.&nbsp;

In 2019, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported over 600 high-tide floods.&nbsp;As per this study,&nbsp;these floods will sometimes occur in clusters lasting for over a month or longer in the 2030s. It would depend on the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. Some cities may&nbsp;witness&nbsp;floods every day.&nbsp;

According to a NASA study, there may be a surge in high-tide floods in the mid-2030s. It has looked to warn coastal communities in the world. This seems to be triggered by the moon’s wobble.

According to a NASA study, there may be a surge in high-tide floods in the mid-2030s. It has looked to warn coastal communities in the world. This seems to be triggered by the moon’s wobble. The study says the increase in the flooding will start after a lunar cycle will amplify rising sea levels caused by the climate crisis. The study has been led by the members of the NASA Sea Level Change Science Team from the University of Hawaii. As the long-term geological processes are leading to rise in far northern coastlines’ land areas, these will get at least another decade's respite before flooding begins. Published in the journal ‘Nature Climate Change’, the study is the first to take into account all known oceanic and astronomical causes for floods, NASA said in a news release. In 2019, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported over 600 high-tide floods. As per this study, these floods will sometimes occur in clusters lasting for over a month or longer in the 2030s. It would depend on the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. Some cities may witness floods every day.

NASA study says Moon wobble may trigger surge in coastal flooding in 2030s

A survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology&nbsp;(ICMR-NIE) has revealed a significant improvement in mask-wearing etiquette among&nbsp;Chennaiites.

A July survey of 3,200 individuals (outdoors) and 1,280 individuals (in stores, pharmacy, places of worship) conducted across 32 slum and 32 non-slum streets has indicated 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The improvement is noticeable especially when comparing the results of surveys that have been conducted throughout the pandemic. Four rounds of such surveys were conducted&nbsp;in&nbsp;October 2020, December 2020, March 2021 and July 2021.

The methodology was to select 64 streets at random (32 in slums and 32 in non-slums) and observe 50 consecutive individuals outdoors and 20 individuals in indoor spaces.&nbsp;

Indoor spaces included grocery and vegetable stores, pharmacies, religious places, apparel stores. Whereas, outdoor public spaces were streets in residential or commercial areas, markets, bus stops,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;

The latest round of the study has revealed that 38% of the slum and 25% of the non-slum population did not wear masks while outdoors. “Indoor mask compliance was at 24% in slums and 33% in non-slums. 39% of the slum population and 34% of the non-slum population did not wear any masks indoors,” read the report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Past survey data on mask compliance says that there was only 28% appropriate use in slums and 36% in non-slums&nbsp;in&nbsp;Round 1,&nbsp;October&nbsp;2020. In Round 2,&nbsp;December 2020, the same was observed, whereas malls showed highest compliance of mask discipline&nbsp;(57%).

Round 3 in March 2021 showed 21% compliance in slum areas and 27% in non-slum areas. Thereby, the latest figures of 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas is a significant improvement for the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While this can be seen as a positive development, it must be pointed out that there has been a marginal rise in daily cases in Chennai, over the weekend.

With partial normalcy having returned and&nbsp;big&nbsp;companies working at 100% strength,&nbsp;and&nbsp;restaurants, malls, markets&nbsp;and&nbsp;meat stalls open, the danger of a possible third wave is&nbsp;becoming inevitable. Experts have been advising caution and vigil among the public, regarding the following of Covid norms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday’s Government health bulletin said that the city had 150 new cases, as against Saturday’s 137 cases. Since July 7, the city has been reporting less than 200 daily cases.&nbsp;

A survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has revealed a significant improvement in mask-wearing etiquette among Chennaiites.

A survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has revealed a significant improvement in mask-wearing etiquette among Chennaiites. A July survey of 3,200 individuals (outdoors) and 1,280 individuals (in stores, pharmacy, places of worship) conducted across 32 slum and 32 non-slum streets has indicated 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas. The improvement is noticeable especially when comparing the results of surveys that have been conducted throughout the pandemic. Four rounds of such surveys were conducted in October 2020, December 2020, March 2021 and July 2021. The methodology was to select 64 streets at random (32 in slums and 32 in non-slums) and observe 50 consecutive individuals outdoors and 20 individuals in indoor spaces. Indoor spaces included grocery and vegetable stores, pharmacies, religious places, apparel stores. Whereas, outdoor public spaces were streets in residential or commercial areas, markets, bus stops, etc. The latest round of the study has revealed that 38% of the slum and 25% of the non-slum population did not wear masks while outdoors. “Indoor mask compliance was at 24% in slums and 33% in non-slums. 39% of the slum population and 34% of the non-slum population did not wear any masks indoors,” read the report. Past survey data on mask compliance says that there was only 28% appropriate use in slums and 36% in non-slums in Round 1, October 2020. In Round 2, December 2020, the same was observed, whereas malls showed highest compliance of mask discipline (57%). Round 3 in March 2021 showed 21% compliance in slum areas and 27% in non-slum areas. Thereby, the latest figures of 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas is a significant improvement for the city. While this can be seen as a positive development, it must be pointed out that there has been a marginal rise in daily cases in Chennai, over the weekend. With partial normalcy having returned and big companies working at 100% strength, and restaurants, malls, markets and meat stalls open, the danger of a possible third wave is becoming inevitable. Experts have been advising caution and vigil among the public, regarding the following of Covid norms. Sunday’s Government health bulletin said that the city had 150 new cases, as against Saturday’s 137 cases. Since July 7, the city has been reporting less than 200 daily cases.

ICMR-civic body study reveals improvement in proper mask-wearing etiquette in Chennai  

It turns out that if you get out for fresh air on a regular basis, both your mind and body will benefit.

During the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 epidemic</a>, strolls were a common pastime. This habit has been found to have a positive impact on both, our general wellbeing and our brain structure, according to the neuroscientific study.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-monoxide-can-be-used-to-protect-organs-during-transplant-study-398871">Carbon monoxide can be used to protect organs during transplant: Study</a>

A team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Human Development and the Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) led this&nbsp;longitudinal&nbsp;study which was published in the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

Until now, there was an assumption that the environment affected us only over a longer period of time. However, the study showed that even short stays outdoors are beneficial to the brain.&nbsp;

As part of the research, six middle-aged, healthy city dwellers were examined over a period of six months.&nbsp;

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to take 280 scans of their brains. During the study, participants were asked to report on their own behaviour during the past 24 hours and, specifically, on the amount of time they spent outside before imaging.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-suggests-possible-link-between-alcohol-consumption-and-cancer-398739">Study suggests possible link between alcohol consumption and cancer</a>

The participants' fluid intake and intake of caffeine-containing beverages were also asked to see if these variables altered the association between time spent outside and their brains. Duration of time spent in the sunshine was also asked so as to account for seasonal differences.

Interestingly, grey matter in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and lateral part of the&nbsp;cerebral cortex's frontal lobe, thus establishing a positive&nbsp;correlation with participants' time enjoyed outdoors.

Planning and regulating actions are some of the functions of this part of the cortex i.e. cognitive controls. There is also evidence that many psychiatric disorders are associated with a loss of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex.

Time spent outside had a positive effect on brain structure even when the other factors that could also explain it were held constant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-claiming-smokers-less-vulnerable-to-covid-19-retracted-as-authors-linked-to-tobacco-industry-379255">Study claiming smokers less vulnerable to COVID-19 retracted as authors linked to tobacco industry</a>

To examine the influence of physical activity, free time, sunshine duration, and fluid intake on the results, statistical calculations were conducted. The calculations showed that time spent outdoors affected the brain positively regardless of the other factors.

"Our results show that our brain structure and mood improve when we spend time outdoors. This most likely also affects concentration, working memory, and the psyche as a whole. We are investigating this in an ongoing study." said Simone Kuhn, head of the Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and lead author of the study.

(With inputs from agencies)

It turns out that if you get out for fresh air on a regular basis, both your mind and body will benefit. During the COVID-19 epidemic, strolls were a common pastime.

It turns out that if you get out for fresh air on a regular basis, both your mind and body will benefit. During the COVID-19 epidemic, strolls were a common pastime. This habit has been found to have a positive impact on both, our general wellbeing and our brain structure, according to the neuroscientific study. Also read | Carbon monoxide can be used to protect organs during transplant: Study A team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Human Development and the Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) led this longitudinal study which was published in the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry. Until now, there was an assumption that the environment affected us only over a longer period of time. However, the study showed that even short stays outdoors are beneficial to the brain. As part of the research, six middle-aged, healthy city dwellers were examined over a period of six months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to take 280 scans of their brains. During the study, participants were asked to report on their own behaviour during the past 24 hours and, specifically, on the amount of time they spent outside before imaging. Also read | Study suggests possible link between alcohol consumption and cancer The participants' fluid intake and intake of caffeine-containing beverages were also asked to see if these variables altered the association between time spent outside and their brains. Duration of time spent in the sunshine was also asked so as to account for seasonal differences. Interestingly, grey matter in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and lateral part of the cerebral cortex's frontal lobe, thus establishing a positive correlation with participants' time enjoyed outdoors. Planning and regulating actions are some of the functions of this part of the cortex i.e. cognitive controls. There is also evidence that many psychiatric disorders are associated with a loss of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex. Time spent outside had a positive effect on brain structure even when the other factors that could also explain it were held constant. Also read | Study claiming smokers less vulnerable to COVID-19 retracted as authors linked to tobacco industry To examine the influence of physical activity, free time, sunshine duration, and fluid intake on the results, statistical calculations were conducted. The calculations showed that time spent outdoors affected the brain positively regardless of the other factors. "Our results show that our brain structure and mood improve when we spend time outdoors. This most likely also affects concentration, working memory, and the psyche as a whole. We are investigating this in an ongoing study." said Simone Kuhn, head of the Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and lead author of the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Spending time outdoors positively impacts the brain: Study

Researchers have found out that cholesterol-lowering statins and anti-hypertension medicines stabilise underlying diseases, making patients more likely to recover from COVID-19.

A study conducted by a researchers from the University of California's San Diego School of Medicine found that patients taking statin are at 41 per cent lower risk of an in-hospital death due to coronavirus disease.

Lead author Lori Daniels said, "When faced with this virus at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of speculation surrounding certain medications that affect the body's ACE2 receptor, including statin, and whether they may influence Covid-19 risk. At the time we thought that statins may inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 infection through their known anti-inflammatory effects and binding capabilities, which may potentially stop the progression of the virus".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-pledge-to-redouble-pandemic-fight-at-special-apec-meeting-398599">Also read |&nbsp;World leaders pledge to redouble pandemic fight at special APEC meeting</a>

As a part of the study, the research team used data from the American Heart Association's COVID-19 Cardiovascular Registry. They then applied their original findings to 10,541 patients across the United States, who were hospitalised with the coronavirus disease.&nbsp;

It was conducted across 104 hospitals from January to September 2020.

Further speaking about the research, Daniels said, "We performed more advanced analyses as we attempted to control for comorbidities, socioeconomic status and hospital factors. The study confirmed our prior findings that statins reduce risk of death among patients hospitalised for Covid-19."

Researchers have found out that cholesterol-lowering statins and anti-hypertension medicines stabilise underlying diseases, making patients more likely to recover from COVID-19.

Researchers have found out that cholesterol-lowering statins and anti-hypertension medicines stabilise underlying diseases, making patients more likely to recover from COVID-19. A study conducted by a researchers from the University of California's San Diego School of Medicine found that patients taking statin are at 41 per cent lower risk of an in-hospital death due to coronavirus disease. Lead author Lori Daniels said, "When faced with this virus at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of speculation surrounding certain medications that affect the body's ACE2 receptor, including statin, and whether they may influence Covid-19 risk. At the time we thought that statins may inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 infection through their known anti-inflammatory effects and binding capabilities, which may potentially stop the progression of the virus". Also read | World leaders pledge to redouble pandemic fight at special APEC meeting As a part of the study, the research team used data from the American Heart Association's COVID-19 Cardiovascular Registry. They then applied their original findings to 10,541 patients across the United States, who were hospitalised with the coronavirus disease. It was conducted across 104 hospitals from January to September 2020. Further speaking about the research, Daniels said, "We performed more advanced analyses as we attempted to control for comorbidities, socioeconomic status and hospital factors. The study confirmed our prior findings that statins reduce risk of death among patients hospitalised for Covid-19."

Patients taking cholesterol medicine statin at 41% lower risk of an in-hospital death due to COVID-19

According to a study, the earliest roots of cannabis may have been stemmed from northwestern China and not South Asia as it was commonly believed earlier.&nbsp;

The cannabis sativa species is likely to be emerged in the region during Neolithic era (10,000-3,000 BC), the researchers said on Friday in a news release by the journal ‘Science Advances’, where the study was published. The 'much beloved and maligned plant' is widely used as a recreational drug. &nbsp;

One of the first plants domesticated by humans, cannabis has a long history of being utilised in textiles, food, etc, the study said. Nowadays, several nations are mulling over legalising marijuana use. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A team led by researchers in Switzerland and China compiled around 110 whole genomes in order to trace the origins of cannabis. It covered a spectrum of different wild-growing feral plants, domesticated varieties and modern hybrids of hemp and psychoactive forms of the plant with higher levels of the compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a recent study from the US National Institutes of Health has found that cannabis is linked with a higher probability of youngsters thinking about suicide.&nbsp;

The study published in the journal JAMA Network Open on Tuesday collected data of more than 281,000 people aged 18 to 34. These participants answered questions related to cannabis use or disorder, major depressive episodes and suicidality, which include suicidal ideation, plans or attempts in the last year.&nbsp;

Participants who have been unable to control cannabis use, used cannabis for a longer period than thought, and stopped important tasks because of cannabis, among others are kept under the category of cannabis use disorder.&nbsp;

In fact, people who claimed they didn't consume cannabis every day, or fewer than 300 days per year, "were more likely to have suicidal ideation and to plan or attempt suicide than those who did not use the drug at all," the researchers noted.&nbsp;

According to a study, the earliest roots of cannabis may have been stemmed from northwestern China and not South Asia as it was commonly believed earlier. The cannabis sativa species is likely to be emerged in the region during Neolithic era (10,000-3,000 BC), the researchers said on Friday in a news release by the journal ‘Science Advances’, where the study was published.

According to a study, the earliest roots of cannabis may have been stemmed from northwestern China and not South Asia as it was commonly believed earlier. The cannabis sativa species is likely to be emerged in the region during Neolithic era (10,000-3,000 BC), the researchers said on Friday in a news release by the journal ‘Science Advances’, where the study was published. The 'much beloved and maligned plant' is widely used as a recreational drug. One of the first plants domesticated by humans, cannabis has a long history of being utilised in textiles, food, etc, the study said. Nowadays, several nations are mulling over legalising marijuana use. A team led by researchers in Switzerland and China compiled around 110 whole genomes in order to trace the origins of cannabis. It covered a spectrum of different wild-growing feral plants, domesticated varieties and modern hybrids of hemp and psychoactive forms of the plant with higher levels of the compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Meanwhile, a recent study from the US National Institutes of Health has found that cannabis is linked with a higher probability of youngsters thinking about suicide. The study published in the journal JAMA Network Open on Tuesday collected data of more than 281,000 people aged 18 to 34. These participants answered questions related to cannabis use or disorder, major depressive episodes and suicidality, which include suicidal ideation, plans or attempts in the last year. Participants who have been unable to control cannabis use, used cannabis for a longer period than thought, and stopped important tasks because of cannabis, among others are kept under the category of cannabis use disorder. In fact, people who claimed they didn't consume cannabis every day, or fewer than 300 days per year, "were more likely to have suicidal ideation and to plan or attempt suicide than those who did not use the drug at all," the researchers noted.

Cannabis may have originated in China: Study  

A new study has revealed that deforestation and climate change are altering the Amazon rainforest's ability to soak up carbon. The Amazon, which is home to the world's largest tropical forest, has played a significant role in absorbing and storing much of carbon.

A new study has revealed that deforestation and climate change are altering the Amazon rainforest's ability to soak up carbon. The Amazon, which is home to the world's largest tropical forest, has played a significant role in absorbing and storing much of carbon. However, the growing impacts of climate change and deforestation are taking their toll on this crucial CO2 sponge. Earlier, it has been revealed that the rainforest in Brazil released about 20 per cent more CO2 into the atmosphere than it took in over the period from 2010-2019. However, this new study highlights that change and finds that some regions of the rainforest were "a steadily increasing source" of carbon between 2010 and 2018. Also read | Deforestation in world's largest rainforest Amazon rose 17% in 'dire' 2020 The lead author Luciana Gatti, with Brazil's National Institute for Space Research, was quoted by BBC saying, "In the eastern part of the Amazon, which is around 30% deforested, this region emitted 10 times more carbon then in the west, which is around 11% deforested". She further added, "This is a huge impact, you know directly because we are emitting CO2 to the atmosphere, which is accelerating climate change but also because it is promoting changes in the dry season conditions and stress to trees that will produce even more emissions. This is terrible negative feedback that increases the emissions much more than we knew". As per the researchers, forests in the southeast of the Amazon have been badly hit by deforestation and climate change. However, in this area, the temperatures have increased in the two hottest months of the year by 3.07C. This comes around the same increase seen in the Arctic and around three times the global average. Dr Gatti said, "This is amazing. It's a complete surprise for the equator layer of the globe."

Amazon regions emit more carbon than they absorb, reveals new study

The rocky material that fell to Earth in a fireball over the Cotswold town of Winchcombe in February has had its classification formally accepted. As per UK scientists, the object dates back to the very beginning of the Solar System, some 4.

The rocky material that fell to Earth in a fireball over the Cotswold town of Winchcombe in February has had its classification formally accepted. As per UK scientists, the object dates back to the very beginning of the Solar System, some 4.6 billion years ago. It is now being deemed as extremely valuable. As per the formal classification, it was concluded that that the dark grey-to-black material picked up in Gloucestershire earlier this year is now absolutely recognised as being meteoritic in nature. The term "Winchcombe" is used to describe it. It is mostly made up of phyllosilicates, or clays. The H2O is bound up in those minerals. Also read | Astronomers use artificial intelligence to reveal the true shape of universe The theory holds that a bombardment of the parent asteroids of meteorites like Winchcombe could have delivered much of the H20 we now see in our oceans. Researchers, led by London's Natural History Museum (NHM), say the meteorite, which comprises 548g of small stones and powder, is a member of the CM2 carbonaceous chondrites. Also, it is said to be "Mighei-like", which is a reference to a particular type specimen, or standard, of meteorite that was found in Ukraine in the late 19th Century. NHM's Dr Ashley King, was quoted by BBC saying, "Carbonaceous chondrites are probably the oldest and most primitive extra-terrestrial materials we have available to study". He added, "They come from asteroids that formed right back at the start of our Solar System. They're like time capsules. They're telling us about the building blocks of our Solar System. Obviously, we weren't there 4.6 billion years ago, and these meteorites are a way for us to actually see what sort of materials were there, and how those materials started to come together to make the planets".

Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) pollution has increased in all eight of India's most populated cities, according to Greenpeace India's satellite observation-based study.&nbsp;

This study was a direct comparison of NO2 levels of April 2020 and April 2021, thus juxtaposing the total lockdown month with a partial normalcy month. NO2 is a dangerous air pollutant that is released via vehicle emissions, power generation, and industrial processes.&nbsp;

The satellite observations of NO2 analyzed in this study are monthly averages of measurements made by the Tropomi sensor on board the Sentinel-5P satellite, which has been operating since February 2018 (Copernicus, 2018).

Their data claims that NO2 pollution in Chennai increased by 94% in a direct comparison between April 2020 and April 2021. The weather had only little contribution to this change.&nbsp;

Whereas, in Delhi, NO2 was higher by 125%, in Mumbai, 52% higher, Hyderabad by 69%, Bengaluru by 90%, Kolkata by 11%, Jaipur by 47% and Lucknow by 32% in April 2021, than in the same month of the previous year.

Specifically on North Chennai(Manali station), their data says that (in 2019) the region recorded unacceptable pollution levels for 119 days. It also states that while emissions from 38 red category industries including thermal power plants, petro-chemical industries, ports are the reason for North Chennai’s pollution, vehicular pollution contributes more to Central and South Chennai’s woes.

Prabhakaran Veeraarasu, Environmental Engineer, from the NGO Poovulagin Nanbargal said that Chennai’s data was a stark reminder to have a demographic, sectoral approach to address Chennai's pollution. “Shifting towards decentralised renewable energy, developing public transport infrastructure, encouraging non-motor transport and ensuring last mile connectivity can be our targets to reduce vehicular pollution in Chennai” he added. 
 
<img alt="satellite observations of NO2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4b99e13-65b3-4ece-8fc4-d8fb90d361b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NO2%20levels%20graph.png" />

The report infers that India’s cities witnessing clean air in April 2020 (during the Lockdown) was an unintended consequence, that led to people breathing clean air and seeing clear skies. It suggests that the disruption caused by the pandemic is a case to transition to cleaner, equitable and sustainable decentralised energy sources such as rooftop solar and clean and sustainable mobility must be central to recovery efforts across cities. “The recovery from the pandemic must not come at the expense of a return to previous levels of air pollution,” said Avinash Chanchal, Senior Climate Campaigner, Greenpeace India.

He added that fossil-fuel dependent private vehicles and industries are the major contributors of NO2 pollution, thus urging Governments to initiate the transition from privately owned vehicles to an efficient, clean and safe public transport system that is run on clean energy, follows Covid-19 safety protocols.

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) pollution has increased in all eight of India's most populated cities, according to Greenpeace India's satellite observation-based study. This study was a direct comparison of NO2 levels of April 2020 and April 2021, thus juxtaposing the total lockdown month with a partial normalcy month.

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) pollution has increased in all eight of India's most populated cities, according to Greenpeace India's satellite observation-based study. This study was a direct comparison of NO2 levels of April 2020 and April 2021, thus juxtaposing the total lockdown month with a partial normalcy month. NO2 is a dangerous air pollutant that is released via vehicle emissions, power generation, and industrial processes. The satellite observations of NO2 analyzed in this study are monthly averages of measurements made by the Tropomi sensor on board the Sentinel-5P satellite, which has been operating since February 2018 (Copernicus, 2018). Their data claims that NO2 pollution in Chennai increased by 94% in a direct comparison between April 2020 and April 2021. The weather had only little contribution to this change. Whereas, in Delhi, NO2 was higher by 125%, in Mumbai, 52% higher, Hyderabad by 69%, Bengaluru by 90%, Kolkata by 11%, Jaipur by 47% and Lucknow by 32% in April 2021, than in the same month of the previous year. Specifically on North Chennai(Manali station), their data says that (in 2019) the region recorded unacceptable pollution levels for 119 days. It also states that while emissions from 38 red category industries including thermal power plants, petro-chemical industries, ports are the reason for North Chennai’s pollution, vehicular pollution contributes more to Central and South Chennai’s woes. Prabhakaran Veeraarasu, Environmental Engineer, from the NGO Poovulagin Nanbargal said that Chennai’s data was a stark reminder to have a demographic, sectoral approach to address Chennai's pollution. “Shifting towards decentralised renewable energy, developing public transport infrastructure, encouraging non-motor transport and ensuring last mile connectivity can be our targets to reduce vehicular pollution in Chennai” he added. The report infers that India’s cities witnessing clean air in April 2020 (during the Lockdown) was an unintended consequence, that led to people breathing clean air and seeing clear skies. It suggests that the disruption caused by the pandemic is a case to transition to cleaner, equitable and sustainable decentralised energy sources such as rooftop solar and clean and sustainable mobility must be central to recovery efforts across cities. “The recovery from the pandemic must not come at the expense of a return to previous levels of air pollution,” said Avinash Chanchal, Senior Climate Campaigner, Greenpeace India. He added that fossil-fuel dependent private vehicles and industries are the major contributors of NO2 pollution, thus urging Governments to initiate the transition from privately owned vehicles to an efficient, clean and safe public transport system that is run on clean energy, follows Covid-19 safety protocols.

Indian cities witnessed spike in NO2 pollution between April 2020 and 2021: Report

Recent figures from the US space agency, NASA, suggest that the loss of the minimum Arctic sea-ice extent is in the region of 13.1% per decade, based on the 1981 to 2010 average.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report in the year 2007 concluded that the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is solely responsible for the decline in sea-ice extent in the region.

This further leads to a rise in the temperature. The sea-ice is estimated to reflect 80 per cent of sunlight back into space. This means that it does not warm the surface.

However, when the sea-ice has melted, the darker ocean surface is exposed. This absorbs about 90 per cent of the sunlight hitting it. This is what results in the warming of the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/home-for-polar-bears-is-vulnerable-to-warming-says-study-395268">Also Read |&nbsp;Home for polar bears is vulnerable to warming, says study</a>

Known as the Albedo effect, the phenomenon occurs because light surfaces reflect more heat than dark surfaces.

One impact of the decreasing density of ice in the northern polar region is the opening of the Northwest Passage. This trading route links the North Atlantic Ocean with the North Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

There are also shreds of evidence that suggest that the thinning sea ice is affecting wildlife. This also includes top-of-the-food-chain predators such as polar bears.

The ice is not strong enough to support the animals' weight. This further forces them to embark on energy-sapping swims and making it more difficult to catch prey.

Meanwhile, another study has revealed that an area of the Arctic Ocean, which is critical for the survival of polar bears is becoming vulnerable to climate change.

Deemed as the "last ice area", the area has suffered record melting last summer, says the new study. As per the researchers, high winds allied to a changing climate were behind the unexpected decline.

Axel Schweiger, from the University of Washington and lead author of this latest study, was quoted by BBC saying, "Sea ice circulates through the Arctic, it has a particular pattern, and it naturally ends up piling up against Greenland and the northern

Canadian coast". He added, "In climate models, when you spin them forward over the coming century, that area has the tendency to have ice survive in the summer the longes".

Recent figures from the US space agency, NASA, suggest that the loss of the minimum Arctic sea-ice extent is in the region of 13.1% per decade, based on the 1981 to 2010 average.

Recent figures from the US space agency, NASA, suggest that the loss of the minimum Arctic sea-ice extent is in the region of 13.1% per decade, based on the 1981 to 2010 average. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report in the year 2007 concluded that the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is solely responsible for the decline in sea-ice extent in the region. This further leads to a rise in the temperature. The sea-ice is estimated to reflect 80 per cent of sunlight back into space. This means that it does not warm the surface. However, when the sea-ice has melted, the darker ocean surface is exposed. This absorbs about 90 per cent of the sunlight hitting it. This is what results in the warming of the region. Also Read | Home for polar bears is vulnerable to warming, says study Known as the Albedo effect, the phenomenon occurs because light surfaces reflect more heat than dark surfaces. One impact of the decreasing density of ice in the northern polar region is the opening of the Northwest Passage. This trading route links the North Atlantic Ocean with the North Pacific Ocean. There are also shreds of evidence that suggest that the thinning sea ice is affecting wildlife. This also includes top-of-the-food-chain predators such as polar bears. The ice is not strong enough to support the animals' weight. This further forces them to embark on energy-sapping swims and making it more difficult to catch prey. Meanwhile, another study has revealed that an area of the Arctic Ocean, which is critical for the survival of polar bears is becoming vulnerable to climate change. Deemed as the "last ice area", the area has suffered record melting last summer, says the new study. As per the researchers, high winds allied to a changing climate were behind the unexpected decline. Axel Schweiger, from the University of Washington and lead author of this latest study, was quoted by BBC saying, "Sea ice circulates through the Arctic, it has a particular pattern, and it naturally ends up piling up against Greenland and the northern Canadian coast". He added, "In climate models, when you spin them forward over the coming century, that area has the tendency to have ice survive in the summer the longes".

Arctic sea loses more ice, here is all you need to know

Scientists have called for a binding global treaty to phase out the production of new plastics by 2040.

According to a report published in the journal 'Science', researchers say that a world agreement on plastic pollution limits and controls could be the answer to reducing plastic pollution in the oceans and on land.

The material, which was discovered in 1907, has now become a threat to the environment. Globally, an estimated eight billion tonnes of plastic have been produced since the 1950s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-is-booming-from-coronavirus-and-will-get-worse-after-the-pandemic-304641">Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic</a>

Nils Simon, one of the report authors calls plastic "ubiquitous" and says that it is prevalent everywhere, from terrestrial environments to inside the human body.&nbsp;

The same properties which make plastic so necessary in the modern world are also the things that endanger the environment.

Jesse Smith, senior editor at Science says that as for most of the new technology, plastic was developed without much thought to its possible effects, but now as the world is faced with the rapidly growing plastic problem "it's impossible to deny their dark side".&nbsp;

As per the report, a new global treaty should be drafted to address plastics on both sides of the supply chain, from materials extraction to the legacy pollution left from their use.

Almost half (47 per cent) of plastic waste comes from packaging materials, while 14 per cent is from textiles and 6 per cent comes from transport.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-flowing-into-oceans-to-triple-by-2040-study-315624">Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study</a>

In the year 2010 alone, about 8 million tonnes of plastic ended up in the oceans, representing 3 per cent of the world's plastic waste. Yet, the production of the pollutant has continued to increase.

The year 2019 saw around 368 million tonnes of newly made plastics.&nbsp;

A global carbon budget of 10-13 per cent&nbsp;could be consumed by 2050 for the production of new plastics made from fossil fuels in order to meet the Paris climate agreement's requirement not to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures.

The proposed binding global treaty calls for phasing out of virgin plastics by 2040. Other proposals include the creation of a circular economy, in which reuse and refill are incentivised, resulting in the elimination of significant amounts of plastic pollution. A global clean up of plastic waste is also advised.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Simon, one of the authors says that&nbsp;while still not completely understood, plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, species and habitats, as well as cultural heritage.&nbsp;

He adds that plastics social impact is also doing considerable harm to human health, particularly&nbsp;affecting vulnerable communities and that&nbsp;it imposes substantial economic costs on regions that are tourist-dependent.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coke-pepsi-nestle-top-makers-of-plastic-waste-greenpeace-170482">Coke, Pepsi, Nestle top makers of plastic waste: Greenpeace</a>

A report by non-profit Tearfund revealed last year that&nbsp;Coca-cola, Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever were by themselves responsible for over half a million tonnes of plastic pollution, or enough to cover 83 football fields every day.&nbsp;

Report authors Sarah Kakadellis and Gloria Rosetto also contend that plastic waste is poorly managed, and around 12,000 million tonnes of it is likely to accumulate in landfills and the environment by 2050, especially as a result of failing to address it.

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Scientists have called for a binding global treaty to phase out the production of new plastics by 2040. According to a report published in the journal 'Science', researchers say that a world agreement on plastic pollution limits and controls could be the answer to reducing plastic pollution in the oceans and on land.

Scientists have called for a binding global treaty to phase out the production of new plastics by 2040. According to a report published in the journal 'Science', researchers say that a world agreement on plastic pollution limits and controls could be the answer to reducing plastic pollution in the oceans and on land. The material, which was discovered in 1907, has now become a threat to the environment. Globally, an estimated eight billion tonnes of plastic have been produced since the 1950s. Also read | Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic Nils Simon, one of the report authors calls plastic "ubiquitous" and says that it is prevalent everywhere, from terrestrial environments to inside the human body. The same properties which make plastic so necessary in the modern world are also the things that endanger the environment. Jesse Smith, senior editor at Science says that as for most of the new technology, plastic was developed without much thought to its possible effects, but now as the world is faced with the rapidly growing plastic problem "it's impossible to deny their dark side". As per the report, a new global treaty should be drafted to address plastics on both sides of the supply chain, from materials extraction to the legacy pollution left from their use. Almost half (47 per cent) of plastic waste comes from packaging materials, while 14 per cent is from textiles and 6 per cent comes from transport. Also read | Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study In the year 2010 alone, about 8 million tonnes of plastic ended up in the oceans, representing 3 per cent of the world's plastic waste. Yet, the production of the pollutant has continued to increase. The year 2019 saw around 368 million tonnes of newly made plastics. A global carbon budget of 10-13 per cent could be consumed by 2050 for the production of new plastics made from fossil fuels in order to meet the Paris climate agreement's requirement not to exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures. The proposed binding global treaty calls for phasing out of virgin plastics by 2040. Other proposals include the creation of a circular economy, in which reuse and refill are incentivised, resulting in the elimination of significant amounts of plastic pollution. A global clean up of plastic waste is also advised. Simon, one of the authors says that while still not completely understood, plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, species and habitats, as well as cultural heritage. He adds that plastics social impact is also doing considerable harm to human health, particularly affecting vulnerable communities and that it imposes substantial economic costs on regions that are tourist-dependent. Also read | Coke, Pepsi, Nestle top makers of plastic waste: Greenpeace A report by non-profit Tearfund revealed last year that Coca-cola, Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever were by themselves responsible for over half a million tonnes of plastic pollution, or enough to cover 83 football fields every day. Report authors Sarah Kakadellis and Gloria Rosetto also contend that plastic waste is poorly managed, and around 12,000 million tonnes of it is likely to accumulate in landfills and the environment by 2050, especially as a result of failing to address it.

Scientists call for binding global treaty to target production of new plastics

A new study has revealed that an area of the Arctic Ocean, which is critical for the survival of polar bears is becoming vulnerable to climate change. Deemed as the "last ice area", the area has suffered record melting last summer, says the new study.

A new study has revealed that an area of the Arctic Ocean, which is critical for the survival of polar bears is becoming vulnerable to climate change. Deemed as the "last ice area", the area has suffered record melting last summer, says the new study. As per the researchers, high winds allied to a changing climate were behind the unexpected decline. Also Read | As US & Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica Axel Schweiger, from the University of Washington and lead author of this latest study, was quoted by BBC saying, "Sea ice circulates through the Arctic, it has a particular pattern, and it naturally ends up piling up against Greenland and the northern Canadian coast". He added, "In climate models, when you spin them forward over the coming century, that area has the tendency to have ice survive in the summer the longes". The area is considered to be an important last refuge for Arctic marine mammals. This includes polar bears, ice-dependent seals and walruses. The team of researchers have been using a combination of satellite imagery and sea ice models to understand what happened in the region. By August 2020, the images showed a record low of just 50 per cent ice concentration. The researchers have concluded that 'unusually strong winds' moved much of the sea ice out of the area. However, this was enhanced by a thinning trend, related to warming. As per the researchers, the record melt was 80 per cent due to weather-related factors such as the winds. Around 20 per cent was from thinning related to climate change.

Home for polar bears is vulnerable to warming, says study

A recent study has revealed that rising temperatures, reduced snowfall and increased rain might shut Yellowstone Park's most famous geyser. The Greater Yellowstone Area is among the world’s last intact temperate ecosystems.

A recent study has revealed that rising temperatures, reduced snowfall and increased rain might shut Yellowstone Park's most famous geyser. The Greater Yellowstone Area is among the world’s last intact temperate ecosystems. It includes two national parks, five national forests, half a dozen tribal nations and stunning biodiversity. Also, it is a supervolcano that is home to 10,000 hydrothermal features, including 500 geysers. If the temperatures at Yellowstone rise 10F by the end of the century, as predicted, this vast ecosystem will be disrupted. The geyser will almost shut off completely, and the snowpack that feeds rivers throughout the west may disappear. This is not the first problem that such a problem is being witnessed. About 800 years ago, extreme heat and drought made the geyser come to a complete standstill for decades. This shift changed everything from what plant species grew in the area to what the land looked like. Also Read | Scientists believe they have discovered Alaska’s Yellowstone ‘super volcano’ Researchers are now trying to use the park’s recent past as a 'climate roadmap'. This will help them to predict what might happen next. However, reading the map will not be easy or clean. In 2018, Chris Schiller, a post-doctoral research associate at Montana State University, ventured out to find out what made one lake in the geyser basin go from thermal to freshwater centuries ago. In the lab, Schiller’s team discovered evidence of fire, drought and temperature shifts in the sediment. The research helps in filling in the gaps in prehistoric climate and vegetation. These are all indicators of how this land has changed. As per a recent Yellowstone climate assessment, in recent decades, the average temperature in the park has been as high or higher than in any period in the last 20,000 years. Also, this could be the warmest of the last 800,000 years.

Yellowstone’s most famous geyser could shut down, reveals study

A new research has revealed that coronavirus may have swept across East Asia more than 20,000 years ago, leaving traces in the DNA of people in modern China, Japan and Vietnam.

A new research has revealed that coronavirus may have swept across East Asia more than 20,000 years ago, leaving traces in the DNA of people in modern China, Japan and Vietnam. The research found evidence of genetic adaptation to the coronavirus family of viruses in 42 genes in modern populations in the above regions. The coronavirus family also consists of related MERS and SARS viruses. Both of these have caused significant deadly outbreaks in the past 20 years. Also Read | UK's former finance minister Javid appointed as health minister after Matt Hancock quits In few decades, geneticists have devised powerful tools to uncover genetic traces of historical adaptation events that remain present within the genomes of people living today. These tools are now helping scientists to discover genes that mark adaptations for high-altitude living and the adult consumption of milk. As a part of the research, the team applied cutting-edge computational analyses to the genomes of more than 2,500 people from 26 populations around the world. The researchers then signatures of adaptation in 42 different human genes that encode VIPs. These VIP signals were present in only five populations. All of them came from East Asia. This is how the researchers concluded that the ancestors of modern East Asians were initially exposed to coronaviruses around 25,000 years ago. After further tests, it was revealed that the 42 VIPs are primarily expressed in the lungs. This is also the tissue most affected by COVID-19 symptoms. The researchers also confirmed that these VIPs interact directly with the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the current pandemic.

Coronavirus outbreak may have swept east Asia 20,000 years ago, reveals study

The virus that causes COVID-19 could have started spreading in&nbsp;China&nbsp;as early as October 2019, two months before the first case was identified in the central city of Wuhan, a new study showed on Friday.

Researchers from Britain's University of Kent used methods from conservation science to estimate that SARS-CoV-2 first appeared from early October to mid-November 2019, according to a paper published in the PLOS Pathogens journal.

The most likely date for the virus's emergence was Nov. 17, 2019, and it had probably already spread globally by January 2020, they estimated.

China's first official COVID-19 case was in December 2019 and was linked to Wuhan's Huanan seafood market.

However, some early cases had no known connection with Huanan, implying that SARS-CoV-2 was already circulating before it reached the market.

A joint study published by&nbsp;China&nbsp;and the World Health Organization at the end of March acknowledged there could have been sporadic human infections before the Wuhan outbreak.

In a paper released in preprint form this week, Jesse Bloom of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle recovered deleted sequencing data from early COVID-19 cases in&nbsp;China.

The data showed that samples taken from the Huanan market were "not representative" of SARS-CoV-2 as a whole, and were a variant of a progenitor sequence circulating earlier, which spread to other parts of&nbsp;China.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health confirmed to Reuters that the samples used in the study were submitted to the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) in March 2020 and later deleted at the request of Chinese investigators, who said they would be updated and submitted to another archive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-delta-variant-is-infecting-vaccinated-people-says-israel-393811">Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel</a>

Critics said the deletion was further evidence that&nbsp;China&nbsp;was trying to cover up the origins of COVID-19.

"Why would scientists ask international databases to delete key data that informs us about how COVID-19 began in Wuhan?" said Alina Chan, a researcher with Harvard's Broad Institute, writing on Twitter.

Another study by Australian scientists, published on Thursday in the Scientific Reports journal, used genomic data to show SARS-CoV-2 binds to human receptors far more easily than other species, suggesting it was already adapted to humans when it first emerged.

It said it was possible there was another unidentified animal with even stronger affinity that served as an intermediary species, but the hypothesis that it leaked from the lab could not be ruled out.

"While it is clear early viruses had a high propensity for human receptors, that doesn't mean they were 'man-made'," said Dominic Dwyer, infectious disease expert at Australia's Westmead Hospital who was part of the WHO team investigating COVID-19 in Wuhan this year.

"Such conclusions remain speculative," he said.

Serum samples still needed to be tested to make a stronger case about COVID-19's origins, said Stuart Turville, associate professor at the Kirby Institute, an Australian medical research organisation who was responding to the University of Kent study.

"Unfortunately with the current pressure of the lab leak hypothesis and the sensitivities in doing this follow-up research in&nbsp;China, it may be some time till we see reports like that," he said.

The virus that causes COVID-19 could have started spreading in China as early as October 2019, two months before the first case was identified in the central city of Wuhan, a new study showed on Friday.

The virus that causes COVID-19 could have started spreading in China as early as October 2019, two months before the first case was identified in the central city of Wuhan, a new study showed on Friday. Researchers from Britain's University of Kent used methods from conservation science to estimate that SARS-CoV-2 first appeared from early October to mid-November 2019, according to a paper published in the PLOS Pathogens journal. The most likely date for the virus's emergence was Nov. 17, 2019, and it had probably already spread globally by January 2020, they estimated. China's first official COVID-19 case was in December 2019 and was linked to Wuhan's Huanan seafood market. However, some early cases had no known connection with Huanan, implying that SARS-CoV-2 was already circulating before it reached the market. A joint study published by China and the World Health Organization at the end of March acknowledged there could have been sporadic human infections before the Wuhan outbreak. In a paper released in preprint form this week, Jesse Bloom of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle recovered deleted sequencing data from early COVID-19 cases in China. The data showed that samples taken from the Huanan market were "not representative" of SARS-CoV-2 as a whole, and were a variant of a progenitor sequence circulating earlier, which spread to other parts of China. The U.S. National Institutes of Health confirmed to Reuters that the samples used in the study were submitted to the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) in March 2020 and later deleted at the request of Chinese investigators, who said they would be updated and submitted to another archive. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel Critics said the deletion was further evidence that China was trying to cover up the origins of COVID-19. "Why would scientists ask international databases to delete key data that informs us about how COVID-19 began in Wuhan?" said Alina Chan, a researcher with Harvard's Broad Institute, writing on Twitter. Another study by Australian scientists, published on Thursday in the Scientific Reports journal, used genomic data to show SARS-CoV-2 binds to human receptors far more easily than other species, suggesting it was already adapted to humans when it first emerged. It said it was possible there was another unidentified animal with even stronger affinity that served as an intermediary species, but the hypothesis that it leaked from the lab could not be ruled out. "While it is clear early viruses had a high propensity for human receptors, that doesn't mean they were 'man-made'," said Dominic Dwyer, infectious disease expert at Australia's Westmead Hospital who was part of the WHO team investigating COVID-19 in Wuhan this year. "Such conclusions remain speculative," he said. Serum samples still needed to be tested to make a stronger case about COVID-19's origins, said Stuart Turville, associate professor at the Kirby Institute, an Australian medical research organisation who was responding to the University of Kent study. "Unfortunately with the current pressure of the lab leak hypothesis and the sensitivities in doing this follow-up research in China, it may be some time till we see reports like that," he said.

First COVID-19 case could have emerged in China in Oct 2019, says study

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